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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2327 N Beverly Place Buckeye, AZ 85396

$1,100,000

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

4,329 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777767

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BEAUTIFUL HOME ON THE WASH WITH FABULOUS SUNRISE, MOUNTAIN AND CITY VIEWS!! This stunning home's Kitchen includes quartz countertops, backsplash, beautiful hardware, an upgraded Monogram gas stove, and a huge pantry. The living room and covered back porch have an electric fireplace to keep you warm. This home is spray foam insulated with energy efficient windows throughout. Beautiful wood look tile and brand new carpet! Master suite on first level has separate shower, jetted tub, and huge walk in closet. There is a bonus/6th bedroom upstairs along w/ a game room. Other upgrades include plantation shutters, epoxy garage floors, pool, turf & a view fence to watch the morning sunrise. The owners are VERY clean and have filled this home with love. Take a look at this home of all homes!

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16746 W La Reata Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85395

$1,100,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,175 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781338

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Nearly NEW home features an amazing backyard with multiple entertaining areas, built-in BBQ, self-cleaning sparkling pool & secluded hot tub, perfect for year round enjoyment! Inside, enjoy an open floor plan with wood-look tile, remote blinds & shutters, a gourmet kitchen with soft-close cabinets & drawers, pull outs in lowers, quartz counters, large island & high-end SS appliances w/vented hood. The spacious primary retreat includes dual sinks & walk-in closet. This home also offers a fully insulated, 2.5-car garage with A/C, chip flooring, overhead storage, utility sink & RV outlet. A flexible den & powder room complete this upgraded home. Easy-care landscaping makes this the perfect retreat! Owned SOLAR to heat pool. This home is truly a dream come true and MOVE-IN ready! This very Active Adult community includes 3-18 hole Golf Courses, 40+ Pickleball & Tennis Courts, State of the Art Fitness Centers, Creative Arts Center, Multiple resort style Pools and Hot Tubs, Theater with live performances, Casual dining, Billiards room, Bocce courts and more. Come take a look!

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11305 S 195th Drive Buckeye, AZ 85326

$1,100,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,857 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781143

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Craftsmanship Meets+Custom Resort on Acre! This pristine Oasis offer's Quality Craftsmanship everywhere you look! No upgrade was spared, this was the Custom builder model to showcase their options so you can only imagine. When you enter the Great room you will notice the open inviting 12 foot ceilings. Gourmet kitchen with high end granite countertops, stainless steel appliances w/rich solid knotty alder cabinets, Hard wood floors, Custom doors, Travertine floors, Subzero refrigerator, Stainless steel double ovens, a walk in pantry and lots of pull out shelves, gas stove, Primary bath has huge walk-in closets snail shower & extensive tile, built in cabinets, One of the room is used as an office with built in Murphy bed. The backyard is fenced in and private with mountain views from the

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7090 E Morning Vista Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85266

New

$1,100,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,852 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783619

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

What a great opportunity to own a property in the saught after Carriage Trails community of Scottsdale! Located on a half-acre (24,705 sqft lot), this home boasts 3 Bedrooms with 2.5 bathrooms and an office/den that could easily be convereted to a 4th bedroom with a built in desk/ bookshelves, a 3-car garage, its very own heated private pool & spa, built-in gas fire pit & grill! This spacious lot holds so many possibilties! The interior showcases lovely original features along with high vaulted ceilings, a split floor plan, a gas fireplace showcasing lovely stonework & a built-in wet bar for entertaining! Well maintained, the 2 HVAC units have been fully replaced recently & the walls contain thick insulation to keep the home cool in the summer! Seller is motivated. Make an offer today!

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13653 E Aloe Vera Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

New

$1,100,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,025 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783334

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

(UNDER CONSTRUCTION) New Construction desert home. This new build with NO HOA, MASSIVE open Kitchen & living room with high-end Cabinets, Quartz Countertops, 36'' Cooktop, Built-in Stainless Steel Microwave and double ovens, & upgraded flooring. The upgrades continue with a stunning Master Bathroom with a Freestanding Soaking Tub, Modern Shower and Beautiful Double Vanities, an oversized four car garage, RV Garage, private well and more!!! (pictures useed in this listing are of a previous project and represent what the home may look like).

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22635 N 45th Place Phoenix, AZ 85050

$1,100,000

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,196 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6774400

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning home sits on a spacious .24-acre lot and offers the perfect setup for multi-generational living, featuring 2 bedrooms and a full bath on the lower level. Located just blocks away from PVUSD elementary and middle schools, it's an ideal location for families. Surrounded by a pristine natural desert wash, this elegant home provides exceptional privacy from its prime position on an oversized semi-cul-de-sac lot. Step inside the beautiful foyer, where dark wide-plank flooring and muted white walls create a sophisticated ambiance. The gorgeous living room boasts tall windows, plush carpeting, and soaring vaulted ceilings. A chandelier-lit formal dining room adds an extra touch of elegance.The stunning kitchen features an abundance of silver and gray cabinetry, exquisite exquisite countertops, and upscale stainless steel appliances, including a deep farmhouse sink. A casual dining/breakfast room flows seamlessly into the family room, which is anchored by a dramatic luxury wood-framed fireplace, media wall, art-display niches, and twin shutter-trimmed windows. Upstairs, a spacious loft/library area leads to big secondary bedrooms and a romantic primary suite. The primary suite offers a slightly elevated sleeping area, a large sitting room, a luxurious bath, an enormous walk-in closet, and a cocktail balcony overlooking the backyard's alfresco amenities. Outside, enjoy a sparkling freeform pool, sprawling lounge decks, an expansive grassy lawn, a barbecue island, and just the right amount of flowering shrubbery. The home was fully remodeled in 2019, is exceptionally quiet, and shares a fence with only one neighbor for ultimate privacy.

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13144 E Lupine Avenue Scottsdale, AZ 85259

$1,100,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,076 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6770249

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled in the prestigious North Scottsdale area, this home blends spacious living with thoughtful design complete with breathtaking views of the McDowell Mountains and spacious outdoor area. The elegant design begins with a grand entryway that opens up to an expansive, light-filled floor plan, complete with a generously sized primary suite that exudes comfort and sophistication. Outdoors, the meticulously designed patio is perfect for hosting gatherings or enjoying a quiet evening, featuring a built-in BBQ and large covered patio, perfect for entertaining in style. The seamless indoor-outdoor flow makes this space ideal for both relaxation and socializing. Set in a peaceful, secluded neighborhood, this residence offers the perfect balance of tranquility and convenience. Just a short stroll from beautiful parks and hiking trails, it's the ideal spot for daily walks or outdoor leisure. With a park just down the street and easy access to Rio Montana Park, Lost Dog Wash Trail, and Ancala Country Club, you'll enjoy a lifestyle of both tranquility and convenience. This home captures the best of North Scottsdale livingcomfortable, stylish, and perfectly located.

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16118 E Ridgestone Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$1,100,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,915 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6759444

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Stunning single level home at ''The Overlook'' in prestigious FireRock Country Club. Well-designed open floor plan perfect for entertaining, featuring an elegant great room with splendid mt. views to the rear patio with a 20 foot slider door system. Indoor/outdoor living at its finest with luxury high end design choices. Spacious well-appointed kitchen overlooks the expansive great room and features a massive center island with breakfast bar. Wolf double range and hood and appliances as well as Subzero refrigerator, subway tile backsplash, and a desirable walk-in pantry. An exquisite master bedroom offers abundant light, a large walk-in closet, and marvelous master bath with spacious shower, dual-sink vanity, and beautiful finishes w/ensuite bath. Gorgeous backyard features heated jetted spool, built in BBQ, gas fireplace, TV, and synthetic grass. 12 foot ceilings. Guard gated. No stairs! 2 car garage w/ storage. Beautiful mountain views! Laundry room has sink and cabinets. Hunter Douglas automated window coverings. Solid core doors. Oversized hexagon tiles on the floor in main living room & travertine on the back patio. FireRock Country Club offers social and golf memberships and everything you could ask for and more in a club setting.

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1014 E Country Gables Drive Phoenix, AZ 85022

$1,100,000

5 Beds

4 Baths

4,302 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6756917

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful dream home in the highly coveted Moon Valley mountainside neighborhood. Rare custom build and features with basement, no HOA, prime location in Phoenix and stunning views! Meticulous owners and over $250k in upgrades (see docs tab). 3 newer AC's, water heater, roof, doors, exterior paint, solid wood floors, and granite countertops throughout, the list is endless. In the back, enjoy your private screened-in porch or backyard oasis where a sparkling pool and spa await, great for entertainment or relaxation. Beautifully landscaped with a brand new drip system and RV gate. The upstairs balcony is also huge and wraps around for incredible views. Short walk to Lookout Mountain trailhead. Watch the drone video tour of this stunning home and majestic community!

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9834 E Adobe Road Mesa, AZ 85207

$1,100,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,631 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6762533

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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20872 E Mewes Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$1,100,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,994 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6772258

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Yippee! Welcome to your DREAM Horse Property in the desirable Orchard Ranch community! This Stunning Renovated 4-Bedroom, 2.5 Bath home sits on just shy of an acre. Featuring a Split floor plan, Vaulted Ceilings, a Stone Wet Bar, and a Gorgeous Chef's Delight Kitchen. Warm walls, and Woods combined with a Beautiful Fireplace add a cozy touch to the living space. Enjoy Entertaining outdoors with a Sparkling Pool, Soothing Spa, and a spacious covered patio, also a Ramada featuring a Fantastic Outdoor Kitchen for those summer cookouts! A HUGE 3+ car garage and TWO RV gates, there's plenty of room for all your toys and trucks. The Charming Barn, complete with two stalls, a tack room, and space for your trailers is ideal for the COWBOY/ COWGIRL! It's the Perfect combo of City and Country life!

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9950 E Acacia Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$1,100,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,374 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6768439

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Beautiful 5 bedroom home rests in the exclusive gated Tails North at Horseman's Park with 5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, pool, spa and a 3 car garage on a private lot with no house behind. 4 bedrooms plus a loft are located upstairs close to the laundry room with the 5th bedroom on the main level. The Primary suite has his/her walk-in closets, separate sink & vanities, deep soaking tub, separate shower and a private walk-out balcony with mountain views! The home has additional insulation added to attic resulting in very low electric bills. The Ring doorbell and Swann System video provides extra security. The prime location is close to top-rated Notre Dame Prep and charter schools Archway Scottsdale and Scottsdale Prep & inutes from the 101, WestWorld, the TPC, restaurants and shopping.

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