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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6302 E Hillcrest Boulevard Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$4,500,000 - 4Br/5Ba -  for Sale in Camelback East, Scottsdale
Open House
$4,500,000
4 Beds
5 Baths
5,376 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6745655
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
At the base of Camelback Mountain and on the Phoenician golf course sits this premier 4 bedroom, 5 bathroom coastal modren estate. With vaulted, exposed beam ceilings, skylights, wood paneled walls, large glass sliders, and hardwood flooring throughout this open concept living, dining, and kitchen. Chef's kitchen includes windows that open to the backyard, dual islands, Sub-Zero & Wolf appliances, multiple ovens, pantry and separate wet bar with built-in wine fridge. Multiple exterior areas perfect for entertaining; custom heated pool and spa with expanded pool deck, covered patio with built-in BBQ, sink, TV, putting green with artificial turf with large desert palms. Primary suite includes dual sink vanities, oversized shower, freestanding bathtub & outdoor private shower. Additional features include 3 en suite bedrooms and 3 car garage with electric charging station. Located only minutes away from Fashion Square, Old Town Scottsdale, and the best resorts, golf, dining, and shopping in Scottsdale and Arcadia.

4861 E Marston Drive Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$4,499,999
4 Beds
4 Baths
5,892 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6742885
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
SELLER MAY CARRY! No rental restrictions! Priced under $800/sqft, this elegant home sits on a large lot with stunning views of Camelback Mountain and Camel's Head. It features soaring ceilings, marble floors, and a private courtyard surrounded by lush landscaping. The resort-style backyard offers a sports court, putting green, cactus garden, and pool with new plumbing and digital pumps. Recent upgrades total $150k including paint, concrete finishes, and a new irrigation system. The gold leaf front door and chandeliers appraised & insured for $200k+. 4-car garage with carport make this home a rare find!

6902 N Highlands Drive Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$4,499,999
4 Beds
5.5 Baths
5,509 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6753805
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
THE BEST KNOCKOUT VIEWS AT A STEAL OF A PRICE! Where else can you get ALL THIS: One-of-a-kind hillside with UNOBSTRUCTED panoramic views of Camelback, Phoenix Skyline, Mummy Mountain, and PV fireworks. Your family and guests will be amazed by 5 view decks and the heated infinity pool & spa that let you feel like you're swimming into a limitless Arizona horizon. Perfectly positioned for privacy: no neighbor directly on top of you. Quiet dead-end street. And the desert hillside is a fortress that naturally shades & cools the house in the afternoons. All bedrooms are en suite with balcony/patio access including TWO Primary Suites! Floor-to-ceiling windows, two-story waterfall, 3 fireplaces, 2 wet bars, and temp-controlled pantry/wine room. WATCH THE VIDEO and SEND YOUR OFFERS! *** 8 AVMs (Automatic Valuation Models) value this home at an average of $5.05 MILLION! (Accessed 9/1/24: ATTOM, Movoto, Chase, Home Valuation, Realtordotcom, Public Data, Pennymac, and Wells Fargo). Don't miss this incredible opportunity to own a premium trophy location in Arizona's most prestigious ZIP code at a HUGE discount.

6112 E Cortez Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$4,499,900
5 Beds
4.5 Baths
5,266 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769489
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
STUNNING ESTATE in the exclusive 24/7 Guard gated community of Equestrian Manor! This gorgeous designer infused remodel features an amazing open floor-plan with vaulted ceilings, wide plank white oak wood flooring, an exquisite kitchen with custom Rift White Oak cabinets, Babylon Quartzite counter-tops, updated lighting, coffee bar and high-end appliances, marble wrapped fireplace with real wood beams in the family room, all secondary bathrooms have decorative marble flooring, Rifted White Oak Cabinets with Quartz and Caesarstone counter-tops and mosaic tile & marble wrapped showers, formal living room has oversized bar, fireplace and grand sliders to the back patio, unbelievable primary bathroom with a HUGE tile wrapped shower and separate stand alone soaking up, dual vanities with Casablanca Quartzsite counter-tops, his and her separate toilets, spacious walk-in closet with endless custom shelving, new roof, synthetic stucco, fresh interior & exterior paint, designer millwork throughout, New Pella windows and doors, new paver circular driveway, new garage R18 insulated doors and more. The backyard boasts Greenwich Herringbone laid brick on patio, extended patio awning with tongue and groove wrapped patio ceiling, Sparkling Pebble Tech pool with travertine pool decking, Ramada with exterior fireplace and BBQ, basketball court, synthetic turf in the front and back yard, front and back yard perimeter installed Ficus columns for added privacy, new landscaping water system and LED landscape lighting and this house is on sought after Cul-De-Sac lot on the one of the best streets in the community! Motivated Sellers!

8760 E Hackamore Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$4,499,500 - 4Br/6Ba -  for Sale in Bronco Estates, Scottsdale
Open House
$4,499,500
4 Beds
5.5 Baths
6,240 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6726473
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this luxurious 4-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom home with a separate guest house, located in a stunning Scottsdale location. This exquisite property boasts sprawling wood floors and offers breathtaking city light and mountain views. The main property sits at 5,371 square feet w/ a gorgeous guest house that is 869 sqft The interior is adorned with numerous upgrades, including elegant wainscoting and a huge kitchen featuring a massive island with granite counters, custom fixtures, and top-of-the-line Sub-Zero appliances. Step outside to your resort-style oasis, complete with a stunning pool, travertine patio decking, and a built-in patio area, perfect for entertaining and relaxing. Don't miss the opportunity to own this exceptional home in one of Scottsdale's most desirable areas

10040 E Happy Valley Road Unit 1010 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$4,499,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
5,047 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6752037
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nestled on the 17th Tee box on the world-renowned Jack Nicklaus Golf Course, & with Pinnacle Peak Mountain practically in the backyard, this exquisite Desert Highlands residence embodies the pinnacle of luxury living in North Scottsdale. Built in 2003 by Casa Del Oso & completely reimagined in 2022. Spanning a generous layout with 4 ensuite bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, & a 3 car garage, this property, offers an unparalleled lifestyle with full golf & tennis membership. Every inch of this estate has been meticulously redesigned for luxury, comfort, & entertainment. From the culinary dream kitchen featuring a 48-inch six-burner Wolf range with a griddle, custom cabinetry, 2 Subzero refrigerators, coffee bar, appliance pantry, California Faucets, spacious kitchen island with prep sink... leathered granite & quartzite counter tops, & all this with mountain & golf course views. You will be mesmerized by the breathtaking views in the large great room with dining area, gas fireplace, & custom bar inspired by New York's finest restaurant which features a marble countertop, custom cabinetry, custom lighting & beverage fridge. The primary suite is a sanctuary of tranquility with sliders out to the pool & spa, fireplace, standalone tub, stunning shower, dual vanities, make up area, & 2 walk in closets. There is a dedicated office, bonus room with sliders out to the backyard oasis, & modern designed powder room. Ownership includes full membership to Desert Highlands' Golf Club with $150,000 fee, which grants access to the golf course, the state-of-the-art tennis club, putting course, bocce ball, pickle ball, catch & release pond, & dog park. This home is an entertainer's dream with the outdoor spaces designed for year-round enjoyment, blending seamlessly with the stunning views & landscape. There are multiple patios, courtyards, and balconies including an outdoor kitchen with views, 2 outdoor fireplaces, a fire pit, putting green, pool & spa. The mountain views are second to none with views of Pinnacle Peak, Troon Mountain, & the McDowell Mountains with the property positioned to maximize the sweeping mountain vistas & city light views. Enjoy privacy, security, & the convenience of being minutes away from fine dining, shopping, and the natural beauty of the Arizona desert. Enjoy playing the world class course which was named as one of the top desert courses in the Nation. Home has an abundance of storage and a whole house water filtration system. Embrace a life where luxury meets the pinnacle of outdoor living. This Desert Highlands gem is more than a homeit's a masterpiece designed for those who demand excellence and exclusivity.

6311 E Phoenician Boulevard Unit 18 Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$4,495,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,188 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6785989
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Nestled at the foot of iconic Camelback Mountain, Ascent is an exclusive new residential enclave neighboring The Phoenician Resort—one of Arizona's most prestigious luxury destinations. This exceptional community, set in Scottsdale's most desirable location, harmonizes with the surrounding Sonoran Desert landscape. This villa offers stunning views of the golf course and sweeping desert surroundings, featuring modern architecture with warm, natural materials, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious outdoor living areas with a built-in BBQ, a private elevator, and a two-car garage—creating a seamless connection to the breathtaking outdoors and a luxurious lifestyle.

37445 N 104th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$4,495,000
5 Beds
6 Baths
5,724 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6654477
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Brand new contemporary build inside the prestigious Mirabel Golf Community, construction projected to be completed 1st quarter of 2025. Extremely functional open floor plan w/ impeccable details throughout, including rich wood tones accented by luxurious marble details and fluted wood accents. The kitchen features 2 islands. The dining room conveniently bridges the space between kitchen and great room, allowing for an extended dining table. The floorplan brings the indoor/outdoor living to life w/ floor-to-ceiling folding doors that open to the extra-large covered patio, perfect for entertaining. The exquisite and unique design of the resort-like pool makes it feel as though the pool flows into the home. Walk up the modern floating staircase to take in the breathtaking views of the golf.. course, McDowell Mountains, and Brown's Butte from the 2nd floor entertainment/guest area. Easy walking distance to the beautiful Mirabel Clubhouse. There is still time to personalize some finishes in the home! The attached videos of the interior and exterior give you a look into the completed project. Finishes may be subject to change based on availability.

9673 E Oberlin Way Unit 15 Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$4,495,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,414 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6708869
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Access to golf membership * Timeless contemporary architecture with south-facing golf course and Pinnacle Peak views in Estancia * Access to a golf membership at The Estancia Club is available with the purchase of this property subject to board approval * Open great room living with soaring ceilings that include tongue and groove detail, a dry-stacked stone fireplace and integrated formal dining area that is perfect for entertaining * Exterior architectural details include a convex vaulted roof treated in copper, dry-stacked stone walls and floor-to-ceiling windows * Updated kitchen with stainless steel Wolf and Subzero appliances, carrara marble counter surfaces and a cozy dining nook * The oversized Primary Suite includes herringbone-design wood flooring and access to the spa * There are two guest suites and a large office/media room * The outdoor living area includes a gas fireplace, covered patio dining area and heated pool and spa with golf course and mountain views *

5625 E Exeter Boulevard Phoenix, AZ 85018

$4,495,000
5 Beds
6 Baths
5,004 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6750959
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This quintessential Arcadia home is every family's dream. This sprawling ranch, located on the coveted Exeter Blvd in the heart of Arcadia, is as grand as it is charming. Enter through a custom Dutch entry door into a home filled with vintage wood flooring, beamed ceilings, and a chef's kitchen boasting custom cabinetry, Carrera marble countertops, high-end appliances, two dishwashers, a farmhouse sink, and a walk-in pantry with a second fridge. The versatile den is an ideal space for both kids and adults or can be transformed into a spacious mother-in-law suite. The Arcadia Proper cottage-style home offers a split floor planwith five bedrooms and six bathrooms. The primary suite includes a cozy fireplace, an oversized closet, a dual sink vanity, and a luxurious walk-in shower with a... ...clawfoot tub. A wall of glass sliders opens to the magnificent grounds, featuring stunning resort-style landscaping, a heated pebble tec pool and spa, and a covered patio. There's plenty of space fora sport court, bocce ball, pickleball, or even a soccer pitch, making this home perfect for hosting birthday parties, cocktail gatherings, weddings, and outdoor soirées. Additional features include a massive laundry room, an exposed red brick wine room, and an air-conditioned garage that fits nine cars. Truly a car enthusiast's dream. The prime location offers easy access to the best shops, restaurants, and amenities in both Arcadia and Old Town Scottsdale.

12934 E Corrine Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85259

$4,495,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,359 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6759314
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The most remarkable home in Scottsdale Mountain with HUGE camelback and city views is now available. Fully rebuilt with a clean, Modern Organic pallet, this home makes you feel as though you are a part of the mountains. With no neighbors on 3 sides every room of this estate offers jaw dropping vistas. Step out back and you'll be blown away by the massive pool patio overlooking camelback mountain and the night lights. Inside, see extraordinary spaces and textures that capture the nature around you. Rift cut white oak cabinets and beautiful Quartzite, Moroccan plaster and unique tile patterns, White Oak Plank floors and floor to ceiling glass. Solid Oak doors and beautiful organic lighting. You must see this home in person to feel how it captures the romance of living on the mountain.

20664 E Ivy Lane Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$4,475,000
5 Beds
5.5 Baths
7,283 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6741540
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nestled in one of the valley's most exclusive and unique neighborhoods, welcome to The Pecans—a private, gated community adorned with hundreds of mature pecan trees. This serene enclave perfectly blends a small-town feel with the modern conveniences of Queen Creek. Introducing a masterpiece of modern luxury, this nearly 7,300-square-foot residence is designed by the renowned The Lifestyled Co. Crafted by Modern Splendor Homes, this extraordinary property was honored with the prestigious ''Best Custom Home'' award (2023) by the Home Builders Association and has been featured in numerous well-known magazines. Situated on over an acre, one of the largest lots in The Pecans, this home offers an expansive backyard with a heated saltwater pool, spa and a pool bath with dual sinks. and a crash pad with a window that opens to the backyard, complete with swings. It's the perfect place to relax and enjoy a drink while watching the game. The interior is designed with an earthy, vacation-inspired vibe, accented by edgy, unique touches. The dream garage offers space for an RV or boat, and the butler pantry/dirty kitchen with a separate door to the garage provides easy access for event vendors. Inside, the home features two elegant staircases, one of which includes a cozy reading nook. The playroom is equipped with bunk beds, ideal for cousin and friend sleepovers. The kitchen is a culinary delight, featuring a built in steam oven and a cabinet/ladder area that exudes a farmer's market ambiance for fresh produce. The incredible floor plan includes a downstairs master retreat complete with an attached sitting room and fireplace, with the primary bath offering two walk-in closets. The main level also features a large bedroom with an attached bathroom, a beautiful office, and a spacious bonus room. Upstairs, you'll find large bedrooms, each with its own custom bath, a large loft, and a bunk bed area perfect for cousin or friend sleepovers. Every inch of this home is meticulously detailed and perfect. This home offers the ideal blend of luxury and functionality, with the option to purchase it fully furnished. With .35 of an acre left to build on, it's an ideal space for a casita or sports court. Enjoy the privacy of no neighbors in front of you and a clear pathway that ensures uninterrupted views.

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