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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5800 N Monte Vista Drive Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$8,950,000

5 Beds

7 Baths

7,782 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781796

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

With modern architecture, stunning curb appeal and picturesque views, this is the home you've been waiting for. The private estate boasting 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, 6 + car garage, office and home gym is a breath of fresh air with its chic design and tranquil living space. The primary retreat is the perfect place to unwind with telescoping doors, fireplace and a coffee station. In the primary bathroom you will find an impressive oak walk-in clothing closet with stackable washer and dryer, dual vanity inc. makeup vanity, soaking tub, a walk-in shower, and even a privately enclosed outdoor shower. Over in the guest wing, you will find a secondary family room, theatre with projection screen and three en-suite guest bedrooms. Fully detached guest house with bedroom, bathroom, full kitchen... living space and stackable washer and dryer. Hosting made easy in this spectacular kitchen with two oversized islands, Wolf/SubZero appliances, custom cabinetry, coffee bar. Dine in the spacious formal dining room with floor to ceiling wine display or choose to dine outside under to expansive covered patio and enjoy our breathtaking AZ sunsets. Take a dip on the heated pool; relax near the sunken fire pit or hangout by the outdoor kitchen; whatever your weekend plans are, this home checks all the boxes.

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3285 N Mountain View Road Apache Junction, AZ 85119

$8,915,000

6 Beds

9 Baths

9,150 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6687284

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

An opportunity like no other! 7 parcels spanning 24.18 acres with unlimited potential for luxury residential development or commercial transformation. Nestled against the breathtaking Superstition Mountain, this unparalleled sale features two captivating properties, each with awe-inspiring views. The residence on parcel 10001001H (3700 N Mountain View Road) showcases over 11,000 SqF of meticulously crafted architecture, boasting a custom design and premium amenities. Highlights include a state-of-the-art kitchen worthy of a magazine cover, rooftop patios, pool, and space for recreational vehicles. Meanwhile, parcel 10001001J contains a total of 12,000 SqFt feet of construction, comprising the main dwelling, a charming casita & 7488 sqft in garage space. The sale of this property includes addresses: 3307 N MOUNTAIN VIEW RD, AJ, AZ 85119 3285 N Mountain View RD, AJ, AZ 85119 AND multiple parcels of land.

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9719 E Madera Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$8,800,000

4 Beds

4.5 Baths

6,241 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774498

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Step into this stunning modern contemporary home, meticulously remodeled both inside and out, with a touch of Southwest charm, nestled within the exclusive, guard-gated community of Desert Mountain. Situated in the prestigious village of Lone Mountain II, the home enjoys a prime location above the 8th green of the Geronimo golf course, offering breathtaking southern and southwestern exposures for winter sun and natural light all on a single level with NO STEPS. Relax on the expansive covered patio, where you can savor Arizona's captivating sunsets and sunrises, framed by sweeping panoramic views of majestic mountains and open skies. From the moment you enter, the thoughtful design of this home is evident, with features like a coffered ceiling in the living room and elegant porcelain tile floors. The abundant natural light and warm wood interior doors create a welcoming ambiance throughout. The chef's kitchen is a dream, boasting a spacious marble island and ample storage, perfect for entertaining. The backyard is an entertainer's paradise with its pool, spa, and covered patio, offering plenty of space for alfresco dining and complete privacy. Inside, the home features four luxurious bedroom suites plus an office with custom built-in bookcases. The open-concept layout is flooded with natural light through large windows, and every room feels generously sized, including two primary his and her custom closets. The interior design includes distinctive adobe block walls and all fireplaces have been completely redesigned, with one featuring elegant tile and the other two showcasing custom-designed limestone. Completing the home is an oversized three-car garage able to house four full size vehicles with a large storage room and a south-facing patio that ensures privacy while enjoying the pool and spa. Optional Desert Mountain Golf Membership is available.

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6841 E Belmont Circle Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$8,795,000

5 Beds

7 Baths

8,173 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6723469

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Priced nearly $2,000,000 under appraised value! Appraisal in hand at $10,750,000. Splendid new construction by Patterson Homes on a N/S facing cul-de-sac lot. Designed for entertaining, this modern home features a great room overlooking a backyard oasis with a resort-style pool, outdoor kitchen, pickleball court, & pool bath. Relax in the large covered patio space, including a cantilevered area beyond the pool. Inside, you'll find 5 ensuite bedrooms, an expansive media room, flex space, & an extraordinary master suite. Car lovers will be thrilled with garage that can accommodate 12+ cars. The gourmet kitchen boasts Miele appliances, 4 ovens, 2 dishwashers, a wine refrigerator, & built-in coffee maker.

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6623 N Hillside Drive Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$8,750,000

4 Beds

4.5 Baths

5,035 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6773469

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Introducing an impeccable brand new modern masterpiece in Paradise Valley. Designed by Tyler Kuenzi and designtank, this stunning home offers outstanding views of the surrounding mountains, creating a tranquil backdrop for every room. The sleek architectural design is complemented by custom millwork throughout, highlighting exceptional craftsmanship in every detail. Seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living, the home features expansive retracting glass walls and roof cutouts that wash every living space with natural light. This very private home offers a perfect setting for entertaining or relaxing. Experience contemporary elegance and incredible design in this one-of-a-kind home which redefines luxury living! The construction of this brand new home will be completed in Spring 2025!

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Cave Creek AZ 85331

$8,500,000

7 Beds

7.5 Baths

3,304 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6722968

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

One of a kind property with potential to create a Retreat on 318 acres in the mountains! A unique opportunity for those with a vision to restore and revitalize. While the Home is currently in need of renovation, it offers immense potential for transformation. Don't miss the chance to unlock the charm of this property. Convenient location near the charming small towns of Cave Creek & Carefree. Once a cherished winter Home with a unique Hacienda design, the Great room, Kitchen, & each of 6 Suites open directly into a central courtyard, providing privacy for all. Embrace the potential to transform into a therapeutic Retreat focused on Healing, Wellness, or Lifestyle. This secluded location offers privacy & a tranquil, inspiring environment. As-Is sale, no repairs made by the Seller.

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10134 E Cavedale Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$8,500,000

5 Beds

5.5 Baths

5,864 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761870

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Remarkable views from every room of this architecturally stunning new home, but also total privacy. Electric Walls of Glass surround the Great Room to soak in the views and feel the desert breezes. Main house has 3 ensuite bedrooms + an office & wine room. Home is oriented toward mtn peaks & rock formations. Hickory floors & ceilings; Ebony, Bolivian Rosewood, & Walnut cabinets; and custom Walnut doors thru-out. The casita has 2 separate units (a guest suite and a large ensuite flex-bedroom). Everything is a single level. Electric sun shades thru-out the house and blackout shades in main bedrooms. Spacious 4 car garage. Built with exquisite quality by builder who has won numerous awards including National Home of the Year for a prior home, also in Estancia. Taliesin trained architects.

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4723 E Desert Park Place Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$8,499,000

5 Beds

5.5 Baths

7,351 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6728915

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled on just under an acre of meticulously landscaped grounds, this luxurious single-level home completed in late 2023, boasts five suites and five and a half bathrooms. The gourmet chef's kitchen is equipped with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, two Cove dishwashers, quartz countertops, and seamlessly integrates to the spacious great room with glass doors that can be pulled back for a seamless indoor outdoor living flow. Throughout the home, European Oak flooring and premier finishes create an atmosphere of elegance. The primary suite is a true retreat within the home, located in its own private wing. The primary bathroom offers separate his and hers areas with two vanities, two walk-in closets, and two private toilet rooms, one with a bidet, ensuring utmost comfort and privacy... On the other end of this private wing is an expansive office, keeping work and rest in perfect proximity. Step outside to discover a breathtaking backyard oasis complete with a pool, spa, BBQ area, fire pit, fireplace, mini-golf course, and thoughtful amenities like built-in misters and heatersall framed by stunning mountain views. Nestled in an exclusive neighborhood with top-rated schools and convenient access to upscale dining and shopping, this residence offers an unparalleled blend of luxury, comfort, and tranquility.

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6020 E Indian Bend Road Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$8,475,000

4 Beds

6 Baths

7,104 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6790602

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

6020 E. Indian Bend Road offers the most sought after views in all of Paradise Valley. High on the South Slope of Mummy Mountain, breathtaking, all encompassing views include all of Camelback Mountain, downtown Phoenix, the East Valley and beyond. With a 7,104 square foot home designed by Lash McDaniel, this 4.6 acre lot which backs to preserve, offers numerous possibilities from a refresh of the existing home, to a magnificent new build as designed by Brent Kendle of Kendle Design. The existing house includes 4 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, a light filled atrium study on the second floor as well as a rich, wood paneled office on the main level. Bedrooms are accessed by an impressive curving stone staircase; or if you choose, use the commercial grade elevator. A large and comfortable primary suite with an attached his and hers spa bathroom features balconies and unstoppable views through a multi-paneled wall of glass. There are three additional en-suite bedrooms all with private patios . The great room features floor to ceiling windows inviting the magnificence of the outdoors in! Gas fireplaces inside and out add to the ambiance. The chef's kitchen which opens to a large dining and BBQ patio overlooks the pool and the views beyond. A three car garage and a gated, beautiful stone driveway hint at the quality of construction of the home. Ample patios and decks both on the north and south side of the home allow for intimate entertaining or very large gatherings. You must experience this property in person to truly appreciate what is and what could be.

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28110 N 96th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$8,400,000

4 Beds

5.5 Baths

7,147 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6710822

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Award-winning architect C.P. Drewett designed this elegantly crafted modern home in north Scottsdale's Estancia Golf Community. With a nod toward Mid-Century Modernism—characterized by its boxy architecture, straight lines and minimalist nature—the home's design takes full advantage of its unique setting. Pocketing doors slide open to allow full immersion with the outdoors, creating a pavilion-like ambience where the indoor/outdoor spaces meld into one another. A stunning palette of materials includes hemlock, bronze, and textured limestone inside and out. Organic in nature and stunning in its simplicity, this light-filled work of modern architecture is a perfect example of how a well-executed design can so effortlessly respond to the true essence of its site. The modern kitchen is designed to inspire any chef with its Wolf convection steam oven, speed oven, induction cooktop, gas cooktop, coffee system and a hidden pantry with appliance garage, wall oven and ice machine. Other features include a split primary suite, two guest suites, an office in the main house, and a detached guest casita with a bedroom suite and sitting area. A 1,322-square-foot luxury car lounge provides the perfect setting to showcase your auto collection while entertaining. Estancia is a luxury residential community centered around golf and located at the base of Pinnacle Peak in north Scottsdale, Arizona. The community offers a private, members-only golf club with an 18-hole championship course designed by Tom Fazio. The clubhouse amenities include dining, a fitness center, tennis, pickleball and basketball courts, and a swimming pool. Residents enjoy views of Scottsdale's landmark Pinnacle Peak and a serene desert setting just minutes from world-class dining, shopping and entertainment.

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22803 N Via Ventosa Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$8,375,000

5 Beds

7 Baths

6,800 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6681467

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

CP Drewett of Drewett Works Architecture inside Canyon Heights. North Scottsdale's most prestigious gated, hillside, view community; sides to Silverleaf without Silverleaf architectural guidelines and density. This is the last available hillside lot within the enclave. With nearly 10 acres of panoramic sunset and city light views, this elevated lot offers a rare opportunity to build your dream home. The entrance to the parcel is flat, providing acreage for endless options. A gradual slope ensues, rendering incredible Westward facing views. Sweeping views of Lost Canyon to the South. An elevated view lot of this caliber is a rare find and deserves a first in class Builder behind it; we welcome you to set up a walkthrough with Jeff at True North Builders or CP at Drewett Works.

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9989 E Aleka Way Unit 337 Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$8,277,000

5 Beds

5.5 Baths

6,983 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780858

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Recently Completed, this spectacular Lineage built spec home overlooks the 16th green of the prestigious Mirabel golf course and offers beautiful views of Pinnacle Peak & McDowell Mountains. This stunning home features the Lineage open floorplan showcasing retractable walls and windows of glass opening to expansive patios and courtyards that allow for indoor/outdoor Arizona living at its finest. Enjoy entertaining guests in the games room featuring a unique Cantina Wet Bar that opens to the resort style backyard boasting a 2-way fireplace, oversized heated pool & spa, & built-in BBQ. The generously equipped kitchen has top-of-the-line Sub-Zero/Wolf appliances, oversized island, 2 dishwashers, built-in coffee bar & a large walk-in pantry w/custom shelving & additional refrigerator. An elegant glass wine room highlights the formal dining room. The primary bedroom features a fireplace, bar area w/mini refrigerator, luxurious bath w/ separate tub, shower, 2 water closets & a huge customized walk-in closet w/ washer/dryer. There are 3 additional bedroom suites (one easily converted to an office), & a private casita w/ living room, kitchenette, bedroom & bathroom. The spacious laundry has ample storage cabinets & a dog shower. The oversized garages offer 4 car bays, lifts can easily be added to accommodate up to 7 vehicles.

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