Investing in a Vacation Property? Learn What You’ll Need to Have to Get A Mortgage Approved

Investing in a Vacation Property? Learn What You'll Need to Have to Get A Mortgage ApprovedWith 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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5219 N Casa Blanca Drive Unit 28 Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$5,400,000
4 Beds
5.5 Baths
4,430 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6763755
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This quintessential Santa Barbara-style home in Paradise Valley offers unparalleled charm. Designed by Jim Blochberger & fully rebuilt in 2014, it sits on a pristine interior lot in Casa Blanca Estates, surrounded by citrus, olive, & pecan trees across nearly an acre. Inside, the curated interiors create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The heart of the home—its kitchen, dining, & family room—bringing together style and functionality at its finest. Private spaces boast rich character, including a bold music room, office, and an additional smaller office offering privacy. The property features 2 indoor & 3 outdoor wood-burning fireplaces, a cozy informal living room, & a separate guest casita that functions as a game room & bedroom. The main house has 3 bdrms, 5 bathrooms, a pool, and a 3-stall garage, with room for extra parking. Lot 28's serene location inside Casa Blanca Estates makes this home a rare opportunity.

8037 N 7th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85021

$5,400,000
6 Beds
6 Baths
7,200 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6774614
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Miami Meets Phoenix!! With a Fashion Glare to Contemporary Lifestyle! Welcome to (Nick-Named) FontaineBleau-New Construction 2024 Just Completed! A Must See to Experience the Quintessential Essence of Sophistication. Features A True Entertainers Style w/ Ease. Starting From Your Fingertips w/a Whole House Programable (RTI) Smart System Including Multiple iPad/Remotes( Lutron, Sonos & more), Full Wolf Appliance Package w/Custom 60inch Stainless Steel Hood, SubZero Frig/Freezer, 18ft Long H2O-Fall Granite Island, 48x48 Tile Floor from Italy, 21ft Enormous Tiled Fireplace, Floating Staircase, 5 Bosh a/c Units, Under-Mount Lighting, RO & Whole House Soft H2O Drinking System, Wine Cellar, 24ft Palm Trees, Resort Style Yrd, Sparking Blue Pool, w/Sunken Fireplace, Full BBQ, & Gazebo. Tons More!!

12232 N 65th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$5,389,000
5 Beds
5.5 Baths
6,637 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6730125
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Cactus Corridor Luxurious Estate with Resort-Style Amenities Experience the pinnacle of luxury and sophistication with this exquisite transitional estate, nestled on nearly an acre of beautifully landscaped grounds in the coveted Cactus Corridor. Spanning 6,637 square feet, this home seamlessly blends elegance and functionality, offering a lifestyle of unparalleled comfort and style. Upon entering, you are greeted by a thoughtfully designed layout featuring five spacious bedrooms and five and a half opulent bathrooms. The master suite is a true sanctuary, complete with a luxurious bath and his-and-her walk-in closets, providing a serene retreat. Each of the additional bedrooms also boasts walk-in closets, ensuring ample storage and privacy for every member of the house

4568 S Banning Drive Gilbert, AZ 85297

$5,375,000
7 Beds
6.5 Baths
10,572 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6702319
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
SELLER FINANCING AVAILABLE! Award winning builder, Luxury Living Homes presents this incredible 10,572 Sq Ft single level estate with 2 Guest Houses in the prestigious gated community, Weston Ranch! Winning multiple awards, this property is the home builder's personal residence and showcase home with architecture inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. This 7 bedroom, 6.5 bathroom luxury estate offers an NBA indoor basketball court, 6 car garage, detached guest house and exquisite custom finishes throughout. The custom ceiling details, over 23 imported slabs/inlay marbles/tile work, incredible kid bedrooms with play areas that inspire young minds creativity, amazing outdoor spaces including pickle ball court/sport court, and multiple engineered pools within one large pool

4946 N Ascent Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$5,360,130 - 4Br/5Ba -  for Sale in Phoenician, Scottsdale
Open House
$5,360,130
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,394 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6748851
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Designer fully Furnished Home Coming Soon! This Cullum Home is designed for that ''Lock and Leave Lifestyle''. Guests will enter into the all Glass 2 story foyer. The elevator or wood staircase will lead you to the second floor of this home. The Chefs kitchen with Custom Cabinetry, Sub Zero and Wolf appliances over look the great room with fireplace wall and large glass of windows that open onto a entertaining deck. The formal dining room with custom cabinetry temperature controlled wine wall is just opposite of the large office, den or movie theater space with sliding glass doors to the entertaining outdoors and wall water feature The two en suite guests suites accommodate King size beds and walk in closets. Both guest suites open onto the fully landscaped backyard. There is a private gate from the yard for quicker access the Mountainside Club. Guests have their own laundry and the stylish powder room complete the main floor of this home. The top floor of this easy living home is dedicated to the Primary Oasis. The large patio space with walls of glass and windows has a tiled fireplace all overlooking the incredible views of the Mountains and city lights in the distance. The Primary suite with high ceilings opens into the bath with large shower, his and hers sinks and soaking tub. Tons of natural light fill the bath with a large skylight. The Primary closet is massive with all the custom built ins. The extra bonus space can be used as another en suite bedroom, office, or work out room. There also is a Full Wet Bar and nice size laundry with plenty of extra storage. The large oversized 3 car tandem garage has epoxy flooring and pre wired for A/C. The Private elevator, outdoor spaces and with this home coming fully furnished is easy living at it's finest.

6921 N Joshua Tree Court Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$5,350,000
4 Beds
5 Baths
4,927 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6758521
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover the epitome of contemporary luxury in this recently completed home nestled in Azure, the prestigious neighborhood adjacent to the Ritz-Carlton in the heart of Paradise Valley. This residence boasts breathtaking peeks of both Camelback and Mummy Mountains, offering a serene retreat with all the modern conveniences. Step inside to experience a masterfully designed interior where high-end finishes abound. The home features, exquisite natural Quartzite countertops, and top-of-the-line Gaggenau appliances. A standout feature of this home is the spacious primary suite, which is designed for ultimate relaxation. The suite offers direct access to the backyard through a stunning glass sliding wall, creating a seamless connection between your private retreat and the lush outdoor space. Additional highlights include motorized shades, custom Venetian-plastered and tiled fireplace surround, Limestone accent walls, and sophisticated Lutron lighting system. Located just a short walk from the Ritz-Carlton and the future exclusive Palmeraie shopping center, this residence offers unparalleled convenience and luxury. Experience the perfect blend of modern design and serene living in one of Paradise Valley's most sought-after locations.

4942 N Ascent Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$5,341,540 - 3Br/4Ba -  for Sale in Phoenician, Scottsdale
Open House
$5,341,540
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,311 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6670447
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
FULLY FURNISHED AND TURN-KEY READY! HARMONY LUXE RETREAT LOCATED IN THE ASCENT AT THE PHOENICIAN - THE ESTATES. NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION BUILT BY CULLUM HOMES. THIS THREE-LEVEL HOME FEATURES 3 BEDROOMS, 3.5 BATHROOMS, A PRIVATE OFFICE AND A 3-CAR GARAGE. THROUGH THE EXTRAVAGANT FRONT ENTRANCE LOCATED ON THE LOWER LEVEL, A BEAUTIFUL STAIRCASE OR AN ELEVATOR TAKE YOU TO EVERY LEVEL OF THE RESIDENCE. THE MAIN LEVEL BOASTS TWO EN SUITE BEDROOMS, PRIVATE OFFICE, FORMAL DINING AREA, BUTLER'S PANTRY, OPEN CONCEPT KITCHEN, ADDITIONAL POWDER ROOM AND THE GREAT ROOM AREA. SPACIOUS KITCHEN WITH ISLAND, EAT-AT BAR AND WALK-IN PANTRY. A GLASS WALL LEADS YOU TO THE COVERED PATIO OFF THE GREAT ROOM WHERE GORGEOUS VIEWS AWAIT YOU. OWNER'S SUITE WITH WALK-IN CLOSET, DOUBLE SINK VANITY, SEPARATE TOILET ROOM, TUB AND WALK-IN SHOWER SIT ON THE TOP LEVEL. ALONG WITH A LARGE LAUNDRY ROOM WITH EXTRA STORAGE, PRIVATE OFFICE SPACE AND TWO DECKS. THE COMMUNITY IS GUARD GATED FOR PRIVACY AND SECURITY. AT THE BASE OF CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN, YOUR PRIVATE POOL, FITNESS CENTER, AND SOCIAL SPACES OFFER AN INTIMATE GATHERING PLACE FOR WELLNESS, SOCIALIZING AND RELAXATION. RESIDENTS ARE OFFERED THE OPTION TO JOIN THE PHOENICIAN® AMENITY ACCESS PROGRAM  ACCESS AND DISCOUNTS TO THE NEW ATHLETIC CLUB, 38,000 SQUARE FOOT SPA, TENNIS FACILITY AND RESORT POOLS AT THE PHOENICIAN® RESORT.

24751 N 90th Way Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$5,326,000
3 Beds
4.5 Baths
5,326 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6705406
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover luxury living in North Scottsdale with a NEW HOME in Solitude. Breathtaking single level retreat is simply defined as, PERFECTION with an owner that is meticulous to detail, none smoker and no pets. As you arrive to the exclusive gated community, your experience of this Desert Gem begins as you enter the home, with its enchanting spa like energy trough the breathtaking entry door with glass floor to ceiling. Entering the home you cannot miss the sliding glass doors, opening out to the breathtaking zero-edge pool with two water features and expansive covered patio & ramada offering the ultimate resort setting. The home was Designed to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor contemporary luxury living, the great room features a custom fireplace with a chiseled black tile surround No detail was left out even the roof eves done with matching the interior tongue-and-groove Alder. The gourmet kitchen boasts two sprawling white marble islands with waterfall effect, Wolf commercial range, separate Subzero refrigerator/ freezer/ ice maker and Asko dishwasher looking out to the entertainers dream Great room with bookend floor to ceiling Valhalla Quartzite Leathered fireplace and resort back yard. The primary suite is a private haven with views of beautiful pool and water features, a custom tiled fireplace, and on suite with fully tiled walk-in steam shower. The secondary oversized bedrooms include two generous ensuite bathrooms, a bonus flex/media room, and a laundry room with hair sink. Outdoors, indulge in a zero-edge pool, back fire wall, firepit, bocce ball court, and fully covered ramada with bathroom, Misters, ceiling fans, built in heaters and fully equipped built-in BBQ area with a pop-up TV that hides away! This residence is a meticulously crafted haven, where every detail enhances the Contemporary luxurious lifestyle offered in the heart of 85255.

9290 E Thompson Peak Parkway Unit 493 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$5,300,000
5 Beds
6.5 Baths
7,138 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6774780
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Incredible Bing Hu design masterpiece at the top of the curve in DC Ranch. This almost 1.4 acre elevated lot captures all the views that DC Ranch can provide. Mountains views, City lights and more. The entry experience takes your breath away. Large formal spaces intertwine and seamlessly create the perfect entertainers dream. As you enter the kitchen, the magic continues. Plenty of counter work space adjacent to a cozy family eating area and family room, More than just a split floor plan, this home boasts 3 very separate living spaces. Ideally situated for children, extended family or just extra quiet retreats. Outside living spaces continue to delight. Large turf area leads to a stunning pool and lounging area.

6901 E Restin Road Carefree, AZ 85377

$5,299,000
4 Beds
5.5 Baths
7,162 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6708852
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
It's ALL ABOUT THE VIEWS - The best views in Carefree! Look out over the valley and see The Boulders golf course, Pinnacle Peak and all of the McDowell Mountains and the city lights are unparalleled! Sitting on a 2.5-acre lot this completely remodeled home boasts a large great room with glass walls, an incredible view of the outdoor living space and beyond, a dream kitchen with a wide-open view of the valley. The fresh clean lines give this home a modern look and feel and beautifully landscaped this move-in ready home is ready for you inside and out. With 10 ceiling heaters and a meandering stream, the outdoor patio living-space is a delight in the winter and summer. Featuring stone and wood floors, gas fireplaces inside and out, recessed lighting. This home is an absolute must see!

37200 N School House Road Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$5,295,400
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,503 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6634118
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
'Pre Construction Offering, a signature 'Mountainside Gated Enclave' of Contemporary Estate Residences by Mosaic Luxury Homes. Pure privacy, nestled into the upslope of Black Mountain at over 2500 elevation, this 4503 sq. ft. Desert Modern Home is architecturally stunning and features over 3200 sq. ft. main level living. Fabulous Great Room with expansive covered veranda, temp controlled glass enclosed wine room, luxurious Owner's Suite, elevator lift and the most incredible 270 degree views. The lower level Guest Home has separate entrance, kitchen living room, large Jr. Suite and charming private patio. Mosaic Luxury Homes offers elegant owners suites, chef inspired kitchens, designer garages, resort outdoor living and superior design and craftsmanship.

13330 E Jomax Road Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$5,250,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,764 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6754006
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this prime, 20 acre desert location near Scottsdale's iconic landmarks. Located directly adjacent to the McDowell Mountain Preserve and at the end of a paved, dead end road, you will find this stunning, pristine lot covered with the boulders that make the McDowell mountain park region unique. These formations are part of the broader landscape of the Sonoran Desert, which is known for its dramatic geological features. The combination of the desert environment with these ancient, weathered granite boulders creates a unique ecosystem and visual experience. The proximity to McDowell Mountain Park means that outdoor enthusiasts have direct access to miles of non motorized trails for hiking, biking, and trail riding right from their doorstep. At the heart of this exquisite parcel is a 4,700 square-foot custom home designed to complement the surrounding environment. The home features expansive windows and doors in every room to the outdoor living spaces that takes full advantage of the breathtaking 360' views of the Four Peaks, Granite Mountian, McDowell Mountain Range and the surrounding desert landscape. The architecture includes elements like stone and wood, harmonizing with the natural terrain. The master bedroom, complete with its own fireplace, has its own exit to the pool and spa which overlooks Tom's Thumb while the guest room and attached casita open to the north patio to take in the views of granite mountain. Views are amazing from EVERY room. The great room, chefs kitchen and custom wet bar ensure plenty of space for entertaining or just enjoying the cozy fireplace. Additionally the large and fully equipped attached casita is perfect for family or out of town guests with their own access to enjoy your time with them but allows everyone their own space. Head outside to find the 12 stall mare motel with 60' runs, lights and automatic waterers located right next to the 8 horse Priefert walker. Also noteworthy is the BRAND NEW, high producing well!! The arena is huge at 150 x 300 with new footing and plenty of parking for trailers if your friends come over to rope, trail ride or just hang out. This area is surrounded by upscale communities, with nearby luxury homes and ranch estates that take full advantage of the natural beauty and privacy the desert offers. While the setting provides a peaceful retreat, the property remains conveniently located just minutes away from world-class golf courses like Troon North, Desert Mountain, and Estancia and is just a short drive from Scottsdale's fine dining, boutique shopping, and cultural attractions, ensuring that convenience meets tranquility in this desert oasis.

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