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

15035 S 178th Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$560,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,124 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6731532

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your stunning new 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in the sought-after Estrella Mountain at Vidrio by Landsea. This High Performance Home offers breathtaking mountain views and a chef's kitchen with endless counter space, walk-in pantry, 42'' Dusk shaker cabinets, hexagon backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and white quartz countertops. With 9ft ceilings and plenty of windows, the home is filled with natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. Modern design touches and the latest in-home technology ensure a stylish and efficient living experience. Don't miss out - this gem won't be on the market for long!

View Property

8345 E Oak Street Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$560,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,305 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751765

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come check out this lovely remodeled home in Old Town Scottsdale! Cosmetic and functional updates throughout with a beautiful real grass backyard! Updates include a new roof in 2022, upgraded electrical system, new water main, new drainage system, fresh interior and exterior paint, new flooring throughout, renovated bathrooms, dual-pane windows and doors, updated paneled wall. Added Bonus you can jump on the Scottsdale Trolley right across the street! It's free to ride and will take you to numerous set locations. From Dr.s Appts, to school, into town and more! Come see what this beautiful home has to offer!!

View Property

33376 N Jamie Lane San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$560,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,251 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766205

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom, 2-story home in a vibrant community offering breathtaking mountain views! With 3,251 sq. ft. of expansive living space, this home features a den, loft, and plenty of room for everyone. The airy and bright interior boasts tall ceilings, neutral paint, and huge low-e dual-pane windows that flood the space with natural light. The upstairs primary suite includes a full bathroom. The kitchen features granite countertops, a walk-in pantry, a kitchen island, formal dining space, and a breakfast bar. Step outside to the covered patio, is perfect for unwinding as you overlook the sparkling saltwater heated pool, grassy backyard and stunning mountain scenery. The community offers fantastic amenities, including a playground, clubhouse, pool, and more

View Property

22459 E Calle De Flores -- Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$560,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,942 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761841

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Perfectly situated in the highly sought after family friendly community of Meridian in Queen Creek, you'll find this stunning 4 bedroom, 2 bath home which boasts luxurious upgrades and amenities. This home features an open layout, perfect for entertaining, with high ceilings and plenty of natural light streaming in from the three sliding glass doors leading in the beautiful backyard with your own pool, citrus trees, & view fence, with no neighbors directly behind! Inside, enjoy the gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, walk in pantry and convenient island/breakfast bar. The primary suite features upgraded bathroom with a walk in shower and a comfortable soaking tub. The remaining bedrooms are spacious and inviting with a shared bathroom

View Property

18926 N 259th Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$560,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,907 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769286

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Haven model comes furnished with a heated pool, solar and a lot more. Located on the mountain side of Sun City Festival, the area's premier 55+ active adult community, you can move right in and start enjoying a vibrant lifestyle with incredible amenities. This home features well over $200,000 in furnishings, builder, and homeowner upgrades. It's 1,907 sf includes 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and a den. Interior upgrades include French doors with sidelights at the den, a built-in entertainment unit, 8-foot doors, SS gas cooktop, upgraded charcoal-colored cabinets, granite, fixtures, lighting and electrical. The back patio includes roll-down sunshades and awnings. The side patio features a wall, gate, and pergola. The tandem garage includes built-in shelving, epoxy floors and soft water system.

View Property

1516 E Dublin Street Gilbert, AZ 85295

$560,000

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,152 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766388

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Enjoy Arizona's heavenly weather and fun entertainment in this gorgeous move-in ready home! After being welcomed in by the lovely paved & turfed yard, this immaculate home has a spacious feel with light color tones. This newer 2020 build consists of all 3 bedrooms with their own ensuite restrooms and walk-in closets!!! Tons of storage space throughout, a convenient half bath downstairs and upstairs laundry. Just minutes away from the freeway, downtown Gilbert, and San Tan Village...This gorgeous and peaceful community comes with a heated pool for your enjoyment. What a dream! Even all the furnishings available on a separate bill of sale!

View Property

7832 E Osage Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$560,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,313 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782211

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This spacious family home features four large bedrooms and two bathrooms within 2,313 square feet, including a front living room and a separate family room that opens to the kitchen. The eat-in kitchen boasts ample oak cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a tile backsplash, a center island, and a sizable walk-in pantry. Sliding doors open to the covered patio and expansive backyard, which includes a private pool and the privacy of no neighbors behind. The generous primary bedroom offers a double door entry, a private backyard exit, and an en-suite bathroom with a dual sink vanity and a shower. Additional highlights include tile and laminate floors, vaulted ceilings, water softening and reverse osmosis systems, and a two-car garage with cabinets.

View Property

2114 S El Marino -- Mesa, AZ 85202

$560,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,822 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769790

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Remodeled home in prime location! New luxury vinyl flooring and baseboards, new carpet*Gormet kitchen with new stainless appliances, quartz countertops, modern wood shelving, recessed lighting, white shaker cabs, pendant lighting, large island with breakfast bar and extra storage, built in microwave all open to a dining/living room perfect for entertaining*Oversized master bedroom w/private exit to backyard, oversized closet*New bathroom vanities in both bathrooms*Cozy wood burning fireplace*Picture windows throughout bringing in natural sunlight*Freshly painted inside and out*New landscaping*Peaceful atrium with private access from the bedrooms and entrance*New fans/fixtures/interior doors*

View Property

11016 W Harrison Street Avondale, AZ 85323

$560,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,720 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774304

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Coming soon! Discover this stunning Tourmaline home with an expansive, inviting backyard featuring pavers, artificial turf, and ample space for outdoor living. This beautifully designed home offers a convenient downstairs bedroom and full bath, perfect for a guest suite. An entertainer's dream, it boasts a spacious open-concept great room ideal for hosting gatherings. The modern kitchen shines with quartz countertops, 42'' cabinets, and a sleek, stylish design perfect for cooking and entertaining. Walking distance to the Avondale Aquatic Center! Don't miss this opportunity to own a beautifully crafted home with impressive features inside and out!

View Property

4037 E Marshall Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85297

$560,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,980 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774788

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't miss this single level 4 bedroom home in the desirable Power Ranch neighborhood in Gilbert. This home has been lovingly taken care of and upgraded throughout. Enjoy summer days in the sparkling pool and beautifully landscaped backyard. Power Ranch neighborhood offers gorgeous parks, community pools, and walking/biking trails. Located in Higley Unified School district with highly rated schools. You will love everything about this home and neighborhood.

View Property

4518 E Ivanhoe Street Gilbert, AZ 85295

$560,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,426 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776195

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this charming 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 2 Car garage w/ Huge backyard, Full of potential! Situated in a sought-after area of Gilbert, this property features a spacious layout with plenty of room for family living and entertaining. While it hasn't been updated, its solid structure and care make it an excellent canvas for your personal touches. Enjoy the convenience of nearby schools, parks, and local amenities in this friendly neighborhood. Being sold as-is, this home offers a unique opportunity for buyers ready to invest in their vision. Don't miss the chance to turn this well-kept house into your dream home!

View Property

5028 E Roy Rogers Road Cave Creek, AZ 85331

New

$560,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,227 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779786

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't miss out on this updated home in Tatum Ranch on a quiet street. Home has a brand new roof, fresh paint on interior and exterior, hardwood flooring throughout, renovated bathrooms, new lighting, new Anderson windows, new landscaping in front yard, new drip system, added a BBQ Grill, R/O system, new blinds in each room, epoxy garage floor and so much more! Home is in meticulous condition, and perfect for the second home located so close to North Scottsdale shopping, horse back riding barns, Mayo Clinic, Desert Ridge, and 101 freeway access. Charming backyard has built-in gas BBQ Island, and firepit. Office/Den is the perfect size to make a 3rd bedroom if needed. Inquire about costs, we have a plan all ready for you! Ready for you to move into!

View Property