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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2023 W Rancho Drive Phoenix, AZ 85015

$563,000

5 Beds

4 Baths

2,717 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766472

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Central Phoenix home with a lot of character in a prime location that is walking distance to the Valley Metro Rail Station and the Spectrum Mall while being minutes away from I-17! This house includes a 500 sq ft guest house that has a separate entrance with full bathroom, huge living area, kitchen cabinets with separate heating and cooling unit. The guest house would be a great Airbnb, VRBO, or an in-law suite! If you have a green thumb, this house is for YOU, it offers lots of tree and vegetation: 2 mature orange trees, pomegranate, peach, tangerine, blood orange, 5 grapevines, artichoke, and rosemary. The house has a sustainable front and backyard with a distinctive water fountain and a wood crafted entry door. The main house features hand-carved Cantera stone, slate flooring, double-sided fireplace and 3 skylights throughout the house. Chef's kitchen boasts granite countertops, huge breakfast bar for additional seating, and stainless steel appliances. Walk-in closet, steam shower, jacuzzi tub and double vanity sink makes for a great master suite! All bathrooms have stone tile work from floor to ceiling with inset mirrors. The backyard of the home is very unique and features a fountain, fully mature orange tree, raised concrete trellis area, and outdoor fire-pit! Extended driveway, RV GATE, and a GARAGE! NO HOA! HURRY, this one won't last long!

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41355 N Eliana Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$563,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,880 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765240

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Seller may consider buyer concessions if made in an offer. Welcome to this beautifully updated home! The interior boasts a neutral color paint scheme and fresh paint. The kitchen is a chef's dream with an accent backsplash, convenient kitchen island and a walk in pantry for ample space. The primary bathroom is a sanctuary featuring double sinks, a separate tub, and shower. The primary bedroom is complete with a walk-in closet. Outside, enjoy the low maintenance landscaping, a covered patio perfect for entertaining, and a fenced-in backyard for added privacy. The home also features partial flooring replacement. This home is a must-see!e!

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3102 W T Ryan Lane Phoenix, AZ 85041

$563,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,182 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6760028

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Two-Story Home with Large Lot and Loft! Welcome to this stunning two-story home, perfectly situated on a large lot. This spacious 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath residence features an open-concept design ideal for modern living. The main floor boasts a large living room with abundant natural light, a gourmet kitchen with an island and walk-in pantry, and a formal dining area that opens to the backyard. The private master suite is located on the main level, offering a luxurious en-suite bath with a walk-in shower, soaking tub, double vanity, and a spacious walk-in closet. Upstairs, you'll find 3 additional large bedrooms and a versatile loft area—perfect for a second living room, media room, or home office. The expansive backyard is perfect for outdoor entertaining, & room for a pool and more...

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2738 N 217th Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$562,997

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,997 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748415

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This is a to be built home -- 6/7 months build time. Welcome to your 3-bed, 2.5-bath home with a 3-car tandem garage, located in Sienna Hills next to Verrado, nestled on The White Tank Mountains for privacy and views. With a North/South orientation, this energy-efficient home features cutting-edge SPRAY FOAM insulation and an electric car charger outlet. Enjoy granite countertops, a pot filler over the stove, paver driveway, 8' overhead garage door, and a double gate on a 10' side yard for your off-road toys. The 12' sliding glass wall seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor living. HOA dues include a pool, jacuzzi, clubhouse, and gym!

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7 E La Vieve Lane Tempe, AZ 85284

$562,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,794 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6768838

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Two bedrooms and Den - Completely re-done and in excellent condition. Small yard to take care of. Dual pane windows - Almost new A/C unit top of the line* Kitchen and baths have been upgraded - Roll in Shower in Master Bathroom* Kitchen is to die for* Refrigerator, washer & dryer included. Ready to move in. Bright, cheery and vaulted ceilings Community Pool in Warner Ranch for your enjoyment and closed to all freeways, restaurants and shopping. Come look....

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4656 E Laredo Lane Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$562,500

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,314 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6775740

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

No detail was overlooked in this immaculate and lovingly maintained - BETTER THAN NEW - single-level home in the highly sought-after, gated Dove Valley Ranch! Surrounded by desert preserve, this three-bedroom home features mountain views, an open-concept floor plan, and low-maintenance, worry-free living. Interior features include neutral tile flooring throughout, granite countertops, a gas stove, a renovated primary bathroom, plantation shutters, vaulted ceilings, and more. Step outside to find manicured desert landscape, a covered patio, and unparalleled views of surrounding mountain vistas and natural area open space. Beyond your new home, enjoy one of North Phoenix's finest public golf courses, a clubhouse bar/lounge, and easy access to first-rate schools, parks, hiking, & more. Roof 2019, HVAC 2015, water heater 2016, whole-home water filtration system... the list of thoughtful updates goes on. Come see your new home today!

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4330 Copperhead Drive Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$562,500

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,873 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769355

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover a home that balances comfort and character in the coveted Lone Star neighborhood. This exceptional residence welcomes you with a warm, rich color palette, setting a relaxed and inviting mood throughout. Large rooms flow seamlessly across the tile flooring, while plantation shutters add a touch of elegance. The kitchen is a highlight, featuring a gas cooktop that makes cooking a pleasure. And with an owned wired alarm system, peace of mind is built right in! Out back, the space is designed for year-round enjoyment. Gather around the gas fire feature on cooler evenings, fire up the built-in BBQ, or relax under the shade of the pergola while taking in the desert air. It's an outdoor space made for quiet moments and lively get-togethers alike, with thoughtful details that invite... you to unwind. The extended-length 3-car garage isn't just practicalit's a well-organized space with attached shelving, providing room for vehicles, gear, and projects. It's the kind of garage that offers flexibility, whether you need extra storage or room for hobbies. This home at Wickenburg Ranch is all about easy living, with spaces that invite you to make them your own. It's a place where the details matter, offering a lifestyle that feels as good as it looks, ready to become your next favorite spot.

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4207 E Ford Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85234

$562,500

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,370 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6753341

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

INCREDIBLE ORIGINAL OWNER UNIQUE 5 BDR home in the HEART OF GILBERT. This Fulton Home features a vaulted ceiling great room with LARGE KITCHEN and tons of NATURAL LIGHT. Upstairs features primary suite + 2 additional bedrooms and full bath. Short steps down from great room features full FLEX SPACE, 2 additional bedrooms and a 3rd full bath! REAL WOOD FLOORS and tile throughout. BRAND NEW ANDERSEN WINDOWS, + AC & ROOF REPLACEMENT COMPLETED. Backyard features gardeners paradise: Pears and Pomegranates nearly ripe; Tangerines, Lemons and HUGE Ruby Red Grapefruit Tree, Katy Apricots and Figs in the Spring/Summer. Incredible fruit bearing grape vines on the west side and shade tree + paver patio provide the PERFECT BACKYARD CANVAS. Neighborhood park just down the street. Stop by today!

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4919 W Hunter Trail San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$562,490

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,776 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776898

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NEW HOME! The perfect blend of functionality comes to life. This stunning home boasts 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, bonus space and walk-in closets, ensuring that there's room for everyone. The island takes center stage, serving as a workspace or a social hub where family and friends can gather. Whether you're preparing a gourmet meal or enjoying a family breakfast, the kitchen is designed to be a culinary haven. Umber dark cabinets and granite counter tops with a generous amount of wood look tile! Stepping outside, the 3-panel sliding glass door offers an additional living space that seamlessly extends the indoor experience. Each of our homes is built with innovative, energy-efficient features designed to help you enjoy more savings, better health, real comfort and peace of mind.

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4354 Ponderosa Trail Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$562,486

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,648 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770324

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Introducing the Dream floor plan, a stunning 1,648 sq ft home with 2 beds & 2 baths, expertly designed by Shea's in-house interior design team. This home features a GE built-in induction appliance package, including a dishwasher, wall oven, microwave, & oven hood. Oil-rubbed bronze accents add elegance throughout. The primary bath boasts a heavy glass shower enclosure, quartz countertops, & under-mount sinks in both baths. Enjoy custom mosaic tile work, upgraded full overlay cabinets, generous cabinet pullouts, & quartz countertops in the kitchen. Additional features include a 15 ft sliding glass wall, extended covered patio, upgraded electrical, $20k in tile flooring, 4 ft garage extension, & custom landscaping front & back. Discover current incentives at Shea sales office.

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2827 N 212th Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$562,073

4 Beds

4 Baths

2,514 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741507

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your TO BE BUILT: 4-Bed, 4-Bath Mountain-View dream home nestled against the stunning White Tank Mountains, offering unparalleled privacy and breathtaking views. This East/West oriented gem boasts grand 10' ceilings and elegant 8' doors throughout, creating a sense of luxury and space. The chef-inspired kitchen is a culinary delight, featuring a gas cooktop, wall oven micro combo, large pantry, premium countertops, and 42-inch upper cabinets. Perfect for entertaining, the home seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living with multiple sliding glass doors leading to a spacious patio. The expansive owner's suite is a retreat of its own, complete with a big closet and a huge walk-in super shower with a rainhead. Located just minutes from the Sienna Hills Swim park/gym/clubhouse!

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1922 E Yale Street Phoenix, AZ 85006

$562,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,231 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772421

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This fully renovated 1925 classic home blends charm with modern luxury. Featuring stunning luxury laminate floors and brand-new windows, the open floor plan is enhanced by beautiful wood beams and elegant crown molding. The custom bathroom showcases period-specific tile choices, while the kitchen boasts white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, a striking blue tile backsplash, a pot filler above the gas range, and a farmhouse sink. Stainless steel appliances complete the space. Plus, enjoy peace of mind with a new roof and serviced A/C—all part of a permitted remodel!

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