There are a variety of factors that are involved in getting your mortgage approved, but few things will have more of an impact than your FICO score and the credit history that goes along with it. Instead of leaving your score up to chance when submitting your application, here are a few ways that you can boost your financial well being and leave your credit score better off than it was before.
Put More On Your Card
It’s important to put purchases on your credit card that you can afford to pay off consistently, but many people are not aware that how much debt you owe can actually positively contribute to your credit score. While it’s good to use up to 30% of your available debt load, a significantly higher percentage than this can be a signal to lenders that you are experiencing financial difficulties. By putting everyday items on credit, it will be easier to give your score an instant boost.
Clear Your Credit History
Many people who think they have bad credit are too afraid to even review it, but it’s very important to take a look at your credit history when it comes to taking control of your finances and your FICO score. If there happens to be incorrect information on your credit report, this will enable you to contact the appropriate lenders and dispute the charges so they can be corrected prior to your mortgage application. It may not seem significant, but this can actually have a marked impact on the outcome of your application.
Make Your Payments On Time
It’s often the case that those who are struggling with debt may push away the bills altogether and give up on the minimum payment, but it’s very important that the minimum is made to keep your financial health in check. It may take a few months to see the results of putting down this amount before the due date, but it will improve your credit over time and forge good habits for the future.
Your credit score is an important aspect of determining your financial health for lenders, and this means that your credit history is of significant importance when it comes to your mortgage. Instead of leaving it up to chance, ensure that you’re making the minimum payments and correct any discrepancies in your credit report.
If you’re currently in the market for a home and are considering your options, give me a call for more information – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.
Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth
4880 E Beehive Road
San Tan Valley, AZ 85140
$1,250,000
5
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,420
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6753373
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Stunning Custom home nestled on a 1.25-acre irrigated lot. **NO HOA** This Barndominium style home offers 5-bedrooms, 3.5-baths + 1200 Sq. Ft. air-conditioned detached shop with extended 2 car garage, 2 additional rooms, a bathroom which is perfect for a guest quarters or home business. This home offers a spacious open concept, new interior paint, gourmet kitchen with Knotty Alder cabinets complimented by a HUGE island, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, propane stove, dual ovens, copper farm sink, coffee bar and walk-in pantry. The WOW factor of the stone and metal fireplace is such a focal point to the home. First level primary suite provides backyard access, dual closets with stackable washer & dryer, spacious walk-in rain shower and separate vanities. Stunning barn doors at the primary bedroom and dining areas. Mudroom doubles as an office just off the garage. The garage is oversized with additional storage allowing for ample parking of larger vehicles. Travel up the custom metal staircase and enjoy the open loft with 3 additional bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2nd laundry room and additional storage area. North/South orientation adds to the enjoyment of the extended wrap around porch which is perfect for large gatherings and views of this great property. Fully fenced pasture with 40 ft. round pen, 60x20 covered shed-row barn w/4-stalls and 18x10 hay storage area. The shop is equipped with foam insulating, A/C, electrical and 30-Amp plug. Plenty of room for all your toys and animals. Don't miss out on this wonderful home!
1358 E Mclellan Boulevard
Phoenix, AZ 85014
$1,250,000
6
Beds
4.5
Baths
3,314
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6767163
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
A rare chance to reside in a perfectly crafted home built in 2021 by Newmark Homes. Located in the exclusive Kensington, a gated enclave with only six homes, this residence offers a blend of privacy and convenience in the North Central neighborhood. The exterior showcases a distinctive sand stucco finish complemented by brick and stone veneer, setting the stage for the modern elegance within. Step inside to find an open-concept floor plan with soaring 20-foot ceilings and refined touches throughout. The main level features hardwood floors, excluding the convenient laundry area and powder room. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, boasting custom leather granite counters, 42-inch maple cabinets, stainless steel appliances including a gas cooktop and double wall ovens, an oversized island, and a spacious walk-in pantry. This space flows into the dining and family areas, complete with custom shutters and a welcoming atmosphere. The home is pre-wired for smart home technology for added convenience. On the main floor, you'll find an extraordinary primary suite and a versatile room that can serve as an additional bedroom or a home office. A half-turn staircase leads to a spacious loft, four well-appointed bedrooms, and two bathrooms. The private backyard offers plenty of green space, ideal for a pool, and is enclosed by a block wall. The property also includes a beautifully paved driveway and walkway, and a three-car tandem garage. The tile roof adds a touch of durability and style. Enjoy easy access to all parts of town from this prime location.
9238 E Desert Park Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
$1,250,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,935
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6786558
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Nestled within the prestigious DC Ranch gated community, this stunning community offers breathtaking views of the McDowell Mountains. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with 24/7 security, plus access to 47 neighborhood parks and miles of scenic paths and trails, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. DC Ranch is renowned for its vibrant community gatherings and features two world-class private golf clubs designed by Tom Weiskopf and Tom Lehman. Community Highlights: • Expansive community center with a variety of activities • Heated pools, tot pools, and playgrounds • Lighted tennis, basketball, and pickleball courts • State-of-the-art fitness rooms • Scenic ramadas with built-in BBQs • Conveniently located near Market Street's dining, shopping, and services Interior Features: Gorgeous shutters throughout, complemented by crown molding and custom baseboards Pure porcelain stone tile flooring, accented with two-tone paint Luxurious secondary bath with quartz countertops, instant hot water, custom glass shower, tumbled travertine, and beveled mirrors Home office/den featuring custom built-in cabinetry by Stone Creek, with a stylish barn door leading to a laundry room with gas dryer hookup Gourmet kitchen with custom tile backsplash, pot filler, quartz countertops, instant hot water, reverse osmosis at the kitchen sink, convection oven, GE Monogram 6-burner gas stove, and a vent hood with LED lighting Spacious living area enhanced by a Bose surround sound system and custom built-in cabinetry with ambient lighting by Stone Creek Primary bedroom suite with wood-look tile flooring, custom-tiled shower, Aria standing tub, quartz countertops with waterfall edges, undermount sinks, and a walk-in closet with built-in shoe racks Outdoor Living: Expansive backyard designed for entertaining, featuring a built-in BBQ station with granite countertop, a nearly new TURBO 6-burner grill (convertible to electric or gas), added lighting, and a water spigot Front and back patios with stained concrete for a polished look Low-maintenance artificial turf and pavers in the backyard Custom-built outdoor shed with interior lighting, electrical outlets, and a metal door New gate slats on all gates, newer sunscreens, and multiple additional water spigots for convenience Additional Features: Newer RHEEM water heater for efficient hot water supply Newer TRANE HVAC unit Extra storage solutions, including built-in shelving and plywood in the attic space, both in the home and garage, with added lighting Additional canned lighting installed in the garage ceiling for enhanced visibility This exceptional home seamlessly blends luxurious indoor amenities with vibrant outdoor living, all within one of Scottsdale's most coveted communities. Don't miss the opportunity to make this exquisite property your own!
33120 N 67th Street
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
$1,250,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,501
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6785150
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your dream home, a true sanctuary on a premium corner cul-de-sac lot. Privately enclosed by stucco wall and automatic gates, this expansive 1+ acre lot is professionally landscaped with hundreds of custom pavers, custom stucco planters, and offers plenty of room for casita, tennis court or additional garage. Designed with high-quality craftsmanship, this home blends luxury and practicality at every turn. Inside, you'll find a spacious split and open floor plan featuring Hickory cabinets, a SubZero refrigerator, Bosch appliances (2021), and a reverse osmosis system in the gourmet kitchen. Elegant touches like tumbled travertine flooring, Versai chiseled granite countertops, Italian fixtures, and plantation shutters elevate the interior. Step outside to a park-like retreat with a negative edge chlorine pool (10' deep), surrounded by Hawaiian-imported exterior rocks. The expansive 3800 sq ft covered patio and 5300 sq ft of pavers provide endless possibilities for outdoor living and entertaining. The backyard offers space for a casita or pickle ball court, with a wash specifically designed for rainfall, ensuring functionality. Practical features include an extended-height garage door, storage under the island cabinets, and a freshly painted exterior (2022). Enhanced with a Ring Camera system for added security, this home offers a perfect blend of elegance, privacy, and comfort. Don't miss this exceptional property!
6060 E Nugget Patch Trail
Prescott, AZ 86303
$1,250,000
3
Beds
4
Baths
3,181
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6787168
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Magnificent Mountain Setting having 7.2 Split-able Acres with Fabulous VIEWS of Granite Mountain, Thumb Butte, San Francisco Peaks, Bill Williams & City Lights of Prescott Valley!!! This Beautiful home built in 2016 has 3181 Sq Ft of Semi-Custom Construction featuring 3Bedrooms/3.5Bathrooms/3CarGarage + Den or (Possible 4th Bedroom), GREAT ROOM, Sunken Formal Living Room, Game Room/Rec Room with Bar & Pool Table, Vaulted/Beamed Ceiling, Ceiling Fans, Hardwood, 20'' Tile, & Carpet flooring, Peeled Pole Accents, Wood/Gas Fireplace with Stone Chimney face, & Upgraded Lighting. Kitchen is fabulous with Knotty Hickory Cabinetry, QUARTZ Countertops, Tile Back Splash, ISLAND/Island Sink, Breakfast Nook, Pantry, & Black Stainless-Steel Appliances (Inc. Fridge)... Huge Master on Second Floor, Dual Sinks, Jetted Garden Tub, Snail Shower, His & Her Closets, & has Private Deck. The 2 Bedrooms on Main Floor are Spacious & are both MINI MASTERS...one with Full Tub/Shower & the other with Walk-in Shower. Additional Features include Large Laundry Room w/Washer & Dryer conveying, large Fenced Back Yard with Gazebo & Artificial Grass to enjoy those Outstanding VIEWS. You must see this to get the full effect!!!!
34428 N 68th Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85266
$1,250,000
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,974
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6767039
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Completely reimagined Crista floorplan with the finest luxurious materials and designer finishes. This property feels like a brand-new home thanks to an extensive transformative rebuild, which included expanding rooms, removing walls, and adding more storage. Residents of Terravita Country Club enjoy a lifestyle rich in amenities, including dining, a pool, tennis, pickleball, and a fitness center, all set against beautiful mountain-side views.The Terravita lifestyle offers a private 18 hole champion golf course, driving ranges, chip and putting practice areas. Homes come with a social membership to the First Class Country Club, complete with dining and banquet facilities, swimming, spa and tennis center, a state-of-the art health & fitness center, 6 pickle ball courts, social meeting pavilion, and miles of walking/jogging trails.
20532 W Meadowbrook Avenue
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$1,250,000
3
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,188
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6786545
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Gorgeous David Weekley Serendipity, upgraded & embellished throughout by meticulous owners. LUXURY outdoor living in backyard backing to open space/walking path & VIEW to mountains from oversize spa, elevated fire pit and outdoor kitchen. Inviting courtyard entry welcomes you to outstanding great room, beam ceilings, upscale features throughout. ENTIRE home inside and out has been repainted, including the cabinetry & woodwork. Chef's kitchen features honed Monte Cristo granite counters, butler pantry, wine fridges. Beautiful decor throughout - wallpapers, fixtures, hardware, mirrors. New wood flooring in MBR & both guest suites, w/ensuite baths. Generous MBR w/sliders to patio and spa-like bathroom & organizer wall in closet. Ready to move in and enjoy Victory living to the fullest!
7788 E Main Street Unit 1003
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
$1,250,000
3
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,115
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6772687
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
BUILDER financing available. Up to $10,000 in closing costs. Will consider lease to own. This resort style community features 21 units, each with its own spacious two car garage and rooftop balcony. The elegant contemporary exterior architecture, and careful attention to detail & design, make Seneca Luxury Condos an inviting community atmosphere. Your new conveniently located home in Old Town Scottsdale awaits! As you walk up to your home in Seneca, you experience a luxury private gated vestibule leading you through the cobblestone paver patio to a custom modern glass and iron front door for each unit. Entering the home, you will immediately take in the sophisticated and livable design! The interiors combine luxury with urban contemporary. Elevators are an option for these beautiful townhomes. From the premium selected base package including solid core hardwood flooring, the executive Thermofoil kitchen cabinets, natural Quartz counters, beautiful European fixtures, for the chef or the entertainer, this kitchen will be difficult to say no. Each unit has 3 ample sized bedrooms and 3 baths with complete attention to detail such as touchscreen, backlit , LED mirrors, intricate stone design in showers and baths, walk in closets and full patio or balcony offering outdoor privacy in every room. Through the custom contemporary open stairways featuring hand cut stairs and railings, you will access the remote-operated skylight with stairs leading to your exclusive roof-top outdoor deck space with composite wood plank flooring. The impressive 500 sq ft rooftops come plumbed for gas and water allowing future owners the opportunity to get a complete outdoor kitchen, perfect for enjoying Arizona's beautiful sunsets and year-long warm weather. Come visit today and take advantage of year end pricing and incentives.
11790 E Bella Vista Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85259
$1,250,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,087
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6778837
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover unparalleled luxury in this beautifully remodeled home within the prestigious guard-gated community of Stonegate. Spacious design exudes elegance with natural light, from the refined living areas to the sleek modern kitchen with top-of-the-line built-ins and abundant cabinetry. A dramatic living space offers versatility, while the split bedroom layout ensures privacy for all. Well sized owner's suite features a large walk in closet, spa-like bathroom, perfect for relaxation and French Doors to the beautiful yard. Outside, the extended covered patio and sparkling pool create a stunning backdrop for entertaining. Enjoy community resort-style amenities: pool, spa, pickleball/tennis, trails, playground, and more—experience luxury living at its finest in Scottsdale!
8132 W Hatfield Road
Peoria, AZ 85383
$1,250,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
3,213
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6780823
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Fully Remodeled Home in 2022-2024. Amazing Home Library/Office+ Custom Built-Ins. LVP Flooring. Stacked Stone Gas Fireplace. Gorgeous Quartzite Kitchen Counters. Large Walk-In Pantry! New Custom Paint. Oversized Primary Suite. Towel Warmer & Upgraded Freestanding Bathtub. Walk-In, 3 Shower Heads. Custom Closet Upgrade. Double Vanity w/ Sitting Area. Incredible Laundry Room with So MUCH Space & Storage, Includes Sink. Large Closets. New Hardware, Lighting, Ceiling Fans. New Toilets & Showers. Garage + Cabinets for All Your Tools & Toys. Extra Wide Garage (18 x10 ft) Epoxy Garage/Patio Flooring. Resort-Like LARGE Lot, Backyard w/ Artificial Turf, Sparkling Pool & Rock Waterfall, Large Covered Patio, Gas Firepit, Storage. Double Gate. Nearly 1/2 Acre. Near 4 Corners & Freeway.
4721 W Banff Lane
Glendale, AZ 85306
$1,250,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,000
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6768569
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this beautifully updated horse property featuring 8 spacious stalls, perfect for equestrian enthusiasts! The kitchen has been fully remodeled with stunning quartz countertops, sleek new cabinets, and modern appliances including oven, stovetop, refrigerator, stove vent, and dishwasher. All 3 full bathrooms have also been upgraded with quartz countertops, new sink cabinets, stylish glass showers, and new toilets. Additional updates include brand-new doors and windows with shutters, a new Pentair motor and filter system for the swimming pool, repaired stable area poles with new lighting, fresh countertops in the laundry room, steel gates leading to the backyard, and new pole lights for added illumination. This property is a perfect blend of luxury and functionality, ready for you
16619 E Sullivan Drive
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
$1,250,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,390
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6780422
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Hilltop masterpiece...single level sitting on 1.4 acres w/outstanding Mountain and Fountain views! Gorgeous curb appeal starting w/the full paver driveway & walkway to the front door. Enter to the high ceilings & open floor plan w/formal living & dining rooms/spacious family rm w/gas fireplace/open to the kitchen offering granite counters, island, double ovens, walk in pantry, built in desk & breakfast bar. Enjoy mtn views from the breakfast rm. Split bedrooms offer privacy/Wonderful master suite /huge walk in closet, large vanity/3.5 baths/lg laundry room w/ lots of storage. You'll love the screened in AZ room...this home is perfect for entertaining...with room for all! The large 4 car garage is great for the car enthusiast! The in ground hot tub is inviting after a long day! More... The roof was new in November, 2023, and comes with a 5 year warranty. Enjoy the comfort of knowing you'll have a 1 year home warranty. 1 year transferrable termite warranty. ADP Security system More great amenities include beautiful wood shutters, 2 - 100 gal propane tanks, skylights...and so much more. When you see this home you will see the pride of ownership!