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

11613 S 218th Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85326

$619,999

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,313 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741705

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Single-story home with a 3-car garage and no HOA! This stunning 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath residence sits on a generous 1-acre lot—perfect for your RV or boat. The charming exterior boasts brick accents and breathtaking mountain views. Inside, the great room captivates with vaulted ceilings, a neutral color palette, recessed lighting, and wood-look flooring. The chef's kitchen shines with quartz countertops, ample cabinetry, tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, pantry, and a peninsula with a breakfast bar. The main suite is a true retreat, featuring dual sinks, a soaking tub, raindrop shower, and a walk-in closet. The sprawling backyard offers limitless possibilities: build your dream oasis, equestrian facilities, or park all your toys. This home is ready for your vision!

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9929 E Timpani Lane Mesa, AZ 85212

$619,999

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,264 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770757

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Wecome home. This home offers a great room, dining space and kitchen with large center island, an ideal layout for having friends and family over and entertaining. THREE CAR TANDEM! A covered patio offers additional outdoor living space to enjoy those cooler evenings. Fall in love with the sophisticated owner's suite boasting an owner's bathroom with dual sinks and walk-in closet. There is also a second living area by the foyer that is perfect for the kids to hang out at. This Cadence community offers amenities including a play pool, water slides, etc. This place has it all!

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4061 E Carriage Way Gilbert, AZ 85297

$619,999

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,902 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6728060

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Power Ranch, one of the most desirable communities in Gilbert, Arizona! In the community of Power Ranch, you'll enjoy access to incredible community amenities, including 13 parks, walking trails, 2 fishing lakes, 2 pools, splash pads, playgrounds, tennis, softball, soccer fields, basketball & more! This location is ideal sitting in between Queen Creek Marketplace & The San Tan Mall. You're just minutes away from shopping, dining, & top-rated schools, making this the perfect place to call home. This exquisite 4 bedroom home, complete with an upstairs loft is full of natural light that accentuates the open floor plan & high ceilings. The home features two distinct living areas, providing plenty of room for everyone to relax & entertain. The kitchen has a gas stovetop, an island, upgraded countertops & matte black appliances. The spacious owner's suite is located downstairs & has views of the mountains out the window. The bathroom has a separate shower & soaking tub, double vanities, & a spacious walk in closet with a washer & dryer. Upstairs you'll discover 3 additional bedrooms, a full bathroom & a huge loft that has views of the golf course & mountains. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own an incredible house like this in Gilbert, Arizona. Welcome home!

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3966 W Antelope Way San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$619,999

6 Beds

4.5 Baths

3,164 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784816

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BETTER THAN NEW with over $20k in upgrades added after closing! Rare opportunity for a modern design home in the sought after Toll Brothers community on the edge of San Tan Valley and Queen Creek! Close to shopping and dining with gorgeous mountain views!

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10516 S 48th Glen Laveen, AZ 85339

$619,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6728647

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Deacon home includes an attached insulated RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen, gas stove, quartz countertops, with a walk-in pantry that is flanked by a great room and a dining room with center-meet doors with covered patio access. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private bathroom with deluxe shower #2 and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry, and a flex room will complete the plan.

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21783 E Roundup Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$619,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,510 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6666441

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home that exudes elegance and functionality! Step inside to discover a teen room, study, and a three-car garage, providing ample space for all your needs. This home offers a desirable north-south exposure and a paver driveway, adding to its curb appeal. The kitchen is a chef's delight with 42-inch regal white kitchen uppers, quartz countertops, an oversize island, and upgraded stainless steel appliances including a professional gas range. The contemporary interior design features a 6 x 35 wood tile throughout, creating a seamless and stylish look. Unwind in the primary bath's tile walk-in shower or enjoy the convenience of a kitchen pantry for storage. The upgraded paint package in agreeable gray adds a touch of sophistication! Located conveniently near Highway 24, this home is also close to dining, entertainment, and shopping options, making it a prime location for a vibrant lifestyle. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own this gorgeous home, experience luxury living at its finest!

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4813 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$619,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6700009

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed Gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private bathroom and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room.

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4836 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$619,995

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,630 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6679937

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

An inviting covered porch welcomes guests to the charming Pomona plan. A spacious great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a roomy nook and impressive gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry, center island, Stainless steel appliances. This home will be built with either a study and Guest suit option complete with separate living room, wet bar and separate laundry. There is also an additional bedroom and full bathroom, The lavish primary suite offers a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks and oversized walk-in shower. A convenient laundry and covered back patio are also included. This home will also feature a 3-car garage and 10ft ceilings.

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10515 S 47th Lane Laveen, AZ 85339

$619,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,630 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6720382

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

An inviting covered porch welcomes guests to the charming Pomona plan. A spacious great room is at the heart of the open layout, boasting 10' ceilings throughout, adjacent to a roomy nook and an impressive gourmet kitchen with white shaker cabinets, quartz counters, satin nickel fixtures, with a walk-in pantry and center island. This home has stone tile throughout with carpeted bedrooms. The lavish primary suite offers a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks. A convenient laundry, covered patio, and separate study are also included.

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10512 S 48th Glen Laveen, AZ 85339

$619,995

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,630 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6728638

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

An inviting covered porch welcomes guests to this charming Pomona home with 10' ceilings throughout. A spacious great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a roomy nook and an impressive gourmet kitchen, 42'' white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, gas stove, with a walk-in pantry and center island. This home will be built with a space to use for a study or formal dining room. The lavish primary suite offers a generous walk-in closet, a private bath with deluxe shower #2, and double sinks. A convenient laundry and covered patio are also included.

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21726 E Lords Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$619,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6702133

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Introducing this exquisite home featuring the interior Bermuda Linen collection features timeless 42'' white regal upper cabinetry in the kitchen perfectly complements the sleek blanco maple quartz kitchen countertops & island, making it a chef's dream. The kitchen is adorned with a subway tile backsplash, wood laminate flooring throughout the main living areas, tile in the baths. Enjoy the gourmet kitchen's built-in single oven and microwave, gas cooktop stove, and stove-pipe pyramid stainless steel vented hood. With 10-foot ceilings, this home feels open, airy, and full of natural light. The three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, study & 3-car split garage provides ample space for comfortable living. This move-in ready gem offers a north-south exposure, ideal for enjoying bright and sunny days! With amenities like a tankless water heater for efficiency and a charming paver driveway, this home harmoniously blends convenience and sophistication.

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17225 W Calle Lejos -- Surprise, AZ 85387

$619,995

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,630 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6731947

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Experience luxury in The Pomona, located on a prime corner lot with stunning mountain views. This home features a guest suite, a three-car garage, and a gourmet kitchen featuring Quartz countertops -end appliances. Enjoy 10-foot ceilings, a deluxe primary bathroom with a massive super shower, 3 car garage, paver driveway, RV Gate and 15-foot Center meet doors that open to an oversized 8,750 sq ft lot.

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