If you’re just getting into the real estate market, you may have heard that 20% down is the ideal percentage in order to lower your monthly payments and get your mortgage application approved. However, while 20% is often suggested, many people struggle to come up with this amount of money. If you’re staving off home ownership, here are some reasons you may not need to hold off as you long as you thought.
Minimizing Your Insurance Costs
Putting down 20% of the total purchase price of your home is often suggested, but it doesn’t definitively mean that your application won’t be approved if you don’t. If you have a good credit score and are in good financial standing, putting less than 20% down means you’ll have to pay Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI); however, it can be worth paying the extra funds in order to get into the real estate market sooner and start paying into your most significant investment.
Mortgage Programs For Less Than 20%
It may seem less possible to buy a home if you only have 5 or 7% of the purchase price, but there are many programs in the United States that enable those with limited funds to apply for a mortgage. From the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, there are many lenders that can offer you mortgage programs that will work for your situation. While higher rates come in tandem with a lower down payment, there are options out there for those who haven’t saved quite enough.
Why Put Down 20%?
Putting down 20% is not a necessity for mortgage approval or purchasing a home, but it can be a great means of saving money in the long run and reducing your interest rates. If you’re raring to get into the real estate market and don’t want to wait for the bills to stack up, that’s OK, but if you want to hold off and save up additional funds before diving in, this can mean more money and a more solid investment in the future.
The magic number is often 20% when it comes to a down payment on a home, but you don’t require this percentage of your home’s price in order to get approved for a mortgage. If you’re currently considering diving into home ownership and would like to know more about the opportunities in your area, give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.
Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth
7113 N 183rd Avenue
Waddell, AZ 85355
$1,850,000
4
Beds
4
Baths
4,122
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6771288
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Move-in ready, luxury 1.86-acre horse property with solar in Romola - updated from floor to ceiling! With too many upgrades to list (check documents tab for details), this stunning property is an entertainer's dream. The home features newer exterior paint, a spacious 3-car garage, and lush landscaping front and back. Step into the large living room with a fresh palette, decorative wood beams, and an Urbana Bay Fireplace, creating the perfect ambiance for hosting guests. The updated gourmet kitchen is designed for the modern chef, with stainless steel appliances, tall cabinets, granite counters, a stylish tile backsplash, pantry, and a large center island with a breakfast bar. This property also offers a cozy family room, breakfast nook, and a den that serves as an ideal home office. The grand main retreat is your personal sanctuary, complete with patio access, a walk-in closet, and a lavish ensuite featuring dual sinks and granite countertops. The resort-style backyard is a true highlight, boasting an Olympic lap pool, built-in bar and BBQ, oversized patio, and lush green areas with irrigation. For horse lovers, there are five horse stalls, and the yard includes a gazebo and putting green. Additional amenities include a fire pit, dry sauna, and the impressive XL Cold Plunge. Don't miss the opportunity to own this luxurious horse property!
2211 E Camelback Road Unit 804
Phoenix, AZ 85016
$1,850,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
3,100
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6757836
Property Type
Apartment
Price Type
--
Experience unparalleled luxury in this sophisticated Camelback corridor high-rise residence, meticulously designed for the modern urbanite. Situated on the 8th floor, this exquisite home boasts southern and eastern views, showcasing stunning city lights and the majestic Camelback and South Mountains. Nestled in the coveted Camelback/Biltmore corridor, enjoy unparalleled convenience and elegance in a walkable neighborhood. The original owner has spared no expense in enhancing this home with premium upgrades. Features include Brazilian teak floors, travertine stone accents, customized lighting, quartz countertops, and sleek glass tile. The state-of-the-art Gaggenau appliances elevate the culinary experience. This residence offers two luxurious primary suites and a versatile media/bonus room, which includes a closet, should third bedroom needs arise. The second primary suite is thoughtfully designed with bespoke dual office spaces, entertainment area, and illuminated shelving. Three private patios extend your living space outdoors, perfect for alfresco dining, relaxing, or enjoying serene sunsets and stargazing. The building itself epitomizes urban sophistication with a full suite of amenities: 24-hour lobby staff, valet service, comprehensive security systems, a personal club/coffee room, executive board rooms, a pet park, a state-of-the-art gym, and rooftop pool/spa with firelit entertainment areas. An adjacent urban park enhances the lifestyle with opportunities for leisurely strolls, recreation, and sophisticated dining. Embrace a refined lifestyle in this exceptional residence, offering the highest quality construction and elegance at a fraction the cost of today's new products.
11626 E Wethersfield Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85259
$1,850,000
4
Beds
4
Baths
3,906
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6773482
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to the resort lifestyle in the private gated prestigious Ancala Country Club. Nestled next to the McDowell Mountains & offers something for everyone. Custom comforts are found in this architecturally designed masterpiece for family as entertaining abounds. Inviting open floor plan offers gracious modern living. 4 bedrooms + den & the upstairs boasts a guest suite with separate bedroom & living, kitchen with refrigerator, micro, cabinetry & sink + balcony. Perfect for a live-in, teenager or guests. Primary suite split offers privacy & serenity. Updated kitchen is the center of the home & entertains beautifully flowing into the fabulous outdoor spaces. Cool north exposure patio, heated pebble pool/spa, built in grill + grassy area for kids/pets plus mountain views. Ancala Club memberships available at many levels, golf, +other sporting & activities. Vibrant HOA offers a dynamic community feel with many clubs & opportunities to socialize with your neighbors. Located in the heart of Scottsdale close to all services, fine restaurants and Top Rated schools. BEST VALUE in Ancala!
14641 E Shadow Canyon Drive
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
$1,850,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
4,339
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6763537
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Rare opportunity to own a mountainside home in the exclusive gated Shadow Canyon community of Fountain Hills. This magnificent custom home features 360 degree mountain views and is completely move in ready. As you enter you will notice the massive feature windows with views of the Sonoran Desert. The spacious main living area has soaring ceilings with views of the pool and desert landscape. The gourmet kitchen has stainless steel appliances, tons of cabinet space, and eat in nook. The Primary Bedroom is a true retreat with a work out area, soaking tub, large walk in closet. Downstairs relax with your custom wine cellar, bar, and extra bedroom. The backyard oasis features a pool, spa, roof top deck, built in bbq and pizza oven, and absolute endless canyon views. Step outside to a backyard oasis, designed for both entertainment and relaxation. Whether hosting gatherings with the built-in wood-fired oven, wok grill, or indulging in quiet moments by the fire pit, this outdoor space is ideal for creating unforgettable memories with loved ones. The primary suite, situated on the main level, serves as a private retreat. Spacious and serene, it offers a tranquil escape, complemented by a spa-inspired en-suite bathroom adorned with luxurious finishes. For the wine enthusiast, a custom 2,000-bottle wine room awaits, offering a dedicated space to showcase and savor your finest vintages. This extraordinary home also includes a spacious 3-car garage, providing plenty of room for vehicles and additional storage. Blending elegance, comfort, and modern functionality, this residence is a rare gem in the heart of Shadow Canyon. Don't miss the opportunity to make it your own.
6502 N 25th Way
Phoenix, AZ 85016
$1,850,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
3,315
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6763568
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
PRICED BELOW MARKET! Beautifully located in 24hr Guard-Gated Community. Just 15mins. to airport, Downtown PHX. & Scottsdale. Mountain & City Lights Views. On cul-de-sac & backs to mountain preserve w/ hiking trails. Thoroughly refreshed throughout. Engineered Wood, Satin finish Travertine & Bamboo floors. Custom 8ft wood interior doors & gorgeous Zebrawood, Brazilian Walnut railing. Kitchen updated w/ customized cabinets, Bosch Stainless appliances, built-in Ref & wine cooler, & Waterfall counters. Open Loft for office, den or fitness area. Interior painted in 2024 & exterior in 2022. Very private wrapped backyard w/ covered patio & large fountain - great for entertaining & outstanding sunsets. Solar panels. 3 car Epoxy Garage w/ EV charger. See Feature Sheet in documents tab
14629 E Shadow Canyon Drive
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
$1,850,000
3
Beds
3.5
Baths
4,164
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6764578
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Looking for your dream home nestled in the exclusive Shadow Canyon community? Look no further! This remarkable SINGLE LEVEL home offers a perfect blend of elegance, comfort, soft contemporary feel and functionality, making it the ideal retreat for the pickiest buyers. As you step inside you are greeted by a charming interior atrium featuring a cozy gas fireplace for relaxing and entertaining. This space has a layout that seamlessly connects all of the living areas, ensuring an effortless flow throughout the home. The kitchen is a culinary enthusiast's paradise, boasting modern appliances, including 2 dishwashers and double ovens. Elegant custom cabinetry provides ample storage, while a large walk-in pantry offers practicality for all of your culinary needs. The kitchen has a reverse osmosis system, ensuring pure fresh water at your fingertips. Watch for the oversized laundry room when you view this home! Adjacent to the kitchen is an eat-in kitchen, family room with fireplace and an library/office all with the MOST AMAZING MOUNTAIN VIEWS. The entertainment room has an oversized bar, two large subzero wine coolers and plenty of custom cabinetry. This is the perfect place for hosting gatherings, just open the slider to the atrium and your guest will be able to move freely from indoors to outdoors. The large primary bedroom has a special seating area to take in the beautiful views or if your tired after a long day, you can soak in the oversized tub. Step outside onto the patio to discover your private oasis which backs to serene natural landscaping providing both beauty and privacy. Enjoy the breathtaking sunrises from your cozy outdoor patio off the dining room. The backyard is designed for relaxation and leisure, featuring a negative edge pool and invites you to unwind and soak up the sun. The meticulously maintained grounds help make outdoor entertaining simply enjoyable and the perfect way to take in the tranquility of your surroundings. Off the living and dining area is another outdoor space features its own gas fireplace. Sit outside with a cup of coffee and take in the beautiful sunrise and views of four peaks mountain range, all while have a fire to keep you warm. There are unobstructed views from almost every angle of the home. Needless to say, it is move-in ready, showcasing the absolute pride of ownership evident in every detail. Located in a gated community, this property offers peace of mind and security, allowing you to enjoy your home with confidence. Shadow Canyon is known for its picturesque landscapes and friendly neighborhood atmosphere, making it a sought-after location. Don't miss this opportunity to own this stunning home that perfectly balances luxury and comfort in a desirable neighborhood. The lifestyle at Shadow Canyon awaits you! You will have to see this home to be able to appreciate all that it has to offer. The lot next to the home is 1.5+ acres is owned by the sellers and is available for sale. It is an easily buildable lot and would not impede your views. Pease see documents tab for upgrades.
27601 N 110th Place
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
$1,850,000
3
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,518
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6774221
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Introducing the Quisana model, a luxurious home set on the largest premium corner lot with all top-of-the-line finishes. The expansive floor plan spans 3,518 square feet and includes a separate-entry casita along with all ensuite bedrooms. The resort-style backyard is an entertainer's dream, featuring a lounge pool with stunning multiple water features, a built-in BBQ, a covered patio, a fire pit, artificial turf, and a private view deck to take in breathtaking mountain and sunset views. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's delight, outfitted with high-end, furniture-grade alder cabinetry, granite countertops, a Wolf/Subzero stainless steel appliance package, a wine fridge, a spacious island with counter seating. Design touches throughout the home include arched niches, dome ceilings, plank and Versailles pattern travertine floors, cantera stone columns, designer paint, wood-beamed ceilings, and custom wood doors. The opulent master retreat offers a serene sitting area, a walk-in shower with multiple heads and settings, a negative-edge soaking tub with a ceiling-fill spout, designer cabinetry, dual sinks, two refrigerator drawers, and the warmth of two fireplaces. With so many extraordinary features, this home must be seen to be truly appreciated.
15418 E Stardust Drive
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
$1,850,000
5
Beds
4
Baths
5,144
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6653088
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Got Toys? This resort style home is for You!! This spacious and well-maintained home offers the perfect blend of comfort and elegance. The open floorplan with high ceilings and large windows flood the interior with natural light. The gourmet kitchen with subzero refrigerators, dual wall ovens, dual drawer dishwasher, granite countertops and ample storage is a culinary enthusiasts delight! A 36 bottle wine refrigerator, mini frig plus separate ice maker at the bar is a perfect place to unwind and reflect. Step outside to the huge and private backyard with pool, spa, grotto, waterfall and water slide! The primary bedroom is a true retreat, boasting a luxurious en suite bath with his and her walk in closets. The additional bedrooms are generously sized. On the main floor, one is currently being used as a home theater. The other bedroom en suite has a built in daybed and built in desk making it a perfect home office. Jack and Jill bedrooms upstairs, both with walk in closets, are a perfect private area for guests and/or family members. Did I mention the 43' x 26.6' 4 car garage? Ample height for car lifts and rv's. It also has an rv gate and paver slab. This is an incredible home at an incredible price. Don't miss the opportunity to call this exquisite house your home!! Please see documents tab for a complete list of amenities, upgrades and updates on this incredible home.
4432 E Camelback Road Unit 120
Phoenix, AZ 85018
$1,850,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,840
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6713420
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
Welcome to #120 at 4432 N Camelback Road, a meticulously renovated, move-in-ready townhome located in the coveted Guard Gated community of The Village at Camelback. This fabulously curated property features a spacious floor-plan with an inviting open kitchen and living area that wonderfully lends itself to entertaining. The home offers three spacious bedrooms, including a master bedroom with a flex space that can be used as an office/sitting area, a den, two full baths, two powder rooms, and abundant storage throughout. Here you'll find exceptional ample outdoor living spaces including an expanded private side yard, covered patio, and backyard with a spa-perfect for relaxing, and two balconies. Enjoy views from this natural light-filled home. Recent renovations include new marble tile floors and shower in the master bath, new carpeting in the upstairs bedrooms, an updated skylight, and new barn-door entry into the master bedroom, updated guest bathroom, low-e windows and screens, and new washer and dryer in the laundry room. The entire interior has been repainted, custom window treatments, new designer light fixtures, and extensive landscaping enhance the home's appeal. Additional features include built-in bookcases, new pantry, updated closet doors, and storage closets in the garage. Discreetly tucked away behind The Village Tennis & Fitness Club, convenience is paramount here with the ease of walkable access to a plethora of local amenities including the new Global Ambassador, AJ's, Steak 44, hiking trails, and much more, offering the best of Phoenix living. Minutes away from Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, and the Sky Harbor International Airport. Come see this beautiful townhome and experience unparalleled comfort and convenience in an unbeatable location for yourself!
10606 N Indian Wells Drive
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
$1,850,000
4
Beds
5
Baths
4,358
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6729495
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
SELLER OFFERING 2-1 INTEREST RATE BUYDOWN. This stunning 4 bedroom, 5 bathroom home offers 4,358 square feet of living space with golf course & mountain VIEWS! Remodeled in 2023, walls were removed to create a light and open feel throughout the main level. Located just two houses down from the Desert Canyon Golf Club & Restaurant - walk to the golf club to tee off! Both bedrooms on the lower level are additional primary suites with large rooms, ensuite baths & walk-in closets. For your convenience, laundry rooms up & down! Step outside and relax on the expansive covered patios, which run the full length of both the upper and lower levels. Enjoy the dark evening sky from the heated pool & spa. Make sure to click ''more''! In the kitchen you will find Zline appliances including 48'' gas range, quartzite countertops and beverage refrigerators. The oversized 3-car garage provides ample space for large vehicles, EV CHARGER and built-in workbench/storage cabinets to keep you organized. NO HOA - THIS HOME CAN BE USED AS A SHORT TERM RENTAL (Airbnb/VRBO). NOT A FLIP - remodeled by 2.5 year homeowners. This meticulously remodeled residence is your own private desert WINTER oasis, offering the perfect blend of functionality, luxury, and stunning views for years to come! OWNER/AGENT
8497 E Montello Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85266
$1,850,000
4
Beds
4
Baths
3,517
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6765966
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Experience the perfect blend of elegance and functionality in this meticulously designed home. The open floor plan creates a seamless flow between living spaces, making it ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy vaulted ceilings and beautiful porcelain wood flooring throughout, with no interior steps leading to your backyard oasis. The gourmet kitchen boasts stunning quartz countertops, a custom travertine mosaic backsplash, and a built-in breakfast bar featuring a unique copper sink and faucet. Equipped with a Thermador double oven, gas cooktop, stainless-steel appliances, and a spacious walk-in pantry, this kitchen effortlessly connects to the family room, complete with a cozy gas fireplace. Retreat to the expansive primary bedroom, which offers direct access to the backyard. The luxurious primary bath features a large walk-in shower, a soaking tub, a dual vanity with maple cabinets, and a generous walk-in closet with double doors. Each additional bedroom has its own private bathroom for added convenience. Step outside to your backyard sanctuary, where you can unwind while enjoying breathtaking sunset and mountain views. The rooftop deck provides 360-degree vistas and is accessible via a spiral staircase. The outdoor space also features a sparkling pool with a grotto fountain, a sunken swim-up bar, and a 6-hole synthetic grass putting green. Complete with a covered patio and an inviting seating area with a gas firepit, this home is perfect for relaxation and entertaining alike.
10592 E Horizon Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
$1,850,000
3
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,544
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6751378
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
FULL GOLF MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE!!! Beautiful Hacienda home at Desert Mountain. The home offers a wonderful courtyard entry with fireplace that leads to an open great room floor plan. There are two en-suites in the home and a separate loft complete with a full bath. The kitchen has dual Viking ovens, Viking Range and Viking refrigerator, microwave and generous sized island that opens up to the great room that is ideal for entertaining. The owner's suite features two closets, soaking tub and fireplace. The Hacienda Village has a community pool, spa, and exercise room.