The 4 Most Common Mortgage Questions, Answered

The 4 Most Common Mortgage Questions, AnsweredMaking the decision to purchase a home is one of the most significant investments most people will make in their life, and this automatically means there are a lot of questions that need to be answered before putting any money down. If you’re considering making the leap, here are some insights into some of the common questions you might have.

How Much Should You Put Down?

While many homebuyers have the option of putting as little as 3% down in order to purchase a home, there are benefits to saving up for a down payment and putting in 15 or 20%. Because your interest rate will be higher on a lower down payment, putting more down can mean a lower overall price tag and monthly payment.

Fixed or Variable Rate Mortgage?

While a fixed rate mortgage can be good for homeowners who are new to the market due to its stability, a variable rate can be hard to rely on because it can change all of the time. Fixed rates can end up costing more than variable rates in the event of low interest rates, but it’s important to determine your comfort level with the market is before deciding on your mortgage type.

How Will The Lender Assess You?

There are a number of different factors that lenders will assess you on including your income, personal debt load, employment and credit history. While it’s important to be in the good books for these reasons, a lower credit score does not mean you will not be able to qualify for a mortgage; it simply means that you may need to provide a higher down payment.

What Will The Monthly Payment Be?

One of the conundrums of home ownership is being able to determine what you’ll actually be paying per month to purchase your home, but this number is dependent on the size of your mortgage, your interest rate, and the frequency of your payments. There are also many handy online tools you can use to provide some estimates but it’s best that you consult your mortgage specialist about this.

Most homeowners, particularly those that are new to home ownership, have many questions when it comes to purchasing a home, but by being aware of what a lender looks at and what you should put down, you’re well on your way to a healthy attitude towards ownership. If you’re currently considering buying a home, give me a call today – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

948 N 87th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$612,551
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,484 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776414
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Prime Scottsdale Cul-de-Sac Home Near Old Town & Fashion Square Discover this stunning Scottsdale home, perfectly located near Old Town Scottsdale, Fashion Square, and top-rated restaurants. Enjoy elegant engineered hardwood floors and a spacious, open kitchen with scenic views, perfect for entertaining. The master bedroom features a private garden view and a luxurious walk-in tiled shower. The central courtyard enhances indoor-outdoor living, while the yard offers beautiful sunrise views. Additional features include a removable pool fence, energy-efficient windows (2016), and 220-volt outlets. Close to community trails and the Scottsdale wash trails, parks, and the vibrant Scottsdale lifestyle—don't miss this exceptional home!

8133 E Sunwing Ridge Drive Hereford, AZ 85615

$612,000
4 Beds
4 Baths
3,268 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6781824
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --

10864 E Texas Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$611,888
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,358 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6761150
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MLS#6761150 February Completion! Introducing the exquisite Paisley floor plan at La Mira Discovery, featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a loft, and an attached 2-car garage. Step through the welcoming front porch and down the extended foyer to find a private bedroom and bath—ideal for guests or family. Beyond the staircase lies the expansive gathering room, a spacious kitchen with an island, and a connected dining area, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Upstairs, you'll discover two additional bedrooms, a versatile loft, a convenient laundry room, and an impressive owner's suite. Structural options include: soft water loop, extended covered outdoor living, garden tub at primary, shower in lieu of tub at secondary bath, and paver front porch.

4321 Sawbuck Way Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$611,595
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,828 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6770394
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Flourish, Homestead, 2 bed 2 bath, Design materials and selections made personally by the talented Shea interior design team, Induction builtin appliance package, matte black accents throughout, heavy glass enclosure at primary bath, upgraded quartz counters at kitchen and both bath, custom designed mosaic tile at kitchen and both bath, cabinet pull outs and recycling with pull out drawers under cooktop, service door at garage, 15ft sliding wall of glass at living room, upgraded electrical throughout, over $23,000 in upgraded tile flooring throughout the house, 4ft garage extension, custom landscape and irrigation at front and back, under cabinet lighting at kitchen. Discover current incentives at Shea sales office.

18370 W Goldenrod Street Goodyear, AZ 85338

$611,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,713 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6764487
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your new sanctuary nestled in the heart of the vibrant Master Planned Community of Estrella. Step inside this beautifully updated energy-efficient 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home where modern elegance meets comfortable living. As you enter, you'll be greeted by a stylish grey color palette that sets the tone for the contemporary atmosphere throughout. The primary bedroom is a luxurious retreat, boasting private access to the back patio, complete with a sprawling ensuite featuring double vanities, a deep soaker tub, and an expansive walk-in tiled shower. The secondary bedrooms offer ample space and privacy, thoughtfully separated from the primary suite. The second full bath is a haven of relaxation, showcasing a walk-in tiled shower with sleek finishes. Prepare to be enchanted by the chef's dream kitchen, equipped with a large island, Wolf gas cooktop, stainless hood, granite counters, subway tiled backsplash, wall oven/microwave, and an oversized pantry to fulfill all your culinary desires. Convenience meets functionality with a mudroom strategically located at the garage entrance, providing the perfect spot to unload shoes and bags after a busy day. Outside, the private oversized backyard beckons with a sprawling side yard ideal for a dog run, complemented by artificial turf, a paver seating area, and a soothing hot tub - the ultimate oasis for relaxation and entertainment. With a spacious three-car tandem garage, parking dilemmas are a thing of the past. And when it comes to amenities, Estrella offers a plethora of resort-style options including two residents clubs, pools, fitness centers, a splash park, lakes, hiking/biking trails, and abundant parks - ensuring there's always something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss this opportunity to embrace luxury living in a community designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

14132 W Bent Tree Circle Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$610,500
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,800 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6747586
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to Luxury Living in an Exclusive Gated Community. Come view your fully remodeled dream home in our prestigious gated community, featuring a gorgeous 2-bedroom, 2 -bath residence with a den. This beautifully designed home features modern updates such as Spanish Porcelain flooring, Porcelain countertops, and even walk-in Marble showers with seated areas in both showers! As you step inside, you'll feel the love that was put into this home as it carries a cozy, warm feeling while still upholding a very modern and elegant interior. This home is ideal for both casual dining and entertaining guests with its custom built in dining table & butler's kitchen. This is not all this property features as you'll be able to enjoy your jacuzzi that is amazing for hosting or just giving yourself some personal relaxing time! Living in this gated community ensures privacy and security. The security cameras that are conveying with the home will also give you that reassurance needed as you're able to view your outside premises with one touch of a button! Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to make this house, your home!

22723 W Calle De Los Flores Drive Wittmann, AZ 85361

$610,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,194 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769023
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Experience luxury living in this custom-built Territorial home on a sprawling 1.2-acre lot, offering breathtaking mountain views. This highly upgraded gem boasts elegant maple cabinets, sleek granite countertops, and stylish tile flooring. Inside, the stunning wood vega poles add a touch of rustic charm, while expansive covered patios invite you to enjoy outdoor living at its finest. The home features a formal dining room and a spacious, open kitchen that flows seamlessly into the great room—perfect for entertaining. Retreat to the master suite, complete with a large soaking tub, double sinks, a generous walk-in closet, and split bedroom design for added privacy. With modern amenities like pre-wiring for security, satellite, and ceiling fans, plus an extended 3-car garage with extra storage, this property has everything you need. Best of all, there's no HOA, giving you the freedom to truly make this space your own. The 12x45 covered RV parking offers a fantastic opportunity for extra income during the winter months when the ropers are in town, or it can easily be transformed into horse facilities. This home is the perfect blend of luxury and versatility, designed to fit your lifestyle. Don't miss out on owning this desert oasis!

12535 N 87th Drive Peoria, AZ 85381

$610,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
3,026 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6783306
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This gorgeous 4 bed, 3 bath, tri-level residence now on the market is for you! Great curb appeal, a manicured landscape w/lush grass, a 3 car garage, and an RV gate are just the beginning. Discover a spacious dining & living area w/vaulted ceilings, perfect for entertaining. Soft carpet in all the right places, elegant light fixtures, and custom palette throughout! The lower level boasts a cozy family w/stylish wood-look flooring, plantation shutters, and a brick fireplace to keep you warm during the coming winter months. The fabulous eat-in kitchen is comprised of wood cabinetry w/granite counters, a pantry, stainless steel appliances, and an island complete w/a breakfast bar. New pool pump in 2020 & new RV pad and gate! You'll love the primary bedroom, featuring soft carpet, a walk-in closet, and a full ensuite w/dual sinks. Also including an expansive backyard w/a covered patio and a fenced pool, this home is a dream come true! Act now before it's gone!

140 E Coronado Road Phoenix, AZ 85004

$610,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,650 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6752538
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
RARE historic Villa del Coronado two units have been combined to bring you 2,650 bright & spacious livable square feet, 3 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms with 3 private view patios outside extensive walls of glass w/ pool & tree top views in this highly desired Central Phoenix location. The midcentury modern development was carefully designed and constructed by renowned real estate developer Lionel V. Mayell (known to be the pioneer of early midcentury garden living). It is positioned adjacent to the Phoenix Theatre & Art Museum. It is also minutes from the Heard Museum, Roosevelt Row Arts District, shopping, Light Rail, & in addition to iconic restaurants such as Durant's. Community features 2 large pools and expansive park-like grassy lawns where you can BBQ, relax, & enjoy beautiful sunny AZ afternoons. This home is inclusive of an inside laundry (accommodating full size washer/dryer), gas cooktop, 2 refrigerators, and 2 garage spaces w/ storage. The HOA covers all your utilities (gas, water, electric, sewer, trash, & exterior maintenance) & property taxes. The modern updated design is ready for move in - no work/remodeling needed. This is a step up from a regular cooperative, as each unit has its own Warranty Deed.

2122 W Virginia Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85009

$610,000
5 Beds
2 Baths
2,150 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6760861
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Come see this Newly Constructed, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, New AC Units, A Casita, or Mother-in-law suite, near Encanto Park, Easy access to I -10 & I -17 Freeways, Shopping, Restaurants, Great Schools, Arizona State Fair Grounds, Downtown Phoenix's Vibrant Cultural Scene, Dining & Entertainment, Easy Access to Encanto 18 Golf Course

5060 S Las Mananitas Trail Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$610,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,184 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6767301
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Superstition foothills beauty combines amazing mountain views with a tastefully furnished home. The soaring ceilings and louvred shutters afford natural light as desired. The huge primary suite contains a sitting room, spacious vanity, walk in closet and glass shower + tub. Sophisticated, open kitchen hosts stainless appliances, newer large granite island and lovely cabinetry with pull outs all around. Yard includes a refreshing pool with built in table, water fall, pergola with seating. and a fire pit for chilly winter nights Natural habitat between neighbors and fencing enhances your privacy. A built in BBQ, fridge, wet sink & burner and citrus trees complete the back. A 3 car garage contains more storage cabinetry and a sealed floor.

3940 S Velero Street Chandler, AZ 85286

$610,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,120 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6767814
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Location, location, location! This spacious home has it all! Four bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, formal living & dining rooms, family room, 3 car tandem garage and sparkling pool! This home has lots of natural light and an open, split bedroom floor plan. The kitchen has a kitchen island with breakfast bar and overlooks the family room with gas fireplace. The kitchen range is currently gas; however, it is wired for an electric stove. Inside laundry with cabinets is off kitchen area. The Primary bedroom has an en suite bathroom with separate shower & tub, dual sink vanity and large walk-in closet. The low maintenance backyard has a covered patio and play pool. Community offers lush, landscaped greenbelts, playground and is within a convenient Chandler neighborhood near Loop 202 and near major shopping and dining. This home is being sold by the original owners and is a must see!!!!