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

706 E Washington Street Unit 128 Phoenix, AZ 85034

$590,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,880 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6732346

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Welcome to urban living at its finest in this modern and stylish loft in the heart of downtown Phoenix. Within walking distance of event centers, fine dining, the lightrail, and so much more, this industrial-chic loft features an open floor plan with soaring ceilings, large luxury tile floors, and big windows that flood the space with natural light. The sleek kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and plenty of cabinet space for all your culinary needs. The spacious bedrooms offer a private retreat with 2 bathrooms. Enjoy the convenience of in-unit laundry and a designated parking space as well as a secure 1 car garage. Outside, this corner unit has its own private side yard perfect for pets. The third story patio offers views of Chase Field, Phoenix skyscrapers, and perfect for enjoying our spectacular Arizona sunsets.

View Property

6703 N 12th Street Phoenix, AZ 85014

$590,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,673 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6729358

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover this unique single-level home within the Madison Simis boundaries! Boasting 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, this spacious residence features a remodeled master bedroom and bathroom, along with a beautifully renovated kitchen equipped with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Recent upgrades include exterior paint and a heat pump (2017). New exterior paint! The property offers two RV gates and sits on a generous corner lot, providing ample space for parking your toys. Conveniently located in Mid-Town, you'll have easy access to shopping, restaurants, and public transit. This versatile home is perfect for a potential assisted living facility, group home, or extended family living.

View Property

504 N 297th Lane Buckeye, AZ 85396

$590,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,850 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6746288

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

New Build Dream Home! Completion date early December 2024. Large 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 2-car garage on a 1-acre corner lot. Open Floor plan with large great room and eat in kitchen. Custom shaker cabinets with soft close drawer and doors. Spacious master suite with double sinks, quartz counter tops, walk in closet, private entrance to the covered patio.

View Property

35713 N 32nd Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85086

$590,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,061 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741668

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome Home! This Stunning Split Floor plan 4 bedroom, 2 bath home is located in the highly sought-after community of Tramonto and features an eat in kitchen with granite countertops, beautiful Maple cabinets with plenty of storage, wine rack built in, upgraded backsplash and Stainless appliances with New Dishwasher, fixtures and hardware throughout. Primary Suite has a large remodel spa like ensuite with new tile, new double sinks, free standing tub & walk-in shower and large walk-in closet. New interior and exterior paint. New luxury vinyl plank flooring, tall baseboards, new light fixtures, fans and LED recessed ceiling lights and new outlets/switches. Second bath is fully remodeled with a new tub, tile, vanity, mirror and much more. Park all your toys in the third garage or wander outside and discover new landscaping, pavers and a covered patio perfect for al fresco dining. Enjoy the community's amenities including walking paths, a children's playground, and a sparkling pool and spa. With its superb location close to schools and every modern convenience, this home offers the perfect blend of comfort, elegance, and convenience for your discerning lifestyle. Prime location near I-17 & Loop 303 freeways, making commuting a breeze. Ideal for those connected to the nearby TSMC plant or seeking proximity to Lake Pleasant. Corner lot with North/ South exposure. This is a must see!!! Refrigerator, Washer and Dryer stay.

View Property

20630 W Grandview Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$590,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,600 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741192

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

***$10,000.00 seller concessions for upgrades, carpet, etc***This stunning corner lot home is located directly across the street from a beautiful children's park and features a spacious open concept living area with a sizeable kitchen-perfect for entertaining. The primary bedroom includes a walk-in closet and en-suite bathroom with dual sinks, a soaking tub, and separate shower. The backyard is an empty slate that can be customized to your liking and the large front porch is ideal for relaxing and enjoying the neighborhood, complete with a porch swing for added charm. The two car garage offers plenty of storage space for all of your toys. Enjoy the small town feel of Verrado with its tree-lined streets, community events and friendly neighbors.

View Property

2640 S Southwind Drive Gilbert, AZ 85295

$590,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,260 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6747537

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

***MOTIVATED SELLER!!!*** A beautifully maintained gem in the heart of Gilbert, AZ. This charming 4-bedroom, 2.5 bath home offers a perfect blend of comfort and style, nestled in a serene and family-friendly neighborhood. Freshly painted inside and out, the home is just waiting for you to move in! Check out the HUGE master bathroom with an oversized shower boasting 2 showerheads. Multiple living spaces and 4 bedrooms will give your family plenty of space to spread out! And don't forget the pool! With a fountain to keep it cool on these hot summer days! Added bonus... No neighbors behind you and only one directly next to you. Additional highlights of this home include a convenient 2-car garage, a dedicated laundry room, and easy access to nearby parks, shopping, and top-rated schools.

View Property

15428 S 24th Street Phoenix, AZ 85048

$590,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,817 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757496

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautifully REMODELED home on HUGE corner lot in Ahwatukee. Gorgeous backyard with mountain views. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths plus Den/4th bedroom. Located in the popular Mountain Park Ranch community. This home boasts all new cabinets and granite countertops throughout, new flooring, new window screens, and professionally landscaped backyard with gazebo. Home comes with a ''NEW FULL ROOF'' that is only 4 years old and ''NEW Carrier A/C'' unit installed just 2 years ago! Also included are ALL APPLIANCES including both refrigerators. Inside garage are custom built in cabinets for plenty of storage and a separate side entrance.

View Property

1144 Christopher Creek Loop Payson, AZ 85541

$590,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,392 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6742443

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

TWO HOMES on 2+ acres of tall pines, & National Forest on 2 sides (303-10-107A and 107B)! Extraordinary property, recently appraised for $650k - a rare opportunity for a sweet get-away in all four seasons, as a break from summer heat, or as a fantastic rental property. Classic mountain cabin + guest cottage are located right on the loop, less than 2 miles on the adjacent forest road up to the spring-fed headwaters! It's a gorgeous area for hiking, picnicking, & fishing (seasonal bi-weekly stocking of the Creek w/trout,etc). Unique main home has a master bedroom with an amazing view from the balcony, as well as an add'l loft bedroom. Open style floorplan, with oak floors & large windows on three sides for plenty of natural light; there's a woodstove to cozy up to on cool evenings. CLICK: Custom bath features stone and glass brick walls & loads of storage; separate laundry room. Kitchen has an island with granite countertops, & the large decks (over 700 s.f.) in front & back offer the perfect setting for relaxation, entertaining, and watching the wildlife that meander through. Darling studio-style cottage provides additional space for overflow, guests, or tenants, complete with its own kitchenette and a bath with shower. This property is on a shared well, with this listing owning two of the three shares; further, the neighbor who owns a third share has drilled his own and has never hooked into this well. It's a rare opportunity to enjoy a secluded but conveniently located piece of paradise, right in the middle of the most beautiful forest in Arizona, with unparalleled opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, stargazing, and more. Treat yourself to a beautiful drive, and come check it out! Seller and listing agents are related.

View Property

1314 E Bluefield Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85022

$590,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,014 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6764348

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move in before the Holidays! Looking for a 4 bedroom home with a pool in North Phoenix? Welcome home to this very private home on a corner lot with mountain views. The inviting curb appeal brings you into the living room where you can entertain year round. Watch the kids play in the family room while cooking up a meal in your remodeled kitchen which has an island for bar seating and stainless steel appliances. Upstairs is a spacious master suite and 3 good sized bedrooms. Outside--YES. Enjoy a drink on the covered patio. Watch your favorite pooch run around in the grass....AND enjoy a dip in the relaxing pool all while getting a view of the mountain that is next door 🙂 All this in North Phoenix in an ideal location on a private street.

View Property

25025 S Desert Trail Court Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$590,000

2 Beds

3 Baths

2,028 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777486

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Seize the opportunity to own this coveted corner lot property nestled on a tranquil cul-de-sac! Great curb appeal with a well-maintained front yard, a 3-car garage, and an inviting courtyard. Discover sizable living areas featuring vaulted ceilings, a designer's palette, plantation shutters, tile/wood-style flooring, and a cozy fireplace. The kitchen is equipped with ample counter space, lovely wood cabinetry with crown molding, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances, and a center island. The primary bedroom boasts a double-door entry, a private bathroom, and a walk-in closet for added comfort. Enjoy afternoon relaxation under the covered patio in the tranquil backyard! Excellent location! Close to golf courses, schools, shopping spots, etc. What's not to like? This gem is the one!

View Property

819 N Alison Way Chandler, AZ 85226

$590,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,328 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6731749

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Say Hello to relaxation and convenience awaits in this updated turn-key East coast vibe townhome. Moments from shopping and dining and less than a mile from I-10, this contemporary, 3-bedroom, 3-bath home with no pool or yard to maintain, offers hassle-free living. Entertainment options abound in the kitchen & great room, where floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening onto the balcony offer breathtaking sunset views. Adjoining the living area are two guest bedrooms and a hall bath. The third-floor primary suite boasts a spacious private balcony & resort-style bathroom with a luxurious spa-like shower. A ground-floor bonus room with walk-out patio features a ping pong table and patio seating, ideal for game night or entertaining. Fully updated and most furniture available on separate B.O.S

View Property

10114 W Cashman Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$590,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,682 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6687084

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

10114 W Cashman Dr, Peoria, AZ 85383 - REDUCED!! Pride of ownership in The Meadows, do not miss this beautiful home built in 2019 with all of the upgrades, 4 bedrooms all upstairs (1 is guest suite with private bath), Granite countertops, Gourmet stainless steel appliances with gas cooktop, large island and nice size pantry, tile backsplash, extensive wood plank tile flooring, custom window coverings, extended master shower with rain showerhead, oversized garage, water softener, Alarm system, low maintenance backyard, kids playset, nice corner lot, Community pool & hot tub, Pickle Ball Court, clubhouse, volleyball & basketball courts and other features. Easy access to Loop 303, less than 20 minutes to new Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Plant.

View Property