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.

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

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25615 S Ribbonwood Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

Open House

$660,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,137 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777179

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

GOLF COURSE LOT HAND-PICKED at GRAND-OPENING of PALO VERDE! ENJOY VIEWS down 2 fairways! Luxurious Plantation Shutters, Vaulted Ceilings, Fans Thruout. Dream Kitchen-Gorgeous Granite, Double Wall Ovens, Garden Window,Kitchenaide Stainless Steel Appliances. Formal Dining Rm. Mirrored WetBar.Entertainment Center is optional.1st BRm 19X15! Amazing Views! Step out to Covered Patio on wide lot with Citrus Trees. Flowering Desert landscaping on auto-watering. Enjoy Jetted Spa Bath. Beautiful Travertine Showers in Both Baths. 2nd BRm15x14! Has built-in Office. 5ft extended Garage Custom Builtin Wall of Cabinets, Work Bench+ GOLF CART garage! HANDICAPPED FEATURES. ¼ MILE TO PRIVATE Palo Verde Clubhouse, Pools. Activities. Guarded 24/7. OwnedSolarElectric Panels

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1176 E Erie Street Gilbert, AZ 85295

$659,999

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,136 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6753945

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom gem in the heart of Gilbert is MOVE IN READY with a NEWER AC and NEWER hot water heater, giving you serious energy savings! Step inside and prepare to be wowed by the open-concept living area - perfect for all the cozy nights in or lively get-togethers! The gourmet kitchen has granite countertops, modern white cabinets, HUGE pantry and a big island. But the real showstopper? The backyard! This outdoor space is next level. With a fenced pool, TWO outdoor sheds, an outdoor bar and grill and a covered patio! & don't forget about the the garage with built-in cabinets! Plus there's a laundry room just off the entrance with a built-in beverage fridge! Located in a prime Gilbert neighborhood with easy access to top schools, shopping, and dining.

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20272 W Hollyhock Street Buckeye, AZ 85396

$659,995

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,630 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6717732

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

8760 sqft lot - Optional Guest Suite - Gourmet kitchen, quartz countertops, full tile backsplash, white cabinets, pendant lights at island, stainless steel appliances w/pyramid hood & gas cooktop - Multi-slide doors at great room - Walk-in shower at primary bath - Pre-plumb locations at laundry room, soft water loop, gas to patio - 9 x 35 tile floors throughout except for carpet in bedrooms - Satin nickel fixtures throughout - Ceiling fan pre-wires at bedrooms, patio and great room - 10-foot ceilings - Two-tone paint - Garage service door - Cabinets & wet bar sink at guest living room w/ beverage center & rough-in for microwave.

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9390 Mead Lane Snowflake, AZ 85937

$659,995

6 Beds

4 Baths

2,624 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6731913

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Wow! Check out this opportunity! 2 homes on 80 acres fully off grid and self sustaining. The PRIMARY HOME offers 1568 square feet of living space with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Floors recently upgraded to vinyl plank throughout. Split bedroom floor plan. Kitchen features hickory cabinets, granite counter tops, large kitchen island, farm sink and NEWER gas stove. Primary home is powered by 30 solar panels which is sustained by banks of lithium batteries. In addition to a 2 car masonry garage, the primary home also features a single car Graceland garage, a 14 X 40 carport and a 10 x 20 Graceland Lofted Barn Cabin for extra storage. The GUEST HOME offers 1056 square feet of living space with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. See additional description. The living space is bright and airy and features a split bedroom floor plan and breakfast bar. Guest home is powered by 25 solar panels and sustained by banks of 12 AGM Maintenance Free batteries. 1 private well services both homes. Another private well is located on the upper 40 acres and is currently being used for their cattle. Property can be split and has passed a perc test. See document file. Power is also located nearby if you would prefer that option. This property would be perfect for multi-generational housing or could use guest home as rental income! Property is all off-grid but only 10 miles from town. Best of both worlds!

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5616 W Paseo Way Laveen, AZ 85339

$659,990

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

4,150 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782029

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover Modern Luxury and Timeless Comfort Step into this brand-new, never-lived-in home and experience unparalleled luxury. Boasting 5 spacious bedrooms and 3.5 beautifully designed bathrooms, this residence offers the perfect blend of style, functionality, and comfort. At the heart of the home is a chef's dream kitchen, featuring stunning quartz countertops, sleek stainless steel appliances, and custom cabinetry designed for both beauty and practicality. The open-concept layout is enhanced by soaring 8-foot doors and a premium 4-panel sliding glass door, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor living spaces. Key highlights include: An in-law suite for added privacy and convenience. A third bedroom with master-suite proportions. Two versatile flex spaces perfect for a a home office, den, or your personalized retreat. Over $34,000 in luxurious upgrades throughout the home. The master suite is a true sanctuary, offering a private retreat with elegant finishes. Outside, the paver driveway and immaculate curb appeal create a welcoming first impression. Why wait for new construction when this move-in-ready gem is waiting for you? With every detail thoughtfully designed and upgrades included, your dream home is here.

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3297 E Saddletree Way San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$659,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,024 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781860

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Wales Ranch! San Tan Valley's newest master planned community with a wealth of amenities to enjoy. Conveniently located with easy access to great local attractions and amenities, including shopping and dining at Queen Creek Marketplace, outdoor recreation at San Tan Regional Park, fresh produce at Schnepf Farms and popular sites such as Queen Creek Olive Mill. A copy of the public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate's website.

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18950 W Ocotillo Road Waddell, AZ 85355

$659,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,623 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6739881

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

QUICK MOVE-IN HOME! MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS! SPECIAL FINANCING WITH BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES AVAILABLE! MOVE-IN PACKAGES AVAILABLE! PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT THESE SPECIALS ON THIS QUICK MOVE-IN HOME AND OTHERS. ACT SOON BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! Topaz with 4 bedrooms + study, 3 baths. Large multi slide door off the great room that leads out to the extended covered patio. Pavers at drive, walk and entry. Stainless steel 36'' gas cooktop, wall oven, micro, canopy hood. Sonoma Maple Slate (gray) cabinets with pull out trash drawer, 42'' kitchen uppers, and stainless steel under mount single bowl kitchen sink. Himalaya white granite countertops in kitchen and owner's bath. Upgrade flooring includes EMS Novales 12x24 Astra tile in all areas of the home except beds/closets. 5'' baseboards and 3 1/4 door casings throughout. Dual sinks at bath 2, 8' tall garage door w/two controls, garage service door for easy access into the backyard and so much more. Please verify all information with onsite agent. Thank you!

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7450 W Quail Track Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

Open House

$659,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,084 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755370

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Corner lot, North/South, October completion! Experience the charm of Aloravita, nestled within the scenic mountains of Peoria. This community boasts breathtaking views and is conveniently located minutes away from shopping, dining, hiking trails and more! Our popular 'Tamarron' floorplan features 4 full bedrooms with a study, 3 bathrooms, 2 Car-Garage and a private yard with views! Designer selected finish includes White Cabinetry, Quartz Kitchen Countertops, Wood Like Tile Throughout, and Plush Carpet in all the bedrooms. This beautiful home will have it all including 9' ceilings, Gourmet Gas Kitchen, Smudge Proof Stainless Steel Appliances, Blinds, Pre-Plumb for Soft Water, and Smart Home Technology. Photos of model home, options may vary-home is under construction*

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3453 N Barron -- Mesa, AZ 85207

$659,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,571 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756983

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Fall in love with the desirable open layout featuring soaring vaulted ceilings, a gas fireplace, expansive windows, sleek wood-style flooring, & sliding glass doors to the backyard. The impeccable kitchen has SS appliances, quartz counters, mosaic tile backsplash, plenty of white cabinetry with crown molding, recessed & pendant light fixtures, & a sizable island w/breakfast bar. Retreat to the main suite offering a bay window & an immaculate ensuite w/dual sinks, glass shower, & walk-in closet. The tranquil backyard with covered patio, built-in BBQ, Travertine tile flooring, & well-maintained landscaping is excellent for memorable get-togethers! This value will not disappoint!

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9035 W Quail Track Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$659,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,626 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772738

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning single-story home is ready for you! The 3-car tandem garage accommodates all your vehicles. Step inside to an open layout designed for seamless entertaining, featuring a cozy fireplace, elegant plantation shutters, built-in fire sprinklers, durable tile flooring, pre-wired surround sound, and soothing paint tones. The kitchen is a chef's delight with staggered cabinets adorned with crown molding, stainless steel appliances, a stylish tile backsplash, a pantry, granite countertops, and an island with a breakfast bar. The versatile semi-open den is perfect for a formal dining area, home office, game room, or anything else you can imagine. Retreat to the main bedroom, which offers backyard access and a private bathroom with a huge walk-in closet and a separate tub and shower. The backyard is an oasis with fragrant citrus trees, a lush grassy area, a sparkling pool, a relaxing spa, an array of palm trees, and a covered patio for outdoor enjoyment. This move-in ready home is waiting to welcome home!

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532 N Bell Drive Chandler, AZ 85225

$659,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,788 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777139

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bath home featuring soaring vaulted ceilings and a spacious layout where the kitchen seamlessly opens up to the family living space. The modern kitchen boasts a convenient island and stainless steel appliances, including a microwave, range, and dishwasher, making it perfect for entertaining. The primary en-suite is conveniently located on the main level, while upstairs you'll find three additional bedrooms and a versatile loft area. Step outside to the large back porch, ideal for relaxation, and enjoy the refreshing pool, creating a perfect outdoor oasis for gatherings and summer fun.

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9233 E Sector Drive Mesa, AZ 85212

$659,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,410 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774348

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MOVE IN READY HOME! This WILSON plan was the former Model and it is stunning! This home includes all the appliances, chandeliers, window treatments and ceiling fans in the home. This home features 'Brellin Purestyle' (Greige color) cabinets with Satin Nickel pulls throughout the home. 'Bianco Levanto' Quartz countertops in Kitchen and Jasmine White Quartz countertops in Owners Bath and Bath 3. Upgraded shower surrounds in bathrooms and upgraded wood tile throughout the downstairs and carpet flooring in the bedrooms. The finished backyard includes an impressive fireplace welcoming family and friends to cozy up! Too many upgrades to list!

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