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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19026 W Stella Avenue Waddell, AZ 85355

$570,990

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,399 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6745705

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The beautiful Irwin floorplan has a 3 car tandem garage, 4 bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms. 9' ceilings, wood plank style tile floorings throughout the home, 8' interior doors, gourmet kitchen package, kitchen tile backsplash and huge island makes this home the perfect spot to entertain! This home is built zero energy ready with spray foam insulation, 2 x 6 construction and 85% offset solar system included giving you a HERS rating in the single digits! This home gives you almost no energy bill and is ready now!

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23055 E Watford Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$570,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,688 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770743

Property Type Single Family Residence

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To Be Built of our very popular Pebble single story plan. This plan boasts a 3 car garage, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and an office. Build time is approximately 7 months. We offer a full design center experience where you can colorize the home to your liking. Options and upgrades may increase the price of the home. Please ask about our special financing promotions.

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15922 W Electra Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$570,699

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,229 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6719014

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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15922 W Electra Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$570,687

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,229 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770484

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Escalante! New Home Ready for immediate Occupancy. This single level 2229 SF, 4 BR, 3 BA with a 3 car garage is located on an interior NS facing homesite surrounded by single level homes, NO two Stories! Exciting included features! Upgraded white cabinets, 42'' Uppers, Granite Countertops, Tile Backsplash, Plank Tile on the floors in all traffic areas! 10' ceilings, 8' interior doors,, garage service door, large extended patio, tankless water heater, front yard landscaping with drip system, PLUS so much more. Neighborhood includes tree lined streets, Parks and Aquatic Center. Energy Star & Indoor Air Plus Certified for more energy savings! 5 Star Resort Style Amenities include, hiking trails, Aquatic Center, 8 select parks, Picnic Ramada's, Basketball, 3 Pickle Ball courts, bocce ball courts, 18 hole disc golf course, and a Zip Line for the kiddos! This home is Energy Star and Indoor Air Plus qualified. Includes full Builder Warranties plus so much More..

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11226 E Posada Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$570,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,718 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6728991

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Live your best life in the lovely Sunland Springs Village (SSV) 55+ Adult Community. This cozy 2 bd/2bth plus den has all the right touches. Pride of Ownership on Display! Enjoy the Living Area with Electric Fireplace; Porcelain Tile Wall, Stunning Wall of Glass looks out to Extended Patio w/ Travertine Tile, Pergola and 2 firepits. Stellar landscape design; Lush yard with sweet orange and lemon trees. Solar Roof Panels provide energy saving benefits. Plantation shutters adorn the windows. Extended kitchen with granite countertops and energy efficient appliances. This is not just a house but a HOME! Enjoy resort like community amenities: Rec Center, Clubhouse, Ping Pong, Billiards, Golf, Tennis, Pickleball, Shuffleboard, Heated Pools, Jacuzzi, Exercize Rooms, Yoga; SSV has it all! This is a Must See! Please visit the SSV HOA website to learn about the many clubs and activities available in this active adult community:

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20515 N 264th Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$570,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,095 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741698

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

VALUE! PAID SOLAR LEASE, PAID CFD, NEWER HVAC AND APPLIANCES. This 2 bed/2 bath/Den Destiny model has fabulous golf course views and sets on a quiet street yet it's close to the Sage Recreation Center, the Grill and the Golf shop (location, location, location). This is a quality Del Webb built home with many upgrades. See a more complete list in the Documents tab.

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4216 N 27th Street Unit 106 Phoenix, AZ 85016

$570,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,683 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756185

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

This stunning and spacious townhouse is situated in the Biltmore area and boasts impressive 18-foot ceilings in the main living room, a cozy fireplace, and 10-foot ceilings in each of the bedrooms as well as a two-car garage with epoxy flooring. The expansive primary bedroom includes a private balcony, a generous walk-in closet, and a bathroom featuring an oversized soaking tub and recently remodeled shower. The charming courtyard has been enhanced with turf and pavers, creating a lovely outdoor retreat. Conveniently located near restaurants, shopping, the airport, and major freeways, this home is situated in an exclusive part of Phoenix, in close proximity to Arcadia, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley.

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1150 S Karen Lane Gilbert, AZ 85296

$570,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,593 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767613

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful, and very well-maintained home in a great location! Home features big open space with vaulted ceiling. kitchen with stainless steel appliances and lots of cabinets with granite counter tops. A nice size master suite with walk-in closet and private access to backyard, and sparkling pool with waterfall feature. Three bedrooms plus an office. Easy maintenance front and backyard landscape. Home located in a nice quiet cul de sac. Move in ready with NEW roof (2021), AC unit (2022), water heater (2024), and irrigation system (2023) throughout the lot with extra new lines for future planting. Greenfield Lakes has an executive length 18-hole golf course and driving range. Located near Santan Mall, Top Ranked Restaurants, and highly desired School District!

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20414 E Happy Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$570,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,185 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781013

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Fantastic breathtaking mountain views, over an acre of property and NO HOA!!! Size does allow for horses. Spacious floor plan! Master has two separate bathrooms! Kitchen open to family room, tons of cabinet space. Corner Lot. North South facing exposure. Entire property surrounded by no climb fence. This home boasts with updates throughout. This property provides a blank canvas for anyone to make this their dream property! Conveniently close to amenities.

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11169 N Par Drive Tucson, AZ 85737

$570,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,904 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781986

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Spacious 5 bedroom, 3 bath home with a 3 car garage. Open floorplan with family room and formal dining room/living room. Open kitchen with breakfast nook. One large bedroom downstairs and the rest of the bedrooms upstairs. Master suite upstairs with large walk in closet and balcony overlooking the backyard and pool. Landscaped front and backyard with no backyard neighbors. Come show today.

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17416 E Windstone Trail Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$570,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,331 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783005

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

HOME IS COMPLETE AND MOVE IN READY NEW BUILD ON AN ACRE AND A QUARTER LOT WITH BREATHTAKING MOUNTAIN VIEWS. THIS 4 BEDROOM HOME HAS 2331 SQFT, OPEN KITCHEN WITH UPGRADED CABINETS, ISLAND, GRANITE COUNTERS, STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES, DOUBLE OVENS, 36'' COOKTOP, CUSTOM EXHAUST HOOD, MICROWAVE, FARMER SINK AND A WALK IN PANTRY. GREAT ROOM WITH FIREPLACE. MASTER BEDROOM HAS A LARGE WALK IN CLOSET, 36'' HIGH VANITY WITH DUAL SINKS AND GRANITE TOPS, SEPARATE TUB/SHOWER WITH TILE SURROUNDS. EXTRA LARGE LAUNDRY ROOM WITH DEEP SINK.

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1724 W Hemingway Lane Anthem, AZ 85086

$570,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,168 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785447

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled in the heart of the desirable Anthem Parkside neighborhood, this spacious 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers a blend of comfort and convenience. Located directly across from a beautiful park, it provides serene views and easy access to outdoor recreation right at your doorstep. This home has been recently updated with a brand-new AC unit, water heater, and fresh paint throughout, ensuring energy efficiency and a fresh, modern feel. The master bathroom has also been completely renovated, providing a luxurious retreat within the home. With plenty of space for family and guests alike, this home is move-in ready and primed for memorable gatherings and everyday relaxation.

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