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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4422 W Adobe Drive Eloy, AZ 85131

$559,900

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,198 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769583

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This lovely home features upgraded kitchen appliances with 42'' cabinets, convection oven, under cabinet lighting, wall mounted hood and quartz counter tops. Flooring has wood-looking tile and upgraded carpeting in the bedrooms. The back patio is fully screened to create your Arizona room where you can relax and listen to the water feature in the back yard and look out on the desert common area behind this grand home. Come by today! Furniture is available for sale on separate invoice.

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22625 W Kimberly Drive Buckeye, AZ 85326

$559,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,689 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780364

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Two-story property on a highly desirable corner lot! The 3-car garage w/extended driveway allows you to bring all your toys, cars, and trucks. PLUS. Garage has an electric charging station!!! Enjoy your morning coffee on the welcoming porch. Delightful interior greets you with a main level boasting carpeted living room, formal dining, custom paint finishes, tile flooring in the right areas, pre-wired surround sound in the family room, powder room, and double-door den/office. The kitchen has tile counters, center island, SS appliances, wood cabinets, and walk-in pantry. Upstairs bedrooms, soft carpet throughout, and large loft. The oversized main suite features plenty of space for all your furniture, walk-in closet and bathroom has dual sinks. Spacious backyard, Pool, covered patio.

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720 E Chilton Drive Tempe, AZ 85283

$559,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,079 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779679

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Lovely 4 BR 2 Bath POOL + SPA + 2 CG! New Roof 2024. Located in Tempe (w/ no HOA). featuring amazing characteristics! This home sits nestled on a lot with a slight incline in the front yard creating a pleasing aesthetic to the curb appeal. An atrium perfect for plant lovers leads to the double door entry that opens to a sunk-in formal living area w/ vaulted ceilings accented by abundant natural lighting. The kitchen is complete w/ wood cabinets & opens to a spacious living & dining area complete w/ a wood burning fireplace. The main bedroom offers a bathroom w/ dual sinks & a walk-in closet. The backyard is ideal for entertaining w/ a large covered patio, sparkling pool w/ waterfall & an inground spa.

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2214 N 28th Street Phoenix, AZ 85008

$559,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,605 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782638

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come take a look at this 3 Bedroom 2 bath single level home home in Great central Phoenix. Enter into a spacious family room with tile floors wall to wall throughout the entire house. The open kitchen provides plenty of counter space on beautiful granite counters and a breakfast bar attached to the large living room. Both front and backyards are low maintenance, and have the opportunity for your green thumb to transform them. Come check your future home quickly before it's gone.

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2110 Leisure World -- Mesa, AZ 85206

New

$559,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,666 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785475

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This is an amazing, golf course property that you can not miss. The home sits on the 14th fairway of Coyote Run and faces south for the winter sun. The back patio has a large covered area with an outdoor kitchen and pavers all the way out to the wall for a huge area to entertain. This split floorplan has high vaulted ceilings in the main living areas and primary bedroom and bathroom. The kitchen has newer stainless steel appliances and opens up to the back patio. The home comes with all the furniture inside and out and even a golf cart. All this in the Premiere Active Adult Community of Leisure World with 36 holes of private golf, new tennis complex, pickle ball, swimming pools, library, state of the art fitness center, theater, arts and crafts, billiard room, and much more! More..

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4354 E Rosemonte Drive Phoenix, AZ 85050

$559,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,751 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784284

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move-in ready and immaculate home in the gated Tatum Village community! Ideally located near the community pool and playground, this home offers a fantastic location just minutes from Mayo Hospital, Desert Ridge Marketplace, the redeveloped Paradise Valley Mall, Scottsdale attractions, and easy access to Loop 101 and HWY 51. This beautiful home offers modern design with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. Newer HVAC 2022, Newer Fridge 2022, Newly installed RO & Garbage Disposal 2023.

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21955 S 219th Place Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$559,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,429 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6696421

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

$35,000 UNDER APPRAISED VALUE. Oversized private lot. Come see this well-maintained original owner home in Crismon Heights that sits on a premium oversized homesite with no backyard neighbors! This floor plan offers 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths in 2429 SqFt with an open great room layout. The kitchen features staggered white cabinets with crown molding and a built-in desk, granite counters, tile backsplash, stainless appliances including a gas range with double ovens, a walk-in pantry, an island with breakfast bar, and a spacious dining area with new large picture windows overlooking the backyard. Glass French doors in the great room let in tons of natural light and lead out to the covered patio and beautifully landscaped backyard. The extensive paver patio provides lots of room for entertaining, and the backyard also has grass for kids and pets to play on, a tranquil fountain, and side yard with lemon and lime trees and a double gate. The primary bedroom has a charming window seat, and a private en-suite bath with dual sink vanity with granite countertop, separate tub & shower, and a big walk-in closet. Other features include a spacious laundry room with upper/lower cabinets & sink; tile, luxury vinyl, and laminate flooring throughout (no carpet!), vaulted ceilings, and an oversized 3 car tandem garage with service door. Great location close to parks and trails within the community, and just a short bike ride to the upcoming Queen Creek Aquatic center opening soon!

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7136 W Noble Prairie Way Florence, AZ 85132

$559,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,461 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6763419

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

STUNNING ENDEAVOR w/LUXURY UPGRADES! This 3-bed+den/2.5-bath home offers a perfect blend of style & function! Double slider opens to extended paver patio w/gas fireplace & lush landscaping next to Open Space! Plantation shutters,10' ceilings w/curved arches, beautiful entertainment center w/surround sound highlight the Great Room! Chef's kitchen inc. granite counters, tiled backsplash, stainless appliances, gas cooktop, butler's pantry & walk-in pantry. Primary suite has a bowed window, double vanities & makeup vanity, walk-in custom tiled shower & spacious closet. Split 2nd & 3rd bedrooms share Jack-&-Jill bath, Den w/French doors offers versatility! Additional perks: 2-CAR w/4' EXTENSION+CART garage w/storage, PREPAID SOLAR lease & TOWN OF FLORENCE BOND PAID IN FULL! **A MUST SEE HOME!

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600 N Mariposa Drive Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$559,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,902 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6717080

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your new Territorial home! This remodeled home, located on ~2/3 acre corner lot offers a blend of Southwestern charm and modern convenience. Living room with panoramic views of Bradshaw Mtns to the north. Large living spaces bathed in natural light designed for both relaxation and entertainment. Beautiful and practical upgrades include custom travertine tile floors, custom (real) granite countertops, custom cabinets and totally remodeled master bath with Rohl fixtures. Kitchen boasts matching Frigidaire Gallery stainless steel appliances. For outdoor enthusiasts an RV shelter with water and electric hookups provides an ideal space to park your home on wheels or, if you prefer, your boat, motorcycles and/or ATVs. New window coverings include top of the line Hunter Douglas motorized blind, top down-bottom up front picture window shade and no-cord shades. Foam roof still under transferable warranty, new rain gutters with fun rain chains. Don't miss this opportunity to own a piece of old west Arizona! Relax in Wickenburg, the Most Western Town in Arizona, where it's easy to imagine yourself back in a slower paced time.

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20047 N 109th Drive Sun City, AZ 85373

New

$559,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,246 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787401

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

ntroducing this beautiful home in the highly sought-after Ventana Lakes! This gem displays a 3-car garage and low-care landscape. Inside, you'll find tall vaulted ceilings complemented by tile flooring, dual pane windows, and mirrored walls in the living & dining room. Desirable great room offers a gas fireplace and sliding glass doors that connect seamlessly to the back patio, creating an easy flow for indoor-outdoor living. High-end SS appliances, abundant honey oak cabinets, a two-tier island with a breakfast bar, track lighting, newly installed India marble counters, and a breakfast nook complete this impeccable kitchen. Large romantic main retreat will impress you with a sunny bayed window sitting area, an ensuite with two vanities, and a walk-in closet. Don't miss the dedicated office space. Create lasting memories in the spacious backyard, featuring a screened-in patio, fire pit, and citrus tree. Act now!

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26001 S Drifter Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$559,900

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,979 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6635749

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Spectacularly remodeled 2 bdrm+Den & 2.5 bath home on HUGE corner lot w/ low maintenance yard, large covered patio, & a beautiful fountain w/new pump. New cabinets & quartz counters throughout home w/ HUGE Kitchen Island. Ample storage incl. HUGE pantry w/barn door! Large beautiful wood-burning fireplace. New AC unit on roof & new Split-System. New roof w/ transferrable warranty. Solar panels prepaid w/nearly 8 years left on FULLY prepaid solar assignable lease. All floor-level windows are new. Brand new SS appliances incl. fridge, drawer microwave, & wine/soda fridge convey. New plank tile floors throughout. New water heater. Both showers are newly tiled w/lge glass enclosure in master & separate tub for soaking. All new fixtures + ceiling fans w/remotes! Fresh paint in/ out. OWNER/AGENT

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13447 W Ballad Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$559,900

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,618 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6696003

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You are going to love this home! Briarwood CC Golf Course Corner lot. Remodeled 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath home with a convenient double front door entry, vaulted celing in the Front Room/Dining Room. New granite countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms. New Stainless Steel Appliances and tile and carpet flooring throughout. All cabinets have been painted and popcorn ceilings have been removed. Master Bedroom has a dressing table, walk-in closet and private entry adjacent to the Rose Garden. Back Porch is an enclosed Arizona Room. The Back Porch/Garage floors have been coated and sealed. 2.5 car garage (room for a golf cart) is a handyman's delight with workbenches and lots of storage cabinets. Enjoy this Sun City West treasure! Comes with a CC membership. ARMLS CMA value of $600,270

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