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.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

Listing types.

For Sale

For Rent

Land

Multifamily

Commercial

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Distressed

Open House

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Price MaxAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Neighborhood

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Location Search Nearby

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

View As: Thumbnails List

Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

19545 E Domingo Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$883,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,180 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6729005

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MUST SEE! This beautiful home is located on a corner lot in the community of West Park Estates. Inside you will find; 4 oversized bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, an oversized chef's kitchen and a spacious layout boasting with 10' ceilings! Front yard landscape is included as well as paver walkway/driveways. The backyard is a clean slate for the buyer to install a pool or whatever they choose

View Property

19571 E Domingo Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$883,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,580 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6730574

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the Hanson, a thoughtful ranch plan with three generous bedrooms—including a lavish owner's suite with a private bath—and an open, airy layout for entertaining. Highlights include a quiet study, an expansive great room and an impressive kitchen with a walk-in pantry, center island and optional gourmet features. You'll also appreciate a large covered patio, a 2-car garage with a third tandem space and a convenient RV garage. RV garage is 43' and ready to accommodate all of your toys. Paver walkway, driveway included as well as a double gate!

View Property

20971 E Starflower Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$882,390

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,550 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768214

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Wonderful Corner Lot property, with North South Exposure. 3 Car Garage. Awesome Great Room with HUGE island.

View Property

19360 N 73rd Street Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$880,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,570 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772652

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Belgravia Group presents Atavia, a private gated community featuring a collection of 88 luxury condominiums coming soon to North Scottsdale. Atavia blends the breathability of single-family living, featuring private entries and attached two-car garages, with the carefree convenience of condominium ownership. Designed by award-winning international architecture firm KTGY, Atavia redefines modern luxury living and includes a clubhouse inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic Taliesin West. Atavia is perfectly situated at the Loop 101 and Scottsdale Road and within the One Scottsdale masterplan development. Each exceptional home features a spacious outdoor terrace, Italian kitchen cabinetry, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, 1 ¼'' quartz counters, and wood floors throughout main living areas.

View Property

1501 N Miller Road Unit 1012 Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$880,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,080 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6773662

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

NEW HOMES DELIVERING NOW. Primely located END UNIT with incredible roof deck views. Vistas is a boutique Enclave of only 16 private, luxury homes in the Heart of Scottsdale. Open spaces, clean lines & abundant glass create a design experience to merge the indoors and outdoors. Vistas of Scottsdale are curated with a discerning eye using warm, organic tones and natural textures focusing on the personal nature of the home as a retreat. Sweeping Mountain Vistas are captured from the 580sf roof terrace and unique floating overlook to rival a hotel/restaurant environment. The 30ft wide main living area provides unparalleled openness and light. The builder's vision from the inception was to focus on incorporating premium materials to create an innovative Scottsdale lifestyle.

View Property

2301 E Osborn Road Phoenix, AZ 85016

$880,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,220 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780416

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This property was meticulously renovated in 2022, this 4 bedroom 2 bath home offers 2,200 sq ft of luxurious living in the highly sought after Chestly Park neighborhood. The home features new cabinets and flooring, elegant marble slab counters and wide wood plank flooring, ensuring every single detail has been thoughtfully chosen for both style and comfort! Gourmet kitchen includes a farm sink, butlers pantry with marble counters, wine refrigerator and an additional oven. The backyard is a retreat featuring an outdoor kitchen and covered living space and beautiful pool and spa! Not a detail missed, this home is perfect for entertaining and living with modern finishes and located in the heart of it all!

View Property

5655 W Karla Court Pine, AZ 85544

$880,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,908 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771379

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

An amazing property with 1.4 acres of beautiful Ponderosa Pines featuring a 2,236 sq. ft. 3BR, 2BA, upgraded, customer home with attached garage. There is also a separate guest house (approx. 672 sq. ft.) built in 2006. Lovely home in the tall pines. Surrounded by forest and at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. Guest house is far enough away to feel private, and large enough to host a couple of guests.

View Property

7395 E Buena Terra Way Scottsdale, AZ 85250

$880,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,010 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774115

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

*Gorgeous unique semi custom Patio Home located in the Beautiful Gated Community of La Jolla Blanca. Popular Split Floorplan, Cathedral ceiling Entry With Natural Light. Wet Bar with Wine Cooler. Spacious Great-room with wood burning Fireplace, Tasteful Rustic Arizona Ambiance with a industrial flare-Highly Functional kitchen with Breakfast Area and Patio Exit. Split Bedrooms With a enclosed Den / 3rd bedroom & outside exit. Spacious Primary Suite exits to a Private patio. Large Walk-in Closet *Walk-In shower-Vanity area, Garage Cabinets, This is your classic easy care Patio Home located Minutes from the Best of Scottsdale. Beautiful Place for your Dream Home-

View Property

2442 E Drake Street Gilbert, AZ 85234

$880,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,251 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780756

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Experience luxury living with this stunning home nestled in the highly desirable Carriage Parc Estates. This 5 bed, 3 bath home sitting on just under a half acre, features high end bamboo flooring with plantation shutters in the front room, a remodeled kitchen with quartz countertops, reverse osmosis and water filtration system, and island w/a built-in dining table. There is tile and carpet throughout, remodeled guest bathrooms, a newer Trane HVAC system, and built in multi-room and outdoor speaker system. The newly remodeled master bathroom boosts a custom walk-in closet. The master bedroom leads to an extended balcony overlooking your backyard oasis, featuring a saltwater pool and pergola, that are perfect for entertaining. You'll love the other customizations that have been done too!

View Property

56701 N Cope Road Wickenburg, AZ 85390

New

$880,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,411 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784931

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This is a beautiful, Ranch style, one story home with UNSTOPABLE VIEWS! Sitting on 8.1 acres. No HOA! Remodeled, 3 bedrooms, 2 bath + a 648 sq ft guest quarters attached by a breezeway. Main home has open floorplan w/ large picture windows. Master suite w/full bath & walk-in closet. Beautiful kitchen with lots of cabinets, granite counters, Stainless steel appliances & large walk-in pantry. Relax in your livingroom by the dual sided, custom rock fireplace. Enjoy your space outside. Lots of room for your arena, barn, stalls and much more. Haycover & tack room. RV hookup. Garden/greenhouse. Large outdoor enclosed area for extra entertainment. Easy access to Hwy 93. Minutes from numerous arenas.-Rancho Rio, Downtown and Simpson. Come take a look ! You will not be disappointed.

View Property

7131 E Rancho Vista Drive Unit 4007 Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$880,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,304 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6663352

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

2 PARKING SPOTS & Spectacular views of Camelback Mountain from your PRIVATE (not shared patio). Great floorplan 2 bedrooms + DEN. Gorgeous TRAVERTINE FLOORING with floor to ceiling windows brings in the natural light. Open spacious CHEF'S KITCHEN with stainless steel appliances, Slab GRANITE COUNTERS & BACKSPLASH! Stylish CHERRY WOOD cabinets in kitchen extended into both baths. GRANITE BATH VANITIES with DUAL SINKS in the master bath. WALK-IN CLOSETS with shelving. An EXTRA ROOM could Office/Den. Optima offers HEATED POOLS with SPAS both indoor and outdoor. BBQ areas. Workout facilities & gym equipment are TOP-OF-THE LINE! Various SPORTS COURTS for PICKELBALL, Basketball, etc. Metropolis is a great local restaurant/bar & YOUR NEW HOME in Optima is in the MIDDLE OF IT ALL

View Property

11453 E Mark Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$880,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,143 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6689773

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream retreat in the prestigious Desert Crown community of North Scottsdale's Troon North. This residence offers panoramic mountain views. Step into luxury with this meticulously crafted 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home, boasting a versatile dining area that could easily be converted into a third bedroom to suit your needs. The expansive 3-car garage enhances the home's convenience and functionality. Enter the heart of the home, where an open-concept living room and kitchen await, adorned with soaring 12-foot ceilings that amplify the sense of space and grandeur. Enjoy the perfect blend of functionality and style, ideal for casual living and entertaining guests. The home features state-of-the-art Lenox AC units, ensuring comfort and efficiency year-round. Step outside into your private oasis, where an infinity-edge pool beckons for leisurely dips beneath the Arizona sun, offering unparalleled relaxation and tranquility. Experience the epitome of desert living in this Troon North gem. Don't miss the opportunity to make this exceptional property your own.

View Property