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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1741 E Palm Parke Boulevard Casa Grande, AZ 85122

$525,000

7 Beds

3 Baths

2,948 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774164

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This delightful single-level home is ready for its next owner! Featuring a low-maintenance landscape and a welcoming front patio, it's perfect for easy living. Inside, the bright and inviting living/dining area offers neutral flooring and a soft color palette, ideal for entertaining. The kitchen is a chef's dream, complete with ample cabinets with crown molding, a pantry, and plenty of counter space for all your cooking needs. With 7 comfortable bedrooms, there's plenty of space for everyone to unwind. The home is also equipped with smoke detectors and fire sprinklers for added safety or group home use. Step outside to a covered patio where you can take in the clear blue skies. The expansive backyard, complete with a pergola and paved area is perfect for hosting gatherings

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5404 W Walatowa Street Laveen, AZ 85339

$525,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,216 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6730594

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

PRICE REDUCED! This beautiful home is a 2023-built home nestled on a corner lot in the desirable community of Tierra Montana. Inside, you'll find a soft, modern color palette, wood-look flooring, and a spacious, bright, and airy great room floor plan designed for entertaining. It also features a formal dining area for gourmet meals and a versatile den ideal for a home office or extra living space. The kitchen is a chef's delight, equipped with stainless steel appliances, a wall oven, expresso-stained cabinets, quartz counters, and a center island with pendant lights over the breakfast bar. Relax in the main suite, complete with a private bathroom that includes dual sinks, a garden tub, and a walk-in closet. Step outside to a landscaped, serene backyard with a covered patio, artificial turf, and a paver patio perfect for enjoyable barbecues. The home has all appliances, including a washer, dryer, and insulated garage, and the owners did $60,000 worth of upgrades at build time. This gem is minutes from Carver & South Mountain; enjoy hiking, biking, and trails, and soak in breathtaking mountain views. This is a beautiful must-see home!

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11300 N Casa Dega Drive Unit 1043 Surprise, AZ 85388

$525,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,043 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785177

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Experience contemporary design in a versatile living space with this move-in ready Villa. This Residence Nine floorplan is located right next to the clubhouse that includes activities such as golf, pools, sport courts, professional spa, and an on-site restaurant and bars. A welcoming entrance offers views of the home's distinct tile floors and luxurious finishes with stairs that lead to the rest of the Villa. Located just off the kitchen, the formal dining room presents an elegant ambience with beautiful accents. Overlooking the desirable great room and both covered patios is the well-equipped kitchen, enhanced by a divine center island and wraparound counters. The primary bathroom suite is tucked away for a more intimate, private setting with its own entry to the covered deck.

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24702 W Red Robin Drive Wittmann, AZ 85361

$525,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,660 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6736093

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Enjoy country style living in this 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom horse property set on over an acre of land. No HOA, RV gate and plenty of room for all your toys and to grow your own garden, have a pool or whatever else you desire. Easy maintenance front yard with gravel and lots of trees. The back yard is fully walled and includes horse stables and arena, plus covered patio and firepit. Beautiful courtyard entry. Great room floor plan with eating area with bay window and kitchen with plenty of cabinets, pantry and breakfast bar, fridge is also included. Owner's suite features full bathroom with separate tub and shower and dual sinks. Other features: tiled floors in living areas, ceiling fans, window coverings, sunscreens. New AC 2022. 3 car garage. More photos to follow once some repairs have been completed. Don't miss this opportunity to create your own oasis in the desert.

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2251 S Annie Lane Gilbert, AZ 85295

New

$525,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,618 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6792880

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

What a great location! This home is situated perfectly in the Bungalows at Cooley Station. Step outside the front door to the cutest, coffee sipping, porch where you look out to a tranquil green space and park area. The brand new Verde at Cooley Station is within walking distance to shops and restaurants! This 3 bedroom/2 bath home has a gorgeous upgraded white kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a gas stove. You'll love the natural light skylights for the light and bright feel! Low maintenance and move in ready, you won't want to miss out on this one!

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4047 E Rowel Road Phoenix, AZ 85050

$525,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,336 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6798942

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Desirable Tatum Highlands. Great location, close to Desert Ridge shopping, restaurants. This single story home has North/South exposure, beautiful backyard with mature vegetation and private pool. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, large covered patio, garage epoxy, gas water heater replaced in 2019, new garage doors HVAC replaced in 2017., stainless steel appliances. Washer, dryer, fridge conveys. Move in ready. Property has assumable VA loan with $240K balance and 3.25% interest rate. Hurry this home will not last long!

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1109 W Seagull Drive Chandler, AZ 85286

New

$525,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,385 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6795948

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Just imagine stepping into this 1,385 sq. ft., single-story masterpiece designed just for you. Picture it: 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and your very own sparkling pool—perfect for cannonballs or casual floats. Even the 2-car garage with sleek epoxy floors screams, ''I've got it together!'' Inside, it's love at first sight. Modern white and gray tones? Check. Wood-look floors and plantation shutters? Double check. The kitchen? A chef's dream with timeless white cabinets and granite counters so easy to maintain, even your messy teenager can't ruin them. Outside? The zero-maintenance yard with lush turf in the front and a stunning paver/turf mix in the back is carefree perfection. Host BBQs, chase sunsets, and enjoy breezy evenings on the covered patio with two screen doors. Your Chandler Oasis Awaits! Just imagine: the keys to this 1,385 sq. ft., single-story stunner are finally in your hands. With 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a sparkling pool, it's the kind of home that doesn't just check the boxesit rewrites the list. Step inside, and you'll feel like you've walked into your Pinterest board. Wood-look floors and fresh, modern white and gray tones set the stage, while plantation shutters add a touch of class. The kitchen? Think classic white cabinets, easy-to-maintain granite counters, and enough style to make takeout nights feel like fine dining. And the epoxy-coated garage floor? It's not just a garageit's your future gym, workshop, or dance studio (no judgment). But wait, the backyard steals the show. The zero-maintenance turf means your weekends are spent lounging, not mowing. Add a paver-turf combo, covered patio, and a screen door that welcomes every breeze, and you've got the ultimate staycation vibe year-round. Oh, and location? You're right near Chandler's bestschools, shopping, dining, and entertainment. It's convenience and style wrapped in one irresistible package. Here's the big question: How would you feel if someone else snagged this before you? Don't wait. This home is more than readyyou just need to say yes. Your move.

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3746 W Marshall Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85019

$525,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,750 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6715643

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Just minutes from Grand Canyon University and the I-17, this fully renovated Phoenix home offers modern living at its finest. Recently updated inside and out, featuring fresh landscaping and a backyard putting green for entertainment. Enjoy a brand new kitchen with stainless steel appliances, including a wine cooler. All-new flooring, exterior stucco, lighting features, and a spacious walk-in closet complete this stylish retreat. No detail overlooked in this meticulously updated home. Make it yours today!

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21145 W Sunrise Lane Buckeye, AZ 85396

$525,000

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,135 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6718611

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

This quaint Townhome is located in the heart of Verrado! The home is very inviting and warm with a electric fireplace as you walk in with a feature wall done in black, the kitchen is stunning with black cabinetry and gold handles, stainless steel appliances are included, laminate floors throughout, primary bedroom is on the main floor, updated bathroom with a walk-in shower and vessel sinks, a coffee nook awaits you right out side the bedroom, washer and dryer are on the main floor, upstairs has one bedroom, full bath with a sitting room or an office area with a door to the balcony, Up above the garage is a casita with a updated bathroom and a kitchenette, you can enjoy coffee on your front porch in the morning, the back yard has synthetic grass. Walking distance to shopping, dining and schools. Plenty of trails to hike or Mtn bike ride, and of course the Verrado stairs are very close by. Home can also be sold furnished on a separate Bill of Sale

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4423 E Ponca Street Phoenix, AZ 85044

$525,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,436 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6735342

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Investor Alert! Lovely golf coarse home with a beautiful lot. Entire home renovated in 2021. New wood floors throughout. Interior boasts a spacious living/dining room with bountiful natural light, high ceilings. The family room is perfect for entertaining & has sliding glass doors leading to the spacious back patio. The updated kitchen has new granite counters new stainless appliances and a large breakfast bar The master bedroom comes with a sizable sitting room that could potentially be an additional bedroom, a walk in closet, sliding doors to the backyard and a renovated private bathroom. Delightful backyard oasis offers a covered patio, lush lawn, carefully manicured vegetation a great view of the golf coarse.

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12783 W Lowden Road Peoria, AZ 85383

$525,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,398 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6791086

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful, quality built Maracay home in the community of Vistancia. Spacious & open floorplan with some high vaulted ceilings. 4 bedrooms + upstairs loft, large upstairs master suite with gorgeous master bath with separate shower & large tub + a private downstairs guest bedroom with full bath. Beautiful wood staircasing. Large gourmet kitchen with upgraded cabinets, quartz countertops and a prep island with a breakfast bar. Cozy front porch + extended rear covered patio that looks out to beautifully landscaped private yard that backs to desert belt + mountain views. Community pools, tennis & pickleball, indoor basketball & miles of walking trails connecting neighborhoods & amenities. Assumable VA loan with a 2.25% interest rate & home has been protected by a One Guard home warranty.

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26168 W Tina Lane Buckeye, AZ 85396

$525,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,323 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6747865

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to the resort community of Sun City Festival, where the beautiful White Tank Mountains grace your view! This fabulous Fiesta model on a N/S fenced corner lot w/ turf & beautiful landscaping is a dream home. LOW APS BILLS W/ PRE-PAID-SOLAR! 3 CAR GARAGE! Enter the paver front courtyard, through the 10ft front entry door & into this open concept home w/10 ft ceilings, TILED Floors placed on the Diagonal, & carpeted Bedrooms. Enjoy the GOURMET Kitchen appointed w/ granite counter tops, an island w/ lots of storage for pots & pans, staggered cabinets w/ pull out shelves, pendant lights, 5 burner gas cooktop & s/s appliances. The Spacious Owner's Suite is a serene retreat w/private bath dual sinks, fully tiled walk-in shower & spacious walk-in closet, & its own entrance to the patio Positioned for privacy, the second bedroom is strategically separated also with a walk-in closet. The x- large laundry room has beautiful cabinets and sink. The 3-car garage has a plethora of cabinets & epoxied floor. Embrace outdoor living on the covered patio, a perfect spot for relaxation! This community also offers tennis, golf, fitness, clubs, restaurant, & so much more!

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