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.house_f4nehsc_large_large

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

37200 N Cave Creek Road Unit 2120 Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$2,695,900 - 2Br/4Ba -  for Sale in Desert Mountain, Scottsdale
Open House
$2,695,900
2 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,702 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6554592
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
New Construction! The Pinnacle floor plan, upper middle unit has 2 beds plus study, 3.5 baths, 2 car garage w/storage area. This home has the largest covered patio of all three plans offered at the Retreat. The expansive, sliding pocket doors off the great room let the outdoors in. There is a cozy outdoor fireplace on patio. South facing unit with jaw dropping views of Pinnacle Peak and Black Mountains. All this while overlooking the Seven golf course . Steps away from the Seven Clubhouse and Pro Shop. Membership to Desert Mountain Club is required. All properties in the Seven Desert Mountain community are deed restricted to include the requirements of Membership to Desert Mountain Club. Membership application required along with approval.

41915 N 111th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$2,695,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,579 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6710926
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This stunning contemporary home, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, features a great room plan with seamless indoor/outdoor living and breathtaking views of the McDowell Mountains, Pinnacle Peak, sunsets, and city lights. The expansive outdoor area boasts a large covered patio, perfect for entertaining or relaxing by the lap pool. Inside, you'll find top-of-the-line kitchen appliances, hardwood and travertine floors, vaulted ceilings in the living room, a home office, his and her closets in the master bedroom, and ample storage throughout the home and garage. Some furniture available by separate agreement. Fenced backyard is perfect for pets. Owner has a Lifestyle Membership.

7120 E Kierland Boulevard Unit 1203 Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$2,695,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,000 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6725497
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Enjoy stunning MOUNTAIN VIEWS in this 2 bed, 2.5 bath penthouse unit at Optima Kierland. With 2000 sqft of luxurious space, unit offers 2 master suites, den, spacious kitchen, family & dining rooms. Top notch finishes include wide plank oak flooring, 10 ft ceilings, quartz counters, Bosch appliances, & Wolf induction cooktop. Tons of nature light inside with floor to ceiling windows & 400 sqft of outdoor space. Optima Kierland offers the ultimate in urban luxury lifestyle living within walking distance to shops & dining at Kierland Commons & Scottsdale Quarter. Amenities include basketball, electronic driving range, exercise facility, rooftop pool, concierge, & more. Unit comes complete with 2 parking spaces & storage unit. Come join the Optima Kierland club & lifestyle!

20647 E Pummelos Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$2,695,000
5 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,889 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6755396
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Looking for a home better than the model?! THIS IS IT. Boasting over $350,000 in interior upgrades + $850,000 in exterior upgrades above and beyond what the builder offers, this stunning home will blow you away. Located in the luxury-GATED community of Bridle Ranch, this one-of-a-kind property checks all of your boxes for luxury living: 5 car garage, detached guesthouse, attached casita, game room, office, Sub Zero & Wolf Appliances, weight room, pool, spa, firepit, garden, and the list goes on and on. Additionally, the property can be sold completely turnkey, fully furnished, allowing you to move in with ease. Please check out the ''Documents'' section to see a list of all the upgrades to this property as the list is extensive. Inside, the floorplan provides an expansive great room as the central hub, with the kids' wing and parents' wing split on different sides of the house. The kitchen overlooks the great room and includes unique Calcutta Gold marble countertops, top of the line Wolf/Sub Zero appliance set including a Scotsman ice maker which is definitely needed living in the desert! Did I mention the house was extended 4 ft in the back making the play room and primary suite much larger? The primary bedroom provides a peaceful retreat, and the gorgeous primary bathroom with a gorgeous shower and an enormous wrap around walk-in closet that also connects directly to the laundry room for added convenience. The laundry room is one of a kind for the floor plan as the owners expanded it and fully customized it complete with a built-in side-by-side stainless steel freezer/refrigerator. On the east wing of the house, you will have two spacious bedrooms connected by Jack and Jill bathroom, and a large playroom perfect for the kids having friends over. As you exit to the backyard through your luxury pocket door, you are set up perfectly for Arizona living with the perfect indoor/outdoor blended experience. Designed by Creative Environments, the owners spared no expense in the backyard. They had a custom-built detached guesthouse including an extended two car garage bay with access directly into it from the back of your lot, perfect for storing trailers, ATV's, four wheelers, etc. The other side is a fully functioning weightroom complete with a full bathroom! The north side of this guesthouse is overlooks the pool and backyard, is shaded, and a great place to entertain with a kitchen and TV. A gorgeous fire pit right off of the spa makes for a perfect area of relaxation in your private backyard oasis as you soak in the mountain views to the south. The pool and spa both are heated. And don't forget about the garden flanking both sides of the Guesthouse for the garden enthusiasts out there! This home has so many upgrades and is truly one of a kind! Located in a welcoming community, this offers easy access to local amenities while providing the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor living. Don't miss the opportunity to own this incredible property!

9216 E Sky Line Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$2,695,000
5 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,700 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6775457
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Golf membership to Desert Mountain available. This custom contemporary designed by award winning architect Tor Barstad has 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths including casita, and sits on a private golf course lot In the village of Gamble Quail. The spacious and light filled living and dining rooms open up to a covered patio with pool, BBQ with outdoor dining. The Primary Suite features a fireplace, his and her bathrooms and walk-in closets. The enormous kitchen features knotty alder cabinets, fireplace, granite countertops and a view of Black Mountain. Separate casita for extra private guest visits! Oversized three car garage for all your outdoor adventures. Village of Gambel Quail location offers convenience to Desert Mountain's main gate for quick access to offsite shopping & dining, as well as community amenities including golf, biking and hiking trails, Ranch amenities and The Sonoran Fitness Center with spa, pickleball, tennis, swimming. fitness facilities and MUCH more.

29630 N 107th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$2,695,000
4 Beds
5 Baths
4,551 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776498
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
True to design Arizona architecture with expansive views of Pinnacle Peak and Troon Mountain on an acre lot in Troon North's premier gated community of Talus. A custom designed open concept floor plan of the kitchen and family room allows plenty of space for entertaining and a wall of glass that opens up provides indoor/outdoor living spaces to enjoy comfortable and casual upscale living. The kitchen brings the outdoors in with natural light, a large island to gather around, large walk in pantry, stainless appliances, knotty alder cabinets and large breakfast area overlooking the backyard. A round dining room takes in the beauty of the natural desert landscape in the front of the house with a sit up bar that looks out to the living area and a separate shower, and a large closet. A split floor plan all on one level with two ample size guest bedrooms and ensuite baths and large laundry room with a window. The third bedroom is currently an office and has access to an adjacent full bath. The backyard makes it easy to relax with complete privacy, a heated negative edge pool, outdoor fireplace, built-in barbeque, natural desert landscape and southern exposure to capture the unobstructed mountain views. Walking distance to the Brown Ranch Trailhead and in close proximity to prestigious golf clubs and fine dining establishments. Embrace Arizona Living at its finest.

15215 N Kierland Boulevard Unit 531 Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$2,695,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,162 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6782646
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Welcome to Kierland Plaza Lofts, Residence 531—a stunning corner unit offering an exceptional living experience just steps from the lively main street of Kierland. This meticulously remodeled 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom condo exudes timeless elegance, showcasing exquisite quartzite countertops, premium Wolf stainless steel appliances, engineered hardwood floors, and expansive windows and sliding doors that fill the home with natural light. With a southwest orientation, this unit boasts captivating views of multiple mountain ranges, the Kierland golf course, and the city lights. The kitchen is a chef's dream, featuring a Wolf gas cooktop, built-in microwave, ample cabinetry, a Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer, and a wine tower. The open-concept main living area flows seamlessly from the kitchen to the formal dining and living spaces, perfect for entertaining. The primary bedroom enjoys breathtaking mountain views and added privacy with electronic sunshades and a blackout screen. The luxurious primary bathroom is a true retreat, with marble vanities and floors, a spacious shower, a standalone bathtub, and a generous walk-in closet. The guest suite, which can double as a home office, also offers remarkable views and a large walk-in closet with custom built-ins. The residence includes two parking spaces and a dedicated interior storage unit. As a resident of Kierland Plaza Lofts, enjoy premium amenities including on-site concierge services, a fully equipped fitness center, a heated pool and spa, spacious outdoor sundecks, private BBQ stations, and a designated dog area. Shopping and dining are just outside your door, inviting you to embrace the vibrant Kierland Lofts lifestyle.

5145 N 71st Place Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$2,695,000 - 3Br/4Ba -  for Sale in Via Vista, Paradise Valley
New
$2,695,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,511 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6784634
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Your Paradise Valley Oasis awaits in the private gated enclave of Via Vista. The scent of jasmine and fresh flowers draws you into the front courtyard where both the main house and casita overlook this tranquil and inviting space. Open concept living with high ceilings and abundant natural light make this the perfect home away from home with space to relax and entertain. The gourmet kitchen, family room and dining room all look onto the center piazza with a heated spa that cascades into the sparkling pool; ideal for cool afternoon dips or nightcaps under the star filled desert sky. The split floor plan offers two master suites along with a private office with its own entry. The guest casita is equally spacious with a full family room with cooktop and separate bedroom area. Escape to the backyard to grill or garden in this lush and welcoming space. Walking distance to endless restaurants and shops and minutes from all that Scottsdale and Paradise Valley have to offer.

8337 E La Senda Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$2,695,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
3,666 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6771184
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Situated on a premier golf course lot with much desired southern exposure, this superb, remodeled with an addition immaculate 3 bedroom, 3 bath plus office home is located in coveted Pinnacle Peak Country Club Estates. From the moment you drive up to the beautifully landscaped entrance with circular drive, 3 car side entrance garage and private gated courtyard you will want to call this home. In addition to the perfect location this exceptional property is the perfect blend of cozy charm and space for large gatherings offering a comfortable Living room with fireplace vaulted ceiling and dining area and the spacious Family Room which is open to the kitchen is surrounded by windows and boasts a fireplace, dining area and access to the backyard covered patio. Fully equipped kitchen features granite counters, double ovens, SS appliances and pantry. Primary bedroom has access to the backyard and primary bathroom has double sinks and walk-in shower. Guest bedroom has access to it's own bathroom and third bedroom currently being used as a den has access to the hall bath. The large backyard with covered patio and built-in-BBQ is great for entertaining or quietly enjoying the golf course and mountain views. And all is conveniently located close to shopping, dining, golf and the loop 101.

17805 N 92nd Street Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$2,695,000
4 Beds
4 Baths
3,547 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6783008
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This stunning DC Ranch Estates home boasts a rare and highly sought-after floorplan that has been ''bumped out'' with additional square footage throughout, creating an expansive, open atmosphere at every turn. This recently remodeled four bedroom, four bath home combines modern sophistication with warmth and comfort. It features a spacious open-concept kitchen, dining room, and great room, with a large opening seamlessly connecting the indoor and outdoor living spaces. Throughout the home, you'll find wide plank European Oak engineered hardwood floors, warm dim recessed lighting with 3'' square trims, Legrand Adorne switches, and sleek, custom flush-mount HVAC registers. Solid wood interior doors with Emtek hardware add another layer of refinement to the home. The chef's kitchen is a true masterpiece, showcasing elegant marble and granite countertops, a striking marble slab backsplash, and an oversized island. It is equipped with top-tier appliances, under-shelf LED warm dim lighting, and a discreet, yet large and highly functional walk-in pantry. The kitchen opens to an expansive great room, featuring a new 14' sliding door with four panels, offering an uninterrupted connection to the back yard. Two custom-built desk spaces along with luxurious window treatments and lighting elevate the ambiance of this impressive entertaining space. This home boasts a luxurious primary en-suite, a guest en-suite, and two additional bedrooms sharing a beautifully finished dual-vanity bathroom. The primary bath is a spa-like retreat with a spacious double-sink vanity, a freestanding tub, and a shower with dual rain heads. A custom drop zone near the laundry room combines style and practicality, keeping clutter neatly tucked away. The home's gym opens through french doors to a private backyard oasis, providing the perfect indoor-outdoor workout experience. The backyard has been completely transformed with limestone patio and pool decking, a modernized pool finish, new LED pool lighting, a new pool heater, lush new landscaping, and a 4-hole putting green with chipping area. Please refer to the Documents Tab for a comprehensive list of all upgrades throughout the home. A personal tour of this residence will offer a true experience of the exceptional level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines this renovation.

6050 W Saskan Ranch Circle Flagstaff, AZ 86001

$2,695,000
6 Beds
6 Baths
6,250 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6764733
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Pickleball Anyone? This home boasts it's own pickle ball court on nearly 5 acres in Saskan Ranch, perfect for indoor and outdoor living and entertaining. Main house has 3 levels with 2 bedrooms on each, all but one are en suites. Downstairs features a bonus room, theatre room and kitchenette. Outdoors there is a sports court (pickleball, volleyball,basketball). Over the garage there is a bunk room and bath that could also be used as an office. Huge RV garage for outdoor toys, large enough for a boat or multiple vehicles. AC, kitchen appliances, 1 water heater and carpet in above garage bunk room all replaced in last 2 years. Waste system is a Wisconsin Mound. ( main house approximately 5400 square feet, bunk room 850 square feet, approximately.

37200 N Cave Creek Road Unit 2124 Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$2,690,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,721 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6676629
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
This exquisite upper-level corner residence is meticulously designed to integrate the beauty of the outdoors with the comfort of the indoors. Awe-inspiring views of the surroundings are a highlight, made even more spectacular by the stackable sliding doors that seamlessly connect the large outdoor patio to the cozy interior. Overlooking the 3rd fairway and surrounded by mountains, this space is perfect for both entertaining guests and enjoying moments of solitude. Conveniently located on the right side of the building, the residence is equipped with an elevator, ensuring easy access from the garage to your living space.

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