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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3951 W Talc Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$635,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,913 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756189

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautiful 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home in the heart of San Tan Valley! This property features modern finishes throughout, including a 2-car extended garage allowing space for up to 4 cars. The spacious kitchen boasts granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a large island—perfect for entertaining. You'll also find a rare builder upgrade by Toll Brothers—an extra sliding window in the kitchen, a feature no longer offered, along with an extended patio for seamless indoor-outdoor living. Relax in the inviting living room or step outside to your private backyard oasis with low-maintenance landscaping. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, and parks, this home has it all! A must-see in a fast-growing community

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5100 E Rancho Paloma Drive Unit 2026 Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$635,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,990 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766794

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Discover this beautifully upgraded townhome in the highly sought-after Rancho North community, renowned for its privacy and breathtaking mountain and desert views. The spacious great room layout features two generous bedrooms, a large den, two full baths, and a two-car garage. The interior showcases stylish white cabinets, quartz countertops, a gas stove, and a spacious primary bathroom with an oversized shower. A neutral color palette creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Two large sliding doors lead to a private balcony, ideal for enjoying the tranquil desert ambiance and unobstructed mountain vistas. With large picture windows that flood the home with natural light, this townhome offers a bright and airy feel. The community boasts fantastic amenities, including a heated pool, spa,BBQ area and workout facility. You'll also be conveniently located near shopping, dining, and outdoor activities like hiking and biking. This home is Energy Star Certified and features smart home technology, including WiFi door and garage locking and thermostat control, along with an EV charging station. Don't miss this exceptional opportunity!

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15534 W Las Verdes Way Surprise, AZ 85374

$635,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,276 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767014

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This immaculately maintained home in the heart of Sun City Grand shines brighter than the rest! From the paver courtyard to the heated self cleaning pool and spa, 3 car garage AND newer roof, this home truly has it all. Don't miss out on making this stunning Coronado model your own - inquire now to find out more about all the incredible features this home and community have to offer!

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15530 N 78th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85382

$635,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,026 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769251

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Seller may consider buyer concessions if made in an offer. Welcome to your dream home, featuring many desirable attributes. The neutral color scheme and fresh interior paint create a calming ambiance. The kitchen is a cook's delight with a central island. The primary bedroom includes a walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom with double sinks, a separate tub, and a shower. Enjoy cozy evenings by the fireplace. The fenced backyard is perfect for entertaining, with a private in-ground pool, a covered patio, and a storage shed. Our lawn is adorned with low maintenance landscaping, allowing you to enjoy the aesthetics without the additional work. This home offers comfort, convenience, and style in equal measure.

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2686 E Westchester Drive Chandler, AZ 85249

$635,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,421 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6693315

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful 4 bed/2 bath w/3 car garage in desirable Sun River Community. Great room floor plan with split master. Formal dining room. Kitchen - 42 inch staggered cabinets, side by side refrigerator, center island, breakfast bar, pantry with pull out shelves and breakfast nook. Custom media niche. Tile throughout except bedrooms. Oversized master bedroom. Master bathroom - separate tub/shower, glass block window, 2 sinks and vanity area. Huge walk in closet. Hall bath has 2 sinks. Over-sized, private backyard with 10' access gate.

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3107 W Languid Lane Phoenix, AZ 85086

$635,000

6 Beds

3 Baths

2,981 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6730197

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Wow, she's looking GOOD! New carpet, fresh paint, and now a new price! Location near I-17 & Loop 303 freeways, making commuting a breeze. Ideal for those connected to the nearby TSMC plant or seeking proximity to Lake Pleasant. The first level features vinyl plank flooring in the main living areas, creating a warm & inviting atmosphere. All 3 bathrooms have been tastefully updated to reflect modern comfort & style. Updated kitchen with plenty of cabinets, double ovens, & modern lighting, flowing into a cozy family room anchored by a gas fireplace. Adjacent, a sunlit flex room with abundant storage & utility sink. Off of the main entry, there is a convenient bedroom & bathroom providing privacy for guests or an ideal home... office. The primary suite features a custom walk-in closet, a bay window sitting room with mountain views, & a remodeled en-suite. Step outside to enjoy the beautiful backyard featuring an artificial grass area, private pool, extended patio with sun shade-perfect for outdoor gatherings & relaxation. Additional highlights include new Trane AC units (2023), soft water system, & RV gate. The Tramonto Community enhances daily life with amenities such as pools, tennis, basketball & volleyball courts, playgrounds, & trails. Nearby shopping, dining, & schools ensure seamless convenience. Experience the best of Arizona living in this beautiful home!

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10649 N 113th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85259

$635,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,485 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6753941

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this spacious 4-bed, 3-bath home spanning 2,485 square feet, nestled at the end of a serene cul-de-sac. Enjoy modern comforts with new solar panels and updated HVAC systems (installed in 2019 and 2024). The home has been freshly painted both inside and out this year, complemented by new, matching blinds and ceiling fans to keep you cool all summer long. A new roof underlayment was added last year, and there's a brand-new garage door opener for added convenience. Step outside to your private backyard oasis, featuring a generously sized 12-foot deep pool with a diving board and has been regularly maintained. For additional shade and comfort, a retractable awning is mounted for those sunny days. This home offers incredible potential and is ready for you to make it your own.

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26233 N 133rd Avenue Peoria, AZ 85383

$635,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,005 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776183

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Built in 2022! 4 bed 3.5 bath home w/ a loft & a 3 car garage located in Rancho Cabrillo community in North Peoria. Paver driveway & double side gate. Wood-like tile in the main traffic areas. The kitchen is open to the family room & includes a huge island, quartz counter tops, gas range, premium stainless steel appliances & a pantry. The primary suite is over-sized & the primary bathroom includes a huge shower, dual sinks, quartz counters & a large walk-in closet. Backyard is a blank canvas, plenty of room for a pool. Open greenspace across the street & beautiful mountain view from the backyard! Walking distance to A+ schools & parks.

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701 Babbling Brook Prescott, AZ 86303

New

$635,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,771 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778287

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Experience the ease of single-level living in this Stunningly Remodeled Townhome, located in the gated, highly sought-after Aspen Creek Meadows community. With cathedral ceilings & expansive windows, this home is bathed in natural light, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance throughout. Featuring 2 spacious bdrms & 2 versatile flex rms, this layout offers ample space for a Home Office, Hobby rm, or guest room to suit your lifestyle. The elegant, open-concept design flows seamlessly from the inviting living area, to the modern kitchen, perfect for entertaining or relaxing. Then step out onto the private back deck, where the tranquil sounds of a Babbling Brook (HOA area) provide the perfect backdrop for peaceful mornings & serene evenings. All this in the low-maintenance lifestyle area.

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17572 W Polaris Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$635,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,011 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6750396

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

RARE 4 CAR GARAGE. Nestled at the base of the Estrella Mountains is the highly desired community of Estrella Mountain Ranch. This is where you'll find this rare 5 bedroom, 3 bath home with a 4 car garage, and pool. As you enter, you'll love the vaulted ceilings that provide ample natural light that fills the rooms, not to mention the plantations shutters. This will lead into the open concept kitchen - family room that features lovely views to the backyard that boasts a sparking pool, grass areas, large covered patio, tasteful landscaping and, your very own: two 30+ foot palm trees. The kitchen features stainless appliances, Corian counter tops along with 42'' cabinetry. You'll also love that there's a bedroom and adjacent bathroom on the main floor which is perfect for guests: see more Or multi-general living. Upstairs is where you'll find a large loft space along with 3 nice sized bedrooms serviced by a full bathroom with shower and dual sinks. The primary bedroom sports terrific views and a large en suite bathroom featuring separate tub and shower, dual vanities, private toilet room, and a large walk-in closet. You're just a short walk or bike ride to the lakes here in Estrella. This amazing home is just a couple minutes drive to Mountain Ranch Marketplace which is home to Safeway, Starbucks, Subway, medical and dental care and a list of many more services. By the way, you can cancel your gym membership as Estrella offers two residence clubs both with state-of-the-art workout facilities. These clubs also feature swimming pools, banquet facilities, restaurants and more. The community boasts two elementary schools and a highly touted high school. This home is a rare find in a vibrant community, offering the perfect combination of convenience, comfort, and style. Don't miss the opportunity to make this your dream home!

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820 N 8th Avenue Unit 14 Phoenix, AZ 85007

$635,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,476 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767246

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Experience modern luxury at 820 N 8th Ave, Unit 14 in the heart of downtown Phoenix! Built by the award-winning Landmark Builders, this sophisticated residence showcases their commitment to quality with high-end finishes, open-concept living, and smart home technology. The kitchen features premium appliances, while the spacious master suite offers a fully upgraded closet and luxurious bathroom. Outside, enjoy a private, low-maintenance oasis with custom pavers and upgraded turf. Moments from top dining, shopping, and entertainment, this home offers the best of urban living in an exclusive, impeccably crafted space.

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18410 W Pioneer Street Goodyear, AZ 85338

$635,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6753104

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come see this versatile property that offers an enclosed RV garage & a wonderful place to call home! In addition to 3 bedrooms, this great room floor plan also offers flex space that can be used as a game room, work out area or office. Enjoy spacious green parks, walking paths & a quiet neighborhood. This well-kept open floor plan is sure to please with it's upgraded kitchen featuring stylish cabinets, tiled backsplash, roomy kitchen island & Quartz countertops. The insulated garage is also enhanced w/ mini splits to cool your work space, has an overheight area, & an extended length for a variety of enclosed parking options as well as custom cabinets/storage rack. Other features include: extended paver driveway which leads to a concrete pad behind the utility gate, & back patio pavers! Bonus misc items: RV garage portion measurements are 40 ft in length and 14ft tall door with 16ft clear height, large walk-in tile shower in master, tiled 2nd bath shower, water softener, 2 year old water heater, whole house surge protector, wired fiber optics for improved efficiency and speed of telecommunications services/internet transmission, sun shades on sun bearing windows, custom tint on Arcadia doors and east facing windows. 

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