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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9812 E Grandview Street Mesa, AZ 85207

$895,000

5 Beds

4.5 Baths

4,015 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6722091

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Captivating 4015 sf home situated on oversized lot (.33 acre) on quiet street. Xeriscape landscape, in highly desirable Saguaro Mountain gated Community minutes from Zaharis Elementary, Usary Mountain Regional Park, Saguaro Lake, Salt River, hiking/biking trails. MAIN floor- vaulted living/formal dining areas, spiral staircase, large en-suite bedroom, four storage closets, kitchen with granite counters/walk-in pantry, built-in desk, sizable family room/gas fireplace, sliding glass door leads to well-designed backyard. UPSTAIRS encounter ANOTHER en-suite bedroom with walk-in closet, Master bedroom with double sinks, walk-in closet and access to balcony. Additionally, there are three more bedrooms and a hallway bath. Backyard Oasis features a large patio area, outdoor dining area with gas fire feature, pathways lead to putting green, sandy playground, fenced in pool with grotto/slide, citrus trees, raised garden, and fenced side yard. Insulated four-car garage with built in cabinets and epoxy floor.

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7800 S Big Bug Mesa Road Prescott, AZ 86303

$895,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,635 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6722671

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Enjoy the cool mountain breeze while sitting on the deck of this large 3,635SF, 4 bed, 3 bath home. Upgraded and elegant. Views for miles. Located in the forest, on 2 acres in the Upper Big Bug area, on Big Bug Mesa Road, with a keypad locked gate. Appraised at $1,075,000. Top floor has the primary bedroom, bath, sitting room, & private office. Main floor has kitchen, large dining area, guest bed & bath, & laundry room, with a large living room and a fireplace. Lower floor is 2 more bedrooms, a game room, bathroom, & more storage. Plenty of room for guests. Plenty of storage. A garage for toys, and a work shed for tools. Perfect for a weekend retreat. Feels like you're a million miles away, but only 23 minutes to Costco. Watch the video. Search YouTube for the address

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2295 Bison Ranch Trail Overgaard, AZ 85933

$895,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,064 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6732606

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

One-of-a-kind nearly 2 acre fenced horse prop in Bison Ranch that features a 2064sq ft 2 story rustic cabin home, matching 729sq ft garage that has been converted to the ultimate entertainment room, an 1150sq ft wraparound deck & a breathtaking 1350sq ft Castlebrook Barn w/2 stalls, wash station, woodworking shop, equipment & hay storage room & a gorgeous office/tack room-all backing the national forest. Home features 2 primary bedroom suites & a guest room. Vaulted ceilings finished with gorgeous t&g wood, as well as lodgepole stair rails. The 2nd fl loft & upstairs primary bedroom share access to a covered balcony with endless uninterrupted views of the forest & the frequent visits from the majestic Heber wild horses. This dream vacation retreat is fully furnished & turn key ready.

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2000 E Yellowbell Lane Payson, AZ 85541

$895,000

3 Beds

4 Baths

3,111 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6753606

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled at the end of a tranquil cul-de-sac in the prestigious private golf country club of Chaparral Pines, this beautiful home is surrounded by lush trees, offering both privacy and serenity. With its thoughtful design, spacious layout, and luxurious finishes, this home is a perfect retreat for those seeking an elevated lifestyle. The spacious great room features high vaulted ceilings, large glass windows that flood the space with natural light, and a stunning stone-accented fireplace, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. The huge kitchen is a chef's dream, with granite countertops, a walk-in pantry, beverage cooler, a gas cooktop, and ample space for meal preparation and entertaining. MORE The primary bedroom is a luxurious retreat, complete with a stone fireplace, a spacious bathroom with a jetted tub, a large shower with stone surrounds, and direct access to the back deck for seamless indoor-outdoor living. Two additional bedrooms are located upstairs along with a cozy loft that overlooks the family room, offering extra living space for relaxation or work. The expansive four-car garage includes a convenient half-bath, providing plenty of room for vehicles, storage, or a workshop.

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1909 W Yearling Road Phoenix, AZ 85085

$895,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,391 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6735712

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The Chatman Charm awaits! This beautiful one-story Desert Craftsman meticulously built by David Weekley in the prestigious Union Park community exudes modern elegance. The fabulous interior features warm tones and dramatic entry rotunda, leading to an open great room, abundant natural light, gorgeous flooring, sizable bedrooms, and ample living spaces for entertainment. The kitchen is equipped for the family chef, boasting an elongated kitchen island, wall oven, stainless steel GE appliances, pantry and an abundance of cabinets. The spacious primary suite offers a luxurious walk-in closet and bath complete with an oversized double vanity, a walk-in shower and private water closet. Gorgeous 3 panel sliding glass doors create an indoor/outdoor entertaining dream and lead to your backyard... paradise! Host fun gatherings with a sparkling pool, lush matured trees and a covered patio. Low-maintenance landscaping combines rock, pavers, and artificial turf. Additional features include a tandem garage, 10ft flat ceilings, updated paint 2024, updated flooring in 2024. The house itself is only 5 years old being built in 2019. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

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22632 E Camacho Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$895,000

6 Beds

4.5 Baths

5,144 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6660361

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in the gated community of Spur Cross. This 6-bedroom, 5-bathroom residence was constructed in 2020 and offers a spacious and bright living environment spanning a generous 5,144 square feet. Downstairs is an open-concept floor plan that seamlessly connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, & an oversized island with waterfall edge, great for entertaining. On the main level, you'll find a full ensuite bedroom and bathroom, providing privacy and convenience for guests or family members who prefer ground-level living. The first level also has an extra living space for a den or office. Upstairs are four more bedrooms and three full baths plus an additional den/office. Laundry rooms can be.. ... found on both levels for added convenience. Don't forget there is a 3 car garage and fully landscaped backyard with easy to maintain turf. The lot is just over a quarter acre! Enjoy the built in BBQ and firepit with friends and family. Spur Cross offers a community pool and sport courts/parks. Close to shopping, schools, and amenities!

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22416 N 34th Place Phoenix, AZ 85050

Open House

New

$895,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,973 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777737

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover turn-key luxury in this single-level, 3-bedroom + den/office home, nestled in the highly desirable Sky Crossing community. This beautifully upgraded home boasts an open-concept layout that's perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. The kitchen is a chef's dream, with stunning granite countertops, soft-close cabinetry, an elegant tile backsplash, an XL island with a drop ceiling feature, and extended cabinets for abundant storage. Slide open the oversized pocket doors to reveal your private backyard retreat, complete with a large, extended tile patio, a glistening PebbleTec pool, and automated sunshades for effortless indoor-outdoor living. Both bathrooms feature custom tile showers and floating vanities, adding to the home's luxurious appeal. Energy efficiency is top-of-mind here, with an owned 17.2 kW solar system that significantly reduces utility costs, plus a Tesla wall charger for electric vehicles. Sky Crossing offers an idyllic lifestyle with picturesque parks, playgrounds, and scenic walking paths. Enjoy exclusive access to the community's Clubhouse, featuring a fitness center, meeting rooms, a locker room, and a resort-style pool with a beach entry. With A-rated Sky Crossing Elementary just around the corner and easy access to premier shopping, dining, and entertainment at Desert Ridge Marketplace, High Street, and Scottsdale 101, this home is perfectly located for both convenience and enjoyment. Quick access to the 51 and Loop 101 freeways, plus a 10-minute drive to Mayo Clinic, makes commuting a breeze. Don't miss this opportunity to own a modern, move-in-ready home in one of North Phoenix's most sought-after communities.

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9121 E Crystal Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

Open House

$895,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

3,166 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6775190

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful GALLERIA in the gated community of Oakwood with GOLF COURSE AND WATER VIEWS!! Vaulted ceilings, plantation shutters, water treatments. Kitchen is a chef's delight with a LARGE ISLAND, granite, black appliances and a PANTRY. Home has 3 bedrooms, a SEPARATE OFFICE, and 3 full baths. Master BR has a slider to the patio, a sitting area, WALK-IN closets and an updated bath! Upstairs features 2 BR's and a full bath. The laundry room has extra storage and leads to a 3-car garage. Enjoy the built-In BBQ and patio water feature while watching golf course and lake views! Sun Lakes is an active community offering an array of active and social lifestyles including golf, tennis, pickle ball, pools, fitness center, clubs, social activities and restaurants. COME SEE....

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4220 N 35th Street Phoenix, AZ 85018

Open House

New

$895,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,479 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782930

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Situated on a palm tree lined street in Arcadia Lite, this charming home features an inviting open floor plan with wood beams and elegant wood-like tile flooring. The kitchen boasts beautiful white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and a rustic farmhouse island that is perfect for entertaining. Three spacious bedrooms are complimented by two updated bathrooms with ample storage and a versatile back room ideal for an office or den. Enjoy the vibrant neighborhood with nearby restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping, and easy access to major highways.

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11673 N 136th Street Unit 1022 Scottsdale, AZ 85259

Open House

$895,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,021 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6759270

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

LOCATION, LOCATION! A MUST SEE ''Nearly New'' Home Built 2023. MOUNTAIN VIEWS & $200,000+ in Upgrades make this Townhome a True Value! THE RESERVE SCOTTSDALE is a Very Private Gated Community at base of the McDowell Mountains. Entrance to this 2- bedroom + DEN, 2.5 Bath Villa is through a Private Gated Courtyard. It Features 4'' Plantation Shutters, 12 X 24 Pietra Italia Porcelain Flooring, A Gourmet BOSCH Kitchen W/ Quartz Counters & Island, Custom Alder Espresso Cabinetry. This Open Floorplan Also Features Private En-suites and a Front Den w/ Open Beam Ceilings that could be an Office or even a 3rd Bedroom. The Primary Bedroom is large with Private Exit to Patio & Open Wood Beam Ceiling. The Primary bath features a walk-in Tiled Shower, Quartz counters and a huge walk-in closet. Laundry has tons of Quality Storage Cabinets, A Sink, and Newer LG Washer and Gas Dryer. The 2- car Garage w/ Epoxy Flooring also has a Nova Water Conditioning System. Community Heated Pool and Spa and much more! Easy to Show and Priced Below Comps!

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1950 W Sienna Bouquet Place Phoenix, AZ 85085

$894,990

5 Beds

4 Baths

3,567 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752503

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 plus additional 2% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available to be used toward closing costs, pre-paids, rate buy downs, &/or price adjustments. Two-story home with 2.5 car garage and first-floor suite. Chef kitchen with KitchenAid gas cooktop, 42'' white cabinets, quartz countertops, planning center, and Butler's Pantry. Features include upgraded tile, carpet, mission-style railing, laundry cabinets, whole-house electrical, surround sound wiring, Smart Home package, and soft water loop. Front yard desert landscaping and stunning interiors.

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11203 N Northfield Street Surprise, AZ 85388

$894,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,503 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763447

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Amazing move in ready golf course home, nestled in the highly coveted gated adult community of Sterling Grove with all the upgrades. This one is among the nicest you will find in Sterling grove. Just some of the upgrades include gray shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, chefs kitchen with upgrades SS appliances, incredible master suite with huge walk in shower, and more! The great room/kitchen/dining is an entertainers dream that flows through the wall of glass sliders to the amazing backyard complete with pool/spa. Under the lovely covered patio you will find your self in paradise sitting pool side with a perfect view of the 11th hole. This community includes amenities such as a golf course, fitness center, restaurant, 3 pools, and so much more. An absolute must see!

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