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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2101 N Normal Avenue Tempe, AZ 85288

$580,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,513 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6753795

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Newly remodeled home with fresh interior paint and new front landscaping!Fresh blue exterior paint, dual pane windows, and recent plumbing and electrical updates.Beautiful wood flooring throughout the home, recessed lighting, barn doors, and TWO entertainment rooms await you inside. Large shaker cabinets w/crown molding, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, custom tile backsplash, & a center island w/breakfast bar. The covered patio and fire-pit is the ideal place for all your gatherings under the vast Arizona sky. Located in a quiet neighborhood just minutes from Old Town Scottsdale, ASU, the Entertainment District! This property qualifies for 1% lender credits available to a qualified buyer! If not already working with another lender, please see the lender flyer in docs tab f

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901 S Smith Road Unit 1012 Tempe, AZ 85281

$580,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,805 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6758678

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Welcome to modern living in Tempe. This lux beauty has 3 bedrooms with 2.5 baths and is conveniently located to all that Tempe has to offer. Looking to be close to ASU, but not in the thick of it, look no further. Or if having easy access to the 101 for commuting to other parts of the valley is important, then this is the place. You'll appreciate the gated access to the community and a two car garage with direct entry into your home. Other pluses are the downstairs guest bath and the upstairs laundry room where the bedrooms are located. You'll also enjoy your private backyard and the balcony off the primary suite. There's much to love about this place and its location!

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19063 N 265th Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$580,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,864 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6707112

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

ASSUMABLE 3% FHA MORTGAGE WITH $285,000 DOWNPAYMENT, or fund a second! Get a pool, owned solar, golf and mountain views at a great price. This highly upgraded Sanctuary model with approximately 1,864 sf. has two suites, a half-bath, and a den. The home has a 2-ft. rear extension and 2-ft. extended garage which is air-conditioned. Upgraded Taupe cabinets, dark granite counters and a stainless-steel gas cooktop create contrast and brighten up the living space. An electric fireplace with a framed and tiled mantle, and accent wall paint, complements the hardwood floors in the gathering room. From the pool you can enjoy a view of the White Tank Mountains & the green at the 9th hole on the Mountain Course at Sun City Festival, Arizona's premier 55+ community.

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20903 S 185th Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$580,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,920 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770353

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This incredible home is MOVE IN READY!! Comes complete with refrigerator, hot tub, and large shed!! You're going to love living in this open concept home with 10 ft ceilings and large windows with a backyard perfect for lounging, entertaining or relaxing in the hot tub! RV Gate with extra concrete drive for parking, and additional storage space behind the gate! Air conditioned garage space with epoxy floors and loads of cabinets is perfect for parking or working on projects! With kitchen and bathroom updates, and new flooring this home is in excellent condition and you're going to love living here! Located on the Gilbert/Queen Creek border you're just minutes from QC Marketplace and San Tan Village shopping, dining & entertainment options! Don't let this one get away!

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18610 W Alice Avenue Waddell, AZ 85355

Open House

$580,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,131 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787167

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Owner/Agent. This stunning 3 bed, 2 bath, +den, single story home offers high-end features and a spacious lot with your own desert oasis to enjoy gorgeous MOUNTAIN VIEWS. Located 3 miles from the incredible White Tank Mountain Regional park with extensive Sonoran Desert TRAILS, nature center, and library with picturesque views, you can truly experience the beauty of the southwest only minutes away while still having easy access to Loop 303 freeway, as well as premier entertainment and dining. Featuring a split floorplan with the primary suite tucked away in the back of the home, the open living space includes a great room, kitchen, and dining room overlooking the extended, covered back patio. Low maintenance landscaping, complete with a custom pergola and crystal blue POOL with water features provide the perfect outdoor retreat. The custom RV GATE makes projects from front to back a breeze. Your modern, light and bright kitchen features quartz countertops, pendant lighting, and a large island with farmhouse sink & breakfast bar. You're sure to appreciate the gas cooktop and upgraded cabinets with under and over cabinet lighting and a walk in pantry. Relax in the primary suite with oversized, custom tiled shower, dual vanity/sinks, and a large walk-in closet. Expansive wood look tile flooring compliments most of the home and in the bedrooms, find newly installed luxury carpet with transferable lifetime warranty. Windows throughout have beautiful custom shutters, and the multi-panel 9-foot sliding door has custom shades for full sunlight or privacy when you need it. You'll love the home's ENERGY SAVING features and a healthier and quieter lifestyle. The 3-CAR GARAGE is insulated and complete with a mini split heating/cooling unit, professionally installed for year-round comfort. White Tank Foothills is a short 10 mile drive from the Westgate Entertainment District and 5 miles south of Prasada Shopping and Dining, close to numerous employers, and top-rated schools, including AMERICAN LEADERSHIP ACADEMY less than 2 miles from home. Come see why this is the home you've been looking for!

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5132 W Lydia Lane Laveen, AZ 85339

Open House

New

$580,000

5 Beds

4 Baths

2,896 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6788167

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

FORMER Kinkade model over 140k in upgrades! This two-story home features 5 bedrooms and 4 full baths, plenty of room for your needs. The home sits on large, fully landscaped home site, close to playground and walking paths. The spacious open floor plan including large gourmet eat in kitchen, Formal Dining room, Surround sound throughout, Bedroom on 1st floor w/full bath, upstairs loft. The feature list includes hardwood floors downstairs, all new LVP flooring upstairs, slab granite countertop, stainless steel appliances, 12-foot multi slide glass door in Great Room, designer wall treatments, custom subway tile kitchen backsplash, wifi-enabled front and back security cameras. Backyard gate leads to walking and biking trail, no homes behind you. Located within 2 miles of 202 freeway.

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10080 E Mountain View Lake Drive Unit 327 Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$579,999

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,152 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6749762

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Welcome to this Scottsdale Bay Club penthouse condo, recently renovated in 2024 with elegant quartz countertops, soft-close cabinets, sleek tile showers, and luxury vinyl flooring. This end unit offers privacy with no neighbors above and serene pool views from a private balcony. Enjoy direct access to the community pool, clubhouse, and gym. The gated community features a spa, fitness center, recreation room, Koi pond, and boat docks. Located next to Scottsdale Ranch Park, amenities include lighted tennis, racquetball, and sand volleyball courts, plus more. Close to Mercado Shopping Center and the 101 freeway.

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9016 W Tony Court Peoria, AZ 85382

$579,999

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,672 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779455

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

HUGE REDUCTION 40,000... NO HOA NONE.!!!!! .BRING YOUR BOATS AND TRAILERS YOU CAN PARK THEM HERE AT YOUR NEW HOUSE. RV GATE WIDE ENOUGH FOR A PONTOON.THERES A PLAY POOL , HALF BASKETBALL COURT AND A HALF LEMON/ORANGE TREE OUT BACK .INSIDE THE PLACE IS SPOTLESS NEW PAINT,THAT TIES THE GENTLY USED CARPET AND TAUPE AND BROWN TILE TOGETHER DOWNSTAIRS .THERES NEW HARDWARE THROUGH OUT. LIVE IN IT WHILE YOU MAKE THOSE LITTLE TWEEKS .THERES A LIVING ROOM ,DINING COMBO AND GREAT BIG FAMILY ROOM WITH A FIREPLACE .SNUGGLE UP WAITING FOR SANTA .QUARTER BATH DOWNSTAIRS AS WELL. ALL 4 HUGE BEDROOMS AND DEN CAN BE FOUND UPSTAIRS THERE ARE LARGE WALK IN CLOSETS IN THE BEDROOMS.LARGE LINEN,SEPERATE MASTER TUB AND SHOWER. 2YR OLD AC UNITS (2). LOTS OF GARAGE STORAGE..CLEAN CARPETS DOWN.ALLOWANCE UPSTAI

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3028 E Friess Drive Phoenix, AZ 85032

$579,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,032 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755440

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

-HOA- GREAT LOCATION. This home is located in a highly desirable neighborhood that offers numerous amenities for its residents. 3 bedrooms 2 &1/2 baths and a loft that opens to a balcony with views of a spacious yard and pebble tec pool. The North/South exposure provides ample natural light, and the home boasts a large family room with a fireplace, separate living and dining areas, and a kitchen with big windows and NEW appliances! The balcony has recently been updated with a new coating. The backyard is perfect for play, with a grass area, covered patio, and a beautiful pebble tec pool. Conveniently located near the 51 and 101 freeways, this home has NO HOA and is a short walk from the highly acclaimed Great Hearts Public Charter School K-12.

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4387 N 203rd Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$579,990

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,670 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786187

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in Victory at Verrado! The spacious Bernstein floorplan greets you with a grand 12-foot entry and 10-foot ceilings throughout. The kitchen shines with white stacked glass cabinets, Quartz counters, a subway tile backsplash, a large island, and GE Profile stainless steel appliances, including a wall oven. Entertain in the coffered-ceiling great room, dining area, or on the covered patio for seamless indoor-outdoor living. The private home office offers a quiet retreat, while the luxurious primary suite boasts a spa-like bath, a large shower with a bench, and a walk-in closet. Additional highlights include pendant lighting, ceiling fans, window blinds, and owned solar. Perfect for your vibrant lifestyle! Up to $20K can be applied towards closing cost OR short / long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

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22685 E Saddle Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$579,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,506 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6740903

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

**This is a TO-BE-BUILT LISTING, this home is ready for personalization and can be built on your choice of homesite. This is an advertisement of our base price for this elevation and lot premiums may apply** Welcome to Ashton Woods newest community in Queen Creek - Madera Marquis - which features outstanding community amenities and convenient access to the 24 freeway and shopping. The open concept Topaz plan is highly sought after and is the decorated model floorplan with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Options for structural upgrades include adding a butler's pantry, teen room, 12'' sliding glass door and so much more. This home includes an open concept kitchen with granite countertops, 42'' upper cabinets, and stainless steel appliances . Amazing spa like primary suite with dual vanities, ample linen storage and separate tub and shower. This floorplan is accompanied by an oversized den and sizable secondary bedrooms. This home comes standard with 10' ceilings, front yard landscaping, paver driveway, and much more! ~There is a minimum option spend requirement on new build homes, please reach out to the sales office for additional details.~

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32405 N 122nd Lane Peoria, AZ 85383

$579,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,373 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748747

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6748747~January Completion! The Erikson floor plan at Mystic Discovery exemplifies open concept living and is perfect for entertaining on both floors! The first floor is the heart of the home, with an open main living area that holds a spacious gathering room with a casual dining area and an open kitchen. The designer kitchen features a large island and step-in pantry. A downstairs guest bedroom is located at the front of the home which is perfect for overnight guests. Upstairs, the owner's suite features a garden tub and shower and a spacious walk-in closet. A loft and two additional bedrooms and the laundry room round out this lovely home. Structural options include: paver front porch, 2' garage extension, super shower at owner's bath, and soft water loop.

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