Planning to Get a Mortgage in 2017? 4 Reasons Why It’s Time to Start Paying Down Other Debts Now

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

27448 W Yukon Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$620,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,580 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771924

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

SOLAR-POWERED JOURNEY MODEL WITH OPEN SPACE BEHIND AND DRESSED TO THE NINES. This 2 Bed/2.5 Bath home is almost 2600 square feet with wood-look tile throughout. Guest bedroom is ensuite plus a Den offering privacy for visitors. Windows are covered with Plantation Shutters yet there's lots of light due to the 5 Solar Tubes. There's 2 in the Great Room, and 1 each in the Laundry, Primary closet and Primary Bath. Speaking of Solar, this home has a huge, owned, 35-panel system which has eliminated APS bills. The garage has storage galore with added cabinetry. Also in the garage the newer, updated and larger Tankless Water Heater. Behind the fenced rear yard is a wash offering privacy from the neighbors. See the pictures, 3D tour and documents tab for more on the many upgrades.

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4808 N 24th Street Unit 1125 Phoenix, AZ 85016

$620,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,361 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6773318

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

VIEWS, VIEWS, VIEWS! Floor to ceiling dual pane windows boast expansive city light and mountain views. Come see this charming 11th floor condo w a spacious 2 bedroom 2 bathroom 1361sq/ft floor plan. All this in the luxurious Optima Biltmore. Condo has been tastefully remodeled with engineered hardwood floors, designer modern pantry w slider glass floor to ceiling doors, new paint, ceiling fans & lighting. . Optima's known for it's amenities including Gym, sauna, community room, concierge, rooftop zero edge pool,spa, BBQ, . Why drive when you can live in the heart of Biltmore & walk to dining galore, shopping, movies, spas & more!

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5839 W Charter Oak Road Glendale, AZ 85304

$620,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,054 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778827

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning home located in the desirable Mission Groves Subdivision. Nestled on a spacious lot, offering an inviting oasis completed with sparkling salt water POOL. Boasting 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, this residence is designed for comfort and style. You'll have a nicely renovated interior with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, laminate flooring, and fresh paint throughout to create a modern and inviting atmosphere providing the perfect space for entertaining family and friends. The spacious back yard allows for additional outdoor possibilities, whether it's gardening, outdoor gatherings, or simply enjoying the open space. The 3-car garage provides ample parking and storage.

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27552 W Tonopah Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$620,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,570 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6775517

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Sun City Festival is one of the most desirable communities you'll find if you're looking to simply 'Get Away.' The amenities, golf and grounds are all immaculate! This Journey Plus model has the large footprint options adding more square footage inside and the needed extended garage for today's vehicles and toys. Don't forget the extra FULL 3rd car garage as well, which is also separate from the two car. Inside you'll love all the tile and just a sprinkle of carpeting in the 2nd bedroom. Every surface and imaginable upgrade is here. No neighbor behind you for tremendous privacy and views. By the way if you haven't met Mrs. Clean at least you'll see her house becasue this place is spotless from top to bottom and every corner in between.

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3402 E Carol Circle Phoenix, AZ 85028

$620,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,706 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777768

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Phoenix Home in Prime Location! This single-story home sits in one of Phoenix's most desirable neighborhoods - 3 beds, 2 baths, 1706 sq ft living area, 11,678 sq ft lot size, 2023 HVAC, 2022 interior paint, newer stainless steel kitchen appliances & shaker style cabinets. Open floor plan, travertine tiles & bright white interiors ready for your personal touch. Highlight of this property is the location & lot size. Love outdoor adventures or shopping? You'll be just minutes away from Phoenix Mountain Preserve, Dreamy Draw, shopping & dining. Plus, seller is offering $10,000 towards buyer's closing costs and/or as interest rate buy down with a full price offer. Don't miss this gem - come view it today!

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32716 N 50th Street Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$620,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,304 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780304

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Fall in love with this rare opportunity. LOCK-AND-LEAVE 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms in the best location in Cave Creek. Bonus room downstairs makes a great office/exercise room. Upstairs the 3 bedrooms surround a huge loft/game room. Spacious master suite with oversized walk-in shower and large closet. LOW-MAINTENANCE backyard w/covered patio, privacy hedges & artificial grass.The breathtaking Sonoran Preserve nearby offers serene biking and hiking paths. Single family home, no shared walls, no neighbor above or below. This home offers the best lifestyle Arizona has for you. Less than 5 years old energy efficient home with tankless hot water heater, water softener/soft water loop, reverse osmosis, Wi-Fi Smart programmable thermostat, Carrier HVAC unit. Whirlpool appliances Refrigerator connected to R/O line, Stainless microwave/hood combination offers steam & sensor cooking. The range is gas for optimal cooking with a center burner, frozen bake, & speed heater burner.( Minutes from Scottsdale, 2 minutes to Sprouts, Target, and Starbucks. Only 5 minutes to the historic area of Cave Creek where the American West thrives with lively restaurants, nightlife, coffee shops, museums & galleries. 10 minutes to Mayo Clinic which would make it a fantastic rental for nurses and traveling physicians. Minutes to world class golf, Boulders, Dove Valley, Rancho Manana, Troon, Tatum Ranch. Whether this is for you or an investment, you cannot go wrong with this irresistible property that has incredible income potential! Highly-rated schools in the desirable Cave Creek School District.(

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831 N Owl Drive Gilbert, AZ 85234

$620,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,166 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6767759

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Private cul-de-sac lot, the property boasts a huge yard perfect for entertaining. Relax by the recently upgraded pool (2022) and enjoy the large covered patio and grass. Spacious Tri-level home features 5 bedrooms and 3 baths. Master suite is located upstairs along with two other bedrooms, while two additional bedrooms and a game room in the basement, providing versatile space. 2x6 wood frame construction, Tile floors in the living spaces. New paint and New Carpet. The kitchen has painted cabinets and a double oven range . Primary bathroom is gorgeous with the tiled shower and beautiful vanity with double sinks The home's prime location offers the convenience of walking distance to the popular Highland High School. Large side yard with 2 storage sheds. Custom pool safety net.

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898 W Knox Street Pearce, AZ 85625

$620,000

4 Beds

4 Baths

3,245 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6777962

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Custom Built 3,245 sq ft Santa Fe home, with BRAND NEW $70,000, 815' Well with new electrical, equipment and water line to house, 40' x 60' fully insulated metal shop, complete with plywood walls & ceiling, solid concrete slab foundation, 220v power, 3/4 Bath, large utility sink, roll up door, 20'x60' lean-to, tack shed and horse corral. Home has fully equipped separate mother-in-law suite on East side of home AND 3 bedrooms 2 baths. 2 of the 3 bedrooms have private entrances onto the covered wrap around porch, AND a dedicated office with private entrance at front door that is equipped with High-Speed Fiber Optic Internet and custom-built Alder wood bookshelves. There is an attached 2 car garage, fully insulated, Electric door openers and tons of storage cabinetry. This home has Breathtaking mountain views and is nestled amidst the awe-inspiring foothills of the Cochise Stronghold - Coronado National Forest. Embrace all four seasons at an elevation of 4,560 feet, where milder summers make it ideal for escaping the Arizona heat. Beautiful Landscaping surrounds the property, creating a tranquil escape where you can soak in the beauty of the surrounding wilderness. Gaze at the panoramic views of the majestic Cochise Stronghold were once the refuge of the great Apache Chief, Cochise, and his people. The amazing wildlife viewing opportunities that this allows is endless.

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6168 S Fairway Place Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$620,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,364 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748933

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

This beautiful home in the prestigious Fairway Views gated community features 2 master bedroom suites, one upstairs and one downstairs. Both have walk in closets, showers and upstairs features a large soaking tub! Open concept great room with 22-foot ceilings, a den and a loft. There is a large balcony in front with panoramic mountain views of the Superstitions and a balcony in back overlooking the pool! The private pool has a heater for winter and there is a magnificent octagonal covered patio with mechanical sunshades and ceiling fans to enjoy year-round entertaining. Two new HVAC units installed in 2022 and pool pump and dishwasher replaced recently. There is a community pool, walking path and clubhouse and is next door to Gold Canyon Golf Resort! HOA includes water, garbage and exterior paint! Custom cabinets and doors throughout the home. The original owner was the builder for the subdivision so there are many upgrades and extras! Furniture can be purchased on a separate bill of sale.

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28340 N 132nd Avenue Peoria, AZ 85383

$620,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,308 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774617

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Presenting *The Jasmine*, a beautiful and nearly new home located in the prestigious Granite Hills Discovery Community of Vistancia. This home offers breathtaking mountain views & a floor plan perfect for modern living with a Honeywell Smart System. The main level features a guest bedroom & an office, while upstairs the owner's suite impresses with a luxurious bathroom including a Super Shower & a Gigantic walk-in closet. You'll also find 3 additional bedrooms, a generous loft, and a spacious laundry area. The heart of the home is the open-concept kitchen with gourmet GE Profile Smart Appliances & flows seamlessly into the great room, complemented by a formal living room. The backyard is a blank canvas, awaiting your vision to create the perfect desert oasis. Over 70k in Builder Upgrades.

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10101 N Arabian Trail Unit 1020 Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$620,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,262 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785496

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Absolutely SPECTACULAR first floor unit in the prized Casabella Condos in McCormick Ranch. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo with a 1 car garage was upgraded to the 9's in 2018 and features new: windows throughout, a/c unit, designer cabinets and granite throughout, laminate wood flooring, 3.5'' baseboards, paint, showers, wood blinds, all lighting fixtures and top of the line appliances. It is a corner unit and overlooks the pool. This incredible complex is steps from the McCormick Ranch walking greenbelt, the 101 freeway and a tremendous amount of incredible shopping. Whether you are looking for the perfect lock and leave property or a forever home, this is the one!

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2658 N 19th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85009

$620,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,857 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6786195

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

No Bank Or Qualifying Needed! Seller Finance Available with 10% Down, 5.25% INT Rate. No Balloon. Relax in your Great Room overlooking the Beautiful Views of the Encanto Golf Course. This Mid-Century Modern Home has some recent updates of the Kitchen, Custom Wood Cabinetry, Open and Entertaining Great Room with Wood Burning Fireplace. Comfortable addition of Recessed Can Lighting at Great Room. A Very Elegant Home, Plus Formal Dining Area. Farmhouse Kitchen Sink, Quartz Counter top at Kitchen, Designer Backsplash. Your Friends will love the Wine chiller that holds enough for an evening of friends gathering. Upgraded Electrical. Home sits far back on the lot away from the road, very quiet inside.

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