4 Things You Absolutely Should Not Do After You Apply for a Mortgage

If you have a good credit history and are prepared to invest in a home, you may be feeling pretty confident about the mortgage process. However, it’s important to be aware that there are things that can have a negative impact on your application. Whether you’ve just submitted your documents or are getting close to it, here are some things you may want to avoid.

Acquiring New Credit

It may seem silly that something as minor as a new credit card can be a mark against your credit, but applying for new ones can be a bad sign to lenders. The problem is that this can be signal an unmanageable debt load, so you may be considered a high risk for not being able to make your payments.

Forget To Pay Your Bills

It’s easy enough to get lulled into the feeling that your mortgage application will be approved, but this doesn’t mean that you should forget your financial responsibilities. If you’ve had poor credit in the past and neglected paying your bills on time, now is not the time to do this. Instead, ensure that you’re paying all bills and any applicable minimum payments in advance of the due date so your credit score is not impacted.

Close Old Credit Cards

Many people think that closing out old credit cards can be a positive financial step forward and a good way to streamline their finances, but this can cause damage to your credit score. Because closing a credit card will change your available balance and bump up your debt load, it may mean that your debt percentage will increase. Instead of risking this, leave them active until you’ve received approval.

Quit Your Job

Few people will have the ability to quit their job when they’re applying for a mortgage, but doing this or incurring other fluctuations in your monthly income can cause problems with your application. If you are self-employed, there may be peaks and valleys in your finances, but a huge shift in what you bring home can show lenders that you’re not a solid bet.

There can be a lot of stress that comes along with the mortgage application process, but by paying your bills on time and staying on top of your payments, you can avoid negatively impacting your approval.   To start your home search, give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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18134 E Happy Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

New

$750,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,106 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783922

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Over an acre irrigated lot with views of Santan mountains in a county island fully fenced and no HOA. Highly upgraded 2106 sqft with 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage, and corral. New roof, windows, doors, flooring, tankless water heater and appliances within the last 5 years. Plenty of room for your RV, boat and all your toys. Schools are Chandler School District.

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19810 N 68th Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$750,000

5 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,596 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6764106

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Room for the entire family! Nearly 3,600 sq ft of livable space overlooking the greenbelt/ golf course in this highly desired Arrowhead neighborhood. Nearly $30,000 in recent improvements including a new roof in 2022! Throughout you will notice tile floors (no carpet), new 5'' baseboards, fresh interior/exterior paint, new light fixtures/ hardware, plantation shutters, vaulted ceiling & large windows providing an abundance of natural light. The kitchen overlooks the living room/ backyard with great views featuring Thomasville cabinets, corian countertops, SS appliances (gas stub for stove & the fridge is included), pantry & Island with seating. There are 5 large bedrooms & a den (one of which has double doors would make a great loft, media room, etc.) The master suite is spacious with views of the common area, huge walk-in closet, double vanities, soaking tub & tiled shower with frameless glass. Large 3 car garage with built in cabinets. The driveway can easily fit 5 cars & there's an RV gate with parking behind it as well. Step out back for the best part about this house, the lot! Large covered patio, pebbletec pool with variable speed pump, grass & mature citrus trees. Great views & access to the common area through your private gate. It's like having a 1 acre backyard that your HOA maintains for you! Conveniently located within walking distance of schools, shopping & entertainment. Walking distance to Arrowhead country club/ fitness center. Close to hiking/biking trails at Thunderbird park or along the river bottom (100+ miles of trails). Deer Valley school district with A+ schools. Half mile from Arrowhead hospital, the new Phoenix Children's Hospital & other medical offices. Less than 3 miles to Arrowhead mall & anything else you could possibly want! If you need to commute to other parts of town the 101 freeway is just a half mile away.

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2907 E Sierra Street Phoenix, AZ 85028

$750,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,834 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6772110

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome home to your beautiful designer remodel in North Phoenix! Everything here is beautiful and NEW. In the Kitchen you'll find modern wood frameless Cabinets, White GE Cafe Appliances, Champagne Bronze Hardware, and Quartzite Countertops! Inside, you also have a beautiful open floor plan, wide-plank LVP throughout, four bedrooms, and three full baths, including the upstairs bed/bath, which would make a PERFECT Office. Outside, you have an oversized yard to enjoy those AZ Sunsets, with a sparkling resurfaced pool and plenty of turf! With a beautiful new interior, great neighborhood, three-year roof, tankless water heater, and perfect North Phoenix location, there's nothing left for you to do here but move in! Don't miss your opportunity; take a look today!

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26037 S Valencia Avenue Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$750,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,714 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6768712

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A beautiful irrigated mini ranch in Queen Creek AZ! This property has it all for the horse & animal lover! Perfectly set up w/ a large fenced grass pasture at the back, growing lush bremuda for the animals to graze. Large back yard to play, & fenced animal pen, next to another fenced side mini pasture that could also grow crop to graze. Huge mature trees offering shade to the animals! The gorgeous home has an open floor plan recently remodeled. All new paint interior and exterior. Kitchen has granite counters, farmhouse sink & new appliances. Wood/lam floors & all new carpeting. Master suite w/ private bath & walk in closet. Guest rooms w/ ample space, & full guest bath, 2+car garage. Mountain views, country living, yet close to all amenities. NEW AC & ROOF: 8/21 NEW WATER HEATER 8/22.

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2605 E Beekman Place Phoenix, AZ 85016

$750,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,082 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6774337

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

VA ASSUMABLE LOAN at 3%. Live in a Central Phoenix gem community built by renowned builder / architect team Dell Trailor and Ralph Haver. Fully remodeled with open floor plan, spacious bedrooms and bonus space. Fabulous granite counters, new cabinets, fixtures and lighting throughout living space. Indoor laundry with built-in storage and storage closets in garage as well. Direct access to the pool out your back gate. Fantastic value. Great lock and leave and very convenient to the Biltmore, Camelback corridor restaurants, shopping and Phoenix Sky Harbor airport.

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1117 E State Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85020

New

$750,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,884 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784162

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Sometimes the perfect home comes on the market when you least expect it! Perfectly situated w/in Madison School district this updated home offers a fantastic floor plan, gorgeous kitchen, modernized bathrooms, 2 large patios plus a spacious 2 car garage. The kitchen was designed by Leigh Kohrs & is amazing w/ custom cabinets, quartz counters, designer tile & the coolest banquette. Off the kitchen is a great place for a living room & then use the family room in the back as a media room or kids hangout. Huge primary bedroom w/ large walk in closet & beautifully updated bathroom w/ double sinks plus a vanity. All bedrooms have walk-in closets. The south facing backyard is a dream w/ lush landscaping, a 250 sq. ft. covered patio w/ speakers, recessed lights & built-in BBQ. Great neighborhood! This home was extensively remodeled in 2016 by the previous owners. The remodel included the expansion of the primary bedroom and bathroom, adding the family room, converting the carport to a garage and adding the patio. The kitchen was completely remodeled in 2018 and is timeless and the perfect place to cook and entertain.

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2033 E Laguna Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

New

$750,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,897 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783461

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A Rare High-End Bradley Built Total Custom - Attached Full Guest Quarters w/ Side Entrance -Large 4BR 3BA - 2.5 Car Garage - Slump Block Construction - 1/3 Acre Lot - High End Stone Coated Metal Roof - Dual Pane Windows Throughout - Spacious Rear Patio - Extended Driveway - Only 1-Owner - Close to Popular A-Rated Ward School & Rotary Park - NO HOA!! - Must See Soon!

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14129 E Barbie Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85262

New

$750,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,435 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782963

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

North Scottsdale living! Horses, toys, privacy,and SPACE! Nestled on an oversized 1 acre lot and featuring a natural desert landscape, 2 car garage, and paver walkway! Inside you will find spacious dining & living areas w/concrete floors, high ceilings, an entertainment niche, a warm fireplace, and neutral palette throughout. Hone your cooking skills in this gourmet kitchen, comprised of wood cabinetry w/crown molding, a pantry, quartz counters, built-in appliances, pendant lighting, a breakfast nook, and a peninsula complete w/a breakfast bar. The primary bedroom showcases private outdoor access, a walk-in closet, and a lavish ensuite w/dual sinks & a garden tub. French doors open up to a cozy den perfect for an office! Backyard is amazing for entertaining and families. Must see home! Lastly, the expansive backyard includes a covered patio, a sparkling blue pool, and a pen for horses! Don't wait any longer, act now!

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42516 N Kenworthy Road San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$750,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,248 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6743851

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Coveted 3.4 acres with flood irrigation, ready for your custom home or spec. Live in the mobile home or rent it out until your dream home is ready. The 40x60 shop can handle all your toys at 18' extra height, with 2 insulated roll up doors, and a 9'' concrete pad with rebar & steel. Property is gated and fully fenced with a separate arena for your horses. Near new 24 freeway and the area is booming with development. Don't sleep on this one.

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873 W Aster Drive Chandler, AZ 85248

$750,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,076 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6753487

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautifully updated and immaculately maintained 5-bedroom, 3-bath home in the sought-after master-planned community of Ocotillo! This home boasts an ideal spacious, open and bright floor plan with a convenient bedroom and full bathroom located downstairs. The roof was newly replaced in 2024, and the exterior of the home was freshly painted in 2023. The kitchen is perfect for entertaining, featuring granite counters, refinished cabinets, a large island with a breakfast bar, walk-in panty, double ovens, newer sliding glass door to the patio, 2024 microwave, a 5-stage RO filter for the kitchen sink and 2021 GE French door refrigerator. In 2024, much of the interior was repainted, newer nickel door and hinge hardware were installed throughout, and ceiling fans with lights and remotes were added to all bedrooms. The primary bedroom is generously sized with a huge walk-in closet. All bathrooms upstairs were updated in 2022. The home also includes a 2022 gas water heater and a 2-stage kinetic whole house filter and softener. Step outside to the backyard oasis, complete with a custom outdoor kitchen featuring a gas built-in BBQ, sink and side burner, a sparkling pebble tech pool with newer variable speed pool pump, a grassy area, pavers, a garden and ample space for entertaining. Living in Ocotillo offers access to beautiful lakes, walking and bike riding paths, children's play areas, low HOA fees, pickleball, tennis, basketball courts and the stunning Ocotillo Golf Club! With highly rated Chandler schools and a prime location near freeways, shopping, restaurants and more, this home truly offers it all!

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8619 E El Charro Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85250

$750,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,522 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6640705

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NO HOA, heated gas pool, selling FULLY FURNISHED; this 3 bed, 2 bath residence now on the market is just for you! Discover an elegant living area and formal dining room featuring wood-look flooring, plantation shutters, modern light fixtures, a cozy fireplace, and crisp palette throughout. The gorgeous kitchen, just off the cozy family room, boasts ample white canbinetry, quartz counters, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and a lovely breakfast bar. Also including a charming backyard with a covered patio, grassy area, and a gas heated pool, this home is truly a dream come true! Don't miss out! This is currently an active Short term rental, with two years rental history averaging 65k/year.

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2571 N Acacia Way Buckeye, AZ 85396

$750,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,999 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6655000

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Hot on the market! Welcome home to this stunning Verrado beauty with all the amenities! At 3000 sq ft there is room for all your hobbies, family & guests. Gorgeous courtyard w/ gated entry, durable wood laminate flooring throughout. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bath, 3 car garage & fenced play pool w/spa! Abundant light throughout. As you enter take note of the pocket sliding doors to either your office or exercise room, the gorgeous dining room & two bedrooms at the front of the home. Take in the spacious living room, open kitchen & dining area. Sliding glass doors to your dream backyard. Owners suite, additional bedroom, laundry & garage access on the north end. Owners suite complete with private backyard access, gorgeous ensuite & large walk in closet. Welcome Home!

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