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

18944 W Ocotillo Road Waddell, AZ 85355

$564,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,224 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6739345

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

QUICK MOVE-IN HOME! MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS! SPECIAL FINANCING WITH BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES AVAILABLE! MOVE-IN PACKAGES AVAILABLE! PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT THESE SPECIALS ON THIS QUICK MOVE-IN HOME AND OTHERS. ACT SOON BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! We're building this home at the beautiful Windrose community. It's the very popular Crimson with 3 bedrooms + flex space, 2.5 baths. Multi slide door that leads out to the extended covered patio. Large walk in shower at owner's bath. Stainless steel gas appliance package with a 30'' cooktop. Linen-off white cabinets with hardware, pull out trash drawer with two bins, 42'' kitchen uppers. AZT White sand granite countertops. Undermount single bowl kitchen sink. Upgrade flooring includes EMS Ravenna Olmo 7x24 plank tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms/closets and 5'' base boards and 3 1/4'' door casings. 8' tall garage door 2 openers & garage service door. Please verify all information with onsite agent. Thank you!

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9230 N 82nd Lane Peoria, AZ 85345

$564,990

6 Beds

3 Baths

3,156 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785062

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning two-story property in Peoria! Fully remodeled with fresh paint inside and out, this 6-bedroom, 3-bathroom home features a low-maintenance front yard, a 2-car garage with an RV gate, and exceptional flexibility for various living arrangements. The home boasts two fully equipped kitchens, two laundry areas (one on each level), and separate access to the upper floor from both inside and outside, making it perfect for short-term or long-term rental opportunities. This beautifully updated property is a must-see!

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1976 S Follett Way Gilbert, AZ 85295

$564,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,084 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756086

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This FANTASTIC 2018 home on a UNIQUE PREMIUM lot is full of UPGRADES! GOURMET kitchen w/stacked espresso stained cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless appliances including new dishwasher + island w/breakfast bar! Open concept great room w/wall of sliders! Head upstairs to 4 bedrooms (all with walk-in closets), 3 baths + a loft! Primary bedroom w/GORGEOUS ensuite bath w/BIG shower + built-in seat! Head outside to your EXTRA LARGE low maintenance backyard w/covered patio, pavers + faux grass! Carpets were cleaned, grout re-stained on the upgraded tile flooring + garage epoxy! This home is truly move-in ready!! Rare in this community to have a driveway! Don't miss this opportunity! Close to SO many wonderful restaurants/shopping including Agritopia, San Tan Village and MORE! WELCOME HOME! Upgraded options include hand-applied 95% smooth finish drywall, 5 baseboards, two-tone paint, wood-grain tile flooring, and plush carpet in the bedrooms. The 4th bedroom includes a full bath, and all bedrooms are equipped with spacious walk-in closets. Step outside to a meticulously landscaped backyard, complete with pavers, artificial turf, low-voltage lighting, and a stucco wall, perfect for relaxing or entertaining.

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260 S 165th Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

$564,990

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,456 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6739798

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

QUICK MOVE-IN HOME! MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS! SPECIAL FINANCING WITH BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES AVAILABLE! MOVE-IN PACKAGES AVAILABLE! PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT THESE SPECIALS ON THIS QUICK MOVE-IN HOME AND OTHERS. ACT SOON BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! It's the Amethyst floor plan with 3 bedrooms + flex space to use as you wish, 3 baths. 12'x'8' off the extended covered patio great for entertaining. Sonoma Maple Linen - off white cabinets with T-bar pull hardware in matte black. Kitchen has stainless steel gas appliance package with 30'' cooktop, wall oven, canopy hood, 42'' uppers with pull out trash drawer with two bins. AZT quartz Tawny quartz countertops in kitchen and and at enhanced kitchen island and owner's bath. Upgrade flooring includes Beaumont Olmo 7x24 plank tile in all areas of the home except for bedrooms and closets. Dual sinks at bath 2, soft water loop, 8' garage door with 2 openers and so much more. Please verify all information with onsite agent . Thank you!

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4226 N Turnberry Court Florence, AZ 85132

$564,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,039 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6746069

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MAKE A SPLASH! Enjoy the tour of this stunning, nearly new ''Pursuit'' model in the highly sought after Legends community in Sun City Anthem at Merrill Ranch. Your new home offers an abundance of upgrades that include a chefs kitchen with beautiful and highly upgraded granite, stainless appliances, ample cabinets, large island, triple sliding glass door and soaring 10' ceilings. The primary bathroom offers the same upgraded granite countertops, large walk-in tiled shower and large walk-in closet. Additional upgrades include ceiling fans, beautiful flooring, surround sound and much more. The outdoor living space features a gorgeous swimming pool w/sheer descent water feature, expansive travertine decking w/gas fire pit and professionally manicured landscape. A MUST SEE HOME!! Take advantage of the Anthem Grille, The Poston Butte Golf Club, a learning center and all the festivities, activities and amenities a Sun City community has to offer. Remember you are buying a lifestyle that goes beyond the homes property lines.

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10345 E Rimrock Loop Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$564,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,536 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772762

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Upgraded home, VIEWS and a Resort Style Backyard with a Newer Heated Pool! Superstition Mountain views from the front patio to the Dinosaur Mountain View in the backyard, this comfortable open floor plan has tons to offer with the well designed newer flooring, kitchen counters/cabinets, windows, bathrooms, Pool with heater, Alumiwood pergola, synthetic grass, paint, pavers, light fixtures, epoxy garage floors, garage cabinets, water softener, concrete patio coatings, and more. This home feels like new and it is maximized for relaxing! From this location here in Gold Canyon East with just a $24 per month HOA you are close to many great golf courses, walking trails, hiking, off road trails, mountain biking, local restaurants, and more. This home has options to be purchased furnished.

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854 S Del Rio Court Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$564,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,367 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781016

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This remodeled home is just like walking into a new build model home! It is situated in an intimate small neighborhood that is conveniently located to shopping and restaurants. Freshly painted interior in beautiful grey tones, updated custom kitchen cabinets and new granite counter tops plus all new flooring. New turf lawn front and back. An open floor plan that includes 12+ foot ceilings in great room and plantation shutters plus new blinds. Private owner's suite boasts large walk-in closet, separate tub/shower and dual sinks. Secondary bedrooms have convenient jack and Jill bath with individual vanities. Backyard is an entertainer's delight, built-in barbecue/bar area, fire pit, and full length patio. All one one level plus a three car garage!

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4082 N Monticello Drive Florence, AZ 85132

$564,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,352 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784576

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This immaculate 2 bed, 2 bath, w/den ''Concord'' model has all of the upgrades and options one would want. Your new home is located on an arroyo lot with no neighbors directly behind or to one side. Close the electric shades and enjoy cool winter nights on your spacious paver patio. Inside your new home is as amazing as out. The kitchen has staggered cherry cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, pull out drawers, R/O, pendant lights and a breakfast nook. The spacious primary suite has a separate tub and shower, dual sinks and walk-in closet. More features of the home include plantation shutters, ceiling fans, extra storage in laundry/garage, epoxy floors, 3-car GARAGE w/4 FT EXTENSION, water softener, solar shades, service door, and OWNED SOLAR! SIMPLY A MUST SEE HOME!!

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2505 W Corral Road Phoenix, AZ 85041

$564,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,406 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6751747

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

SELLER TO HELP WITH BUYER FEES TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN IF CLOSED BY 12/15/24. WALK TO SOUTH MOUNTAIN FROM THIS IMMACULATE AND WELL-MAINTAINED, LARGE 3 BEDROOMS, 2.5 BATH (W/ITH DEN/OFFICE). THIS BEAUTIFUL SINGLE LEVEL IS IN A GREAT LOCATION AND NESTLED INSIDE A GATED COMMUNTY FOR PLENTY OF SAFETY AND PRIVACY. PAMPER YOURSELF, AND INDULGE YOURSELF ON A DAILY BASIS., YOU GET A SPACIOUS KITCHEN WITH GRANITE COUNTER TOPS AND LARGE STAGGERED CABINETS, WITH A WALKIN PANTRY, CENTRAL HVAC, AND PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTATS. TO TOP THIS PUPPY OFF, YOU GET A LARGE 3-CAR GARAGE WITH AWESOME AND HELPFUL NEIGHBORS. THERE IS A LOT OF HIKING TRAILS, BIKE TRAILS, AND HORSEBACK RIDING CLOSE BY, OR SIMPLY STAY HOME AND ENJOY YOUR LARGE BACKYARD.

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2772 S Betty Street Gilbert, AZ 85295

New

$564,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,067 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785326

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning, only lived in one year, 4/3 with all appliances in great location with community pool. Easy care yard, stainless appliances, granite counters, ceiling fans and much more! This one is a must see on any list! Come and see me today!

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296 W Burtons Lane Tonto Basin, AZ 85553

$564,900

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,240 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6695245

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled amidst the serene landscape of Tonto Basin, this exquisite property at 296 W Burtons Lane offers a unique blend of luxury and tranquility. Spanning over 6.14 acres of pristine land, you're guaranteed privacy with no possibility of neighbors building close by. The estate boasts a fully-equipped RV hookup, perfect for the adventurous at heart. The grounds are a horticultural delight with multiple fruit trees dotting the landscape, providing both shade and bounty. The residence itself offers phenomenal views of Mount Ord, Four Peaks, and Picture Mountain, ensuring a picturesque backdrop to your daily life. Inside, the home welcomes you with a totally remodeled kitchen, featuring Brazilian granite countertops, a spacious walk-in pantry, and all new appliances. The property also includes horse stalls, catering to equestrian enthusiasts. Also, the brand-new bridges across Tonto Creek to be finished in June.

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3422 E Ravenswood Drive Gilbert, AZ 85298

$564,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,750 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6718352

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Located in Seville Golf & Country Club neighborhood! 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with pool, built-in BBQ and extensive upgrades. Gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, walk-in pantry with frosted glass door, maple cabinets, island and peninsula bar top. Formal dining and kitchen nook. Family room with french door exits to backyard. Master Suite with two walk-in closets, double sinks, tile surround bathtub and shower. Backyard Oasis! Travertine pavers surround the sparkling pool. Covered ramada with built-in BBQ. Wood shutters. 2 car garage. This home resides in the prestigious Seville Golf & Country Club and close to neighborhood park! Owned Solar, enjoy low SRP bills.

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