Mythbusting: Understanding Mortgage Myths and Why They Shouldn’t Hold You Back

With the fluctuations in real estate and the increasing cost of home ownership, many people are entering the market with more trepidation these days. Fortunately, there are a number of myths associated with buying a home that may not adversely affect potential home buyers. If you’re interested in purchasing a home but are unsure about whether it will get approved, here are a few things you may want to dispel.

No Approval With Less Than 20 Percent

While putting 20 percent down can help you avoid having to pay private mortgage insurance, this down payment percentage is still just a suggestion when it comes to mortgages. It’s necessary to put a certain percentage down and be able to drum up the money on your own, but if getting into the market is your priority, buying now may be worth the investment over time. It’s just important to remember that the cost of your monthly payment should be affordable for the long term.

Home Ownership Is Too Expensive

It’s certainly the case that the real estate market is always fluctuating and prices can go up or down, but generally speaking, a home will increase in value over time and that means your monthly payment will be something you can consider an investment. While monthly rent disappears as soon as the calendar month is over, the money you invest into a home month after month builds up your equity and ensures greater stability for your financial future.

You Must Have A Good Credit Report

While it will definitely help your mortgage application if you possess good credit, it’s not necessarily a deal breaker if you don’t. Each mortgage is assessed based on a combination of factors that can include your down payment amount and your debt-to-income ratio, so this means that if you have a higher down payment and a less impressive credit report, you can still be approved. It’s a good idea to pay your bills on time and get your debt down if you’re applying for a mortgage, but there are opportunities for potential buyers who have experienced credit issues.

Home ownership is an important dream for many people, and as a result, there are many myths associated with the mortgage process. However, even if you don’t have 20 percent down or perfect credit, there are still opportunities for improving your financial well-being and investing in a home. If you’re currently looking for a new home, give me a call for more information – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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3706 S Cottonwood Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$585,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,669 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768193

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, single-story home with a 2-car garage and no HOA! Recently renovated within the last 5 years, including a new A/C unit, this home features hard floors throughout and an open-concept kitchen with granite countertops. The exterior boasts fresh paint, a low-maintenance yard, and a sparkling PebbleTec diving pool. The spacious covered patio is ideal for entertaining. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, entertainment, the 101/60 freeways, and Ehrhardt Park. This home is the perfect blend of style, comfort, and location!

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4077 S Sabrina Drive Unit 71 Chandler, AZ 85248

$585,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,775 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768414

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning home in the Echelon At Ocotillo Community in South Chandler. This end unit boasts an abundance of natural light and windows creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. Well laid pavers in the front patio make it a great place to sit and watch the sunset. The gourmet kitchen includes quartz counter tops, new upgraded LG smart appliances with refrigerator connected to the RO for water, regular ice and craft ice spheres, plus lower kitchen cabinets & pantry with convenient pull outs. Smart home system with ring doorbell, programmable thermostats and smart garage door opener. One bedroom and full bath on the first level, three bedrooms and two bath rooms on the second level. Walk-in shower in master bathroom. Additional features, ceiling fans, steel security front door, full driveway with two car garage. Community amenities include a playground , gorgeous community pool and spa for your enjoyment. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make this house your new home.

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5831 W Pine Cove Prescott, AZ 86305

$585,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,057 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772452

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home tucked away on a serene, pine-covered .93 acre lot in Highland Pines. Offering 2,057 sq. ft. of living space, this mountain retreat features a great room with soaring ceilings, rustic wood accents, and a cozy wood-burning stove. The dining room's wall of windows provides breathtaking views of the surrounding pines. Step outside onto the deck to take in the panoramic scenery. Additional amenities include a one-car garage, asphalt driveway, brick paver paths, and a fenced dog run. This home is truly a peaceful getaway in the Pines with modern comforts!

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1354 W Nido Avenue Mesa, AZ 85202

$585,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,616 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769367

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in sought after community of Dobson Ranch!! This beautifully designed 4-bedroom residence offers a perfect blend of comfort and style, ideal for those seeking spacious living with community amenities. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by an inviting open floor plan that seamlessly connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas, creating a warm atmosphere for gatherings and entertaining. This home provides trending designs with remodeled bathrooms, remodeled kitchen, and new LVP flooring throughout the home. Dobson Ranch is a sought after Southeast Valley community boasting 1 of the best municipal golf clubs in the City and this home Just doors away from the Dobson Community La Casita rec Center. HVAC 2023, Roof 2010.

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2544 W Knowles Avenue Mesa, AZ 85202

$585,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,106 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771836

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in the heart of Dobson Ranch! This beautifully updated residence is ready for its new owners & features an impressive backyard oasis, complete with a lush ficus hedge, low maintenance turf, and a delicious orange tree. Step inside to discover a versatile den that serves as the perfect flex space—ideal for a craft room, office, media room, utility area, or guest room. The heart of the home is the stunning kitchen, completely remodeled in 2018 to create an open floor plan that doubled its size. Enjoy modern conveniences, including motion-detected under-cabinet lighting that illuminates your space as you descend the stairs. Recent upgrades include a complete ductwork overhaul in 2024, ensuring optimal airflow throughout the home. Nestled on an oversized lot in a peaceful half cul-de-sac, this property features RV gates on both sides, leading to two large concrete pads-perfect for storage, parking, or additional outdoor activities. The driveway also accommodates a third slab, complemented by a charming paver walkway. The extended-length garage provides direct access to the side yard. Dive into relaxation with the large diving pool, and enjoy evenings on the covered patio overlooking the north-facing yard, where you can gather around the firepit. Pool equipment is discreetly stored in the side yard for your convenience. Experience the vibrant Dobson Ranch community, complete with miles of scenic walking paths along the lake and golf course; 3 community pools, and engaging events throughout the year. Enjoy tennis & pickleball courts, a splash pad, and a rec room available for private rental. Explore a variety of clubs for hobbies ranging from dance and writing to hiking and cards-there's something for everyone! For more information, visit Dobson Ranch HOA for community publications like the Ranchers' Roundup. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the recent upgrades at Dobson Ranch Golf Course, including a cutting-edge Inrange ball tracking driving range, on-course food ordering, a 9-hole putt-putt course which is free for kids, a restaurant and bar, and numerous leagues and clinics.

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3609 E Ludlow Drive Phoenix, AZ 85032

$585,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,530 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6773988

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

*Location* Location* Right off the 51 freeway and Thunderbird Rd., this home will not disappoint! Fully remodeled down to the drywall finish this home has endless new features such as low maintenance landscape with new synthetic grass, new flooring throughout, full bathroom remodel, complete kitchen remodel, low energy LED lighting throughout, double pane windows, and new appliances!! Don't hesitate, don't delay, seller is ready to sell!

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10952 W Tropicana Circle Sun City, AZ 85351

$585,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,196 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776995

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Golf course lot! Completely renovated and move-in ready. Open floor plan with formal dining room, spacious kitchen open to great room, 3 bedrooms plus den, 3 baths, 2 car garage. Highly upgraded with plank tile flooring t/o, carpet in bedrooms, custom cabinets, Quartz counter tops, Stainless steel appliances including fridge, and wine fridge, breakfast bar, pendent lights, tile back splash. New light and plumbing fixtures, new interior and exterior paint, dual pane windows. Master suite offers his and hers walk-in closets, double sinks. Inside laundry, oversized utility room with golf cart parking, epoxy garage flooring, new garage door, new gas water heater, roof 2008, HVAC 2012. Home warranty!

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5434 W Parsons Road Phoenix, AZ 85083

$585,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,446 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779298

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

PRICE REDUCED! Entertain friends or sit and read in the front room with its soaring ceilings. The great room is the natural setting for watching tv or hanging out. The kitchen is stunning with a tile backsplash, granite countertops, staggered cupboards, large walk-in pantry, SS appliances, gas stove, and a breakfast bar. There is new carpet throughout that complements the tile. Notice the closets everywhere! Just past the kitchen is a full bathroom and 4th bedroom/office, a perfect guest suite or work area. Dining area. Epoxied garage floor. Upstairs find 3 bedrooms and a loft area perfect for a play area, tv area, or work space. The huge primary bedroom with 2 walkin closets is separated from bedroom 2 &3 by the loft and upstairs laundry. Artificial turf & pavers in yard. Great location

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2704 E Fairmount Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85016

$585,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,580 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6731098

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautifully upgraded 4-bedroom home in the sought-after Biltmore/Arcadia Lite area! This move-in ready home features a new roof, HVAC, water heater, and stylish Vinyl Lux flooring. The remodeled kitchen and wet bar are perfect for entertaining, with farm doors adding charm. The large lot with no HOA includes a backyard with alley access and a detached garage, ideal for a workshop or potential ADU for rental income or extra space. Minutes from top dining and shopping, this home offers modern living and endless possibilities.

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4906 S Bannock Avenue Sierra Vista, AZ 85650

$585,000

5 Beds

4 Baths

3,946 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6705022

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This is it! Come home from a long day to this incredible property with million dollar mountain views and breathtaking sunsets! Far enough out of town to enjoy peace but with easy access to downtown Sierra Vista. Two of the bedrooms are easily used as a separate studio with its own kitchenette and entrance if desired. The peaceful koi pond features several large koi. The backyard patio comes with the inground pool we all crave during hot summer BBQ. Enjoy bird watching, hiking, views of the famous Carr Canyon waterfall & the nighttime sky! Bonus detached workshop! Whether it's peace, creativity or practicality you crave, this house has it all, it is so unique that you'll really have to come see the character and comfort that it offers! Welcome home.

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9409 E Nacoma Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$585,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,443 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6713360

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Pride of ownership is apparent in this 3 bedroom, 3 bath home in the gated active adult community of Oakwood CC. The casita with separate entrance provides flexibility for guests, a home office or exercise studio. Entertain in the great room or family room with adjacent kitchen and breakfast nook. Granite counters, SS appliances, newer paint and hardware with loads of cupboard space. Retire to the primary suite with patio access, walk in closet, dual split sinks and separate shower and tub. Guests will appreciate the spacious bedroom with walk in closet and nearby bath. New AC in 2021. Newer wood look tile flooring with some carpeted areas. You'll love the large picture windows and slider leading to the backyard with expanded covered patio and lush landscaping. See upgrade list.

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893 W Chilton Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85233

$585,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,702 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774136

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning remodeled home located just a short walk from downtown Gilbert! This exceptional property, remodeled within the last year, sits on a corner lot next to a prestigious multi-million dollar residential community. Step into the backyard and experience your own private oasis, complete with a sparkling pool, tranquil waterfall, enchanting string lighting, a cozy propane fire pit, and breathtaking views. With neighbors on only two sides, you'll enjoy a remarkable level of privacy. The home features a spacious kitchen with an inviting island and top-of-the-line appliances. Throughout the kitchen, dining, and family rooms, you'll find soaring vaulted ceilings that create an open and airy ambiance.

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