{"id":19030,"date":"2025-07-17T08:56:39","date_gmt":"2025-07-17T15:56:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com\/in-house\/?p=19030"},"modified":"2025-07-17T08:56:41","modified_gmt":"2025-07-17T15:56:41","slug":"five-money-saving-mortgage-tips-every-arizona-homebuyer-needs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com\/in-house\/tips-for-the-home\/five-money-saving-mortgage-tips-every-arizona-homebuyer-needs","title":{"rendered":"Five Money-Saving Mortgage Tips Every Arizona Homebuyer Needs\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Trevor Halpern is the CEO of Halpern Residential at eXp Realty and a top-ranked real estate agent in the Valley. A Phoenix native and licensed attorney, he’s closed more than $330 million in transactions since 2011. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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CEO Trever Halpern<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

If you’re planning to buy a home in 2025, you’re entering a market that’s shifting slowly in buyers’ favor. According to the Home Buying Institute<\/a><\/strong>, \u201cA real estate market slowdown could give home buyers more negotiating leverage through the rest of 2025.\u201d Translation: With the right strategy and team, you can stretch your buying power further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Timing is only one part of the equation. Your lender should be arming you with solid, practical information before you make one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. Here are five things your lender should have told you before you close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understand your true monthly payment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many buyers focus only on principal and interest. But the real number you\u2019ll live with each month is bigger. Ask your lender for a full monthly estimate that includes property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance (if needed), and any HOA dues. This \u201call-in\u201d number affects your day-to-day budget and stress level more than the purchase price itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Don\u2019t just haggle on price; negotiate smart concessions<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In a buyer-friendly market, sellers are often willing to offer financial perks to get the deal done. Instead of chasing a small discount on the price, ask your lender and agent about options like seller-paid closing costs, interest rate buydowns, or seller-paid mortgage insurance. These can have a greater impact on your monthly costs than a price reduction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choose financing that fits your life now<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The 30-year fixed mortgage is the default, but it’s not always the smartest. Depending on your situation, ask about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n