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

9972 E Mission Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$2,495,000
5 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,400 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6762342
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
WOW! The long wait is over! Nestled on a massive cul-de-sac lot in the coveted Scottsdale Ranch, this 5-bedroom gem is the epitome of luxury living. From the moment you arrive, the residence impresses with a 3-car side garage, RV gate, circular driveway, and striking stone accents. Step inside to a mesmerizing interior that features wood-look floors, vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, pre-wired surround sound, and a formal dining area perfect for hosting gatherings. The spacious great room exudes warmth with a cozy fireplace, while the sleek kitchen shines with stainless steel appliances, wall ovens, custom cabinetry, a walk-in pantry, and an oversized island with a breakfast bar... The main bedroom is a true retreat, complete with a two-way fireplace that connects to the cozy sitting room. The spa-like ensuite offers backyard access, dual sinks, a soaking tub, a large shower, and an expansive walk-in closet. The additional bedrooms are generously sized, and a versatile den is perfect for a media room or extra living space. Outdoors, enjoy the serene private courtyard, or relax in the tastefully divided backyard featuring a covered patio, built-in BBQ, outdoor fireplace, lush lawn, and a sparkling pool. This exquisite residence truly has it all! Come and experience the charm for yourself!

6530 N 29th Street Phoenix, AZ 85016

$2,495,000
5 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,324 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6746151
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Meticulously remodeled in Biltmore Hillside Villas! 24-Hr Guard-Gated Community! Enjoy 28-foot ceilings, natural light, light oak hardwood flooring and motorized solar shades throughout. Wolf appliances and quartz countertops. Junior Suite/Office on first level with en-suite bathroom. Spacious Primary Suite on the second floor with dual closets and MOUNTAIN VIEWS from the spa-inspired bathroom and private patio. Three additional bedrooms upstairs. Low maintenance backyard with one of the largest swimming pools in the neighborhood. 3 car garage, downstairs laundry and lots of storage space. Enjoy tennis courts, hiking trails and proximity to golf, dining and shopping!

6431 E El Sendero Road Carefree, AZ 85377

$2,495,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,844 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6684230
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to gated Carefree Grandview Estates-a premier address in Carefree. Exceptional custom home, nestled on 2.5 acres on Black Mountain. Sweeping views and City lights. Dramatic paver driveway & motor court, leads to distinctive residence, private guest house & Unique 9 car garage/workshop. All one level residence. Welcoming courtyard and artistic entry doors open to expansive great room with fireplace and stunning wood beam ceilings which repeat throughout home. Large wrap around patio, accessed from many rooms & provides perfect setting for entertaining & relaxing in the tranquil surroundings. Alluring, secluded primary wing with fireplace & patio. Sunny east kitchen & breakfast room open to outdoors. Private office-abundant storage. Truly Remarkable Home-See Remarks for updates. enchanting views of city lights & gorgeous desert terrain. Private, refined, & tranquil, this is the epitome of Carefree living.

9041 N 46th Street Phoenix, AZ 85028

$2,495,000 - 4Br/4Ba -  for Sale in Tatum Foothills Lot 1-49 Tr A-q, Phoenix
Open House
$2,495,000
4 Beds
4 Baths
4,051 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6762683
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This custom built modern luxury home sits in the prestigious gated community of Tatum Foothills. Set on a private interior lot this residence exudes sophistication and impeccable design. As you step inside, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking great room which features floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the beautifully landscaped backyard, creating both indoor and outdoor living. At the heart of the room stands a striking fireplace, framed by an east-facing wall of glass that floods the space with natural light. This home features four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms all spread over 4,051 square feet- with plenty of space throughout. The primary bedroom includes a fireplace, space for a sitting area, a remodeled master bathroom and two walk-in closets. Every detail of this home has been carefully considered, from the fully updated bathrooms to the modernized kitchen. Outside, the backyard creates the perfect setting for relaxation or entertaining, framed by the stunning natural beauty of Arizona which includes a large pool with spa, outdoor BBQ area, plenty of grass space and more! Additionally, the site plan reveals ample space to add an additional two-car garage, a private casita, and expanding the entire footprint if desired. Beyond the home's luxurious interiors, Tatum Foothills grants access to top-rated schoolsCherokee, Cocopah, and Chaparraloffering an exceptional education from preschool through high school. Residents enjoy convenient access to the area's finest shopping, dining, and recreational options, including hiking and biking trails. Plus, with Phoenix Sky Harbor and Scottsdale airports just a short drive away, as well as the vibrant cultural hub of Scottsdale, this home offers the perfect balance of luxury and convenience.

6145 E Gold Dust Avenue Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$2,495,000 - 5Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Tierra Feliz North Unit 2, Paradise Valley
Open House
$2,495,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
3,100 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6779702
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
THE 3 C's schools . HOME and garage addition have been remodeled beautifully with room to grow. 5 bedrooms including 2 primary suites. 5th bedroom can be a study or game room . The back yard is massive with mature trees and much room to dream. This property has a Paradise Valley mailing address and city services . Continuous Cali Modern finishes on the exterior and the interior. Casita? Pickleball? RV? Room for all .

11601 N 64th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$2,495,000 - 4Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Desert Estates 11, Scottsdale
Open House
$2,495,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,516 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6763215
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a stunning, newly rebuilt estate designed by Modern Masterpieces in a neighborhood of $5M+ homes for under $2.5M. Set on nearly an acre, Serenity features a new floorplan, chef's Thermador kitchen with Italian cabinetry, a breathtaking master suite carved from quartzite slab and wood, premium finishes like 6' onyx look tile and designer fixtures throughout. Recent upgrades include a new two-bdrm addition, addtl HVAC system, new EV-ready 2 car garage, Hunter Douglas blackout shades, and a new high-capacity septic tank. Outdoors, enjoy over $250k of improvements, including the new Zen garden, citrus orchard, and professional grade outdoor kitchen. Walking distance to top schools, this estate offers perfect blend of luxury, privacy and community.

7471 E Sierra Vista Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85250

$2,490,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,206 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6785358
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to the swanky sophistication of this guard gated Lincoln Place stunner. From the moment you walk through the front door you will fall in love with this jaw dropping contemporary masterpiece. Impeccably renovated over the past few years this home oozes personality. It's walkable to all of the best restaurants and retail that Scottsdale has to offer. Step through the impressive glass entry with sweeping views of the living room, dining room, family room, kitchen and media room/office. The layout is incredible with multiple living areas separated by a spectacular 440 bottle climate-controlled wall of wine which feels like art. The front living area has great views of the fabulous backyard and the covered patio with stunning gold chandelier, salt water pool and jacuzzi. The great room is an entertainer's delight with large dining and living areas, chef's kitchen including huge island with seating, stainless appliances, 2 beverage refrigerators, warming drawer, pot filler and gorgeous marble and quartz counters. The dreamy media room can also double as a home office with a wall of glass doors overlooking the living areas. The two guest bedrooms both with ensuite baths are split leaving the large master suite with loads of privacy. Incredible luxury master bath has sumptuous soaking tub, large his/her vanities and walk-in closet. $100k Crestron Smart Home system. A 3-car garage is the final bonus. Wow....and welcome home!!!

6147 E Alta Hacienda Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$2,489,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,491 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6703124
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
THIS CONTEMPORARY HOME BUILT IN 2022 HAS IT ALL, STARTING WITH GREAT CURB APPEAL AND LOCATED IN THE LUXURY GATED SIGNATURE AT THE PHOENICIAN COMMUNITY WHICH IS CENTRALLY LOCATED IN THE CAMELBACK CORRIDOR AT THE SOUTHERN BASE OF CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN. ENTER THROUGH THE FOYER AND INTO THE SPACIOUS GREAT ROOM FLOOR PLAN THAT FEATURES AN OVERSIZED RETRACTABLE SLIDING GLASS DOOR LEADING TO THE COVERED PATIO AND BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN, PROVIDING TONS OF NATURAL LIGHT INTO THE SPACE. THE CONTEMPORARY CHEF'S KITCHEN WITH A SLEEK AND MODERN DESIGN OPENS TO THE GREAT ROOM AND BOASTS DUAL TONE CABINETRY, QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS, DESIGNER TILE BACKSPLASH, STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES, DUAL OVENS, A GAS RANGE, AND A CABINET FACE REFRIGERATOR THAT PROVIDES A SEAMLESS, CLEAN LOOK. THE OVERSIZED WATERFALL CENTER ISLAND OFFERS PLENTY OF EAT-UP BAR SEATING, PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING FRIENDS AND FAMILY. INDULGE IN THE OPULENCE OF LUXURIOUS WOOD AND TILE FLOORING GRACING EVERY CORNER, ENSURING EFFORTLESS MAINTENANCE. REVEL IN THE GRANDEUR OF HIGH CEILINGS AND THE SUBTLE ALLURE OF RECESSED LIGHTING THAT GRACEFULLY ILLUMINATES THE SPACE. THE MASTER SUITE FEATURES A SLIDING GLASS DOOR TO THE BACKYARD. THE SPA-LIKE MASTER BATH BOASTS DUAL FLOATING VANITIES, A SPACIOUS GLASS ENCLOSED WALK-IN SHOWER WITH A BENCH AND A LUXURIOUS DESIGNER SOAKING TUB, PERFECT FOR RELAXING AND UNWINDING. ADDITIONAL BEDROOMS ALL FEATURE WOOD FLOORING. THE SPACIOUS LAUNDRY ROOM OFFERS A FRONT-LOADING WASHER AND DRYER, AS WELL AS PLENTY OF BUILT-IN CABINETRY FOR AMPLE STORAGE ALONG WITH A CONVENIENT UTILITY SINK. OUTSIDE YOU'LL FIND A COVERED PATIO ADORNED WITH EXTENDED PAVERS, CREATING A FLAWLESS SPACE FOR AL FRESCO DINING AND RELAXATION. EASY CARE SYNTHETIC GRASS TIES INTO THE SPACE, CRAFTING A SERENE SETTING FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT. LOCATED JUST MINUTES AWAY FROM WORLD-CLASS SHOPPING, DINING AND RECREATION. COMMUNITY AMENITIES INCLUDE A PRIVATE POOL, WELL-APPOINTED FITNESS CENTER AND STYLISH OUTDOOR GATHERING SPACES.

11867 N 118th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85259

$2,485,000
5 Beds
5.5 Baths
4,350 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6781789
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
EXECUTIVE SINGLE LEVEL HOME WITH IDEAL FLOOR PLAN & SPECTACULAR MOUNTAIN VIEWS. The Sellers impeccable eye for detail remodeling the home in 2022 combining elements of modernism with a touch of sophistication attracts the eye & excites the soul. The Primary wing includes a ensuite bedroom that is now an office with a private entrance, The spacious Primary bedroom has an updated spa bathroom. Opposite are 3 additional bedrooms with remodeled ensuite bathrooms for family members or to accomodate visitors. The Gourmet kitchen has been remodeled with top-of-the-line appliances & new countertops for a a sleek, modern feel. It opens to the family room & game room beyond. Expansive doors make indoor to outdoor living seamless. The exterior landscaping & hardscape have been completely redesigned with the addition of a built-in Traeger grill, outdoor refrigerator, there is a fire pit for chilly nights, forever green grass with breathtaking golf course & majestic McDowell mountain views perfect for family fun & entertaining. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CHANDELIERS & SOUND BARS/FLAT SCREEN TVS & SONOS EQUIPMENT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PURCHASE. In prestigious 24 Hour Guard Gated Ancala Country Club with true sense of community and a very active HOA making it easy to get to know your neighbors. Close to desirable Scottsdale & BASIS schools, hiking & biking trails, fine dining & shopping, the Mayo Clinic & easy access to Freeways. ANCALA COUNTRY CLUB MEMBERSHIP IS OPTIONAL. Ancala, a par-72 championship golf course was designed by Perry Dye. The remodeling was extensive including new high-quality hardwood flooring throughout the entire home for a cohesive, refined look. A new HVAC system has been installed, improving the home's energy efficiency & climate control. See The updated list in documents.

10905 E Oberlin Way Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$2,479,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,835 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6655766
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Serene is brand new gated enclave of 21 cutting edge single level contemporary homes designed by Swayback Architects & Planners and built by Sonora West Development. Each Serene home brings a new definition to the ''Lock and Leave'' lifestyle with open Great Room floor plans perfect for both entertaining and everyday living. There are four different models to choose from with lavish interior finishes created by renown interior designers Est Est. This Model C has a 2 car garage and alternate dining available only on lots 12 & 13. Price shown includes lot premiums and 25K pool and a 25k landscape allowance, Sub-Zero & Wolf Appliances & BBQ. Backing to the North side of Pinnacle Peak Mountain in N Scottsdale Serene..

5314 N 41st Place Phoenix, AZ 85018

$2,479,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
4,013 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6752736
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The kitchen showcases a stunning view of Camelback Mountain & the Praying Monk. This beautifully renovated home features an open, entertaining plan with an inviting entry by way of a charming conversation patio. Spanning over 4,000 sq ft, enjoy 5BR/3BA, handsome library, LR, formal dining and great rm/family rm - complete with a breakfast bar & en suite eating area. The spacious split master suite occupies the entire south wing - 2 access doors to pool/patio areas - one right off the gym room. Resort-style backyard with a heated pool & spa, plus a freestanding 3-car garage equipped with a mini-split. Four private patios, one of which features an automated screen. There are surprises & vignettes everywhere. Please review the detailed list of features & improvements found in the docs tab.

28118 N 109th Way Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$2,475,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,875 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6655632
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Serene is brand new gated enclave of 21 cutting edge single level contemporary homes designed by Swayback Architects & Planners and built by Sonora West Development. Each Serene home brings a new definition to the ''Lock and Leave'' lifestyle with open Great Room floor plans perfect for both entertaining and everyday living. There are four different models to choose from with lavish interior finishes created by renown interior designers Est Est. This Model C has a 2 car garage and available only on lots 14, 15, 20 & 21. Base price shown includes lot premiums and 25K pool and a 25k landscape allowance, Sub-Zero & Wolf Appliances & BBQ. Backing to the North side of Pinnacle Peak Mountain in N Scottsdale Serene..

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