Buying a New Home? Use This Checklist to Ensure Your Finances Are in Order

Buying a home is a significant expense. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a first-time buyer or have experience. Unless you have a large pile of cash, you’ll need to ensure your finances are in order before closing. In this post we’ll explore four financial items you’ll want to check off before buying a new home.

Figure Out Your Current Monthly Budget

First, you’re going to want to sort out your monthly budget. If you’ve never done a budget before, start with something basic. Open up a spreadsheet or take out a piece of paper. Make two columns: ‘income’ and ‘expenses’. Fill in each column with the amounts that you make or spend each month. Bank, credit card and other statements can help with this process. It’s a good idea to go back at least 3 months to ensure you’re capturing your true spending.

Make A Debt Management Plan

Do you have any debts? If so, you’ll want to make a plan for how you’re going to manage these when you buy a new home. For example, you may have a car payment, student loans, a line of credit or credit card debt. Write down your debts, how much you owe and when payments are due. If any debts are due monthly, make sure you include those in your budget.

Keep in mind that your outstanding debts may impact your ability to borrow for a mortgage as well. If you plan on taking out a mortgage to pay for your new home, it’s best to get your debts figured out beforehand.

Understand All Your Real Estate Costs

Next, you’ll want to determine what all your real estate costs are going to be. If you’re not yet close to the bidding or closing process, this might be a bit challenging. But ask your real estate agent for a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for a home in your price range.

Set Up An Emergency Savings Cushion

Finally, you’ll want to set up a financial cushion in case of emergencies. It’s not much fun to think about, but losing a job or having a health event is possible. Most financial experts recommend having at least six months of expenses saved up. Of course, this is always easier said than done. What’s important is that you have at least some cash tucked away, just in case. If you can, save a bit extra each month or from each pay check and add to this emergency fund.

When you’re ready to buy a new home, a licensed real estate agent is your best bet for success. Give me a call today and learn more about how affordable a new home in your community will be!  J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

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

17572 W Polaris Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$599,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,011 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6750396

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

RARE 4 CAR GARAGE. Nestled at the base of the Estrella Mountains is the highly desired community of Estrella Mountain Ranch. This is where you'll find this rare 5 bedroom, 3 bath home with a 4 car garage, and pool. As you enter, you'll love the vaulted ceilings that provide ample natural light that fills the rooms, not to mention the plantations shutters. This will lead into the open concept kitchen - family room that features lovely views to the backyard that boasts a sparking pool, grass areas, large covered patio, tasteful landscaping and, your very own: two 30+ foot palm trees. The kitchen features stainless appliances, Corian counter tops along with 42'' cabinetry. You'll also love that there's a bedroom and adjacent bathroom on the main floor which is perfect for guests: see more Or multi-general living. Upstairs is where you'll find a large loft space along with 3 nice sized bedrooms serviced by a full bathroom with shower and dual sinks. The primary bedroom sports terrific views and a large en suite bathroom featuring separate tub and shower, dual vanities, private toilet room, and a large walk-in closet. You're just a short walk or bike ride to the lakes here in Estrella. This amazing home is just a couple minutes drive to Mountain Ranch Marketplace which is home to Safeway, Starbucks, Subway, medical and dental care and a list of many more services. By the way, you can cancel your gym membership as Estrella offers two residence clubs both with state-of-the-art workout facilities. These clubs also feature swimming pools, banquet facilities, restaurants and more. The community boasts two elementary schools and a highly touted high school. This home is a rare find in a vibrant community, offering the perfect combination of convenience, comfort, and style. Don't miss the opportunity to make this your dream home!

View Property

13827 N 41st Place Phoenix, AZ 85032

$599,000

6 Beds

3 Baths

2,235 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6759305

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Rare 6 bedroom home in sought after North Phoenix neighborhood. Close to Desert Ridge, High Street and new Paradise Valley Mall Development. Large covered patio and cozy gazebo for entertaining. Freshly painted exterior and low maintenance desert landscaping. All furniture included.

View Property

902 E Le Marche Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85022

$599,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,124 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6765470

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

WELCOME to your beautiful 4 bed, 2 bath home with a pool and stunning mountain views, located in a desirable neighborhood with no HOA. This immaculate property features a renovated kitchen and bathrooms, with the additional playroom, perfect for families. The home is equipped with owned solar panels for energy efficiency. Conveniently located close to shopping, restaurants, and more. The perfect family home, offering comfort, space, and breathtaking views. Don't miss out on this move-in ready gem!

View Property

5851 E Singletree Street Apache Junction, AZ 85119

$599,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,350 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6774610

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Lovely family or retirement home,with gorgeous mountain views and all the peace & quiet you want. Sip your cocktails on the back patio while watching the birds and the squirrels and the occasional deer that wander through the property. Awesome city light views are a bonus from your outdoor kitchen pad. Inside is a spacious kitchen & dining area combined for the perfect entertaining space. Beautiful desert views from every window! Detached garage and separate storage shed are part of the package.

View Property

9305 W Calle Lejos -- Peoria, AZ 85383

$599,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,865 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6775737

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The American dream has always been classified as owning your very own property... and this home certainly has A LOT of it! This 1865 sqft home sits on an acre of land with countless possibilities: horses, homesteading, room for expanding or building a workshop, you name it! Come and personalize this 3 bedroom 2 bath home (complete with two living spaces)! When you make this home your own you'll be less than thirty minutes away from Lake Pleasant, so bring your boat! You'll also have access to great food and shopping just four minutes away at Lake Pleasant Towne Center. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to own so much land for a great price.

View Property

2760 E San Tan Street Chandler, AZ 85225

$599,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,913 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6778218

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful, Upgraded 3 Bedroom, 2 full bath home, in the popular and centrally located Dobson Place subdivision. Split bedroom floor plan, Large Great Room open to Kitchen and Breakfast room, Separate formal dining area. Backyard is Beautifully designed for entertainment, with Covered Patio and Heated Pebble-Tech Pool, with Rocks Waterfall. Home has been kept well and maintained, with many upgrades and updates. All New Roof (jan/24), all New windows throughout the house, Recently remodeled Kitchen Counters, Cabinets and appliance, updated bedrooms (Master and guest), updated Tile floor through out the entire house. Other Features: Natural Gas hook up for Gas Grill. Natural Gas Heated Pool, Additional Storage above Garage, Natural Gas Fireplace.

View Property

29817 N 223rd Avenue Wittmann, AZ 85361

$599,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,561 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6778300

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Fantasic custom home that is priced to sell. The open floorplan has split master with 2nd guest quarter or master on opposite side. The two other bedrooms are split off and have a jack and jill bathroom with private vanities. The back yard has a block wall around the perimeter with an RV Gate on both sides. Extra large back patio has tongue and grove ceilings. Beautiful upgraded quartz cover the countertops. Beautiful Custom wood cabinets throughout make this home extra special. Kitchen island is 4X9 w breakfast bar overhang. Exterior was just painted. This is on a 4 part shared well w huge storage tank. The surrounding homes are excellent custom homes. Bring your horses and your toys. No HOA

View Property

959 N 97th Way Mesa, AZ 85207

$599,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,050 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6786673

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BRAND NEW Construction with Custom-Quality Upgrades throughout! This beautiful Modern Farmhouse is located on a 1/4 ACRE FENCED YARD with NO HOA. FRONT YARD LANDSCAPING INCLUDED. Gourmet Kitchen w/ high-end Cabinets w/ 42'' uppers, White Quartz Countertops, Stainless Steel Appliances & Wood Plank Tile Floors. Stunning Master Bathroom w/ Freestanding Soaking Tub & a BEACH ENTRY Glass Shower. Exceptional Energy Efficient - boasting Spray Foam Insulation, Premium AC unit & High-end Windows. Superior Construction and Craftmanship includes Premium Roofing System, Premium Synthetic Stucco & much more! COMPLETED in April/May 2025.

View Property

25409 N 40th Lane Unit 0 Phoenix, AZ 85083

$599,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,134 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786652

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING ...A LARGE FAMILY...WORKING FROM HOME...CLOSE TO MANY AMENITIES

View Property

10696 S 297th Avenue Palo Verde, AZ 85343

$599,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,317 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771316

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in Buckeye, AZ! This luxury residence sits on a one-acre lot with an efficient irrigation system, ensuring a lush green landscape year-round. Inside, enjoy a grand foyer leading to an open-concept living area, featuring four spacious bedrooms and three and a half elegant bathrooms with high-end finishes.The gourmet kitchen boasts top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances and a large island, flowing into the dining area and inviting great room, where large windows frame breathtaking mountain views. Step outside to a private patio, perfect for outdoor dining, overlooking the expansive yard. Surrounded by other luxury ranch homes, this peaceful neighborhood offers the ideal blend of tranquility and exclusivity. Experience the best of Arizona living in this home!

View Property

7709 W Boca Raton Road Peoria, AZ 85381

$599,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,642 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6698687

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your fully renovated, modern oasis! This stunning four-bedroom, two-bathroom home has been thoughtfully updated from top to bottom. Step inside to discover a light, bright, and open floor plan with all-new flooring that flows seamlessly throughout the space. The heart of the home is the gorgeously remodeled kitchen, featuring sleek cabinetry, high-end countertops, and brand-new appliances. Prepare to be amazed by the stunning limestone backsplash and the focal point of the kitchen, a breathtaking waterfall island that offers both beauty and functionality. The kitchen also boasts an eat-in area with tons of seating, making it the perfect spot for casual meals or entertaining guests. The vaulted ceilings add to the sense of space and grandeur, creating a truly luxurious feel. Both bathrooms have also been meticulously updated to provide a spa-like experience, with modern fixtures and finishes. Gather around the new fireplace in the spacious living area, perfect for cozy evenings with loved ones. Outside, a brand-new RV gate provides convenient access to the oversized corner lot, offering ample parking, including space for an RV. Enjoy the outdoors in the newly landscaped front and back yards, providing the perfect backdrop for entertaining or simply relaxing in the Arizona sun. NO HOA!!! For those interested, all the furniture is available for purchase on a separate bill of sale. Please see the list of updates in the documents tab. Don't miss the opportunity to make this beautifully renovated home your own!

View Property

1436 N Bernard -- Mesa, AZ 85207

$599,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,556 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6784104

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

''Investors here is the opportunity you've been waiting for. This Incredible 2 story home is perfectly situated in the sought after community of Sierra Estates. A fantastic floor plan with spacious living area and vaulted ceilings throughout. Great use of the over 3500 sq ft featuring 4 bedrooms 2.5 baths and gorgeous vaulted ceilings. The Back yard has outdoor kitchen, with pool and open space. Bring your vision and skills to a home that is ready for you to make it shine. Mostly cosmetic repairs needed and will be an incredible investment opportunity for some sweat equity.

View Property