How do Jared and Molly help homebuyers in Phoenix and Scottsdale?

Jared and Molly specialize in helping families find homes that fit real life in Phoenix and Scottsdale. Whether you're upsizing in Arcadia, putting down roots in Scottsdale, or dreaming of more space for your family, they use deep local knowledge and a no-pressure approach to help you search smarter, feel clearer, and move forward with confidence. From identifying the right school districts and neighborhoods to expert negotiation, they guide the entire buying process.

What is Jared and Molly's approach to selling homes in Arcadia and Scottsdale?

Jared and Molly help sellers market with intention — positioning properties to attract the right buyers by highlighting what actually sells in today's Arcadia and Scottsdale markets: charm, lifestyle, and the details families care about most. Their process covers strategic pricing, home prep and staging guidance, showing coordination, and expert negotiation so sellers can focus on their next chapter instead of logistics.

Do Jared and Molly help with real estate investing in Phoenix?

Yes. Jared and Molly help both first-time investors and experienced portfolio builders identify high-performing real estate opportunities in Arcadia, Scottsdale, and Greater Phoenix. They guide clients on short-term rentals, flips, and long-term holds in appreciating neighborhoods — covering strategy, numbers, and local market timing so investors don't waste time chasing the wrong properties.

What areas do Jared and Molly serve in Arizona?

Jared and Molly primarily serve Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the Arcadia neighborhood, but they also work with clients in Gilbert, Fountain Hills, Queen Creek, and the broader Phoenix Valley. Their office is located at 7002 E Osborn Road in Scottsdale, AZ 85251. They can be reached at 602-748-7289 or Molly@JaredandMolly.com.

Why should I choose Jared and Molly over other Phoenix realtors?

Jared and Molly are a husband-and-wife team who live, work, and raise their family in Phoenix. With over a decade of experience, they bring deep local knowledge paired with a family-first, no-pressure approach. They focus on finding homes that fit how families actually live — not just square footage and curb appeal, but school zones, neighborhood vibes, and long-term fit. Their clients consistently praise their responsiveness, advocacy during negotiations, and willingness to help long after the sale closes.

How Much Do You Actually Need to Buy a Home in Scottsdale in 2026?

Aug 11

Written By Molly Rundle

If you're doing the math on your rent versus a mortgage right now, you're not alone. I get this question more than almost any other, so let's just answer it straight.

Short answer: for a $700,000 home in Scottsdale, you're likely looking at $35,000-$140,000 for your down payment depending on your loan type, plus 2-3% of the purchase price in closing costs — and there are Arizona programs that can knock a chunk off that number.

Here's how it actually breaks down.

What homes are running right now

South Scottsdale single-family homes have been sitting around $880,000 this year. Old Town condos give you a more attainable entry point — a lot of buyers are finding something between $700,000 and $800,000, and studios or 1-bedrooms in the older mid-rises can start in the high $290,000s. So your down payment math changes a lot depending on which pocket you're looking at.

The down payment math

20% down on a $700,000 home is $140,000
5% down (conventional) is $35,000
3.5% down (FHA) is $24,500

Most of our buyers aren't putting 20% down, and that's okay. You'll pay private mortgage insurance until you hit 20% equity, but for a lot of young couples, getting in sooner beats waiting years to save more.

What your payment actually looks like

30-year fixed rates are sitting around 6.6-6.7% right now. On a $665,000 loan (5% down on a $700,000 home), that's roughly $4,250-$4,400 a month before taxes and insurance. It's not nothing — but stack it against what you're paying in rent for less space, and it starts to make sense.

Arizona will help you get there

This is the part people don't know about. Arizona's Home Plus program offers qualifying buyers up to 4% in down payment assistance (5% if you're active-duty military or a veteran). If you're buying in Maricopa County, the Home in Five Platinum program offers up to 4% of your loan amount as a forgivable second mortgage — meaning you don't pay it back if you stay in the home. Between the various Arizona programs, some buyers qualify for up to $40,000 in assistance.

Don't forget closing costs

Budget 2-3% of the purchase price for closing costs — so $14,000-$21,000 on a $700,000 home. Sometimes we can negotiate seller credits to cover some of this, depending on the market.

When Nic and I bought our place, the down payment felt like the scary number — but once we sat down and actually ran it against what we were paying to rent, it clicked. That's usually how this conversation goes.