3 Simple Tips for Boosting Your FICO Credit Score Before Applying for a Mortgage

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.

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Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

6519 N 173rd Drive Waddell, AZ 85355

$1,099,900

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,160 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6737635

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Looking for a peaceful retreat? This magnificent corner-lot property on a tranquil cul-de-sac awaits new owners! With excellent curb appeal, it features a desert landscape, a spacious 3-car garage, an extended driveway, a private courtyard, and striking stone detailing. The impeccably updated interior welcomes you with a lovely foyer, graceful archways, plantation shutters, beautiful wood-plank tile flooring, and decorative light fixtures. The formal living and dining rooms boast coffered ceilings and bay windows for easy entertaining. The spacious family room, adorned with a stone wall fireplace and Parquet flooring, seamlessly connects to the kitchen. Meticulous attention to detail is presented in the stunning kitchen, fully equipped with an electric cooktop, a wine cooler, wall ovens granite counters, a mosaic tile backsplash, recessed and pendant lighting, a breakfast bar, and a prep island. Alluring cherry wood cabinetry with crown molding and a walk-in pantry provide ample storage space. The grand main suite is a true sanctuary, highlighting a double-door entry, tray ceilings, vanity spaces, a sitting area, outdoor access, and a full ensuite with a jetted tub, dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. Secondary bedrooms also enjoy their own bathrooms, including a Jack and Jill bathroom. Escape to the backyard paradise that invites you to unwind with a covered patio, a ramada, a fire pit, a grassy lawn, and a refreshing pool. Don't miss the opportunity to own this exquisite home - it's a perfect blend of elegance and comfort, ready for you to make it your own!

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18672 E Celtic Manor Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$1,099,900

6 Beds

4 Baths

4,349 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778808

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Remodeled Luxury Basement Home with Gated Courtyard Entry in Sossaman Estates, 6 Bedrooms/4 Full Baths & Huge Bonus Room, All New Flooring Throughout, Fresh Interior Paint, Updated Kitchen with New Cabinets with Pull-out Shelves and Soft Close, Stainless Steel Appliances with Gas Cook-Top, Stainless Steel Hood with Custom Backsplash, Wall Oven, Beverage Refrigerator, Huge Island & Walk-in Pantry, Separate Living, Family & Formal Dining Areas, Walk-In Shower in Owner Bath with Lots of Built-In Cabinets in Walk-In Closest, Good Sized Laundry Room with Cabinets & Sink, Extended Covered Patio, Travertine Flooring, Pebble-Tec Play Pool w/ Water Feature & Gas Firepots, Artificial Turf, RV Gate & RV Parking OK, Side Entry Garage w/ Insulated Doors, Soft Water System, New Roof 9/24 & Owned Solar

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1296 E Coconino Way Gilbert, AZ 85298

$1,099,789

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,951 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781346

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come see this beautiful, new, 1-story home with Farmhouse exterior located in Avocet at Waterston Central. Enjoy cooking in the kitchen equipped with a 36'' gas cooktop, double wall oven, built-in microwave, Bryant maple buckskin cabinets with stacked uppers, custom backsplash, and quartz countertops. Other outstanding features include a frameless walk-in shower with Raincan shower head at the primary bath, an extended primary suite, farmhouse iron door at the front entry, wood look tile flooring, upgraded carpet, laundry sink with base cabinets, pavers at the driveway, champagne bronze plumbing and lighting fixtures and so much more.

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10683 E Saddle Blanket Trail Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$1,099,500

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,666 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762468

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous Custom Home in the Quiet Gated Community of Mountain Whisper! Everything You Would Expect - Open Floor Plan; Great Room w/Gas Fireplace; Beautiful Spacious Kitchen; 20-inch Tile Flooring; Plantation Wood Shutters throughout; Custom Scrolled Iron Entry; Spa-Like Master bath; Professional Landscape; Pebble-Tech Pool and Spa with Baja Step and Rock Waterfall; Cabana with Built-In Grill and Bar; Lg Alumawood Pergola Covered Patio; Side Courtyard Patio w/Superstition Mts Views; Plus 4 car Garage for all your toys. Close to golf courses, Sonoran Desert Sunsets and hiking in the Superstition Mountains.

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100 W Northern Avenue Unit 17 Phoenix, AZ 85021

$1,099,500

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,276 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768237

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to 100 Northern! Nestled in the prime location of North Central Phoenix, this gated, NEW, unique community features 3 different floor plans and just 17 homesites - with only 6 lots remaining for this single level ''D'' plan. Experience the elegant sophistication and uncluttered feel of these thoughtful, light flooded designs, where soaring ceilings, sleek lines, and open spaces all converge to evoke a true sense of serene ambiance throughout the home. This spacious and open great room plan features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and 2 car garage. Subzero/Wolf appliances, Trane Ac units, and tankless water heaters all set the standard for the list of included high-end features. Heated community pool, dog park and walking path all provide the outdoor enjoyment without the upkeep.

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4434 N Golf Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$1,099,500

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

4,395 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6716773

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover your dream home in the sought-after Verrado community! This spacious residence, situated on a large corner lot, boasts 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a refreshing pool, perfectly designed for luxury and comfort. The home offers ample outdoor space and features shutters throughout for privacy and elegance. The gourmet kitchen is equipped with granite countertops, abundant counter space, a butler's pantry, and a soft water loop. Entertainment is a breeze with the home pre-wired for surround sound and an intercom system. The luxurious primary suite includes a large bathroom with a walk-in shower, rain shower head, and bench, along with built-in cabinets in the closet. The thoughtful split floor plan ensures privacy, with plank tile flooring and two-tone paint throughout. Family convenience is enhanced by a Jack and Jill bathroom upstairs and a built-in desk in a cozy office area. Each bedroom features a walk-in closet, providing plenty of storage space. Enjoy the comfort of ease with quick access to stores, retail, and the freeway. Don't miss this opportunity to own a meticulously designed home in the vibrant Verrado community, where luxury meets functionality.

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100 W Northern Avenue Unit 1 Phoenix, AZ 85021

Open House

$1,099,500

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,276 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6737165

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to 100 Northern! Nestled in the prime location of North Central Phoenix, this gated, NEW, unique community features 3 different floor plans and just 17 homesites - with only 6 lots remaining for this single level ''D'' plan. Experience the elegant sophistication and uncluttered feel of these thoughtful, light flooded designs, where soaring ceilings, sleek lines, and open spaces all converge to evoke a true sense of serene ambiance throughout the home. This spacious and open great room plan features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and 2 car garage. Subzero/Wolf appliances, Trane Ac units, and tankless water heaters all set the standard for the list of included high-end features. cont... Heated community pool, dog park and walking path all provide the outdoor enjoyment without the upkeep, cost and work of maintaining your own. Come and claim your new address at 100 Northern, the epitome of modern luxury living.

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9048 N 115th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85259

$1,099,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,241 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777701

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

WELCOME to 24/7 guard gated, highly sought out Stonegate! This property, surrounded by the beautiful McDowell Mountains, offers maintenance-free artificial turf greeting you with a lush, green aesthetic. Step inside to discover luxury plank flooring that flows effortlessly throughout the home, no carpeting to worry about! Enjoy the jaw-dropping lavish updates throughout, new LED lighting fixtures, every bathroom offers sleek granite countertops, accompanied by marbled tile, & modern showers offering the latest trends of Scottsdale luxury living. Enjoy 2 newly installed trane A/C units, premium privacy inside & outside. This stunning luxury home is equipped with plantation shutters inside & a quiet, private patio backing to the peaceful Scottsdale desert like wash outside. Finally... enjoy preparing culinary masterpieces, meal prep, or casually dining on your beautiful white quartz kitchen island countertops. This kitchen features newer stainless-steel appliances including a refrigerator, double ovens, a microwave. The new two-tone cabinetry with soft-close drawers, complemented by updated hardware and faucets, provides both functionality and style. With every detail thoughtfully curated for modern living, this home is truly one-of-a-kind. Just minutes away from the best restaurants Scottsdale has to offer! Enjoy a night out with your family or friends within 15 minutes at Old Town Scottsdale, Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarter, Paradise Valley, Talking Stick, & much more! Act fast homes like this don't last long on the market!

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18830 E White Wing Drive Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$1,099,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,140 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769568

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Well built custom Southwest style home on the golf course in Rio Verde. Views to the NE mountains. Formal and Casual Dining. Built in wetbar in great room. Spacious Primary Suite with access to patio and private inground hot tub, bath w/dual vanities and separate closets. Ensuite Guest room on opposite side of the home with front courtyard access. Cozy den/office with niches. Kitchen has plenty of storage, large island with cooktop, Subzero fridge. Sitting area by fireplace adjoins kitchen. Covered back patio and plenty of space to entertain. Beautiful carved solid wood front door and interior doors are ruff hewn solid wood. Flagstone flooring all around except for hardwood in primary suite. 2 car plus golf cart garage. Come and see this special home bordering White Wing #2!

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1542 W Maddock Road Phoenix, AZ 85086

$1,099,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,604 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763347

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Located on just over an acre of land, this 4-bed, 3-bath, single-story home offers approx. 2,604 square feet of living space. Built in 2008, the property includes a large 4-car garage, room for RV parking, and is ideal for equine enthusiasts. The expansive lot provides endless possibilities! Inside, the open kitchen, featuring quartz countertops, is perfect for entertaining. Quartz counters are found in the kitchen & bathrooms. Situated in Desert Hills, the home is centrally located in The Valley, with convenient access to restaurants, retail shopping, and healthcare. Additionally, there are 2.7 acres for sale next door for someone interested in building an arena or just having MLS 6763416!

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12248 N 60th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$1,099,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,324 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772400

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful home in a highly sought-after location. NO HOA. Large backyard with low-maintenance desert landscaping, large sparkling pool, and covered patio. 4 well-sized bedrooms with one currently being used as the perfect office space, Recent energy-efficient upgrades include upgraded insulation, AC ducts, windows, and roof with PAID OFF solar panels. Remodeled home with special touches such as vaulted ceilings, temperature controlled garage, reverse osmosis, hybrid water heater, and more. Excellent home for entertaining, with a beautiful wet bar and ½ bath off the pool. Parks, horse facility, shopping, and restaurants nearby.

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8525 E Clarendon Avenue Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$1,099,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,150 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782849

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Turn the key on this polished, modern South Scottsdale remodel and you're home. From your first step in the custom frosted pivot door, you're welcomed into a spacious living area & luxury kitchen with matte black finishes throughout and a stunning design perfect for entertaining. BRAND NEW LG appliance package. Primary and 2nd bedrooms ft. ensuite bathrooms. Storage is plentiful w/ a generous walk-in pantry, mudroom, custom drop station & laundry room to keep things organized. Slide open your stacking accordion doors to your private backyard & open to a beautifully redone pool with water feature & solar heating, a built-in BBQ, and a cozy outdoor fireplace. At this price?! Only if you run for it.

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