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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8132 E Jackrabbit Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
$925,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,980
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6754155
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Beautifully remodeled 4bed/2bath home in the heart of Scottsdale. This NO HOA, single level home with split floor plan & attached 2 car garage has been completely updated. Kitchen features leathered Taj Mahal single slab quartzite island, all New GE Cafe appliances with gas stove conversion . New custom cabinets and wine fridge. New flooring throughout house. Luxurious master retreat with custom bath & closets. New landscaping & lawn with outdoor accent lighting. New irrigation front and back yard and new landscaping with citrus trees. New Aluminum sunshades with electrical & fans front & backyard. Family friendly neighborhood, close to Scottsdale Pool, Chaparral Lake, walking trails, playground, soccer fields & dog park. Close to old town shopping and dining. This home will impress!
12911 W Mayberry Trail
Peoria, AZ 85383
$925,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
2,193
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6745523
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this one-of-a-kind Trilogy home, perfectly situated to offer stunning views of the 7th Green & incredible long mountain vistas from the south-facing backyard. From the moment you arrive, you'll be greeted by beautiful curb appeal featuring a paver driveway and elegant stone accents. A charming courtyard leads you to a meticulously crafted interior where no detail has been overlooked. The chef's kitchen is a masterpiece, equipped with top-of-the-line Bosch stainless steel gas appliances, a wine/beverage center, a dramatic granite slab with a designer backsplash, and stunning alder cabinetry. Outdoor living is a dream come true w/private heated pool, in-ground cleaners, & rock waterfall. Beyond the property, you'll enjoy resort-style living with a host of community amenities in Trilogy at Vistancia! Double doors open up to a sizeable den w/a built-in desk & bookshelves, ideal for an office. Finally, the wonderful backyard includes a covered patio, artificial turf, a sparkling blue pool, and a view fence overlooking the Community's lush golf course! The home of your dreams is here, hurry and act now!
10647 E Vista Del Cielo --
Gold Canyon, AZ 85118
$925,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,003
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6752988
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Embrace luxury living in this fully furnished, custom Gold Canyon home with NO HOA and unrivaled 360° views. Nestled on 1.25 acres of land, discover captivating city vistas to the south and the majestic Superstition Mountains to the north. Your oasis includes a regulation pickleball court, new swim spa, and a large roof terrace. Expand your living area to the outdoors with the oversized, covered patio and outside, secluded shower. Inside, the great room's warmth is accentuated by real wood beams and an abundance of natural light. The well designed split floor plan allows privacy and comfort with 3 bedrooms, each boasting mountain views. The comfortable Jack & Jill bathroom provides privacy for guests. The 3rd car garage can serve as a workshop, complete with heat and AC.
1891 E Lodge Drive
Tempe, AZ 85283
$924,999
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,689
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6756574
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your dream home in the heart of Tempe! This beautifully updated property offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and timeless charm. The spacious layout features an open-concept living area with abundant natural light, ideal for entertaining or relaxing. Enjoy cooking in the stylish kitchen with sleek countertops, stainless steel appliances, and ample storage. The private backyard oasis is perfect for outdoor gatherings or quiet evenings under the stars. Ideally situated on a cul-de-sac and conveniently located near top-rated schools, shopping, dining, and easy freeway access, this home is a rare find. Make it yours today!
11899 N Patience Way
Prescott Valley, AZ 86315
$924,900
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,662
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6778915
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Experience the beauty and serenity of a nearly new Haus-built modern farmhouse in the desirable Prescott Prairie, set on 4 acres backing up to state land. This exceptional property is fully fenced, offering direct access to vast stretches of state land—perfect for exploring and outdoor activities right outside your door. Designed with luxury in mind, no expense was spared on high-end finishes throughout this home, from attractive brick accents to premium Italian Bertazzoni appliances. The kitchen & great room are a designer's dream, with a brick backsplash framing the gas cooktop, quartz counters, and a stunning ten-foot black granite island. The living room is a cozy retreat centered around a grand wood-burning fireplace where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Beyond the kitchen, a well-equipped butler's pantry offers stylish butcher block counters, additional cabinetry, and open shelving, all neatly framed by a sliding barn door. The wood-look vinyl plank flooring flows throughout the home, while the guest bedrooms feature quality wool Berber carpet for added warmth. This thoughtfully designed home features a split floor plan, maximizing privacy and comfort. The master suite overlooks the backyard and state land, offering a private sanctuary complete with a walk-in, dual-head shower with floor-to-ceiling tile, a freestanding clawfoot tub, split vanities with quartz countertops, and a spacious walk-in closet. On the opposite side of the home, two guest bedrooms are connected by a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, offering your guests a private, comfortable area. A third guest room doubles perfectly as an office, den, library, or music room, with a nearby third bathroom featuring another tile walk-in shower. The home's outdoor spaces are as thoughtfully designed as its interior, featuring 2,000 square feet of lush sod in the front and back yards. A brick back patio complements the home's brick accents and offers a peaceful space to take in the expansive views of your four-acre property. The fully irrigated garden, ideal for a farm-to-table lifestyle, is located beside a professionally installed storage shed on a concrete foundation. With ample space available, you can easily add equestrian facilities for direct access to state land trails. Additional features include upgraded spray foam insulation, a generator hook-up with a transfer switch near the garage, and a dedicated RV parking pad. The propane tank is designated solely for the gas cooktop, and a large laundry room with brick flooring and shelving is conveniently located near the garage entrance, with a mudroom area ready for your personal touch. This home offers a unique blend of modern luxury and rustic charm, set in an idyllic natural setting designed for both comfort and adventure.
16825 S 12th Way
Phoenix, AZ 85048
$924,900
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
3,000
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6760684
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this beautifully renovated 4 bed / 2.5 bath home on a gorgeous hillside lot in the Foothills Community of Ahwatukee. As you enter the expansive great room, featuring soaring ceilings & an abundance of natural light, you'll notice how every element was thoughtfully and purposefully designed. The heart of the home is the state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen, boasting a stunning 12-foot quartz island, perfect for entertaining. Every chef will appreciate the brand-new soft-close cabinets, sleek designer pendant lights, & top-of-the-line appliances, including a Bosch refrigerator, Bosch oven with warming drawer, Thermador gas stove, & a Scotsman ice maker that produces 40 pounds of ''sonic'' ice cubes. The reverse osmosis system provides crisp, clean water to the refrigerator & ice maker. The home features new Italian porcelain tile downstairs & plush carpet upstairs, both updated in 2022. Energy efficiency & comfort are ensured with dual-pane tinted windows throughout, remote-controlled window treatments in the family room, & two A/C units, both replaced within the last three years. A new water softener, reverse osmosis system, & propane tank were also recently installed. Retreat to the spacious primary bedroom with its large walk-in closet & built-in shelving. The master bathroom, fully renovated in 2024, offers a spa-like experience with new tile flooring, a stunning walk-in shower with a rainwater showerhead, floor-to-ceiling tiling accent wall, dual sink vanity, & a free-standing soaker tub. Both the guest & hall bathrooms have been thoughtfully updated with new vanities, fixtures, & walk-in showers, ensuring comfort & style for family & visitors alike. The upstairs office/den is the perfect place for a home office or cozy space to hang out. Enjoy memorable gatherings in the private backyard with no neighbors behind you. This expansive space includes a covered patio, artificial turf, a built-in BBQ, & a crystal-clear pool & spa. This home is truly a gem, offering modern amenities, luxurious upgrades, & timeless elegance. Don't miss the chance to make it yours!
2923 N 81st Place
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
$924,900
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,273
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6648127
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
NEW PRICE. - SELLER MOTIVATED!! NESTLED NEAR VIBRANT OLD TOWN SCOTTSDALE WITH NIGHTLIFE, WORLD-CLASS GOLF COURSES, UPSCALE SHOPPING DESTINATIONS, PIMA PARK & SCOTTSDALE BASEBALL STADIUM. FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY! PREPARE TO BE CAPTIVATED WITH THE IMPECABLE CRAFTSMANSHIP AND REFINED AESTETICS. THE STRIKING WOOD FLOORS ADD A TOUCH OF WARMTH AND ELEGANCE. THE LARGE PICTURE WINDOWS ALLOW FOR AN ABUNDANCE OF NATURAL LIGHT. THE OUTDOOR OASIS IS AN IDYLLIC SANCTUARY OFFERING AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES DESIGNED FOR BOTH RELAXATION AND RECREATION. IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE HEATED POOL YEARROUND OR ENJOY THE EXPANSIVE PATIO COMPLETE WITH A CHARMING FIRE PIT. PERFCT FOR ALFRESCO DINING. EASY ACCESS TO THE LOOP 101
23040 W Hammond Lane
Buckeye, AZ 85326
$924,900
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,275
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6735567
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Situated on over an acre of land, this beautifully remodeled single-level pool home offers a perfect blend of luxury and functionality. The property features a versatile casita/pool house, ideal for guests or as a private retreat, and a 40' x 50' RV garage with a loft, providing ample space for storage or hobbies. Outdoor living is a dream with a cozy fireplace sitting area and a covered BBQ area, perfect for entertaining. Walking Distance to Buckeye's brand new Sundance Park. With its expansive grounds and thoughtful design, this home is a rare find, combining elegance, comfort, and practicality.
3530 S Velero Street
Chandler, AZ 85286
$924,900
6
Beds
5
Baths
4,309
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6743202
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your dream home in the exclusive Saguaro Canyon neighborhood! This magnificent 6-bedroom, 5-bathroom estate sits on an expansive 15,979 SF lot in a tranquil cul-de-sac, offering privacy and serenity. Some rooms of the home have been virtually staged. As you enter through the grand courtyard, you'll be captivated by the elegant design and luxurious features of this 4,309 SF residence. The grand entry staircase and soaring vaulted ceilings create an inviting atmosphere, while the rich wood floors add warmth and sophistication. The heart of the home is the gourmet kitchen, boasting stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, a large center island, and an eat-at bar, making it a perfect space for culina in the formal dining room. The master suite is a true sanctuary, complete with a spa-like bathroom featuring a soaking tub, separate shower, double sinks, and a makeup vanity space. A generous walk-in closet provides ample storage. Each additional bedroom is thoughtfully designed to ensure comfort and privacy for family and guests. Step outside to your private backyard oasis. Take a dip in the sparkling pool, unwind in the hot tub, or entertain friends at the built-in grill area. The expansive lot provides endless possibilities for outdoor activities and relaxation, with a shed for added storage. This home is the epitome of luxury and convenience, offering a perfect blend of elegance and functionality. Nestled in a prime location with a large lot, it's a rare find in the desirable Saguaro Canyon neighborhood.
15217 W Daybreak Drive
Surprise, AZ 85374
$924,900
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,483
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6747884
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Gorgeous Ashbury home totally rebuilt in 2020 with new roof, Milgard windows, premium HVAC, flooring,electrical,plumbing, Cherrywood cabinets w/pullouts in spacious gourmet kitchen with an island, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. This is located on a beautiful golf course lot with swimming pool, spa, triple car garage that is insulated and has split A/C unit all with paid solar. This home is move in ready.
1330 Brunner Lane
Wickenburg, AZ 85390
$924,500
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,610
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6771756
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
NEW BUILD TO BE COMPLETED AROUND DEC 15, 2024, BEAUTIFUL 2610 SQ FT (4352 SQ FT UNDER ROOF) HOME ON 3.4 ACRES CLEAR THE LAND TO THE NORTH AND HAVE PLENTY OF ROOM FOR A SHOP, HORSE PENS, ETC OR PURCHASE THE ADDITIONAL 4 ACRES AVAILABLE TO THE SOUTH FOR A FULL HORSE SET UP OR ANY OTHER BUILDINGS YOU SO DESIRE, KNOTTY ALDER CABINETS & DOORS, TRAVERTINE FLOORS THROUGH OUT, 10 & 12FT CEILINGS, FRONT YARD TO BE LANDSCAPED, STAINED EXPOSED CONCRETE ON FRONT & BACK PATIO, MASTER HAS HIS & HERS WALK-IN CLOSET, GUEST ROOM WALK-IN CLOSETS, DOUBLE SINKS IN BOTH BATHROOMS, UTILITY SINK IN GARAGE, PRIVATE OFFICE, GRAVELED ROAD TO PROPERTY, PRIVACY FENCE ON THE SOUTHEAST CORNER, VIEWS,OF VULTURE PEAK, MINUTES FROM SAEWAY, RANCHO RIO & DOWNTOWN, PHOTO'S TO BE UPDATED AS WE PROGRESS
21611 W Mariposa Street
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$924,441
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,234
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6783946
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
BRAND NEW single level home featuring 12 foot ceilings and two large sliding doors out to your massive covered outdoor living space. Gourmet open kitchen with a large pass thru pantry, stainless GE appliances including gas cooktop, upgraded cabainets, tiled splash and gorgeous upgraded tops. Enclosed study + flexible retreat area and 3 additional bedrooms makes room for everyone. 2x6 construction; EXTENSIVE NEW HOME WARRANTY.