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

1121 E Jahns Drive Casa Grande, AZ 85122

$549,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,942 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6736963

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Completely updated home with a built in pool and spa and 3 car garage! This spacious home has all new flooring, fresh paint and updated kitchen. Vaulted ceilings for a nice open feel. The kitchen features granite counters, gas stove and a beautiful tile backsplash. Gas fireplace. Both front and back yard are tastefully landscaped with mature plants and turf grass for easy maintenance. Cool off in the beautiful pebble tec pool with water features and a built in spa.

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25226 N 131st Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$549,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,254 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6738818

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to The Views at Rancho Cabrillo! This is a new build home by Scott Communities. This one is the 4412 plan with 3 bedrooms plus den and 2.5 bathrooms. Includes gourmet kitchen featuring double ovens, microwave drawer, and gas cooktop. Beautiful white shaker cabinets and white quartz countertops. Great room layout with an eat-in kitchen. Large covered patio. Come out and see this home and beautiful north Peoria community!

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2533 E Vista Bonita Drive Phoenix, AZ 85024

$549,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,460 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752128

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Great Family home in perfect central location with ease of access to the whole valley. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is well cared for and has very nice upgrades done to the kitchen and bathrooms. Home has an RO water system, water softener, industrial shelving in garage and custom automated window coverings. Vaulted ceilings create a spacious environment for your living room and master bedroom. Beautiful flooring throughout with tile and new wood floors. New AC in 2017. New floors in 2021. Natural grass backyard with paver walkways and mature trees creates a nice relaxing area to enjoy. 3 miles to Desert Ridge Marketplace. 2 miles to Costco. Come take a look at this gem before it is gone!

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1904 S Dexter -- Mesa, AZ 85209

$549,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,233 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752553

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NEW ROOF SEPT 2024! Amazing floor plan with great flow, 3 huge bedrooms plus over-sized den can easily convert and 2 full baths. Immense primary suite and all secondary bedrooms and den are much larger than the norm. No carpet in the home. Washer/Dryer &Refrigerator convey. Storage galore, neutral interior walls, and large lot with producing Citrus trees. Access to the Community Pool and Tennis Courts is exclusive to Sierra Ranch II residents. Home has been lightly updated and is priced to reflect. New Exterior Paint 2021, Patio Resealed 2021, Carrier R410a Refrigerant HVAC regularly maintained, Newer Water Heater and Soft Water System. Well Maintained Home in a highly desirable community with easy access to the 202 and US 60. Great schools and plenty of shopping just around the corner.

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11165 E Segura Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$549,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,566 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6753677

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful 2 story home in the desirable community of Bella Via in Mesa with 2566 Square Feet of living space. Huge backyard to entertain family and friends. Stylish granite counter tops in kitchen with massive pantry, tile flooring, new paint in the interior of the home and new carpet upstairs in all the rooms. This amazing floor plan features 5 bedrooms and 3 baths. Located in Southeast Mesa Tech Corridor with major growth development. Community has multiple parks and nearby amphitheater! Close to shopping, restaurants and freeways.

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2517 E Highland Street Mesa, AZ 85213

$549,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,872 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756519

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

No HOA Neighborhood. Convenient Mesa Location. This home has been Updated/Upgraded. New ROOF. POOL! New Carpet in the bedrooms. Home Features 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms & a Den! Kitchen and bathrooms have been updated. Main Bath has a door leading out to the backyard. The large Eat In Kitchen has Granite Counter Tops and plenty of cabinets. Family Room right off the kitchen which leads out to the covered patio and POOL. Formal Living room. Separate Laundry Room. Backyard has an RV gate and pad to park toys. Two car garage. Seller is offering $5000 in concessions. Walking Distance to schools. Close to the 202, 60 and 101. Close to Sky Harbor, ASU, Golf, Hiking, Tempe Marketplace, Mesa Riverview, dining, shopping, Cubs spring training. Must See Today.

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2171 S Portland Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85295

$549,000

5 Beds

2 Baths

2,146 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761929

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover your dream home with the ideal combination of space, convenience, and community! This stunning single-story gem, perfectly situated on a corner lot, offers both privacy and prime location. With quick highway access, your daily commute or weekend adventures are a breeze. You'll love being just steps away from a beautiful park and the refreshing community pool—ideal for family gatherings or a peaceful escape. Featuring 5 generously sized bedrooms, there's room for everyone to spread out and enjoy. Plus, the roof is less than a year old, providing long-term peace of mind. Located in a highly desirable neighborhood, this home has everything you're looking for. Make it yours today! 🏡✨

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334 W Aspen Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85233

$549,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,817 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762031

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Embrace the full experience of the Southwest with this gorgeous custom home in Gilbert. Located on a convenient cul-de-sac, it is within walking distance of the trendy downtown Gilbert area. You'll love being in this non-HOA neighborhood. The Spanish Mediterranean style begins in the front yard with the adobe half walls, and the curved tile path leads to the charming blue door. The foyer is flooded with natural light from the skylight above, and the first view is out the tall glass windows to the pool beyond. Colorful Saltillo and blue tiles are throughout the entire home, with the exception of two carpeted bedrooms. Vaulted ceilings, tall windows and arches add loads of character to this house. A window seat is in the Great Room, and is flanked by built in lighted

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2440 E Fairmount Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85016

$549,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,054 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768328

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this unique home with tons of charm and character in the highly desirable area of Earl Heights. This urban oasis provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy lush vegetation, Koi Pond, custom rockwork and NO HOA. The large 450 sq. ft. studio space can be utilized for a workshop, office or easily converted into an income-generating guest house. Inside awaits an open concept kitchen, living and dining area. The original cement floor adds interest. The kitchen contains modern amenities that will make cooking and entertaining a joy. The large primary bedroom and en suite include a separate large, jetted tub, shower and large walk-in closet. French doors lead out to the serene backyard. Darling screened in front patio adds additional living space to the home. There is plenty of parking and storage. Come and view this gem of a property. It will not last long.

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2791 S Sailors Way Gilbert, AZ 85295

$549,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,314 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6762368

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This gorgeous upgraded home has 4bd, 2.5bath's and offers an amazing split floorplan with the master suite, guest bath, laundry, living and dinning rooms on the lower level. Upstairs is 3 bedrooms and 1 bath plus large loft/game room area. The renovations include upgraded bathrooms, kitchen, ceramic plank tile floor, carpet, fixtures throughout, window coverings, sunscreens, interior / exterior paint, garage storage, epoxy flooring, AC units and whole house water filtration system. The backyard has an extended paver deck leading to a firepit and grass area. The home is in a great location no neighbors on 3 sides, next to a green belt and close to the community center with park, playground, tennis/pickleball and basketball courts . Close to San Tan village for dinning and entertainment. The sellers are related to the listing agent.

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20238 N Canyon Whisper Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$549,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,950 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6777755

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

If you want peace and quiet this is the home for you! Desired and Top Selling Borgata Model with NO neighbors in Front or Back! Sunny breakfast bay nook overlooks park like setting across the street adding to the overall appeal of this home. Large attractive front courtyard. 1950 sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, split plan. Great room style home! EXTENDED garage! Large kitchen, maple cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless appliances, skylight, bay window, pantry. Owner's Suite has bay window. Large bath wt dual sinks, walk in closet. Laundry rm with cabinets. W/D Included. Enjoy gorgeous sunsets on the extended private patio with cozy fireplace, pergola, built in grill. Media wall in great room, shutters on most windows, built ins at guest, coach lights, ceiling fans, 2x6 construction. Raised Panel Doors, Security Door, Coated Front Sidewalk, Courtyard, Extended Patio and Garage. Homes like this Seldom Come Available! COME JOIN THE FUN AT SUN CITY GRAND, AMERICA'S PREMIER ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITY. FOUR GOLF COURSES, 22 PICKLEBALL COURTS, 11 TENNIS COURTS, TWO FITNESS CAMPUSES, BOCCE, LAWN BOWLING.

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7710 E Gainey Ranch Road Unit 202 Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$549,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

785 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6706024

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

the Perfect ''Lock & Leave'' or Primary Home for EASY LIVING. Nestled within the Heart of Scottsdale, in the Desirable Guard-Gated Community of Gainey Ranch. Tastefully Renovated Top to Bottom to include Two Full Bathrooms, Beautiful Carrara Marble throughout, Brand New Paint, Flooring, Lighting & Fans, Custom Roman Shades, Soft Water, Rev Osmosis, Refrigerator, Water Heater, Garage w/ Epoxy Floor & Extra Storage. Primary Bdr includes Custom Closets, Washer/Dryer, Full Bath & 2nd Private Patio. Enjoy State-of-the Art Gym & Workout Center, Olympic-Sized Pool, Tennis/Pickle Ball, Walking Paths, Restaurants, Shops. Dues cover water/sewer/trash /pest cable/internet & more plus full use of this fabulous Community Center to enjoy events, wine tastings, & Resort Style Living. A MUST SEE! The Clubhouse offers Many Events & Wine Tastings, making for Resort-Style Living at its Finest. Minutes to everything you need, Major Freeways & Sky Harbor International Airport.

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