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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41225 N 253rd Avenue Morristown, AZ 85342

$595,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,456 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772930

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Discover the perfect blend of modern living and western charm in this 2021-built home, situated on a sprawling 3.9-acre horse property in Morristown, AZ. With 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this home offers an open, inviting floor plan and mountain views from every angle. Horse enthusiasts will love the six spacious horse pens, all equipped with power and water supply, along with a convenient round pen for training. Enjoy serene evenings on the covered patio, taking in the picturesque surroundings. This property not only provides a tranquil rural lifestyle but also the opportunity for future development, as it can be split. Whether you're looking to expand or create a custom space, the possibilities are endless. Great opportunity to own a move-in ready home on prime horse property just a short drive from the conveniences of town!

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279 S Lyman Court Casa Grande, AZ 85194

New

$595,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,382 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787541

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

''SMOKING HOT DEAL ON A STUNNING CUSTOM HOME W/ BRAND NEW HVAC, This Luxurious Custom 4 Bdrm/3 Bath/ 3 Car Garage Home is Situated on a Fully Block Fenced, Cul- De Sac, FLOOD IRRIGATED 1.25 Acre Corner Lot, In A Popular, Custom Home Only, Horse Friendly, Community w/ NO HOA & Just 6 Miles From the 1-10 Freeway & Shopping Mall! Boasting Gorgeous Mountain Views, Amazing Sunrises & Sunsets, As Well As A Gorgeous Desert Scaped Backyard w/ Extended Patio, & Upgraded Screen Covering That Shades The Perfect Play & Picnic Area (Accented w/ Turf) & Still Offering space for Livestock, Gardening, Tractors & Trailers, As It Also Has a Full Circular Gravel Drive w/ Room For a Workshop or Pool & PAID OFF SOLAR PANELS!

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23851 W Tether Trail Surprise, AZ 85387

$595,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,432 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741026

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Over 4 Acres of Horse Property with NO HOA. This beautiful home features a spacious floor plan with 4 bedrooms + den, 3 baths, (jack n jill bed/bath), front room, living room (with built in mini bar), dining room, & large kitchen with a sky light, lots of cabinets and an island. The master bath has separate shower and jetted soaking garden tub and double sinks. The den has a dual entrance to front room and the master bedroom (great for a private office or workout room) Also a detached 3 car garage and RV gate. Bring your horses, toys & RV's. 3 sheds out back by the covered horse stalls that are staying with the property. Enjoy country living and amazing views. This sale consists of 2 lots each is aprx 2 acres. Each lot has a share in the shared well. Don't miss out on this one.

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16846 W Molly Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$595,000

6 Beds

5 Baths

3,029 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772326

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Rare opportunity in fast growing Surprise, Arizona - 2023 built Landsea home with **ATTACHED CASITA** complete with private entrance and exit perfect for renting, out of state guests, or multi generational living. Tired of waiting on long build times for new construction? This energy efficient, move in ready house is your solution! With over $75K in upgrades including chefs kitchen, luxury cabinetry, upgraded tile flooring, tons of Smart Home features and open concept layout, this will be the perfect place for gatherings and entertaining with plenty of space for everyone. When you combine all of this with an incredible location in the Sunrise community lined with parks, trails, and plenty of open space, this one has everything you need!

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3556 E Shedd Road Eloy, AZ 85131

$595,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,600 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6634975

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Farm property with 12.91 irrigated acres. Great for growing hay or for irrigated pastures. The 3 bedroom 2 bath ground set manufactured home offers views of the Picacho Mountains with full length covered patios front and rear. The large modern kitchen includes island and hanging pan rack, custom cabinets, extra wide refrigerator, stainless steel appliances, and walk in pantry. The great room has vaulted ceilings and pellet burning wood stove. The master suite comes with separate shower and tub, walk in closet. The tall hay barn allows for plenty of hay storage and includes RV space with its own septic. The separate 2 car garage/workshop provides plenty of work space, and two 40' Connex boxes with space in between for a vehicle provide extra storage. All served by 400 amp service.

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706 E Washington Street Unit 105 Phoenix, AZ 85034

$595,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,876 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6686087

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Are you a sports fan? Want to live closer to work, college or the airport in downtown Phoenix? This is your chance! This townhouse is in the heart of it all! Just a few minutes away from Chase Stadium sporting events, museums, fine dining, light rail and more. This home consists of 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 2 car tandem garage. At 1,876 sf townhome has unique side yard for pets - rare find in the downtown area. The home has 20' ceilings, large loft and a balcony outside Master bedroom with exceptional views of the city. The kitchen boasts upgraded cabinets with beautiful hardware, stainless steel appliances and separate laundry room. THIS IS A RARE FIND!

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6401 W Campbell Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85033

$595,000

8 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,460 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6743583

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Take a look at this remodel home with new appliances, A/C, Windows, doors, bathrooms vanities and much more. This property consists of three separate living spaces. Two of 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom and two bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Each unit has its own private entrance and separate back yard for each unit. This is good opportunity for someone that would like to generate some income that will pay for the mortgage and possible have some cash flow. Seller has two prospective tenants paying $2,200 a month for each unit.

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5435 W Michigan Avenue Glendale, AZ 85308

New

$595,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,325 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787935

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome Home to Michigan Avenue in the sought after Miramonte 1 neighborhood. This gorgeous four-bedroom, three-bathroom, three car garage home is ready for its next family. Curb appeal starts the experience here, from the mature tree to the river rock ''river'', and the welcoming front patio area, just by pulling up you will begin to feel right at home. Head inside and you will walk into an impressive foyer area with a tiled mosaic inlay. From this spot you can head into the first of two living room spaces and formal dining room area. The vaulted ceiling space is bright and airy while natural lighting streams through the large windows. Off the dining room area, you will head into a combo eat-in kitchen and family room area. CONTINUED The kitchen boasts a plethora of kitchen cabinets that is perfect for storage, modern slate appliances, undermount sink, and a gas stove! The family room has a stoned fireplace that is perfect for cozy fires as the weather cools down. The first floor has a full bath with a bedroom as well. Head upstairs and you will step onto the landing with large built in cabinet system that will be perfect all your linens. Two similarly sized rooms, one with a walk-in closet, share a recently updated Jack and Jill bathroom with double sinks, updated modern lightening and classy gray/white cabinetry and marble countertop combination. Head into the master suite and prepare to relax. Enter through a double door entrance and you step into a vaulted area space that is filled with sunshine. The attached recently remodeled en suite was made with relaxation in mind. The massive walk-in shower includes a marble bench. The same modern cabinet and countertop scheme carries into the master en suite. The walk-in closet is also conveniently with in this space. Let's head outside under the covered patio to enjoy the low maintenance backyard space. Desert landscaping adds the perfect splash of color while ensuring that you will not be spending all weekend taking care of the yard. The patio leads right to the crystal blue pool and spa area. A mature tree provides shade to the back of the house and there is even an open area that would be perfect for a swing set or just for kids and pets to play in. This house had both AC's and the roof replaced four years ago. They have also remodeled the bathrooms, done updates on the pool, and gotten a new water heater. This house has been loved and well maintained.

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8053 E Natal Avenue Mesa, AZ 85209

$595,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,995 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6773042

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This gorgeous home has a true deep 3 car garage. The kitchen overlooks a large, vaulted living room and dining room. The kitchen also is vaulted and shows upgraded cabinets, quarts countertops, breakfast bar, designer tile backsplash, upgraded stainless steel appliances and much more. 24'' designer tile flooring in all traffic areas. Newer roof and A/C.

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2446 W Myopia Drive Anthem, AZ 85086

$595,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

1,686 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768948

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Walking distance to Persimmon clubhouse. 3 bedroon 3 bath includes an oversized casita for guests. Meticulously kept & highly upgraded. Spacious great room floorplan w/ Plantation Shutters. Custom neutral paint, ceiling fans, tile & carpet flooring throughout. Kitchen has granite counters & built in microwave with breakfast bar, pantry, lots of storage, & Water Softener. Master Bedroom with Large Walk-In Closet, remodeled shower, dual vanities. Interior laundry has plenty of room for extra storage. The resort style backyard has a heated pool with jets. Pavers in all the right places. The rear yard offers tranquil surroundings and is perfect for enjoying the serene natural beauty of the desert. Wash lot offers breathtaking views of Daisy Mountain

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41961 W Lucera Lane Maricopa, AZ 85138

$595,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

4,283 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769687

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning home with Pool, Workshop, and 4-Car Garage in Glennwilde. PRE PAID SOLAR.. enjoy the benefits of solar without a payment! Welcome to this expansive 4-bedroom home, plus a den and a loft, located in the desirable Glennwilde community of Maricopa. This home offers a spacious layout perfect for any lifestyle. Downstairs, you'll find a formal dining room, a breakfast nook, and a large kitchen featuring rich cherry cabinets, dark granite countertops, and plenty of cabinet space. There's also a bedroom and a full bathroom on the first floor for added convenience as well as an office that could easily be converted into a 5th bedroom. Upstairs, the oversized loft provides flexible space for a home office, playroom, or anything your heart desires. The built-in desk in the hallway adds a practical touch. The oversized master bedroom include a separate sitting area, ideal for an office or additional lounging space. The master bathroom boasts a large soaking tub, separate vanities, and a massive walk-in closet. Sitting on over a quarter-acre, the backyard is one of the largest in Maricopa. It features a large pool with a seating bench and water feature, a serene rock waterfall pond, a gazebo with a cozy sitting area, a workshop, and a covered patio with pull-down shade screens. There's plenty of room to create your dream outdoor oasis. A rare 4-car garage provides ample space for vehicles, storage, and toys. Located in Glennwilde, the community offers 2 sparkling pools, walking paths, and is within walking distance of Pacana Park. Don't miss this rare find in one of Maricopa's most sought-after neighborhoods!

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4696 W Buckskin Drive Eloy, AZ 85131

$595,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,322 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768956

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Popular Miramonte home with many extras, including a 4 ft. extended two-car garage with a mini-split, epoxy flooring, a third garage with a mini split and epoxy flooring. Whole house water filtration & tankless water heater. This spacious two bedroom, Den and 2.5 baths has an open floor plan is perfect for entertaining or just relaxing. The kitchen has lots of cabinet space, quartz countertop, stainless steel appliances and a large walk-in pantry. The backyard is a must see. Beautiful outdoor living space, with an extended large patio with pavers & electric blinds. Partially fenced for privacy. No pets have lived in this home and no one has smoked in this home.

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