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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4317 E Western Star Boulevard Phoenix, AZ 85044

$610,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,615 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6757507

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Home Is A True Icon Like No Other Which Is Apparent The Moment You Drive Up The Street. It Is One Of The Most Admired And Sought After And Is Finally For Sale. Be Greeted By The Multi Tier Concrete Steps And Patios, A Fire Pit, Steel Posts And Beams,Smooth Stucco Walls With Wood Facia And A New Metal Roof. The Clear Glass Front Door Completes The Entry And The Mid Century Modern Block Home With Strategic Frank Lloyd Wright Style Gray Block Walls And Accents. Concrete Stained Floors, Birch Cabinets, With Corian Counters. The Two Bathrooms Have Been Proffesionally Designed With High End Commercial Grade Fixtures. Walk In To The Backyard Oasis And Wow! The Covered Patio Open To The Large Yard, Diving Pebble Tek Pool, Detached Block Office heated and cooled With Mini Split.. Backs Wash The Separate Quarters Is Quite Amazing. Gray Block Walls With Birch Interior Facia, Contemporary LED Lighting And Glass Block Windows With Double Door Entry. The Diving Pool Has One Of The Most Unique Custom Steel Fencing And A Metal Welded Shade Sail Frame. Two Unique Gates Lead You To The Open Wash For Hiking, Biking With Entrance To The City Park And Trails To South Mountain For Miles Of Trails. The Yard Also Features A Propane Fire Pit, Raised Planters, Propane BBQ Grill And Metal And Rock Pillars.

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36601 N Mule Train Road Carefree, AZ 85377

$610,000

2 Beds

3 Baths

1,970 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751091

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

AVIATION LOVERS! This stunning property offers a unique blend of natural beauty and luxurious living within a Gated Community in Carefree, Arizona! Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the serene desert landscape. 1970 sq ft of living space, 2 master suites and a flex room! Spacious balconies allow for you to sit outside to enjoy sunset views over Black Mountain. Nestled in the heart of Carefree, you'll have easy access to the town's charming shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Within the community you'll have opportunities to socialize with your neighbors at the clubhouse/pool area. There is currently a hangar available at Sky Ranch Airport. Inquire with us for more information! Welcome home!

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7177 W Pontiac Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$610,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,146 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6742966

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

*** OVER $100k in UPGRADES! *** Welcome to your Beautiful Home in the HIGHLY desirable Lake Community of Sierra Verde in Arrowhead Ranch! This MOVE IN READY, NEWLY REMODELED 4-bed, 3-bath Beauty offers a perfect blend of luxury and comfort. Features Include New Wood Tile Flooring, New 6-inch Baseboards, Newly Upgraded Bathrooms with Travertine Tile Floors, Showers w/Granite Counters & Custom Finishes. New Pool Equipment, Pebble Sheen Finish & Removable Pool Fence. Gourmet Kitchen with Granite Counters, Tile Backsplash, Stainless Steel Appliances, and a Convenient Coffee Bar. Freshly Painted in Neutral Tones Inside and Out! Ring Doorbell! Newer Hot Water Heater! The second floor boasts Engineered Wood Flooring & Designer Built Walk-in Closets Large yard with grass area and no homes directly behind for open feel and privacy! The epoxy-coated garage includes built-in cabinets, a workbench, and a new smart garage door opener. Refrigerator, washer, and dryer are included for your convenience. The community offers ample walking and biking paths, parks, and gorgeous lake views, while A+ Sierra Verde School is just a short walk away. Enjoy easy access to Thunderbird Conservation Park, Arrowhead Mall, P-83 shopping, dining, entertainment, and freeways for effortless commuting. With so many upgrades and a prime location, this home is an absolute must-see! Don't miss your chance to make it yours!

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22889 E Marsh Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$609,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,132 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6719211

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BUYER COULD NOT PERFORM. ASSUMABLE VA LOAN WITH 2.7% INTEREST RATE - $2063 monthly payment. 3 bedroom PLUS two additional office/dens which could be converted into additional bedrooms - enjoy the space of a FIVE bedroom home for the price of a THREE bedroom. Open-plan kitchen with formal dining area, quartz countertops, gas stovetop and built-in microwave and smart oven. Split floor plan means you'll enjoy privacy in the primary bedroom, which also includes a large walk-in closet and en-suite bathroom. Outside, skip the mess and time to build your own pool, and jump right into your new private pool on closing day! Your new back yard is complete with turf and pavers. The neighborhood of Harvest, Queen Creek was thoughtfully designed to incorporate the agricultural history of the area while still being close to the comforts of town. Just minutes from Queen Creek's best shopping and dining, and across the road from Schnepf Farms (family farm offering seasonal events, a pick your own veggies patch, concerts, farm tours, train rides, petting zoo, peach picking and bakery,) and Queen Creek Olive Mill (olive mill with gourmet market and restaurant.) Just down the street, find the brand-new Pecan Lake Entertainment facility, with rope courses, putting courses, axe throwing, escape rooms, AND a surf pool coming in 2025. Within Harvest, enjoy exceptional amenities - a lake with catch and release fishing, two heated community pools, a splash pad, neighborhood trails, play areas, fire pits and catch and release lake fishing. This is more than just a home; it's a gateway to a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle - the Harvest community has been meticulously crafted in a shared pursuit of purposeful living.

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1004 E Desert Hills Drive Phoenix, AZ 85086

$609,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,932 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6747246

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Experience the Ultimate in Country Living! Escape to the serene beauty of Desert Hills with this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, perfectly positioned on a generous 1.25-acre lot. Whether you're a horse enthusiast or just seeking wide-open spaces, this property offers endless possibilities. The expansive front yard is ready to accommodate your equestrian dreams, or it can be transformed into a custom detached garage or workshop. Step inside to find a welcoming interior that perfectly complements the natural surroundings. The 3 spacious bedrooms provide plenty of room for relaxation, while the 2 well-appointed bathrooms offer comfort and convenience for everyday living. The home itself boasts a modern, low-maintenance metal roof and a recently upgraded Trane AC, ensuring comfort and efficiency throughout the year. Outside, you'll find two matching storage sheds, ideal for all your tools and outdoor gear, as well as a spacious 3-car carport providing ample covered parking. With a 2-part shared well, you'll have reliable water access, while the wide-open spaces invite you to take in the natural beauty and stunning northeast views. This is truly a place where you can breathe easy and live the country lifestyle you've always dreamed of, all without the constraints of an HOA. This gem is a rare find in Desert Hills, offering both privacy and potential.

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9938 E Timpani Lane Mesa, AZ 85212

$609,999

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,188 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770763

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome Home. This home has it all. This beautiful kitchen with white shaker cabinets, granite counters, gas stove/cooktop, walk in pantry, split floor plan, 3 bedrooms plus den with 3 full bathrooms, super master bedrooms with dual vanity bathroom and massive walk-in closet, rich wood-look tile plan floors, 9 foot flat ceilings, eight foot tall doors, private outdoor lanai trimmed with travertine pavers forming a walkway to the covered back patio and extended travertine patio out to the always-perfect artificial turf lawn in back. Talk about location, this Cadence community offers a huge play pool, two waterslides, dedicated lap pool, movie room, community center and more. Hurry on over as this home will not last!

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17643 W Middlebury Street Surprise, AZ 85388

$609,995

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,468 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785015

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Professionally decorated, this home is for sale and loaded with designer extras and upgrades. Tucked within a 55+ neighborhood, this Cranston floorplan has everything you need. The inviting entry features vaulted ceilings that immediately makes you feel at home. Located just off the foyer, the pocket office extends the possibilities of this home, creating plenty of space for personalization. The open-concept great room is the perfect atmosphere for entertaining, with connectivity to the expansive views of the outdoor living space. Overlooking the great room and accompanied by a casual dining area, the well-designed kitchen boasts Kitchen Aide appliances, sprawling upgraded cabinets and a stunning kitchen island that ties the home together.

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4816 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$609,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,630 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6691847

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

An inviting covered porch welcomes guests to the charming Pomona plan. A spacious great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a roomy nook and an impressive gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry and center island. This home offers a study.. The lavish primary suite offers a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks and deluxe tub and shower. A convenient laundry and covered patio are also included.

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10430 S 48th Glen Laveen, AZ 85339

$609,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6704814

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry, quartz counters, and Shaker cabinets is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private deluxe bathroom with seperate drop in tub bathroom and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room will complete the plan.

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4817 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$609,995

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,510 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6684076

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The single-story Dominic plan offers an open, inviting layout and ample living space. At the heart of the home is a spacious great room that flows into an impressive gourmet kitchen with a center island, quartz counter tops, dual pantries and a generous breakfast nook. A luxurious primary suite showcases an immense walk-in closet and a private bath with Deluxe walk-in shower, a covered patio invites relaxation, a study and a teen room, and a third side turn garage bay.

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10434 S 48th Glen Laveen, AZ 85339

$609,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,630 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6719435

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

An inviting covered porch welcomes guests to the charming Pomona plan. A spacious great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a roomy nook and an impressive Gourmet Kitchen with 42'' white cabinets, quartz counters, matte black fixtures throughout, a walk-in pantry, center island, and 10' ceilings. There is stone tile throughout, with carpeted bedrooms. This home will be built with a study. The lavish primary suite offers a generous walk-in closet, private bath #2 w/double sinks, deluxe walk-in shower with rain. A convenient laundry room, tankless water heater, covered patio, and 8' garage doors, are also included.

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4829 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$609,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6720292

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry, quartz counters and shaker style cabinets is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access including a center meet door. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private deluxe bathroom with oversized walk-in shower and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room will complete the plan.

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