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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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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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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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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23942 N 171st Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$609,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,630 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6645243

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Estates at Asante , a beautiful community with surrounding views. Look no further as this community offers only single-story homes. Step inside and you'll be greeted by the popular spacious Pomona floor plan. Very airy, open and bright. Perfect for entertaining with he multi slide off the great room and outdoor patio to bring outdoor living inside .Kitchen island awaits the family chef to enjoy the amazing kitchen island and abundance of cabinets. Set up 4 bedrooms, 3 bath, study and 3 car garage. Your dream home is here.

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1865 S 231st Lane Buckeye, AZ 85326

$609,995

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,112 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6773421

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Spectacular and spacious 2-story home in Sundance of Buckeye. Homes sits on one of the largest lots in the neighborhood. Completely remodeled with tons of upgrades. OWNED 42-panel solar system that saves $$$ on electric bills. The home offers ultimate privacy with no rear neighbors due to the common area behind the lot. With low property taxes and HOA fees, this luxurious home is also cost-effective. See the list of upgrades in the docs tab...TOO MANY to list here. Don't miss out on this extraordinary property that blends luxury, modern amenities, and functionality in a peaceful, private setting. Don't miss this one!

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37735 W Padilla Street Maricopa, AZ 85138

$609,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,756 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762778

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move in FAST to this completed home! Say hello to luxury, Maricopa! This beautiful Jerome floorplan features an expansive great room with 10ft ceiling and a 15ft multi slider allowing for indoor outdoor living. The stunning kitchen is appointed with stacked cabinetry, matte black hardware, gas stove top, and double ovens! Relax in your Primary with Ultra Spa Shower and large walk-in closet. Your FIVE CAR GARAGE is perfect to store everything! With 8,750 sq ft homesites, come see why K. Hovnanian is the First Name in Lasting Value! ^^Up to 6% of Base Price can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

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3936 E Terrel Street San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$609,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,175 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778908

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This home has it all with room for all of your toys! Popular Wayfarer plan features it's own RV garage. This home is situated in the amenity rich community of Bella Vista Farms. Residents enjoy an amenity-rich lifestyle with exclusive access to an onsite swimming pool, picnic area, splash park, playground, basketball court, volleyball court and greenbelt. The local area is host to the San Tan Regional Park, where locals enjoy biking, hiking, horseback riding and more. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.

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16683 W Saguaro Park Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$609,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,605 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6745142

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Up to 3% of Base Price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available through preferred lender.'' Discover the sophistication of the Coventry floorplan, offering 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and an additional kitchen with living space. Noteworthy structural details include a step-free shower, 8' interior doors, and a spacious 3-car garage. The home is further enhanced with built-in appliances, quartz kitchen countertops, a gas-ready kitchen, a BBQ-ready backyard, and a laundry area equipped for a gas dryer.

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5317 W Rainwater Drive Laveen, AZ 85339

$609,990

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,550 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769244

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6769244 January Completion! Discover The Turquoise at Tierra Montana Encore, a spacious two-story home that greets you with a charming front porch entry. Upon entering, you're welcomed by a light-filled foyer that leads to a versatile study. Entertain in the formal dining room, then flow seamlessly into the open kitchen, casual dining area, and gathering room. The private owner's suite offers a luxurious retreat with a spa-like bath and a large walk-in closet. Upstairs, you'll find four additional bedrooms, two full baths, and a generous loft, perfect for family living or recreation. Structural options include: tub at owners bath, garage service door, paver front porch, laundry room sink.

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37630 W Padilla Street Maricopa, AZ 85138

$609,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,765 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6749647

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move in FAST to this completed home! Say hello to luxury, Maricopa! The captivating Jerome floorplan features an expansive great room, 15ft multi slider, home office, and stunning kitchen appointed with stacked cabinetry, gas stove top, double ovens, and matte black hardware! Relax in your freestanding tub, host on the patio, or take out the toys from your FIVE CAR GARAGE! With 10ft ceilings, 8ft doors, and 8,750 sq ft homesites, come see why K. Hovnanian is the First Name in Lasting Value! ^^^Up to 6% of Base Price can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

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