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

Listing types.

For Sale

For Rent

Land

Multifamily

Commercial

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Distressed

Open House

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Price MaxAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Neighborhood

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Location Search Nearby

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

View As: Thumbnails List

Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

4838 S Emery Circle Mesa, AZ 85212

$604,900

5 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,747 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761046

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Located in East Mesa's Elliot Tech Corridor, 5 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths. Master and Secondary Baths beautifully remodeled, Master with Separate Tub, Shower and Dual Sinks. 2 New 18 Seer AC's with Heat Pumps and R49 Attic Insulation. Too many improvements to list. Kitchen Granite Counter tops with new Stainless Steel Dual Oven and Dishwasher. 6'' Floor Molding through out First Floor. Fireplace in Living Room. Gorgeous Backyard, Recently Resurfaced Self Cleaning Pepple Tec Pool with Waterfall. Extended Covered Paver Patio and Putting Green. RV Gate and Storage Shed as well. Water Softener and Reverse Osmosis.

View Property

295 W Oriole Way Chandler, AZ 85286

$604,500

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,792 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772157

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in Chandler, where every detail has been thoughtfully crafted for both style and comfort. The heart of the home is the open-concept kitchen, boasting sleek quartz countertops and crisp white cabinetry that seamlessly flows into a charming fireplace accent wall—an ideal space for entertaining guests or cozy family nights. The spacious layout offers an inviting atmosphere, perfect for gatherings or relaxed evenings at home. The luxurious primary suite offers a serene retreat, featuring a beautifully tiled shower, a soaking bathtub, and a double vanity with modern finishes, creating a spa-like experience in your own home. Step outside to your private outdoor oasis, complete with a pebble tech pool and a cozy fire pit, perfect for enjoying - cool Arizona evenings under the stars. Whether you're hosting a barbecue or simply relaxing, this backyard is designed for both fun and relaxation. For the environmentally conscious, the home is equipped with an EV car charger, offering convenience and efficiency. Plus, the entire front of the house is adorned with custom Oelo lighting, making holiday decorating easy and giving your home a festive glow for any occasion. This home truly has it all, blending modern upgrades with timeless charm in one of Chandler's most desirable locations. Don't miss your chance to make this exceptional property yours!

View Property

5862 E Julep Street Mesa, AZ 85205

$604,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,123 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774298

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Well cared for 4 bedroom in desired Alta Mesa Community: walking distance to schools. Min to 202/60; Mesa Community College, shopping; multiple golf courses. Opt. office in addition to bedrooms. Open floorplan, tile; wood floors in formal dining and living area, vaulted ceilings; shutters throughout. Spacious living rm; updated kitchen with quartz countertops, large island with seating, farmhouse sink, stainless appliances, walk in pantry; breakfast nook. Large primary bedroom: with sitting area, entrance to covered patio; pool. Remodeled primary bathroom: granite, custom cabinets, freestanding tub, frameless shower; barn door to walk in closet. Inviting private backyard features: swimming pool with waterfall; artificial grass. New Roof 2017; Solar Panels 2022, owned, warranty transfers. Dishwasher; microwave; pool robot replaced 2024

View Property

13382 W Blackstone Lane Peoria, AZ 85383

$604,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,752 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6754736

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BEAUTIFULLY upgraded VIBRANT shows Pride of Ownership is move-in ready for you! This lovely home w/NEUTRAL palette thru-out features w/WIDE PLANK tile flooring, split tilt PLANTATION shutters, WALL OF GLASS in Great Rm opens to the PROFESSIONALLY designed R/yard with built-in BBQ, gas FIREPIT, ext. PAVER patio & ARTIFICIAL turf! Gorgeous kitchen features HIGH-END cabinetry, GOURMET GE appliances: w/5 burner COOKTOP, built-in OVEN & SS/MONOGRAM hood. GRANITE c-tops & TILE b-splash complete the space. Primary suite/bath features SOLID core barn door w/full LENGTH mirror, dbl. vanities, UPGRADED shower w/DESIGNER tile, HEAVY glass door & SPACIOUS walk-in closet! Guest bath w/CHEVRON tile pattern, heavy GLASS door & Granite c-top. Spacious Den w/built-in cabinets for add'l storage needs. Laundry room includes upper cabinets & laundry tub. Garage features a 4 foot extension and add'l storage area large enough for golf cart, hobby space or sports equipment. Versatrack hanging wall storage. Additional home upgrades: Professionally landscaped front/year yard including paver walkway, wrought iron fencing in rear yard w/snake fencing, raised garden bed, French drains, PVC irrigation w/poly at hubs to plants, Meyer Lemon & Key Lime fruit tree. 4 large pots on drippers w/wall mounted trellis at front entryway. Owned water softener, great room pre-wired for surround sound including rear patio. Under-cabinet lighting kitchen cabinets, recycle center, custom pullouts, soft close drawers, GE French door refrigerator, LG front loader washer/dryer convey with home. TRILOGY AT VISTANCIA is a resort style 55+ active adult community in NW Peoria. Trilogy has 2 beautiful clubhouses, 2 heated outdoor pools, 1 heated indoor lap pool, 2 fitness centers, fitness classes, tennis courts, pickleball courts and bocce ball courts. Beautifully designed Gary Panks 18 hole Championship Golf Course including V's Taproom. Trilogy offers numerous fitness classes, hosted lifestyle events/trip and numerous clubs ie: STEM Club, History Club, Women's Club, Veteran's Club, Wine Club, Pickleball & Car Club just to name a few! ENJOY THE GOOD LIFE at TRILOGY VISTANCIA!

View Property

3213 W San Cristobal Road Queen Creek, AZ 85144

$603,401

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,357 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6672892

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautifully Landscaped Master Planned Community by Fulton Homes. Located within minutes of major shopping, restaurants, and freeways. Promenade is at the base of the San Tan Mountains. There are Six Parks throughout the community, one of which is an Aquatic Center with a 7,400 square foot pool. Full basketball and sand volley ball courts. Bocce ball court, pickle ball court, and corn hole are available. Ramada's, Tot Lots, BBQ's, an entry waterfall, and acres of landscaped and grass areas make Promenade your Oasis in the Desert. We look forward to meeting you soon.

View Property

7606 W Smoketree Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$602,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,953 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784466

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the exquisite Larkspur floorplan in this stunning single-story home, offering 1,953 sq. ft. of elegant living space. This thoughtfully designed residence features 3 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 modern baths, and a versatile den, perfect for a home office or entertainment area. The heart of the home is the stylish kitchen, complete with sleek gray cabinets, a stainless steel sink tub, and a striking granite island—ideal for entertaining. Enjoy the seamless flow of gray-brown plank tile throughout, enhancing the modern aesthetic. Step outside to relax on the covered patio, perfect for enjoying morning coffee or evening gatherings. The attached two-car garage provides ample storage and convenience.

View Property

16109 W Mohave Street Goodyear, AZ 85338

$602,500

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,959 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6703414

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Enjoy this HOT summer swimming with friends and family! This Beautiful 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath, 3 car garage, RV Gate home is a steel! Don't miss out on this 12,916 Sqft Lot!

View Property

10195 S Bickwell Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$602,368

5 Beds

4 Baths

3,094 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6739955

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover a unique home and buying experience at Laurel at Blossom Rock! This 2-story Heritage design is currently under construction and features a spacious, open-concept floorplan. The inviting kitchen flows seamlessly into a bright great room that opens to a private, covered outdoor space, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The 3-car garage includes a convenient drop zone, and the home offers 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a great room, and a kitchen with an island. Plus, $42,000 in premium upgrades are already included, and special financing options are available. The home is anticipated to be completed by September. Blossom Rock is designed for outdoor living, with community parks, miles of scenic trails, beautiful lakes, and signature events that bring the community together.

View Property

24422 N 142nd Avenue Surprise, AZ 85387

$602,022

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,812 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786907

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6786907 December Completion. Discover the expansive 50RM4 floor plan at Ravenna at Rancho Mercado, designed to elevate your lifestyle. At the heart of this inviting home, a spacious gathering area flows effortlessly into the dining space and a modern kitchen, complete with a central island and a walk-in pantry for added convenience. The adjoining covered back patio offers a tranquil retreat, ideal for outdoor dining or relaxing evenings. The luxurious primary suite is a true haven, featuring dual vanities, a soaking tub, a separate shower, and an oversized walk-in closet. This thoughtful layout also includes a versatile flex room, perfect as a home office or study, and a dedicated teen room adaptable to your unique needs. Structural options include: teen room, 15' x 8' sliding glass door, garage service door, alternative A/C location, and gourmet kitchen.

View Property

264 E Citrus Hollow Way Queen Creek, AZ 85140

$600,741

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,678 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6659762

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

This brand new Valletta model is move-in ready! It features a spacious layout with plenty of natural light. The kitchen is fully equipped with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. It has a gourmet kitchen, gas cooktop and will be the perfect place to entertain your guests. Both bathrooms are highly upgraded with tile surround and upgraded fixtures. The resort collection at Encanterra offers you the perfect balance if you are a seasonal owner or full time. Book your tour today and start living the good life at Encanterra now!

View Property

4284 Ponderosa Trail Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$600,721

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,828 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770314

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to the Flourish floor plan in the Homestead neighborhood, a stunning designer home crafted by the Shea interior design team. This 2 bed, 2 bath home features GE Profile electric built-in appliances & brushed nickel accents throughout. Enjoy upgraded framed mirrors & heavy glass enclosures at both baths, along with upgraded quartz countertops & custom tile mosaics. The kitchen boasts full overlay cabinets, cabinet pullouts, under-cabinet lighting, & a 15ft sliding glass wall in the living room. Additional features include upgraded electrical, extended covered patio, 4ft garage extension, $23k in tile flooring, & nearly $30k in custom landscaping. Visit the Shea sales office for current incentives.

View Property

11620 N 170th Avenue Surprise, AZ 85388

$600,539

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,467 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6720741

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6720741 January 2025 Completion! The Appaloosa floorplan at Paradisi offers 2,467 sq. ft. of living space, featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a 2.5-car garage, and a study. Upon entering the foyer, you'll find secondary bedrooms on one side and a study on the other. Moving further, a stunning courtyard surrounded by your home offers privacy for relaxing or hosting. The open-concept gathering room, kitchen, and dining area form the heart of the home. The owner's suite is separate from the secondary bedrooms, boasting split vanities and a walk-in closet. Enjoy a perfect blend of functionality and elegance in this thoughtfully designed home. Structural options include: paver courtyard, 15' x 8' sliding glass door, upgraded square corners, and rain shower in primary bath.

View Property