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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10729 E Acoma Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Open House

$2,400,000

4 Beds

4 Baths

3,770 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782032

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning is the word to describe this special view property in popular McDowell Mountain Ranch. Enter through a custom iron door into a spacious entertaining area accented with large picture windows. Every aspect has been updated with unique features not found in similar layouts. Enjoy 4 spacious bedrooms, each with access to a private bath plus a Movie/Bonus Room. Just a short list of other updates include custom cabinetry, under-lit floating cabinets & lighted mirrors, built-in closets, tiled feature walls , automated screens, updated roof & replaced A/C System (including ductless A/C unit in garage). Solar too for added savings. The backyard is an entertainers dream. Relax in the pool w/water feature, cook by the built-in BBQ or take in desert & city light views around the firepit.

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6801 E Davis Road Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$2,399,000

4 Beds

4 Baths

2,654 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777788

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover a car lover's paradise in this custom-built North Scottsdale home, situated on 2.5 expansive acres. Designed with the avid car collector in mind, this residence offers 4 spacious bedrooms, 2 full baths, 2 half baths, and numerous high-end upgrades. A standout feature is the separate, oversized 3-bay garage/shop, fully air-conditioned and equipped to accommodate multiple vehicles, making it ideal for the most dedicated collectors. Beyond the garage, the outdoor space is equally impressive, featuring a custom pool and spa, along with a covered outdoor kitchen and ramada area—perfect for entertaining with top-of-the-line amenities. This large, versatile property offers ample room for further customization to suit your unique lifestyle. Truly a must-see!

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4369 E Scorpio Place Chandler, AZ 85249

$2,399,000

5 Beds

4.5 Baths

5,305 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6765739

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to unparalleled luxury home in Vasaro, one of East Valley's most coveted gated communities. This exceptional custom estate boasts meticulous care, extensive upgrades, and is completely move-in ready. From the moment you step inside, you'll be captivated by an ambiance of elegance, comfort, and sophistication. The expansive great room flows seamlessly into the gourmet chef's kitchen, featuring custom cabinetry, a large walk-in pantry, dual sink areas, and top-of-the-line built-in stainless-steel appliances, including a 48'' refrigerator, commercial-style range, double oven/convection, and microwave. The formal dining room, separate office/den, and large bonus room provide ample space for all your needs. With 5 spacious bedrooms, each with en-suite bathroom access, this home offers

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14432 S 18th Street Phoenix, AZ 85048

$2,399,000

5 Beds

5.5 Baths

6,600 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6745823

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautiful estate is located on a 1.14-acre mountaintop lot with incredible city lights views in the highly sought-after Tapestry Canyon. Home designed Bob Long of Design Profiles. This custom private residence includes over 6,100 square feet in the main house with an additional 500 square feet for the guest house. The property offers breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains and city lights. The residence includes four bedrooms, one of which is currently being used as an executive office, and 4.5 bathrooms and a guest house with bedroom, full bath, great room, and kitchenette. The property boasts numerous patios and balconies and a five-car garage! As you enter the residence, you'll see a custom glass/iron front door and a fountain that leads to an elegant foyer with a

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305 S Starview Drive Payson, AZ 85541

$2,399,000

5 Beds

4 Baths

4,733 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6709852

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to luxury living at its finest! This stunning Rim Golf Club home, built in 2018, offers an exceptional lifestyle with 4733 sq ft of livable space. The property features 5 spacious bedrooms, a dedicated office, and an art studio ''ideal for families and creative professionals alike''. Indulge in top-tier amenities designed for both relaxation and entertainment. Perfect your game from the comfort of your home with a golf simulator, or unwind with a game of pool. The outdoor jacuzzi provides a serene escape with unparalleled views of the Rim Golf Club's breathtaking landscape. The home is as functional as it is beautiful, boasting a 3-car garage, solar panels with battery storage, and an EV charging station, ensuring energy efficiency and convenience. Rim Golf Club, this property offers the best views in Payson, AZ. Don't miss the chance to own this exceptional home in an exclusive community. Live in elegance and style with nature's beauty at your doorstep. Contact us today for a private tour! Full golf membership, all TV's, hot tub, pool table, golf simulator all convey.

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21234 W Caravaggio Lane Wittmann, AZ 85361

$2,398,998

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,979 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6750507

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

An oasis in the desert, your new home offers easy living and entertaining space. Horses, toys and friends will all have a place here. NO HOA The main house has 4 bedrooms with a great room concept, overlooking a resort style pool, w/kitchen and bar. The fully climate controlled 4800 sq ft detached garage is a haven for automotive enthusiasts, accommodating a motorhome, trailer, and boat with ease. Beyond its practicality, this space also has a 1600 sq ft guest house an ideal retreat for visitors, and a versatile areas suitable for a teen room or office as well as a home gym. For equestrian enthusiasts, this property unfolds a haven of possibilities. An arena and 40' round pen, along with 2 stalls with ample room for additional facilities.

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12210 N 67th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$2,398,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,015 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780360

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

2022 FULL UPDATE! AWESOME CACTUS CORRIDOR ( SCOTTSDALE-CACTUS AA++LOCATION-1 ACREA+Lots outside storage for toys! 4 BED 3 BATH-3015 SQ FEET-4 CAR GARAGE CUSTOM POOL, SPORT COURT NO HOA! A $2.5Million dollar HOUSE ( FOR RENT UNFURNISHED AT $7500 MONTH ( NO HOA! ON QUIET STREET ONLY 5 MINUTES TO KIERLAND-QUARTER-100+ RESTURANTS AND 5 MINUTES TO FREEWAY full 2023 update ( new wood plank flooring ( no carpet) new counter-doors-hardware- VAULTED CEILINGS-POOL- SPORT COURT-ROOM FOR RV-BOAT-TRAILERS- HAVE $4M NEXT DOOR AND $4.5M ACCROSS STREET- ALONG WITH POOL SETUP HAS SPORT COURT LOTS STORAGE FOR RV OR BOAT POSSIBLE LEASE PURCHASE $2.5 MILLION CAN DO LONG TERM LEASE 1-5 YRS NEWER ANDERSON WINDOWS THROUGHT HOUSE!! THE COMPS WITHIN 5 BLKS ARE $4.2M TO $8M. THIS IS LIKE PV BUT SAVE!

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37200 N Cave Creek Road Unit 1111 Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Open House

$2,397,900

4 Beds

4.5 Baths

2,631 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6438273

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Brand new construction! Spectacular lower level unit. 2,631 sq. ft., 4 beds, 4.5 baths, 2 car garage with golf cart/storage area. The 4th bedroom has a separate entrance from the home and can be used as a guest casita, giving your guests their own privacy! This unit has an expansive covered patio and another off the Primary bedroom. The covered patio off the great room has an outdoor fireplace with stunning mountain and golf course views. Retracting doors optimize your outdoor enjoyment with plenty of room for indoor/outdoor entertaining. Great room features gas fireplace and an enlarged picture window to capture the babbling brook of the Seven golf course. Steps away from the clubhouse. Ready Now! DM approval and Membership required. Avoid the wait list!

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13735 E Brookhart Way Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$2,395,950

5 Beds

4.5 Baths

4,609 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756479

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Indulge in the epitome of opulence w/ this exceptional 5 bed 4.5 bath + bonus/media room where every detail is meticulously curated. Step inside to 14ft ceilings & custom lighting throughout. Gourmet kitchen equipped w/ Subzero & Wolfe appliances & extended island. Breathtaking views of mtns every angle. Seamless indoor-outdoor transition w/ 20ft pocket door leading to resort-style backyard feat. putting green & hot tub cascading into oversized, nearly Olympic pool. Entertain by fire pit & keep refreshments handy w/ outdoor refrigerators. 4 car garage w/ epoxy floor & gated storage complements the functionality of this dream home. Beyond luxurious interiors, embrace proximity to nature w/ easy access to trails & nearby forest for outdoor adventures. True haven of extraordinary comfort!

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3060 S 3010 -- Colorado City, AZ 86021

$2,395,400

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,666 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6669780

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't miss out on this 479 acre high-desert grassland ranch. Property features 3 BR main house (needs fix up) w/2-car garage & storage, beautiful new Tiny House, huge metal barn & equipment shed. The barn has 3 separate bays, (two 10x14 & one 14x14) roll-up doors, horse stalls, lg. loft for extra storage & electricity. Beautiful Tiny House features spacious living RM/kit. combo w/range-oven, dishwasher, B/I micro, dining area, utility room & 3/4 bathroom downstairs; upstairs features a spacious bedroom, 1/2 bath & spectacular views. 2 wells - one at pump house w/solar & wind mill; the other east of knoll w/solar (fills two 1k gallon tanks on knoll). All this on 479 acres makes this a can't-miss purchase. This sale includes 2 contiguous parcels: 405-53-012 & 405-55-004. Farm equipment... ...available in a separate bill of sale.

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5000 E Camelback Ridge Road Unit 204 Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$2,395,000

1 Bed

2 Baths

1,698 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784595

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Welcome to a one-of-a-kind opportunity to own a brand-new luxury condominium nestled within the exclusive Phoenician Resort. This stunning residence combines timeless elegance, high-end finishes, and breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain and city lights. This spacious 1-bedroom + den, 2 full bath home is thoughtfully designed for modern living. An open great room concept features 10' ceilings and expansive walls of glass, flooding the space with natural light and creating a seamless connection to the outdoors. A cozy gas fireplace adds warmth and sophistication to the living area, making it the perfect place to relax or entertain. The Provenza wide-planked oak floors throughout provide a warm and luxurious feel, while the gourmet kitchen—crafted by Bulthaup—is a chef's dream. Complete with sleek glass backsplashes and top-of-the-line Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, this space is as functional as it is beautiful. The luxury extends to the bathrooms and laundry, which are outfitted with high-end finishes for a sophisticated touch. Step onto the expansive private patio, where a built-in BBQ creates an ideal space for outdoor dining or simply enjoying the serene views. This residence truly blurs the line between indoor and outdoor living. As part of the Phoenician lifestyle, you'll enjoy access to the exclusive Mountain Club, featuring a party room, fitness and movement center, resort-style pool, and a rooftop deck with panoramic views. Additional conveniences include two parking spaces in the secure garage, complete with an E-charging station.

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8255 E Vista De Valle -- Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$2,395,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,743 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6742702

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to a captivating retreat in Pinnacle Peak Country Club, perfectly positioned with breathtaking views of sunset, mountains and the double fairways, overlooking the 7th and 4th holes. This beautifully crafted home offers 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a den, all set against a stunning backdrop of saguaro cacti, granite boulders, and ironwood trees. Enter through the elegant leaded glass double doors to be greeted by soaring wood beam ceilings that exude both charm and sophistication. The updated kitchen is a chef's dream, featuring a Wolf induction cooktop, SubZero refrigerator and freezer, Asko dishwasher, wine refrigerator, and a spacious pantry. Waterworks fixtures, including polished and hammered sinks, showcase the meticulous attention to detail throughout this custom home, more Multiple fireplaces add warmth and ambiance to the inviting spaces.This exquisite Pinnacle Peak Country Club home harmonizes quality and timeless design, offering ultimate comfort and charm. The open floor plan, with disappearing patio doors in the great room, seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor living spaces. Enjoy breathtaking sunset, mountain, and city light views over the private golf course. This unique blend of indoor and outdoor living creates an unparalleled experience, making every evening unforgettable.

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