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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6420 E Palm Lane
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
$949,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,000
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6757733
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Beautiful top-to-bottom REMODELED home in the highly sought-after Hy-View neighborhood in Scottsdale! Great curb appeal with a lovely landscape front yard, a 2-car garage, and a paver driveway & front patio. The immaculate interior boasts a spacious open layout that promotes a modern feel! Enhanced by fresh neutral paint, recessed lighting, chic light fixtures, wood-flooring, & tons of natural light. You'll love the French doors merging the inside/outside activities. The renewed kitchen has sleek GE appliances w/wine cooler, quartz counters, tile backsplash, white shaker cabinetry, & a center island. Large main bedroom features a sitting area, outdoor access, a walk-in closet, & a spotless bathroom. You won't be disappointed in the beauty and craftsmanship in this property!
9721 S Gold Stone Trail
Apache Junction, AZ 85120
$948,990
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,230
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6716367
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Corner homesite 12,693 sf site. 4 BR, 3.5 baths, enclosed office, retreat, Butler's Pantry in Kitchen. 12 sgd in family room leading to patio. 9 ft multistacking door in dining room, wine bar cabinets and dining room cabinets. Two toned Stacked cabinets in kitchen with glass in white and colt. Stainless steel appliances with shaker wood hood. 42-inch cabinets in Butler's Pantry. Trey ceiling in Owner's retreat with free standing tub and super shower with rain can. Full utility room cabinets with sink. 3-car garage. 2x6 construction; extensive new home warranty; see you soon!
22591 E Orchard Lane
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$948,990
6
Beds
4.5
Baths
4,735
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6776971
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Up to 3% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available through preferred lender. An ideal layout for entertaining or unwinding, complete with a guest casita featuring its own private courtyard entrance. Highlights include stacked cabinets, a chef's kitchen, and a stunning waterfall island. The Majesty series is set in the desirable Harvest community within its own gated section. Conveniently located across from the pools, catch-and-release lake, and green park, it offers a serene escape while remaining near shopping and entertainment.
11673 N 136th Street Unit 1011
Scottsdale, AZ 85259
$947,900
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,020
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6655214
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
New 2022 Construction in PRIME location near Scottsdale Mountain, The Reserve is a Private Luxury Villa Community close to EVERYTHING - Shopping, Dining, Golfing & steps away from Coffee Shop, Bespoke Market, Wine Bar, Italian Cuisine, Pizzeria, Parks & Hiking Trails! This Upscale Resort Style Villa features spectacular Mountain & Desert Views, 2 Bed/EnSuites + DEN/FlexSpace/3rd Bed Opt. with an OPEN Split Floorplan, 2.5 Baths, Gourmet Kitchen w/Upgraded Cabinetry, Breakfast Bar Island, Premium Granite, Bosch Stainless Steel Appliances, French Door Refrigerator, Tile Backsplash, Walk-in Pantry, Gas Cooking, LED Lighting, Premium Tile Showers, Deep Soaking Bathtub, Home Automation, Energy Efficiency Features, 2 Covered Patios, Private Courtyard, ASK for the detailed Upgrade & Feature List!
8719 E Columbus Avenue
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
$947,500
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,993
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6749116
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
INTERIOR IMMACULATE, SELLER WILLING TO OFFER CONCESSIONS FOR EXTERIOR LANDSCAPE UPGRADES!! This beautifully renovated home located in the coveted Park 17 subdivision of Scottsdale checks all the boxes!! This Spacious 4BED/2B has been brought up to date with a complete interior renovation top to bottom. The center kitchen was removed providing an open floor plan that has created a huge walk around kitchen with 9' foot Island for plenty of bar stool seating. The kitchen cabinet design provides a large drawer concept for easy and convenient storage and access, combined with a mix of Bravo Preto Granite on the Island and Coranado White Quartz kitchen surround. To top it all off you will find a new high-end stainless-steel appliance package with all the updated blue-tooth/wireless technology. The entire home has received a level 5 smooth drywall finish with a clean white paint pallet that reflects elegance and allows the new owner to color the interior as they wish. Large format ceramic tile floors throughout the entire home make it a breeze to clean and maintain. All bathrooms are updated with decorative tile designs, extra large niche spaces, and top of the line Delta/Moen fixtures adorn all wet areas providing class and longevity. Solid shaker doors with eased edge molding continue throughout the home. All cabinetry throughout is soft-closed doors and drawers with just the right mix of solid colors blended with stain grade accents. All rooms have spacious closets with storage shelves and hi/low with dress hang space provided. The large laundry area has been completed with a 10' foot run of upper and lower cabinetry so you will never run short of storage space. New low-e dual pane windows and doors shower the home with natural light and provide all the best of efficiency during the hot summer months. Home also comes equipped with a newer Trane AC unit. (2019) Hardscape landscaping front and back provide a low-cost maintenance plan, while irrigation adds to that necessary touch of desert greenery. Don't forget the location! Just miles away from Scottsdale's, Old Town nightlife, premier shopping at Fashion Square and fine dining. These renovations were completed with no stone left unturned during this process. All necessary City permits with health inspections are provided. (Documents Tab) As an additional bonus, the standard two-year contractors' warranty on all work performed will be passed along to the lucky new owner of this beautiful property. This one won't last long.... make it yours today!!!
1 Easy Street Unit 3
Carefree, AZ 85377
$946,175
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,847
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6639859
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
Enjoy your own private elevator, and unobstructed mountain views, in this fabulous upscale location that offers the epitome of luxury and convenience, every amenity is just steps from your doorstep in bespoke Carefree. Floor Plan 1 features 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, has a Den that could be an office or an optional 3rd bedroom. Floor Plan 2 features a total of 3 Bedrooms-2 of the 3 Bedrooms are Master Suites-one on the first floor, one on the second floor, and an additional guest bedroom with a total of 3.5 Bathrooms, and a large loft. Open concept design, gourmet kitchen Bosche Stainless Steel Appliances, and contemporary finishes. The walkability of this community is second to none as are the community features, heated Pool, Spa, Bocce Ball Court, and Putting Green. The perfect lock and leave and within steps of your door, great restuarants, world class art galleries, Live music venues showcasing talented artists, and boutiques featuring high end fashion. You'll also find conveniences living within this upscale village, with a grocery store, post office, banks, hardware store, gas station, spa's, wine bar, and much more, all just steps from your doorstep. Relax and unwind on the large covered patios or indulge in the views from your private viewing decks. With its ideal location just blocks away from Carefree's sister city Cave Creek and a short seven minute drive to North Scottsdale, you'll have endless opportunities for entertainment and exploration. It's no wonder that Carefree is considered one of Arizona's premier places to live. Experience it firsthand at The View Carefree as you live the life of your dreams right here in this extraordinary community! Come see for yourself how sweet life can be at The View Carefree!
20498 E Via De Colina --
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$946,149
5
Beds
3.5
Baths
4,517
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6746209
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
MLS#6746209 April Completion! The Acadia is a spacious 2-story floor plan offering 4,517 sq. ft. with 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a 3-car split garage, dining room, study, and game room. As the largest floor plan in the Ellsworth Ranch Voyage Collection, it's designed to be your perfect home. The foyer is the central hub, leading to the dining room, study, laundry, winding staircase, and the open-concept gathering room, kitchen, and casual dining area. The main-level primary suite features dual vanity sinks and his-and-hers walk-in closets. Upstairs, find secondary bedrooms and a versatile media room. Structural options include: double gate in lieu of standard, media room, gourmet kitchen, water softener, and gas line for future outdoor kitchen.
2334 E Samantha Way
Phoenix, AZ 85042
$945,999
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,893
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6756767
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Situated in the foothills of the South Mountain Preserve and just steps away from the Mormon and Geronimo trailheads, you will find peace and tranquility in this beautiful home. With stunning mountain views to the south, and day and night city views to the north, you will experience all of the beauty and nature this valley location has to offer. Originally built as a model home in the gated Quintessa Community, the property features twelve foot ceilings, an oversized two car garage and a secondary single car garage. The chef's kitchen, with recently upgraded appliances and a large island,, it is definitely the place to be when family and friends gather together. Guests will love the fully finished basement with two bedrooms, a large family room, lots of storage, a comfortable bathroom and a flex space for work or play. You will find that your guests or family members may not want to leave. Enjoy your outdoor time under the covered porch with built in misters or the perfectly situated sitting area to the east to view the mountains, night lights, moon rises and coyote calls. A new outdoor grilling space is situated on the east side of the house, along with lemon and lime trees and additional room for a garden. And of course - a beautiful pool (with heat pump) is yours to enjoy from March to October and beyond. Quintessa's location provides easy access to all freeways, Sky Harbor Airport, the esteemed Raven and Legacy golf courses, ASU, and will be minutes away from the new south central extension of the light rail in 2025, that will take you downtown for events, work, or a night on the town. Come See and experience the beauty of South Mountain - in the heart of Phoenix.
310 N Grapevine Drive
Payson, AZ 85541
$945,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,502
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6735078
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Enchanting A-Frame Home in Payson's Premier Gated Community. Nestled in the highly desired gated community of Chaparral Pines, this stunning A-frame home offers a luxurious living space. The owners suite is located on the main floor, featuring a lavish en-suite bathroom with breathtaking views of the surrounding Ponderosa Pines. Step into the inviting living room, where a gas fireplace creates a warm and cozy ambiance. The expansive A-frame dual-pane windows flood the space with natural light and provide endless, picturesque views. Venture down to the finished basement, a versatile space perfect for entertaining. Here, you'll discover a wet bar, a spacious family/game room, two additional bedrooms, and a full bath. Outdoor living is at its finest on the charming patio, where you can relax and enjoy Payson's beautiful weather. As a member of Chaparral Pines Golf Club, you'll have access to world-class amenities, including a championship golf course, clubhouse, fitness center, and more. This enchanting A-frame home offers the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and natural beauty. Don't miss the opportunity to make it yours!
40010 N Candlewyck Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85086
$945,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,984
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6762002
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Premium Golf Course Lot on the 12th hole of the Ironwood Golf Course in the guard gated community of Anthem Country Club w/ Magnificent Sunsets & Mountain Views. Large picture windows in the kitchen/living areas, primary suite & guest quarters all showcase the spectacular views. The split floor plan features a spacious primary bedroom & bath w/ fabulous walk-in closet & plenty of natural light. The private ensuite guest quarters has a full bath & the other 2 bedrooms connect with a Jack-n-Jill. It's perfect for all of your company. A formal living room at the front of the house can become a game room, office or media space. The kitchen features an island, 5 top gas burner, SS appliances, lots of cabinets &counters & opens to the living area w/ access to back patio. Formal dining for your holiday gatherings. From the inside to the outside, it flows perfectly for the busy family or gourmet entertainer. HOA includes Country Club privileges & Community Center. You will love living in this community!!
30120 N Suscito Drive
Peoria, AZ 85383
$945,000
3
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,653
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6750638
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
STUNNINGLY APPOINTED 3BR/3.5BA+DEN 'Aspect' model loaded with CUSTOM FIXTURES and UPGRADES. Located on an OVERSIZED FULLY FENCED CORNER LOT with split 3-CAR GARAGE (2-car garage+air-conditioned GOLF CART GARAGE) that features premium built-in cabinets. This luxurious home SHOWS LIKE A MODEL and is walking distance to the Mita Club and Dog Park. Enter through the gorgeous custom clear stained glass and metal front door into the OPEN CONCEPT floorplan with soaring 12ft ceilings, plantation shutters, and gorgeous gray wood-look wide PLANK TILE in all main areas. The GOURMET KITCHEN is a chef's dream and boasts PREMIUM GRANITE countertops, an oversized island w/breakfast bar, and HUGE walk-in pantry. Built-in stainless appliances including GAS 5-burner cooktop, & French-door refrigerator w/dispenser, premium cabinets w/rollouts, recycle/trash center, and designer pendant lights. SERENE primary suite features barn door to grand ensuite bath w/large soaking tub, enclosed walk-in shower w/floor-to-ceiling tile, dual vanities, LARGE WALK-IN CLOSET, and door to back patio. Two spacious guest bedrooms with upgraded ensuite baths are split from primary suite for privacy. Enjoy chilly desert nights in front of your cozy DOUBLE-SIDED GAS FIREPLACE w/elegant floor-to-ceiling tile. Oversized MULTI-SLIDE sliding glass doors open to the RESORT-STYLE backyard that includes a gas firepit, gas BBQ, refrigerator, mature landscaping, and LARGE wraparound patio for indoor/outdoor living at its finest! Other upgrades: PREPAID SOLAR lease for exceptional energy savings, exquisite CUSTOM CHANDELIER in Morning Room, MOTORIZED sunshades in great room, surround sound, and large blade ceiling fan w/light. Other features include post tension slab, 8' doors throughout, whole home water softening system, Trane A/C heating and cooling units, exterior trash enclosure, and PVC drip system. So many PREMIUM upgrades and features, you MUST SEE this home in person. This home is located in award-winning gated, 55+ Trilogy at Vistancia with 5-star-resort style amenities at the 35,000 SF Kiva Club with indoor & outdoor pools, fitness center, day spa, cafe, billiards, meeting rooms, library, tennis courts, pickle ball, bocce ball, events & a plethora of activities to choose from. Outstanding Gary Panks-designed golf course is woven throughout the original part of the neighborhood. The Mita Club has additional outstanding community amenities. Easy access from Trilogy to the 303, shopping, restaurants, entertainment, Lake Pleasant & Paloma Park, Peoria's huge community park loaded with amenities.
1715 E Palmaire Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85020
$945,000
4
Beds
4
Baths
2,738
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6779602
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Dreaming of picturesque mountain views on a quiet cul-de-sac in the heart of Phoenix? Welcome home to this 4 bed, 4 bath charmer in the iconic Dreamy Draw area of North Central Phoenix. This Spanish-style home, with N/S exposure, features a large bonus room on the 2nd story with impeccable, unobstructed views of Piestewa Peak. Updates include: newly remodeled kitchen in 2021 with stainless steel appliances, granite counters, large island, raised ceiling; updated master bath with new tile, flooring, new vanity; new TRANE A/C unit in 2022; 240-volt EV charging in 2-car garage; Pebble Tec pool with waterfall feature & brand new pump; new carpet in upstairs loft; and fresh coating on roof. Mature palms mixed beautifully with desert landscape make this a nice lock and leave option. No HOA!