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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2300 E Concorda Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$623,500

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,252 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6704841

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This 4 bedroom, 2 bath large open great room floor plan includes many features: Open kitchen with massive island, lots of counter space, many cabinets, Huge diving pool, Extra large master bedroom, 3 walk in closets, updated bathrooms, corner lot, RV parking with slab and gate, large storage shed, covered patios, North/South exposure, amazing location - close to Freeways, ASU, MCC, Mesa & Tempe Schools, Banner Hospital and Fiesta Mall. Lots of great restaurants close by too! Thank you for showing!!!

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5415 W Pontiac Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$623,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,439 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6684020

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Excellent LOCATION in Arrowhead Lakes. Million-dollar homes in the neighborhood. Close to shopping. Elegant 4 bedrooms with master suite on the first floor and lake/mountain views from the second floor.

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2740 S Pleasant Place Chandler, AZ 85286

$623,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,350 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6744938

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Fabulous 4 bedroom/3 bath home in the popular Chandler community of Carino Estates. Soaring ceilings & a beautiful wood staircase greet you as you enter. Formal living & dining rooms provide a perfect space for entertaining while the large family room is great for relaxation. Any chef would love the kitchen that boasts a plethora of upgraded cabinets, granite countertops with tile backsplash, pendant & recessed lighting, an island, breakfast bar and even a breakfast nook. The downstairs bedroom & full bath is a great space for guests. Upstairs you find the large master suite featuring a walk-in closet, separate tub & walk-in tiled shower, double sinks, his & hers closets & a sitting room that could double as an office or nursery. 2 additional bedrooms and another full bath can also be found upstairs. The back yard is a true private oasis with its covered patio, lush vegetation, large grassy yard & backing to the greenbelt so there are no neighbors directly behind. The 2-car garage and extended driveway provide plenty of parking and the RV gate leads to another concrete pad where you could park your toys. Located in a great community close to the 202 & 101 freeways and downtown Chandler with all its dining & shopping venues.

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2730 Nelson Lane Chino Valley, AZ 86323

$622,462

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,076 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776501

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BRAND NEW I Quick Move-in 1 Acre Lot in Peaceful Heritage Pointe. Nestled in Chino Valley, just outside of Prescott! This charming community offers a haven for families seeking an exceptional living experience. The homes in this community are build on 1-acre homesites, so you and your family can enjoy privacy while taking in the picturesque atmosphere. Heritage Pointe offers 7 distinct floorplans, modern amenities, open-concept layouts with designer finishes. For those enjoying travel, opt for a floorplan that includes an RV Garage! You won't want to miss out; plan a visit with us today.

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19016 W Rose Lane Waddell, AZ 85355

$621,915

6 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,159 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770159

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Amazing 2 story floorplan, Downstairs owners suite plus guest suite. Professionally decorated gourmet kitchen, quartz center island with stainless appliances, Wood plank tile in common areas, Quartz countertops, tiled backsplash, staggered Harbor cabinets, oversized great room and eat in kitchen, oversized laundry room. Massive loft upstairs, Jack & Jill bath. Enjoy the peaceful sunsets on your covered patio and mountain views. Plenty of room for everyone and extra space in the 3 car tandem garage. This home will be completed in December/January

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6798 W Andrea Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$621,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,051 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6722958

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Turnkey READY NOW-North/South Exposure. 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 'El Dorado' floorplan features 3 full bedrooms, 2.5 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 similar spec to show layout, options will vary*

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10130 S Bickwell Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$621,848

5 Beds

4 Baths

3,099 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768168

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the exceptional difference in your home-buying experience! Welcome to Laurel at Blossom Rock, where our 2-story Ponderosa design w/ LIVE in SUITE is under construction now. Imagine an open-concept floor plan featuring a warm and welcoming kitchen that flows into a bright, airy great room. This space opens up to your private, extended covered outdoor room - perfect for relaxing or entertaining. With 5 spacious bedrooms, 3 luxurious baths, a great room with a dining area, and a flexible office space, this home has everything! Plus, we're including $81,000 in stunning upgrades to make this home truly special, and we're offering special financing to help NOW.

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28250 N 134th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85383

New

$621,469

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,318 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6788574

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A soon to be complete single-story Harbor with a Ranch exterior elevation style. This 4-bedroom home plus a flex room offers 3 and a half baths and a 3 car tandem garage. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances and stylish Mocha colored cabinetry and beautiful white quartz countertops. Throughout the home, find upgraded baseboards and wood-like tile. The home and community are at the base of a mountain and are near Vistancia. Home warranty included.

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7313 E Fillmore Street Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$621,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,841 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762777

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Well maintained single story home with great South Scottsdale location. Close to ASU and Old Town. The appealing interior boasts updated flooring, neutral paint, a welcoming living room, large eat-in kitchen with sliding glass door leading to back patio. Kitchen equipped with updated stainless steel appliances including new D/W, granite counters, ample cabinet space, a peninsula with breakfast bar. French doors of master leads to a spacious yard. Approximately 224 sqft Casita offers exercise room/ office. Large workshop shed only steps from RV Gate. Large side yard to store all your toys. New electrical house panel and cast in 2021. Insulation updated 2021. New Hot water heater 2023. Great Investment opportunity!

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3946 W Antelope Way San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$620,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,908 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784619

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

*Home is still Under Construction* Check out this beautifully crafted home with well-appointed interior finishes. A large center island in the kitchen overlooks the casual dining area. The open-concept great room is the perfect atmosphere for entertaining, with connectivity to the dining area and expansive views of the outdoor living space. A large loft space on the second floor creates an abundance of living options that are perfect for the way you live. The resort-style amenities in this community will make your family feel they're on vacation year-round. Experience the luxury you've always wanted by touring today.

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3836 W Antelope Way San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$620,995

6 Beds

4.5 Baths

3,164 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779216

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Check out this beautifully crafted home with well-appointed interior finishes. The pronounced front entry opens to a two-story foyer with a grand staircase. Premium finishes in the kitchen include name-brand appliances, upgraded cabinets, and tile floors. The open-concept great room is the perfect atmosphere for entertaining, with connectivity to the dining area and expansive views of the outdoor living space. A large loft space on the second floor creates an abundance of living options that are perfect for the way you live. Come experience your dream home today!

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15531 W Piccadilly Road Goodyear, AZ 85395

$620,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,154 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778730

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

South facing beautiful golf course home with front courtyard entry. Enchating outdoor living area with outdoor pergola, outdoor kitchen, outdoor bar, Misting system, Personal size Shasta Pool and heater if you want. Great landscaping for your privacy. Owner Solar with new solar converter, and if you have a green thumb a potting station, new heating and air, water softener system located in garage that as extra space for golf cart plus a hand wash sink in garage, front and back yard water system in him RO water system under sink. Sunburst shutters in Bedrooms and custom home office with built in custom cabinetry, Bedrooms both have walk-in closets. Both bathrooms updated. This home impresses with its high ceilings custom designed ET wall with lighting and built-in surround sound system with amplifier with builtin speakers. Great room with gas fireplace, 60in TV and windows have Hunter Douglas custom window treatments. bump out windows in kitchen nook second bedroom, ceiling fans, Stunning granite counters and klithen is upgrades and has under cabinet lighting, Spacious Utility Room. Also garage has storage cabinets. carpet free home, fence backyard. Seller is providing a home warranty.

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