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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1170 N 87th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85257

Open House

$619,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,592 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784005

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Exciting news for Scottsdale home buyers! A new property is hitting the market that combines modern comfort with incredible value. This charming home features a completely redone kitchen, spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, as well as a 2 car garage; making it a fantastic choice for families, professionals, or anyone looking to settle in this vibrant area. With its open layout, ample natural light, and tasteful finishes, this home offers a welcoming and versatile space for entertaining or relaxing. Not only does it have everything you need, but it's also priced competitively—making it a great opportunity to secure your place in one of Scottsdale's most desirable neighborhoods. Don't miss the chance to tour this stunning property!

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651 W Orchard Way Gilbert, AZ 85233

Open House

$619,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,836 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6740366

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Sellers will offer incentive with the right offer! Perfect for the NEW YEAR ''2025'' This amazing home awaits you in the highly sought-after Neely Ranch community. Upstairs, newer carpet, four spacious bedrooms with an extra-large loft space. Updated primary bath with quartz double sinks and a tiled walk-in shower with privacy barn door. Lower level offers epoxy flooring and updated half bath, den is off the kitchen. Kitchen has updated quartz countertops, an island plus an extra-large walk-in pantry including laundry (Appliances included). Updated electrical, recessed LED lighting and dimmers throughout the entire smart-home. Salt Water pool, x-large backyard w/ privacy greenbelt behind home. Gilbert School District. Minutes away from Gilbert Town Square- Entertainment for everyone.

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317 W Ivanhoe Street Gilbert, AZ 85233

$618,500

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,042 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6777032

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Coming Soon! Prime Location in Gilbert! Discover this beautiful, single-story home on an expansive lot, just steps away from a massive park. This home offers three spacious bedrooms, a versatile den that could serve as a fourth bedroom, two bathrooms, and a roomy three-car garage. Inside, enjoy a formal living and dining area, along with an open-concept great room that flows into a beautiful kitchen, that boasts stylish white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, including stainless steel appliances and sparkling quartz countertops. The large island provides bar seating with views of the lush, grassy backyard. Outside, unwind under the covered patio, surrounded by mature trees and a vast backyard with endless possibilities for creating your ideal outdoor space. This home also features newer flooring and AC system for added comfort. Perfectly situated near Gilbert's best entertainment, shopping, dining, parks, and schools, don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!

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1253 W Golden Ore Pass Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$618,253

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,760 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6740168

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the exceptional difference in your home-buying experience! Welcome to Mariposa at Blossom Rock, where our single-story Lily design is under construction now. Imagine an open-concept floor plan featuring a warm and welcoming kitchen that flows into a bright, airy great room. This space opens up to your private, covered outdoor room - perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Convenience of the 3-car garage that leads directly into the drop zone, making organization a breeze. With 5 spacious bedrooms, 3 luxurious baths, a great room with a dining area, and a flexible office space, this home has everything! Plus, we're including $55,000 in stunning upgrades to make this home truly special, and we're offering special financing to help. Home completion is estimated in October 2024.

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1252 W J Waltz Way Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$618,007

4 Beds

4 Baths

2,575 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781072

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Experience the unique offerings of this home and buying journey. Welcome to Mariposa at Blossom Rock. The single-story Agave design, presents an open-concept floorplan featuring an inviting kitchen and a bright great room with a separate dining area that seamlessly connects to the private, covered outdoor room. The 2-car garage leads to a convenient drop zone, flex room/office, and more. $59,000 in upgrades are included. ***Special financing options are available.***Blossom Rock's amenities are designed to inspire outdoor living, including community parks, miles of trails, beautiful lakes, signature events, and more. Moreover, perfect blend of tranquility and adventure to enrich your everyday life.

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2326 W Gloria Lane Phoenix, AZ 85085

$618,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,154 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782146

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Located in the highly sought-after GATED Community of Sonoran Foothills - 24 North. This Beautiful Home sits upon a Premium Corner Lot. NO direct neighbors to the side or back! Cul de Sac with Mountain & Desert Wash Views. Low Maintenance Backyard with View Fence & Covered Patio. This Home boasts UPGRADES THROUGHOUT - Perfect for Entertaining! Stunning open floor plan with HIGH Ceilings. GOURMET Kitchen that features Stainless Steel Appliances, UPGRADED Cabinetry w/ Pull-Outs, GORGEOUS Granite Countertops & CUSTOM Backsplash. PREMIUM Engineered HARDWOOD Flooring throughout - NO CARPET. Upstairs has a Spacious En-Suite Master, 3 more Bedrooms, a Big LOFT, and Separate Laundry room with W/D INCLUDED. BRAND NEW Water Heater. Water Softener. Community pool/spa, fenced dog park, and BBQ Ramada PREMIUM Upgrades & Features: Shea Homes - The Polaris Model 4 Bedrooms / 2.5 Baths The Light & Bright, OPEN FLOOR PLAN - perfect for entertaining or just relax & unwind North / South Facing Premium Engineered Hardwood Flooring - Throughout (no carpet) Shared Parking Groups For 3 Properties - other properties share with 6 groupings Cul De Sac Mountain Views Wash Adjacent View Fence Premium Hand Selected Upgrades - throughout Kitchen is RO-Ready Upstairs Laundry Room Washer & Dryer - included **Buyer to verify all information. Listing Agent is related to Seller.

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21654 N 106th Lane Peoria, AZ 85382

$618,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,074 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770888

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Motivated Seller will buy down the interest rate for the buyer with a good offer. .House vacant on lockbox. Beautiful 5 bedroom 3 bath, plus a loft/game room, front living/dining room combo, family room, breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, oak 42 inch cabinets, 3 car garage with cabinets in both 2 car and single car garage, covered patio, ceiling fans throughout, separate tub and shower in master, great neighborhood, easy to show, move-in ready, all new carpet

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1240 E Kramer Circle Mesa, AZ 85203

$618,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,318 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766889

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This spacious floor plan features a living room and dining room, along with a separate family room. The fabulous open kitchen includes an island and pantry, perfect for all your cooking needs. The large master bedroom boasts an expansive master bath with a separate shower, and there's also a dedicated laundry room. The extended cabinets in the kitchen provide ample storage space for your cookware and countertop appliances. The backyard is an entertainer's dream, complete with a Pebble Tec pool/spa, a water feature, a covered patio, and numerous upgrades. Experience resort-style living in this beautiful gated community!

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4300 W Prince Road Mcneal, AZ 85617

$617,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,150 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6721687

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream country property, nestled on 75 acres with almost 360 mountain views. With 36 acres of grandfathered irrigation rights, it's just waiting for you to grow your own hay or run livestock. The property includes a large hay barn, equipment shed, and workshop, plus fenced pastures ready for horses. This fully functioning farm features a domestic well and irrigation well which supplies water to the house, lawn, orchard and fields. The stunning three-bedroom, two-bathroom home features open-plan living. Vaulted ceilings create a bright and airy atmosphere. A spacious kitchen is at the heart of the home. French doors open onto a BBQ and entertainment area where you can host family and friends. (NRCS subsidy for 25 acres of sprinkler irrigation and certain farm implements are also available.) This is more than just a home. It's a one-of-a-kind gem that provides an unparalleled lifestyle for you and your family. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own a piece of desert paradise. Owner is Listing Agent.

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947 W Saddle Run Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$616,990

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,468 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778925

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Blossom Rock! The east valley's newest master planned community. With views of the Superstition Mountains and a wealth of amenities currently in the making including three community parks, dozens of neighborhood parks, a community school, miles of trails, beautiful lakes, and indoor and outdoor gathering spaces all meant to serve as the backdrop of the calendar of signature events and annual celebrations currently being created. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.

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19201 W Missouri Avenue Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$616,070

5 Beds

4 Baths

3,475 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741966

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

COMPLETED NEW HOME! This amazing 5 Bedroom, 4 bath home with a 3-car garage home is on a large lot with a large, covered patio and plenty room for a wonderful pool. It has a full bedroom & bath downstairs, with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths & loft upstairs. Gourmet Kitchen has a large island with Quartz countertops and a custom backsplash, walk in pantry & butler's pantry. Kitchen is open to a large Great Room and has a formal dining that could also serve as a den. All bedrooms are spacious and have walk in closets and connected with a wonderful upstairs loft. Master suite has his & her closets, separate tub & shower along with separate vanities. Come see us. SOME PHOTOS ARE OF THE ACTUAL HOME & SOME PHOTOS ARE OF THE MODEL HOME TO GIVE DECORATING IDEAS! SEE NOTES!

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11129 E Ulysses Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$615,995

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,907 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780602

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

With an idyllic blend of comfort and elegance, this move-in ready home perfectly fits your lifestyle. The stunning kitchen is highlighted by a designer backsplash, modern maple Latte and white linen cabinets, and upgraded quartz countertops. The open-concept kitchen flows effortlessly into the great room and dining room, making this floor plan ideal for entertaining. The home is complete with designer curated finishes throughout. Don't miss this opportunity to own your dream home!

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