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

20724 W Kaibab Road Buckeye, AZ 85326

$554,999

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,132 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774935

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this expansive 1-acre horse property on a coveted corner lot! You're greeted by a side-entry 2-car garage, a natural desert landscape, & a circular driveway. Discover an inviting great room with high ceilings, an earth-tone palette, recessed lighting, blinds, & wood-look flooring. The gourmet kitchen comes with granite counters, ample wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, & a peninsula with a breakfast bar. The main bedroom offers plush carpeting, an ensuite with double sinks, & a walk-in closet. Outdoors, you'll find a lovely backyard featuring a covered patio, a warm fire pit, an outdoor fireplace for evenings under the stars, & a refreshing pool. Surrounded by stunning mountain views, you can create your dream oasis or establish equestrian facilities. Make it yours!

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9857 S Los Picos Drive Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$554,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,164 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779392

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

3 car garage!! The Fairfield floorplan offers a spacious and well-designed single-level living experience, encompassing 2,164 square feet. you are welcomed into an open-concept living area that seamlessly connects the kitchen, dining, and family rooms. The kitchen is a chef's delight, equipped with modern gas appliances, ample counter space, and a large island that serves as the heart of the home, ideal for meal preparation and casual dining. wood look tile throughout, tankless water heater, 8 foot slider! This community features resort like amenities including a large pool, splashpad, park & clubhouse with fitness center!

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4024 S 177th Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

$554,990

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,530 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779581

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This spacious 5-bedroom 3-bathroom Bailey plan features a large kitchen overlooking the great room and separate dining area. Open concept living at its finest with a third full bathroom adjoining the fifth bedroom for family or guests. Finished with our Divine Package including white cabinetry with granite, kitchen backsplash and 6'' X 36'' tile flooring. Move into this fully equipped home that includes our spray foam insulation, a three-car tandem garage, all appliances, window coverings and pendant lighting with a December completion date.

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15394 W Cottontail Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

New

$554,990

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,734 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786000

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

2,743 SQ FT SINGLE LEVEL - 3 CAR GARAGE Quick CLOSE! This beautiful 4 bedroom with a study + 3-bathroom single story is AMAZING !!! the perfect home, upgraded convenient electrical package, prewired for pendant light over the island, gorgeous tile flooring, Burlap Cabs, Quartz Slab, stainless steel appliances, gas range and dryer gas hookup, TANKLESS WATER HEATER, window coverings oversized sliding door, Smart Home and Energy Star Certified, garage door openers included just to mention a few, come see!

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32001 N 117th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85383

$554,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,486 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755152

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

It's the Acacia being built at our newest community of Mystic in Peoria. Barnett Maple Latte cabinets throughout with 42'' kitchen uppers soft close drawers and doors in the kitchen. Wood laminate floor Casita Court with 5'' baseboards and 3 1/4'' door casings in all areas of the home except beds/closets. Large walk in shower at owner's bath with tile on the surrounds and floor. Stainless steel gas appliances including a 30'' cooktop and glass canopy hood. Pavers at drive, walk and entry. Tile in tub & shower surrounds in Bath 2. 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 303.

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15992 N Gil Balcome Street Surprise, AZ 85374

$554,990

5 Beds

2 Baths

1,955 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6724780

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

HUGE PRICE REDUCTION!! Stunning Fully Remodeled 5-Bedroom Home w/ Luxurious Features This remodeled, move-in-ready home boasts 5 bedrooms & 2 baths on an oversized lot backing to a serene Greenbelt. The gourmet kitchen features custom cabinetry, chef's kitchen appliance package, pot filler, large granite sink, quartz countertops and an oversized island. Wood tile flooring t/o, 10 ft ceilings, upgraded paint, 5 1/2 in baseboards, new doors, and dual-pane windows provide style and efficiency. Luxury baths with dual sinks and floor to ceiling tile. Master Suite features a custom master closet. Laundry room with new GE washer/dryer and cabinetry storage. Outdoors, enjoy a landscaped yard, Pebble Tech Pool, 12x43 covered patio, 12ft RV Gate and 5 car driveway. Move in ready & waiting for you!

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242 S 165th Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

$554,990

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,229 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6739790

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

QUICK MOVE-IN! It's the stunning Crimson floor plan with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bath. Large storage area in garage. 12'x8' sliding glass door off the extended covered patio. Stainless steel gas appliance package with a 30'' cooktop, wall oven, microwave and canopy hood. Barnette Maple slate (Gray) cabinets throughout the home. AZT Della Terra quartz Linen countertops in kitchen and owner's bath. White single bowl undermount sink in kitchen. Satin nickel hardware. Upgrade flooring includes EMS Riverside Firenza 20x20 in all areas of the home except for beds/closets. Dual sinks in bath 2. Soft water loop, 8' tall garage door opener with two remotes and so much more. BELOW MARKET FINANCING INCLUDED WITH THIS HOME!!! BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATE SPECIALS AVAILABLE! INCLUDED MOVE-IN READY PACKAGES AVAILABLE! Please verify all information with onsite agent . Thank you!

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5054 N 183rd Drive Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$554,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,275 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6765735

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home! Why choose this home over a new build? This exquisite property features an open-concept layout perfect for entertaining. The gourmet kitchen boasts high-end appliances, and the ensuite laundry room is conveniently attached to the primary bedroom closet. Enjoy over $20,000 in beautiful landscaping, ready for you from day one, while new builds often require additional landscaping investments.The luxurious primary suite includes dual sinks in the ensuite bathroom and a well-designed Jack and Jill bathroom for added convenience.With premium upgrades, plantation shutters, and a versatile extra room ideal for an office or bonus space, this home is move-in ready. The spacious three-car tandem garage offers plenty of storage. Don't miss the chance to make this yours!

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31381 N 130th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85383

Open House

$554,990

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,958 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6745460

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The Kendrick features a quaint, covered front porch ideal for welcoming guests. Walk through the spacious foyer and gallery hall to the grand open concept dining and great room ideal for hosting and entertaining. A centralized laundry room makes access easy from any room in the home. While a dedicated office is perfect for students and hybrid workers. A back covered patio perfect for taking in the surrounding Peoria mountains and Southwest landscape is the cherry on top! Located in the highly desirable Vistancia masterplan, resident will enjoy access to the 3.5 mile Discovery Trail, and two state of the art recreation centers.

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1024 N Moccasin Trail Gilbert, AZ 85234

$554,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,063 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6731571

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Make your home in the heart of Gilbert! This beautiful 4 bed, 2 bath home on a premium lot is looking for only it's second owner. A newly painted exterior, manicured front yard, a 2-car garage with built-in cabinets, and a welcoming porch are just the beginning. Inside you will find large dining & living areas w/newly installed wood-look flooring in all the right places, vaulted ceilings w/skylight, and a neutral palette w/fresh interior paint. The kitchen is comprised of white cabinetry, ample counter space, a prep island, a large pantry, and recessed lighting. Enjoy brand-new stainless-steel Whirlpool appliances including a gas range. Soak in the sun or enjoy entertaining on cooler evenings with a backyard that includes a covered patio, extended seating areas w/pavers, a lovely gazebo, and mature citrus trees. Finally, end your busy day in the primary bedroom with a charming bay window, a walk-in closet, and a full bath with dual sink. Near every amenity the Valley has to offer, is it time for you to discover the joy of Gilbert living?

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696 W Melody Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85233

$554,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,976 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6768362

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

These descriptions are always so cheesy so we're going to give it to you straight, this is a really nice home, 1 1/2 miles from downtown Gilbert so you're able to ride your bike to the farmers market on Sat. or just hangout at one of the numerous restaurants, I know it was built in 1996, however, the HVAC was completely replaced in 2020, a brand new roof was installed in March of THIS YEAR! & the home has been completely remodeled, new kitchen, new flooring, new countertops, new primary & hall baths, additional can lighting as well as really cool pendant lighting in the kitchen & dining area, the corner lot is huge & private & the large Ficus tree is only available in a home of this age, this is a great home guys & worth your time to see, we definitely would if we were looking for a home!

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11064 E Reginald Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$554,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,112 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6718268

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This spacious and stunning home offers 3 bedrooms with 2 baths in the lovely Nova Vista neighborhood. Your family will love the large Bonus/Gaming Room close to the split bedrooms. The home offers a large kitchen that opens up to the family room and dining room making this great for entertaining! Enjoy the backyard under the covered patio, or out in the grass! Front and back yard are low maintenance with great appeal. It is located close to schools, shopping and easy access to Highway 202. Easy access, come see it today!

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