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.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

Listing types.

For Sale

For Rent

Land

Multifamily

Commercial

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Distressed

Open House

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Price MaxAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Neighborhood

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Location Search Nearby

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

View As: Thumbnails List

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

15975 W Laurel Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$599,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,567 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6770459

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

SPARKLING POOL (backyard OASIS), HIGHLY UPGRADED Shea Homes built, 10' ceilings, Single Level, 3 beds PLUS double door ENCLOSED FLEX ROOM, w/RV gate in Greer Ranch North! Fall in love w/the HUGE & bright open floor plan enhanced by surround sound, tons of recessed lighting, 3 panel sliding glass door, wood-look tile flooring in all the key areas. Gourmet kitchen w/abundant white cabinetry, granite counters, prep island w/breakfast bar, tile backsplash, & SS appliances; wall oven & cooktop gas. Serene main retreat; ensuite w/dual sinks, JUMBO tiled walk-in shower w/TWO shower heads (rain) w/drying area, & walk-in closet. Tranquil backyard invites endless outdoor activities & relaxation, boasting covered patio, gazebo, fire pit & refreshing pool w/water feature. Snatch this GEM!!!

View Property

217 E 14th Street Tempe, AZ 85281

$599,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,276 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6782682

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Introducing a rare gem in the heart of Tempe's iconic University Park neighborhood! This charming 1945-built home is nestled on a picturesque, tree-lined street, just steps away from ASU, making it one of the most desirable locations in all of Tempe. With 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this property offers ample space and character, ideal for an investor seeking a prime opportunity or a homeowner ready to create their dream residence. Set on an expansive lot, the home provides plenty of room for outdoor enjoyment or future enhancements. Full of historical charm and potential, this property is a perfect blank slate, ready for its next chapter. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of Tempe history in an unparalleled location!

View Property

18578 E Pine Barrens Avenue Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$599,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,931 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765313

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this spacious and inviting 2,931 sf single-level home in popular Sossaman Estates, ideally located at the Gilbert/Queen Creek border! Designed with a modern open floorplan and 10 ft ceilings, this home offers comfort and plenty of space for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen is ready for every chef's needs, featuring double wall ovens, a prep island with cooktop and breakfast bar, ample counter space, and plenty of cabinets. A bright breakfast nook with bay windows, an extra-large dining area, and a butler's pantry with built-in wine racks add even more charm and functionality. French doors from the living room open up to a sizable backyard complete with a covered patio, pergola, and mature trees. Side yards offer potential for an RV gate and additional storage space. The spacious primary suite provides a relaxing retreat with two walk-in closets, access to the backyard, a garden tub, a large shower, and dual vanities. Additional highlights include three well-sized bedrooms, a versatile bonus room, and built-in workstations perfect for work-from-home or study areas. The large laundry room with folding counter and plenty of storage space adds convenience. Set on almost 1/3 acre on a corner lot, there's a 2-car garage and slab parking for up to four vehicles, ideal for families and gatherings. This home's location is a dream, with easy access to greenbelts, walking trails, shopping, dining, schools, and the 202 freeway. As an estate sale, it's priced generously under market value for potential instant equity! Recent updates include: *NEW BLINDS: In Kitchen, Dining Area, Living Room, Master Bedroom, & Bedroom 4. *PLUMBING: NEW Water Softener. Water Lines Flushed. New Valves/Cartridges in Kitchen, Bathrooms, Laundry Room, & Hose Bibs. Repaired Toilet/Shower Head Leaks. *ROOF: Repaired Cracked/Slipped Roof Tiles/Mortar Caps. *HVAC: NEW Condensers w/10 yr warranty. *MISC: Repaired Bathroom Fans & Sink Stops. Secured Toilet Tank, Kitchen Cabinet & Door Thresholds.

View Property

13600 N Fountain Hills Boulevard Unit 504 Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$599,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,231 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765358

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Motivated seller! 2013 re-model opened the kitchen to the living area making this a wonderful one-of-a-kind townhome. Main floor master. Great room floorplan superb for entertaining! Re-model included new kit cabinets, built-in buffet, stainless steel appliances, granite counters & island that seats 6! New refrig & interior paint 2024. Walk-in pantry in foyer closet. Lots of tile flooring. 2 guest bdrms, jack & jill bath. family rm & loft upstairs. Fully fenced terraced rear yd with gorgeous landscaping (maintained by owner) w new drip system. Extended patio w south exposure to catch the winter sun. Spacious rooms. Terrific resort style htd salt water community pool & spa with mountain views, BBQ's & fireplace. Quiet location near downtown-walk to shopping & dining. 30 day min on leases

View Property

41432 N Bent Creek Way Phoenix, AZ 85086

$599,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,082 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6750950

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautifully remodeled gem in the Anthem Golf and Country Club. Step inside to an open, airy layout with high ceilings and abundant natural light. The spacious living area shines with fresh, contemporary finishes and elegant touches throughout. The kitchen is a standout, featuring an expanded quartz countertop with a bar perfect for quick meals, along with extra cabinetry beneath the island and a large pantry for added convenience. Champagne-toned fixtures and cabinet knobs give the space a touch of modern luxury. Retreat to the master suite, a private haven with a spa-like en-suite bathroom. Enjoy a serene wood-finish vanity, sleek white quartz tiles, a soaking tub for relaxation, and a walk-in shower with modern fixtures. Dual vanities with wood-finish cabinets and a generous walk-in closet offer both style and storage. Located in the desirable Anthem Golf and Country Club community, this home offers access to the nearby Ironwood Golf Course and restaurant, along with top-rated schools, parks, and a wide range of recreational amenities. This friendly neighborhood has activities for all ages. Don't miss the chance to own this stunning home in Anthem's exclusive gated community. Come see for yourself the perfect blend of luxury and comfort!

View Property

1601 E Loveland Lane San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$599,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,300 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781984

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home! This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath Home offers the perfect blend of comfort and space, nestled on over an acre of land. Enjoy the freedom of no HOA, allowing you to personalize your property as you desire. The basement makes the home approximately 2300 sq ft, not reflected in the tax records. Surrounded by beautiful custom homes, with North/South exposure this property boasts a peaceful atmosphere while being walking distance to elementary school and high school, Close to the new 24 with easy access to the 202 and 60 freeways, you'll have everything you need right at your fingertips. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to own a piece of paradise in a desirable location, just envision the possibilities that await you!

View Property

3718 E Vallejo Drive Gilbert, AZ 85298

$599,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,832 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6773580

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This home is nestled on a premium north/south lot with no rear neighbors, offering exceptional privacy. It features a stunning swimming pool and low-maintenance landscaping. The property includes plantation shutters, a washer and dryer, a refrigerator, and a multi-panel sliding glass door that invites abundant natural light. The kitchen boasts elegant quartz countertops and stylish subway tile. The thoughtfully designed great room floor plan separates the master suite from the secondary bedrooms, while the office can easily serve as a fourth bedroom. Conveniently located near an elementary school, restaurants, and shopping!

View Property

4730 S Emery -- Mesa, AZ 85212

$599,900

5 Beds

4 Baths

3,937 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6670989

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

* Check out this NEW List Price! * This 5-bedroom 4 bath home that is priced to sell today. The main floor boasts both family and living rooms, an eat in kitchen with large island and walk in pantry. An oversized bedroom and a full bath are conveniently located on this main floor. There is a separate garage next to this room making a private entrance for the new homeowner. There is a large loft area upstairs which provides limitless possibilities. The over-sized primary suite is perfect for a stay-at-home vaca including a remodeled bathroom and sitting area. Don't miss the huge walk-in closet. The backyard is secluded and has mature trees that offer shade and lots of room to play or just relax.

View Property

3554 N Hooper Street Buckeye, AZ 85396

$599,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,590 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6720288

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Don't miss out on this golf course home with views!! Buy now before prices go up with lower rates. This elegant and upgraded 4 bedroom 3 bath home backs up to Hole #4 of Founder's Golf Course. Back gate to access the course whenever you see fit from your relaxing pergola covered back yard with outside fireplace. HOA takes care of the front yard (except court yard), has a community pool a short distance away. Phenomenal mountain views from your back yard and private balcony off of the owners suite, going back inside you will appreciate lots of kitchen cabinet storage and granite counter tops, small office space off the kitchen for those that work from home, cozy fireplace, bedroom or full office downstairs with full bath large laundry room with additional under stair storage, going upstairs is an additional 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, large owners suite and bath with very large walk in closet, tub in owners bath with window looking out over mountains, freshly painted on the interior about 1.5 years ago, large 2 car garage with extra height with dual storage racks, also could make a great winter home lock and leave style, or a vacation home to allow you to escape to Arizona, located in larger community of Verrado which is a very kid and animal friendly oriented community that has tons to do with pools, events on weekends, sidexside parades, firework show and yes of course golf. Come see Verrado and see what it has to offer.

View Property

27229 N 103rd Avenue Peoria, AZ 85383

$599,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,119 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6721942

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Northlands Encore in beautiful North Peoria, best value for the money in the area, here the skies are bigger and the sunsets are like none you've ever seen. Step outside every morning and view the colorful skyline with the Calderwood Butte in the backdrop, plus with the trail head right down the street you'll get the full enjoyment of this very special home in a very special community. Step inside this stylish and move-in-ready Sapphire Model by Taylor Morrison, with 2119 sq.ft. of interior living space, 4 Beds PLUS Den + 3 Baths and a 2 CAR Garage. Open concept main living area with a light gray color pallet, rich wood look porcelain tile floors, barn-wood shiplap accent wall in living room, updated carpet in 2023, can lighting, white trim, blinds and doors. Kitchen features beige/cream granite countertops and island, bright white cabinets, black vintage cage pendant lighting, stainless steel appliances and a walk-in pantry for all your storage needs. Step into your master suite, light and bright with master bath, featuring double sinks, espresso vanity, large stand up shower with seating, separate toilet room and walk-in closet. 3 additional bedrooms and two full bathrooms plus a spacious Den with french doors that would make a great office or library. Step outdoors, take a deep breath and enjoy your private mountain views. With a spacious back yard that checks all the boxes, covered patio, large green space, and a side yard with a storage shed. There truly is nothing to do except move in and live your absolute best life. Neighborhood mountain views and trails, close proximity to 303 freeway access, 10 minutes to TSMC, shopping, dining, entertainment, health care, and less than 20 min. away from beautiful Lake Pleasant Regional Park. A list of updates and floor-plan are available in the documents tab.

View Property

16214 W Questa Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$599,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,357 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6708544

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Sonoma Coast at Esca;lante! New construction TO BE BUILT! This single level 2357 SF single level 3 BR with den, 2.5 BA home is for the garage guy! 5 1/2 tandem car garage on a larger 8,840 S.F. lot!!. This home can easily be expanded to 5 bedrooms 3 baths. Surrounded by all single level homes. Exciting included features include - 10' ceilings, 8' doors, granite tops in the kitchen, tank less water heater, front yard landscape package. Large kitchen Island with Prep Area. paver driveway, 2'' faux blinds on all windows, ceiling fans in all room,EV outlet in garage, Indoor air plus and Energy Star Qualified. This home is to be built! Floorplan under doc tab.

View Property

11255 E Utah Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$599,900

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,623 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6712922

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't miss this quick move-in home. Stunning 4 bedroom home with Den and 3.5 baths. Occupied less than 6 months, but not by choice. Includes appliances, window treatments, cabinet hardware, RO water. Gourmet kitchen includes quartz countertops, 42'' white shaker cabinets and stainless steel appliances with gas cooktop, hood, wall oven and built in microwave. Spa like master bath with separate tub and shower. Tile floors in all the main areas, carpet only in bedrooms. 10' Ceilings with 8' interior doors. 4 1/4' baseboards, paver drive, walkway, and patio. Energy star home for comfort and energy efficiency. Quick move-in and seller willing to offer concessions to assist with closing fees and or buy down rates with reasonable offer. Seller says bring all reasonable offers!

View Property