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

Getting a Mortgage in 2017? 4 Reasons Why It's Time to Start Paying Down Other Debts NowBuying 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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721 E State Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85020

$599,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,490 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6734998
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Adorable updated North Central Charmer in the highly desirable Northwood neighborhood. Cute as a button, lovingly restored and refreshed. HUGE green irrigated lot with abundant room for pool, hardscape or addition for more square footage. Updates include new windows, new electrical panel and outlets, full kitchen and baths, interior and exterior paint, new laminate wood flooring. Please see supplement in document tap for full list. Highly desired Madison School district, within walking distance to Madison Simis. Conveniently located in the North Central corridor~ a quick walk or bike ride to Lucy's at the Orchard, Murphy Bridal Path, Uptown Farmers Market and many new restaurants. Minutes from downtown and easy access to freeways. A true move in ready gem ready for you to call hom New interior and exterior paint New flooring throughout New windows (except front grid window) New baseboards Fully remodeled kitchen cabinets, countertops, plumbing, appliances Fully remodeled bathrooms including plumbing Updated cabinet hardware throughout Added laundry room storage cabinets New exterior primary bedroom door New closet racks and shelving New ceiling fans + light fixtures Updated electrical panel New electrical at outlets Front exterior planter Updated irrigation leveling New exterior patio paint New patio fan, electrical outlets New exterior lighting

24129 N 165th Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$599,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,599 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6762704
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Next Gen living at its finest in the master-planned community of Asante in Surprise. This exceptional residence features a unique Next Gen Suite with its own entrance, kitchenette, and living space—perfect for multi-generational living or a home office. The main home offers an inviting layout with 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, 10-foot ceilings and luxurious vinyl plank flooring throughout. The gourmet kitchen showcases white antique-style cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a gas range, and a generous walk-in pantry. The great room features a faux whitewashed block wall and double sliding doors capturing natural light in from the backyard. The owner's suite is accented with a charming shiplap wall, private access to the backyard, walk-in closet and a beautifully appointed en-suite bathroom with dual sinks, granite countertops, and a tiled walk-in shower with rain shower head. Two additional bedrooms share a guest bathroom with granite counters and a tub/shower combo. The Next Gen Suite offers a private setup complete with a kitchenette that includes a full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, maple spice cabinets, and a conventional microwave. The living and dining area leads to a bedroom, walk-in closet with washer and dryer hook-up, plus a bathroom making it ideal for accommodating parents, adult children, guests or workspace. Additional highlights include the Puragain water purification and softener system and reverse osmosis. The backyard oasis is perfect for outdoor gatherings or relaxation, featuring a covered patio, extended pavers, and low-maintenance synthetic grass. Come tour this Next Gen home today!

21207 E Domingo Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$599,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,188 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769045
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream home in Nauvoo Station! Has SOLAR!! This meticulously maintained 4-bedroom residence offers a spacious, open-concept design with surround sound in the great room, elegant tile flooring, plush carpet in select areas, and modern light fixtures throughout. The chef's kitchen features pristine white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, a pantry, and a large island with a breakfast bar, perfect for casual dining or entertaining. The primary suite includes a generous walk-in closet and a beautifully updated en-suite with dual sinks. Outside, enjoy the serene backyard with a putting green, lush lawn, and private pool, ideal for outdoor relaxation. This home is a true gem—don't miss your chance to make it yours!

2560 N Lindsay Road Unit 66 Mesa, AZ 85213

$599,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,151 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6763255
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
SELLER IS OFFERING BUYER CONCESSIONS with a competitive offer!! This beautifully remodeled 4-bed, 3-bath home in Mesa is a must-see! Designed by the renowned Maverick Design, the home boasts modern elegance throughout. The primary bathroom is a true showstopper with a brand-new floor-to-ceiling tiled walk-in shower, featuring double shower heads for a spa-like experience. The spacious kitchen is perfect for the home chef, complete with new stainless steel appliances and stunning granite countertops. Downstairs, the finished basement offers a private retreat with its own bedroom and full bathroom. The home is outfitted with new luxury vinyl floors and upgraded baseboards, adding a touch of sophistication. Two brand-new HVAC systems ensure year-round comfort!!

2427 E Marmora Street Phoenix, AZ 85032

$599,900
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,249 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772891
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Rare opportunity to own a remodeled 5 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom home, Mountain Views in North Phoenix. OWNED SOLAR!! Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring throughout, gorgeous high end kitchen, fireplace, remodeled bathrooms with the latest styles! Excellent open concept main living room, spacious primary suite, and your bonus ''Arizona'' room has endless possibilities. Low maintenance backyard featuring turf and a great amount of patio space. 3 Brand new HVAC & Electrical Panel! Just a short walk to schools, mountain preserves, 51 freeway, and a few miles to the new reimagined PV in Phoenix.

6708 E Juniper Avenue Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$599,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,428 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6780389
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Experience the charm and elegance of North Scottsdale in this beautifully remodeled home, nestled in a highly sought-after neighborhood. This property boasts a prime location, providing convenient access to major freeways, an array of shopping options, and exquisite dining experiences. The thoughtful renovations enhance both style and comfort, making it the perfect retreat for relaxation or entertaining guests. Enjoy the vibrant lifestyle that North Scottsdale has to offer, where outdoor adventures and cultural experiences are just moments away. Don't miss the opportunity to make this stunning home your own!

2783 E Tulsa Street Chandler, AZ 85225

$599,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,913 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6737708
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
PRICE IS MORE THAN $20,000 UNDER RECENT APPRAISAL!! Tour this gorgeous, RECENTLY RENOVATED, SINGLE STORY Chandler home today! Nestled directly between Downtown Gilbert & Downtown Chandler (less than 10 minutes to each), you'll be surrounded by endless dining & shopping options, plus almost-daily local events & activities~ This home was remodeled with entertainment in mind, boasting a thoughtfully designed layout w/a TRUE SPLIT FLOOR PLAN, featuring 3 BEDROOMS, including a LARGE PRIMARY SUITE w/a direct access to the backyard, an UPDATED ENSUITE BATHROOM & SPACIOUS PRIMARY CLOSET~ 2 large guest bedrooms complete the home, w/one showcasing a CUSTOM SHIPLAP WALL & the other featuring added BOOKSHELF STORAGE~ The home offers 2 FULLY UPDATED BATHROOMS, including a RENOVATED MASTER BATHROOM with a CUSTOM GLASS SHOWER with RAINFALL SHOWER HEAD, and a FREESTANDING TUB~The UPDATED KITCHEN features a SOLID STONE ISLAND that opens to the living space, HIGH-END APPLIANCES like a 5-BURNER KITCHENAID OVEN and a MONOGRAM MINI DRINK FRIDGE, plus a BREAKFAST NOOK with shutters overlooking the beautifully landscaped backyard~ Open the SLIDING GLASS DOORS from your living room, and an entertainer's LUXURY BACKYARD awaits, with a partially covered patio equipped with an OUTDOOR HEATER for all-season enjoyment~ Invite your friends over for backyard movie nights with an OUTDOOR MOVIE SCREEN and PROJECTOR. Backyard also features over 800 SQ FT OF PAVER PATIO AND WALKWAYS with lighting, over 350 SQ FT OF ARTIFICIAL TURF, IRRIGATED GARDEN BEDS, MATURE TREES, and NATIVE PLANTS, with NO NEIGHBORS BEHIND for added PRIVACY~ Additional highlights of the home include CEILING FANS in all rooms, an open layout with unobstructed views from the kitchen to the living and dining areas (or flex space), DUAL-PANE WINDOWS with CUSTOM SHUTTERS opening to the backyard, front yard, and side yards~ The home boasts HIGH-END PORCELAIN WIDE-PLANK WOOD FLOORS, along with a NEMA 14-50 plug for EV CHARGING in the garage, a TANKLESS WATER HEATER, AUTOMATIC GARAGE DOOR OPENERS, a WATER SOFTENER, and a freshly REPAINTED EXTERIOR in 2024 (5-YEAR WARRANTY)~ Further improvements in 2024 include home being COMPLETELY REWIRED to be brought up to current safety standards, AIR DUCT CLEANING, and installation of an AIR PURIFIER and SCRUBBER for optimal indoor air quality~ The neighborhood is surrounded by FOUR LARGE PARKS and green spaces, with a playground right across the street~ Conveniently located less than a mile from Fry's Food & Drug, you're also just minutes from Trader Joe's, Target, Whole Foods, Sprouts, and other popular grocery options~ SAN TAN VILLAGE MALL is approximately a 7-minute drive~ Part of the CHANDLER SCHOOL DISTRICT, this home is only two blocks from CHANDLER TRADITIONAL ACADEMY - LIBERTY CAMPUS, with easy access to Gilbert, AZ, across the intersection~ This exceptional property offers an unbeatable location, thoughtful upgrades, and a welcoming atmosphere!

25031 S Desert Flower Court Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$599,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,883 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6750998
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
LOVELY residence in the private, GATED COMMUNITY of Oakwood. FIRST IMPRESSEIONS wrought iron front door greets you as you step into this REMODELED beauty! Gorgeous high-end STONECREEK, soft close, DOVETAIL kitchen cabinets w/GLASS doors, STUNNING QUARTZ countertops, sleek SUBWAY TILE backsplash & PORCELAIN APRON FARM sink. Tons of NATURAL light & PLANTATION SHUTTERS, neutral paint, spacious primary bdrm, lovely walk-in shower w/PEBBLE STONE accents & CUSTOM vanity cabinets. Hall bath also tastefully UPDATED! Huge laundry rm w/tons of storage & countertops. Private backyard w/LUSH landscape & real grass! PAVERED walkway & driveway. NEWER HVAC 2018, newer EXTERIOR paint 2022, newer water heater & patio ROOF 2023. This 40 & over ACTIVE ADULT community has tons of AMENITIES,clubs, events!

2234 E Donald Drive Phoenix, AZ 85024

$599,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,675 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6771942
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautifully upgraded 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in the desirable Redhawk community. This home offers an expansive open floor plan perfect for family and guests. Enjoy luxurious features like upgraded tile flooring, granite countertops, and new AC units (installed in 2022). Relax in the cozy family room by the fireplace, which opens to the kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances. The open backyard features a sparkling pool with upgraded landscape lighting, making it an entertainer's dream. The home also boasts low-maintenance artificial turf in all the right places. With a double-car garage and an expanded paved driveway, there's plenty of parking. Don't miss this opportunity to call this stunning home your own!

28107 N 123rd Lane Peoria, AZ 85383

$599,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,682 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6754195
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
JUST REDUCED! SENSATIONAL UPDATED HOME with POOL & SPA. You'll LOVE this BEAUTIFUL MONTIS MODEL in TRILOGY. LIGHT & BRIGHT KITCHEN Features SOFT GRAY CABINETS, QUARTZ COUNTERS, All NEW SS APPLIANCES in 2020. ENERGY EFFICIENT CARRIER 4 TON AC/HEATPUMP 2023. WINDOWS in MBR and DEN REPLACED 2023, CUSTOM LAUNDRY SPACE DESIGNED for GE WASHER/DRYER COMBO 2023, ABUNDANT STORAGE in KITCHEN & LNDRY AREA. NEUTRAL PAINT and TILE FLOORING THROUGHOUT, UPGRADED NEWER CARPET in BEDROOMS, NEW WINDOW COVERINGS TOO! PRIVATE BACKYARD FEATURES HEATED/COOLED PEBBLE TEC POOL, COVERED PATIO W/ MISTING FAN, MOUNTAIN VIEW, and NO NEIGHBORS BEHIND. NEW FRONT LANDSCAPING 2023. Garage BOASTS HEAVY DUTY SHELVING and NEW OPENER 2024. THIS METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED HOME is READY for NEW OWNERS. WELCOME HOME!

912 W 11th Street Mesa, AZ 85201

$599,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,382 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6742745
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Explore the possibility to convert Detached Garage (361sf) to ADU, Pool House or Casita! NO HOA. Updated 4 Bedroom(2 primary suites), 3 full bathroom with many high dollar updates located in highly sought after Established Mesa Neighborhood. Updates: roof (2016), HVAC 2020/2022, Flooring 2017, Drain line through out home 2023, New Primary Suite/Bathroom, Laundry & Huge Pantry addition in 2022, Windows 2017. Kitchen with double ovens, granite counters, island, induction cooktop, bay window dining nook, custom built-ins open to family room with library area and stepdown into extended family room. All bathrooms updated. Split floorplan. Fenced diving pool w/slide. near Mesa Country Club, Mesa Riverview shopping/dining, Riverview park & nestled directly between the Cubs/A's Spring Training.

606 N Hideaway Circle Payson, AZ 85541

$599,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,382 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6773639
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to an unparalleled sanctuary —a single-family retreat nestled in a tranquil private cul-de-sac. This magnificent property sprawls across 1.5 acres of lush land with two seasonal natural springs, offering an idyllic setting that combines elegance and nature's beauty in one breathtaking location. Whether you're seeking a forever home or envisioning a rental or VRBO investment, the possibilities here are truly endless. Boasting an impressive floor size of a combined 2,900 sqft, including main home, finished basement and additional above garage living area, its thoughtfully designed with an open floor plan that instantly captivates. The property features four spacious bedrooms and three bathrooms, providing ample space for families or guests. The finished basement has blue print drawn to convert it to 2 bedrooms, one large bathroom and a kitchen with 2 outside exits,this would be an easy project for the handyman or contractor and opens up much more opportunity for the property. For those desiring additional privacy, the above-garage living quarters, including bedroom, bathroom and small kitchen, offers flexibility and convenience, perfect for guests or as a private retreat or rental home. The finished basement has approval (with reactivated permit ) for a kitchen installation, presenting a unique opportunity to create a self-contained unit or expand your entertaining space. This property design offers a detached two-car garage with pass thru option & separate 200 AMP service, ensuring ease of access and ample storage for vehicles and toys. Step outside onto the deck that promises vacation-style living with great views right at home. Immerse yourself in stunning, million-dollar views that stretch across Payson's breathtaking landscapes as well as watch as the wildlife saunter across your front and backyard truly a sight to behold. Whether enjoying your morning coffee or hosting an evening gathering, these decks offer an unparalleled vantage point to soak in the surrounding beauty. For the horse lover, this horse-friendly property is not only an equestrian's dream but also provides tranquil privacy and space for a variety of outdoor activities. The nearby conveniences enhance this serene setting, with Payson's local shops, restaurants, and schools all within easy reach, making it an ideal location for a balanced lifestyle. This gem promises the tranquility of rural living while maintaining close proximity to the community's amenities. The area's educational institutions are well-regarded, and the leisure opportunities are endless, from nearby parks to delightful eateries. Don't miss your chance to own this piece of paradise that blends luxury, utility, and natural beauty. Experience the lifestyle you've been dreaming of , a place to call home that promises a lifetime of cherished memories, or the perfect VRBO or rental home. Start your journey to owning this remarkable property. *seller owns and is selling vacant lot adjacent 604 N Hideaway. *Buyer to verify all facts

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