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

13074 E Saddlehorn Trail Scottsdale, AZ 85259

$5,150,000
5 Beds
6.5 Baths
6,679 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6780791
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This home defines luxury, style and convenience w/ an amazing location and views!! Everyday feels like resort living, ideal for entertaining, too!! Impressive architectural details, ceilings, beams and unparalleled workmanship with all the finest finishes! Updated inside and out!!! Beautiful, custom kitchen boasts double islands, glazed cabinets, marble, mother of pearl backsplash, Wolf , Viking, Subzero appliances. Escape to the primary retreat w/ his/her closets, unbelievable spa like bath w/ fireplace, sitting area, his/her water closets, sauna, beverage bar and work out room. Settle into the theater room for the big game or your fav movie w/ highly upgraded equipment( new 8k projector included w/ sale)entire home has most up to date Savant smart home system including surround sound system, 10 new ultra thin profile 4k Sony TV's w/ Sonos soundbars(included), commercial grade hard-wired WIFI system inside and out w/ Cox gigabit internet and security. Temperature controlled wine storage and great wet bar area w/ seating. 4+ car garage is oversized and equipped w/ electric vehicle charger, epoxy floors and storage. The front courtyard includes fireplace, travertine and is accessible to both the casita and home. Casita has kitchenette, walk in closet, private bath, currently used as an amazing game room providing fun for everyone! 3 Guest rooms all ensuite w/ walk in closets. Private backyard offers breathtaking views and all the comfort and luxury of a 5 star resort! Pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, fireplace in a must see setting!! All 5 HVAC units replaced 2023, $240k in smart home Savant system/AV systems added, and over $500k in exterior/interior paint, courtyard, patio, outdoor kitchen and pool upgrades since 2022.

39601 N Ocotillo Ridge Drive Carefree, AZ 85377

$5,150,000
5 Beds
7 Baths
7,783 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6620894
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Introducing the epitome of quiet luxury at this formidable estate on 5 acres of private land. Behind the gates at the pristine Ocotillo Ridge Estates in Carefree. Every inch of this 7,783 sq. ft. estate has been meticulously maintained and crafted with an array of upgrades and emphasis on the modern hacienda style. Exceptional finishes include hickory hardwood & slate floors, wood beams, custom cabinetry, Cantera stone fireplaces, tongue and groove wood ceilings, and hand-crafted tiles throughout the home. Upon entry, the pure elegance of the great room with the accordion doors opening to the infinity edge pool and the breathtaking mountain vistas and sunsets will amaze you every time. Well-appointed top-of-the-line gourmet kitchen. An impressive wet bar for entertaining & picturesque... views. A generous primary suite retreat with a sitting area, luxurious bath, oversized custom closet, and an exercise room. Three additional en-suites with their own patio access and separate office. Paver drive and motor court. Oversized four-car garage. Back to the enchanting courtyard, you can head to the quaint guest house that oozes the local town's flair. Your guests will have the best time at this inviting casita. Romantic outdoor spaces include 2000+/- sf of deep-covered paver patios and 1000+/- sf of elevated open dining/relaxing deck with Cantera fireplace and BBQ. There are endless, unobstructed views in every direction and every room. The setting is every bit as spectacular as the home itself. There are miles of quiet hiking and biking trails. Unequaled privacy and tranquility await you at this resort-like sanctuary. Yet, you are minutes (three miles) from the quaint, charming old towns of Cave Creek and Carefree. This property also presents a unique opportunity for seller financing and is available turnkey through a separate bill of saleeffortlessly inviting you to start your new chapter without delay.

5347 E Mockingbird Lane Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$5,100,000 - 5Br/5Ba -  for Sale in Turquoise Hills 1a, Paradise Valley
Open House
$5,100,000
5 Beds
4.5 Baths
7,425 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6754720
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
PRICED AT $687 PER SQ FT! ABSOLUTE MUST SEE IN PERSON! From the second you walk into this beautiful Paradise Valley estate you will LOVE the open floor plan, soaring ceilings, walk out of the 16 foot pocket doors to the spectacular Mummy Mountain views, gorgeous resort style pool/backyard. THIS HOME IS AN ENTERTAINERS DREAM. Recently refreshed Primary wing. Custom brick ceilings, exposed wood beams, beautiful stone accents throughout the home, and custom wood cabinetry. 3 large stone fireplaces. Oversized kitchen with large 14 ft island and high end appliances. New hardwood flooring throughout the home. Recently updated theatre room. Oversized bedrooms and showers throughout. 4 ENSUITES. Stadium style theater room complete with 4k projector. Welcome to your new home.

10535 E Paradise Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85259

$5,000,000
6 Beds
6.5 Baths
6,181 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6596265
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
NEW CONSTRUCTION - Permits ready and we are set to break ground on the exceptionally designed Modern Luxury Estate brought to you by Blue Sky Homes. Boasting roughly 5312 SF this home is an entertainer's dream, with open kitchen, large sliding door system to the backyard and a split bedroom floor plan and with 10'+ ceilings. Guest will fee welcomed in the spacious 800+ SF casita overlooking resort style backyard. This amazing home is located in the popular Cactus/Shea corridor close to shopping, dining, as well as hiking trails. Don't miss out on the opportunity to semi customize this desert gem before it's too late. *This property is located on lot A of the site.

9279 E Andora Hills Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$5,000,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
5,305 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6667422
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Completion January 2025. Golf Membership available from seller. New build by leading luxury home builder - Blackstone Development and designed by Graffin Design. Terrific mountain views from Apache Peak all the way across the Continental Mountain Range to the western mountains and wonderful spring sunsets. Offering the floor plan today's buyer is looking for: open great room plan with retractable glass doors to enjoy the gorgeous views and one level living with 4 suites plus a study. Outdoors enjoy a large patio area complete with two way fireplace, pool, spa, and BBQ. Buyer still has time to put their own stamp on this home and colorize it as they would like to. Save a year and half of design headaches and just do the fun part-picking out the colors. Home can be purchased and new owners can start enjoying the Desert Mountain Club upon closing-of course subject to membership approval. Floor plan is located under the Document tab. This home is now thru drywall stage and cabinets are being installed.

23433 N 84th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$5,000,000
5 Beds
5.5 Baths
5,340 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6701102
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This to-be-completed home will be the epitome of modern sophistication and luxury living, offering two primary suites, with spa like bathrooms, and large walk-in closets. There are two additional bedrooms with attached bathrooms and walk-in closets, and an additional office/den. The attached casita offers a separate entrance with private bath, making it the perfect space for guest quarters or home gym. Kitchen is a chefs dream with large island, top of the line appliances, and a butlers pantry. Sitting on almost two acres, corner lot, gorgeous mountain views, and located in the quiet, gated community of Pinnacle Paradise. Plans and permits available. Home to be finished by end of 2024. This is your opportunity to work with the contractor in picking your own finishes.

41735 N 101st Way Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$5,000,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
5,699 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6765688
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Golf Membership Available- Today's modern interpretation of the original Pueblo style - keeping in harmony with the desert. This privately gated home within Saguaro Forest at Desert Mountain is situated on an elevated lot with magical sunset, golf course, surrounding mountains, city lights and mountain silhouettes at night. Ideal south facing backyard captures winter sun on the pool/patio areas all day. Built by Phil Smith, this home emanates master crafted details; rooms in the round, forged metal rails, wood detailed ceilings, tubular skylights, stone, wood and concrete floors and Venetian plaster walls. The great room split floor plan with Master and library wing on one side and 3 guest ensuites on the other allows privacy for all. Patios around the home provide gathering spaces for many or sanctuaries for a few. The pool, spa, outdoor kiva fireplace and barbecue create outdoor living and dining at its finest. Electric shades, central vac, high end appliances and an elevator keep current with today's luxuries and conveniences. Lush Sonoran desert vegetation surrounding the home creates a true desert botanical experience. Private and tranquil, yet located close to the Cochise/Geronimo and Chiricahua Clubhouses for dining and golf. Bike or hike from your home to the nearby Desert Mountain Trails with over 20 miles of multi-use trails. Sonoran Fitness center located within a short drive from home. Golf Membership to the Desert Mountain Club available.

6432 E El Sendero Road Carefree, AZ 85377

$5,000,000
4 Beds
5 Baths
6,087 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6780745
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
*View documents for full list of features* *3D Walk through and video tour provided in photos* Welcome to this exquisite, fully renovated masterpiece on the coveted south side of Black Mountain. Thoughtfully designed to capture breathtaking views from every room, including the guest house, this home harmoniously combines modern elegance with timeless character. Original features, such as wood plank ceilings, rich wood window frames, exposed beams, solid wood interior doors, and custom-stained glass, have been meticulously refurbished to enhance their beauty and preserve the home's unique charm. Every space offers a distinct experience, blending sophistication with warmth. Entering through the gated courtyard, you're greeted by a stunning water feature adorned with a lush living wall, setting a serene tone as you approach the custom glass and iron pivot front door. Inside, the journey begins in the sophisticated lounge, featuring a nearly 1,000-bottle wine room, a true haven for the wine enthusiast. The main house showcases expansive large-format tile flooring, custom cabinetry, three generous bedrooms, an office, and a media room, supported by four luxurious bathrooms. The guest house spans 1,920 square feet across two independent levels. The main level serves as a fully equipped living space, complete with a full kitchen, laundry, a cozy one-bedroom suite, and a spacious great room. The lower level opens up endless potential, perfect for a gym, music studio, art room, office, or any other vision you can imagine. Both the main and guest houses feature custom lighting, high-end finishes, and smooth, no-texture walls, complemented by views that will take your breath away. With 87 fully-owned solar panels and two EV chargers in the garage, this home is as sustainable as it is beautiful. This is a must-see property that perfectly combines luxury, innovation, and stunning surroundings. Please view the documents tab for a full list of features.

5123 E Mcdonald Drive Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$5,000,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,379 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6778627
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nestled on the iconic Camelback Mountain, this charming single-story home offers the best of Arizona living with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and 4,379 sq/ft of beautifully designed space on an expansive acre of land. The interiors feature a reception foyer leading into the formal living room and family room. The home boasts 2 primary suites, both beautifully presented with one enjoying a fireplace. One guest bedroom is currently being used as an office. Boasting panoramic mountain views while still high enough to enjoy dazzling city lights, this property offers an unparalleled combination of natural beauty and urban convenience. The resort-style backyard is perfect for entertaining, featuring lush landscaping, classic swimming pool, and serene views that provide the perfect backdrop for any occasion. This is Arizona luxury living at its finest.

4959 E Red Rock Drive Phoenix, AZ 85018

$5,000,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
3,460 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6775731
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Perched on the red rocks of Camelback, this hillside house boasts incredible views of the city to the south and stunning rock features as a surround. The main house has 3 bedrooms adorned with city views, with a guest house nestled underneath. The offset pool and spa are tucked against the mountain for an incredible combination of privacy and top of the rock atmosphere. The master suite has room to spare with a master bath that blends contemporary design with luxury features. The kitchen and dining room open to a living room and deck with indoor outdoor living in mind. An inviting gas fireplace serves as a feature to the living room inside while outdoor fire features lead you outside for sunny days and twinkling lights at night.

32 N Biltmore Estates Drive Phoenix, AZ 85016

$5,000,000
7 Beds
10 Baths
10,030 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6736576
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
''As a philanthropist who loved golf and played it daily in retirement, he chose 32 BILTMORE ESTATES''. For the past 24 years, the Estate has been owned by the same ''second'' owner. The property's pedigree speaks volumes about its affluence and distinction. Embodying a seamless blend of classic elegance and modern luxury ambiance, the home is both welcoming and grand. Almost fireproof; commercial grade mechanicals, steel framed, masonry and metal roof. Its panoramic views of Camelback Mountain coupled with the lush golf course greens offers a serene and evolving picturesque setting. You'll appreciate the home's location, rich history, and architectural beauty from the moment you step up, family gatherings with friends in its spacious living and dining areas will become most memorable... Both primary bedroom-windows are undoubtedly and accurately facing towards breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain. Views of the green, the outdoor kitchen, and the expansive terrace all provide a perfect setting to enjoy the picturesque landscape, making every day feel like a retreat. The staff quarter is generous in size, the lot coverage allows for additional livable guest home or garage storage to be added within its setbacks. This is a rare chance to own a piece of history, an opportunity to experience the unparalleled lifestyle that 32 Biltmore Estates has to offer. Schedule a viewing today to see for yourself what makes this estate truly exceptional.

20226 N 101st Way Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$5,000,000 - 5Br/6Ba -  for Sale in Silverleaf, Scottsdale
Open House
$5,000,000
5 Beds
5.5 Baths
4,746 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6737164
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This 4,746sf home features 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms and exudes a cool, modern beach vibe. Highlights include vaulted beamed ceilings in the great room and principal bedroom, light hardwood floors, and abundant windows. The kitchen is equipped with both marble and leathered granite countertops, white cabinets, 2 dishwashers and a European cooktop. Designed for seamless indoor/outdoor living, the home offers pocket doors opening to a front courtyard with a spool, fireplace, synthetic grass, and soothing park views. Additional features include an interior courtyard with a 2nd outdoor fireplace, BBQ, and pizza oven. The upstairs bonus room adds versatility to this meticulously crafted residence. Every detail, from plantation shutters to updated mechanicals, reflects exceptional ... attention to detail. Price includes furniture and furnishings with a small exclusion list.

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