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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540 Atchison Lane Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$595,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,780 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756245

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NEW LOWER PRICE! What a gorgeous, beautifully remodeled home in desirable Mariposa Heights. Shasta lap pool, fantastic! The kitchen has a soft muted granite, soft close cabinets throughout, LG smokey gray appliances, The flooring is a dream in this home w/ wood look tile planks in all the right places & soft neutral carpet in bedrooms. Primary BD is spacious with slider to the covered patio, large walk-in closet, & fully upgraded bathroom. Guest BA custom vanity & re-glazed large garden tub/shower. Bright Great RM w/ fireplace, perfect for entertaining! Inside laundry rm with storage. Garage is extra deep for large vehicles too! Metal RV/5th wheel cover added. Shasta custom pool was completed in 2021 and you will love it! Fully fenced backyard & Solar too Current seller has added the metal covered RV/5th wheel cover. Garage has one extra deep bay to accommodate a long bed truck. Plenty of room for 2 cars + work area. Backyard also features faux boulders for landscape appeal outside the back west facing fence. Solar lease terms and condition along with SPDS are in the document section of the listing.

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13113 W Citrus Way Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$595,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,614 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762010

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful Corner house , 3 car garage , in a perfect location close to freeways and shopping centers. Come take a look at spectacular house with a great open floor plan. All appliances will convey ,except washer and dryer

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8314 W Berridge Lane Glendale, AZ 85305

$595,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,696 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6752281

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This home is spacious with 4 bedrooms, office and an extra flex space. The open concept is light and bright, and the home has recently had some nice cosmetic updates with new quartz countertops throughout, new light fixtures, new plumbing fixtures, freshy painted inside and out, new carpet in the bedrooms, new door hardware, new slider, and nice backyard. This open floor plan has a large, updated kitchen with all new stainless-steel appliances, island that seats 4, and opens to an inviting family room. The home has a split floorplan, and the primary bedroom is large with ample space and a walk in closet. Home is in a great location less than a mile from all the amenities at Westgate Mall. Seller willing to offer a rate buy down. The home has a split floorplan, and the primary bedroom has a beautiful new shower and walk in closet. Landscaping has been updated and there is a large, covered patio and 3 car garage with new openers. See documents tab for all upgrades.

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1109 W Georgia Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85013

$595,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,532 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6751808

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

REMODELED with Incredible Curb Appeal! NO HOA - RV Gate! No expense was spared on this uptown remodel opnly 3 years ago. Exterior features 3 yeras new on all..new stucco, new artifcial turf, new pavers, new roof, new ac unit, new windows, new garage door, new tankless water heater. As you enter, the living area has been opened up to the kitchen w/ white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, Bedrosians backsplash, and high end stainless appliances. Off the kitchen is a nice sized laundry room and garage access. Out the back door is a huge covered patio that spans the width of the house. Down the hallway is guest bathroom with tiled shower and a dual vanity for both bedrooms to share. Master features an oversized shower with dual shower heads. Your AZ Uptown living is available to you N

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3002 E Pinchot Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85016

$595,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,676 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761490

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

CORNER LOT 4 BEDROOM POOL NO HOA NEW roof (2024), HVAC (2023), Bosch refrigerator (2024). This beautifully updated Phoenix single-story home sits in a prime location near Arcadia and Biltmore. The front yard features real grass and mature trees, while the spacious backyard includes a pool, covered patio, and artificial turf, all completed in 2018. Step inside to find a split floor plan with modern updates throughout. Enjoy the convenience of no HOA and an unbeatable location near some of Phoenix's best amenities and easy access to the airport.

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14121 W St Moritz Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$595,000

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,675 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6700187

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MASSIVE $65K PRICE ADJUSTMENT!!! This gorgeous home was completely remodeled! 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath home boasts a 3-car garage, RV gate, and elegant stone accents.The living/dining room showcases high ceilings, recessed lighting, a soothing palette, and stylish wood-look flooring. The great room is a warm space for intimate moments with loved ones. Cook delicious meals in the kitchen, equipped with quartz counters, chic shaker cabinetry, trendy pendant lighting, a tile backsplash, SS appliances, a pantry, and an island with a breakfast bar. The den is perfect for an office. You'll also find a quaint loft that adds versatility. Huge primary bedroom with custom walk-in shower. See it today!

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1651 E Tremaine Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85234

$595,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,085 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6764834

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home! This stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bath two-story residence features soaring vaulted ceilings & a bright, open layout. 1 bedroom and bath downstairs. Owned solar system to minimize electric bills with no monthly lease payment. The modern updated kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, granite countertops & gas stove. Retreat to the luxurious primary suite with a walk-in shower & elegant soaking tub surrounded by chic subway tile. Additional second floor bedrooms share a convenient Jack & Jill bathroom. Relax in your pool with privacy in this well laid out backyard. Located near great schools, shopping, & the freeway!

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2034 N Dayton Street Phoenix, AZ 85006

$595,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,150 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756121

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Masterfully restored and preserved craftsman in the centrally located Historic Coronado Neighborhood. Half the house is new construction 2009. Ample space to convert into a 3 bedroom with room to add a garage, guest house, and/or pool. Classic details include claw-foot bathtub, moulding, preserved original windows, fireplace. Oversized primary bedroom includes a sitting area, two spacious closets, en-suite bathroom, and large windows overlooking an ornamental orange tree and bougainvillea. Upgrades have been made to the house sewer line and electrical as well as tasteful updates including re-plastered walls, new water heater, paint, light fixtures, and hardware to name a few. Enjoy the outdoor patio, edible fruit trees and shrubs on the property. Blocks to all Downtown Phx has to offer.

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2122 W Virginia Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85009

Open House

$595,000

5 Beds

2 Baths

2,150 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6760861

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come see this Newly Constructed, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, New AC Units, A Casita, or Mother-in-law suite, near Encanto Park, Easy access to I -10 & I -17 Freeways, Shopping, Restaurants, Great Schools, Arizona State Fair Grounds, Downtown Phoenix's Vibrant Cultural Scene, Dining & Entertainment, Easy Access to Encanto 18 Golf Course

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17605 W Blue Sky Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$594,995

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,840 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772324

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning 2,840 sq. ft. Darius floorplan is a single-level home offers luxurious living with 10-ft ceilings, an open-concept floor plan, and a separate guest suite. The gourmet kitchen features quartz countertops, high-end finishes, and a spacious island—perfect for entertaining. With a 3-car garage, neutral color palette, and November completion.

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20144 W San Juan Avenue Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$594,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,693 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786755

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Topaz sitting on a large lot with an 8' gate. Multi slide door that leads out to the extended covered patio. Owner's bath has separate tub and shower & dual vanity sinks Stainless steel gas appliance package with a 36'' cooktop, wall oven, built in microwave, and T-shape hood. Sonoma Linen-off white cabinets with pull out trash drawer and 42'' kitchen uppers. AZT Tawny quartz countertops at kitchen and all baths. Kitchen backsplash 2x5 linear hex tile. Upgrade flooring includes Beaumont Olmo 7x22 plank tile in all areas of the home except for bedrooms and closets. Dual sinks at bath 2, soft water loop, gas stub for future BBQ, 8' tall garage door for those high profile vehicles and garage service door and so much more. Estimated to be complete in February. Please verify all information with onsite agent . Thank you!

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22873 E Roundup Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$594,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,234 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6764472

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

''The Sunflower floorplan is ideal for modern living, featuring an expansive kitchen with a large island, pantry, and generous dining and Greatroom areas, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying quality family time. Step into this stunning quick move-in home, offering a thoughtfully designed 2234 sqft layout with 4 bedrooms, a guest retreat, 3 full bathrooms and 2.5 car garage. The home radiates elegance with finishes from the Oxford Collection, showcasing 6 x 36 Vicinity Natural plank tile floors in the main living areas, plush carpeting in the bedrooms, and stylish 42'''' Fairview Sarsaparilla shaker cabinets adorned with sophisticated Champagne Bronze hardware. The kitchen is truly a showstopper, featuring Della Terra Quartz countertops in Carrara Breeze and a 3 x 12 Matte White brick-pattern tile backsplash, creating a seamless blend of luxury and functionality. Additional highlights include a paver driveway and entry walkway, two-tone paint, and 8' doors throughout, adding to its refined appeal. The spacious Greatroom is accented by a 4-panel sliding glass door that seamlessly transitions to the covered patio and backyard, making it perfect for embracing indoor-outdoor living. This home is fully equipped with stainless steel appliances, including a gas range, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, white washer and dryer, blinds, soft water loop, and a garage door openermaking it truly move-in ready. This Sunflower plan combines thoughtful design with elegant details, creating an inviting and meticulously finished space that's ready to welcome you home. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this gem firsthand.

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