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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2805 W Princeville Court
Anthem, AZ 85086
$1,445,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,476
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6766141
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
WORLD CLASS VIEWS! TOP OF THE WORLD IN ANTHEM COUNTRY CLUB ON almost an ACRE and a half CUSTOM LOT (There are 9 of these custom lots and these homes are rarely for sale.) OVERLOOKS THE 18TH hole WITH 360 DEGREE MT. VIEWS and Golf Course Views. The lot is WOW and the views are even more WOW! 2 updated a/c's, Updated roof, Custom WINE CELLAR with iron door, granite counters, travertine floors, sculpture carpet, lots of water fun in the crystal clear blue pool and spa with grotto and swim up bar with seating in the pool and water features, fire pit, extended patio space and large raised view area, views all around! Stainless professional built-in appliances. Each bedroom has a private bathroom. PRIVATE, SERENE AND FABULOUS! ONE OF A KIND HOME with a real meandering driveway! (This is a pre 2013 Radisson model with the sunken wine cellar option, very cool!) FINALLY...a true opportunity to own a WOW VIEW property in Anthem Country Club for the most discerning Buyer! This home and its VIEWS will blow your socks off! Country Club Lifestyle with Resort Style Amenities...Anthem Country Club is managed by Club Corp which offers many great benefits to members that reciprocate around the world! Two 18 hole golf courses, Persimmons and Ironwood, designed by Greg Nash. 2 Pro shops, 2 sets of men's and women's lounges / locker rooms, 2 member restaurants, 2 gyms, 2 pools, 2 spas, several tennis courts, Gorgeous Ball Room for ongoing Member events and private events venues available as well, 2 Impressive guard gated entrances, all surrounded by breathtaking mountain and golf course views...you will love being a member of the Anthem Golf & Country Club!
42222 N Olympic Fields Court
Anthem, AZ 85086
$1,445,000
4
Beds
4.5
Baths
4,100
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6770619
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
VIEWs VIEWs VIEWs! An executive home located on one of the most iconic and coveted streets in Anthem Country Club surrounded by Million Dollar Views. Updated HVACs. Updated windows. Negative edge pool. All the finest interior upgrades! FINALLY...an opportunity in Anthem Country Club for the most discerning Buyer! This home will blow your socks off! Country Club Lifestyle with Resort Style Amenities...Anthem Country Club is managed by Club Corp which offers many great benefits to members that reciprocate around the world! Two 18 hole golf courses, Persimmons and Ironwood, designed by Greg Nash. 2 Pro shops, 2 sets of men's and women's lounges / locker rooms, 2 member restaurants, 2 gyms, 2 pools, 2 spas, several tennis courts, Gorgeous Ball Room for ongoing Member events and private events venues available as well, 2 Impressive guard gated entrances, all surrounded by breathtaking mountain and golf course views...you will love being a member of the Anthem Golf & Country Club!
330 N Portland Avenue
Gilbert, AZ 85234
$1,440,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
3,691
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6696663
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Don't miss out on this custom home located in a desirable Whitewing luxury gated community! Situated right next to the Gilbert Riparian Preserve, the location is highly sought after. This beautifully designed home features tray and coffered ceilings to add visual interest and dimension to the ten-foot ceilings. Nine-foot doors throughout add a modern touch. The bedrooms are expansive, with two of the bedrooms equipped as Master Suites with roll in showers. Right off the foyer there is a sitting room, and home office. Wait until you see the open floorplan of the family room, kitchen and dining room! The kitchen features high end appliances, granite countertops, and beautiful hard wood cabinets. Storage opportunities are endless, even in the laundry room! This home also features two walk-in pantries. With energy savings in mind, the builder increased the insulation in this carefully constructed home. An expansive backyard will beckon you to relax and enjoy the full-length covered patio. This half acre lot has multiple options for a pool location. Are you needing room for all your vehicles and toys? Look no further! This home has multiple oversized garages. One of the garages is a drive through that is tall enough to accommodate a boat! Location, amenities, and curb appeal! This home has it all!
2813 N 168th Avenue
Goodyear, AZ 85395
$1,439,900
3
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,753
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6731322
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Looking for a new place to call home this 2021 house with 3 beds & 3.5 baths is the one for you! Showcasing a delightful desert landscape, 3 car garage, & stone facade at the front. The sophisticated interior enjoys tile flooring, high tray ceilings, accent walls & a comfortable living room, ideal for receiving guests. The eat-in kitchen comes with recessed lighting, built-in appliances, white cabinets w/crown mouldings, mosaic tile backsplash, an island w/breakfast bar, walk-in pantry, & a dining area w/pendant lighting. Wonderful AZ room w/wood flooring, it includes a cozy niche ideal to be used as a reading nook. The sizable main retreat enjoys large picture windows, & an ensuite w/dual sinks, makeup desk, separate shower & tub, & a walk-in closet... The charming backyard has a paver patio & charming landscaping, the ideal place for relaxing during the evening. Do not miss the amazing amenities that the Pebble Creek Community has to offer: recreational room, Community pool, spa, workout facilities, and many sports courts await you. Don't wait to start your new life here!
34813 N 73rd Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85266
$1,439,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,588
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6769529
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Nestled within the gated community of North Scottsdale's Enclave on the Eighth, this immaculately maintained home offers 2,588sf of easy, luxurious living featuring a resort level backyard oasis. Built in 2016, this modern home features 3 bedrooms plus a versatile den, 3 baths, and a split floorplan perfectly suited for today's lifestyle. With no interior steps and soaring 12-foot ceilings, the open-concept design seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living spaces, creating a true sense of expansive comfort and elegance. At the heart of the home, the great room's full wall of windows opens to a stunning outdoor oasis through two sets of expansive bi-folding patio doors, allowing you to transition between indoor and outdoor living with ease. Step into a backyard that rivals a high-end resort, where the dynamic water feature cascades beside a custom stone fire pit with seating designed for gatherings under the stars. A built-in stone BBQ and spacious artificial turf area offer a perfect setup for outdoor entertaining, while the covered patio provides a comfortable retreat for quiet moments of relaxation, all framed by a combination of mountain views and easy-care landscaping. Inside, the open kitchen impresses with a grand center island, offering seating for sixideal for both casual dining and socializing. Top-tier appliances, including a Wolf 5-burner gas cooktop, double Wolf ovens, a Subzero refrigerator, and a Bosch dishwasher, make gourmet meals a breeze. The owner's suite is a true retreat, complete with an oversized walk-in closet and an indulgent dual-head shower, providing a perfect space to unwind after a long day. Beyond the home's luxurious features, the property offers quick golf cart access to the renowned Boulders Golf Course and is just moments away from upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment. This exceptional home is the perfect blend of style, comfort, and location, offering a unique opportunity to experience the best of North Scottsdale living.
6445 S Honor Court
Gilbert, AZ 85298
$1,435,500
5
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,700
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6700971
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Experience the ultimate vacation vibe every day in this freshly painted resort-style TURN KEY home that feels like an exclusive getaway estate. This exquisite single level semi-custom 5 bedroom home is in the Seville Golf Club in Gilbert. The open floor plan offers a spacious great room with a custom Cantera stone fireplace, upscale kitchen w/ a huge island and a professional gas range. The secluded backyard centers around a beautiful heated saltwater pool & spa w/ swim up bar, and entertainment portico. Low-maintenance turf, mature landscaping, in-ground trampoline, fire pits & BBQ complete the serene setting. The primary suite & huge spa like bathroom include dual sinks/vanities, soaking tub & glass block shower. There is also a secondary suite PLUS 3 more bedrooms. This impeccably maintained property is TURN-KEY and ready for new owners. There is quick access/short-cut to the clubhouse for golf enthusiasts. All furnishings, decor, kitchenware, TVs, etc. are negotiable. Truly Amazing Property! For information on the country club lifestyle please visit Seville Golf & Country Club website.
1244 E Smokehouse Trail
Phoenix, AZ 85085
$1,435,000
6
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,038
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6725997
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Another Stunning new contemporary NEXTGEN Builders home to be built. Main house boasts a grand Iron & Glass dbl. door entry, split floorplan with 4 spacious bedrooms, den/office and 3.5 baths. Large kitchen island w/waterfall sides, quartz countertops, walk in pantry, and a SS appliance package. 16 ft. sliding door in Great rm & 12 ft. sliding door in D/R. All bedrooms have walk-in closets. 12' ceilings in great room and kitchen. 3-car garage w. svc. door. BONUS- A 2-Bedroom Pool House with Game Room that includes a full bath, plus a separate 1/2 bath with outside access. Paved Road with a block wall to be built along South side of road to be paved. Quality build with energy efficient Spray foam insulation, 2x6 framed exterior, fully sheathed, post tension slab foundation. Elevated lots
2069 E Cedar Place
Chandler, AZ 85249
$1,435,000
5
Beds
6.5
Baths
4,957
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6701571
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
BIG PRICE REDUCTION & MOTIVATED SELLER!! WRITE YOUR OFFERS. Prepare to be captivated by this stunning Tierra Linda residence, boasting curb appeal & a spacious 4-car garage. Inside, high ceilings, sleek tile, plush carpet, a fireplace, & arched doorways adorn the exquisite interior. The chef's kitchen is a dream, with SS appliances, quartz counters, a stylish backsplash, & an island. The main retreat features outdoor access, a lavish ensuite, & a walk-in closet. An impressive basement offers endless possibilities. Plus, there's a dedicated office room for remote work or study. Outside, enjoy a covered patio, built-in BBQ, fire-pit, sparkling pool, & spa. Unwind in the luxury of a steam bath and sauna! You'll find an impressive basement offering an open living area with endless possibilities! Fall in love with the remarkable backyard, including a covered patio, built-in BBQ, a cozy firepit, & a sparkling swimming pool with a spa! Don't let this rare gem pass you by!
36447 N Livorno Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
$1,435,000
5
Beds
4.5
Baths
4,379
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6711491
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Stunning Custom home located in the private gated community of Treviso. Scottsdale. Another Toll Brothers creation. Huge lot over an acre! This amazing home features 5 Bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. Huge open floor plan; featuring a family room, living room with fireplace, lots of windows letting in that wonderful natural sunlight. Large Primary bedroom with Ensuite. Exit off the Primary bedroom leading out to the resort-style Pool & Spa. The backyard space is an entertainer's delight. Plenty of room for all of your favorite patio furniture! 4 Private bedrooms on the other side of this wonderful home. Each has its own bathroom. So fantastic! The front bedroom is very large making room for a home gym or craft room. The large kitchen is great for entertaining family and friends. The huge kitchen island is great for all of that holiday baking. SS Appliances, double ovens, and tons of ample cabinetry. Many great restaurants, coffee shops, shopping centers, dog parks, hiking, and biking. On an entertaining note. Close to Cave Creek, check out the Bull Riding Events at The Buffalo Chip Saloon, Harold's. Great BBQ'S!!! Kierland Commons Restaurants & Bars:· Bar North · The Cheesecake Factory · The Greene House · Maestro's Ocean Club · The Mission · North Italia · P.F. Chang's · Snooze, an A.M. Eatery.
8281 E San Salvador Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
$1,434,995
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,404
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6743961
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your dream home in the coveted McCormick Ranch community, renowned for its top-rated schools! This stunning 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom retreat has been meticulously remodeled to blend modern sophistication w/ classic charm. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by the bright and airy open layout, accentuated by soaring vaulted ceilings. The heart of the home is the sleek and stylish kitchen, boasting a generous quartzite waterfall island, soft-closing cabinets, stainless steel appliances. Perfect blend of form and function. Additional features include a convenient pantry, a state-of-the-art outdoor misting system for seamless indoor-outdoor living, & fresh paint throughout. Swimming Pool has new PebbleTec! With the thoughtful design, this home is the epitome of desert living. Make it yours today!
27715 N 164th Place
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
$1,430,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
3,746
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6748411
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
SPECTACULAR CUSTOM HOME WITH BREATHTAKING MOUNTAIN VIEWS Welcome to this extraordinary 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom custom home set on 1.25 acres of prime real estate, designed for both luxurious living and exceptional entertaining. The property boasts an incredible backyard oasis featuring a Pebble-Tec pool with solar heating and spillover spa, a built-in BBQ, bocce ball court, spacious covered patio, and custom fencing. Enjoy serene mountain views from the comfort of your outdoor spaces. Interior Features: Chef's Kitchen: Recently updated with high-end appliances, including double ovens and a KitchenAid induction stovetop. The expansive island, granite countertops, and walk-in pantry make this kitchen a cook's dream. Great Room: Soaring 15-foot ceilings, with a cozy fireplace and stunning mountain views, create an impressive setting for family gatherings and dining. Game Room: Includes a built-in bar, captivating murals, and ample space for a pool table. Master Suite: This luxurious retreat features a sitting area with a fireplace, sliding doors to the backyard, two large walk-in closets with built-ins, and a lavish bathroom with dual sinks, a jacuzzi tub, a TV, and a lighted makeup area. Additional Bedrooms: Three bedrooms each with exterior doors, patios and walk-in closets. Outdoor Living: Pool & Spa: Heated Pebble-Tec pool with solar heating, water features, automatic cleaning system, and a new Jandy Pool Controller. Backyard: Fully fenced large backyard, including snake-proofing, a gas firepit, and a plumbed gas grill with a mosaic patio table and benches. A large private outdoor shower with a bench seat adds to the convenience. Courtyard: A beautifully landscaped, gated courtyard with a custom fountain warmly welcomes guests. Energy Efficiency & Extras: Owned Solar System: A new Elevation Solar System with an Enphase battery, significantly reducing the electric bill by approximately $300 per month. Garage: The 3-car garage (2-car and a single-car) features newly epoxy-coated surfaces and a professionally painted desert mural. A/C & Water Systems: New primary A/C unit (American Standard), two additional Trane A/C units for the bedrooms, a 3,400-gallon water storage tank, and a newly installed Rainbird sprinkler system. The property is already signed up with Epcor, so no sign-up fees for water. This home is a true entertainer's paradise with high-end finishes, exceptional amenities, and stunning views. The newly-stained exterior wood garage doors, gates, and posts add the final touches to this desert gem. Seller is offering furniture currently in the home for sale on a separate bill of sale.
2118 E Clubhouse Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85048
$1,430,000
4
Beds
4.5
Baths
4,260
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6760663
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover luxury desert living at its finest in this stunning 4 bed / 4.5 bath contemporary hillside home designed by award-winning architect Marc Soloway. Located in the hillside community of Sanctuary, this single-level home is one of two in a private cul-de-sac, nestled against a serene desert hillside with breathtaking city, mountain, & golf course views. The home features seamless indoor/outdoor living, with 1,000 sq ft of multi-level slate-style stamped concrete patios & a heated spa/pool with a waterfall feature, perfect for entertaining. New AC units in 2023 & a new roof in 2024 allow you to buy with confidence. Lots of updates! Step inside to a spacious & bright foyer leading to a grand living room with soaring ceilings, vast windows, a fireplace, & sliding glass doors that open to the back patio. The travertine tile flooring throughout the home enhances its elegant feel. The split floor plan offers ultimate privacy, with a luxurious master suite featuring a fireplace, sitting room, back patio access, & a large walk-in closet. The serene master bath boasts dual vanities, a soaking tub with mountain views, & a separate toilet room. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, with granite countertops, custom cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, a 72 Monogram refrigerator, & a large island with a built-in sink & electric stove top. Additional living spaces include a formal dining area, a cozy den that can be easily converted into a 5th bedroom, & a second living room with direct access to the patio. Bedrooms #2 & #3 have en-suite bathrooms with tub/shower combos & spacious closets. Additional features include a versatile office nook with built-in desk & laundry area. 3-car garage with a separate storage area is a huge plus! Sanctuary is an exclusive, upscale subdivision nestled in the scenic desert hills of The Ahwatukee Foothills. Homes in this prestigious community are designed by renowned architects & boast contemporary, luxury designs that seamlessly blend indoor & outdoor living. With its serene environment, large lots, & proximity to hiking trails, Sanctuary provides a peaceful retreat while conveniently located near the city's amenities & attractions. This unique desert sanctuary offers luxury, privacy, & unparalleled viewstruly a one-of-a-kind opportunity!