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

25260 S Cloverland Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$639,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,283 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6713354

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Location, Location, Location...Popular customized Barcelona model with casita and 2.5 car garage on the finger lakes in the special active adult community of Palo Verde in Sun Lakes. Quaint gated courtyard, perfect for morning coffee. Open great room concept with enormous windows and slider looking over the serene water views. Kitchen has granite counters, pantry and ample cabinet space. Spacious master suite with sitting area and fireplace, sliders to patio, tub, walk-in shower and giant master closet with skylight. Spare bedroom with vaulted ceilings. Casita with full bathroom and walk-in closet. This one is all about the lake setting, and they don't come available often! Start enjoying gated Palo Verde with golf, tennis, pickleball, fitness center, walking paths and great restaurants.

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2801 E Osborn Road Phoenix, AZ 85016

$639,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,110 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761770

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This cute home is located in the vibrant Arcadia Lite neighborhood of Phoenix! This property sits on a large lot with ample on-site parking behind a secure remote-controlled gate. Inside, the home feels cozy and inviting with a large living room, featuring an updated kitchen with modern finishes and convenient bar seating, perfect for casual dining or entertaining guests. The extended garage has AC & includes a built-in workbench area, ideal for car enthusiasts or hobbyists. Enjoy the convenience of being in the heart of Arcadia Lite, just minutes from popular dining, shopping, and entertainment. This property offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and prime location!

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368 S 172nd Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$639,000

5 Beds

4 Baths

4,019 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6754016

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover plenty of space and comfort in this stunning 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom Canyon Trails home. It features a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances and center island, perfect for any cook. Enjoy privacy in the attached guest casita with its own living room and entrance. PRE-PAID Solar panels offer eco-friendly living and lowered electric bills for years to come. The backyard is an oasis with a private pool, huge extended covered patio, and BBQ area, all overlooking the community green belt with no neighbors behind. Plus, enjoy community amenities like a recreation room, parks, and community pool.

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4078 E Catclaw Street Gilbert, AZ 85296

Open House

$639,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

1,951 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6775699

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautiful single level home in Warner Meadow. As you enter the home through the entryway there's a secondary bedroom with a full size bathroom, which is a great option for overnight guests. Continuing on leads you straight into the kitchen with its beautiful countertops and ample cabinet space. This connects effortlessly into the dining room/great room through an open-concept layout. The primary bedroom is large with a luxurious bathroom, dual sinks and walk in closet. The cozy backyard boasts pavers and synthetic grass. This is a must see!!

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1364 W Escarpa Street Mesa, AZ 85201

Open House

$639,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,025 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770017

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover this exceptional 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home on a nearly 1/2 acre hilltop lot at 1364 West Escarpa Street, Mesa, AZ. Enjoy breathtaking valley views, stunning sunsets, and Camelback Mountain in the distance, all with no backyard neighbors. The split floor plan features two primary suites, a family/living room with vaulted ceilings, and a dining room. The kitchen boasts espresso cabinets, granite countertops, a tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a breakfast nook, and a bar. Cozy up by the wood-burning fireplace or step outside to the extended covered patio. The triple-tiered backyard offers artificial turf, a fire pit, and a mini motocross track. With no HOA and proximity to ASU, Old Towne Scottsdale, and major freeways, this home is perfect for those seeking convenience and adventure.

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41216 N Prestancia Drive Anthem, AZ 85086

Open House

$639,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,082 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6764616

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Fall in love with this wonderfully upgraded and updated Telluride model in Anthem Country Club. Wonderful floor plan with multiple entertaining spaces. Enter the home from the front courtyard to a cozy living room and formal dining room. Kitchen has it all with tons of cabinets, beautiful granite counter tops and awesome island/breakfast bar. Main bath has been remodeled and is a must see and the secondary bath has granite counters and dual sinks. The family room off the kitchen and is where everyone hangs out and you can exit to the wonderfully landscaped backyard with built in BBQ and beautiful golf, mountain and sunset views awaiting you!! This home is the perfect size for full time living or locks and leave for the summer. Cozy up to the outdoor fireplace on an elevated patio to watch the magical AZ Sunset! WELCOME HOME! Anthem Country Club is home to two 18 hole championship golf courses with two restaurants, 2 work out rooms, 2 pools, tennis, pickle ball, bocce ball and lots of fun people!

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6735 N 10th Street Phoenix, AZ 85014

Open House

$639,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,703 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763810

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Vintage meets contemporary in this delightful home in the heart of north central Phoenix. Remodeled in 2019 to add new A/C, electrical panel, and all new kitchen, complete with stainless steel appliances and soft close modern cabinetry. Tons of additional upgrades added over the last 3 years, including new epoxy sewer lining, lighting/fans, roman shades, paint, baseboards, contemporary black door hardware, storage shed, block fence, side gate & front door. Abundant natural light throughout the home through efficient dual-pane windows. Huge great room with vaulted ceilings and built in fireplace. Dreamy primary suite has 2 closets including a spacious luxury walk-in. Mature fruit trees grace the private, quiet back yard, with the perfect patio for entertaining. Top rated schools.

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848 W Flatiron Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$638,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,664 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6750683

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Up to 3% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available through preferred lender plus additional 2% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available to be used toward closing costs, pre-paids, rate buy downs, and/or price adjustments. This elegant single-story Parklane floor plan features four bedrooms and a spacious flex area, perfect for use as an office, TV room, or study. The home includes front yard landscaping and will be move-in ready by October. Conveniently located near community parks, grocery stores, and dining options.

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14205 W Mauna Loa Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$638,900

5 Beds

3 Baths

4,068 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6722668

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

** Priced to sell - $19,100 price reduction ** Gorgeous corner lot home has everything you've been looking for! Enjoy a 3-car garage, stone accents, RV gate & a cozy front patio. Welcoming interior features wood-look tile flooring, bountiful natural light and pre-wired surround sound. Spacious living/dining room and great room are ready for entertaining. Fabulous kitchen includes recessed lighting, a plethora of white cabinets with crown molding, a walk-in pantry, SS appliances, stylish tile backsplash and a center island. Romantic grand suite boasts plush carpet, an impeccable ensuite with dual sinks and a large walk-in closet. The resort-style backyard will make you feel like you're on vacation everyday with a refreshing pool and rock waterfall. Tour it today!

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18501 E Avenida Del Ray -- Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$638,500

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,513 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751012

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Your Dream Desert Retreat Awaits—and the seller is highly motivated to make it yours! Step into this stunning 3-bedroom, 3-bath sanctuary, ideally located in the peaceful, 55+ Rio Verde Country Club community. Enjoy beautiful, low-maintenance desert landscaping featuring seven mature palm trees and a delightful variety of fruit-bearing trees, including lemon, pink grapefruit, and orange. This gorgeous property combines elegance and practicality, offering you a slice of paradise with motivated sellers ready to welcome new owners. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to secure your place in this serene, sought-after community. Enjoy a bright and airy open layout adorned with brand-new premier laminate plank tile and freshly painted interiors and exteriors. The living and dining areas feature a charming beehive fireplace and a beautiful skylight that fills the space with natural light. The well-equipped kitchen, complete with oak cabinets for ample storage, also offers breathtaking views of Four Peaks, making it a delightful space for both cooking and entertaining. The home boasts two spacious master suites, providing luxurious comfort and privacy. The primary suite features plush Berber carpet, direct outdoor access to a private patio, and a spa-like bathroom with dual sinks, a jetted tub, and a walk-in closet. Throughout the home, you will find an abundance of closet space, ensuring every item has its place. Set on a spacious lot of over 15,200 sq. ft., this home is perfect for entertaining, surrounded by mature citrus trees and beautiful desert landscaping. Enjoy hosting on the open patio or dining al fresco by the outdoor fireplace, all while immersing yourself in the tranquil beauty of nature. Act quickly, as this stunning home is priced to move and won't be on the market for long! Seize the opportunity to own this gem in the sought-after Rio Verde Country Club community, offering breathtaking views, exceptional comfort, and boundless charm. Here, you're not just purchasing a home; you're embracing a whole new lifestyle!

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3285 E Phelps Street Gilbert, AZ 85295

$638,500

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,485 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6728325

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This charming single-level home offers 2,485 sq ft of comfortable living space. The split floor plan includes 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a den. The spacious master suite features an upgraded shower and tub, double sinks, a private toilet room, and a large walk-in closet. The kitchen, perfect for entertaining, boasts granite countertops, an island, and a generous walk-in pantry, all opening up to a welcoming great room. All windows have elegant white shutters. A tandem three-car garage provides ample storage space. Outside, the backyard has a built-in firepit, turf, and recently painted exterior and block walls. With North/South exposure, this home is perfectly positioned near freeway access, San Tan Mall, shopping, and a variety of restaurants.

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4315 S 123rd Avenue Avondale, AZ 85323

$638,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,622 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6680632

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

10' ceilings, 8' doors and large, energy efficient windows allowing in an abundance of natural light highlight this gorgeous 4 bed, study, 3.5 bath open plan in Alamar. Enjoy trying new recipes in the gorgeous gourmet kitchen boasting painted 2-tone, shaker style cabinets, quartz countertops and GE stainless steel appliances with gas cooktop and large hood vent. Designer-selected finishes include upgraded tile flooring, carpet and pad, custom backsplash and accent lighting. Escape from a long day to the large owner's retreat boasting a tiled walk-in shower, soaking tub, and huge walk-in closet. Other features include 2-tone paint, 12' sliding glass door to the covered outdoor area and a large finished, turf backyard. 2x6 construction. Welcome home.

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