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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1021 W Ridge Road Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$928,990

4 Beds

4.5 Baths

3,231 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780554

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

4 BR, 4.5 Baths, all bedrooms ensuite with walk-in closets, enclosed study, Vaulted ceiling in dining room. Kitchen cabs stacked with glass at cooktop (with 42-inch cabs remainder of kitchen ) in coconut and morel. Stainless steel appliances with wood hood. Upgraded mosaic splash to bottom of hood. Dining room cabs in morel. Kitchen top Quart. All baths with upgraded quartz tops and upgraded tile baths and showers. 9 ft sgd in dining room, 12 ft sgd in family room. Owner's bath with super shower and free-standing tub. Plank-style wood looking tile throughout - except all bedrooms, closets carpet. Full utility room cabs with sink. 3-car garage. 2X6 CONSTRUCTION; EXTENSIVE NEW HOME WARRANTY.

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5630 E Bramble Berry Lane Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$926,500

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,094 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6695541

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Fresh, remodel w new premium Aspen Blond porcelain floor, Monet backsplash, LED fixtures, faucets, wtr softener, 4 car epoxied garage, desert landscape, tuned up Tankless wtr htr, AC units. Tuscan style villa w fine finishes, exclusive gated Lone Mountain. Dramatic mtn views.15 yrs newer than surrounding ungated communities. Perfect flowing sight lines, room placements, bright indirect daylight, custom accents. DOWN: soaring 20 ft great room clerestory windows, bistro kitchen w sweeping tiger eye granite, premium brushed SS double gas ovens,42 in maple cabs, walk in pantry; MBR suite w plantation shutter Bay Window sunrise, billowy pro steam bath, rainforest walk in shower, built out walk-in closet, Den. UP: Double sized media room, 3 BR, walk in closets, 2 full BAs. Turf sports yard, desert garden, green house, roses, hot tub, 750sf Travertine deck. Private quiet island cul de sac. 2 mi to YMCA heated pool. 980sf finished garage, extreme storage. 2 RO systems. Utility sink. Paver drive. Room to add: 2 BR in 4200 sf footprint, pool. Pristine.

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420 N Benson Lane Chandler, AZ 85224

$926,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,342 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6719337

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This elegant single level house over 3300 sqft, nest in a gated community, primary location in center of Chandler, mins to highway 101, 202, nearby huge shopping and dining area. It offers four bedroom, and newly upgraded to three full bathroom. Tile and laminate floor to make the house easy to clean, wood shuttle windows through out the house. Spacious kitchen has stainless steel appliances: double oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, and upgraded vent hood. Master bedroom offers huge bathroom, both shower and tub, tons of storages. Large two covered patio in the backyard to enjoy oasis garden, fruit trees, grass view.....

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18080 W Amber Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$925,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,205 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771004

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BRAND NEW Construction w/ Custom-Quality Upgrades! This beautiful Modern Farmhouse is located on 1 ACRE of FENCED Horse Property w/ a TEEN ROOM and OFFICE. Gourmet Kitchen w/ WOLF Appliances, high-end Cabinets w/ 42'' uppers, White Quartz Countertops, 36'' GAS Cooktop, Steam Oven, Stainless-Steel Pull down Microwave and Wood Plank Tile Floors. Stunning Master Bathroom w/ Freestanding Soaking Tub, BEACH ENTRY Glass Shower & Double Vanities. Exceptional Energy Efficient - boasting Spray Foam Insulation, Premium Trane AC units & High-end Windows. Superior Construction & Craftmanship includes Premium Roofing System, Premium Synthetic Stucco & more! $5,000 to Buyer at Close of Escrow which shall be used towards Buyer installing a water filtration system. Estimated completion date Feb/March.

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18058 W Amber Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$925,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,205 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770991

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BRAND NEW Construction w/ Custom-Quality Upgrades! This beautiful Modern Farmhouse is located on 1 ACRE of FENCED Horse Property w/ a TEEN ROOM and OFFICE. Gourmet Kitchen w/ WOLF Appliances, high-end Cabinets w/ 42'' uppers, White Quartz Countertops, 36'' Cooktop, Built in Oven & Steam Oven, and Wood Plank Tile Floors. Stunning Master Bathroom w/ Freestanding Soaking Tub, BEACH ENTRY Glass Shower & Double Vanities. Exceptional Energy Efficient - boasting Spray Foam Insulation, Premium Trane AC units & High-end Windows. Superior Construction & Craftmanship includes Premium Roofing System, Premium Synthetic Stucco & more! $5,000 to Buyer at Close of Escrow which shall be used towards Buyer installing a water filtration system. Estimated completion date Feb/March.

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29811 N 154th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$925,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,858 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768993

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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29806 N 155th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$925,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,858 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6704241

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

COMPLETED SPEC! NO HOA , large lot (1.02 acre) allows for endless backyard improvements, unobscured MOUNTAIN VIEWS from the patio, low cost and reliable water source with new shared well. A short drive to loop 101, Scottsdale Quaters, Kierland. Tonto National Forest, the Verde River, and Trilogy Golf Course are also within 10 minutes drive. The pictures are of the actual house.

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24414 S Lakeway Circle Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

Open House

$925,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,800 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6754738

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Truly uniquely expanded Milano model with a casita on the Lakes #5 hole in the highly desired active adult community of Oakwood at Sun Lakes. Cute courtyard at front entry off the large versatile casita w/Murphy bed, kitchenette, and full bath with granite counters and tiled walk-in shower. Stunning kitchen has been opened to the expanded great room for maximum entertaining value. So much cabinet space, two islands, custom range hood and backsplash, SS appliances, and coffee/wine bar. Good-sized primary suite with sliders to patio, updated bath with raised granite counters and tiled walk-in shower. Wall-to wall sliders in the great room with maximum golf course/water views. Second bedroom plus office w/glass French doors. Pebbletek pool with spa. Large separate golf cart garage SEE MORE with workbench. This one is a must see! Start enjoying the many amenities of Oakwood with pools, golf, tennis, pickleball, countless clubs and a top-notch restaurant.

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7432 E Christmas Cholla Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$925,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,249 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766006

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream oasis nestled in the heart of North Scottsdale, where luxury meets tranquility. This stunning remodeled home boasts breathtaking mountain views surrounded by lush Sonoran Desert landscape. Step inside and be greeted by an impeccably redesigned interior that seamlessly blends modern elegance with timeless charm. The open floor plan is bathed in natural light, creating a warm and inviting ambiance throughout. Gleaming hardwood floors lead you through the spacious living areas, perfect for both relaxing nights in and entertaining guests. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's delight, featuring stainless steel appliances, custom cabinetry, and luxurious quartz countertops. Whether you're whipping up a quick breakfast or hosting a gourmet dinner party ,this kitchen is sure to inspire your culinary creativity. Retreat to the lavish master suite, where tranquility awaits. Unwind in the spa-like ensuite bathroom complete with a oversized shower, and dual vanity sinks. Additional bedrooms offer ample space for family and guests, each meticulously designed with comfort and style in mind. Brand new flooring graces the upstairs, adding a touch of modern sophistication to the already exquisite design. Step through your 16-foot sliding door to your own fully remodeled private paradise. This home boasts a sprawling backyard oasis, meticulously landscaped and thoughtfully designed for outdoor living at its finest. Lounge by the sparkling pool, relax around the firepit or dine under the stars in the expansive outdoor sitting area with full outdoor kitchen.

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4422 N 75th Street Unit 3001 Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$925,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,269 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6649781

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Stunning 3rd floor CORNER unit at the highly sought after ENVY Residences! This is a great PRIMARY residence or INVESTMENT property! It is the epitome of luxurious, modern living in the HEART of Old Town Scottsdale with countless restaurants and shops right at your front door. This beautiful 2bed / 2bath unit has floor to ceiling windows overlooking the city and mountains, automatic shades throughout, an expansive 224 sq. ft. private patio with a gas hook up for outdoor BBQ, gorgeous finishes, split floor plan, and 2 large underground parking spots. ENVY boasts state of the art amenities to include a 4000 sq ft Fitness Facility, Pool Area w/ Heated Infinity Pool/Spa and 200'' TV, glamorous Black Label Lounge, 24 hr concierge/security and so much more. This is a MUST SEE, and wont last lon

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32099 N 73rd Place Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$925,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,246 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748855

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Move-in ready home in the prestigious gated community of Solstice at Sevano. Spanning 2,246 square feet, this residence offers 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a versatile bonus room, perfect for a home office, den, or overflow guest space. The home is situated on a prime lot, backing to Natural Open Space and the Whisper Rock Golf Course, providing a serene backdrop for the private backyard. The backyard is low maintenance, featuring an oversized covered patio, a fire pit, and a built-in BBQ, all overlooking the picturesque desert and golf course views. As you enter through the gated courtyard, you are greeted by the charm of Santa Barbara/Tuscan-inspired architecture. The circular foyer leads to the great room floor plan, including a formal dining area and an inviting family room with a cozy gas fireplace. The interior features soaring ceilings, travertine, and hardwood flooring, all beautifully accented by plantation shutters. The kitchen is a chef's dream, complete with granite countertops, a spacious island, double ovens, breakfast bar seating, and a quaint breakfast nook. The primary suite offers a luxurious tiled walk-in shower, double sinks, and extensive closet space, with direct access to the backyard. The guest suite is equally well-appointed also with an ensuite bath. The two car garage has direct entry into the laundry room with additional cabinetry. A powder bath is available for visiting guests. Whether you're entertaining guests or enjoying a peaceful evening at home, this property provides the perfect blend of luxury and tranquility. Residents of Solstice at Sevano enjoy a range of amenities, including a pool, spa, and biking/walking paths, with the upcoming Ashler Hills Park adding even more recreational opportunities. This home is conveniently located near shopping, dining, and cultural attractions, making it perfect for both full-time residents and those seeking a seasonal retreat.

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38 Avenida De Las Naciones -- Rio Rico, AZ 85648

$925,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

3,202 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741845

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

if you are searching for your dream house look no further. This 7.56 acre custom built home consists of over 3200 sq ft,including 3 bedrooms snd 2.5 baths. The kitchen features a breakfast nook, dining area and granite counter tops which connect to the great room in a spacious open floor plan 12 ft ceilings in the great room and a wall of windows makes it more expansive.This stunning home also features an office, sitting room, as well as a serene inner court room. Breathtaking panoramic mountain views, waterfall pool, jacuzzi and fire pit makes this residence the epitome of luxury. In addition to this expansive layout a 3 car garage. This house comes with 2 workshops over 1500 sq ft of bonus space whatever your interests may be.

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