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

20121 N 76th Street Unit 2022 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$620,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,854 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751819

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Discover this gorgeous 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo with a convertible den in the gated Vintage at Grayhawk community. Meticulously maintained, this home offers a perfect blend of modern elegance and comfort. The open-concept floor plan includes a spacious kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a cozy living area, and a private balcony with breathtaking views. Enjoy access to a heated community pool, gym, shopping, and dining. Recent upgrades enhance its appeal: hot water heater (2022), garbage disposal (2022), AC unit (2023), interior paint (2022), new flooring (2023), granite countertops (2023), and ROE tank (2024). This is a rare opportunity to experience Scottsdale's vibrant lifestyle in an exceptional home.

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77 E Atole Court Queen Creek, AZ 85140

$620,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,884 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770642

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your stunning and popular Refresh plan in the beautiful community of Encanterra! This home truly embodies an open feel perfect for entertaining! Every detail of the home is special with upgrades including a central vac, gourmet kitchen and custom window shades! The primary suite offers a private oasis, while your guests can enjoy their own privacy on the opposite side of the home. The 4ft extended 2-car garage will provide you with add'l space and built-in cabinets for plenty of storage. Outside you'll experience Arizona living with your own beautiful custom fire pit, built in BBQ, pergola with a color light remote system ideal for entertaining and relaxation. This incredible home is being offered furnished!

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27002 W Oraibi Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$620,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,529 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6759792

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Step into style and comfort through a private courtyard w/a wrought iron gate. This stunning 3+ bed, 2.5 bath home boasts 10-foot ceilings, an elegant kitchen featuring a half-moon island w/seating for 4+,a convenient coffee bar and expansive pantry nearby. The open-concept main living area leads to a walk-out slider. The spacious owner's suite offers an extra-large walk-in closet and a luxurious bathroom with dual sinks and a generous walk-in shower. Additional highlights: a golf cart garage, an expansive covered patio surrounded by greenery and a mister system, large corner lot and automated blinds in the main livingroom. Experience the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication in this meticulously designed and maintained home. sophistication in this meticulously designed and maintained residence. Located in a 55+ community, pools, golf, community centers with a variety of amenities.

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5100 E Rancho Paloma Drive Unit 2043 Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$620,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,074 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6707699

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

This beautiful condominium, built in 2022, boasts a spacious and airy open floor plan, designed for modern living. This unit offers privacy with breathtaking mountain views and an attached 2 car garage. This beloved second home, has been lightly lived in, ensuring its great condition. Equipped with smart home technology, allowing you to manage your home remotely with ease. Control lighting, security, and other essential functions from anywhere, ensuring your home is always ready for your arrival. Enjoy ''The Good-Life'' in this wonderful pet-friendly community, with a fitness room, a heated pool and spa. The Office can be converted into a 3rd bedroom if needed. The furniture is negotiable and can be conveyed separately on bill of sale.

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3785 N 150th Lane Goodyear, AZ 85395

$620,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,641 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6714594

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous Home on a Golf Course Lot in the Active Adult Community of PebbleCreek with Resort Style Living. Highly upgraded split floor plan with 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths plus a Den. Beautiful upgraded 42'' Kitchen Cabinets with Quartz/Leather finish Countertops, Island with Breakfast Bar, Built-in Wine Cooler, Sub Zero Fridge, Gas Stove La Cornue En France with Hood, overlooking Formal Dining Room. Elegant Family Room with Large windows and views with Mountains and Golf Course. Spacious Laundry Room with lots of Cabinets, laundry sink and Upgraded Washer/Dryer. Master Bedroom with walk-out to a Covered Patio. Remodeled Master Bathroom with oversized walk-in Shower, Double Sinks and Walk-in Closet. Peaceful, Covered Patio with Built-in BBQ and lots of room to Entertain. **Dream Home**

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4236 N 27th Street Unit 36 Phoenix, AZ 85016

$620,000

3 Beds

4 Baths

1,816 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6709304

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Welcome to Biltmore Living Townhomes, where luxury meets convenience in a beautiful gated community. This stunning townhome features 3 bedrooms plus a den, spread across three spacious levels. On the first floor, you'll find a versatile den perfect for a home office, a convenient powder room, and a spacious laundry room. The second floor boasts a stunning kitchen with light finishes, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a large pantry. The open and inviting dining area and family room are perfect for entertaining, with an additional half bathroom off the dining room. The third floor features the primary bedroom with a private balcony (one of three balconies in the home), a gorgeous bathroom with double sinks, fine finishes, a large shower, and an oversized walk-in closet. This home also includes a large 2-car garage with plenty of storage, a rare find in this desirable area. The community offers amenities such as a relaxing swimming pool, spa, and BBQ area, all within a fully gated, friendly environment. Located in a prime spot, you're just minutes away from the Biltmore area, offering the best restaurants and shopping in the valley, with easy access to the 51, I-10, 202, Paradise Valley, and Scottsdale. Experience the best of Biltmore Living. Schedule a tour today and make this dream townhome your reality!

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18138 W Robin Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$620,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,021 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6656137

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled in a tranquil neighborhood, this captivating two-story pool home offers plenty of space for relaxation and entertainment. With 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, there's an abundance of space for both personal retreats and gatherings. This residence is not only designed for luxury living but also for practicality. The NextGen suite, with its private entrance, refrigerator, and bathroom offers flexibility for guests, in-laws, or the opportunity for rental income. A bonus den downstairs provides a versatile space for a home office, playroom, or guest room. Upstairs, a massive loft creates the perfect canvas for a home theater, game room, or additional living space tailored to your lifestyle and the convenience of an upstairs laundry room adds to the overall functionality of the home... The kitchen is adorned with stainless steel appliances and centered around a generous island. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet family meal, this kitchen is equipped to meet your needs. The property features extra space for side parking behind an RV Gate that includes a 50 AMP RV plug, but what truly sets this property apart is its unparalleled privacy, backing up to a serene wash that ensures peace and seclusion. Step outside onto your massive patio (or deck if you are on the second floor) where a pebble-finished pool finished with travertine deck and a putting green awaits, providing both entertainment and relaxation in your own backyard. Motivated sellers open to all offers.

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1506 N Diane Street Mesa, AZ 85203

$620,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

3,028 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6712863

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BASEMENT HOME, WITH A POOL, GREAT LOCATION!! Welcome to this uniquely beautiful home offering granite countertops in the kitchen, newer flooring throughout, vaulted ceilings, and new microwave/oven/dishwasher in the kitchen. The spacious basement includes a wet bar and is perfect for entertaining friends and family with movie nights, or all out game time with billiards, ping pong, or poker night. Dive into the refreshing pool, and enjoy basking in the sun in your private oasis while sipping your favorite drink. Bathrooms boast new quartz countertops, and the large laundry room comes with a sink. The primary bedroom offers a spacious walk-in closet and a luxurious bathroom with dual sinks, a separate tub, and shower. This home is a must-see!

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3386 W Hemingway Lane Phoenix, AZ 85086

$620,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,700 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6725354

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in Anthem! This stunning 5-bedroom, 3-bath beauty is not just a house; it's where your best life begins. From the charming front porch to the spacious 2-car garage and RV gate, this place has it all. Step inside to find gorgeous Spanish tile, elegant plantation shutters that make you feel right at home. Natural light floods the cozy living room and the great room, which seamlessly opens to the backyard through sliding glass doors. Now, let's talk kitchen: walk-in pantry, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops that practically scream, ''Cook here!'' Plus, there's a breakfast bar for casual bites or quick chats. Upstairs, you'll find a versatile loft or a bonus room that could be a study, playroom, or whatever your heart desires. The main retreat is a peaceful escape, featuring double doors, an ensuite with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet that would make any fashionista swoon. But the real star? Your backyard oasis, complete with a covered patio, built-in BBQ, outdoor fireplace, and a sparkling pool with a rock waterfall - perfect for entertaining or just unwinding after a long day. And let's not forget about those solar panels keeping your energy bills in check! Living in Anthem means endless amenities: gyms, sports courts, water parks, and community events that keep the fun rolling year-round. This home is stylish, spacious, and ready for you to soak up the Arizona sunshine. Are you ready to make it yours?

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632 N 72nd Place Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$620,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,990 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6727478

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Fresh paint, new flooring, new kitchen features waterfall counter top, new restrooms. Homes has been remodeled and is ready for its new owner. Dual pane windows through the home. Shopping retail, entertainment, and restaurants very close.

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886 S Pleasant Drive Chandler, AZ 85225

$620,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,137 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6743825

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in beautiful Chandler, Arizona! This stunning 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence offers the perfect blend of comfort and elegance. Step inside and be greeted by an inviting floor plan with abundant natural light creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The luxurious master suite is a serene retreat, complete with a generous walk-in closet and a spa-like en-suite bathroom featuring dual vanities, a soaking tub, and a separate shower. Three additional well-sized bedrooms provide plenty of space for family, guests, or a home office. Step outside to your private oasis—a beautifully landscaped backyard with a sparkling pool that promises endless hours of relaxation and fun. Whether you're hosting summer barbecues, enjoying a quiet evening under the stars... or simply taking a refreshing dip, this backyard is perfect for both entertaining and unwinding. Additional features of this exceptional home include a 3-car garage, solar panels, new AC units and proximity to top-rated schools, parks, and shopping. Don't miss this opportunity to own a slice of paradise in Chandler. Schedule your showing today and experience the perfect combination of luxury and comfort!

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3649 E Cody Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85234

$620,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,884 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6753565

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Your beautifully REMODELED 4 bedroom home w/ a POOL in Carol Rae Ranch is now for sale! Inside you will find spacious dining & living areas, luxury vinyl flooring, graceful archways, and neutral palette throughout. The fabulous kitchen is comprised of ample cabinetry w/ample counter space, a pantry, stainless steel appliances, and an island complete w/a breakfast bar. Double doors open up to the primary bedroom, boasting a walk-in closet and a private ensuite w/dual sinks. This home also features a water softener! Finally, the lovely backyard includes a covered patio and a fenced pool perfect for the warm summer days! THIS IS HOME, make it your first stop!

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