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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13320 W Paso Trail Peoria, AZ 85383

$547,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,803 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6747286

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This fabulous 4 bed, 2 bath residence is the one for you! A charming facade w/stone accents, low maintenance landscape, and a 3 car garage w/paver driveway are just the beginning. FREE 1 year home warranty. Osmosis system and water softener. Inside you find a spacious open floor plan w/elegant wood-look flooring, recessed lighting, and trending palette throughout. Hone your cooking skills in the gorgeous kitchen, comprised of wood cabinetry w/crown molding, a pantry, quartz counters, stainless steel appliances, and an island complete w/a breakfast bar. The primary bedroom boasts a walk-in closet and a private ensuite w/dual sinks & a sliding barn door. Finally, the fantastic backyard includes a covered patio, artificial turf, and a refreshing salt water pool that is self cleaning.

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1478 W J Waltz Way Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$546,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,233 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6773334

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Blossom Rock! The east valley's newest master planned community. With views of the Superstition Mountains and a wealth of amenities currently in the making including three community parks, dozens of neighborhood parks, a community school, miles of trails, beautiful lakes, and indoor and outdoor gathering spaces all meant to serve as the backdrop of the calendar of signature events and annual celebrations currently being created.

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2820 N 212th Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$546,690

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,141 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741520

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Ready for November move in!

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26349 S 231st Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$546,268

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,379 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780156

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't miss your chance on this Quick Move in Single Story home with a COMPLETED backyard landscape. Anticipated move in for December 2024. This community offers an abundance of amenities including pickleball courts, resort-caliber outdoor pool with plenty of seating and lounging areas, fitness center with multi-use activity room, open air pavilion with fireplace and grilling stations, event and game lawns, shaded play parks, half-court basketball and two dog parks.

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15667 W Mercer Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$546,053

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,305 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6760294

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BRAND NEW HOME COMPLETED IN NOVEMBER! Wonderful 3-bedroom home with a flex room & an amazing gourmet kitchen / great room and a 3-car garage! Exceptional island allows for wonderful entertaining. This home has beautiful gourmet slate cabinets, upgraded quartz counters, custom backsplash in the kitchen & stainless-steel appliances. As you enter you have a beautiful foyer that opens up to a flex room. Kitchen & great room are very large & open with a large, covered patio accessed by a 12' slider! Owners' suite has dual vanities, walk in tiled shower, and lots of storage! PHOTOS ARE OF A MODEL HOME OF THE SAME PLAN. SEE PRODUCT SELECTIONS. NOVEMBER COMPLETION.

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1061 N Bison Golf Court Show Low, AZ 85901

New

$546,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,575 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786177

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

With Amazing colorful views from this extraordinary 3 BR home in prestigious Bison Golf Court on .24 acre, this great find has a spectacular overview of the fairway with green grass and brightly colored trees in the fall and warmer months-watch the golfers or BE ONE all while living in this comfortable elegant home with granite counters, vaulted tongue and groove ceilings and upgraded appliances(just to mention a few).2 car garage with plenty of space for your car and a golf cart if desired, this place is the golfer's dream! This secure, gated and friendly community will provide years of enjoyment and great memories for any age group-all within the Show Low school district. Come make your future mountain memories a reality and experience life lived in the marvelous White Mountains! The White Mountains offers Golf, fishing, hunting, four wheeling, hiking, boating, gaming, target shooting ranges, skiing, snowboarding, birdwatching, animal wild-life, sledding, several seasonal festivals throughout the year, car shows, fine dining, musical entertainment, and a great day and night life! Come live your dream in this beautiful home on the fairway!

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2849 E Detroit Street Chandler, AZ 85225

Open House

$546,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,575 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6708678

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Seller may consider buyer concessions if made in an offer. Welcome to this beautifully maintained property with its fresh, neutral color paint scheme. The gourmet kitchen, complete with a walk-in pantry and stylish accent backsplash, offers ample workspace and with a convenient island for meal prep and casual dining. The primary bedroom suite features a spacious walk-in closet and a primary bathroom with double sinks for added convenience. Step outside to the covered patio and enjoy scenic views in the privacy of your fenced-in backyard. This striking dwelling harmoniously blends comfort, aesthetics, and functionality. Welcome to your next chapter - where the good life begins!

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11417 S 50th Avenue Laveen, AZ 85339

$545,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,380 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755226

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The notable Elderberry plan boasts four bedrooms, including a relaxing primary suite with a spacious walk-in closet and a private bath. At the heart of the home, you'll find an impressive great room, a dining room, and a well-planned kitchen showcasing a center island and a generous walk-in pantry. An upstairs loft and covered patio offer additional versatility. A convenient laundry room is also included. This home will be built with a main-floor bedroom with a full bath

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8326 N 54th Lane Glendale, AZ 85302

$545,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,077 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761610

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this thoughtfully designed Slate floorplan, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting front yard landscaping and driveway/walkway pavers. Included features: an inviting covered, paver entry; a well-appointed kitchen offering 42'' white shaker cabinets with matte black hardware, quartz countertops, 2x8 backsplash, stainless-steel appliance suite, a center island with pendant lights, and a spacious walk-in pantry; an expansive great room with adjacent dining room; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private owner's bath with separate soaking tub and 4x16 tile shower, and dual sinks with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; ; a guest bedroom featuring en-suite bathroom with step in shower. You'll also find a spacious covered patio, and a 2-car garage with 8' door and belt drive opener, as well as a garage service door. Find other desirable finishes, like 9x35 tile in the main living areas (carpet in bedrooms only), a convenient soft water loop in the garage, gas tankless hot water heater, and a gas stub at the patio. This home also offers ceiling fan prewire in all bedrooms, great room, and patio, plus much more.

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5338 W Manzanita Drive Glendale, AZ 85302

$545,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,077 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762098

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this thoughtfully designed Slate floorplan, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting front yard landscaping and driveway/walkway pavers. Included features: an inviting covered, paver entry; a well-appointed kitchen offering 42'' white shaker cabinets with satin nickel hardware, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliance suite, a center island with pendant lights, and a spacious walk-in pantry; an expansive great room with adjacent dining room; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private owner's bath with separate soaking tub and 4x16 tile shower, and dual sinks with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a guest bedroom featuring en-suite bathroom with step in shower. You'll also find a spacious covered patio, and a 2-car garage with 8' door and belt drive opener, as well as a garage service door. Find other desirable finishes, like 9x35 tile in the main living areas (carpet in bedrooms only), a convenient soft water loop in the garage, gas tankless hot water heater, and a gas stub at the patio. This home also offers ceiling fan prewire in all bedrooms, great room, and patio, plus much more.

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5323 W Manzanita Drive Glendale, AZ 85302

$545,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,077 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6764770

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this thoughtfully designed Slate floorplan, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting front yard landscaping and driveway/walkway pavers. Included features: an inviting covered, paver entry; a well-appointed kitchen offering 42'' white shaker cabinets with matte black hardware, quartz countertops, 2x8 backsplash, stainless-steel appliance suite, a center island with pendant lights, and a spacious walk-in pantry; an expansive great room with adjacent dining room; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private owner's bath with separate soaking tub and 4x16 tile shower, and dual sinks with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a guest bedroom featuring en-suite bathroom with step in shower. You'll also find a spacious covered patio, and a 2-car garage with 8' door and belt drive opener, as well as a garage service door. Find other desirable finishes, like 9x35 tile in the main living areas (carpet in bedrooms only), a convenient soft water loop in the garage, gas tankless hot water heater, and a gas stub at the patio. This home also offers ceiling fan prewire in all bedrooms, great room, and patio, plus much more.

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5347 W Manzanita Drive Glendale, AZ 85302

$545,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,070 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765259

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore the exciting Alexandrite home, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting driveway pavers and front yard landscaping. Included features: an inviting covered entry; a quiet study; a kitchen layout offering 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a roomy pantry and a center island; an elegant dining room; a spacious great room; a beautiful primary suite showcasing an expansive walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a covered patio and a 2-car garage. This home also offers ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms.

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