Buying a home is an ideal investment for many people because not only is it a place that belongs to them, it can also be very beneficial financially. While you may be strongly considering buying a home for these reasons, it’s also important to be in good financial health so that your ideal home purchase is within reach. If you’re currently perusing the market for prospects, here are some reasons you should pay down debt before taking the leap into home ownership.
Good Credit History
The amount of your debt load and whether or not you’re paying off your minimum monthly payments has a considerable impact on your mortgage approval, so ensuring that you have good credit history going into the process is important. If you’ve had hiccups with your credit, make sure you go through your credit report prior to submitting your application to determine where you’re at.
Lowering Your Debt-to-Income Ratio
Whether or not you’ve heard the term, your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) has a significant impact on how much house you can afford. Made up of the amount of your monthly debt payment and current house payment, your DTI should be below a certain percentage as this will enable you to afford a higher home payment each month.
Shifting Interest Rates
Getting a mortgage is one thing, but interest rates add more to the monthly amount you’ll owe. A fixed-rate mortgage can seem like a good idea, but if interest rates are low you may end up paying more than you would on a variable rate, which can be hard to predict. As interest rates are a part of home ownership, having lower debt will enable you to deal with these additional costs.
Finding The Right Home
Putting your money into a home can be one of the best purchases you’ll make, but if you’re unable to afford the home you love, it can be a disappointing fact to face. While there are no assurances that paying down debt will enable you to afford your dream home, it can go a long way towards giving you more options that will fit your budget.
Buying a home can be a money saver in the long run, but if you’re struggling to keep up with your debt payments buying into the market can be more of a burden than anything else. If you’re currently paying down debt and considering a home purchase, give me a call and let me help start the planning process – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.
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10060 E Tumbleweed Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85212
$624,900
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,953
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6762798
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Popular London Model with 2 bed /2 bath, den, & stunning pool/backyard! One of the most extensive upgraded homes in Encore at Eastmark. High end 24x24 porcelain tile throughout home. Upgraded kitchen package with extended upper & lower cabinets. Upgraded tone toned quartz on island, countertops, and backsplash. No culture marble showers here! High end upgraded bathrooms with tile surrounds to ceiling, deco band, niche, and large sitting bench in oversized walk-in shower. Refreshed Kool deck and 2-stage pool pump in 2022. New exterior paint in 2024. Enormous multi slide back yard patio door with retractable screen. Extended covered patio with semi-custom BBQ grill/Firepit, and bar. Custom blinds in primary room, high end security screen door, as well as ring doorbell/cameras. LOOK see Custom cabinetry in the garage, spacious laundry, and mudroom. Amenities galore in Encore to keep you entertained year-round. A major appeal of this 55+ community is its luxurious clubhouse that offers residents a rich lineup of exclusive indoor and outdoor resort-style amenities for a vibrant and active lifestyle. The 15,000 square-foot Encore Club is the central hub of physical activity and social recreation. It features state-of-the-art facilities such as a fitness center with weights, a cardio room, as well as an aerobics and dance studio where residents can stay in shape without paying expensive gym membership fees. Homeowners can freshen up in the locker rooms and then meet up with friends in the internet café, billiards, or banquet room for some fun. The Encore Club also has a classroom, arts and crafts studio, and library, which is perfect for residents who want to learn or explore a new hobby. They can swim laps in the resort-style pool or relax in the adjacent spa. Residents who want more recreation or a challenging game can play on one of the sports courts provided, including tennis, pickleball, and bocce ball. An event lawn is the perfect place to attend a social function, and the playground is a great spot to spend time with the grandkids when they come to visit. The community is surrounded with parks and natural space as well as miles of meandering walking and biking trails that are ideal for leisurely strolls or brisk jogs. With so many top-notch amenities, residents are sure to stay busy and active throughout the week. In addition to these world-class amenities, the Encore Club also hosts a full calendar of social events, fitness classes, daily activities, social clubs, and special interest groups. An on-site activities director is also available to help plan, organize, and develop new activities, hobbies, trips, and events that allow residents of the community to explore new interests and bond with other like-minded adults. Encore at Eastmark is an active adult community that promotes a vibrant and welcoming lifestyle that retirees will love in Mesa, Arizona.
23625 N Bridle Way
Florence, AZ 85132
$624,900
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,556
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6715194
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Step into this breathtaking semi-custom home situated on a sprawling 1-acre lot with horse privileges and an impressive 30'W x 48'L shop, ideally located in a sought-after NO HOA community. Boasting 4 bedrooms and 2 ½ baths, this residence exudes elegance with its vaulted ceilings, inviting fireplace, and a generous open concept living/dining area adorned with plantation shutters. The expansive gourmet kitchen is a culinary masterpiece, featuring white cabinets, stunning black blizzard granite countertops, a pantry, and a spectator bar with seating. Sleek black fingerprint-resistant stainless steel appliances and ambient under-cabinet and over-cabinet lighting complete the kitchen's allure. Two luxurious primary bedroom suites offer comfort and space, while one suite features features an oversized ceiling fan for added relaxation. A dedicated laundry room includes a front-load washer and dryer for convenience. Outdoors, indulge in the 12' x 67' covered patio and an extended 3-car garage with on-slab parking for 6+ vehicles. Enjoy year-round comfort with sunscreens, security doors, and ceiling fans throughout. For seamless outdoor entertaining, discover a detached 28' x 20' covered patio equipped with a built-in BBQ grill, sink, and refrigerator. Access to the property is secured by two sets of double gates and a walk gate from the street, with an additional walk gate along the back fence leading to a natural wash bordered by lush foliage, ensuring unparalleled privacy. This remarkable property epitomizes space, privacy, and convenience in a desirable community without HOA restrictions. Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity!
1728 N 156th Drive
Goodyear, AZ 85395
$624,900
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,916
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6729548
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover Your Dream Home in Palm Valley! Professional home inspection already completed!!!! Welcome to your new haven! This stunning, highly upgraded home in Palm Valley is a true gem, offering over $160k in luxurious enhancements. Perfectly situated close to all the vibrant attractions the Goodyear area has to offer, this home is designed for those who seek both comfort and sophistication. Key Features: Spacious Living: With 4 bedrooms and an additional 12x18' (approximate) flex room, this home offers ample living space. The large flex room with custom barn doors is perfect for an office, media room, or playroom. Elegant Interiors: Enjoy the beauty of 12x24'' plank tile flooring and 10' ceilings throughout the home. MORE ... Gourmet Kitchen: The heart of the home features oversized granite countertops, double ovens, a gas cooktop, abundant cabinet space, a walk-in pantry, and stainless steel appliances (including a new dishwasher, disposal, and microwave). The large dining nook with padded bench seating for 12 is perfect for entertaining or large gatherings. Luxurious Master Suite: The master retreat boasts bay windows, a master bath with a tiled shower, a double full-mirrored door to the closet, an oversized tub, granite counters with double sinks, and a custom-designed walk-in closet. Thoughtful Layout: A split floor plan ensures privacy with 2 additional bedrooms featuring walk-in closets and a connected Jack & Jill full bath. Functional Spaces: The laundry room offers ample counter space and cabinetry. Two solar skylight tubes brighten the front entry and living space. A metal security front door adds an extra layer of safety. Garage & Driveway: The garage includes a 2-foot extension, epoxy flooring, ceiling storage racks, an extended paver driveway, and custom cabinetry. Desert oasis on an Expansive Lot: Nestled on a large 10,000+ square foot fully landscaped corner lot in a cul-de-sac, across from a large park. Backyard Paradise: Ideal for entertaining, the backyard features an above-ground hot tub, a spacious covered patio, travertine decking, paver sidewalks, a raised garden area, gas stub, solar and custom lighting, an oversized gate, and a two steel cactus including a saguaro cactus that light up at night. This home is meticulously designed to pamper its new owners both inside and out. Some furnishings may be available for purchase outside of closing. Don't miss the chance to make this exquisite property your own. Step into your dream home today!
36646 N 21st Street
Phoenix, AZ 85086
$624,900
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,232
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6747023
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This 2.5-acre property is worth a look if you're ready for a project. The 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home has a pool, but it's going to need updating. Priced Accordingly. On the plus side, there's no HOA to deal with, so you're free to do whatever you want with the space. The property includes city water access, an oversized horse arena, stalls for up to 8 horses and a detached open-front building that could be used as a workshop or storage for RVs and other large vehicles. The home is a territorial-style build with expansive views, but it's far from perfect. While it's close to the freeway, shopping, and schools, be prepared to put in the effort to make this place your own and realize it's true potential!
8638 E Palm Lane
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
$624,900
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,470
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6737598
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Freshly updated and just a short drive to Old Town. Large open floor plan. The Farm House Modern style immediately makes you feel at home. Kitchen and laundry room appliances come included. Large pool surrounded by grass. Automatic irrigation. No HOA. Currently has tenants in place for the next 7 months, they are open to continuing lease or ending the lease early as well for an owner/ occupant buyer.
1263 E Brookwood Court
Phoenix, AZ 85048
$624,900
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,388
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6740181
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
NEW AC Unit 11/24 -Big price reduction. Beautiful 4 bedrooms plus loft 3 baths home .Private Gated Community. Step inside to a Dream Kitchen with gorgeous re finished white cabinets and upgraded countertops. Stainless steel appliances. kitchen island. Pantry Modern Light fixtures. Cozy great room with recess Lights. Neutral wood plank tile floors. Upstairs features Large Main Bedroom and Bath with separate Tub and shower large walking closet Dual Sinks 2nd & 3rd bedroom with walk in closet. Large open loft is great for playroom, Office or create your own custom space. Laundry Room with cabinets. One bedroom and baths downstairs for your guest or office. Shutters throughout the home. Modern ceiling fans. Low maintenance back yard with pavers and artificial turf area. HOA maintains front yard. Steps away from community pool. This area offers access to 202 freeway. YMCA. Shopping, Foothills Park. South Mountain Preserve for those who love to hike. Come take a Look.
1002 E Pierson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85014
$624,900
4
Beds
3
Baths
1,631
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6751474
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
MAIN HOUSE 3 bedroom/2 bath. GUEST HOUSE 1 bedroom/1 bath with a seperate entrance and backyard. The MAIN HOUSE and the GUEST HOUSE are on seperate water meters and electric meters. You'll love the delightful interior of MAIN HOUSE enhanced with soothing paint tones, ceiling fans, beautiful wood-style flooring, & recessed lighting. The impeccable kitchen has sleek SS appliances, captivating quartz counters, matte black wood cabinetry, & a peninsula w/breakfast bar. Primary bedroom offers an immaculate ensuite w/dual sinks, a step-in glass shower, & a walk-in closet. . Take advantage of the updated GUEST HOUSE comes with a sizable living/dining room, a kitchenette, a bedroom, & a bathroom. Out the back, you have a covered patio & a pergola, which are excellent for relaxation.
4078 E Catclaw Street
Gilbert, AZ 85296
$624,900
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!!
11511 E Monte Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85209
$624,900
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,241
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6775940
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence in the 55+ Community of Sunland Springs Village! Inside, you'll find a spacious living room with soaring vaulted ceilings, a soothing palette, plantation shutters, and durable tile flooring. The eat-in kitchen comes with quartz counters, abundant new cabinets, a mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and a large island with a breakfast bar for casual meals. The cozy main bedroom offers an ensuite with double sinks, a walk-in shower, and large walk in closet. Venture out onto the backyard, complete with a covered patio and a quaint shed for added storage. Make this gem yours now!
200 Moons View Road
Sedona, AZ 86351
$624,900
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,824
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6691061
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your dream retreat in the heart of the enchanting Sedona red rocks! This two bed two bath home with two car garage is nestled amidst the stunning landscapes and vibrant energy that Sedona is world renowned for. Enjoy breathtaking, unobstructed views of Sedona's iconic red rock formations from the comfort of your own home, or from the large fully enclosed Arizona bonus room. Nestled just off the 11th hole of the Oak Creek Country Club Golf Course, this traditional Sedona style home is located in a quiet Oak Creek neighborhood, yet close to all the amenities the Village of Oak Creek has to offer - hiking, biking, Oak Creek, shopping, golf and world class dining. Start your Sedona journey today!
27187 W Mohawk Lane
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$624,900
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,452
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6773872
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
A STUNNING VERANDA Model offering an abundance of upgrades on an oversized 9,656 sq ft Walled PRIVATE lot!! This Artistically Appointed 2,452 sq ft home has a split 3-Bdrm Floorplan, 2.5 Bath, Den and Large Gathering Room! Designer Features include a Gourmet Kitchen w/ Upgraded Staggered Cabinets, Gleaming 'Indian Parana' Granite, Custom Backsplash, Center Island, Eating Bar, and newer S/S Appliances! Upgraded Kohler Light fixtures, Custom Paint and Window Coverings grace the home. Gathering Room includes Entertainment Center with Samsung 65'' TV. French Doors from guest bdrm to the patio! The 3-Car Garage includes custom built-in Cabinets & Work Bench. 2010 EZ-GO GOLF CART IS INCLUDED! Newer 5-Ton A/C and PAID SOLAR! Enjoy entertaining in this IMPRESSIVE PRIVATE Backyard with Pergola Covered Extended Patio, BUILT-IN Heaters, Magnificent Water Feature and ELEVATED Seating Area with Natural Gas Firepit! Too amenities to list!! If interior custom paint colors are not acceptable, the seller will consider repainting at the buyer's request. This floorplan is no longer offered. If you are looking for something EXCEPTIONAL, this is the home for you!
13600 N Fountain Hills Boulevard Unit 903
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
$624,900
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,196
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6699821
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
Welcome to your dream home nestled in the gated community of La Strada, offering not just a residence, but a lifestyle. This meticulously crafted abode boasts 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms spread across a spacious 2196 square feet. Upon entering, you'll be greeted by breathtaking mountain views that serve as the backdrop to your everyday life. The home exudes elegance and modernity with remodeled bathrooms and kitchen featuring updated cabinets, luxurious Quartz countertops and no-fingerprint stainless steel appliances that elevate your culinary experience. The 2-car epoxy floor garage not only provides ample space for your vehicles but also offers convenient storage solutions. Inside, the living space is adorned with updated flooring and an inviting electric fireplace, perfect for cozy... evenings with loved ones. The primary suite is a sanctuary unto itself, boasting a huge rain glass shower and no-slip oversized tile, along with meticulous organized closets featuring built-in storage solutions. For the connoisseur, a built-in wine refrigerator awaits, while the custom coffee bar ensures your mornings are off to a delightful start. The kitchen features a sleek graphite sink, adding a touch of sophistication to your culinary endeavors. Entertaining is a breeze with a powder room showcasing a custom driftwood countertop and vessel sink. Additionally, the she-shed offers versatile space that can be transformed into an office, fitness area, or craft space, catering to our every need. Beyond the confines of your home, the gated community of La Strada offers resort-style amenities, including a pool. Centrally located, you're just a short walk or drive away from shopping, restaurants, and the famous fountain, allowing you to indulge in the vibrant lifestyle this community has to offer.