The First-Time Home Buyer’s Guide to Getting the Best Possible Mortgage Rate

Whether they’re found online or heard from family and friends, there are so many mortgage tips out there that it can be hard to know exactly how to proceed. But, if you’re new to the market, there are a few surefire things you can do to get a mortgage rate you’ll feel good about. For some of the best tips on getting a great loan, look no further than the following.

Know Your Credit History

It’s a simple fact that one of the most important factors in your mortgage application is your credit history, so good or fair, it’s important to be aware of where you stand. While the acceptable credit score for mortgage approval can fluctuate, the best rates are often available to those with a score that is higher than 760. In order to improve your chances, get a copy of your credit report and pay attention to any discrepancies that might be in it. These can have a negative impact on your score and your application, so you’ll want to have them revised if they’re incorrect.

Save Your Down Payment

It’s not a requirement of mortgage approval to put 20% down, but a down payment of this size will lower your debt-to-income ratio and will make you a more solid bet for the lender. By having 20% in the bank to go towards your home investment, you will also be able to qualify for a lower rate. Not only this, you will not be required to pay mortgage insurance which means a lowered monthly payment and a higher disposable income in the event of market fluctuations.

Consult With A Mortgage Professional

You may want to pursue a mortgage on your own, but having a professional to help you with the process can be beneficial for a number of reasons. A mortgage expert will not only be aware of market conditions, they will have a relationship with the lenders that means they may be able to get you a rate you wouldn’t be offered on your own. While you may want to go it alone, there are benefits to consulting a professional.

There’s a lot involved in the mortgage process, but by putting 20 percent down and having a good credit history, you’ll be well on your way to a great rate.

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Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

19275 N 88th Way Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,299,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,583 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786837

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Rare find in Ironwood Village, 13,420 sqft Lot with neighbor on one side for extra privacy. Single story, 3 car garage, corner lot in a cul-de-sac. Entertainers backyard with extended covered patio, outdoor kitchen with dual built-in -BBQ, in ground spa, and Lap Pool replastered 2024. Roof replaced 2023. Vaulted ceilings, living and family room. Oversized primary suite with soaking tub, walk in shower, dual sinks, Huge Walk-in closet. Bright and open kitchen with breakfast bar, kitchen island, granite countertops and wall oven. The community of Ironwood Village features parks & location with easy access to 101, grocery, restaurants, shopping, schools, etc. Location Location Location.

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394 E Redfield Road Chandler, AZ 85225

$1,299,000

5 Beds

5 Baths

3,242 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786788

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

If you're searching for a multi-generational home with no HOA in the heart of the East Valley, look no further! Situated on a spacious 37,514 sq. ft. corner lot with separate living quarters, this property is move-in ready. The main house offers 3,242 sq. ft. of living space, featuring 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a large kitchen, a grand living room, an office/flex room, and a loft. Additionally, the main house includes a walk-out basement with its own kitchenette, as well as one of the bedrooms and bathrooms. Step outside to enjoy the extended covered patio and the expansive lot, which includes two RV access gates and a cleanout—perfect for easy pass-through driving and convenient hookups for RVs of almost any size. The guest house is equally impressive, offering 1,368 sq. ft. with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a laundry room, and an open kitchen/living room layout. This property has so many exceptional features that they simply can't all be captured in the MLS listing!

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4601 W Paradise Lane Glendale, AZ 85306

$1,299,000

8 Beds

8 Baths

4,573 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6674143

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NO HOA!!! CUSTOM Tri Level Home in Sunburst Farms sits on just under an acre with a detached Guest House, Separate Home Office and temp controlled Workshop! Solar panels, optional flood irrigation and a 500 gallon propane tank keep utility expenses low and affordable. Pride of ownership is in the details. Main House features 4bed/3.5bth, a custom kitchen with 2 sinks, built in appliances that include a convection cooktop, double ovens, and trash compactor. The finished basement has a bedroom, full bathroom, 2 walk-in closets and den. You'll notice all the GORGEOUS built in cabinetry throughout the entire home. The backyard oasis is an entertainer's dream with a massive covered travertine patio that extends to a heated pool/ spa and built in full outdoor kitchen and fireplace. Follow the luscious green landscaping to a detached 2bed/2bath guest house complete with a full kitchen and huge laundry room. Exit the private courtyard and you will find your perfect home office with 2 separate office areas and a full bathroom. Workshop is a temp controlled (mini split) 50ft garage featuring a 14ft door, chain hoist, built-in work bench, shop sink, locked storage area and half bathroom. Space is also preplumbed for compressed air. There are many more details, too many to list. Bring your toys and your tools and come check it out for yourself!

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11815 W Lost Man Canyon Way Prescott, AZ 86305

$1,299,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,680 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6674739

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Enjoy breathtaking, uninterrupted vistas of Williamson Valley from this exquisite ''Ranch Style'' residence. Boasting 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and a spacious 2 car garage, this home is a testament to rustic elegance. Step inside to discover large hewn timber beams, natural stone accents, and a stunning tongue-and-groove vaulted ceiling in the Great Room, complemented by a wall of windows framing panoramic views. Throughout the home, you'll find rich wood floors, Alder doors, and a charming stone fireplace with a mantle. The generously sized kitchen features granite countertops and a convenient wet bar in the dining area. Outside, multiple covered patio areas beckon relaxation amid mature trees and lush vegetation. Experience the epitome of tranquil living.

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1113 S Cypress Circle Payson, AZ 85541

$1,299,000

3 Beds

4 Baths

4,055 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6706097

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Spectacular Quality! Steel structure & solid Alder doors throughout. Purple Mountains Majesty! Views! Sip your coffee admiring the Mogollon Rim. Conveniently located on a hilltop minutes away from downtown Payson, shopping & restaurants. Step through the door into vaulted, beamed ceilings with a wide staircase & custom railing. Family Room, Dining Room & Patio flow together creating a relaxed entertaining space. Main Suite dominates the 2nd story with a private loft, spa bathroom (including jacuzzi tub, snail shower, private laundry & bidet), fireplace, extended custom closet & huge deck. Top of the line, stainless steel appliances in this chef's kitchen where the sink window overlooks the vista, walk-in pantry and laundry room are steps away. Solid wood, Alder cabinetry throughout All walls are metal 2x4 & property framing is steel beams. Property has fire suppression system. Tile roof. Quality! The lowest level boasts 2 guest rooms with ensuite baths. LL living room includes a bar with a beer tap, wine cellar, refrigerator, ice maker, dishwasher, sink, surround sound & fireplace. Don't forget the gun closet & the bonus room! Step onto the wrap around patio and you are among the trees & views. Can you smell that fresh, pine air? Property sides to National Forest. Toys? Bring them! There is plenty of room in the 5 car garage. Storage cabinets & work bench flank the walls making an efficient space. 220 outlets in the garage. RV Parking on the side slab with electrical plug-in. Large storage room accessed from lower level patio. Come see it all!

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20622 W Colter Street Buckeye, AZ 85396

$1,299,000

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,282 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752369

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Breathtaking GOLF COURSE MOUNTAIN & CITY VIEWS from this David Weekley Serendipity home! With 3 bdrms, 2 dens, 3.5 baths, you & your guests will have plenty of room to spread out, as each bedroom has its own bathroom. The large owner's suite features stunning views, luxurious shower and soaking tub, as well as access to the laundry room. The gourmet kitchen includes extra cabinets, and huge center island. The ''Walk-Through Pantry is spectacular! There is also a ''Command Center'' (tech area). The beautiful backyard has artificial turf & extended covered patio Wait... there's more.. the 2.5-car garage has a mini-split & overhead storage. There's an over $100K amount of options, upgrades, and updates in this home!!! Also leased solar reduces utility bills. Includes 1-year Home Warranty The addition of the hobby room, which is 12x24 adds another 124 square feet to the floorplan.

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12158 N 138th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85259

$1,299,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,979 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6731048

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautifully remodeled home within the guard gated community of Scottsdale Mountain, features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a loft, an office and a host of modern upgrades, including engineered white oak hardwood throughout. The downstairs boasts high ceilings and beautifully remodeled kitchen, featuring new white oak and white cabinets, appliances and quartz countertops. Step into the family room with a dual sided fireplace with the living room on the opposite side. The backyard features a view fence over a beautiful wash, a newly resurfaced pebble tech pool and stunning mountain views at the base of the McDowell Mountains. The home boasts a large first floor master retreat and completely remodeled bathroom. Upstairs is a great place for the kids with an additional two bedrooms and a loft for games and entertainment. Lastly, the home received a new roof in 2022 and new Trane HVAC system in 2024. Don't miss this stunning remodel in the safe and secure guard gated community of Scottsdale Mountain adjacent to award winning schools!

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21616 N 37th Street Phoenix, AZ 85050

$1,299,000

6 Beds

4.5 Baths

4,302 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748243

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BIG REDUCTION TO SELL! $15,000 SELLER CREDIT FOR CARPETING & UPGRADES AVAILABLE! Own this 6 bed, 4.5 bath Amazon model in Fireside near the school! With a 4-car garage, heated pool, 4,302ft² & located on a premium view lot with no neighbors behind, this won't last long! The main floor includes your open concept great room, upgraded kitchen, formal dining room, den/bonus room, primary bedroom suite (which is epic!), powder bath, laundry, & a casita/mother-in-law suite with a private entrance & bathroom! Upstairs you'll find the additional 4 bedrooms (all with walk-in closets), a loft, tech space, & two more bathrooms! The back yard is filled with beautiful travertine, a heated (& cooled!) pool with smart equipment + controls, a pergola-covered outdoor kitchen + firepit , & view fencing without neighbors behind you! The front yard's desert landscape is maintained with an auto drip system, as is the courtyard! The home also features a TON of upgrades including but not limited to a new dishwasher (2024), AC (2022), solar system, RO water system, soft water system, new back turf (2022), misters on the patio, outdoor security system, new pendant lighting, in-ceiling surround sound speaker system, landscape lighting, and more! New Carpet installed (9/30) in the primary suite, too!

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3802 E Piccadilly Road Phoenix, AZ 85018

$1,299,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,553 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761839

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Mid-century modern inspired single level home is quintessential Arcadia Lite! Located on an oversized, corner lot with electric RV gate, play pool & 2 car garage with EV charger. Beautiful curb appeal that welcomes you home in quiet pocket neighborhood. Bright and open, the kitchen features a big designer island and dry bar with clean, modern lines (calling your inner Art Collector for these walls!) Split floorplan with primary on one side and other 3 bedrooms on the other - kitchen/living space in between, makes it a great living flow with plenty of privacy for the primary. A new sparkling pool, putting green and lounge area make the outdoor living so functional and great for hosting.

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19550 N Grayhawk Drive Unit 1127 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,299,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,834 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766674

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Discover this exquisitely remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom townhome in the prestigious Grayhawk community, perfectly situated on the golf course. Every inch of this home has been thoughtfully updated with the finest luxury finishes, offering a perfect blend of style and sophistication. Step into the spacious living area featuring a grand fireplace, perfect for cozy evenings, complemented by a custom wet bar and three wine fridges—a true entertainer's dream. The gourmet kitchen boasts Café appliances, quartzite countertops, and ample space for the most discerning chef. Retreat to the luxury master suite, complete with a spa-like bathroom featuring a sleek glass and tile shower, a serene soaking tub, and an expansive walk-in closet. The outdoor space is equally impressive, with brand-new landscaping, a tranquil fountain, and a hot tub ideal for unwinding after a long day. Whether enjoying the backyard oasis or taking in the golf course and mountain views, this home offers an unparalleled Scottsdale lifestyle. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to live in Grayhawk's finest. Schedule your private showing today!

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4148 N Westview Drive Phoenix, AZ 85015

$1,299,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,523 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767459

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Remodeled home in Historic Bel Air neighborhood with 4 bed, 3 bath, 3,523 sq. ft. RV parking, with electric RV gate and 13k lot, Whole house has been updated. Updates include 2 master suites, quartz counters, new plumbing, new windows, electric RV gate, RV parking, new gates, new appliances, new flooring, new baseboards, new cabinets, new electrical, new Trane AC units, new roof, new paint, fire place, new insulation, new tile, new pavers, new pergola's, new fixtures, new toilets, new baseboards, new paint.

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1105 N Indian Paintbrush Circle Payson, AZ 85541

$1,299,000

4 Beds

4 Baths

3,472 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6689974

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This amazing 4 bed, 4 bath multi-level home in Payson is now for sale! Enjoy the breathtaking golf course and panoramic mountain views from a recently remodeled and expanded deck. The home itself is nestled in the Community of Chaparral Pines and boasts a stunning façade, manicured landscape, and a 2 car garage w/paver driveway. Inside you will find a spacious living area w/elegant tile flooring, stylish light fixtures, abundant natural light, and neutral palette throughout. Hone your cooking skills in this gorgeous kitchen, comprised of wood cabinetry w/granite counters, SS appliances such as a wall oven & wine cooler, and an island complete w/a breakfast bar. You'll love the primary bedroom, featuring soft carpet, private deck access, walk-in closet, and a lavish ensuite! Don't forget about the cozy den, perfect for an office! Also including a HUGE deck w/a built-in BBQ where you can enjoy a summer cookout w/friends and loved ones, this home is a dream come true! Don't let this incredible opportunity slip by!

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