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.

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9496 W Freedom Trail Peoria, AZ 85383

$2,500,000

5 Beds

5.5 Baths

4,838 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6776025

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this exquisite luxury custom home situated on over an acre in the beautiful community of Cibola Vista. Featuring 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, dedicated office, and flex/game room, no detail was overlooked. Enter through 2 large courtyards to take in the uniqueness of this very special 4838 square foot residence. The gourmet kitchen has Cambria quartz countertops, premium appliances, massive island, dual kitchen cooking areas, and lovely large breakfast room. This opens to great room with fireplace, floor to ceiling windows retractable a full 90 degrees. The 12 foot ceilings add to the grandness of this spectacular home. All bedrooms have walk-in closets, and private bathrooms. Primary bedroom is massive, with a highly upgraded primary bath, stunningly finished. Elegant touches fill every inch, including Cambria countertops throughout home, luxury vinyl flooring, lovely window treatments, and highly upgraded fixtures. Enjoy the 4 car attached garage with ev charger. Detached huge RV garage has been pre-built for a casita (plans available). Additionally, slab parking can accommodate 8 more vehicles, with RV gate at side. Outside, enjoy the lovely heated play pool and spa, with removable glass fencing. Two custom gazebos add to the outdoor living with built in barbecue, cooler, tv, and smoker. Sport court for the pickleball enthusiasts, basketball court, tennis. Childrens' Ruff House play set to keep the kiddies busy! All landscaping is beautifully done, with artificial grass for ease of care. This home is truly special, and checks every box! Near the 303, Lake Pleasant, restaurants, and shopping. Welcome to your desert oasis, intended for the most discerning buyer.

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8742 E Woodley Way Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$2,500,000

4 Beds

5 Baths

4,613 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6747685

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

In addition to the new custom home design, the owners have invested in additional upgrades. A professionally designed desert landscape featuring rolling terrain with marquee desert plant specimens. Expanded patio spaces created for enhanced outside living. The north facing heated pool is in the sun while the covered patios provide large shaded areas to eat and relax. The large lot provides for even more eastward expansion if desired. Windows and doors with direct sunlight have been tinted to maximize energy efficiency of the three zone heating and cooling system. The pool, HVAC and indoor and outdoor lighting can be controlled remotely as well as the monitored security and camera systems. The home features custom wood cabinetry throughout with dovetail joinery and soft-close hinges and glides. All four large bedrooms feature walk-in closets and ensuite baths and large showers. The attached casita features its own external entrance off the front patio for your guests.

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4052 E Oak Street Phoenix, AZ 85008

$2,500,000

5 Beds

6 Baths

5,232 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778389

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

New construction - Modern Luxury just south of Arcadia. Every detail of this 5 bedroom masterpiece has been thoughtfully considered and expertly crafted, from the framing to the quality finishes, to the seamless smart home technology integration. Details such as hand-troweled venetian plaster and embedded light fixtures, generous butler pantry and doggie bath laundry are generally found at much higher price points. This flexible floor plan features a separate primary retreat that feels like a private spa, and an attached full casita including kitchen, bath and laundry. All bedrooms are ensuite. The kitchen is a cook's dream with all Thermador appliances, streamlined wood cabinets, and a huge, cantilevered island with plenty of room for seating and entertaining! The living area opens onto a generous patio and beyond is a new pool, hot tub, and large grassy area in the oversized backyard. Enjoy the lifestyle this amazing location affords: close to restaurants, shopping, golf, hiking, ASU, freeways, and 15 minutes to the airport. Call today for a private showing.

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25323 N 104th Way Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$2,500,000

5 Beds

5 Baths

4,438 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778685

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover luxurious living on a golf course lot with stunning views, nestled in the prestigious Troon Fairways community. This remarkable property located on Hole 1 boasts a spacious main home with 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths downstairs, plus attached guest quarters on the second floor featuring an additional bedroom and bath—ideal for visitors or multi-generational living. Enjoy the heated pool and hot tub year round while taking in the views. Also included is a charming 1 bedroom, 1 bath detached 795 sqft Casita with Kitchenette & Living Room for the ultimate private retreat. With access to Troon's renowned amenities—championship golf courses, scenic trails, and a vibrant clubhouse—this home offers the finest in Scottsdale living.

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8233 E Foothill Circle Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$2,500,000

4 Beds

4 Baths

3,540 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6746614

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous home in desirable Pinnacle Peak Country Club situated on the golf course with mountain views. Breathtaking sunrises from your extended covered patio. Resort like backyard is amazing with a heated pool and spa, covered built in bbq, putting green tons of lighting for parties or privacy for romantic dinners. This custom home comes with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms that have all been updated. Primary bedroom with fireplace, dual vanities, walk in shower steam shower, jetted tub with micro therapy and walk in closet. Kitchen is full of features, stainless steel appliances, wall oven, warming drawer, cooktops and your own coffee maker. Roof was recoated in August 2024. New interior paint throughout. Also, a 300-bottle wine cellar for you to enjoy. This property is absolutely AMAZING!!

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4949 E Lincoln Drive Unit 13 Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$2,500,000

4 Beds

4.5 Baths

3,748 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6697345

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain, in the exclusive Montelucia Resort guard gated community, Villa 13 offers Arizona's famed lifestyle w/a low maintenance vibe. French doors open out from the great room to the patio allowing a true indoor/outdoor feel. Recent thoughtful updates include sealed limestone countertops in the kitchen/butler pantry w/a refreshed contemporary tile backsplash & redesigned fireplace surround. An open floor plan enhances casual or formal entertaining. All bedrooms are ensuite. Second level is accessible by a paneled elevator. The Omni Montelucia's amenities assure true resort style living: fitness center, 3 pools( in addition to a private pool for Villa residents), restaurants & special events. A true lock & leave lifestyle awaits!

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42311 N Sierra Vista Road Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$2,500,000

4 Beds

4 Baths

4,656 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748202

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

SERENITY! Oasis in Cave Creek only seven minutes from downtown Cave Creek, Buffalo Chip & Harold's. This incredible home is located on over five acres, unsurpassed views of mountains and saguaro cactus, private guest house, private pool, spa, 3 car oversized garage and beautifully upgraded. Home features private front and back porches with peaceful and truly incredible views. You will find Viking appliances, oversized tile flooring, custom paint, open floor plan, negative edge pool, spa & rock waterfall feature. Close to National Forest and preserve for horses, hiking, etc.

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2060 E Quartz Street Mesa, AZ 85213

$2,500,000

7 Beds

8 Baths

6,846 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768491

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Recently built, beautifully constructed 2 story home in a quiet neighborhood, no HOA, on the edge of town with access to all major shopping and located just minutes from the freeway. Designed for multi-generational living, this home includes a beautiful large kitchen on the main floor with a large walk-in pantry, a 2nd fully functional kitchen on the 2nd floor. The elegant master bath is a must see with 2 large walk-in closets and a separate laundry in the master closet. Designed for comfort w/ 6 AC zones/thermostats for greater temperature control and balance. All interior walls are insulated for sound reduction. Parking - oversized 4 car garage and large circular drive with RV parking. The detached 1 bedroom guest house is fully functional with a kitchen and laundry.

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3440 E Kael Street Mesa, AZ 85213

$2,500,000

4 Beds

5.5 Baths

5,852 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6744700

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Luxury remodel in a gated community! New kitchen with custom cabinetry, cabinet-front fridge/freezer, quartz slab backsplashes, huge island with 2 dishwashers, 48' gas range and custom hood, and beautiful hutch style cabinetry with glass doors. If the kitchen wasn't enough.. there is a butlers pantry equipped with a microwave, a full size oven and an ice maker, in addition to the Costco sized pantry for all your additional storage needs. The primary bedroom will draw you in with its beautiful natural Harwood floors, its soaring ceilings, cozy double-sided fireplace, and its views of the full grown citrus trees that adorn the property. The primary bath has been completely overhauled! It boasts a custom shower with multiple shower heads, a freestanding tub overlooking a private courtyard, and its views of the full grown citrus trees that adorn the property. The primary bath has been completely overhauled! It boasts a custom shower with multiple shower heads, a freestanding tub overlooking a private courtyard, 2 vanities and separate closets. the bedrooms are split, with primary bedroom on the east end of the home & three additional bedrooms split on the west end. The home features 4 bedrooms and 5.5 baths, living room, game room, theater room and formal dining room. Additional features included: 4 car extra deep garage with separate storage area, pool with slide, over 1,000 of covered patio, and much more!

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5741 N 38th Place Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$2,500,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,671 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6753536

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Paradise Valley home offers stunning 360-degree views of Camelback Mountain, downtown Phoenix lights, and the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, all complemented by modern upgrades throughout. The property includes a main house and an attached guest house, perfect for hosting visitors or extended stays. The open-concept living room features a wall of windows that bathe the space in natural light, anchored by a cozy fireplace. The chef's kitchen is outfitted with stainless steel appliances, a skylight, an eat-in area, and a formal dining space. The primary suite serves as a peaceful retreat with private backyard access, dual vanities, and a full bath. Designed for seamless indoor/outdoor living, the backyard is a true desert oasis, complete with a custom pool, expanded deck, covered patio, and lush desert landscaping that ensures privacy. Multiple seating areas provide ample room for lounging and entertaining. Situated in a highly desirable, private neighborhood, this home is just minutes from world-class resorts, golf courses, fine dining, and shopping. A rare gem, this property embodies the essence of luxury living in Paradise Valley.

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6418 N 28th Street Phoenix, AZ 85016

$2,500,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,863 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784897

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Soft contemporary elegance meets comfortable living in this meticulously updated property. Located in the highly desirable guard-gated Biltmore Estates. Nestled at the foot of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve w/ peaceful mountain views on a premium lot which abuts natural desert on 2 sides. The clean lines of the plank white oak floors, oversized custom baseboards, 12' ceilings, coupled w/ oversized windows bring in an abundance of natural light, gorgeous views, & simple Arizona indoor/outdoor lifestyle. White kitchen cabinets accentuate the quartz countertops complete w/ a waterfall-edged island, gas cooktop, built in microwave + double wall ovens. Indulge in the Master bedroom & bath featuring a freestanding soaking tub, lavish shower w/ dual heads/controls, 2 vanities and ample storage. This darling home is all on level with no interior steps and all three bedrooms are split for your privacy. The 3 car garage is complete with epoxy flooring. Truly an entertainer's dream complete with a heated pool/ spa, and mountain views. This must see is conveniently located to great shopping, cultural and social events.

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5908 E Orange Blossom Lane Phoenix, AZ 85018

$2,500,000

4 Beds

4.5 Baths

4,395 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6713234

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled in the heart of the Arizona Country Club golf course is this lovely Spanish Colonial home. This is a one-of-a-kind property that offers great privacy and seclusion, while still being conveniently located on Orange Blossom Lane. As you enter through the wooden gate a serene courtyard welcomes you with a large covered patio complete with an outdoor kitchen, sparkling pool, oversized garage, and charming guest house creating an inviting oasis for entertaining family and friends. One of the oldest homes remaining on the course, this special property boasts architectural elegance throughout featuring barreled ceilings, solid wood flooring, a gas and wood-burning fireplace, and arched wooden doors that open onto views of tranquil Camelback Mountain. The open kitchen features a large butcher block island, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and an abundance of windows and doors that overlook the lush fairways, allowing natural light to flood the space. The main house offers three spacious bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. Additionally, a basement offers lots of storage space, wine storage and a great workspaces with outside exit. This property is a rare gem and is truly a must see.

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