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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6109 S 68th Avenue Laveen, AZ 85339

$549,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,402 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781655

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Your new home is waiting for YOU! This well maintained home offers 2 car garage, extended driveway for extra parking, RV gate, and low maintenance front yard. Incredible inside offers plank style laminate and tile, No carpet, 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, formal living & dining rooms, den/office that could easily be used as another bedroom, and large loft area can be used for a bonus room or pool table. Chef's kitchen is comprised of Stainless Steel appliances, Gas Stove, island, mosaic backsplash, walk-in pantry, and ample counter/cabinet space. Upstairs master suite includes walk-in closet, full bath, dual sinks, separate tub, and step-in shower. Huge backyard has built-in BBQ & covered patio extended with pavers. The Lot is almost 1/3 Acre! HUGE RV Gate area and plenty of space to use it! 3 Bay Garage/ 2 door entry, tone of extra space. Whole house sprinkler system. Close to Freeways, Sprouts, Home Depot and restaurants. Trailside Point community park features a fishing lake, water splash pad and covered play area. The Laveen Schools are rated A+! Don't miss this opportunity!

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11407 W Duane Lane Peoria, AZ 85383

$549,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,902 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782259

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Stunning 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Features a Chefs Kitchen with gas Cooktop and Quartz Countertops, Built in Microwave and Oven, New RO System 10/2024. Stainless Steel Refrigerator Backsplash pendant lighting and a Large Pantry. Master bath has a Tiled super shower with rainfall Shower Heads, Jack and Jill Bath connects other Bedrooms. Raised vanities and Walk in Closets in all Bedrooms. Half a bath in hall way.8 ft doors highlight the interior with 5 1/4 Baseboards and upgraded lighting and fixtures, Matte Black throughout. The home also has Wood look Porcelain Tile and Upgraded Honeywell Thermostats with remote Via App. A 12' Multi Glass Sliding Door Leads to to an Extended Covered Patio and a Fully Landscaped Back Yard. Other Features Include Satellite Rewired, Water softener .

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22807 E Via Del Palo -- Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$549,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,710 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783813

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous 3 bed 2 bath Queen Creek gem. This must see home has loads of upgrades in all the right places. Tucked on a corner lot, on a sweet tree lined street in the highly desirable Harvest at Meridian community. Thoughtful builder upgrades including premium tile in all main living areas and upgraded carpet in the EXTENDED bedrooms. A premium cabinet package that has been professionally refinished, custom backsplash, gas cooktop, EXTENDED garage, upgraded bathroom package, premium countertops, high soft close toilets, upgraded electrical outlets, spray foam insulation, new pendant lighting, custom screen door, soft water system, custom sunscreens, complete with a 100K backyard Oasis, featuring gorgeous green turf and a stunning oversized 6 1/2 ft deep pool with Baja step and waterfall. Multiple walk-in closets, and loads of charm throughout. Complete with amazing community amenities. Including a splashpad, community pool, community garden, playground, walking paths, within walking distance to highly desirable Queen Creek schools. Close to amazing shopping, dining and entertainment alike. Enjoy fireworks from Schnepf Farms multiple times a year from the backyard patio, just 7 minutes to Frontier Family Park, 6 minutes to Schnepf Farms, and only 5 minutes to Queen Creek Olive Mill Market. With amazing freeway access this beautiful home sits right in the heart of Queen Creek.

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714 N Fox Hill Circle Payson, AZ 85541

$549,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,695 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784866

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Step into this beautiful single level home in Woodhill Subdivision, nestled into a beautiful cul-de-sac lot with lots of mature natural trees. Very private backyard which backs to undeveloped land, south side has a large dog turn out which allows for more privacy. This home features an open floor plan which provides a seamless flow between living, dining and kitchen. Living room boasts with large windows giving it lots of natural lighting, vaulted ceilings, cozy fireplace adds warmth and charm! This is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, split floor plan, vaulted ceilings, electronic blinds on some of the windows, walk-in closet, en-suite with dual sinks and walk in tiled shower. Private backyard with covered patio Don't miss out on this one!

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