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

64 W Via De Palmas -- San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$699,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,078 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6759036

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Back on market! Irrigated acreage in San Tan Valley. The property offers an inviting front porch, a circular drive & two custom metal gates to access the backyard. The home's entry is bright and open to the den, living room, & eat-in kitchen with bay window. It is PERFECT for entertaining with all of its open space and direct access to the covered back patio. Split master bedroom offers a large walk in closet, dual sinks, a shower, tub & access to the backyard. There's also two additional bedrooms & an oversized laundry room. Garage has AC for storing or working on projects. Recently remodeled 45'x25' custom pool with built in spa. Play Basketball or Volleyball while you soak up sun. Gather your horses and/or toys, more than enough room!! New hot water heater, new guest shower surround.

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2341 W Shadow Glen Court Anthem, AZ 85086

$699,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,454 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6765590

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Unparalleled privacy on this expansive corner lot in Anthem Country Club! This single-level home has breathtaking sunset/city light views, perfect for luxurious desert living. With 2 bedrooms, an office & a casita featuring a new mini-split system, this home offers flexibility & comfort. The open floor plan is ideal for entertaining with a spacious great room & an updated eat-in kitchen with island seating. Recent upgrades include newer HVAC, roof & hot water heater. The extended 2-car garage provides ample storage & has room for a golf cart. Embrace outdoor living in the resort-style backyard, complete with a 600sf 5-hole putting green & solar lighting for evening enjoyment. This home offers the perfect blend of luxury and practicality in a serene setting. Main house is 2186; casita 268.

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27062 W Behrend Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$699,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,323 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6811117

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

FULLY FURNISHED/TURN KEY GOLF COURSE HOME ON ELEVATED LOT W/OWNED SOLAR + 3 CAR EXTENDED GARAGE!! Stunning 2bdrm/2ba + den home on an elevated golf course lot with views of the Vista No. 3 fairway. A paver front courtyard greets you. Inside you'll find a Stone Creek media wall in the Great Room, custom built-ins in the den, + engineered walnut wood & tile flooring. The kitchen features upgraded cabinets, granite countertops, a matching backsplash, & under-cabinet lighting, while the bathrooms include Toto elevated toilets. The extd backyard patio boasts a custom water feature, gas fire pit, BBQ island, + travertine pavers. A 3-car garage with built-in storage & insulated doors completes the package. Recent updates include new light fixtures (2022), a Navien tankless water heater (2022), and a GE Portfolio refrigerator (2024). The home is equipped with a whole-house stereo system, Honeywell bath fans, and retractable sun shades for the patio. This home blends luxury, functionality, and style. See this home today!!

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40208 N Faith Lane Anthem, AZ 85086

$699,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,560 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6802091

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Immaculate 4-bedroom home with a versatile bonus room, perfect for an office, gym, or playroom-whatever fits your needs. New paint, new carpet, & vaulted ceilings create an open, inviting atmosphere. The kitchen, with granite counters & stainless appliances, flows into the family room, featuring a stone accent wall & gas fireplace. The private, resort-style backyard is where you'll want to spend your time-no neighbors behind, just a peaceful retreat with a heated pool, spa, & tranquil rock waterfall. Lush artificial turf for easy, low-maintenance enjoyment. The covered patio with a retractable sunshade is ideal for lounging or dining alfresco. Nearby, is the cabana by the pool-ideal for cozy evenings around the firepit or just kicking back with friends. A true AZ retreat, inside & out.

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1039 N Vista Verde Circle Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$699,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,804 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6760766

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Nestled amidst the scenic beauty of the Wigwam Patriot Golf Course, this exquisite home offers a lifestyle of luxury and serenity. Upon entering, you will be greeted by breathtaking views that span across the lush green fairways, tranquil lake, & majestic mountains. Enter a world of charm & elegance as you explore this meticulously crafted home. The spacious floor plan boasts 2.5 baths & 3 oversized bds ensuring ample space for relaxation and entertainment. Enjoy sweeping vistas from every corner of the home. 1st floor main suite features a large walk-in closet, a luxurious step-in shower, and a rejuvenating soaking tub. Upstairs bedrooms offer walk-out balconies, providing the perfect setting for watching stunning sunsets. Experience the ultimate in golf course living! The bright and cheery kitchen is a chef's delight, adorned with granite counters and custom cabinets. Prepare delicious meals while taking in the scenic beauty that surrounds you. Revel in the timeless elegance of hardwood floors, plantation shutters, and a cozy fireplace. Recent updates include neutral interior paint and the removal of all popcorn ceilings, ensuring a modern and inviting ambiance throughout. Whether you're an avid golfer or simply seeking a serene retreat, this home offers the perfect backdrop for living your dream!

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145 E Boca Raton Road Phoenix, AZ 85022

$699,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,656 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6811375

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled in the heart of the highly sought-after Hillcrest 55+ community in Moon Valley, this home offers the perfect blend of comfort, space, & convenience! This rare gem provides an expansive 2,656 with 3 spacious bedrooms including an expansive walk-in closet in the master & 2 bathrooms. Meticulously maintained, this home boasts tile & wood flooring, a cozy fireplace, & a beautifully designed backyard with a private, covered patio—perfect for relaxation or entertaining. The kitchen features ample space, an island, & an immaculate design with potential for slight updates to make it your own. For pet lovers, the backyard includes a secure enclosure where cats & dogs can roam safely. The home also includes a two-car garage & access to fantastic community amenities such as a sparkling pool facility. This peaceful, age-restricted neighborhood provides the perfect balance of privacy & community living. Don't miss this rare opportunity to own one of Hillcrest's finest homes!

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3344 E Grand Canyon Drive Chandler, AZ 85249

$699,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,121 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6822745

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous 4 bedroom home in gated Quail Springs with tons upgrades inside and out! This beauty offers a manicured front yard, 3 car garage with an extended driveway, and a cozy porch to enjoy your morning coffee. The interior boasts a spacious living/dining room, soft paint, tile flooring in traffic areas, carpet in the right places, and a bright & open family room. The immaculate white kitchen showcases wood cabinets with crown moulding, quartz counters, stainless steel appliances, a pantry, and a center island with breakfast bar. The large owner's suite hosts a full ensuite bathroom with dual sinks & a walk-in closet. The delightful backyard is a no-fuss paradise with a covered patio, pavers galore, and artificial turf. Don't miss this fantastic deal. Act now.

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14586 W Columbus Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85395

$699,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,252 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779593

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

THIS SPACIOUS BEAUTY WILL KNOCK YOU OUT! PAID FOR SOLAR is HUGE BONUS! Cul-de-sac lot. Upgraded kitchen - staggered white cabs & kitchen island. Granite counters. New carpet in bedrooms & living room. 5 bedrooms are good sized, all have huge closets. Master is a true private retreat. Large living space(s) for entertaining. Proper downstairs office is in addition to bedrooms, w/ custom built ins. Work from home! Massive amounts of storage, everywhere in home. Back yard has full length patio and cool diving pool. 10-foot RV gate for all your toys. Beautiful Park like area is behind the home, across the street for kids and Fido. 3 car epoxied garage.

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3735 W Links Drive Phoenix, AZ 85086

$699,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,666 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6814868

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

WOW! This stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bath home in Anthem Parkside offers the perfect location—just steps from parks, top-rated schools, and shopping. Step inside to a bright, open living space with breathtaking views of the resort-style backyard and pool. The kitchen is a chef's dream with rich granite-tiled counters, gas range, ample storage, bar-style counter, and new included appliances—plus a second refrigerator. The 4th bedroom doubles as a versatile office space. The primary suite features a spa-like bath, dual vanities, and a walk-in closet. Upgrades include two high-efficiency A/C units, a heated/cooled pool, and a tankless water heater. Outside, enjoy a gas firepit, stunning mountain views, fountain views, and lush landscaping. Don't miss this incredible home—see it today!

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10150 E Thistle Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$699,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,794 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6810591

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning 4-Bedroom Home with Modern Upgrades in Cadence! Welcome to this beautifully upgraded home located in the desirable community of Cadence. Built in 2021, this spacious 4-bedroom, 3.5 bathroom residence features an office and a versatile loft, offering ample space for work and play. The heart of the home is the chef's kitchen, complete with quartz countertops, luxury LVP flooring, and top-of-the-line appliances. The open-concept living area boasts a large stackable back slider, seamlessly connecting the indoor and outdoor spaces. Step outside to enjoy the low-maintenance backyard with artificial turf and a covered patio, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Enjoy the amazing community amenities including 2 resort style pools, featuring waterslides and a splash pad.

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2222 S Yellow Wood -- Mesa, AZ 85209

$699,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,090 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6779311

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautiful fully remodeled home sits on the 4th fairway of the golf course in Sunland Springs Village! There was no expense spared in the upgrades. Very desirable 2100 floor plan! Spacious master bedroom with sliding glass doors overlooking the golf course. Large bay windows in the living room to enjoy the view. The home has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and a dedicated laundry room with plenty of room for storage. 2.5 car garage. Extended rear patio with new pavers and ceiling fans. The kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room have quartz counter tops. The home has upgraded modern cabinets through out. New flooring, new interior/exterior paint. You must see this for yourself. This home is move in ready!

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40 Rim Trail Circle Unit 53 Sedona, AZ 86351

$699,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,988 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6754139

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Where else can you find a home of this quality for under $700,000, with all these amenities at a discount or free? See maps for restaurants, shopping, etc. Easy living at The Ridge includes large open living room with fireplace, a sitting room (with fireplace) off the master bedroom, an ''Arizona Room'', inground spa, a minimalist kitcen, tile and carpeted flooring...Dues cover amenities at the Hilton Golf Resort such as pickle ball courts, tennis courts, work-out facilities, spa and much more. The Collectives and their restaurants are around the corner...House has been repainted inside, including the dark ce,ilings. Kitchen lighting has been changed to cam-lighting. Screens have been added to the back area for more privacy. Tile & Flat roof replaced less than 3 years ago.

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