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

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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12628 N 2nd Street Phoenix, AZ 85022

$1,129,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,164 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6688012

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Mountains everywhere! This is it! One-of-a-kind huge lot backing to preserve! This amazing & updated home is very special! Owners remodeled & expanded the Family Room/Kitchen for an open concept! A true Gourmet kitchen w/the perfect Mega 12' Island! This property is an Entertainer's delight w/lots of indoor and outdoor spaces. 4 bedrooms & ensuite den for the perfect at home/work/zoom space. Huge Split Primary Ensuite. Bathroom w/spa features: Elegant shower & soaking tub w/jets and therapy bubbles! Formal living room as well for extra living space. True Arizona landscape w/natural desert, trees, garden, paths, ramada, firepit, patios, & space for a pool! Your own gate to the preserve! Lots of trails! Near Gold Key Racquet Club & Moon Valley CC nearby! Located in North Mountain area.

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22855 E Twilight Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85142

Open House

$1,129,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,796 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752504

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

EXQUISITE LUXURY ESTATE! This coveted David Weekley Tranquility floorplan offers 3796 sq ft of single level luxury living that extends to a backyard retreat including a NEWLY built custom pool. This home offers 4 bedrooms plus den & hobby room, 3.5 baths & 3 car garage! Upon entry you will immediately sense the spaciousness & open concept floorplan with soaring ceilings, attention to detail, & custom lighting throughout. The designer kitchen offers 2 toned shaker cabinets that run floor to ceiling, quartz countertops, large island, & perfectly positioned butlers pantry. The primary retreat offers a large bath with a soaking tub, large walk in shower & 2 large walk-in closets with the laundry room conveniently attached! Every inch of this home is masterfully planned & beautifully designed!

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4208 E Via Dona Road Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$1,126,595

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,050 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6745294

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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36382 N 35th Street Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$1,125,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,128 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769458

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Modern Rustic Custom Home sitting large on 1.5+ acre horse privileged lot surrounded by panoramic mountain views! Majestic beauty, western ambiance, privacy, & free from HOA! Meticulously maintained home through pride of ownership w/updates made each year. 4 bdrm, 3 bath, PLUS Office w/glass door entry, Game/Bonus room w/wet bar & French doors to cov'd patio, & Flex Room w/closet offering so many uses...as another bdrm, multi-gen living, rental, homeschool, fitness center... the choice is yours! Popular white cabinets in kitchen, granite c-tops, bar seating & eat-in nook. Formal dining room & cozy family room w/fireplace. Stunning resort-caliber lot w/Baja pool, manicured grassy area, gazebo, fencing, RV Gate & Parking, low maintenance landscape & land left over to add your toys & dreams! The oversized backyard has a grassy area, a lovely gazebo, a covered patio, mature trees, a storage shed, a fenced pool with a boulder waterfall, a built-in BBQ, and amazing sunset views. Plus, there is a dirt-fenced area and extra land space for all your animals to frolic in the field or gardening area. See it, love it, live it!

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222 E Orange Drive Phoenix, AZ 85012

$1,125,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,037 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6762325

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled in the highly sought-after Windsor Square Historic District of Uptown Phoenix, this beautifully renovated 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of modern living and historic charm. The home features a bright, open floor plan with engineered hardwood and stained concrete floors throughout, creating a seamless flow from room to room. The kitchen, fully renovated in 2022, boasts sleek finishes and state-of-the-art appliances, perfect for home chefs and entertainers alike. The spacious split primary suite provides both privacy and convenience and includes a walk-in closet, gorgeous walk-in shower, double sink vanity and two large picture windows looking out to the beautiful backyard. Both bathrooms have been fully remodeled for a contemporary look and feel. Step outside to the low-maintenance turf backyard, complete with a cozy fire pitand covered patio, ideal for relaxing evenings. A one car garage provides extra storage and convenience. Enjoy unparalleled walkability to local favorites, including restaurants, cafés, and AJ's Fine Foods. This home is perfectly situated in the heart of the neighborhood and located on what many consider the best street in Windsor Square. This property also enjoys the 50% historic tax break! Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience the charm of Windsor Square with the ease of modern upgrades. This one won't last long!

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10467 N Nicklaus Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$1,125,000

4 Beds

4.5 Baths

3,723 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6650953

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Custom home on premium golf course lot in the highly sought after Desert Canyon Golf Course community. Home is loaded with windows and patio space to capture the breathtaking views in every direction. Home features include dramatic vaulted ceilings, massive bedrooms, and 4 car garage. Custom kitchen with top of the line appliances and breakfast bar. All 4 bedrooms have ensuite bath. Backyard space includes pool, hot tub, and deck space wrapping around the entire back of property. Situated on the 9th hole of the Desert Canyon golf course with views of Four Peaks and the Fountain Hills landscape.

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2206 E Sapium Way Phoenix, AZ 85048

$1,125,000

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,887 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6703828

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning former model w/ fantastic floor plan, mountain views & total privacy backing to Mountain Preserve. 2 suites w/ full baths, one up/one down, w/ 3 additional large rooms. Huge kitchen w/ double island, 2 separate sinks, espresso cabinets, granite countertops, and SS appliances. Master bath (down) w/ freestanding soaking tub & walk in shower w/ multiple shower heads. Roof replaced 2021 (15-yr warranty), new 5 ton HVAC for downstairs, hot water heater 2 yrs old, & water filtration/softener throughout! Backyard is private oasis w/ covered patio, sparkling pool + spa & fire pit. Nearby shopping, dining, hiking & top-rated schools. 20 min to Sky Harbor Airport. LOW HOA $198 semi-annually, offering biking/walking paths, pickleball, tennis, playgrounds, community pool and spa. LUCKY BUYER

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42086 N Coyote Road San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$1,125,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,943 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6746957

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Experience the charm of country living with this beautiful 1943 sqft, 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home, set on over 4.5 irrigated acres! The custom kitchen has upgraded cabinetry, stunning quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances with a generous sized island that is open to the family room featuring a cozy wood-burning stove. A spacious laundry room, separated by a stylish barn door is right off the kitchen and 2 car garage. Outside you will find a large front and back porch that overlook the beautiful green pasture. The property is perfect for horse enthusiasts with its 6 covered horse stalls and a stamped out arena space. There are also several citrus trees throughout the property including 4 apricot, 2 white peach, 2 yellow peach, 1 lime, and 12 lemon and orange trees. This unique home offers the best in country living while being less than 20 minutes to all of the shopping and restaurants you could need!

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7180 E Kierland Boulevard Unit 217 Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$1,125,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,366 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752064

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

PRICED TO SELL, LOWEST PRICE PER SQ/FT AVAILABLE IN KIERLAND OPTIMA!!! Beautiful, east facing 2nd floor unit to enjoy gorgeous sunrises and city light views. Enjoy views from any room! Spacious great room that is open to kitchen and has door to lovely balcony. Split floor plan, both suites have private bath. Optima offers luxury features and amenities such as the Roof Top Pool with breath taking mountain views, Roof Top Running Track, BBQ's, Rooftop Kitchen for entertaining, Heated Pool and Spas, Sauna & Steam room, State of the Art Fitness Center, Locker Rooms, Smash Ball Court, Indoor Basketball Court, Party Room, Coffee Bar in the Lobby, Gaming Area, Virtual Golf, Media Area, Yoga room, and much more the list goes on. Walking distance to Kierland & Scottsdale Quarter.

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8246 E Kael Street Mesa, AZ 85207

$1,125,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,297 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6731205

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Exquisite move-in-ready CUSTOM home nestled in the upscale Gated Community of Savona. Plenty of room for all your toys with the oversized 3-car garage, RV gate with space to build an RV garage or casita, and an extended paved driveway for ample parking. Great curb appeal and a beautiful 10ft tall custom iron entry door sets the stage for the grand entry. Soaring 12ft ceilings with coffered designs in the office and bonus room, 8ft solid wood doors, and beautiful Versailles patterned travertine throughout with architectural delights await. Gourmet Kitchen with Double Ovens, Stainless Steel Appliances, Gas Cooktop, Kitchen Island, and opens to the dining area and great room with fireplace. Bonus Room perfect for a game/TV room connects to the Guest/Mother-in-law suite with en-suite private entrance and its own private patio. Large primary suite and primary bath offers jetted soaking tub, snail shower and walk-in-closet. A separate wing offers two additional spacious bedrooms with individual sinks and an adjoined bathroom. Large laundry room with lots of cabinets for added storage and a laundry sink. Enjoy the privacy and desert landscape in your backyard with a sparkling saltwater pool, extended covered patio, and breathtaking sunsets. Plenty of room to build an RV garage or casita, a ramada or outdoor kitchen. The possibilities are endless, just waiting for your design. Upgrades include: New AC Units in 2019, 2 new Water Heaters in 2021, Water Softener in 2023, Exterior and Interior Painted in 2023, and Roof Inspected in 2024. Enjoy Pickleball, Basketball and Children's Playground. Great location just minutes to the 202 Freeway, Shopping and Restaurants, Hiking and Biking Trails, 20 minutes to Scottsdale Sky Harbor Airport, and 15 minutes to Lake Saguaro. Schedule your private showing today.

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31228 N 47th Place Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$1,125,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,579 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771706

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning home located in coveted Sonora Vista at Tatum Ranch has it all. Nestled on a dead-end cul -de-sac in this private, gated community this home contains immaculate upgrades from top to bottom. Owner made improvements like they would be there forever which include brand new windows, a $40,000 solar system that is paid in full, and virtually every interior finish was updated in 2020. The open concept floor plan is awesome too & features 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, tons of windows for natural light, high ceilings,& no steps. Modern interior w/features like quartz countertops, grey custom cabs w/hardware, gorgeous tile flooring, brick fireplace, & ss appliances. As if the interior isn't nice enough the backyard is the star of the show featuring large... salt water pool w/new pebbletec, sport court, cozy firepit, grill, smoker, trampoline, huge grassy area and $9,000 worth of motorized shades to compliment the use of the covered patio during every season. This home truly has too much to list and is a rare offering. Move fast as these don't come on the market often.

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14034 N Coral Gables Drive Phoenix, AZ 85023

$1,125,000

4 Beds

4 Baths

3,014 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6631495

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Wow, just wow! Stunning property nestled against a mountain in the prestigious Moon Valley Community! This sleek,modern retreat exudes charm with its meticulously designed layout boasting wood floors, vaulted ceilings, and skylights that provide abundant natural light. Spacious living room, open concept kitchen and dining, 3 bedrooms and a separate fitness room with updated modern finishes throughout. Outside boasts an unbelievable resort-style backyard with pool & hot tub surrounded by amazing views. This home is a must-see beauty!

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