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

3 Simple Tips for Boosting Your FICO Credit Score Before Applying for a MortgageThere 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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310 S 4th Street Unit 806 Phoenix, AZ 85004

$599,995
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,426 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6761931
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Sold out pre-construction because of its desired NE corner lot location with 180° views from City lights to NE Valley Mtn and ballpark! Splitmaster layout featuring floor to ceiling aluminum frame windows, powder rm, laundry rm and 230/ft wrap around balcony. Other features; engineered wood floors, granite kitchen w/bar overhang, Viking appliances. Freshly painted top to bottom and new carpets in bedrooms. HOA includes Cox Internet, water, sewer, trash, storage with other amenity conveniences such as, 24-hr desk/guard, 24 hr fitness center w/dry spa, locker rm, rooftop terrace clubhouse w/fire pit, heated 5th floor pool/hot tub and much more.. 806 comes with two full size side-by-side parking located steps from elevator door!

31711 N 164th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$599,995 - 3Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Rio Verde Foothills, Scottsdale
New
$599,995
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,492 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6787022
Property Type Manufactured Home
Price Type --
YES! IT HAS WATER!! Discover the perfect blend of tranquility and functionality on this stunning 2.5-acre horse property in the heart of the Rio Verde Foothills. Boasting breathtaking views of Four Peaks, this property is a slice of desert paradise with ample room to bring your vision to life. Offering a tack shed, chicken coop, two storage sheds, and even an outdoor shower, the possibilities are endless and the memories to be made are abundant! Equipped for equestrian enthusiasts, it features a mare motel, round pen, and turnout space, offering everything you need to care for and train your horses. With the best of Arizona's natural beauty as your backdrop, this property is ready for your personal touches—whether you dream of creating a ranch-style haven, expanding its existing amenities, or building your ideal retreat. Don't miss this opportunity to own a piece of the Rio Verde Foothills lifestyle!

21889 E Saddle Court Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$599,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,260 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6731563
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Explore this eye-catching Townsend home, ready for quick move-in! This plan boasts 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, formal dining room, 3-car garage, and a welcoming covered porch. There is a private study off the foyer with an open-concept great room with a multi-sliding glass door. The breakfast nook flows into a gourmet kitchen boasting white cabinets, quartz countertops, a center island and a walk-in pantry; The primary suite showcases a generous walk-in closet.

106 N Lariat Way Payson, AZ 85541

$599,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
3,407 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6760660
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Unbelievable find for UNDER $200 PER SQUARE FOOT! This is a multi-generational house with no HOA, oversized bedrooms, and travertine flooring. You need to see this home! Fantastic 4 bed, 3 bath, 3407 square foot home at the end of a cul-de-sac in a desirable neighborhood within a mile and a half of the high school, middle school, and Rumsey Park. Freshly painted 2-level home with dueling open concept great rooms, suitable for separate living areas or an unbelievable party room. One on the 3-bedroom upper level, with a split floor plan, and one on the lower level, with a bedroom, kitchenette, and 3/4 bathroom. Both levels featuring updated Trex outdoor living areas. Investors welcome! This home offers countless opportunities. Come and see today!

3929 W Talc Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$599,995 - 4Br/4Ba -  for Sale in The Preserve San Tan - Unit 2b, San Tan Valley
Open House
$599,995
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,668 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6768174
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This home is luxury single-level living at its finest. The bright foyer sets the perfect mood, offering plenty of natural light and flowing effortlessly into the rest of the home. A well-appointed kitchen boasts KitchenAid stainless steel appliances, beautiful cabinets, and a huge walk-in pantry. The casual dining area is adjacent to the kitchen, providing a convenient and intimate setting. The great room is the perfect setting for relaxation and entertaining with natural light. Roomy secondary bedrooms offer ample closet space. The primary bedroom suite is tucked away for a more intimate, private setting. A luxurious primary bathroom that boasts dual sinks, large bathtub, private toilet area and large walk-in closet. A sliding glass door leads to a luxury outdoor living space.

11450 E Utopia Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$599,990
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,800 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6785998
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
''Welcome to this stunning 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom home with 2 dens located in the East Valley's newest community, Destination at Gateway! Step into the spacious home with 10-foot ceilings, adorned with elegant 8-foot interior doors and 4 1/4 inch baseboards. The home boasts 6 x 36'''' wood look tile in main areas, exuding a sense of luxury and warmth. Prepare exquisite meals in the gourmet kitchen, featuring a 36-inch gas cooktop and canopy hood, complemented by beautiful 42-inch white shaker cabinets with cabinet hardware. The kitchen dazzles with quartz countertops, a stylish kitchen backsplash, an Undermount sink, and a sleek matte black faucet. The bedrooms offer a peaceful retreat, while the bathrooms showcase upgraded lights and elegant matte black faucets. This home is a testament to modern elegance and attention to detail, offering a harmonious blend of style and functionality.

2220 W Chisum Trail Phoenix, AZ 85085

$599,990
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,846 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6786825
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Located across from Heirloom Park, welcome to this beautifully designed Papago plan, offering 1,846 square feet of luxurious living space. With its charming Craftsman exterior elevation and inviting covered entry paved with elegant pavers, this home is designed for both style and comfort. The heart of this home is the stunning kitchen, featuring stainless steel GE Cafe appliances which compliment the white painted shaker cabinetry on perimeter and on the kitchen island. All is accented by stylish champagne bronze cabinet hardware which perfectly complements the 42'' upper cabinets and 3'' crown molding. Enjoy the beauty of Hana Sky colored Della Terra Pilar countertops, and a contemporary white mosaic backsplash. The large single basin stainless steel sink, paired with a Moen Align matte black kitchen faucet, adds both functionality and style. Retreat to the luxurious bathrooms featuring white painted shaker cabinets, white cultured marble countertops with rectangular sinks and Moen Gibson matte black premium 8 widespread faucets. Upgraded Meridian brass vanity lights illuminate your space. The Dal Tile Vicinity 6x36 Natural wood look tile flows seamlessly throughout the downstairs and into bath 2 and the laundry room upstairs. The primary bathroom showcases exquisite Paros Whie Hex 14x16 tile, providing a spa-like experience. Upstairs, a tasteful paint grade mission stair rail and is complimented by plush Shaw Kennfield carpet in the shade Ecru adding warmth and comfort, all trimmed with upgraded 4 ¼ baseboards. Throughout, the 8' interior doors adorned with matte black door hardware throughout, adding a touch of sophistication. The side yard is perfect for entertaining, featuring a convenient gas stub for a BBQ, making outdoor gatherings a breeze. This home also includes a soft water loop and electric car charger package for added convenience. Located in Union Park at Norterra this home offers not just a living space, but a lifestyle. Don't miss the opportunity to make this your forever home! Tree-lined streets, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and a 5,500 sf recreation center with resort style pool an kiddie pool, shaded ramadas, parks, gathering areas, pickelball courts and basketball. Close to I-17, 101 and 303. Walking distance to restaurants, movies, entertainment and shopping.

2991 N 200th Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$599,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,598 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6783432
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Ask about special financing with preferred lender. This single-level home features an attached private suite with its own entrance, living room, kitchenette, bedroom, bathroom and garage. The main home offers a den off the foyer, an open living area and two bedrooms, including the lavish owner's suite with a spa-inspired bathroom and walk-in closet. Photos are renderings of a model home, not the actual home. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.

3035 W Thurman Drive Laveen, AZ 85339

$599,990
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,628 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6742953
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautifully upgraded single-story home offers 9-ft. ceilings and an open concept, split floor plan. The modern kitchen features 42-in. upper cabinets, a large center island with pendant light pre-wiring and sleek quartz countertops, a walk-in pantry, and Whirlpool® appliances - including built-in microwave, electric range, and French-door refrigerator. You'll find stunning vinyl plank flooring throughout common areas and plush carpet in the bedrooms. The private primary suite includes an oversized closet, and the primary bath boasts a walk-in shower, dual-sink vanity with modern square sinks, and an enclosed water closet. This home also includes a 40-gal. gas water heater and A/C unit with Wi-Fi-connected ecobee smart thermostat.

7617 W Smoketree Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$599,990
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,953 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6751349
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Brand new community in North Peoria! This stunning single story home offers 1,953 sq ft of functional living space. It features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, den, and a 2 car garage. The open concept kitchen is perfect for entertaining and features an Island, a walk-in pantry and stainless steel appliances. It also offers our Harmony Palette which includes gray painted 42'' cabinets, slate gray quartz kitchen countertops, 4x8 kitchen backsplash, and 6x24 wood looking plank tile in all the common areas. The great room offers a 4-panel center sliding glass door so you can step out into your covered patio to enjoy indoor/outdoor living in your backyard with friends and family. The primary suite has a spacious walk-in closet, double sinks, walk-in shower, and an additional linen closet for extra storage. This home also features a paver driveway, 8 foot interior doors, soft water loop and much more! Great location close to dining, freeways, parks, and entertainment!

31953 N 117th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85383

$599,990
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,921 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6755502
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
It's the beautiful Clover in the beautiful community of Mystic. 3 bedrooms + flex space to use as you wish. Multi slide door that leads out to the covered patio. Large walk-in shower at owner's bath with tile. Stainless steel gas appliance package with 36'' cooktop, wall oven, microwave, glass canopy hood. Barnett Maple Latte cabinets with 42'' kitchen uppers, pull out trash drawer. AZT Ripieno quartz countertops in kitchen and both baths. Mohawk REV wood laminate Casita court in all areas except beds/closets. Amenity Rich Mystic includes a Resort Style community pool, Rec center with year-round events, Hiking paths & community parks. The perfect location- close to shopping, restaurants, golf, Lake pleasant and the loop. PICTURES ARE FROM THE CLOVER MODEL HOME.

11465 E Utopia Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$599,990
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,506 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776944
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
''Stunning 3 bedroom home with seperate Den and 2.5 Baths, located in the East Valley's newest community, Destination at Gateway. Discover this inviting home featuring a 4 Panel Center siding glass door off the great room, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor living. The kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, including a 36-inch gas cooktop, built-in wall oven and microwave, along with gray shaker cabinets adorned with stainless steel hardware and a convenient trash pull-out. The quartz countertops and stunning kitchen backsplash add a touch of elegance to the space. Throughout the home, 8-foot interior doors with upgraded satin nickel door hardware create a modern, cohesive feel. The main areas are adorned with 6x 36'' wood-look tile and 4 1/4-inch baseboards, providing a stylish foundation for the home. Bathrooms feature upgraded vanity lights and brushed nickel bath faucets, while the primary bathroom offers an enlarged shower and a separate soaking tub for relaxation. With 10-foot ceilings, an oversized laundry room, a separate valet area at the garage entrance, and a paver driveway, this home is designed to offer both luxury and practicality, providing a comfortable and stylish living space for you and your family.

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