With approximately one million people having purchased vacation homes in the last year, this type of residence is gaining popularity for those who are interested in a home in a beach setting or a vacation hot spot. However, while a second home can seem like a great purchase and solid investment opportunity, there are different requirements that go into this type of purchase. If you’re considering a vacation home, you may want to be aware of the following financial factors.
The Down Payment Amount
If you currently have a primary residence, you may be aware that you don’t need to put down 20% or even 10% in order to make a home purchase, but things are different when it comes to a vacation home. Because you will be taking on an additional mortgage, there is greater risk involved, and this means you will likely have to put in at least 10 percent. Because of this, many homebuyers utilize the equity they have in their first home to make up the down payment.
About The Credit Score
Most people that have a credit score of more than 500 have the ability to use a mortgage product and purchase a home, but if you’re buying a second property, you’ll need a higher credit score in order to facilitate the purchase. Because there is more risk involved, lenders will want to make sure you’re a good bet. In addition, if you do have a lower credit score, lenders like Fannie Mae may also expect you to put more down to decrease the risk involved for them.
The Income Required
Since you’ve been through the mortgage process for your first home, you’re probably aware that you debt-to-income (DTI) ratio needs to be a certain amount in order to qualify for a mortgage. While your DTI for a primary residence may be a little bit higher since it’s your only payment, this ratio will be lower for your vacation home since it’s higher risk. This means you’ll require a slightly higher income than for your primary residence in order to get approved.
Deciding to purchase a vacation home can be a very exciting concept for many people, but there are a number of different financial requirements that go along with buying another residence. If you’re in the market for a vacation property and are curious about what’s involved, give me a call to get you on the right track – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.
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35801 N Meander Way
Carefree, AZ 85377
$5,750,000
3
Beds
5
Baths
6,501
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6749384
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Chic single level contemporary new build completed in 2023 in Carefree on Black Mountain! Nestled on a sprawling mountainside estate spanning 1.6 acres, offering breathtaking vistas of Black Mountain, Boulders Resorts golf courses, and beyond. This architectural gem is a testament to modern luxury living, meticulously crafted with unparalleled attention to detail. Upon entry, you are met with great room, featuring soaring 16-foot ceilings, expansive 30-foot wide glass pocket doors, and a sleek modern fireplace adorned with porcelain slabs. Floor-to-ceiling 10-foot glass walls frame the awe-inspiring views, seamlessly blending the indoors with the natural splendor outside. The European-inspired kitchen is a culinary enthusiast's dream, showcasing a over 15-foot long island finished with luxurious Taj Mahal quartzite, Miele appliances, and a spacious breakfast nook enveloped by sliding glass doors. For added convenience, a full prep/catering kitchen awaits. Step outside to the sprawling 14-foot high ceiling covered patio, featuring limestone floors and a misting system, creating an outdoor oasis to unwind, entertain, and revel in the panoramic views of the valley and city lights. The focal point of the backyard is the exquisite custom negative edge pool and spa, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. Retreat to the sumptuous primary suite, complete with dual custom closets and a spa-like bathroom featuring dual water closets, freestanding tub, marble floor and wall surrounds, and a steam shower. Additional rooms include an expansive office with custom bookshelves and a private patio, along with a versatile flex space ideal for a gym, game room, or additional bedroom, offer flexibility to suit your lifestyle. Two spacious ensuite guest rooms complete the guest wing! Designed for modern living, this home boasts a Creston smart home system, allowing for effortless control of lighting, music, HVAC, pool, shades, and security with a simple touch. A 4-car garage with oversized doors, a spacious laundry room with double washer and dryer, and lush turf grass area add to the convenience and allure of this remarkable property. Welcome home!
10184 E Peak Circle
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
$5,700,000
4
Beds
4.5
Baths
4,519
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6754344
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Estancia Golf Membership available * Completely remodeled in 2023 * Elegant residence in the guard-gated community of Estancia with timeless architectural details * The exterior details include an organic composition of dry-stacked stone, stucco and glass with a new concrete tile roof * Sited on an elevated lot with panoramic views of Pinnacle Peak * Split floor plan with a living room, family room that connects to an open kitchen, two guest suites and a dedicated office with full bath providing the flexibility for a fourth bedroom * Interior details include wood plank flooring, granite and quartz countertops, custom-crafted cabinetry, all new custom lighting and dry-stacked stone fireplace surrounds * The resort-style outdoor living space offers a large covered patio, heated pool and spa built-in BBQ station and a gas fireplace *
24863 N 103rd Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
$5,695,000
4
Beds
4.5
Baths
5,932
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6723326
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Amazing opportunity for brand new build contemporary styled construction in North Scottsdale! Camelot Homes award winning Cavallo floor plan offers all Single level and the best indoor/outdoor living. Price includes all structural components, wine wall, highly upgraded contemporary cabinets , oversized tile flooring, countertops and tile, electrical and low voltage upgrades as well as 3 en suite bedrooms, casita, office and bonus room along with standard 4 car garage. Amazing views from courtyard and rear yard. Price also includes upgraded pool and landscaping. Pool/landscaping currently being installed. Estimated closing End of the year 2024. Video is from our Bronco model and not representative of home for sale.
3866 S Clubhouse Circle Unit 259
Flagstaff, AZ 86005
$5,695,000
5
Beds
4.5
Baths
6,522
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6691628
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Situated on one of Pine Canyon's best fairway lots this stunning mountain lodge has dramatic views of the 17th green and the San Fransisco Peaks. The grand ledge stone and wood exterior design continues inside as textured stone columns frame the great room and a stunning floor-to-ceiling ledge stone fireplace takes center stage along with expansive windows and glass double doors to frame the outdoor views. The Great room towers to over 25 feet with a beamed ceiling and partially surrounded by the wood and metal railings of the upper loft area. This very special home features two primary suites, each with its own fireplace and luxurious bath. The Great room floor plan blends the the living, dining and kitchen areas altogether. Between the the Great room and dining area is a ... wet bar with wine and beverage coolers as well as a sumptuous powder room. The dining area has room for family and guests. The country kitchen is a chefs delight with a large butcher board and granite center island, Viking appliances and a walk-in pantry. You enter the outdoor patio deck from either the Great room or kitchen. Its a great place to enjoy the fabulous views, relax in the hot tub, or to enjoy a barbecue. The main level laundry/craft room is the access into the large 3 car garage. The lower walk-out level includes a large media/game room with a large sitting area with fireplace and a separate area for the pool table. This all opens to two covered patios with similar golf course and mountain views as the main deck above. The lower level also includes 2 bedrooms, a large bunk room, 2 baths and two large mechanical closets with an abundance of storage. The loft includes a comfy office, a large seating area and half bath (This seating area can easily be converted to a spacious guest en-suite by adding a shower to the half bath). High end finishes abound in including ledge stone and steal fireplace surrounds, hardwood flooring, floating vanities, custom wood and metal railings and beamed and tongue & groove ceiling treatments. This is Pine Canyon living at its best.
12913 N 119th Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85259
$5,600,000
7
Beds
11
Baths
11,548
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6743300
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
BREATHTAKING VIEWS, ULTIMATE PRIVACY AND ENTERTAINER'S DREAM in this guard gated golf club community. Perched on a hill in the back of the neighborhood, this home gives you the feeling of being on top of the world as you step out onto one of the many balconies where you can enjoy unobstructed views of Camelback Mountain and the shimmering city lights below. Imagine hosting ultimate gatherings in a home that's designed for entertaining! This paradise offers your very own movie theater, billiard room with bar, fitness center with sauna, wine cellar, sprawling open-concept living and kitchen area that flows effortlessly into a fully equipped bar and outdoor patio. A spa and 2 beautiful pools with waterfalls share a private courtyard space. Main house includes a separate guest quarters -- along with an additional detached guest house adjacent to the courtyard pool. Even a 7 CAR GARAGE including space for an RV or boat! This home is more than just a place to live - it's a venue for experiences....a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life while still being close to all amenities and events Scottsdale has to offer!
8788 E Branding Iron Road
Carefree, AZ 85377
$5,600,000
7
Beds
6.5
Baths
8,132
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6773339
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Exceptional Desert Contemporary w/ 360-degree mountain views. Atop nearly 15 acres of pristine land nestled within the natural desert surround, offering immense PRIVACY. Gourmet kitchen w/ WOLF, Subzero & Cove appliance package, soaring ceilings, curved walls, sauna, exercise room, office & basement, coffered ceiling details, electronic roller-shades through-out home, Detached guest house w/ full kitchen & living room, fireplace, 2 bedrooms, W&D, 1 car garage 30 x40 separate garage/workshop w/ Heat, AC & exhaust fan, gated paved driveway, Elan AAA security system, negative edge pool, spa, boulder water & slide, putting green & large synthetic grass areas, multiple covered patios. Generator, Private Well, Forest of Saguaros. Main House is 6,753 sq ft and Guest house is 1,379. NO HOA.
5455 E Berneil Drive
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
$5,595,000
5
Beds
5.5
Baths
7,010
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6753337
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This luxurious estate is located in the gated Hidden Paradise neighborhood of Paradise Valley, an exclusive enclave known for its seclusion and prestige, featuring 17 exceptional homes which are rarely on the market. As you approach the property, the beautifully landscaped grounds catch your eye, leading you to the circle driveway with a porte-cochère. The grand entrance of the home features a striking 10-foot door that opens into a beautiful stone foyer, offering a glimpse straight through the living room and out to the outdoor spaces. The recently renovated home boasts stunning grounds, light and bright lavish interiors with spacious rooms, soaring ceilings and expansive high windows that bring the outdoors inside. New hardwood floors add warmth and elegance to every room,
10701 E Jomax Road Unit 1
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
$5,575,000
5
Beds
5
Baths
5,000
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6707666
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
A striking desert contemporary from Temac Development and Candelaria Design Associates - Situated on 2.5 Acres, this modern estate boasts some of the best views in the area with privacy and seclusion. Unobstructed views of Pinnacle Peak, Troon Mountain, and Troon Country Club, all with the freedom of no HOA. Nearby world-class Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale. Your inquiry to this iconic estate is welcomed.
Amado
AZ 85645
$5,500,000
18
Beds
14
Baths
2,197
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6682628
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Tucked away at the base of the Santa Rita Mountains, yet close to Tucson, GreenValley and Tubac, lies this 160-acre horse and cattle ranch. Immediately adjacent to it is an accompanying 6,000-acre state cattle grazing lease, where one can ride, hike, nature watch, or hunt. This exceptional Ranch features many amenities including 2 residences (1972, 2017) suitable for owners or family situated on the Headquarters parcel and 4 homes suitable for guests or crew. Verdant irrigated pastures, beautiful old mesquite trees and breathtaking views of Elephant Head Butte and the Santa Cruz River make this retreat unique. Cherished as a private family homestead for many years, this land dates back to the historic Canoa Land Grant and was later owned by the Amado family for which the town is named.
10627 E Hedgehog Place
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
$5,500,000
4
Beds
5.5
Baths
5,873
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6702937
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
PINNACLE PEAK HILLSIDE CUSTOM RESORT HOME: Perched high on the mountain, backs to ''The Rocks'' and Four Seasons. The main house is 4917 sf with 360 degree views and features reclaimed solid wood floors, rustic beam ceilings & organic stones incorporated throughtout, Huge Chef's Kitchen with Double Sub Zero and Wolf apppliances. Kitchen is open to the dining area with two 10' tall vanishing patio doors. Primary bedroom has fireplace/private deck to the outside living areas. Two more bedrooms, lower level and very private den/office with expensive views. Extraordinary Guest House is over 900 square feet w/Bedroom, separate Living Room, Kitchen Area, W/D, & Full Bath. Complete home automation w/remote access to control temperature, lighting, alarm and pool & spa and Automated shades. Multiple fireplaces, patios & private balconies showcase panoramic views of boulder outcroppings, mountains & city lights to the north. Pool and spa with water fall features and slide. Outdoor covered kitchen BBQ. This is one of a kind custom Sante Fe with some contemporary flair, built on the side of the mountain with expansive unobstructed views. Multiple fireplaces, private balconies, Note the beautiful large organic stones were incorporated into the architecture with rustic beams and vegas, to create opulence and charm. The private resort-style outdoor living area features self-cleaning pebbletec pool, spa, two large waterfall features, outdoor shower, and fully covered outdoor living room. All furnishings are available on separate bill of sale. See the Matterport walk through to see the floorplan and walk through the rooms. Pinnacle Peak, Tom's Thumb, Granite Mt Visitors Center Hiking are hiking trails within walking distance. Scottsdale National Golf Course is minutes away. This feels like Hotel Arizona.
6228 N Cattletrack Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
$5,500,000
5
Beds
8.5
Baths
5,161
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6724076
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This to be built prime 1.9-acre parcel is located just south of Lincoln on the Scottsdale/Paradise Valley border, placing you in the heart of Scottsdale's best shopping, restaurants, and golf courses. Originally two parcels now combined you get one of the larges lots in the area. The property has approved plans with car garage, multiple dwellings and luxurious design by Kendle Design collaborative. Price reflects lots and completed plans and engineering. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to live the Scottsdale lifestyle!
10039 N Mcdowell View Trail
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
$5,500,000
4
Beds
5.5
Baths
6,068
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6750498
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Extravagant custom home to be built in the beautiful hillside community of Firerock. Building to start as early as mid November with an estimated completion time of late 2025 to early 2026. The design of this home accentuates the views of the McDowell Mountains to the North and Four Peaks to the East. This home features 4 bedrooms, a theater room, and a study on the main level. There is a very large bonus room on the garage level. An elevator that brings you from the garage to the main level. Kitchen looks out past an L-shaped slider for an indoor/outdoor living feel. The luxury pool and raised spa are the focal point of the kitchen view. Built in BBQ area, planter boxes and a raised grass/garden area finishes off this luscious outside living space.
