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6 Things You Must Know Before You Get a Mortgage in Arizona

Mortgage Regulations Have Changed . . .

Mortgage regulations have changed significantly over the last few years, making your options wider than ever. Subtle changes in the way you approach mortgage shopping, and even small differences in the way you structure you r mortgage, can literally cost or save you thousands of dollars and years of expenses.

Get the Right Information

Whether you are about to buy your first home or are planning to make a move to your next home, it is critical that you inform yourself about the factors involved. Industry research has revealed that there are 6 common mistakes that most homebuyers make in mortgage shopping that can have a significant impact on the outcome of this critical negotiation. If handled correctly, these issues could result in a mortgage that will cost you less over a shorter period of time.

“Subtle changes in the way you approach mortgage shopping, and even small differences in the way you structure your mortgage, can cost or save you literally thousands of dollars and years of expense.”

6 Things You Must Know Before Obtaining a Mortgage

Before you commit your hard earned dollars to monthly mortgage payments, consider these 6 issues. Effective consideration of these important areas can make your payments work much harder for you.

  1. You can, and should, get pre-approved for a mortgage before you go looking for a home. Pre-approval is easy and can give you complete peace of mind when shopping for your home. Your local lending institution can provide you with written pre-approval for you at no cost or obligation, and it can all be done quite easily over the phone. More than just a verbal approval from your lending institution, a written pre-approval is as good as money in the bank. It entails a completed credit application and a certificate which guarantees you a mortgage to the specified level when you find the home you’re looking for.
  2. Know what monthly dollar amount you feel comfortable committing to. When you discuss mortgage pre-approval with your lending institution, find out what level you qualify for, but also pre-assess for yourself what monthly dollar amount you feel comfortable committing to. Your situation may give you a pre-approval amount that is higher (or lower) than the amount of money you would want to pay out each month. By working back and forth with your lending institution to determine what this monthly amount is and what value of home this translates into at today’s rates, you won’t waste time looking at homes that are not in your price range.
  3. You should be thinking about you r long term goals and expected situation to determine the type of mortgage that will best suit your needs. There are a number of questions you should be asking yourself before you commit to a certain type of mortgage. How long do you think you will own this home? What direction are interest rates going in and how quickly? Is your income expected to change (up or down) in the near term, impacting how much money you can afford to pay to your mortgage? The answers to these and other questions will help you determine the most appropriate mortgage you should be seeking.
  4. Make sure you understand what prepayment privileges and payment frequency options are available to you. More frequent payments (for example weekly or biweekly) can literally shave years off your mortgage. Structuring your payments so that they come out more frequently will significantly lessen the amount of interest that you will be charged over the term. For the same reason, authorized pre-payment of a certain percentage of your mortgage, or an increase in the amount you pay monthly, will have a major impact on the number of years you will have to pay and could shorten your payment term considerably. These two payment options can cut years off your mortgage and save you thousands of dollars in interest. However, not every mortgage has these prepayment privileges built in, so make sure you ask the proper questions.
  5. Ask if your mortgage is both portable and/or assumable. A portable mortgage, where available, is one that you can carry with you when you buy your next home and avoid paying any discharge penalties. This means that you will not have to go through the entire mortgage process again unless you are making a move up to a much more expensive home. An assumable mortgage is one that the buyer for your home can take over when you move to your next home. This can be a very powerful tool at the negotiating table making it much easier and more desirable for a buyer to buy your home and again saves you any discharge penalties.
  6. You should seriously consider dealing with a Mortgage Expert. Consider dealing only with a professional who specializes in mortgages. Enlisting their services can make a significant difference in the cost and effectiveness of the mortgage you obtain. For example, they can make the process faster thereby avoiding costly delays. Typically there is no cost or obligation to inquire.

$489,000
2 Beds 2 Baths 7058850 MLS 1,655 SqFt.
Welcome to the Viva Villa in the highly sought after Pebblecreek Active Adult Community! You will love this model! 2 bedrooms 2 bath and den are the perfect combination along with the open floor plan. This Viva is so nice and bright inside with full interior and garage recently painted (2024) giving that fresh and new feeling. All windows are covered with plantation shutters for that resort feeling throughout. The kitchen is stunning! Bright white and cheerful including under cabinet lighting and the amazing center island allows plenty of room to entertain. The primary bedroom suite is the perfect size with updates made to the bathroom including waterfall glass in the huge shower for the added bit of privacy, mirrors and light fixtures. Features walk-in closet, spacious linen closet and dual sinks, The guest bedroom and den are the perfect size with split location from the primary allowing for the privacy to your guests. The extended north facing covered patio is a great area to relax or entertain. The pony wall, turf area and gate provide a little added "security" for your small pets to have a safe place as well. Extra thought went into storage solutions for this home, which include newly added ceiling storage racks in the garage, laundry room and primary bedroom closet storage units, slide out shelves in lower kitchen cabinets, trash & recycle pull out in kitchen. Most light fixtures and fans have been updated throughout the home in 2026. Whole house water softener and filtration, and kitchen RO system with new faucet replaced in June 2026. New smart thermostat was installed in 2026. This Viva gives that resort vibe throughout! Dining table, chairs, buffet and matching bars stools included. Newer (2024) front load washer and dryer with pedestal also included. This is a fantastic opportunity to have "living " in the Active Adult community dream come true! 3- 18 hole golf courses, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, Pickleball courts, Tennis, Softball, 2 restaurant/bars, Fitness center, Creative Arts center and so much more!! Come visit this great Villa and Community!

16948 W Palm Lane, Goodyear

$1,250,000
4 Beds 4 Baths 7058840 MLS 2,877 SqFt.
Some homes are remarkable not because they have already been transformed, but because they offer something far more difficult to find: an extraordinary lot, a peaceful setting, and a story of care that spans generations. Set within one of the subdivision's most coveted interior pockets, this premier flood-irrigated lot is one of the largest in the neighborhood. According to the seller, the lot was originally selected by the subdivision's designer for his own residence - a choice that still feels unmistakably intentional today. Positioned within the neighborhood's distinctive circular enclave, the home enjoys a rare front-facing perspective with views of mature trees, lawns, and neighboring yards, and no home positioned directly across from its front windows. Owned, expanded, and carefully maintained by architect/designer owner for decades, the home reflects a long history of thoughtful stewardship and gracious living. This is a home from an era when rooms were generous, gatherings were grand, and the backyard was meant to be filled with music, dinner parties, and celebration. Swarovski crystal chandeliers, oversized closets, expansive glass doors, and large picture windows speak to the home's sense of glamour and occasion, while original and long-held finishes offer the next owner the opportunity to renovate, reconfigure, or reimagine the home around an irreplaceable lot. The flexible east-side addition offers separate entrances, a bathroom, generous storage, and existing utility connections, creating intriguing potential for multigenerational living, guest quarters, a private studio, office wing, or future attached suite. For buyers envisioning a luxury redesign, future expansion, EV charging, workshop space, or high-demand equipment, the home's rare three-phase electrical service offers an uncommon infrastructure advantage. Additional features include flood irrigation, mature landscaping, a reinforced concrete tile roof, a recently installed electrical panel, and a 220V garage outlet for EV charging readiness. Seller also reports unusually low electric costs for a home of this size. With mature trees, flood irrigation, generous lawns, and close proximity to dining, trails, and premier school options, this home captures the quintessential North Central lifestyle. Walls can be repainted. Floors can be replaced. Flow can be reimagined. But this lot, this position, this provenance, and this sense of arrival cannot be recreated. It is available here, and it is available now.

1001 W Kaler Drive, Phoenix

$749,999
2 Beds 3 Baths 7058838 MLS 2,001 SqFt.
Experience luxury living in this highly coveted Potomac Spanish residence, located within the prestigious Sterling Grove Golf & Country Club community in Surprise, Arizona. Designed with an optimal split-bedroom layout for maximum privacy, this exceptional property features a bright, open-concept great room that flows effortlessly into a private home office. At the heart of the home is a chef-inspired gourmet kitchen, fully equipped with a gas cooktop, wall oven, built-in microwave, and premium cabinetry. A large quartz island serves as the perfect centerpiece, complemented by a stylish tile backsplash. Elegant window treatments and durable, high-end vinyl flooring run throughout the home's main living areas. The interior transitions seamlessly to a private outdoor oasis via... ...upgraded, multi-panel stacking glass doors. Outside, you can enjoy resort-style Arizona living with a pristine heated pool and spa, completely framed by the rare advantage of having no rear neighbors behind you. When it is time to unwind, the generous master suite offers a peaceful retreat, complete with a spa-like bathroom featuring dual sinks, a dedicated vanity station, a spacious walk-in shower, and an expansive walk-in closet. Sterling Grove Golf & Country Club is the West Valley's newest golf experience. The Golf Course is a world-class Nicklaus Design course, operated by the renowned Troon Golf Management Services and designed to be enjoyed by golf enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The state-of-the-art practice facilities are second to none. Home your skills at the driving range, putting and chipping greens, or in the golf simulator. This neighborhood has first-class amenities and beautiful views of the White Tank Mountains, lakes, and ponds. You'll also enjoy the neighborhood greenery on your walks, jogs, and bike rides.

12075 N Luckenbach Street, Surprise

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