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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17011 E Monterey Drive
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
$1,090,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
3,209
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6741725
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Explore this stunning property situated on over an acre in the picturesque Fountain Hills area. A captivating desert landscape welcomes you, alongside a spacious 3-car garage and ample parking. Inside, the home dazzles with Travertine flooring, soaring vaulted ceilings, and a generously sized living room featuring expansive windows that frame the scenic outdoors. The interior is further enhanced by a two-way fireplace that adds warmth to both the living and family rooms. The large kitchen is a chef's dream, equipped with wood cabinets, granite counters, a pantry, recessed lighting, and a stone backsplash. Stainless steel appliances, including wall ovens, complement the center island with a breakfast bar and a wet bar featuring a built-in wine rack... Retreat to the main bedroom, which offers double doors and a stylish bathroom with dual vessel sinks and a walk-in closet. All bedrooms provide direct access to the outdoors. The garage is outfitted with built-in cabinets and includes a workshop area. Step outside to the balcony and savor a drink while taking in the breathtaking mountain views. The backyard is an oasis with a covered patio, attached Ramada, built-in BBQ, spa, and a refreshing pool. This exquisite home has everything you need for a luxurious lifestyle. Claim this gem as your own today!
36445 N Stardust Lane
Carefree, AZ 85377
$1,090,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,945
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6737891
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
With elegant, REMODELED charm, nestled on a 1.26-acre lot, this exquisite 2,945 SF CUSTOM home in Carefree's Velvet Shadows offers unparalleled privacy and old-world sophistication with a contemporary flair. The property is privately set back from the road, ensuring tranquility and seclusion. Upon entering you'll be captivated by the vaulted ceilings, a two-way fireplace & stunning porcelain 18''x36'' flooring that creates a welcoming and spacious experience. The family room opens to an expansive private covered patio, finished w/reverse Saltillo tile overlooking a sparkling pool with breathtaking views. This home is designed for easy living w/ light, brightness & natural beauty. The superior wool bedroom carpet reflects both sophistication & cozy warmth. The completely ...CLICK..''MORE'' The completely reinvented kitchen is a Chef's delight, featuring sleek quartz countertops, exclusive stainless steel appliances, extraordinary Custom-hewn Cabinets with abundant space. See UPGRADES & UPDATES COMPREHENSIVE LIST! The split floor plan strategically offers a large Owner's Suite with doors to a fully covered balcony-patio with pool & views, leading to a larger house-length private patio perfect for reading, sunbathing, dinners with friends or adding a hot tub. Vibrant Pinnacle Peak Mountain views with stunning sunrises are savored from these back patios, pool and family room. While the iconic Black Mountain and its incredible sunset views, are relished from the front, making this home a true Carefree Arizona paradise. Distinguishing this home is its huge Bonus Room with its cavernous walk-in closet and storage. The Bonus Room wing singularly provides the perfect space for a media room; exercise and hobbies. Noteworthy tech capacities provide separate lines for high-speed internet in the office, supporting home-based businesses and movie streaming. This energy-efficient, REMODELED treasure also includes a gorgeous laundry room appointed with top cabinetry, sink and folding space, an oversized 2-car garage with storage, and hidden pockets of private nature-viewing areas, enfolded into this nurturing, verdant, abundant land. Mature trees, floral shrubs and native cacti complete your Custom Arizona Hideaway, offering you and your guests years of enchantment, amidst fabulous views, sunsets and stargazing, in unmatched privacy. One visit, and you will fall in love, harnessing this opportunity to make Stardust Hideaway your Arizona Dream Oasis! Call now!
722 N Sun Road
Apache Junction, AZ 85119
$1,090,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,550
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6738473
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
HIGHLY MOTIVATED SELLER! Come see this spectacular home and BRING YOUR OFFER!! This spectacular SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN VIEW home offers a long list of HIGH END UPGRADES all sitting on a 1.1 acre lot in the ARROYO VISTA ESTATES gated community. This light & bright 2700 SQ. ft. home features 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, & a cozy attached CASITA (with a separate entrance),ideal for private guest quarters, an office, or a personal ART/CRAFT STUDIO! It also features a custom 47'x 23' fully finished & insulated RV garage along with an attached custom 2 car garage! There are so many ''NEW UPGRADES'' to view on our separate listing sheet.... This LOVELY custom home in a very peaceful neighborhood won't last too long! Over $220k in options and design upgrades and selections, including extensive wood-look tiled flooring, 42'' cotton white cabinets with full height backsplashes, custom vent hood, waterfall island, and so much more.
738 W Culver Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007
$1,090,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,780
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6769576
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
With its enduring historic charm & serene backyard oasis, this Spanish style home is nestled in Central Phoenix's FQ Story Historic District. As you enter, you're welcomed by a cozy living room w fireplace, den & formal dining room. Owner's suite boasts a spacious walk-in closet, an en-suite bathroom & French door leading to a covered veranda & pool area. There's also a bonus room off the primary bedroom, ideal for workouts or home office. Bright kitchen incl breakfast nook & a butler's pantry. Dual sliding glass doors lead to a paved porch surrounded by mature landscaping. Upstairs you'll find 2 large bedrooms w oversized closets, separated by a full Jack-and-Jill bathroom. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets from the upper deck! Finished basement with fireplace, huge closet & bedroom.
7722 S Myrtle Avenue
Tempe, AZ 85284
$1,090,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
3,754
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6775459
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This updated, upgraded and pristine home is nestled in the gated and desirable Coventry Tempe community. Great features included fully remodeled kitchen, custom entertainment center and fireplace in family room and updated flooring throughout. Backyard oasis is perfect for entertaining and includes heated pool and spa, expansive covered patio, misting system and wired for surround sound. Coventry Tempe community includes 4.5 acre park, play ground and tennis courts and is nestled within the desirable Kyrene Schools district! This home is a must see!!!
36456 N Crucillo Drive
San Tan Valley, AZ 85140
$1,090,000
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,299
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6763673
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Beautiful Genova floor plan on the 3rd fairway of the Encanterra CC private golf course! Unparalleled views at this superior lot location! This home is a perfect blend of elegance and functionality w/ 2 BR suites, office/den, or library? You decide!!! Spectacular outdoor living with 2 inviting patios, tranquil fountain, fireplace and B/I BBQ all with 'those views'! Enjoy morning coffee or evening cocktail and enjoy the gorgeous sunsets! Desirable floorplan creates a seamless flow between the living spaces, chef's kitchen, bar seating and dining room that is framed by the golf course view! Main BR suite is a retreat with W/I closet, double sinks with granite and stone, walk in shower and separate tub. Your best life awaits! Come and experience ''The Good Life'' with all that Encanterra ha
5365 E Shiprock Street
Apache Junction, AZ 85119
$1,090,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
3,272
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6783625
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Majestic views and wide open spaces (inside and out) make this property an ideal retreat at the scenic base of the Superstition Mountains. From hosting gatherings throughout the expansive, beautifully designed outdoor areas, to relaxing in the quiet calm of this vast custom-built home, this place offers it all. This gem features sizable living and dining areas, multiple bedrooms plus a large mother-in-law suite (or business space or rental apartment) with private entrance for flexibility and privacy. Countless exterior enhancements of the 1.25 acre property include enchanting ramada and bistro areas, expansive covered patios, spacious 3-car garage, his and hers storage/hobby rooms, PLUS the owned solar system, optimized to save on energy costs. Seeing is believing, come feel the magic!
1284 E Coconino Way
Gilbert, AZ 85298
$1,089,982
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,951
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6781440
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Come see this beautiful, new, 1-story home with desert ranch exterior located in Avocet at Waterston Central. Enjoy cooking in the kitchen equipped with a 36'' gas cooktop, double wall oven, built-in microwave, Bryant maple white cabinets with stacked uppers and quartz countertops. Other outstanding features include a frameless walk-in shower with Raincan shower head at the primary bath, an extended primary suite, farmhouse iron door at the front entry, wood look tile flooring, upgraded carpet, laundry sink with base cabinets, pavers at the driveway, champagne bronze plumbing and lighting fixtures and so much more.
9326 W Sun Dance Drive
Queen Creek, AZ 85144
$1,089,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,622
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6709234
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
With stunning views of the San Tan Regional Mountains, this 3.3 acre property is zoned as a Suburban Ranch. It currently serves as a working horse facility, including an enormous arena (150' x 200') with 9 poles in place for full lighting, water faucets at every turnout and in front of the arena with washing mats and a covered tack shed. Multiple paddocks, 16 covered stalls each with plumbing for individual auto waterers. Included in the 16 stalls are 4 foaling stalls, and 2 stud stalls. You will also find a covered hay area with a hay shade that fits 4 squeezes- easily, multiple hitching rails, 2 swivel tie out posts (patience poles) and Phantom mounts in ground/phantom. This 4 bed/3 bath home has over 2,600 sqft and a walkout basement. Updates include a brand new 5.0 ton HVAC (2022), septic system (2022), and regular maintenance to the roof. Additional features include a covered carport (32x48), fully enclosed shop/garage (24x48), RV hookups, timed irrigation, a full riding path around the property, and quick access to riding trails. Located a short distance from multiple equestrian facilities including Horseshoe Park, John Volken, and RCR farms, this is the perfect location for a horse property. This home is also located only 10 minutes from Queen Creek Marketplace, and 15 minutes from Mesa Gateway Airport. SR-zoning allows for multiple other uses of the property including agricultural, farming, and guest ranches to name a few. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to call this beautiful property home.
8117 E Smokehouse Trail
Scottsdale, AZ 85266
$1,089,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,431
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6776022
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Step into luxury and comfort with this meticulously remodeled 2,431 sq. ft. home, completely transformed in 2023 to embrace both modern elegance and natural beauty. With breathtaking mountain views and ideal north-south exposure, this home offers a harmonious blend of style and tranquility. The heart of this home, the kitchen, features premium, state-of-the-art appliances, granite countertops, making every culinary endeavor a pleasure. Immerse yourself in your private swim spa oasis! Perfect for exercise and relaxation, it's ideal for soaking under the stars while soaking in those stunning mountain views. New A/C system, Windows, Hotwater heater and Septic system. Cozy up by the fireplace, take in panoramic mountain views from the spacious deck, or unwind in your private swim spa.
15748 E Tumbleweed Drive
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
$1,089,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,822
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6740499
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Looking for a home you don't have to do anything to because it is all new? You found it! Come see this newly remodeled home today. Enjoy cooking in this gourmet kitchen with Cafe Appliances, marble countertop with a plenty of storage. The open concept common area is perfect for entertaining. Use the Arizona Room as a den, yoga room, playroom, or gym as it has its' own brand new mini split. The massive primary room has a vaulted ceiling and a spa like bathroom with TWO closets! Large guest room off the garage has a walk in closet and can be used as a bedroom or a flex room of your choice. On the other side of the house are two more bedrooms and a full bath with an oversized shower/tub, private toilet room, linen cabinets and direct access to a bedroom. Step outside and enjoy the resort like backyard with a pool, spa, turf and oversized patio that spans the back of the home. Need more space to store things? The side yard has a great private area you can add a large storage shed to. One AC unit is brand new, the other is three years old and the mini split is new. All new flooring, cabinets in kitchen and bathrooms, new roof with 10 year warranty, new irrigation both front and back, new interior doors, new paint inside and out, new trim and baseboards, all new lighting and ceiling fans throughout, new turf, new spa heater, new Kool Deck and so much more. Come see the home for a detailed list. This home was designed by a professional designer and won't last long.
9806 E Cloudview Avenue
Gold Canyon, AZ 85118
$1,088,888
3
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,309
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6748485
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Postcard Worthy Beautiful Mountain, Sunset & Sparkling City Light VIEWS! Pristine Custom 3300 SF Territorial Style 1.25 AC Desert Retreat, Saguaro Studded Prof. Landscape Saves $80K+/- Needed For New Build Cleared Parcels. Full Length N Facing Rear Patio w/Block & Stucco Fencing, RV Gates & Sunny Gated Fenced S Facing Courtyard w/Pavers. Open Floorplan Flows Seamlessly w/Impressive Mix Of Stacked Stone-Glass Block-Neutral Brick-Set Tile-Quartz Counters-Copper Sinks-FN/Office Master Suite Built In Ent Shelves-Artist Accents-Propane FP+DACOR Stove. Flexible 2 Home Offices w/Built In Shelves/M-In-Law Suite/Nursery/Library. All Have Private Baths/Walk-In Closets & Separate Entrances. NEW AC, 2024 Roof Coating w/2 YR Wrty, 2 UNSHARED Wells $40K+/- Value. Fast Possession/Leaseback Available.