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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7843 E Plaza Avenue Scottsdale, AZ 85250

$596,500

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,703 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778463

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Welcome to this wonderful 2-bedroom townhome in the desirable Laguna San Juan Community! Discover a blend of tile & carpet flooring, neutral palette, and ceiling fans throughout. The two-way fireplace adds warmth and inviting ambiance, seamlessly connecting the inviting living room and formal dining room, ideal for relaxation and entertaining. The kitchen features abundant white cabinetry, built-in appliances, and a breakfast bar ideal for quick midnight snacks. Primary retreat boasts sliding glass doors to the back patio, plus an ensuite with dual sinks. Enjoy outdoor living in the serene backyard with a covered patio and pavers. Don't forget to take a refreshing dip in one of the two community pools! This rare find won't last long!

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16172 W Alameda Road Surprise, AZ 85387

$596,330

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,671 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6736644

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MOVE-IN READY, BRIGHT GREAT ROOM PLAN, QUICK CLOSE!! 4 BEDROOM PLUS LOFT, 3.5 BATH, 9'CEILINGS, GOURMET KITCHEN LAYOUT, UPGRADE CABINETS, GRANITE KITCHEN TOPS, SPA SHOWER, TILED FLOORING. 2'WHITE BLINDS, CEILING FANS, FRONT YARD LANSCAPING COMPLETED, ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED HOME, INDOOR AIR PLUS. A SHORT DISTANCE FROM THE COMMUNITY POOL AREA, PICNIC AREA, TOT LOTS, BASKETBALL, PICKLE BALL COURTS AND SO MUCH MORE.

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5120 S Camellia Drive Chandler, AZ 85248

$596,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,983 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6746984

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

SELLER will pay $6,000 towards buyers closing costs with acceptable offer. SEE this spacious 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home in Chandler! It's beautifully remodeled and has many upgrades throughout. Enjoy the large open living room. The kitchen features many upgrades. The gourmet kitchen offers a custom cabinet and a lot of counter space with stainless steel appliances included. This home has a large den which can also be used as a game room. The washer & dryer is included. The backyard has a large screened-in patio for your enjoyment.

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21723 E Roundup Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$595,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6702192

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Light Sky Ranch and the Pinecrest plan! This home boasts 2390 square feet of meticulously crafted living space. With three bedrooms, two and a half baths, and a dedicated study, every corner of this home is designed with purpose. The kitchen features quartz countertops, upgraded shaker cabinets, and a central island that doubles as a culinary hub and gathering place. The owner's suite with en-suite bath, offers an over-sized walk-in closet. Outside, both a single-car garage & a 2-car garage offer ample storage for vehicles, outdoor gear, and more, ensuring both convenience and practicality. 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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29427 N 31st Lane Phoenix, AZ 85083

$595,990

5 Beds

3 Baths

1,953 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771758

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Ask about special financing with preferred lender! This single-story home features ample space for growing families. Four bedrooms are lined up in a neat row, including the owner's suite, while an additional bedroom near the entry offers an ideal space for overnight guests. An open floorplan hosts the kitchen, dining room and Great Room with a spacious covered patio attached. Photos are renderings of a model home, not the actual home. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.

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23505 E Cactus Forest Road Florence, AZ 85132

$595,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,000 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766695

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NEW BUILD - 4 BEDROOM, 2 BATH HOME WITH 3 CAR GARAGE ON OVER AN ACRE OF LAND!! This Stunner offers 2000 SqFt with an Open Kitchen/Dining/Family Room plan. With Fans, White Cabinets, Stainless Appliances, Quartz Countertops, Upgraded Doors and Wood Plank Tile throughout, you won't find better!! The Bedrooms are spacious, Owner's Suite Offers Walk-in Closet and Frameless Glass Enclosure with Tile Surround. Extended 3 Car Garage, Covered Patio and room for all your Trailers, Toys and Storage. See it today!!

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10103 E Plata Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$595,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,146 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752877

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Seller will help pay Buyers Closing Cost/Rate Buy Down w/Right Offer! Beautifully Remodeled Home in the HIGHLY DESIRED Santa Rita Ranch Community. Complete Remodel includes NEW CABINETS, Fixtures, Flooring throughout,Quartz Counters, Paint, HVAC (2019). No Expense Spared. This charming home has 4 OVERSIZED Bedrooms, and 3 FULLY REMODELED baths. LOW maintenance TURF in both front and back yards. The backyard boasts a HUGE covered patio for entertaining along with a FULLY featured PEBBLETEC POOL with large GREENBELT backing the home for an airy and private experience. This home is centrally located near valley freeways, award winning Shopping/Restaurants and GILBERT Schools. This home WILL EXCEED all your expectations.

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2214 S Las Flores -- Mesa, AZ 85202

$595,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,029 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783800

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautifully remodeled home, featuring modern upgrades and an inviting open layout. The kitchen is a standout, complete with a large peninsula, brand new stainless steel appliances, and sleek white cabinetry, offering both style and functionality for culinary pursuits. The living area is bright and welcoming, with updated lighting and a chic accent ceiling. The home has updated bathrooms with elegant finishes, new flooring throughout, and thoughtfully chosen fixtures that enhance its modern appeal. New AC, Water Heater and roof. Each room has been designed with attention to detail, creating a cohesive and fresh living space. Outside, you'll find a spacious backyard with low-maintenance landscaping, perfect for enjoying Arizona's outdoor lifestyle. Welcome Home

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3968 E Gold Mountain Avenue San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$595,791

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,146 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6749023

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous new home in Bella Vista Farms, located in San Tan Valley. The community offers access to the community pool, playground, basketball court, and volleyball court. Enjoy designer selections throughout the home including a GE Gourmet kitchen appliance package with a gas cooktop, Hana Sky Quartz countertops in the kitchen, Polaris Plus LVP, upgraded carpets, Aristokraft cabinets in flagstone, and a frameless walk-in shower in the primary bathroom. Other highlights include a split floor plan, north/south exposure, and a pool sized homesite. Utilities include Mesa Gas, EPCOR water, and Rural Metro.

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11432 S 208th Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85326

$595,500

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,386 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780972

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in the rapidly growing town of Buckeye! This stunning, newly built home features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and sits on over an acre of horse property, offering ample room for relaxation and recreation. Inside, you'll be greeted by an open floor concept with beautiful tile flooring that flows seamlessly throughout the home. The gourmet kitchen features quartz countertops and a large central island that provides plenty of space for preparing meals and gathering with friends and family. The 3-car garage with an epoxy finish offers both style and functionality. The landscaped front yard adds curb appeal and includes an auto-timed irrigation system. Don't miss the chance to make this beautiful Buckeye property your forever home!

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4274 Old Orchard Drive Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$595,500

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,968 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784828

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful Dorn home situated on an oversized lot with completely repainted interior! Primary Bedroom situated in the back corner of home over looking common area & features Dual Sinks, Stunning Walk in Shower & Spacious Closet. Guest Suite at the front of the home w/Hall bath and Barn Door to make your guest suite private. Enclosed Office/Den space that could double as an additional Guest Bedroom. Kitchen features Corner Pantry, Large Center Island, SS Appliances, Breakfast Bar and designated Dining Area. Great Room w/prewired surround sound and Multiple sliding doors that lead out to covered patio and spacious backyard. 3 Car Garage w/built in storage and epoxy flooring.

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2725 E Quiet Hollow Lane Phoenix, AZ 85024

$595,444

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,829 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762893

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Step into this stunning single-story home, where modern comfort meets the tranquility of Arizona's breathtaking landscape. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with no neighbors behind you, allowing for unobstructed views of the serene desert vistas. As you enter, you'll be greeted by a spacious open floor plan, perfect for entertaining or cozy family gatherings. The abundant natural light enhances the inviting atmosphere, seamlessly connecting the living area to the heart of the home.The private backyard paradise, features both a beautiful pool and a covered patio. Whether you're lounging poolside or enjoying a quiet evening under the stars, this outdoor space is the perfect retreat.

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