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

The First-Time Home Buyer's Guide to Getting the Best Possible Mortgage RateWhether 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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5196 E Desert Forest Trail Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$639,990 - 4Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Rancho Paloma, Cave Creek
Open House
$639,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,368 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6706259
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Energy Star Certified, 4 bedrooms, + Loft, 3 bath home on an incredible cul-de-sac homesite with Mountain Views, and open green space! THIS 2019 BUILT HOME feels new with a modern great room plan, large bedrooms, walk in closets, and 5-year-old mechanicals- today's tech. Recent updates include a custom master shower, new tile surrounds in two bathrooms, Quartz Bathroom counter tops, fixtures, and 2022 carpet on the second floor. The high-end finishes include 42'' Glazed cabinets, Granite countertops, and Subway Backsplash. 1st Floor has Wood Plank tile flooring. No need to renovate, this is move in ready! Enjoy the convenience of a bedroom, and shower on the first floor. The large 15x8 foot glass slider allows plenty of light. HOA includes front land scaping maint. Street parking OK

17139 W Hackamore Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$639,945
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,660 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6771863
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MLS#6771863 January Completion! Experience the perfect blend of multigenerational living in this thoughtfully designed home. Step through the inviting porch and into the foyer, where you'll find a separate wing featuring three bedrooms, a private multi-gen living area, two bathrooms, and a one-car garage with its own dedicated entry. As you move further inside, a formal dining room sits across from a powder room and a laundry area, along with access to the two-car garage. At the heart of the home, the open-concept design showcases a spacious great room seamlessly connected to a kitchen with an island, casual dining space, and covered outdoor living. The primary suite is tucked away for privacy complete with a spa-inspired bathroom and a generous walk-in closet. Structural options include: paver front porch, garage service door, interior door at multi gen living suite, tile super shower at primary bath, and gourmet kitchen.

7387 W Cactus Wren Way Florence, AZ 85132

$639,900 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Anthem At Merrill Ranch - Unit 24 2017094163, Florence
New
$639,900
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,530 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6788280
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MAKE A SPLASH! Enjoy the tour of this stunning, nearly new 3 bedroom ''Journey'' model in the highly sought after community of Sun City Anthem at Merrill Ranch. Your new home offers an abundance of upgrades that include a chefs kitchen with beautiful upgraded granite counters, stainless appliances, roll-out trays, pendant lighting, butlers pantry, large island, gorgeous tile and hardwood flooring and soaring 10' ceilings. Additional upgrades include ceiling fans, tankless water heater, laundry cabinets w/utility sink, 4ft garage extension and golf cart garage. The outdoor living space offers private entertaining with a gorgeous swimming pool and sheer descent water feature, extended paver patio and walkways, power sun shade and privacy walls with common area to the West. A MUST SEE HOME!! Take advantage of the Anthem Grille, The Poston Butte Golf Club, a learning center and all the festivities, activities and amenities a Sun City community has to offer. Remember you are buying a lifestyle that goes beyond the homes property lines.

20815 W Canyon Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$639,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
2,125 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6743163
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Discover one of the most pristine golf course villas in the Vallarta neighborhood of Verrado, perfectly situated at the base of the White Tank Mountains along the 5th fairway of the Verrado Golf Club Founders Course. This stunning residence offers breathtaking panoramic views of the golf course and mountains. Nestled within a picturesque gated community, this villa provides access to exclusive amenities, including a pool, spa, and BBQ area, in addition to the full range of facilities available to all Verrado residents. Impeccably designed with exceptional attention to detail, this home is upgraded with features that cater to the most discerning buyers. The backyard retreat is truly extraordinary with an extended covered patio, travertine decking, private pool and fire pit— a perfect setting for entertaining friends and family year-round. Don't miss the chance to experience this extraordinary property. Schedule your private tour today!

3432 E Strawberry Drive Gilbert, AZ 85298

$639,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,080 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6759348
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This stunning, highly upgraded, ready-to-move-in single-level home offers 4 bedrooms, including a guest suite, and 3 bathrooms, in the highly desirable Bridges Gilbert community. Situated on a premium greenbelt corner lot, this home features an inviting built-in fireplace and an Arizona room for extra comfort and over $75K in upgrades. The kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, a gas stove, and tile flooring, with carpet only in the bedrooms. The private, low-maintenance backyard with no rear neighbors is perfect for relaxation or entertaining. Ideally located near shopping, freeway access, and A+ rated schools, The Bridges at Gilbert provides bike paths, playgrounds, a splash pad, lakes, and more, all within walking distance of Gilbert Regional Park!

15677 W Campbell Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85395

$639,900
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,134 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6777332
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Fully renovated gorgeous home. This stunning 5 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom home combines style, comfort, and modern amenities. Renovation includes but is not limited to new AC, new appliances, new carpet, tile, LVP, new paint interior/exterior, primary bath remodel, epoxy garage floors etc. Step inside to an open-concept layout, where a bright living room flows into a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and a central island, perfect for entertaining. The spacious master suite includes a walk-in closet and an en-suite bath with a soaking tub and separate shower. Outside, enjoy a landscaped backyard and covered patio, ideal for relaxation. Located near top-rated schools, parks, shopping, and dining, this home offers both convenience and luxury.

1207 N Velero Street Chandler, AZ 85225

$639,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,316 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6782367
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Check out this stunning 4 bed 3 bath home in highly desirable Chandler! Brand new flooring throughout the house, new hardware, paint and more. Large living ares and an expansive backyard with a pool make this home great for entertaining. Take advantage of the opportunity to own one of the biggest homes in the subdivision at a great value.

4636 E Tierra Buena Lane Phoenix, AZ 85032

$639,900
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,020 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6783271
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this stunning 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home packed with features to make it the dream home you've been searching for! Spanning 2,020sf., every inch of this thoughtfully designed space offers a blend of comfort, convenience and style. Step into the bright, open kitchen, which overlooks a spacious great room - ideal for entertaining! The kitchen features a large gourmet island, quartz counters, sleek stainless steel appliances, white cabinetry and a timeless subway tile backsplash. Throughout the downstairs and bathrooms, enjoy modern tile and light wood LPV in all the bedrooms and loft which blend seamlessly to enhance the modern aesthetic - NO CARPET! Freshly painted walls (all downstairs and loft area) and stylish Fanimation 52-inch fans on both levels further elevate... the home's polished, move-in-ready appeal. Entertainment options continue upstairs in the loft area that has been transformed into a custom-designed movie room, featuring a 120-inch screen, BenQ projector, Dolby Atmos in-wall and ceiling speakers, and a Marantz audio cabinet with high-end amplifier equipment. Sink into the cozy Lovesac lounger (Included!) and enjoy family movie nights or entertain friends in style. Stay comfortable year-round with smart climate controls, including a Nest thermostat and an 18,000 BTU Mr. Cool mini-split AC in the primary bedroom - perfect for those that love to sleep cool! The two-car garage is also an organizational dream with epoxy-coated floors, ceiling storage, and a 220V outlet for electric vehicles or workshop equipment. The backyard is designed for easy living, with pavers and synthetic turf that keep maintenance low and create the perfect setting for BBQs and relaxation! The community also features a sparkling pool, walking paths, and more, adding to the lifestyle appeal. Ideally located near premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations such as Desert Ridge, Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarter, and the newly renovated PV Mall, this home offers an unmatched combination of luxury, convenience, and community. Don't miss your chance to make this stunning property your forever home!

11256 E Ulysses Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$639,900
5 Beds
4.5 Baths
3,063 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786059
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this Gorgeous 5BRs/4.5 Baths, plus Loft, 3058 Sq. feet Gem. There is a Full BR/with an Attached Bathroom downstairs for your convenience along with a Powder Bath. The Flooring consists of the Upgraded Tile in all the Right areas. Stunning Kitchen comes with Granite Countertops, White Shaker Cabinets, Stainless Steel Appliances, and a Spacious Island. Going Upstairs, you are immediately greeted with the Can't miss-Oversized Loft. All the Rooms upstairs have Walk-In Closets. The Laundry provides plenty of space for all of your Use. The Larger than Life Backyard has been given a Makeover with the addition of Artificial Turf with Plenty of Room for more Ideas. Front Drive way Pavers have been extended all the way out to the Side gate for extra comfort. Home has been extremely well cared for. Why Buy Brand New when you can have a Gently used one with all the Added Updates Minus the Extra expense.

1202 W Random Way Payson, AZ 85541

$639,900 - 3Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Rodeo Ranches Plat 2, Payson
New
$639,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,900 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6788589
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
There is room for your toys and RV on this .96 acre, flat, all use able, partly fenced lot near Green Valley Park. There is a 2-car attached garage and 2 car detached garage, plus a storage shed with finished interior. The spacious, split floor plan, 3 BR,2BA, all one level home has a wood burning fireplace in the living room, a full-size kitchen offers lots of storage. The master bedroom has separate access to the large screened porch. Master bath has a jetted tub, walk-in shower and large walk-in closet. There is a large patio and many large trees to enjoy the outdoor living. Year around activities at Green Valley Park including fishing on the lakes, playgrounds, concerts in the park in the summer and Fireworks on the 4th of July.

11000 N 77th Place Unit 2085 Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$639,900 - 2Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Sovanna Condominiums Scottsdale Country Club Mod, Scottsdale
New
$639,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,571 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6788768
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Luxury living at the Starfire Golf Club community, Sovanna Condominiums offers a clubhouse with attached gym, a resort style heated pool and spa. Sovanna Condominiums is a gated community in the heart of Scottsdale, the central location is close to many amenities, enjoy the convenience of nearby shopping, restaurants, sports bars, hiking, biking, near by casino and of course playing golf at Starfire's 27-hole golf course. The large 1571 square foot condo is a end unit with no one above you, it offers two bedrooms plus den/office (den can easily be converted into a 3rd bedroom), large kitchen with built in appliances, granite countertops,two large private patios, gas fireplace and attached is a two-car garage. The Perfect 'Lock and Leave' Lifestyle.

1408 Vista Montana Road Unit 10 Sedona, AZ 86336

$639,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,000 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6732197
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Location Location Location! Vista Montana is one of the most desirable subdivisions to live in due to accessibility to amenities yet is quiet & peaceful at the same time. This beautiful two-story home has an airy, open feel, with high ceilings & three outdoor spaces: back patio, front patio, & upstairs primary balcony. Home has ample parking with an oversized single car garage, an uncovered spot, plus right in front of garage. Popping into Whole Foods, ACE Hardware, Sky Rock for a cocktail to take in the lovely views, Airport Mesa for hiking, or up to Posse Grounds Park for mountain biking, hiking trails, the Dog Park, & events at the outdoor amphitheater has never been easier or faster. This well-maintained subdivision has a community pool and clubhouse in addition to friendly neighbors. There are amazing sunsets from the living room window, upstairs primary balcony and upstairs guest/office window that look to the west.

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