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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33575 N Dove Lakes Drive Unit 2028 Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$549,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,855 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6750727

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

This beautiful 3 bed & 2 bath condo boasts fresh interior paint throughout, a stunning custom tile shower & a large private balcony to enjoy the AZ weather. As a truly turn-key corner unit, overlooking 1 of 2 serene community pools w/ the 2 fitness centers nearby, a 2-car garage & private driveway, this could be ideal for seasonal residents to enjoy & potentially rent out (30-day minimum) when not in town. The open-concept living space includes a nook for a desk & an elegant modern gas fireplace as the focal point. Newer stainless-steel appliances, granite counters, newer washer & dryer, and fresh interior paint. Quick access to Dove Valley Ranch Golf Course, grocery stores, and the town of Cave Creek. Perfect for those seeking an updated, low-maintenance lifestyle in a prime location!

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8728 E Pampa Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$549,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,105 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6749366

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your stunning home in East Mesa, perfectly situated in a prime location on a corner lot with convenient access to freeways, top-notch restaurants, excellent Gilbert schools, and a variety of shopping options. This home has a just be given a fresh coat of interior paint and new carpet. The Primary Bathroom has been completely remodeled from top to bottom and is absolutely gorgeous with walk in shower! This home has a great floor plan with large open kitchen, stainless steel appliances, and massive living/dining room. There is also a surveillance system with a monitor that conveys.

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8016 E Medina Avenue Mesa, AZ 85209

$549,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,172 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6750548

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You'll appreciate the central location of this 3-bedroom golf course home in the amenity-packed community of SVE, convenient to the restaurant, pool complexes, workout facilities, golf course and all Clubs/amenities. This well-taken care of home is ready to move in, so you don't delay the upcoming season of fun. There are many features unique to this home including a 9' x 8' bonus room in double garage to park your golf cart or motorcycle or utilize for extra storage or workshop as well as the electronic security shutters that enclose the covered back patio. With over 2,100 sq. ft., this floorplan provides two additional bedrooms creating ample space for visitors. Other features include a vaulted living room, family room with views to the golf course, and a formal dining room that could be converted to an office, craft or sewing room. Enjoy your morning coffee on the covered patio watching golfers attempt a birdie putt on Hole No. 7 with the Superstition Mountains in the background. Enter the home from the expanded south-facing front patio and your eyes will go right to the view of the golf course. You'll notice the abundant amount of light in the tiled kitchen coming from the sliding glass door in the dine-in area, with the kitchen providing beautiful cabinets with pull-out shelves. The large family room creates that extra space for entertaining as it includes a wet bar as well as access to the golf course patio. A primary bedroom allows the south sun to brighten the room and provides a private bathroom and walk in closet. The guest bathroom with tub/shower combo is centrally located between the second and third bedroom. The guest bedroom with north-window overlooking golf course is an expanded bedroom with his/her closets. If you didn't need a third bedroom, you could use the extra space for an office, sewing room or craft/hobby room. The garage features built in cabinets, a work bench, an exterior service door, and the bonus room. Sunland Village East is a community that provides an amenity for everyone's interests while still maintaining low annual HOA fees.

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1904 S Dexter -- Mesa, AZ 85209

$549,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,233 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752553

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NEW ROOF SEPT 2024! Amazing floor plan with great flow, 3 huge bedrooms plus over-sized den can easily convert and 2 full baths. Immense primary suite and all secondary bedrooms and den are much larger than the norm. No carpet in the home. Washer/Dryer &Refrigerator convey. Storage galore, neutral interior walls, and large lot with producing Citrus trees. Access to the Community Pool and Tennis Courts is exclusive to Sierra Ranch II residents. Home has been lightly updated and is priced to reflect. New Exterior Paint 2021, Patio Resealed 2021, Carrier R410a Refrigerant HVAC regularly maintained, Newer Water Heater and Soft Water System. Well Maintained Home in a highly desirable community with easy access to the 202 and US 60. Great schools and plenty of shopping just around the corner.

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1516 E Dublin Street Gilbert, AZ 85295

$549,000

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,152 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766388

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Enjoy Arizona's heavenly weather and fun entertainment in this gorgeous move-in ready home! After being welcomed in by the lovely paved & turfed yard, this immaculate home has a spacious feel with light color tones. This newer 2020 build consists of all 3 bedrooms with their own ensuite restrooms and walk-in closets!!! Tons of storage space throughout, a convenient half bath downstairs and upstairs laundry. Just minutes away from the freeway, downtown Gilbert, and San Tan Village...This gorgeous and peaceful community comes with a heated pool for your enjoyment. What a dream! Even all the furnishings available on a separate bill of sale!

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5023 E Desert Forest Trail Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$549,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,527 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766899

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover this modern, open-concept home featuring a spacious 15-foot multi-slider door that seamlessly connects to an extended, private covered patio—perfect for indoor-outdoor living. The gourmet kitchen boasts a large island, 42-inch Timberlake upper cabinets, granite countertops, and Whirlpool stainless steel appliances, ideal for cooking and entertaining. The split-bedroom floor plan offers a private master retreat, complete with 8-foot interior doors and stylish tile flooring throughout. Located near shopping, dining, and the best of Cave Creek living!

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3731 E Mitchell Drive Phoenix, AZ 85018

$549,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,635 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768183

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

AMAZING OPPORTUNITY TO OWN THIS 3BD 2.5BA COMPLETELY REMODELED TOWN HOME IN THE HEART OF ARCADIA LITE! Private, gated community. All tile throughout on main floor; great room, dining room & large kitchen w/pantry Stainless steel appliances & powder bathroom downstairs. Wood-like, laminate flooring up the stairs & throughout the 2ndfloor. Large primary suite w/private balcony, full primary bath w/separate tub. shower & walk-in closet. Two more bedrooms upstairs each w/walk-in closets & Jack-n-Jill bathroom set up. Ceiling fans in great room & all bedrooms. Laundry room conveniently located on the 2nd floor-washer & dryer included! Two-car attached garage, large rear private patio. Located at the end of the Culdesac street. YOU HAVE TO SEE TO THIS ONE TO BELIEVE IT! & PRICED TO SELL!

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4722 N 76th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$549,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,806 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767821

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Beautiful 2 bedroom 2 bath single level charmer in highly sought after Historic Villa Monterey, Old Town Scottsdale's most desirable 55+ community. This home is truly special! Sitting on a highly desirable corner lot, right next to a green belt and across from the architecturally pleasing water fountain. Private front patio is a hidden gem for friendly gatherings; mature landscape, grape vines, and old world feel pavers. Interior is welcoming with hardwood flooring and extended livings space. The faux fireplace adds ambiance. Primary bedroom is customized with sought after walk in closet, side windows, and updated bath. Beautiful solid wood doors. Delightful backyard with custom seating accommodates sleeping under the stars! Small workshop/shed has electric for the hobbyist. Newer Trane 5 ton AC, roof recently recoated. Fresh interior paint. Villa Monterey is zoned Historic, and pride of ownership shows throughout this charming subdivision. Old style lamplights line the streets adding a real ''hometown'' neighborhood feel. Enjoy community pool and spa gatherings. Follow the canal path into Old Town for dining, cocktails, etc. Close to art galleries, spring training, car shows, Hayden Park and waterway; all the wonderful amenities of Scottsdale Living.

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11110 N 165th Avenue Surprise, AZ 85388

$549,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,180 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771392

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

One of the best properties in Surprise with an opportunity to assume a low interest rate! With a huge chef's kitchen and open floor plan, this home is perfect for entertaining. This home will make you feel like you are on vacation all year. This home has no neighbors behind or to the east, making this home feel like it is the only home in the neighborhood. The backyard is a desert paradise with a luxury pool, an above ground spa and a built-in gas fire-pit. This home is move-in ready and offered turn-key.

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210 S Thunder Mountain Payson, AZ 85541

$549,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,635 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6775030

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Dont miss the opportunity to own a newly built home nestled in the quaint neighborhood of Sanctuary at the Rim. This 3-bedroom 2 bath home is perfectly located minutes from great restaurants and local stores yet minutes from creeks, hiking trails, kayaking, and golf. , Home boast an open floor plan with a large kitchen with a large granite island leading to the open living area perfect for entertaining. Easy to clean plank flooring, white cabinetry and stainless steel appliance. Exquisite tiled bathrooms, double sinks, black trim throughout home bringing it all together. This home is a must see, you will not be disappointed,

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800 W 12th Street Tempe, AZ 85281

$549,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,080 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6792022

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Walk into instant equity. Price Modification below appraised value! This stunning single-story home near ASU offers 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and over 2,000 sq. ft. of living space. Perfect for families, students, or investors, this home is located in one of Tempe's most desirable areas. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, center island, and plenty of storage, making it ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. Recent upgrades include brand-new flooring (2024), adding a fresh and modern touch. Just minutes from ASU, Mill Avenue, and Tempe Town Lake, this property provides easy access to top-rated schools, dining, shopping, and recreation. With its unbeatable location, updated features, and incredible potential, this home is priced to sell and events at Tempe Beach Park. Mitchell Dog Park is just a short walk away, perfect for your furry friends. Enjoy stress-free living with included landscaping services and quick access to the 101 and 143 highways for easy commuting. Don't miss this opportunity to live in the heart of Tempe! This property qualifies for an amazing Lender Incentive using our preferred Lender!

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15350 W Skyview Way Surprise, AZ 85374

$549,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,081 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6791892

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

WONDERFUL home nestled in the VIBRANT Active Adult Community of The GRAND. This BEAUTIFUL home offers COMFORT & STYLE. With a SPACIOUS, open floor plan, the Main residence is complemented by a CHARMING CASITA/MAN-CAVE (247sf included in the total Sq.Ft.), perfect for guests or extra privacy. Inside, the home BOASTS tile flooring T/O, providing a seamless flow & easy maintenance. The gourmet kitchen features STUNNING Granite countertops & Tile Backsplash, offering both functionality and beauty for cooking & entertaining. Whether you're relaxing in the INVITING living spaces or enjoying the PEACEFUL Back Patio w/ a BUILT-IN gas BBQ & Fountain, this home is the IDEAL retreat for Active Living in a WELCOMING Community. See UPDATE list in DOC tab. (MOST FURNITURE AVAILABLE OUTSIDE OF ESCROW)

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