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

4330 Copperhead Drive Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$562,500

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,873 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769355

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover a home that balances comfort and character in the coveted Lone Star neighborhood. This exceptional residence welcomes you with a warm, rich color palette, setting a relaxed and inviting mood throughout. Large rooms flow seamlessly across the tile flooring, while plantation shutters add a touch of elegance. The kitchen is a highlight, featuring a gas cooktop that makes cooking a pleasure. And with an owned wired alarm system, peace of mind is built right in! Out back, the space is designed for year-round enjoyment. Gather around the gas fire feature on cooler evenings, fire up the built-in BBQ, or relax under the shade of the pergola while taking in the desert air. It's an outdoor space made for quiet moments and lively get-togethers alike, with thoughtful details that invite... you to unwind. The extended-length 3-car garage isn't just practicalit's a well-organized space with attached shelving, providing room for vehicles, gear, and projects. It's the kind of garage that offers flexibility, whether you need extra storage or room for hobbies. This home at Wickenburg Ranch is all about easy living, with spaces that invite you to make them your own. It's a place where the details matter, offering a lifestyle that feels as good as it looks, ready to become your next favorite spot.

View Property

4207 E Ford Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85234

$562,500

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,370 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6753341

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

INCREDIBLE ORIGINAL OWNER UNIQUE 5 BDR home in the HEART OF GILBERT. This Fulton Home features a vaulted ceiling great room with LARGE KITCHEN and tons of NATURAL LIGHT. Upstairs features primary suite + 2 additional bedrooms and full bath. Short steps down from great room features full FLEX SPACE, 2 additional bedrooms and a 3rd full bath! REAL WOOD FLOORS and tile throughout. BRAND NEW ANDERSEN WINDOWS, + AC & ROOF REPLACEMENT COMPLETED. Backyard features gardeners paradise: Pears and Pomegranates nearly ripe; Tangerines, Lemons and HUGE Ruby Red Grapefruit Tree, Katy Apricots and Figs in the Spring/Summer. Incredible fruit bearing grape vines on the west side and shade tree + paver patio provide the PERFECT BACKYARD CANVAS. Neighborhood park just down the street. Stop by today!

View Property

4919 W Hunter Trail San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$562,490

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,776 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776898

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NEW HOME! The perfect blend of functionality comes to life. This stunning home boasts 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, bonus space and walk-in closets, ensuring that there's room for everyone. The island takes center stage, serving as a workspace or a social hub where family and friends can gather. Whether you're preparing a gourmet meal or enjoying a family breakfast, the kitchen is designed to be a culinary haven. Umber dark cabinets and granite counter tops with a generous amount of wood look tile! Stepping outside, the 3-panel sliding glass door offers an additional living space that seamlessly extends the indoor experience. Each of our homes is built with innovative, energy-efficient features designed to help you enjoy more savings, better health, real comfort and peace of mind.

View Property

4354 Ponderosa Trail Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$562,486

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,648 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770324

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Introducing the Dream floor plan, a stunning 1,648 sq ft home with 2 beds & 2 baths, expertly designed by Shea's in-house interior design team. This home features a GE built-in induction appliance package, including a dishwasher, wall oven, microwave, & oven hood. Oil-rubbed bronze accents add elegance throughout. The primary bath boasts a heavy glass shower enclosure, quartz countertops, & under-mount sinks in both baths. Enjoy custom mosaic tile work, upgraded full overlay cabinets, generous cabinet pullouts, & quartz countertops in the kitchen. Additional features include a 15 ft sliding glass wall, extended covered patio, upgraded electrical, $20k in tile flooring, 4 ft garage extension, & custom landscaping front & back. Discover current incentives at Shea sales office.

View Property

2827 N 212th Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$562,073

4 Beds

4 Baths

2,514 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741507

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your TO BE BUILT: 4-Bed, 4-Bath Mountain-View dream home nestled against the stunning White Tank Mountains, offering unparalleled privacy and breathtaking views. This East/West oriented gem boasts grand 10' ceilings and elegant 8' doors throughout, creating a sense of luxury and space. The chef-inspired kitchen is a culinary delight, featuring a gas cooktop, wall oven micro combo, large pantry, premium countertops, and 42-inch upper cabinets. Perfect for entertaining, the home seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living with multiple sliding glass doors leading to a spacious patio. The expansive owner's suite is a retreat of its own, complete with a big closet and a huge walk-in super shower with a rainhead. Located just minutes from the Sienna Hills Swim park/gym/clubhouse!

View Property

1922 E Yale Street Phoenix, AZ 85006

$562,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,231 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772421

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This fully renovated 1925 classic home blends charm with modern luxury. Featuring stunning luxury laminate floors and brand-new windows, the open floor plan is enhanced by beautiful wood beams and elegant crown molding. The custom bathroom showcases period-specific tile choices, while the kitchen boasts white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, a striking blue tile backsplash, a pot filler above the gas range, and a farmhouse sink. Stainless steel appliances complete the space. Plus, enjoy peace of mind with a new roof and serviced A/C—all part of a permitted remodel!

View Property

1473 W Saddle Run Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$561,990

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,432 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6750810

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Up to 3% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available through preferred lender plus additional 2% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available to be used toward closing costs, pre-paids, rate buy downs, and/or price adjustments. The Avelino floor plan offers a refined single-story design with four bedrooms, including an AllGen suite, and a spacious flex area ideal for an office, TV room, or study. Featuring front yard landscaping, this home will be ready for occupancy in October or November. Conveniently situated near community parks, grocery stores, and dining options.

View Property

3131 N Central Avenue Unit 6021 Phoenix, AZ 85012

$561,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,125 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6568555

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

*Construction completed* 5% BUYER INCENTIVE! Introducing Edison Midtown Phase 2 with 60 new construction condominiums. This spacious two bedroom condo offers ten ft. ceilings, an open floor plan, and large master bedroom with ensuite bathroom. Chefs kitchen offers expansive cabinetry, quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances including a gas range. Edison Midtown features incredible amenities for that perfect Urbanite lifestyle. A beautiful pool and lap pool, 2000 sq. ft. fitness center and lounge, and gated parking garage.

View Property

7931 E Quartet Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$561,674

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,832 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6714316

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6714316 Ready Now!! The Edmonton at Hawes Crossing Discovery is a beautiful 1-story floor plan that comes standard with 1,832 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2-car garage, and 2 dining areas. The foyer takes you directly to the dining and kitchen area, which provides ample space for cooking all your favorite meals. Enjoy an open casual dining and great room area with direct access to the outdoor living area, which makes for great entertaining space. The spacious primary suite has a private bathroom with double sinks and a walk-in closet. Welcome home! Structural options include: 8' interior doors. Design upgrades include: tile throughout whole home, paver driveway, tankless water heater, soft water loop, window treatments on all window, 2 faux wood blinds.

View Property

25224 N 159th Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$560,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,434 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6733494

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

FORMER MODEL HOME - Congratulations on finding this wonderful quick close home with such awesome upgrades, the quartz countertops and upgraded backsplash will add a touch of elegance to your kitchen but also provide durability, the oversized glass door in the great room will bring in natural light! Gas connections for your range, BBQ, and dryer provides more efficient dryer, and cooking and grilling, so with a combination of modern electrical features and carefully chosen window coverings, you can enjoy a sophisticated and energy-efficient living space right from the moment you move in. A tankless water heater is a great choice for your home as it provides hot water on demand eliminating the need for a storage tank the home is Energy Star Certified to save you money and Smart home modern!

View Property

8320 E Paloma Avenue Mesa, AZ 85207

$560,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,246 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781572

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A collection of brand-new single-family homes located in the master-planned community in Mesa, AZ. The community feeds into the highly rated Gilbert Public School District, making this an ideal place for growing households. There are many onsite amenities at the masterplan everyone will enjoy, including a swimming pool, basketball court, pickleball court, playground and picnic area. Commuters have easy access to Loop 202 and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport for travel accommodations. This beautiful home features our platinum package including Sonoma Maple Linen cabinets and quartz countertops. Super luxury 7 x 22 plank tile flooring. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.

View Property

5030 W Hunter Trail San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$560,490

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,776 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776913

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Brand new energy efficient home! This plan is where perfect blend of functionality and elegance comes to life. This stunning home boasts 5 bedrooms and 3 baths, ensuring room for everyone! A standout features of the Avery is a private bath in one of the bedrooms that could be used for an in-law. The heart of the home is the kitchen, where the island takes center stage, as a practical social hub where family and friends can gather. The kitchen boasts White shaker style cabinets, granite counter tops and a generous amount of tile that overlooks the great room, creating an inviting atmosphere. Each of our spray foam insulated homes is built with innovative, energy-efficient features designed to help you enjoy more savings, better health, real comfort and peace of mind.

View Property