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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13588 W Boca Raton Road Surprise, AZ 85379

$545,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,042 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777249

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Spacious 5 bed, 3 full bath home on premium lot! large 3 car garage with epoxy flooring and cabinets with work bench. New quartz counter tops and backsplash. Backyard has nice grass area, huge covered patio, and gated play pool. Outdoor kitchen has grill and sink. Guest bedroom downstairs. Master and 3 other beds upstairs with loft area. Low HOA neighborhood close to schools and walking distance to shopping.

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3532 W Warren Lane Anthem, AZ 85086

$545,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,140 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6775960

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful private home in the sought after Del Webb community. New in 2022: A/C, first level luxury vinyl flooring, new carpet on second level, fresh paint throughout, fireplace in family room, granite counters, white cabinets. Oasis backyard has a pebble tech pool with beach entry, desert front & plus synthetic grass rear. Very private yard siding only single story homes and backing one of the largest lots in Anthem. Enjoy all the resort features of this major master planned subdivision. Easy I-17 access.

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19550 N Grayhawk Drive Unit 2055 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$545,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,311 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780489

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Situated within the guard gated Talon Retreat in Grayhawk, this recently updated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom end unit condo offers an open great room floor plan with McDowell Mountain views from every window. The kitchen has stainless steel GE appliances, granite countertops, subway tile backsplash and wood flooring. The primary and guest bathrooms have also been thoughtfully upgraded, adding to the modern charm of this home. Step out onto one of two balconies and take in the morning sun and beautiful mountain views. An attached garage has direct access inside the unit offering convenience and comfort. Upgrades in the last 5 years include interior paint and countertops throughout, new kitchen appliances, new washer and dryer, new window coverings, new fireplace surround, new wood look tile floors in kitchen, laundry room and bathrooms, new carpet, new baseboards throughout, new plumbing fixtures and lighting fixtures, new water heater, Nest thermostat and NAC water conditioning system. Just steps away from this unit is Cachet's community pool, spa and clubhouse, which includes a fitness room. Enjoy access to Grayhawk's additional amenities including tennis courts, walking paths, Grayhawk Park, and two world class golf courses. The Grayhawk community is located in the heart of North Scottsdale within minutes of the 101 Freeway and endless shopping and dining destinations.

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2510 E Fountain Street Mesa, AZ 85213

New

$545,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,855 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783211

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautifully remodeled home w/ no HOA & the added bonus of energy-efficient solar panels, offering both comfort and cost savings. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood on a large lot, it boasts a detached shop w/AC, an extended covered patio, new watering system, & freshly seeded for winter grass. Inside, you'll find an inviting open floor plan adorned with a tastefully renovated interior. The kitchen & bathrooms feature quartz countertops, Bedrosian tile & flooring, custom cabinets & vanities, & designer hardware & fixtures. Enjoy the charming white washed brick fireplace & additional room for a huge pantry, homework room or extra storage space. With easy freeway access & proximity to shopping, dining, & entertainment, this home exudes a lifestyle of convenience & relaxation

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