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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7946 E Portobello Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$628,000

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,020 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784500

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BRAND NEW ROOF WITH TRANSFERRABLE WARRANTY! This beautifully updated home features 5 spacious bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, formal living & dining, a large bonus room + fresh paint & new carpet throughout. This thoughtfully designed floorplan offers formal living & dining, a large family room open to the kitchen, upstairs bedrooms & tons of natural light. The kitchen overlooks your large, lush yard & includes a center island, granite countertops, glass-tile backsplash, a walk-in pantry & NEW stainless steel appliances including the refrigerator & beverage fridge. The primary bathroom has been completely renovated with NEW dual sink vanity + Quartz top & separate tub and shower with custom tile surround. Enjoy relaxing in this beautiful yard, complete with outdoor kitchen area & RV gate.

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11329 E Savannah Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$628,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,080 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6745817

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You will fall in love with this huge corner lot property that exhibits pride of ownership in East Mesa. Notice the fantastic curb appeal and easy to maintain and beautiful landscaping. It has separate living & family rooms and either tile or wood flooring throughout.Kitchen offers upgraded cabinetry with a ton of storage space, gas cook top stove, wall ovens, island with breakfast bar, &granite countertops. The laundry has extra cabinets & sink. There are 4 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and fantastic loft. In the primary bath there is a garden tub, separate shower, walk-in closet, and private toilet room. The backyard is an oasis with covered patio and swimming pool. Meticulously maintained home by original owners. New Roof, paint, laminate floors in 2024. A/C units routinely maintained.

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20951 E Via Del Sol Street Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$627,777

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,222 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6729504

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

WOW- PRICE REDUCED $7,500. IN ADDITION, SELLER CONSESSION AVAILABLE TOWARDS CC OR RATE BUYDOWN with Rates As Low As 3.875% when Financing Thru Builder's Preferred Lender(s). Located close to Queen Creek Marketplace Shopping, Dining & Entertainment, this Community has Parks, Soccer Field, Basketball Courts, & 8-Mile Walking Trail. This Beautiful Cul-de-sac home has Primary Suite & Bedroom 4 on Lower Level with 2 Bedrooms Up! White Shaker 42'' Cabinets with Gourmet Stainless Gas Cooktop, Double Wall Ovens w/Microwave. Quartz Kitchen Countertop, Tiled Kitchen Backsplash, Tiled Extended Shower at Primary Bath, Plank Tile Flooring, Stainless Side-by-side Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer & Window Blinds Included! Don't Wait, Come See This Home Today

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22214 N Tournament Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$627,500

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,910 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6750481

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This highly desirable Scottsdale model is an open floorplan. The coffered ceiling and plantation shutters throughout give it understated elegance. The primary suite has an oversized bathroom with dual sink vanities, a massive walk in shower plus a jacuzzi tub. The second bedroom has a private bathroom. There is also a den/office. The kitchen opens to family room that features a built in gas fireplace. The kitchen has 2 islands, gas range, double ovens & tons of storage. There is a convenient half bath right off the entertaining area for guests. Guests can spill out into the enormous enclosed patio, as well as the open patio, while hosting & entertaining. The 2.5 car garage gives that perfect space for the golf cart. Roof underlayment #30 LB in 2024. PAINT color appears darker in photos.

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15029 W Minnezona Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85395

$627,100

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,368 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755950

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

WOW. SELLER WILL GIVE $8,000 CREDIT TO THE BUYER AT CLOSING, and wow FULLY paid off and OWNED SOLAR and solar heated pool! HUGE SAVINGS! This LUXURY retreat home features countless upgrades: highly upgraded engineering wood flooring, mini-split A/C units in the garage, a Tesla charging station, and custom finishes at every turn!!! This exceptional home greets you with lush desert landscaping, creating a serene and inviting entrance. Once inside, you're welcomed by soaring ceilings that open up the space and create a bright, airy atmosphere. The seamless flow between the expansive living and family rooms is perfect for gatherings and entertaining, offering plenty of space for relaxation. The heart of the home is the chef's kitchen, designed to impress with granite countertops, a large center island, a convenient breakfast bar, and sleek black stainless steel appliances. The 42'' cherry cabinets add a touch of elegance and provide ample storage. The first-floor master suite is a luxurious retreat, featuring real wood flooring that adds warmth and character. The remodeled bathroom boasts an oversized shower, creating a spa-like experience. Backyard is a true OASIS!! Outdoor living is equally impressive, highlighted by a grand 8'x6' stone fireplace, perfect for cozy evenings under the stars. Whether hosting or relaxing, this home offers both style and practicality for modern living. The 3 car garage is super spacious, every owner's dream!! This home is a MUST SEE!!

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7683 W Avenida Del Rey -- Peoria, AZ 85383

$626,940

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,219 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6680063

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Brand new community in North Peoria! Stunning 4 bedroom/ Guest Retreat / 3 full bath home with 2.5 car tandem garage located at the Retreat at Aloravita. This home includes professionally designed features and finishes. The kitchen includes beautiful white quartz countertops, tile backsplash, stainless steel gas appliances and white shaker style cabinets. Upgraded woodplank style tile flooring. Cultured marble tops at baths. 8' doors with upgraded hardware and the home is ''Energy Star'' for remarkable comfort, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

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5520 N 192nd Lane Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$626,680

5 Beds

4 Baths

3,475 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786873

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This amazing 5 Bedroom, 4 bath home with a 3-car garage home is on a large lot with a large, covered patio and plenty room for a wonderful pool. It has a full bedroom & bath downstairs, with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths & loft upstairs. Gourmet Kitchen has a large island with Quartz countertops and a custom backsplash, walk in pantry & butler's pantry. Kitchen is open to a large Great Room and has a formal dining that could also serve as a den. All bedrooms are spacious and have walk in closets and connected with a wonderful upstairs loft. Master suite has his & her closets, separate tub & shower along with separate vanities. Come see us. PHOTOS ARE OF A MODEL HOME. SEE SELECTION PHOTO. HOME COMPLETED IN JAN. 2025

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28976 N 174th Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$626,597

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,878 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784982

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Ready Jan/Feb 2025! Incredible incentives with builder's preferred lender. Brand New Home in True Hidden Oasis on a spacious 8,202sf homesite with 13ft between neighbors for added privacy. Exceptional 1-story features 4 beds, versatile retreat, 3.5 baths, and spacious 3-car side-by-side garage. The inviting layout includes 3 distinct wings of space and seamless indoor-outdoor living with clear backyard views—perfect for entertaining or relaxing. The chef-inspired kitchen boasts an oversized quartz island, 42'' upper cabinets, cushion-close drawers, a wall oven/micro combo, and walk-in pantry. The retreat offers flexible use as a teen room, media hub, or playroom. The primary suite includes 2 walk-in closets and a spa-like tiled shower.

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4780 W Flat Iron Court San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$626,432

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,665 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772329

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Lovely new 4-bedroom home in Queen Creek, offering a spacious and welcoming floor plan, 3 bathrooms, an attached 3-car garage, and so much more! The Executive Kitchen features double ovens, designer selected backsplash, quartz countertops, a multi panel sliding glass door, and a Blanco Diamond kitchen sink. Other highlights of the home include white cabinets with 42'' uppers, wood look tile and upgraded carpet, and a separate tub and shower with an enlarged tub. The exterior of the home features pavers at the driveway and front porch as well as a gas line to the back patio!

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10027 W Verde Lane Avondale, AZ 85392

$626,261

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,581 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752647

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Find your dream home at Acclaim-a Fulton homes master planned community! The North Bend is a fantastic single story home with a private primary suite and four spacious guest bedrooms. Beautiful gourmet kitchen with separate nook and a spacious great room with a 16' atrium door that opens to the covered patio. Exclusive features include 10' ceilings, 8' doors, paver driveways and much more. Fulton homes are ''Zero Energy Ready'' and include tankless water heaters, spray foam insulation, electric vehicle ready and pre plumb for solar installation. Residents enjoy a community pool, basketball courts, pickle ball courts, sand volleyball, bocce ball, greenbelts and children's playgrounds. Buyer can upgrade appliances at additional cost. Estimated completion-12/2024

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15626 N 50th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$626,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,649 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6773784

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your serene retreat in Paradise Manor! A courtyard at the entry provides a charming first impression and a lovely spot to relax. This single-level home features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a 2-car garage, perfect for families or those looking to downsize. Inside, you'll find a thoughtful mix of engineered hardwood, tile, and carpet flooring that adds warmth and style. The inviting great room with vaulted ceiling features a cozy wood-burning fireplace, perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings at home.With an AC unit that's only 5 years old, you can enjoy comfort year-round. Enjoy the tranquility of a quiet neighborhood while being conveniently located near Kierland Commons & many other shopping & dining options. This home is ready for you to make it your own! Don't miss out!

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10649 E Lomita Avenue Mesa, AZ 85209

$626,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,628 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6759011

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous Home in The Villages of Eastridge! Discover this beautiful 3-bedroom+den(with Murphy bed)& Loft 2.5-bathroom home offering a versatile floor plan that's perfect for a home office, guest space, or a potential 4th bedroom! Begin your experience by stepping into a private, courtyard. Inside, the expansive eat-in kitchen is a chef's dream, equipped with a sleek induction cooktop, Samsung S/S refrigerator-less than 2 years old, and beautiful quartz countertops. The kitchen flows seamlessly into an open formal dining room & family room, creating an inviting space for gatherings and everyday living.This home is filled with custom touches, including fresh interior paint, detailed custom trim moldings, stylish lighting fixtures, newer carpet, Low E windows & new exterior paint. See more. Upstairs, unwind in the oversized master suite with an en-suite bathroom complete with dual vanities, a large walk-in closet, a separate shower, and a luxurious soaker tub. Two additional bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a cozy loft space provide plenty of room for everyone. Your private backyard oasis awaits with a 9-foot Pebble Tec diving pool featuring a fountain, a new turf lawn, a fire pit, and a lockable dog door perfect for enjoying Arizona's beautiful weather year-round. Parking and storage are no issue with the extended 3-car garage that comfortably fits a truck, complete with built-in cabinets and a widened driveway slab. The seller also has plans available for converting the third car garage into a casita, offering even more flexibility to suit your needs. Convenient access to the 60 and 202 freeways, and proximity to shopping, movies, and excellent school choices.

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