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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Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

694 W Bartlett Way Chandler, AZ 85248

$749,979

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,157 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778351

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Take a look at this Beautifully Maintained Barcelona Plan In the Mediterranean At Fulton Ranch, This 3 Bedroom Plus Study Great Room Split Floorplan at 2157 sq ft. Lots of Upgrades Including Gourmet Kitchen Layout, Upgraded Cabinets and Countertops. 2' Garage Extension. Security Prewire and Surround Sound in Great Room Oversized Corner Lot. New AC Unit just a Couple Months Ago.. Ready for Move In !!! Don't Miss it !! 🙂 Awesome Chandler Schools !! Ira A. Fulton Elementary School and Hamilton High School both walking distance. Jr. High is Bogle.

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16348 E Skinner Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$749,900

4 Beds

4 Baths

2,616 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769884

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

EPCOR Water Approval is Confirmed for this property! Certificate of Occupancy obtained. No waiting! Nestled amid stunning mountain views, this home offers luxurious desert living with a perfect fusion of modern elegance & natural beauty. Enjoy panoramic vistas, with generously sized windows & soaring 9-10' ceilings paired with elegant 8-foot doors. Open and airy design, drenched in natural light, creates an inviting atmosphere throughout. Step outside to the covered back patio, ideal for entertaining or simply unwinding while soaking in the breathtaking desert landscape. Private En Suites for primary and 2 guest suites for optimal privacy and comfort. 4th guest room has ensuite with main living access. Spacious 3+ Car Garage & Workspace: Plenty of room for vehicles, hobbies, etc. HURRY! 5000-Gallon Water Storage Tank provides added convenience for desert living.

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35938 N 138th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85262

New

$749,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,138 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782719

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled on a spacious 1.25-acre lot, this charming 2,138-square-foot home offers the perfect blend of comfort, tranquility, and outdoor adventure. Surrounded by natural beauty, the property provides ample space for relaxation and recreation, while being just moments away from scenic hiking trails that wind through breathtaking landscapes. The home's inviting floor plan features generous living spaces with large windows that frame stunning views of the surrounding countryside and sky. Whether you're enjoying the crisp air from the patio, stargazing under the expansive night sky, or exploring the nearby trails, you'll feel a sense of peace and connection with nature at every turn.

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16320 E Skinner Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$749,900

4 Beds

4 Baths

2,616 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6709609

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

EPCOR Water Approval is Confirmed for this property! Certificate of Occupancy obtained. No waiting! Nestled amid stunning mountain views, this home offers luxurious desert living with a perfect fusion of modern elegance & natural beauty. Enjoy panoramic vistas, with generously sized windows & soaring 9-10' ceilings paired with elegant 8-foot doors. Open and airy design, drenched in natural light, creates an inviting atmosphere throughout. Step outside to the covered back patio, ideal for entertaining or simply unwinding while soaking in the breathtaking desert landscape. Private En Suites for primary and 2 guest suites for optimal privacy and comfort. 4th guest room has ensuite with main living access. Spacious 3+ Car Garage & Workspace: Plenty of room for vehicles, hobbies, etc. HURRY! 5000-Gallon Water Storage Tank provides added convenience for desert living.

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20580 S 226th Street Queen Creek, AZ 85142

Open House

$749,900

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

4,125 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6749504

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

One-year-new high-efficiency HERS 53 dream home in Queen Creek's Madera community, located in the sought-after 'Maquis' neighborhood, is exactly what you've been searching for! Move-in ready, this spacious two-story gem sits on the largest Diamond Model lot in the area. On the first level, you'll find two large offices or flex rooms, conveniently situated between the kitchen, family room, and a half bath. The second level features five generously sized bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a spacious loft. With numerous high-value upgrades, this property offers exceptional value. Enjoy beautifully maturing landscaping in both the front and back yards. The home includes an electric vehicle charging outlet, soft-water pre-plumb, a $9,000 Wi-Fi-enabled water... softener, 3-car tandem garage and an RV gate. Inside, you'll find an enlarged primary bathroom and walk-in closet, 10-foot ceilings on both floors, custom blinds in every room, tinted rear windows, and brand-new appliances, including a refrigerator upgrade, washer, and dryer. Additional upgrades include matte black cabinet handles and door hinges, new light fixtures, and a fresh coat of interior paint. Living in the Madera community means access to fantastic amenities like a sparkling pool, hot tub, pickleball and bocce ball courts, a basketball court, playgrounds, and more. Located in vibrant Queen Creek, this home is conveniently close to shopping, dining, Frontier Park, Pecan Lake Entertainment, Queen Creek Marketplace, and the Queen Creek Olive Mill. Plus, you'll have easy access to the 24 Freeway and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. Don't miss your chance to own this exceptional home!

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27223 N 73rd Lane Peoria, AZ 85383

Open House

$749,900

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,007 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761710

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

October completion-no back neighbor! Experience the charm of Aloravita, nestled within the scenic mountains of Peoria. This community boasts breathtaking views and is conveniently located minutes away from shopping, dining, hiking trails and more! Our popular 'Phoenician II' floorplan features 4 full bedrooms plus a game room and a media room, 3.5 bathrooms, 2 Car-Tandem Garage and a private yard with views! Designer selected finish includes Burlap Cabinetry, Quartz Kitchen Countertops, Wood Like Tile Throughout, and Plush Carpet in all the bedrooms. This beautiful home will have it all including 8' doors, Gourmet Gas Kitchen, Smudge Proof Stainless Steel Appliances, Blinds, Pre-Plumb for Soft Water, and Smart Home Technology. *Photos of similar spec to show layout, options may vary**

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25717 S 207th Street Queen Creek, AZ 85142

New

$749,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,746 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777671

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Rural Vibe/City Amenities! NO HOA! HORSE PRIVILEGES! This one acre property is surrounded by mature trees, creating a relaxing atmosphere. The rural vibe continues with a 4-horse stall structure and 2 large sheds for either tack storage or lawn tools. The fenced pasture can be used as a horse arena, pet yard or kids' wonderland. There is even covered parking for your RV. This home offers so many updated features like fresh interior and exterior paint, new roof, new hot water heater, and new patio ceiling fans. This home is so well maintained with cleaned and sanitized AC vents and a full maintenance tune-up to the AC unit in September 2024. Professionally designed storage with CLASSY CLOSETS at the pantry, hall and primary bedroom closets! The pool received new equipment and was resurfaced in 2020. Both the primary shower and hall shower were updated in 2017 and the water softener was replaced in 2019. NO HOA! So many options abound with grocery stores, retail shopping, restaurants and a movie theatre less than 10 MINUTES away! Seller is willing to pay off solar balance at COE with the right offer. The hot tub does NOT convey. Samsung refrigerator model RF31CG7400SRAA does NOT convey. GE Profile refrigerator can convey at the buyer's request.

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23028 E Excelsior Avenue Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$749,900

5 Beds

4.5 Baths

3,183 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776493

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful two-story home in the desirable HARVEST community in Queen Creek! Nearly new FIVE beds, 4.5 baths, 3 car tandem garage & a backyard to LOVE! Large sparkling private pool with water feature, built-in firepit, turf for year-round green & low maintenance. Over $100k invested in this backyard paradise! Large downstairs bed & full bath. Gorgeous kitchen with white shaker cabinets, quartz counters, island, stainless appliances including gas cooktop & hood vent. Breakfast room plus formal dining. Very open layout. Upstairs you'll find a spacious loft, 4 more bedrooms including the primary suite & another bedroom with private ensuite. Primary suite is huge & the primary bath is spa-like with a massive walk-in shower, dual vanities & a closet large enough for it all! Walk-in closets in all rooms. Upstairs laundry room. All appliances can stay. The Harvest community in Queen Creek, Arizona, is a master-planned development covering more than 400 acres, designed with family-friendly amenities, blending suburban living with local agricultural heritage. The central gathering area, known as The Grange, includes both a resort-style pool & a junior Olympic-sized lap pool, a community lake, event spaces & outdoor pavilion. An interconnected trail system & multiple parks make it easy to explore on foot or by bike. The community is also close to San Tan Mountain Regional Park & convenient shopping options in Queen Creek, making it an attractive choice for residents looking for both relaxation & accessibility. The design of Harvest honors Queen Creek's agricultural roots, incorporating themed landscaping & spaces for residents to connect with nature. This includes features like an agriculturally-themed playground & lush, open green spaces that make the area feel welcoming & connected to the local heritage. For those interested in schools, Harvest is served by the Queen Creek Unified School District, with schools such as Queen Creek Elementary & Queen Creek High nearby. The blend of diverse home styles, robust amenities, & family-centered design has contributed to Harvest's appeal as one of Queen Creek's newer & sought-after communities.

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45239 N 16th Street New River, AZ 85087

$749,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,705 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6730376

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Views......Views......Views....... Must see this well-maintained home with 3 large bedrooms a separate craft/hobby room and 2.5 bathrooms. Large open kitchen with massive great room. The views to the North are breathtaking. Oversized 2 car garage newer AC units. This home is a must see and will not last at this price. Don't miss the almost 1 3/4-acre lot....

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2850 Lazy Eight Court Overgaard, AZ 85933

$749,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,331 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6735718

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautifully maintained & energy efficient 3BR, 2 ½ BA chalet has everything you're looking for, including a HEATED & COOLED (vented) 2 car garage! This tranquil setting is situated on a ponderosa pine tree studded 2.55-acre estate with an active HOA but $0.00 dues. Perfectly located on a paved county-maintained road w/low flow traffic at the end of a cul-de-sac. Once inside, the wall of windows offers a light and bright feel w/vaulted t&g ceilings, remote controlled blinds, stacked stone gas (propane) fireplace, and hardwood floors! The spacious kitchen provides ample counterspace with granite countertops, knotty hickory cabinets w/pullout drawers and large pantry too! Master bedroom downstairs, a guest bedroom up plus a HUGE bonus room that can easily accommodate 4 beds for kids or guests. Suitable for full time offering central gas heat, A/C plus insulated & heated (ETS). Crawlspace for a workshop or extra storage. There's lots of decking and a huge paver patio area for BBQ's, star gazing and watching the elk & deer that frequent the area. Exterior visual and audio surveillance too.

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2975 W Three Mile Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$749,900

4 Beds

4 Baths

3,125 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6737010

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning corner lot home features 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a fully insulated and AC'd 4-car garage. The exterior has great curb appeal with a pavered driveway and a welcoming front porch. Inside, the home is filled with luxurious features such as a front den, tile flooring throughout, with carpet in the bedrooms and TWO primary suites. The first suite includes granite counters, dual sinks, a bathtub, walk-in shower, and walk-in closet. The second suite has separate floating vanities, a standalone tub, a tiled wall shower, a workout/sitting area, and a walk-in closet. The gourmet kitchen is equipped with a gas stovetop, wall oven & microwave, granite counters, two sinks in the island, breakfast bar, natural wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a walk-in pantry. The open floor plan includes a formal dining area, a spacious living room, and a breakfast nook with two slider doors leading to the backyard. The backyard is perfect for entertaining. The home is located in a master planned community with various amenities such as play areas, pickleball/tennis courts, walking/biking paths, and a heated community pool and spa.

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16336 W Indianola Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85395

$749,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,082 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6745872

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautiful residence is in the active 55+ Pebblecreek Community and offers the perfect blend of style and comfort. With over $90,000.00 in upgrades, the main house features 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a den. The den has a murphy bed and closet, providing a flexible space for as a 3rd bedroom or home office. The charming, attached casita includes a full bath, counterspace and is ideal for guests or a private retreat. This home has an open layout with neutral tile floors and an abundance of natural light. The kitchen showcases wood cabinetry with crown molding, built-in appliances, granite countertops, an updated mosaic backsplash and an island with a breakfast bar for casual dining. The primary bedroom is a serene haven, featuring plush carpet, bathroom has dual sinks and a large walk-in close. The backyard is perfect for relaxation, boasting a large pergola covered patio and an open area to enjoy your outdoor oasis. This home offers comfort, style, and a welcoming community, don't miss the opportunity to make it yours!

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