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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5025 W Beryl Avenue Glendale, AZ 85302

New

$547,587

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,164 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6802639

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Located in North Central Glendale, Convenient to everything!! Gorgeous Open Plan with bedroom & full bathroom downstairs and 3 bedrooms 2 baths upstairs!! Kitchen includes lots of cabinets and walk in pantry giving you all the space required to live comfortably. Plus, a large primary suite, second floor laundry room. Dark stained mission stair railing and dark stained cabinets. 8' garage doors, wood look tile, quartz countertops with a complimentary backsplash. Home is currently complete and ready for YOU to make memories!!

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2533 E Vista Bonita Drive Phoenix, AZ 85024

$547,500

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,460 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752128

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Great Family home in perfect central location with ease of access to the whole valley. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is well cared for and has very nice upgrades done to the kitchen and bathrooms. Home has an RO water system, water softener, industrial shelving in garage and custom automated window coverings. Vaulted ceilings create a spacious environment for your living room and master bedroom. Beautiful flooring throughout with tile and new wood floors. New AC in 2017. New floors in 2021. Natural grass backyard with paver walkways and mature trees creates a nice relaxing area to enjoy. 3 miles to Desert Ridge Marketplace. 2 miles to Costco. Come take a look at this gem before it is gone!

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4931 W Beryl Avenue Glendale, AZ 85302

$547,226

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,177 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6797449

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Presenting a brand-new home! This spacious two-story residence features 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, providing ample room for all your needs. The generous 3-car garage comes with an 8-foot door for added convenience. Inside, the open floor plan is designed for modern living. The kitchen is a true highlight, showcasing a beautiful quartz island, a sleek backsplash, and a large walk-in pantry. Elegant tile flooring flows throughout the home, with cozy carpeting in the bedrooms. Step outside to a large covered patio, perfect for outdoor relaxation. Marlowe offers access to an exceptional community with amenities such as playgrounds and dog parks. Welcome to Marlowe — a smart, high-performance home built for comfort and style!

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10221 S Bickwell Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85120

New

$547,028

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,386 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6803005

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the exceptional difference in your home-buying experience! Welcome to Laurel at Blossom Rock, where our single-story Laredo design is MOVE IN READY NOW. Imagine an open-concept floor plan featuring a warm and welcoming kitchen that flows into a bright, airy great room. This space opens up to your private, covered outdoor room - perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Convenience of the 3-car garage that leads directly into the drop zone, making organization a breeze. With 4 spacious bedrooms, 3 luxurious baths, a great room with a dining area. Plus, we're including $49,000 in stunning upgrades to make this home truly special, and we're offering special financing to help.

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8961 W Century Drive Arizona City, AZ 85123

$547,000

6 Beds

6 Baths

3,721 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6794262

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

WINTER VISITOR ALERT! This well-maintained triplex is located on the golf course, offering stunning views and a serene setting. Each unit features 2 spacious bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and a private balcony, perfect for enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Whether you're an investor or looking to live in one unit while renting the others, this property offers excellent potential. Don't miss out on this rare find in a prime location!

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16233 S 178th Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$547,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,132 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6793218

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This FULLY FURNISHED 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home has it all. Great curb appeal, a no-fuss landscape, 2 car garage, and a paver driveway are just the beginning. Inside, enjoy an open floor plan with WHOLE HOUSE wood-look tile flooring, ceiling fans and quartz counters. The modern kitchen offers neutral cabinets & counters, walk-in pantry, and an island w/a breakfast bar. The formal dining room adds an elegant touch. The primary bedroom includes a walk-in closet and a pristine ensuite with dual vanities. Additional features: RO, water softener, electric shades on sliding doors, pre plumed utility sink(garage+laundry). The stunning backyard features a covered outdoor kitchen, a cozy fireplace, and mature landscaping, creating the perfect space for both relaxation and entertainment.

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6538 N 190th Drive Waddell, AZ 85355

$546,990

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,930 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6788656

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautiful home back towards the White Tanks Mountains on large homesite with no neighbors behind you. The beautiful floorplan has a 3 wide garage, 4 bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms. 9' ceilings, wood plank style tile floorings throughout the home, 8' interior doors, gourmet kitchen package, kitchen tile backsplash, huge island and multislide glass door for amazing indoor-outdoor living makes this home the perfect spot to entertain! This home is built zero energy ready with spray foam insulation, 2 x 6 construction and 85% offset solar system included not leased owned outright, giving you a HERS rating in the single digits! This home is ready now!

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3131 N Central Avenue Unit 5021 Phoenix, AZ 85012

$546,600

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,125 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6608702

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

*Construction Completed* 5% BUYER INCENTIVE! Introducing Edison Midtown Phase 2 with 60 new construction condominiums. This spacious two bedroom condo offers ten ft. ceilings, an open floor plan, and large master bedroom with ensuite bathroom. Chefs kitchen offers expansive cabinetry, quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances including a gas range. Edison Midtown features incredible amenities for that perfect Urbanite lifestyle. A beautiful pool and lap pool, 2000 sq. ft. fitness center and lounge, and gated parking garage.

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1061 N Bison Golf Court Show Low, AZ 85901

$546,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,575 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6786177

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

With Amazing colorful views from this extraordinary 3 BR home in prestigious Bison Golf Court on .24 acre, this great find has a spectacular overview of the fairway with green grass and brightly colored trees in the fall and warmer months-watch the golfers or BE ONE all while living in this comfortable elegant home with granite counters, vaulted tongue and groove ceilings and upgraded appliances(just to mention a few).2 car garage with plenty of space for your car and a golf cart if desired, this place is the golfer's dream! This secure, gated and friendly community will provide years of enjoyment and great memories for any age group-all within the Show Low school district. Come make your future mountain memories a reality and experience life lived in the marvelous White Mountains! The White Mountains offers Golf, fishing, hunting, four wheeling, hiking, boating, gaming, target shooting ranges, skiing, snowboarding, birdwatching, animal wild-life, sledding, several seasonal festivals throughout the year, car shows, fine dining, musical entertainment, and a great day and night life! Come live your dream in this beautiful home on the fairway!

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7819 E Dallas Street Mesa, AZ 85207

New

$545,999

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,736 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6802004

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Start living in this adorable 4-bedroom home on a desirable corner lot! It welcomes you with a 3-car garage and RV gate. Inside, vaulted ceilings, wood floors, and a neutral palette create a warm ambiance in the inviting living/dining room. New windows and paint! The spacious great room is perfect for gatherings. Check out the kitchen, which features built-in appliances, granite counters, abundant cabinetry, a breakfast nook, and a center island. Double doors lead to the main bedroom with a newly updated private bathroom and walk-in closet. A separate workshop with power adds extra convenience. The backyard offers a covered patio and ample space for a pool or outdoor fun. Located minutes from Viewpoint Golf Resort, parks, and more. Hurry! This gem is waiting for you!

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4613 W Park Avenue Chandler, AZ 85226

$545,999

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,629 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6792690

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This freshly updated 4 bedroom, 2 bath single story home offers an open layout with plenty of natural light. Inside you'll find modern finishes and updated LVP flooring throughout. The spacious kitchen features quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and ample storage. The master suite includes a walk-in closet and en-suite bath with dual sinks. Located in a prime Chandler neighborhood, this home is close to top-rated schools, parks, shopping, dining, and major freeways for easy commuting. Come see it today!

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18672 E Panchito Drive Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$545,995

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,910 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6737920

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The Copper Plan is ready for quick move-in! This home features an attached RV garage, perfect for adventurers. Included features: a covered entry; a spacious flex room; a well-appointed kitchen offering a center island, a generous walk-in pantry, and an adjacent dining room; an inviting great room; a thoughtfully designed primary suite showcasing a roomy walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks; a central laundry; two secondary bedrooms with a shared bath; and a cheerful covered patio. Discover the charm of Gold Canyon.

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