5 Mortgage Rules You Should Know by Heart

If you’re buying a house or refinancing your loan, here’s what you need to know.house_f4nehsc_large_large

For millions of Americans, a mortgage is the biggest debt they’ll ever have to repay. Unfortunately, as anyone who’s ever gone through the process can attest, mortgages involve pages and pages of legal documentation that can be nearly impossible for most people to comprehend. To simplify mortgages, there are some basic guidelines that anyone can learn and commit to memory. Below, we’ll go through five useful rules about mortgages.

Rule 1: Keep your mortgage payment to 25% or less of your income.

Housing costs are typically the largest expense item in your household budget, but that doesn’t mean you can afford to break the bank. Lenders look closely at your income to determine how much you can truly afford to pay for a monthly mortgage payment, and one simple guideline they use is to take your available income and multiply it by 25%. If a mortgage would require larger payments than that, after taking into account both the loan itself and associated payments like property taxes and insurance, then a lender will generally be less comfortable in giving you the loan.

Rule 2: Avoid private mortgage insurance by making a 20% down payment.

Mortgage lenders typically require borrowers to obtain private mortgage insurance or PMI if they make a down payment that’s less than 20% of the value of the home. PMI protects lenders against the risk that the value of the home will fall below the outstanding principal balance on the mortgage, leaving the borrower “underwater” on the loan. For borrowers, however, it’s an added expense that essentially provides no value to them. As difficult as it can be to save up a 20% down payment, the hundreds of dollars in PMI that it will save you could make the difference between being able to afford a slightly more expensive home and having to settle for less.

Rule 3: Understand how adjustable rate mortgages work and what risks are involved.

Fixed mortgages are easier to understand because the interest rate that they charge never changes, so you can count on monthly mortgage payments remaining constant throughout the lifetime of your loan. That’s not the case with adjustable rate mortgages or ARMs, which only remain fixed for a set period. Most lenders refer to ARMs with two numbers, such as 5/1. The first number refers to how long the initial rate remains in place. The second number describes how often the rate adjusts after the initial rate ends. For a 5/1 ARM, the initial rate stays in place for five years, and then changes every year after that. When rates change, they’ll also change your monthly payment, so make sure you understand the illustrations that your mortgage documents will provide so you don’t get a nasty surprise at the end of the initial term.

Rule 4: Know whether you’ll actually be able to deduct your mortgage expenses.

Many people look forward to being able to deduct mortgage interest, property taxes, and other key expenses of owning a home. But one thing to keep in mind is that all of these tax breaks are only available if you itemize deductions on your tax return. If the cost of your interest and taxes isn’t enough, when combined with other itemized deductions, to exceed the standard deduction you’re entitled to receive, then buying a home won’t do you any good from a tax perspective. That shouldn’t necessarily stop you from making a purchase and taking out a mortgage loan, but it should inform you as to the true cost of doing so.

Rule 5: Be careful diverting retirement money toward a home purchase.

The tax laws governing retirement accounts allow you to make withdrawals from an IRA of up to $10,000 toward a first-time home purchase without having to pay the typical penalties for early withdrawal of your retirement savings. However, just because you can use IRA money toward a home purchase doesn’t mean you should. First, even though you won’t owe penalties, you will owe income tax on the money you withdraw, potentially leaving you with a big tax shortfall at the end of the year. More importantly, diverting that money from your retirement savings will leave you in a less favorable position in the long run with the size of your nest egg. As a potential source of down payment money, tapping an IRA can seem like a smart move, but be aware of the long-term consequences before you pull the trigger.

Buying a home will probably be the biggest purchase you ever make. Being smart about the debt you incur to buy your home is essential to avoid the mistakes that so many homeowners made during the financial crisis. Keeping these rules in mind will take you a long way toward a better understanding of the mortgage process and your mortgage loan.

 

Source:  http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/05/28/5-mortgage-rules-you-should-know-by-heart.aspx?source=iedfolrf0000001

6620 E Stallion Road Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$5,999,945 - 4Br/5Ba -  for Sale in Gary Estates, Paradise Valley
Open House
$5,999,945
4 Beds
5 Baths
6,687 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6770878
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to Paradise! Spanish Estate, with a dramatic setting of the Mummy Mountains, truly shows pride of ownership! This beauty sits on a large corner lot, showcasing a beautiful backyard oasis with two gazebos, a circular driveway, fountains, a paver porch with an outdoor fireplace, and a gated entryway. Sheer beauty & breathtaking detail are found throughout, with 20 feet soaring ceilings, hardwood and travertine stone floors, 4 indoor Cantera fireplaces, a sizable office, a 600-bottle wine room, and multiple outdoor access points connecting the home inside & out. The spacious living room provides a serene area for receiving short visits, while the large dining room allows you to host a feast on special occasions. A true masterpiece with European old-world charm in PV! Bathed in natural light, this magazine-cover kitchen features a plethora of wood cabinets, travertine backsplash, granite counters, state-of-the-art SS appliances, a 6-burner gas cooktop, a built-in fridge cabinet, a center island, and an outer two-tier island. The owner's suite boasts a sitting room, a fireplace, and French doors to different patios. The lavish ensuite has travertine tile throughout, a jetted tub, two Cantera vanities, an oversized step-in shower with a built-in bench, and a massive walk-in closet. Each bedroom has its own bathroom. Cozy courtyard with artificial turf & a canter fountain is perfect for relaxing. The stunning resort-like backyard offers abundant seating areas, a built-in grill, a pergola, a ramada, a gazebo, a pool, and a spa. Enjoy entertaining or relaxing in solitude! Words don't make this gem justice. Over 6,000 sqft of luxury awaits, don't miss this gem in Paradise Valley!

8386 E Leaning Rock Road Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$5,999,099
4 Beds
5.5 Baths
5,673 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772642
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
*Estimated completion January of 2025* Move in just in time for the winter season to this exclusive, custom-designed version of Camelot's award-winning Cheval floorplan, brought to life by Camelot's Custom division, Cameron Custom. Renowned for its seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces, this stunning residence offers 4 spacious bedrooms, 5.5 luxurious baths, a private den, a versatile bonus room, and a separate casita for guests or multi-generational living. Every detail of the home's interior has been meticulously curated by a team of elite designers, blending sophisticated neutral tones with high-end finishes that cater to even the most discerning buyers. Whether you're hosting intimate gatherings or enjoying serene moments, this home exemplifies resort-style living at its finest.

E Red Bird Road Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$5,999,000
4 Beds
4 Baths
4,322 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6774532
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Car enthusiasts delight - revel in this estate's custom garages for 10+ vehicles. This to-be-built masterpiece from J.Cor Architecture and Platinum Companies Inc provides 5 acres at your helm, with unobstructed views of Pinnacle Peak and McDowell Mountains. City Light views to the South and Southwest. Your inquiry to this iconic estate is welcomed.

7014 E Palo Verde Lane Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$5,999,000
5 Beds
4 Baths
6,046 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6762390
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to 7014 E Palo Verde Ln! This exceptional property is located in the heart of Paradise Valley - a picturesque town known for its beauty, tranquility, and relaxed lifestyle. The single-story property has been renovated and offers over 6,046 sqft of inspired living space on .855 acres of land. The charming modern ranch-style home is adorned with exterior brick, black board and batten accents, black aluminum double-pane windows, Italian hand-chipped marble tile pavers, outdoor fireplace, and fire pit surrounding a polished pebble tech black bottom pool, as well as a cedar shake-covered porch. Inside, you'll find European white oak flooring, quartz counters, a double kitchen island with double sinks, Miele appliances including two dishwashers, a wine fridge, and a 48in gas stove with a custom shiplap hood, a dry and wet bar, primary bedroom with its own private spa, flex room,and gorgeous accent walls throughout the home that bring the sleek, moody feel together. Enjoy your private oasis with views of the mountains and a backyard big enough to entertain a large crowd. *Court Approval for Sale Req'd*

6587 N Palmeraie Boulevard Unit 1043 Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$5,999,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,191 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6722692
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Welcome to the Ritz-Carlton lifestyle, where luxury and comfort merge seamlessly. This exquisite garden-level unit, with an extended patio, offers the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor living. Centrally located yet incredibly private, you'll have easy access to the pool, fitness center, and clubhouse, making every day feel like a retreat. Inside, you'll find custom millwork and high-end finishes throughout, from bespoke tile and countertops to exquisite flooring and wall coverings. The den is a wine lover's dream, featuring tailored millwork, Sub-Zero wine storage columns, and ample barware space. State-of-the-art technology enhances your living experience with Crestron lighting control, motorized privacy and blackout shades, house music system and in ceiling speakers throughout. The interior flooring and patio are adorned with elegant Galician Blue Limestone, while the bedrooms feature warm European white oak. Luxurious touches continue in the bathrooms with beautiful marble, wood and porcelain finishes. This villa is more than just a home; it's a lifestyle defined by elegance and convenience. Welcome to your new sanctuary.

9821 E Sundance Trail Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$5,995,000
5 Beds
5.5 Baths
7,559 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6752031
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Immerse yourself in the epitome of luxury living with this exquisite contemporary residence, offering timeless modern design and unparalleled quality in the heart of Arizona's Desert Mountain community. Designed by Peter Magee and influenced by renowned architects Ricardo Legorreta and Luis Barragan, this organic masterpiece seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living, boasting sweeping views over the 7th hole of the Renegade Golf Course. From the moment you enter, experience a harmonious fusion of luxury, innovation, and nature, with an inviting outdoor oasis surrounded by lush desert landscapes. FURNITURE AVAILABLE VIA SEPARATE BILL OF SALE. Outdoor amenities include various seating areas, an outdoor kitchen, spa, and a stunning infinity-edge lap pool framed by linear fire feature to the dining room with breathtaking views, while the primary suite offers a tranquil sanctuary connected to an open-air reflecting pool. The primary bathroom exudes spa-like luxury with floating vanities, solid limestone counters, and a deep soaking tub. The chef's kitchen is appointed with the finest appliances, including double Sub-Zero refrigerators/freezers, Wine Refrigerators, Wolf range, and Miele coffee makers, making it a dream for entertainers and culinary enthusiasts alike. Additional features include a casita with three ensuite bedrooms, an expanded 3-car garage, and updated systems throughout, ensuring modern comfort and security. Desert Mountain offers a relaxed, natural setting with exclusive amenities, including guard gated security, private hiking trails, and separate private membership club with golf courses, restaurants, tennis, and more. Welcome to the pinnacle of luxury desert living.

9010 E Northview Lane Carefree, AZ 85377

$5,995,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
6,900 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6574997
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Step into the grandeur of Casa CarBella, where automotive elegance meets luxury living. This architecturally significant residence, to be built by State 48 Contracting, offers a harmonious blend of world-class luxury complete with a 6 car garage and spectacular RV/Toy Barn with side and front entry. 3,840 SF of garages, with the height to accommodate two lifts per bay, providing the best aspects of storage and display for your prized collection. Situated on a sprawling 2.2-acre lot, with breathtaking views of the Seven golf course and Continental Mountains, this magnificent home provides the ultimate backdrop for living and entertaining. The indoor-outdoor living experience is effortless with vast glass doors that lead to the beautifully designed outdoor space. The outdoor living areas are impressive, with multiple gathering spaces, a stunning swimming pool, spa, Kitchen/BBQ. The great room design features a chef's kitchen with informal and formal dining room, a glass wine cellar, office, and a spa-like primary suite. All located on the main level with no steps. On the upper floor, three ensuite guest bedrooms and a family room/game room offer the perfect escape for your guests, with stunning views. This home is the epitome of luxury and style, offering a showpiece living space. Experience the ultimate in living and entertaining at Casa CarBella. Please note that all renderings are subject to change. Home is to be built and does not include furnishings. Pricing is pre-construction and is subject to change. 6500 Square Feet Home 3,840 Square Feet Garage 10,125 SF Total Under Roof Looking for more auto/toy space, get details for expanded floor plan and 20 car garage. Reach out to walk the lot or to see floor plans.

9983 E Mirabel Club Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$5,995,000
5 Beds
5.5 Baths
5,616 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6754350
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
An extraordinary contemporary home, newly completed, with a 5-car garage and 2 room detached guest casita, situated on a large elevated 1.8-acre lot. Located inside the prestigious Mirabel Club community, this home has a South facing orientation, w/ views of Pinnacle Peak, sunsets and city lights. This home has an outstanding mixture of textures & finishes throughout, including exposed textured block, beautiful natural stone surfaces, and wood flooring. The entry is highlighted with a large steel trellis connecting the main house to the guest casita, making a stunning entrance to the home. The open floor plan, combined w/ retractable sliding doors/bar window to a backyard oasis, creates a seamless indoor/outdoor AZ lifestyle, at its finest. Floor plan available under the documents tab. Floor plan is available under the documents tab.

36931 N 102nd Place Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$5,995,000
5 Beds
5.5 Baths
6,482 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772845
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
For the finest Lineage custom built home on a spectacular Mirabel golf course lot look no further. The open transitional floorplan showcases walls of retractable doors and expansive patios for Arizona indoor/outdoor living at its finest. The resort style backyard offers stunning views of the 10th fairway/green w/ the gorgeous McDowell Mountains as a backdrop and includes a pool, spa, firepit, outdoor kitchen/dining, cantina bar access, & covered seating area w/fireplace. The driveway leads to a generous motor court & two oversized 2 car garages, both offering ample storage. Step from the elegant entryway into the spacious great room featuring a modern stone fireplace, vaulted ceiling, & a 20 ft. retractable window wall that opens to the patio. The luxurious kitchen features Subzero/Wolf appliances, 2 dishwashers, oversized island, stone countertops, and extra-large walk-in pantry w/ additional refrigerator & custom shelving. The butler's pantry has private pass-through door to the formal dining room that boasts a sophisticated glass wall wine room, custom built-ins & French doors that open to the front courtyard. The informal dining area opens to the outdoor kitchen/dining area and is adjacent to the cantina wet bar with fold away windows on 2 sides, perfect for indoor/outdoor entertaining. The master suite has a wall of glass that opens to a private patio & features a stone fireplace, coffee bar w/ mini fridge, & a huge walk-in closet w/ custom built-in cabinets & island plus a full-size washer & dryer. Adjacent to the master is an office/bedroom with private balcony. There are 2 additional guest suites split from master, one is currently being used as a theater. Guests will enjoy their own private oasis in a separate Casita with living room, kitchenette w/breakfast bar, bedroom and bathroom.

8877 E Charolais Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$5,995,000
3 Beds
4 Baths
6,028 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769366
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Stunning contemporary elevated hillside estate home with outstanding Valley and mountain surround views from every room, on 18 acres in gated community of Carefree Ranch Homesteads. Private electronic gate opens to a long level driveway with a 62' turnaround and extra parking for easy maneuvering into a double-sized RV garage. Wet bar with full size refrigerator. two dishwashers, disposal and large wine chiller. Theater and sound system with state of thee art electronics and ten foot screen. Dining room has a built in lazy susan table for 8, with warming drawer and buffet. Kitchen includes two dishwashers and a warming drawer. Spacious complete guest house with great views, living room and full-size kitchen appliances including washer/dryer. Motor shades, inside and out, Lutron lighting. Floor to ceiling windows provide xpansive views with North, South and East exposures. There are a few steps throughout this virtually one level home. Up to 4 horses allowed on the property Additional features: 3 Bedrooms, 3 Half Baths Manned Gate at Community Entry Camera at front gate Lightning Protection System 2 BBQ's 4 HVAC Zone (and multiple thermostats) Internet by Air Fiber Currently Dish Network Propane hot water heaters Water purification system 1000 gallon H2O tank Pest tubes built in RV dump station Full workshop area with sink Up to 9 cars without stacking Stackable RV garage Room for 2 RV's, boats or all terrain vehicles

10902 E Winter Sun Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$5,995,000
4 Beds
6 Baths
7,649 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6768884
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
THERE IS A FULL GOLF MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE subject to the club bylaws and membership approval. Amazing Estate home with two room detached casita in the guard gated Mirabel Club Community built on two lots with a gated driveway entering into a large motor court with 6 plus garage bays. The back of the home faces straight southwest with impressive city light, mountain and sunset views. In addition to the 3 ensuite bedrooms in the main house plus two half baths there is an expansive two room detached guest house, a large exercise studio or second office, theatre room with a full sit-down bar, plus a library/office with gorgeous built-in cabinetry. The furnishings and golf cart are available under separate bill of sale. Truly a one-of-a-kind property with room for all the toys and family.

5941 E Lafayette Boulevard Phoenix, AZ 85018

$5,995,000
5 Beds
5.5 Baths
5,181 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776182
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover the epitome of luxury in ARCADIA PROPER with this stunning NEW Desert Transitional masterpiece by Thomas James Homes. This pre-construction opportunity invites you to customize select interior finishes, allowing you to infuse your personal style into this architectural gem. This residence effortlessly merges modern elegance with practical living. Designed on a grand single level, the home boasts 5 expansive bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms, each bedroom an ensuite with walk in closet. As you enter, you'll be greeted by a thoughtfully designed interior featuring wide plank wood flooring, custom lighting, and a dramatic floor-to-ceiling fireplace that serves as the centerpiece of the living area. An attached casita will serve your guests well. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, equipped with premium amenities and top of the line Wolf/Sub Zero appliances. Complete with a prep kitchen, ample pantry, pot filler, warming drawer, and double dishwashers. Beyond the main living spaces, the home includes a versatile bonus room and a cozy den or office space. The outdoor spaces are equally impressive, with meticulously landscaped front and back yards that include a luxurious pool and spa, perfect for enjoying the Arizona sunshine and taking in the views. Situated just minutes from upscale dining, shopping, and entertainment, this residence offers both convenience and an exclusive lifestyle. With the opportunity to personalize key elements, this is your chance to create the home of your dreams. Completion is anticipated for Late 2025 -don't let this opportunity pass you by!

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