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

6713 W Valley View Drive Laveen, AZ 85339

$569,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,048 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6670796

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Highly desired Jubilee floorplan on the LARGEST LOT w/resort style backyard can now be yours! Built in 2022, this gorgeous single story offers 4 bedrooms, teen/bonus room, 3 bathrooms, spacious open floorplan, ceramic wood plank flooring, Chef's kitchen w/granite countertops, apron sink, huge island, 5 burner gas stove, W/I pantry, fan/blinds throughout, designer light fixtures & window treatments, oversized bedrooms, & epoxy flooring in garage. Then step outside to the serene mountain views & your resort style backyard featuring extended covered patio w/pavers, travertine tiling around the gorgeous pebbletec pool w/Baja shelf, water feature, & lights. You will also enjoy the mutliple paved areas for seating, turf & grassy areas, and the luscious grapefruit, lemon, lime, & orange trees. Owners have put in well over $130K in upgrades after the home was built. You cannot get a new build with this large of a lot & mountain views, completed backyard w/pool, AND all the high-end interior finishings for under $600K. This is a once in a lifetime deal, hurry before it's gone!

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3422 E Powell Way Gilbert, AZ 85298

$569,900

5 Beds

4 Baths

2,528 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6743650

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

5 Bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and a loft*2 bedrooms are split downstairs, 1 with an attached bath*Upstairs bedrooms with Jack & Jill bath, Tech center hallway*Oversized master bedroom w/separate garden tub & shower, dual sinks, & walk in closet*Upgraded kitchen with white cabinets, Quartz countertops, pantry, & island open to the family room w/surround sound*Freshly painted interior w/neutral color*Recessed lighting, new carpet & new luxury vinyl t/o*Covered back patio, grass and mature landscaping*Excelling A+ rated schools Casteel Junior High & Casteel High School*Seville Golf & Country Club features pools, water-slides, private restaurant, tennis, basketball, beach volleyball, a state of the art gym, child care & more for a separate monthly payment*Close to fine dining, high end shopping... & easy access to 60 & 202 FWYS*

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17334 E San Marcus Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Open House

$569,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,354 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769056

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

WOW! Don't miss out on this gorgeous, remodeled 3 bed 2 bath home steps away from Four Peaks Park in Fountain Hills. Walking in, you will be greeted by a fully renovated kitchen & a beautiful open floor plan. Enjoy all new flooring throughout the entire home that creates a perfect flow. Additional updates include; NEW AC, NEW water softener, NEW RO water system, NEW exterior and interior paint, raised ceilings and so much more! In addition to all the interior updates, you will love spending time outside on this oversized private lot that backs to a wash giving added privacy. This backyard has new artificial turf & pavers that allow for a year-round beautiful look, that is conveniently low maintenance. Another amazing feature of the backyard is the RV gate and RV parking with NO HOA

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1698 N San Gabriel Avenue Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

Open House

$569,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,079 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748521

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This is it! HUGE PRICE IMPROVEMENT! NICELY REMODELED HOME WITH A POOL AND SPA and HEATED AND COOLED 1300 SQ FT WORKHOP in desirable Ranchos Carmela. This split floorplan home features 3 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 bath, Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring, Formal Dining Room, Breakfast Nook, NEW HVAC and a beautifully updated kitchen. Featuring NEW Stainless Steel kitchen appliances, elegant Quartz countertops and Kitchen Island. Spacious outdoor entertainment area includes a solar heated pool and spa, complete with an automated pool cover and new water filter. This home also features a 10x16 storage shed, an access to a half bath from the pool and a 36x36 workshop, insulated from top to bottom and heated and cooled! Formal dining room can be easily converted into a 4th BR. FEATURES LIST ON PHOTOS

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16013 W Alameda Road Surprise, AZ 85387

$569,850

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,159 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6742996

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Owned Solar !!! Enjoy the savings with Solar Panels. Welcome to this charming home in Escalante! This Fulton floorplan has 3 spacious bedrooms, a study, 3 bathrooms, and a 3-car tandem garage! Gourmet kitchen with stunning cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless-steel built-in appliances, a walk-in pantry, and a kitchen island with a breakfast bar and beautiful pendant lights. There is a gas stub in kitchen for easy conversion to a gas cook top. The great room has surround sound and a center-open extended-length sliding glass door. The primary suite is spotless with a lavish ensuite bathroom featuring an oversized tiled shower, a dual sink vanity, and a walk-in closet. Bedrooms 2 and 3 are move-in ready with ceiling fans and blinds! The backyard is pristine with easy care landscape and a covered patio. Do not miss out on this spotless home! Escalante is a vibrant home community offering an array of top-tier amenities designed for active and leisurely lifestyles. Enjoy a massive resort-style pool with shaded areas to keep you cool, multiple lighted sport courts for evening games, and a challenging disc golf course. Enjoy the expansive playground, while residents can also indulge in table tennis, bocce ball, and a dedicated volleyball court for endless entertainment and relaxation.

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4380 W Ruby Drive Eloy, AZ 85131

$569,500

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,198 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779440

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Highly upgraded PAVONA w/Flex Room built in 2022. SOLAR is PAID & will save you $. Gorgeous 2 bedroom, 2 bath, Den + 2.5 car garage. Kitchen features 41'' cabinets, Granite counters, Gas range, Pot filler, Butlers pantry, farm sink, Spacious walk-in pantry, Subway backsplash, under cabinet lights, the microwave that broils & air frys. Master has 2ft ext., walk-in curbless shower & granite vanities. Upgrades include Shutters, 8 foot doors throughout, Luxury flooring, whole house water system, laundry cabinets, surround sound, Advanced tech, rain gutters, wet bar in the Great room & Flex room. Step out back to the extended covered patio w/fans & can lights. The fully fenced & professionally landscaped back yard has a raised garden & gas stub. This home has over $175K in upgrades!

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20442 E Rosa Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$569,500

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,959 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6754354

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A definition gem on a spacious corner lot, perfectly nestled quite-nearly in the very center of the Queen Creek Marketplace itself! It's a deceptive-charmer that just keeps giving more and more as you tour it. Four bedrooms within a functional layout including a flex-space ideal for a home office, second living space/game room- or even could easily serve as a fifth/guest bedroom if ever desired! The finishes are totally up to 2024 standards with a modern-boho feel throughout stemming from the wood-look tile flooring to the generous and gorgeous kitchen. Best surprise might just be the backyard, it astounds in use of space- and all this is positioned ever-so-cosily next to a pathway to the shopping and dining just steps away! Don't miss this one.

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36600 N Cave Creek Road Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$569,500

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,558 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765704

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in the heart of Cave Creek! This beautifully designed residential condo features 2 spacious primary bedrooms, each with en-suite bath. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by an open-concept living space that flows from the kitchen to the living room, perfect for entertaining or relaxing with family. Large sliding doors out to the balcony offer breathtaking views of the iconic Saguaro, allowing you to immerse yourself in the stunning desert landscape. The kitchen comes equipped with stainless steel appliances, ample cabinetry, and an inviting breakfast bar. Enjoy your meals with a view on your private patio, where you can soak in the tranquility of your surroundings. Residents of this community can take advantage of the fantastic amenities, including a sparkling, heated community pool available year round; with hiking trails literally right outside your door! Whether you are relaxing by the water or exploring the nearby hiking trails and local shops, you'll find plenty of ways to enjoy the serene desert lifestyle. This condo offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and location. Dont miss your chance to own a piece of paradise in Cave Creek!

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1318 W Via Del Palo -- San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

New

$569,098

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,024 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787433

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6787433 April Completion! Located in the Ovation at Meridian community, the Powell floor plan is a beautifully designed single-story home from the Inspiration Series, offering 2,024 sq. ft. of living space with 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. The foyer welcomes you with a flex room on one side and a second suite with its own private bathroom on the other, conveniently positioned near a half bath. The open-concept gathering room and kitchen create a seamless flow, leading to the owner's suite tucked away in the corner for privacy. The spacious covered outdoor living area is perfect for creating your own backyard oasis. Structural options include: extended covered patio, 12ft sliding glass door, garage service door, whole house quartz, utility sink at laundry room.

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2130 E Voltaire Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85022

Open House

$569,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,751 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772433

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

The Agave - A rare combination of Space, Style, Quality, and Value where Design Matters. Be inspired by the warm tones and natural textures of the desert where the Sagebrush and Adobe interior color schemes boldly echo the beauty of The Agave. Modern, Flat-Panel Kitchen Cabinetry in Matte color-ways, Solid-surface, Spa-Inspired Flat-Panel vanity cabinets in natural-wood tone finishes in Bathrooms. Standard LVT flooring installed in the entire home, Quartz Countertops and Tile shower surrounds. Standard Accent painted interior doors and jambs for a bold, effortless design touch. Ceiling fans included as well as EV prewire. The Wren showcases a generous backyard and second floor deck to bring the outside in.

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2117 E Voltaire Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85032

Open House

$569,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,590 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772466

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

The Agave - A rare combination of Space, Style, Quality, and Value where Design Matters. Be inspired by the warm tones and natural textures of the desert where the Sagebrush and Adobe interior color schemes boldly echo the beauty of The Agave. Modern, Flat-Panel Kitchen Cabinetry in Matte color-ways, Solid-surface, Spa-Inspired Flat-Panel vanity cabinets in natural-wood tone finishes in Bathrooms. Standard LVT flooring installed in the entire home, Quartz Countertops, and Tile shower surrounds. Standard Accent painted interior doors and jambs for a bold, effortless design touch. Ceiling fans included as well as EV prewire. This premium end location Quail Plan showcases an enclosed front patio, oversized 2 car garage, bonus loft space and second floor deck.

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22807 E Stacey Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$569,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,956 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6758518

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This open concept layout offers 3 bedrooms, private study, 2 baths, ample storage with a spacious utility room and two car garage. Enjoy sought after selections hand-picked by our expert designers; 12-foot slider leading you to the extended covered patio, signature ''super shower'' with upgraded tile to the ceiling in owners retreat, gourmet kitchen, stainless steel appliances with built in gas range, two tone shaker cabinets complimented by quartz countertops, and stunning kitchen backsplash. This beautiful home is situated on a desirable South Back home site. 2X6 CONSTRUCTION; NEW HOME WARRANTY.

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