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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7435 E De La O Road Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$990,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,159 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6777496
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautifully renovated, single-level home with top of the line, timeless and classic finishes throughout. Stunning, real walnut hardwood floors. Designer tile in two rooms. Impressive kitchen boasts an oversized, single-slab quartzite island, professional Dacor appliances. Kitchen opens seamlessly to the naturally lit great room with a cozy gas fireplace. 4 beds/3 baths/plus den/office with built in cabinetry and wine fridge. The 4th bedroom has a private entry with en suite bath making it ideal for a home office or guest suite. Home has brand new, 5 ton, 20 SEER Bosch HVAC, Tesla EV charger, new top of the line tankless water heater. Resort-style backyard with a pebble tec pool, new pool equipment, and refreshed cool decking. Relax in the large covered patio and lush grass area. The primary suite exudes modern elegance walnut wood flooring, spa-like bath with walk-in shower, and walk-in closet with custom shelving. Welcome home!

4112 N 11th Street Phoenix, AZ 85014

$990,000
8 Beds
7 Baths
1,300 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6632185
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Gorgeous 5-Plex in the heart of Phoenix! Minutes from DT Phoenix, dining, freeway, VA hospital and more! Upgraded flooring and kitchen. Tons of cabinet space of cabinets, ample counter space, and stainless steel appliances. 2 added bathrooms turning this property into a 4/3. Bedrooms have plush carpeting and ceiling fans. Full bathroom with single sink vanity. Huge backyard features a covered patio with mature trees, and a blank canvas awaiting your dream oasis! This home is sure to go quick, so come see it today! Owner holds active AZ real estate license.

3747 E Villa Cassandra Way Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$990,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
3,114 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6682258
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Wonderful home situated on 1.25 acres with a gorgeous pool with slide and natural desert beauty. See the list of 2021 Updates to the bathrooms, laundry room, flooring, etc. The interior of the home is rich with stone flooring, natural wood cabinets and granite countertops, separate living and dining rooms. The nicely appointed kitchen is open to the family room. The 3-car garage is spacious enough to fit cars and toys! May require Court approval.

832 E Desert Flower Lane Phoenix, AZ 85048

$990,000
4 Beds
4 Baths
3,900 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6747710
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Preserve lot right in your backyard. Former model in sought after Hidden Canyon. Gated community. 4 bedroom, 4 bath, office and bonus room. Mountain views from every window in the house. North South exposure. Private pool, low maintenance backyard and front desert landscaping. Custom spiral stair case to your private balcony. Updated kitchen and granite countertops. 3 car garage with cabinets for storage. refrigerator in laundry room and downstair bathroom mirror do not convey

512 E Tanya Trail Phoenix, AZ 85086

$990,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
3,002 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6700311
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Updated Great Room floor plan in Desert Hills. Located at the end of a private road of five homes, this open great room floor plan has skylights & large windows looking out to the mountain views. The split floor plan includes an attached Guest Quarters with an outside entrance & inside entrance. It has a kitchenette, full bath, walk-in closet & combination bedroom/living room area. The Primary bedroom has a sitting area with a gas fireplace & direct access to the outside patio area. The Master bathroom has a whirlpool tub & walk-in-glass block shower There is an over sized walk-in closet Two of the four bedrooms share a Jack/Jill bath. This kitchen is a gourmet cook's delight. A Center island, a walk-in pantry & generous cabinetry provides incredible storage A Five-burner gas cooktop, a stainless steel built-in wall oven & microwave, complete the kitchen.The formal dining room opens to the great room, & looks toward the mountain views. The 3-car garage has built-in cabinets & a work bench.The soft water to the driveway is convenient for washing cars, parking an RV, with access to a 30-amp hookup. The two metal buildings & above ground hot-tub stay with the home. The outside landscape is low maintenance, with a charming courtyard entrance. The exterior landscape is low maintenance. Beyond the wall on the north area exterior, there is natural desert including Palo Verde Trees, Saguaro cacti & 4 fruit trees. Twenty-five owned solar panels provide incredible savings. A Perfect Home for an Extended Family WHAT'S SPECIAL, ZONED FOR HORSES BUILT IN CABINETS IN GARAGE 'TANKLESS HOT WATER HEATER' NO HOA, NATURAL GAS & CITY WATER, BUILT-IN CLOSETS THROUGH OUT THIS CUSTOM HOME, AND IT IS READY FOR OCCUPANCY

207 N Parkview Court Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$990,000 - 4Br/5Ba -  for Sale in Village At Litchfield Park Phase 1, Litchfield Park
Open House
$990,000
4 Beds
5 Baths
3,552 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6755497
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Exquisite Litchfield Park home with Contemporary interior finishes. Luxury & convenience in a coveted, desirable location! Tall ceilings, natural polished stone flooring, radiant light floods home throughout the day and makes this open floorplan an inviting sanctuary for you and yours. 4 spacious bedrooms in Main House feature huge closets and black-out window treatments ensuring your privacy and comfort. Private Casita with separate entrance offers in-suite bathroom and comfort, just perfect for guests or multigenerational living. Entertaining Oasis style backyard with private pool and heated spa. Cul-de-sac corner-lot, one of largest in community, and steps away from Aleppo Community Park; volleyball, basketball, ramadas, playground, soccer field, etc. Top rated schools . )

2138 W Red Fox Road Phoenix, AZ 85085

$990,000 - 7Br/5Ba -  for Sale in Fireside At Norterra, Phoenix
Open House
$990,000
7 Beds
5 Baths
4,105 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6657730
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover the epitome of luxury living in this stunning 7-bedroom, 5-bathroom masterpiece with an OFFICE & LOFT, nestled in a prestigious GATED community. Just STEPS AWAY from the state-of-the-art Fireside COMMUNITY CENTER, this home boasts TWO full bed/baths DOWNSTAIRS & FOUR additional bedrooms plus a primary suite upstairs. Indulge in the fully UPGRADED chef's kitchen, designer walk-in pantry, gas stove, built-in refrigerator, and butler's pantry, all flowing into a spacious living area with surround sound. The OVERSIZED LOT transforms your backyard into a resort-like oasis with a HEATED POOL, SPA, built-in bar, BBQ, shaded patio, and grassy play area. Perfectly situated near Norterra's shops, dining, entertainment, and major highways. Enjoy exclusive community amenities like a GYM, pool, spa, rock climbing wall, tennis courts, and play parks. Moments from Sonoran Desert Vistas Trailhead, ideal for hiking and outdoor adventures! Forget building newthis is move-in ready. When would be a good time for you to see this exceptional home? Make a plan to see today!

7327 N Perryville Road Waddell, AZ 85355

$989,999
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,731 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6658021
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome home horse lovers to your own private oasis with views!! This gorgeous property features 2 irrigated acres plus a round pen and arena! This Sante Fe home features 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms with a large eat in kitchen. The kitchen has brand new upgraded granite counter tops with high ceilings and designer flooring. The expansive primary bedroom has direct access to the patio and the primary bath has dual sinks, a walk in shower Jacuzzi tub and large walk in closet. Now let's talk about the important part the BARN! The large barn includes (6) 16'W x 12'D stalls 4 of which have turn outs, 4' x 12' storage room, 12' x 12' wash bay, 16' x 12' tack room, 3 fans, lighting/electric, water & 14' covered patio area. 3 rail fencing throughout, 45' round pen, fenced arena plus lots more

6225 S Boulder Street Gilbert, AZ 85298

$989,990
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,945 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6768449
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Fabulous & popular Avocet Spring model in Waterston. 4bd plus den and teen room. Sitting on extended large lot, facing the park! Meticulously upgraded to offer a luxury living. Porcelain tiles throughout the house with plantation shutters for every window of the house. Step into the kitchen to feel the open-concept, stunning white-ice granite countertop, a stylish backsplash, upgraded wood cabinetry complemented by double wall ovens & upgraded appliances. Upgraded master bath with frameless glass walk-in shower, tiled walls & bath floor. Adjacent to the master bath is a walk-in closet. The tandem 3-car garage is complemented by an epoxy floor for easy care. Landscaped backyard has mature fruit trees with automatic dripping. Tour today before it's taken by others!

10005 W Spur Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$989,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
3,101 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6747666
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your modern farmhouse! Inside, the lovely foyer will present you with wood-look tile flooring, 10' ceilings, and formal dining room. The spacious great room features a 12' sliding glass door, recessed lighting, a built-in surround sound system, and an inviting brick fireplace. Espresso cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, subway tile backsplash, walk-in pantry, and a large island with breakfast bar, are just some of the features that you will love about the kitchen. Versatile bonus room, near the bedrooms, is perfect for a game or play room. The den is ready to be your home office. Owner's suite features a large, tile walk-in shower and TONS of storage! The backyard speaks for itself...

331 W Dundy Street San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$989,900
4 Beds
4 Baths
2,989 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6771000
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to luxury living in the gated community of Whitewing At Magma!! This stunning 4-bedroom, 4-bath home features a spacious 4-car garage and custom landscaping. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views from the expansive 20x30 covered patio, perfect for morning coffee. The gourmet kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, a beverage fridge, and quartz countertops with crown-molded cabinets. The large great room flows seamlessly to the back patio, ideal for entertaining. With two master suites and two additional bedrooms, this home offers ample space. The laundry room includes cabinetry and plumbing for a sink, while the garage is designed for all your toys. Out back, a 10x20 workshop with a John Deere riding lawnmower adds convenience. This move-in ready home is sure to please Plenty of room to build your dream garage, pool, or a guest house!!

14024 S 12th Place Phoenix, AZ 85048

$989,900 - 4Br/4Ba -  for Sale in Foothills Parcel 9e, Phoenix
Open House
$989,900
4 Beds
4 Baths
3,836 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6777853
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this stunning and spacious home nestled in the highly sought-after community of Richmond Heights! This exquisite two-story floor plan encompasses four generously sized bedrooms, four bathrooms, a sprawling loft, and a versatile flex room, making it perfect for families of any size. As you step through the front door, you will be welcomed by an impressive foyer adorned with a beautiful spiral staircase that sets the tone for the rest of the home. The popular Richmond floor plan showcases an inviting formal living room and a tastefully designed dining room that makes entertaining guests a delight. Adjacent to these areas, you will find a cozy family room with a fireplace, perfect for gathering on chilly evenings. The chef's kitchen is a culinary enthusiast's dream, boasting granite countertops that provide style and functionality. It has high-end stainless-steel appliances, including an electric cooktop with a custom stainless hood. The built-in microwave and oven ensure convenient meal preparation, while the expansive walk-in pantry offers ample storage. The breakfast nook invites you to savor your morning coffee while enjoying views of the backyard oasis. Upstairs, the owner's suite serves as a luxurious retreat with a serene sitting area for relaxation or reading. The ensuite bathroom is designed for indulgence, showcasing dual vanities topped with granite, a custom oversized tiled shower, a spa-like soaking bathtub, and an expansive walk-in closet that provides abundant space for all your wardrobe needs. Additionally, two more spacious bedrooms each feature updated ensuite bathrooms, enhancing comfort with granite countertops, elegant tiled showers, and large closets. The outdoor space is nothing short of spectacular. This backyard oasis is designed for ultimate outdoor living and entertainment, featuring a large covered patio equipped with awnings and a misting system for those warm summer days. Dive into the sparkling pebble-tec pool with a serene waterfall feature or enjoy the spacious artificial grass area, perfect for pets or children to play. The built-in barbecue is ideal for summer cookouts, while the custom paver side yard provides a sophisticated touch. Rinse off in the beautiful heated outdoor shower after a day in the sun. The oversized yard is beautifully landscaped with mature trees that offer shade and privacy, all while showcasing mountain views. This home is a true gem, ideally located in a fantastic Foothills neighborhood within walking distance of South Mountaina great spot for hiking and biking enthusiasts. You will also benefit from access to top-rated A+ Schools of Excellence in the Kyrene and Tempe Union School Districts, ensuring an outstanding education for your children. Conveniently located near shopping and dining options and easy access to the Loop 202 freeway, commuting to work or enjoying local attractions is a breeze. Don't miss the opportunity to make this exceptional home your own!

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