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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2229 N Beverly Place Buckeye, AZ 85396

$849,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,052 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765530

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautifully Maintained 4 bedroom 2.5 bath Ranch Style Home with PAID SOLAR in the Master Planned Community of Verrado! Located in a Cul-De-Sac Across From A Serene Park. The Home Features Tile Throughout the Main Areas with Carpet in the Bedrooms. Spacious Eat-in Kitchen Features Walk In Pantry, Granite Countertops, Tile Backsplash, Double Wall Ovens, Gas Cooktop & a Large Island with Breakfast Bar. Split Floor Plan -Primary Suite Features Dual Separate Sinks, Separate Tub and Shower and Spacious Walk in Closet. Open Great Room has a Triple Panel Slider Which Leads to Your Backyard Oasis! Sparkling Pool and Newly Installed (2022) Jacuzzi , Built in BBQ and Fire Pit. Backyard Has Professionally Designed Pavers and Turf Along with a View Fence. Verrado is True Resort-style Living! Your HOA Membership Includes a Water Park/ Splash Pad, Community Pool with a Lap Pool and Gym. Public Golf Course, Hiking/Biking Trails and Over 78 Parks to Enjoy. Beautiful Views of the White Tank Mountains and Fabulous Restaurants!

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26610 S 196th Street Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$849,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,111 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766158

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Motivated Seller, Paved Road, New Roof, Fresh Ext & Int Paint, New carpet, New SS Appliances, Bonus/Rec Rm. Vaulted ceilings, Granite counters, 42'' Oak Cabinets, Tile, Custom Baths, Jetted tub, all interior walls spray cellulose insulated between walls for sound, Dual pane low E Windows, attic insulation Avg-R40+, Large Carport-Rare! LARGE front and rear Patios, Large POOL, new sand filter, Feature, and Spa Jets, Pool side detached patio, Detached insulated Shop with concrete patios front and back! 2 Bay Doors and 4'-man door, Shop has evaporative Cooler, separate Sub panel, wired throughout, horse arena with shade cover/ covered hay/feed area. Detached office with AC & sub pan. Home was completely remodeled in 2006 and meticulously upgraded and cared for by same owners for 24 years.

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22810 N 94th Lane Peoria, AZ 85383

$849,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,640 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770020

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom home is situated on a desirable corner lot with RV PARKING! The floor plan offers an incredible 3,675 sqft of living space, perfect for those who crave both style and function. Interior has high ceilings, smooth tile flooring, and energy-efficient dual-pane low-E windows that bathe the home in natural light. The kitchen features a walk-in pantry, granite countertops, a large island, and both a formal dining area and a cozy breakfast room. The primary suite is conveniently located downstairs with a split layout for added privacy, featuring a double-sink bath and walk-in closet. Upstairs, all bedrooms also include walk-in closets, and a spacious loft offers flexible living space. Outdoor living is just as inviting with a front balcony and a covered back patio that overlooks a large lot and artificial grass. The community enhances your lifestyle with biking and walking paths, a playground, a clubhouse, and a pool. With an RV gate, an air-conditioned 3rd-car garage, and endless possibilities, this home is truly one-of-a-kind!

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3230 N Meadow Brook Drive Flagstaff, AZ 86004

$849,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,411 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6775726

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Enjoy Blue Skies and Beautiful Mountain Views While Relaxing Upon Your Back Deck Over Looking the 6th Tee Box of the Continental Country Club Golf Course. This Spacious 4 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Plus Oversized Bonus / Recreation Room is Tucked Away at the End of a Cul-de-Sac yet Minutes from Downtown and Shopping. The 2 Separate Living Spaces Allows Everyone to Stretch Out and Enjoy Their Very Own Piece of Paradise. New Furnace, New Water Heater, New Electrical Panel, New Main Sewer Line, New Garage Door Openers, New Window Coverings, All from 2022, Newer Roof from 2017 and Fresh Paint Makes this Home Absolutely Move-In Ready! Sale of this Property to be Contingent Upon on Sellers Buying a Suitable Replacement.

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1700 E Lakeside Drive Unit 1 Gilbert, AZ 85234

$849,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,836 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6715055

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

On the water!! Love this water view of Val Vista Lakes from this terrific townhome in highly desired Breckenridge Bay!! Enter this sensational view property & gaze through the wall of glass windows/doors in the great room onto your backyard & lakes!! Soaring high ceilings in the great room & entry make this home just an incredible treat! Kitchen has a super nook area with same views of this blue fabulous Val Vista Lake scene! Primary bedroom is huge and enjoys the same wonderful views of Val Vista Lake! Primary bathroom features double vanities, sep. shower & tub, & a water closet. Additionally, the primary suite has a huge sep. walk in closet! 2nd bedroom (ensuite) is huge with a large bathroom & walk in closet! 3rd bedroom is large (downstairs) & large bathroom close by. Location, location, location---but could use some updating--for a new fresh on-trend look!! Make it just what you want!!

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22034 N 28th Place Phoenix, AZ 85050

$849,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,492 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6749335

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Sky Crossing, a vibrant community surrounded by great dining and shopping options. This modern two-story home offers 4 bedrooms (w/ 2 bonus rooms), 2.5 baths, and thoughtful design throughout. The spacious family room flows seamlessly into the kitchen and dining areas, perfect for entertaining. A versatile den on the main floor makes for an ideal home office or guest room. The primary bedroom is a luxurious retreat with a stunning En Suite bathroom and a custom walk-in closet. The home features carpet, fresh paint, designer wallpaper, and stylish light fixtures that add warmth and elegance. Step outside to your private backyard oasis with low-maintenance turf and an extended paver patio, perfect for gatherings. Living in Sky Crossing means enjoying top-notch amenities, including a community pool, spa, splash pad, fitness center, and basketball courts. The event lawn is perfect for hosting picnics and barbecues with friends and neighbors. Sky Crossing is more than a place to live; it's a place to thrive.

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10020 E Strobe Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$849,000

5 Beds

4.5 Baths

3,650 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6759222

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous and stylish Woodside single-story home in the center of amenity rich Eastmark Community! This 5 bed, 4.5 bath complete with study offers an extended 3 car garage and is the perfect layout! Numerous stylish and structural features from 10' ceilings, 8' doors, extended external patio with matching pavers and a private gated courtyard! Upgraded cabinetry in this gourmet chef's kitchen with upgraded quartz countertops, an oversized island, accent lighting and matching stainless appliances with abundant storage in the inspiring walk-in pantry. Spacious great room concept perfect for gathering and entertaining. The Spa inspired oversized master suite has been extended 2', complete with an impressive master wall-to-wall glass shower, an 8' soaking tub, upgraded counters and lighting a pass-through door to laundry! Generous secondary bedrooms with individual and jack 'n jill bath options! Conveniently placed extended private den with glass doors! May extras include an Essential 2 Foot Garage Extension, Plantation Shutters, plenty of storage, upgraded windows, ceiling fans, carpets and much more! A must see! Show and Sell!

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1509 W Kiowa Avenue Mesa, AZ 85202

$849,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,750 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762417

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Step into this beautifully remodeled home where every detail is designed for luxury and entertainment. This corner lot home has only one neighbor and is everything but ordinary! The HIGHLY desirable Dobson Ranch community is a picturesque, master-planned community built around scenic lakes and filled with top-notch amenities: multiple pools, tennis courts, parks, and walking trails, along with an 18-hole golf course- which is VIEWABLE from this homes very back yard!! The MAIN house boasts 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 modern bathrooms, while the attached, private 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom CASITA offers the perfect retreat for guests or family. Entire home is porcelain and travertine tile, no carpet. CASITA is a completely self containing home on its own with 1 ton wall unit for heating/cooling, washer/dryer, bidet and even RO just like main house. Your primary suite has it's OWN additional room to use as an office, workout or lounging space. En Suite bathroom has modern upgrades, dual sinks and walk in shower. Your chef's kitchen is the heart of the home, featuring stainless appliances-including not 1, but 2 FULL-SIZE refrigerators! Yes,you read that right...2! An apron-style under-mount sink with upgrades like a glass rinser, RO, a sleek low-profile hood, built-in microwave at an accessible height, and an abundance of soft-close cabinets. The stunning counters, Delta Terra QUARTZ **book-matched for symmetry and flow** featuring 3 waterfall edges-- true conversation starter!! Adjacent to the kitchen, the matching wet bar elevates the space with a pull-down faucet, reverse osmosis system, on demand hot water, dual fridges, and an ice maker, all perfectly placed around a cozy wood burning dual sided fireplace. Your open floor plan has breathtaking vaulted ceilings and overlooks the backyard from every window. Outside, the entertainer's dream continues with an expansive backyard, a large diving pool, mature hedges and ample space for gatherings or future backyard projects. This home is the perfect blend of modern style and functionality, and is situated on a golf course corner lot... Curious yet? Come check it out in person, you won't want to leave!

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1321 N Bronco Court Gilbert, AZ 85233

$848,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,343 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766484

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in beautiful Gilbert, Arizona only three miles from downtown! This stunning home, includes 5 large bedroom, 3-bathroom and is a rare find, boasting a unique split-level floor plan with a spacious finished basement, offering both style and functionality. Situated on a private cul-de-sac lot, this property exudes charm and curb appeal from the moment you arrive. Step inside to discover freshly painted interiors, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere throughout. The brand-new plush living room carpet underfoot provides a touch of luxury. The newly remodeled kitchen cabinets add a modern touch, beautifully complementing the open kitchen design where the kitchen is the heart of the home and ideal for the home chef and entertaining guests. For those who value storage and convenience, the garage is equipped with custom cabinets and gleaming epoxy flooring; a perfect space for keeping everything organized and spotless. The backyard is a true oasis! Enjoy the sparkling saltwater pool and relaxing spa, and lush artificial turf for easy maintenance and year-round greenery. This serene retreat offers ample space for gatherings, barbecues, or simply unwinding in your own slice of paradise. Pride of ownership shines throughout this meticulously maintained home. With its prime Gilbert location, top-notch upgrades, and beautiful outdoor living space, this gem won't last long. Don't miss the chance to call this exceptional property your new home! Schedule your showing today!

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38500 N School House Road Unit 5 Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$847,500

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,113 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752405

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Experience resort-style living in the heart of Cave Creek with this stunning 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home. Perfectly situated within walking distance to the vibrant town center, you'll have easy access to a variety of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options. This home features an open floor plan with soaring ceilings, granite countertops, tile and carpet flooring, and new appliances. Enjoy the outdoors on your patio with a fireplace, just steps from the community pool. The community is rich with amenities, including a heated pool and spa, BBQ pavilion, fire pit, pickleball court, fitness center, and a dog park. This move-in ready home offers the perfect blend of luxury, convenience, and scenic beauty, making it an ideal retreat in one of Cave Creek's most sought-after locations.

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10829 N 11th Place Phoenix, AZ 85020

$847,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,600 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755698

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to El Castillo, an extraordinary residence located on a tranquil street, with breathtaking North Mountain Park views, this meticulously maintained home blends comfort, luxury, and nature. With 2,600 square feet of living space, security monitored 24/7 and surround sound, this home is perfect for families and entertainers alike. This home also boasts five spacious bedrooms and three bathrooms, including a convenient first-floor bedroom and full bath, this home provides flexibility for guests, a home office, or multi-generational living. At the center of this home is a beautifully updated gourmet kitchen (2016), complete with a top-of-the-line Dacor gas range, double ovens, sleek granite countertops, and a spacious walk-in pantry. The open layout effortlessly connects the kitchen to the great room, making it the ideal spot for entertaining or enjoying family time. Upstairs, an expansive loft offers additional room for relaxation or fun. The primary suite is a peaceful haven, boasting dual vanities and a luxurious dual-head shower. Outside, the backyard is a true retreat, with a sparkling pool, spa, and lush landscaping with a brand new irrigation system (2023). All this, framed by stunning mountain views. The recently refreshed exterior and interior paint add to the home's pristine condition, while the firepit provides a cozy ambiance for fall and winter nights. Located near the North Mountain Park hiking trails, this home offers a rare balance between natural beauty and city conveniences with dining, entertainment, major highways, shopping and Scottsdale or Sky Harbor Airports only minutes away. Plan your tour of El Castillo Today!

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2041 S Bristlecone Drive Show Low, AZ 85901

$845,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,989 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778335

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Custom home in peaceful secluded high end Sierra Pines on mature ponderosa forested acre. This prime forested lot has been evaluated and managed to Firewise industry standards and boosts other additional in home high-end safety upgrades including exterior fire-resistant cement board siding on both the residence and supplemental garage, composite plank covered decks front and back. The fresh driveway, and a secondary detached 2 car garage. make managing and storing toys easier. Inside, this rare find you have 4 bedrooms and 2 bath as part of the a split floor design. Hardwood hickory floors, a gas-start fireplace that makes starting a cozy fire easy. Enjoy lower energy bills and efficiency with solar panels and a solar blanket in the attic.

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