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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21335 W Cavalry Drive Wittmann, AZ 85361

$699,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,847 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6809821
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
THE OPEN FLOOR PLAN MAKES IT EASY FOR ENTERTAINING, THE HEART OF THIS HOME IS THE OPEN KITCHEN, AMPLE COUNTER SPACE, AND A CONVENIENT BREAKFAST BAR, FRESHLY PAINTED INSIDE, 2 NEW A/C UNITS 2023, NEW ROOF 10 YRS AGO, ENJOY THE PRIVACY AND SECURITY OF A CINDER BLOCK FENCE THAT ENCIRCLES THE ENTIRE PROPERTY, WHETHER YOU HAVE AN RV, BOAT, OR OTHER RECREATIONAL VEHICLES, TWO RV GATES MAKE STORING AND ACCESSING YOUR VEHICLES A BREEZE, LEASED SOLAR PANELS, 4-STALL (12 X 36) MARE MOTEL WITH RUNS, LIGHTED & CONCRETE BREEZEWAY, TACK ROOM WITH ROLL-UP DOOR, 4 NEW PIPED TURN OUT PENS WITH SHADE, HAY SHED COVER, LANDSCAPING IS ON A NEW DRIP SYSTEM, SHARED WELL WITH STORAGE TANK SHARES WITH 2 OTHER PARCELS, SOME

18533 E Paseo Verde Drive Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$699,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,477 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6784174
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to 18533 E Paseo Verde Dr, an exceptional home located in a private cul-de-sac with breathtaking golf course and mountain views. As you enter, you're greeted by a spacious great room featuring a cozy fireplace and bypass sliding doors that open to an expansive covered patio. Here, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the White Wing #17 tee box and the stunning Four Peaks in the distance. The chef's kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, an island, and a breakfast room, ideal for preparing meals and hosting gatherings. A separate formal dining area and wet bar add elegance and convenience for entertaining guests.This split floor plan provides privacy, with a spacious primary suite featuring a separate den or sitting room, a walk-in closet, and a private a walk-in closet, and a private exit to the patio. The primary bathroom is designed for relaxation, complete with a spa tub, a walk-in shower, and newly installed luxury vinyl plank flooring. There are two generous guest bedrooms, one with its own walk-in closet. Additional highlights include a 2 car garage plus golf cart garage, plantation shutters throughout, and updates like fresh exterior and interior paint and newer AC units. Located in an active 55+ community with access to two golf courses, homeowners here enjoy an array of amenities, including a clubhouse, tennis and pickleball courts, hiking and biking trails, a pool, spa, and more. This home offers both luxury and a vibrant lifestyle in one of Arizona's most desirable settings.

8707 N 3rd Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85021

$699,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,698 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6804127
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
You'll LOVE this one-of-a-kind home in the heart of central Phoenix! Its charm starts with a grassy front yard, a newly added 2-car garage, and an expanded front porch with new concrete that creates a large entry. Enter to find a desirable great room and a separate family & dining room w/French doors to the back! The impressive kitchen has been recently updated! Featuring matte-finish SS appliances, solid-surface counters, plenty of cabinetry, & a peninsula w/breakfast bar. New flooring enhances the home's appeal, complemented by plantation shutters, designer paint, & chic style. Main bedroom has a walk-in closet & a private bathroom w/travertine tiled shower. Check out the spacious backyard boasting an open patio w/well-laid pavers! Plus, a detached workshop! Welcome home!

4742 S Primrose Drive Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$699,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,946 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6798309
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Value in Superstition Foothills! This single level 4 bedroom, 3 bath home with 3 car garage features heated saltwater pool, spa & desert backdrop. Premium cul-de-sac location offers premium privacy from gated front courtyard to entertainer's backyard sporting putting green, covered & uncovered seating areas, beautiful pool & spa with stone accents backing natural desert. Split bedroom wings offer privacy & space for family & guests. Garage boasts A/C unit and insulated attic. Enjoy the miles of walking paths included in Superstition Foothills. HOA only $65/mo. Close to 5 Gold Canyon golf courses, restaurants, shopping & world class hiking in the Superstition Mountains. 35 minutes to Phx Sky Harbor.

15140 W Gunsight Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$699,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,281 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6794773
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This stunning, one-of-a-kind Phoenix model home is a true gem, ideally located on the 2nd green of the Desert Trail golf course. Boasting 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this home has been designed for luxury living and easy entertaining. Step into an expansive open floor plan that flows seamlessly from the updated kitchen to the family room. The kitchen is a chef's dream with its beautiful granite counter tops and granite island, composite sink, pantry, tons of cabinets and high-end stainless steel appliances. Custom-built cabinetry in the family room provides both functional storage and a place for your entertainment system, with sound system wiring already in place. The spacious formal dining and living areas offer the perfect settings for gatherings or quiet moments. Skylights illuminate the entire home, complementing the exquisite tile floors throughout. The private primary suite features a bay window, crown molding, and a spacious layout. The ensuite bath is a spa-like retreat with double sinks, a private commode, a luxurious walk-in tile shower, and even a mounted TV. The expanded master closet offers ample storage space for all your wardrobe needs.On the opposite side of the home, the split floor plan offers two additional well-sized bedrooms and an updated guest bath with dual sinks and a hydrotherapy tub for ultimate relaxation. The insulated garage is a handy person's paradise, complete with storage cabinets, a workbench, and a cool deck coating on all sidewalks, patios, and the garage floor. Outside, the meticulously landscaped front and back yards are a sight to behold, with custom hardscaping and two ponds featuring seven waterfalls stretching across the back yard. The fully covered back patio, complete with a commercial mist system, is the ideal spot to relax and take in the views. Additional highlights include a gas fire pit with built-in seating, rain gutters with gutter guards, and the attention to detail that comes from a home that was custom-built for its original owner and has been lovingly maintained ever since. Don't miss the opportunity to own this exceptional home on the green. Plan your tour today and experience it for yourself!

10925 E Silvertree Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$699,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,659 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6782886
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MOTIVATED SELLER.....BIG PRICE DROP!!! RESORT STYLE LIVING in Sun Lakes, AZ, is already a THING..... now you can make it YOUR THING!!! This Incredible Borgata model, with 2bd, 2.5ba, 2.5 CAR GARAGE, AND a SEPARATE DEN, is located in the HIGHLY DESIRED community of PALO VERDE in Sun Lakes. This home has had a complete FACELIFT....A RESORT LIKE back yard.... NEW SALT WATER POOL with Extended Deck and Patio, NEW ROOF and ALL 4 NEW SKYLIGHTS, Newer HVAC, NEW FLOORING, NEW PAINT INTERIOR and EXTERIOR, NEW OFFICE CUSTOM REMODEL, New Appliances and New Kitchen Remodel with GRANITE Counters. ALL bathrooms have been UPGRADED, BUT.... the Primary has been RECREATED!!. This IS A MUST SEE HOME, and Sun Lakes with ALL IT OFFERS, is TRULY a MUST VISIT COMMUNITY!!!

15221 N Clubgate Drive Unit 2098 Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$699,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,028 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6796783
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Nestled in a prime location, this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, two-story townhome offers a peaceful retreat with modern comforts. Step inside to a spacious, open floorplan featuring neutral paint, soft carpeting, and stunning 16'' diagonal tile in the kitchen. The cozy gas fireplace adds warmth, while ceiling fans throughout ensure year-round comfort. The roomy eat-in kitchen boasts light, bright cabinetry with convenient pull-out shelves and a pantry, providing ample storage for all your needs. Enjoy the added benefits of a water softener, a shady patio perfect for relaxing, and a 2-car garage. With great access to shopping, golf, and freeways, this home is ideally located for convenience and tranquility.

1320 N Desoto Street Chandler, AZ 85224

$699,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,681 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6816998
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful 4 Bedroom/3 Bath in Prime location off the 101/Ray. Large lot with separate driveway for RV gate AND 3 car garage. Tons of storage inside and attached storage sheds outside the home. 40' X 16' Covered Patio and recently coated cool deck and mature trees. Inside there is new cabinetry in the dining room and under cabinet lighting in the kitchen and dining area. Remodeled Primary Bath with mirrored walk-in closet and 2 mirrored closets in Primary bedroom as well! Fireplace in family room and ceiling fans throughout.

8638 E El Charro Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85250

$699,000 - 6Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Park Scottsdale 4, Scottsdale
Open House
$699,000
6 Beds
3 Baths
2,728 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6811816
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Back on the market—no fault of the home! This spacious 6-bedroom, 3-bathroom home in Park Scottsdale is an AMAZING opportunity for buyers looking for their next renovation project! With over 2,700 square feet, this home is much larger than most homes in the area and the price is phenomenal at $256 a square foot. Similar homes in the neighborhood that are renovated sold for an average of $441 a sqft foot over the last year. This home already has several major updates, including a new roof (2021), main HVAC (2021), second HVAC (2023), water heater (2021), and water softener (2021), allowing the next owner to focus on personalizing the space. The oversized two-car garage includes an outlet for an electric car. Located in a prime Scottsdale location near the 101 freeway, this home is just minutes from Old Town Scottsdale, Talking Stick Fields, Chaparral Park, and the Scottsdale Greenbelt, with easy access to shopping, dining, and top-rated schools. A fantastic opportunity in a highly desirable neighborhood!

18143 W Buckhorn Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$699,000 - 5Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Estrella Mountain Ranch Parcel 96b, Goodyear
Open House
$699,000
5 Beds
2 Baths
2,586 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6819854
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Step into your own slice of paradise in the exclusive Fairways gated neighborhood of Estrella, where breathtaking mountain vistas and vibrant Arizona sunsets paint the perfect backdrop for your dream lifestyle. This remodeled gem is more than a home—it's an entertainer's haven, perfectly situated on the 5th fairway of the esteemed Golf Club of Estrella. From the moment you enter, you'll be captivated by the seamless flow of luxury plank flooring, creating warmth and elegance throughout the open-concept design. The heart of the home—the kitchen—is both stunning and functional, featuring an expansive island with a built-in beverage fridge, deep storage drawers, and striking soapstone countertops. A stacked stone backsplash adds texture and charm, while an induction range and an abundance of soft white staggered cabinetry elevate both style and convenience. With four generously sized bedrooms and a versatile fifth bedroom that easily transforms into a home office or flex space, this home adapts to your lifestyle needs. Recent upgrades, including a new water softener, water heater, and HVAC system, provide peace of mind and energy efficiency. But the true showstopper? The backyard retreat. Whether you're taking a refreshing dip in the pool, unwinding in the energy-efficient spa with a glass of wine, or sitting under the covered patio watching the sun drop over the mountain range, this outdoor sanctuary is designed for relaxation and effortless enjoyment. Artificial turf and low-maintenance tropical landscaping ensure a pristine backyard no matter the season, so you can spend more time living and less time maintaining. Beyond your doorstep, life in Estrella offers resort-style living at its finest. This award-winning master-planned community boasts two residents' clubs with fitness centers, sparkling pools, and community events that bring neighbors together. Miles of scenic hiking and biking trails wind through the Sonoran Desert, while lakes, parks, and golf courses provide endless opportunities for recreation. Whether you're enjoying a morning coffee on your patio or an evening stroll beneath the starlit sky, Estrella offers the perfect blend of serenity and adventure. This is more than a homeit's a lifestyle. Don't miss the chance to make it yours!

1611 E Palmcroft Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$698,998
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,020 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6816901
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Step into your beautifully remodeled home, right in the heart of Tempe! Starting with the kitchen, upgrades include a 36'' FORNO Galiano range, Frigidaire professional ss appliances, quartz countertops, & designer cabinets w/ large kitchen island. Moving onto the remainder of the home, all NEW: windows, interior & exterior doors, electrical panel, plumbing/sewer lines, shower tile, custom glass shower door, mini-split a/c, window coverings, lighting, water & dent resistant luxury vinyl plank flooring, custom built-in fireplace, large bedrooms, primary bedroom with en-suite, 3 add'l closets, garage door opener & lift w/ epoxy floor, & interior/exterior paint. Now let's step outside: professionally landscaped yard with custom aluminum pergola, & artificial turf. All this can be yours today!

3504 W Sunstone Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$698,995 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in The Preserve San Tan - Unit 2a, San Tan Valley
Open House
$698,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,575 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6811061
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Modern deluxe comfort. The Lillington's inviting covered entry and spacious foyer hallway flow into the expansive great room and casual dining area, revealing the desirable large, covered patio beyond. The gourmet kitchen is enhanced by a large center island with breakfast bar, plenty of counter and cabinet space, and gigantic walk-in pantry. The stunning primary bedroom suite is highlighted by dual walk-in closets and deluxe primary bath with dual-sink vanity, large soaking tub, luxe shower, and private water closet. Sizable secondary bedrooms feature walk-in closets and shared bath with separate dual-sink vanity area. Additional highlights include a versatile office off the foyer, convenient powder room and drop zone, centrally located laundry, and additional storage. Ready Summer 2025.

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