Mortgage Myths: Here’s Why You Don’t Need a Full 20 Percent Down Payment

Mortgage Myths: Here's Why You Don't Need a Full 20 Percent Down Payment 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.

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14715 N Adero Canyon Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$1,650,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,222 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6656006
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
This newly built 2023 Toll Brothers lock-and-leave home defines contemporary opulence within a gated community with mountain views and located on a quiet cul-de-sac flanked by multi-million-dollar properties. Located just a short distance from the Adero Canyon's hiking trails, the Adero Scottsdale Resort and Spa, vibrant downtown of Fountain Hills and Scottsdale's renowned golf courses and dining establishments. The interior and exterior showcases attention to detail relative to design, lighting fixtures, marble and granite accents throughout with featured designer fireplaces. The private patio with awesome mountain view offers indoor/outdoor living via expansive patio doors. The builder's ''Caullins Model'' has an open split floor plan with an area that may be utilized as an office, den/study, exercise, or 3rd bedroom with modifications, etc. The kitchen, a haven for culinary enthusiasts, features stainless steel high-end appliances and custom cabinets with modern lighting, with built-in microwave - open concept to the great room and dining areas. The laundry room offers a large pantry/storage area with attention to details depicting custom marble tile on the wall leading to the glass doors in the 2-car garage. The builder's selected upgrades were utilized in the construction while over 6,500+ photos were captured during the entire construction's phases of the home. This is the lifestyle that you have waited for in Adero Canyon's prestigious gated community. Furniture is available under separate bill of sale for a seamless transition to living the Adero Canyon's lifestyle! Opportunity awaits!

5224 W Creedance Boulevard Glendale, AZ 85310

$1,650,000
5 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,592 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6665837
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
WOW! This magnificent horse property, nestled on a one-acre lot in a tranquil cul-de-sac, offers an exceptional living experience. It features a circular driveway leading to a 5-car garage, an RV garage, and extensive parking spaces, accommodating various vehicle types with ease. The home's interior is a testament to luxury and comfort, boasting vaulted ceilings that create an airy and open ambiance. The stone floors add an element of rustic elegance, while plantation shutters provide both privacy and style. The living areas are spacious and well-appointed, featuring a wet bar, wall niches, and a two-way fireplace that serves as a focal point, enhancing the home's cozy yet sophisticated feel. Culinary enthusiasts will be delighted by the kitchen, which is equipped with wood cabinetry, granite counters and backsplash, stainless steel appliances including wall ovens, and a large center island with a breakfast bar, making it a perfect space for both cooking and socializing. The main bedroom is a haven of relaxation, complete with a sleek bathroom that includes a soothing tub and dual sinks. Additional bedrooms are thoughtfully designed with built-in cabinets and desks, catering to various needs. A spacious loft with built-in cabinets serves ideally as an office or studio space. The property also features an in-law suite, offering a living/dining room, a kitchenette, a cozy bedroom with private outdoor access, a laundry area, a personal bathroom, and a loft that can be used as another bedspace, providing comfortable and independent living quarters. The backyard is a masterpiece of outdoor living, boasting a covered patio, gazebo, private putting green, built-in BBQ, multiple sitting areas, a firepit, and a fenced-in pool, offering endless entertainment and relaxation possibilities. Horse enthusiasts will appreciate the horse stalls and amenities, perfectly integrated into the spacious backyard. This property also offers breathtaking mountain and sunset views, adding to its allure. This is more than just a home; it's an experience waiting to be cherished. Come and see for yourself what makes this property so special!

23955 N 112th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,650,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,352 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6685578
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
One-of-a-kind home in the heart of Troon, designed around a gorgeous natural boulder. This unique floor plan seamlessly incorporates the boulder into the living space, offering a blend of modern design and natural surroundings. Enjoy stunning views from every window, showcasing the beauty of the Arizona landscape from every room in the house. This remodeled home is located in the prestigious gated community of Troon Ridge Estates 3. Every detail has been executed with meticulous attention, bringing sophistication and comfort into every corner of the space. (see features sheet for a full list). New dual pane Pella windows w/ Low-E glass & custom sliding doors enhance the home w/ state of the art insulation & natural light throughout. The split floor plan is ideal for entertaining and indoor/outdoor living at its finest. The open concept kitchen is equipped w/ Bosch & Thermador appliances, induction cooktop, complimented w/ new cabinetry, granite countertops, & honed quartz island. Gorgeous ceiling beams frame the space of the family/living area accentuating the length of the home. Two newer 3-ton HVAC units and 3 mini-split systems provide year-round comfort. The location is unmatched with the tranquility of Troon, 5 golf courses within 10 min & endless shopping, dining & hiking.

9602 E Allison Way Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$1,650,000
5 Beds
4 Baths
4,004 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6695491
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this private cul-de-sac home in the gated community of Mirabel Village! Experience this stunning property with a short film (not a photo slideshow - 2nd image click play) showcasing the elegant interior and resort-like grounds. After, further explore this impressive home with a full interior 3D walk-through. Tour this home at your own pace. New roof underlayment completed 07/2024. 1.2 acres featuring a newly resurfaced heated pool, spa, fire pit and BBQ pergola. Expansive private courtyard with fireplace and access to attached casita. Iron entry door opens to a foyer and formal living room with fireplace. The main home features 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, a total of 3 interior fireplaces, stacked stone accent walls, window shutters, soaring ceilings and built ins throughout

10065 E Charter Oak Road Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$1,650,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,841 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6718416
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Priced to represent COMPELLING value & deliver SIGNIFICANT instant equity to new owners. This premium luxury estate with Best-In-Class potential is situated in a private suburban neighborhood near the heart of Scottsdale. The single-level custom home sits on a fully utilized 0.4 acre cul-de-sac corner lot & features a fully renovated exterior blending elegant outdoors amenities with expansive recreational space. Raised wood beam ceilings give distinct character to an extreme-split floorplan with generous & flexible living spaces filled with natural light. The private owner-suite is at the NW corner, with a private guest wing off the massive kitchen at the SE corner; all 3 guest BRs offer in-suite bath access. A cosmetic interior makeover away from a market value SUBSTANTIALLY north of $2M Above-ground spa will convey with premises; chandelier in dining room will not.

16522 N 109th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,650,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
3,597 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6724674
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautifully Renovated 4 Bed, 3 Bath Expanded Floorplan Home in McDowell Mtn Ranch. Open floor plan with a Huge Entertainment area encompassing the Kitchen, Dining and Family Room. Renovated Kitchen with 8 Burner Meile Range with Double Oven, 3rd Oven/Microwave Combo, Upgraded Professional Rangehood, Dishwasher, New Refrigerator, Quartz Countertops, Farm Sink, RO, Full Pantry, Full Tile Backsplash, Under-cabinet Lighting, Renovated cabinets, Beverage Center w/Wine Refer, Huge Quartz Island with seating, Wide Plank European Oak, 3 Renovated Baths in the Contemporary Style, Master Bath Features Matte Marble Tile with Wainscot, Forced Air Kohler Tub (no tubes) His and Hers Walk in Closets, Separate Water Closet, Huge Master Bedroom with Seating area, Wood Shutters, Electric Shades in Family Electric Shades in Family and Front Room, Office with Wall to Wall to Wall built-ins, Large Den with Built in Guitar or Art Case with Accent Lighting, Lush Back Yard that Borders NAOS, Huge Free-Form Pool, Extended Covered Patio, Seating area with Firepit and BBQ and City Light Views. Seller will pay off Solar Lease at COE and Buyer will have payment free, warrantee'd solar service for the remaining length of the lease (aprox 8 years) at which time Buyer can cancel and have the system removed free of charge or continue as they wish!

32803 N 74th Way Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$1,650,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,265 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6735301
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
In the tranquil gated community of Las Piedras, close to the boulders, shopping and dining, lies this exceptional residence. Accessed by a gated front courtyard the home begins with a wonderful living room with updated fireplace and doors to the pool. The elegant kitchen was totally remodeled and features a large center island and high end appliances and is complimented by a dining area with bar. The primary bedroom suite offers a large bedroom with room for office or seating, well appointed bathroom and dual closets. The private rear yard boasts a modern saltwater swimming pool and spa, covered patio for outdoor dining and seating area. The home is complete with a work from home office and 2 additional bedroom suite. With community pool and fitness room it offers luxurious desert living.

26223 N 113th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85383

$1,650,000
4 Beds
4 Baths
3,550 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6743360
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream oasis in the desert! This exquisite custom-built home, nestled on a sprawling 2.5-acre lot in the highly desirable area of North Peoria, offers the perfect blend of luxury, space, and privacy. This smart home is more than just a place to live - it's a lifestyle. Oversized RV garage boasts enough space for up to 9 cars or store your RV and still have plenty of room for additional vehicles, tools and toys. Home also has 3 additional attached garage spaces. Resort Style outdoor living with private serene courtyard entrance to this home and your backyard features a gorgeous pool and spa with waterfall, grotto, and slide; outdoor kitchen and dining with an oversized bbq and wood fired pizza oven; built in gas fire pit; along with a large fenced in area that's perfect for enjoying the Arizona sunsets. Very well appointed interior includes a gourmet kitchen that really is the heart of the home featuring top of the line appliances, custom cabinetry, gorgeous countertops, large center island with seating and butlers pantry. Ceiling beams accentuate the great room space with large open windows and an eye catching entertainment area. Luxurious master suite with fireplace, spa like bathroom, on trend shower, dual vanities, jetted tub and walk in closet with built in cabinetry. This home is very efficient with features including solar system, private water well, pressure tank in insulated room in main garage, home fully spray foam insulated including garage, attic and RV garage. 250 gallon buried propane tank, 1500 gallon concrete septic tank. Amazing RV garage space is 40'x75' (3,000 sf). 14'x14' RV door. 10'x10' rear door with concrete pad out back. 10'x7' door on the front with an air conditioned room above the large walled off single car stall. RV garage has several 220v outlets for welders and/ or air compressors. Hardwired 2 post lift with additional 30 amp RV outlet. 1/2 bath in RV garage. Utility sink. This unique home has it all and then some.

5054 E Yucca Street Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$1,650,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,934 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6753416
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Located in the sought-after community of Eagle's Eyre, centered around a private park, with tennis, pickleball & basketball courts. Bordered by the Stone Creek golf course, is a true neighborhood where holidays are celebrated and people know one another. This gorgeous renovated home on a sprawling near half-acre of lush landscaping, shade trees, with an enormous sparkling pool, also has an RV gate. Classic timeless hardwood floors throughout & dramatic vaulted ceilings add volume. Multiple glass doors offer outdoor access points, creating the ideal Arizona lifestyle. The redesigned kitchen is highlighted by upscale stainless steel appliances, fresh white cabinetry, a custom coffee station and Cosmic Black granite with striking silver, gold & copper veining against a deep black background.

4201 N 42nd Place Phoenix, AZ 85018

$1,650,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,920 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6754896
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Experience luxury in this 2016 COMPLETE NEW BUILD nestled in sought-after Arcadia with no HOA! Upstairs, the master suite & loft create a serene retreat, complete with sauna, fireplace & deck offering stunning mountain views. Pamper yourself with 2 walk-in closets & lavish master bath. Downstairs offers bedroom with full bath enhancing modern living. Entertain in formal living & dining rooms, seamlessly connected to the dream kitchen boasting a waterfall island. Enjoy seamless indoor-outdoor living with 4-pane slider. Step outside & unwind in resort-style, low maintenance, backyard with pool, hot tub, fire-pit & built-in grill. Feel great pulling into 3-car garage using pavered driveway.

22415 N La Senda Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,650,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,717 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6755685
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Looking for privacy? Nestled in the gated community of Pinnacle Peak Country Club Estates, this charming 3 BR/ 3.5 BA desert retreat is situated on a quiet, private half acre corner site. You will immediately feel the tranquility & peace of this property due, in part, by the mature ficus & citrus trees. This home features 2 BR with Office/Den & 3 BA in the main house as well as a beautiful, detached 738 SF Casita which can be used for extended family or guests, as a home office, gym or studio.The gorgeous estate features Saltillo tile, wood beams and ceilings throughout, 4 fireplaces, & French doors opening from each room to covered patios for true Southwestern indoor/outdoor living. A large, sparkling pebble tech pool invites complete relaxation and a backyard just perfect for pet lovers. Enjoy the outdoors against the backdrop of Arizona's stunning landscape. The property truly embodies the essence of upscale desert living in the prestigious Pinnacle Peak community.

37143 N Greythorn Circle Carefree, AZ 85377

$1,650,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,400 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6757711
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Wow! Views! Very rare opportunity to own in The Reserve at Tranquil Trail. This spectacular 4 bed, 2.5 bath home sits on an oversized corner lot with impressive desert landscaping & 3 car garage. Stunning interior boasts a library/den/office, bright & inviting living room and dining area. The fabulous kitchen offers SS appliances, espresso cabinets, speckled granite counters, island, and breakfast bar. The primary bedroom retreat has a sliding glass wall that seamlessly connects to the outdoors and a luxurious ensuite with his & her sinks, soaking tub and a bountiful walk-in closet. Stunning backyard offers super private, quiet & secluded patio & a new contemporary pool and spa, built-in grill. True entertainers dream! Walking distance to Carefree shops and restaurants. A must see!! Another bedroom features direct access to the pool, which is ideal for guests! You will fall in love with this gem! Additional Home Features: Speakers in the main living area, the outside back patio and pool area, installed by Best Buy in fall 2021. Rear patio Awnings installed were over the two pool patios for additional shade in early 2023. The salt water pool was completed in the fall of 2022 and designed/installed by Presidential Pools. Home and systems have been regularly maintained on a scheduled basis. Amazing flowering cactus and roses throughout the yard. There is a pomegranate tree just outside the dining room window. A rosemary bush provides year-round fresh herbs.

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