There are few things more exciting than finding your ideal home, but with the rising cost of housing, a person’s dream home can often come with a very high purchase price. If you’re wondering how much home you can truly afford and how your cost of living will fare for your mortgage approval, here are some of the details on what you can expect when it comes to finding a home at an affordable price.
What Is Your Debt-to-Income Ratio?
Before deciding if a home is right for you, it’s important to calculate what your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is to determine how much house you can afford. The debt amount will include any credit cards, existing mortgages and other loan payments that you pay down each month. To determine your maximum monthly payment, multiply your gross income by 0.36 and divide it by 12. This will give you the expenditure of debt, including your housing payment, that you should not exceed each month.
Determining Your Down Payment
There’s a lot of talk around the ideal amount you should put forward for a down payment, but this percentage can directly impact the amount of the house you can afford. If you are able to put down 20% of the purchase price of your home, this means your monthly mortgage payments will be minimized and this will decrease your DTI ratio. While a home may be out of your reach if you can only put 10 or 15% down, 20% down will ensure a higher amount of disposable income on a monthly basis, making your application more feasible.
Determine Your Lifestyle
While a lender may not reject your application outright if your debt-to-income ratio is higher than suggested, it’s important to know what kind of spending choices make sense for you so that you can make your monthly payments. If you have limited expenses above your mortgage and enjoy a Spartan lifestyle, it’s entirely possible that you’ll be able to manage a higher monthly amount. However, if you don’t have stable employment and are struggling each month, it may be a good idea to consider a less expensive property.
The monthly mortgage payment for your dream home may look like it’s manageable on the surface, but if your DTI ratio exceeds what is suggested, there may be issues with acceptance of your application. If you’re currently in the market for a new home, give me a call for more information – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.
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6060 E Nugget Patch Trail
Prescott, AZ 86303
$1,250,000
3
Beds
4
Baths
3,181
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6787168
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Magnificent Mountain Setting having 7.2 Split-able Acres with Fabulous VIEWS of Granite Mountain, Thumb Butte, San Francisco Peaks, Bill Williams & City Lights of Prescott Valley!!! This Beautiful home built in 2016 has 3181 Sq Ft of Semi-Custom Construction featuring 3Bedrooms/3.5Bathrooms/3CarGarage + Den or (Possible 4th Bedroom), GREAT ROOM, Sunken Formal Living Room, Game Room/Rec Room with Bar & Pool Table, Vaulted/Beamed Ceiling, Ceiling Fans, Hardwood, 20'' Tile, & Carpet flooring, Peeled Pole Accents, Wood/Gas Fireplace with Stone Chimney face, & Upgraded Lighting. Kitchen is fabulous with Knotty Hickory Cabinetry, QUARTZ Countertops, Tile Back Splash, ISLAND/Island Sink, Breakfast Nook, Pantry, & Black Stainless-Steel Appliances (Inc. Fridge)... Huge Master on Second Floor, Dual Sinks, Jetted Garden Tub, Snail Shower, His & Her Closets, & has Private Deck. The 2 Bedrooms on Main Floor are Spacious & are both MINI MASTERS...one with Full Tub/Shower & the other with Walk-in Shower. Additional Features include Large Laundry Room w/Washer & Dryer conveying, large Fenced Back Yard with Gazebo & Artificial Grass to enjoy those Outstanding VIEWS. You must see this to get the full effect!!!!
9238 E Desert Park Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
$1,250,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,935
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6786558
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Nestled within the prestigious DC Ranch gated community, this stunning community offers breathtaking views of the McDowell Mountains. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with 24/7 security, plus access to 47 neighborhood parks and miles of scenic paths and trails, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. DC Ranch is renowned for its vibrant community gatherings and features two world-class private golf clubs designed by Tom Weiskopf and Tom Lehman. Community Highlights: • Expansive community center with a variety of activities • Heated pools, tot pools, and playgrounds • Lighted tennis, basketball, and pickleball courts • State-of-the-art fitness rooms • Scenic ramadas with built-in BBQs • Conveniently located near Market Street's dining, shopping, and services Interior Features: Gorgeous shutters throughout, complemented by crown molding and custom baseboards Pure porcelain stone tile flooring, accented with two-tone paint Luxurious secondary bath with quartz countertops, instant hot water, custom glass shower, tumbled travertine, and beveled mirrors Home office/den featuring custom built-in cabinetry by Stone Creek, with a stylish barn door leading to a laundry room with gas dryer hookup Gourmet kitchen with custom tile backsplash, pot filler, quartz countertops, instant hot water, reverse osmosis at the kitchen sink, convection oven, GE Monogram 6-burner gas stove, and a vent hood with LED lighting Spacious living area enhanced by a Bose surround sound system and custom built-in cabinetry with ambient lighting by Stone Creek Primary bedroom suite with wood-look tile flooring, custom-tiled shower, Aria standing tub, quartz countertops with waterfall edges, undermount sinks, and a walk-in closet with built-in shoe racks Outdoor Living: Expansive backyard designed for entertaining, featuring a built-in BBQ station with granite countertop, a nearly new TURBO 6-burner grill (convertible to electric or gas), added lighting, and a water spigot Front and back patios with stained concrete for a polished look Low-maintenance artificial turf and pavers in the backyard Custom-built outdoor shed with interior lighting, electrical outlets, and a metal door New gate slats on all gates, newer sunscreens, and multiple additional water spigots for convenience Additional Features: Newer RHEEM water heater for efficient hot water supply Newer TRANE HVAC unit Extra storage solutions, including built-in shelving and plywood in the attic space, both in the home and garage, with added lighting Additional canned lighting installed in the garage ceiling for enhanced visibility This exceptional home seamlessly blends luxurious indoor amenities with vibrant outdoor living, all within one of Scottsdale's most coveted communities. Don't miss the opportunity to make this exquisite property your own!
34428 N 68th Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85266
$1,250,000
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,974
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6767039
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Completely reimagined Crista floorplan with the finest luxurious materials and designer finishes. This property feels like a brand-new home thanks to an extensive transformative rebuild, which included expanding rooms, removing walls, and adding more storage. Residents of Terravita Country Club enjoy a lifestyle rich in amenities, including dining, a pool, tennis, pickleball, and a fitness center, all set against beautiful mountain-side views.The Terravita lifestyle offers a private 18 hole champion golf course, driving ranges, chip and putting practice areas. Homes come with a social membership to the First Class Country Club, complete with dining and banquet facilities, swimming, spa and tennis center, a state-of-the art health & fitness center, 6 pickle ball courts, social meeting pavilion, and miles of walking/jogging trails.
20532 W Meadowbrook Avenue
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$1,250,000
3
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,188
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6786545
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Gorgeous David Weekley Serendipity, upgraded & embellished throughout by meticulous owners. LUXURY outdoor living in backyard backing to open space/walking path & VIEW to mountains from oversize spa, elevated fire pit and outdoor kitchen. Inviting courtyard entry welcomes you to outstanding great room, beam ceilings, upscale features throughout. ENTIRE home inside and out has been repainted, including the cabinetry & woodwork. Chef's kitchen features honed Monte Cristo granite counters, butler pantry, wine fridges. Beautiful decor throughout - wallpapers, fixtures, hardware, mirrors. New wood flooring in MBR & both guest suites, w/ensuite baths. Generous MBR w/sliders to patio and spa-like bathroom & organizer wall in closet. Ready to move in and enjoy Victory living to the fullest!
11790 E Bella Vista Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85259
$1,250,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,087
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6778837
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover unparalleled luxury in this beautifully remodeled home within the prestigious guard-gated community of Stonegate. Spacious design exudes elegance with natural light, from the refined living areas to the sleek modern kitchen with top-of-the-line built-ins and abundant cabinetry. A dramatic living space offers versatility, while the split bedroom layout ensures privacy for all. Well sized owner's suite features a large walk in closet, spa-like bathroom, perfect for relaxation and French Doors to the beautiful yard. Outside, the extended covered patio and sparkling pool create a stunning backdrop for entertaining. Enjoy community resort-style amenities: pool, spa, pickleball/tennis, trails, playground, and more—experience luxury living at its finest in Scottsdale!
8132 W Hatfield Road
Peoria, AZ 85383
$1,250,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
3,213
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6780823
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Fully Remodeled Home in 2022-2024. Amazing Home Library/Office+ Custom Built-Ins. LVP Flooring. Stacked Stone Gas Fireplace. Gorgeous Quartzite Kitchen Counters. Large Walk-In Pantry! New Custom Paint. Oversized Primary Suite. Towel Warmer & Upgraded Freestanding Bathtub. Walk-In, 3 Shower Heads. Custom Closet Upgrade. Double Vanity w/ Sitting Area. Incredible Laundry Room with So MUCH Space & Storage, Includes Sink. Large Closets. New Hardware, Lighting, Ceiling Fans. New Toilets & Showers. Garage + Cabinets for All Your Tools & Toys. Extra Wide Garage (18 x10 ft) Epoxy Garage/Patio Flooring. Resort-Like LARGE Lot, Backyard w/ Artificial Turf, Sparkling Pool & Rock Waterfall, Large Covered Patio, Gas Firepit, Storage. Double Gate. Nearly 1/2 Acre. Near 4 Corners & Freeway.
33120 N 67th Street
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
$1,250,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,501
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6785150
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your dream home, a true sanctuary on a premium corner cul-de-sac lot. Privately enclosed by stucco wall and automatic gates, this expansive 1+ acre lot is professionally landscaped with hundreds of custom pavers, custom stucco planters, and offers plenty of room for casita, tennis court or additional garage. Designed with high-quality craftsmanship, this home blends luxury and practicality at every turn. Inside, you'll find a spacious split and open floor plan featuring Hickory cabinets, a SubZero refrigerator, Bosch appliances (2021), and a reverse osmosis system in the gourmet kitchen. Elegant touches like tumbled travertine flooring, Versai chiseled granite countertops, Italian fixtures, and plantation shutters elevate the interior. Step outside to a park-like retreat with a negative edge chlorine pool (10' deep), surrounded by Hawaiian-imported exterior rocks. The expansive 3800 sq ft covered patio and 5300 sq ft of pavers provide endless possibilities for outdoor living and entertaining. The backyard offers space for a casita or pickle ball court, with a wash specifically designed for rainfall, ensuring functionality. Practical features include an extended-height garage door, storage under the island cabinets, and a freshly painted exterior (2022). Enhanced with a Ring Camera system for added security, this home offers a perfect blend of elegance, privacy, and comfort. Don't miss this exceptional property!
4721 W Banff Lane
Glendale, AZ 85306
$1,250,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,000
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6768569
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this beautifully updated horse property featuring 8 spacious stalls, perfect for equestrian enthusiasts! The kitchen has been fully remodeled with stunning quartz countertops, sleek new cabinets, and modern appliances including oven, stovetop, refrigerator, stove vent, and dishwasher. All 3 full bathrooms have also been upgraded with quartz countertops, new sink cabinets, stylish glass showers, and new toilets. Additional updates include brand-new doors and windows with shutters, a new Pentair motor and filter system for the swimming pool, repaired stable area poles with new lighting, fresh countertops in the laundry room, steel gates leading to the backyard, and new pole lights for added illumination. This property is a perfect blend of luxury and functionality, ready for you
16619 E Sullivan Drive
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
$1,250,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,390
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6780422
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Hilltop masterpiece...single level sitting on 1.4 acres w/outstanding Mountain and Fountain views! Gorgeous curb appeal starting w/the full paver driveway & walkway to the front door. Enter to the high ceilings & open floor plan w/formal living & dining rooms/spacious family rm w/gas fireplace/open to the kitchen offering granite counters, island, double ovens, walk in pantry, built in desk & breakfast bar. Enjoy mtn views from the breakfast rm. Split bedrooms offer privacy/Wonderful master suite /huge walk in closet, large vanity/3.5 baths/lg laundry room w/ lots of storage. You'll love the screened in AZ room...this home is perfect for entertaining...with room for all! The large 4 car garage is great for the car enthusiast! The in ground hot tub is inviting after a long day! More... The roof was new in November, 2023, and comes with a 5 year warranty. Enjoy the comfort of knowing you'll have a 1 year home warranty. 1 year transferrable termite warranty. ADP Security system More great amenities include beautiful wood shutters, 2 - 100 gal propane tanks, skylights...and so much more. When you see this home you will see the pride of ownership!
657 Linger Lane
Williams, AZ 86046
$1,250,000
8
Beds
4
Baths
3,444
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6641232
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover a unique investment opportunity with this Grand Canyon Getaway featuring dual houses. Nestled right off Highway 180, this former general store has been meticulously remodeled to offer two distinct houses, each accommodating various guest preferences, whether it's a family retreat, couples escape, or a group adventure. The property seamlessly blends historic charm with modern comfort, providing a delightful stay for your guests. Its prime location ensures high demand from Grand Canyon explorers year-round, and with an 8% cap rate, this investment opportunity guarantees consistent income, thanks to its unique appeal and sought-after location. Experience the perfect fusion of history and comfort as the property's past as a general store adds a touch of nostalgia to the guest experience, complemented by modern amenities and tasteful decor. Don't miss this exceptional investment opportunity to capitalize on the allure of the Grand Canyon.
14142 E Peak View Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
$1,250,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,541
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6756449
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to The Ranch, y'all! This RENOVATED dream property is being sold FULLY FURNISHED, so all you need to do is bring your horses, cowboy boots/hats and your suitcases! Priced BELOW recent appraisal! You'll access the property by all paved roads, except for about 150 yards of dirt plus your long driveway. You'll feel like you're pulling up to a Wild West movie set when you drive up to the ranch and see such unique architecture, the metal roof, the wraparound porch, the horse barn/facilities and more, ALL on sprawling 3.26 acres with breathtaking, 360-degree mountain views, including views of Four Peaks, Weavers Needle, Tom's Thumb and many more. Water is GOLD in Arizona, and you'll feel like you struck gold with the high-producing water well that is kicking out 7 gallons... ... per minute of beautiful, clean, high-pressure water. This 3 bed, 2 bathroom home was renovated with an elevated and refined balance of rustic and modern: Check out the new showstopper Quartz countertops throughout (kitchen, bathrooms and laundry). The kitchen has been reconfigured to offer a more luxurious cooking experience with a new 48-inch dual fuel double oven range (electric ovens and gas burners), in addition to a black Quartz Elkay sink with a matte black faucet and a matching black disposal air switch button. Enjoy the new refrigerator with a built-in beverage center, a new Dacor dishwasher and a brand new, sleek black washer and dryer with copper accent colors. The cabinets throughout the home are a custom, rustic alder from SOLLID Cabinetry. The living room and dining room have The WOW Factor, with gigantic round chandeliers that light up the entire space. The ceilings soar to 16 feet, with a massive 10 x 10 x 32 foot rustic beam running down the middle of the vault. The wall of windows and sliding doors reveal absolutely breathtaking mountain views and wide open space, that will soon be your backyard! The river rock stone fireplace and custom rustic mantel will surely be a cozy setting and a conversation starter for your next gathering. Both bathrooms have been completely remodeled and enhanced, featuring new floor-to-ceiling tiled showers with wall-mounted waterfall heads and hand-held wands, striking LED front-lit and backlit mirrors with color temperature customization, anti-fog and dimming. Both bathrooms also have new toilets, sinks, faucets, towel bars/hooks, vanity lights and more. The primary shower offers DOUBLE wall-mounted waterfall heads and wands, so two can shower at the same time! A new LED bluetooth exhaust fan was added, so you can listen to music while you shower. It also has night lights with two color options. Custom shower glass was installed in both bathrooms, with floor-to-ceiling glass panels in the primary. This home has a lot of storage. There are two pantries, a bonus storage room, and the primary bedroom and guest bedroom have enormous walk-in closets. The flooring has been updated throughout the entire home with a wood-based plank flooring that is warm and inviting, along with all new crisp and clean 6-inch baseboards. The primary bedroom and one of the guest bedrooms now feature newly constructed bump-out electric fireplaces with customizable flame colors, heat, wood-crackling sound effects and custom wood mantels. The third bedroom showcases newly constructed dual closets, a custom live edge wood floating desk, with a black floating shelf and a Limousine Leather black slat accent wall. The views from every single window are stunning, especially from the bedrooms. Your guests will be fighting over who has the best view! The ranch features all new LED lighting, ceiling fans, light fixtures, black hinges and handles on the doors and many more intricate details. Custom carpentry is evident throughout the home, with so many eye-catching wood accents. The home comes equipped with a brand new electric water heater and whole-home water filtration system featuring burnt coconut shells and a new water softener that will leave your skin and hair feeling silky smooth. The MASSIVELY oversized 3-car garage was just painted. Seriously, it feels much bigger than a 3-car garage. While you're in the garage, don't miss the pull down ladder to go up into the attic. It offers a ton of storage and is the size of a huge bedroom/playroom. The home is insulated with spray foam, so it's super sealed, quiet, and energy efficient. Outside, the land feels never ending as you walk the property, with room to add onto the main home or build anything your heart desires! You name it, you can build it with all the extra land/space you will have. Take in all the magical views as you sit in the rocking chairs on your wraparound porch. And just WAIT until you hear the incredible sound of rain hitting the metal roof. Talk about a good night's sleep! Kick back under the stars, build a fire in the distant fire pit, and fully embrace living on the ranch. The barn and horse stables are such a bonus, creating so many opportunities (horse boarding and more). The barn has water, electricity and a 30AMP RV hookup along with a 50AMP RV hookup. If you are looking for peace and quiet, with views for miles, you have found it! Make this property yours, so you can tell your friends and family, Welcome to The Ranch!
9649 E Solina Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85212
$1,250,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
3,308
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6731586
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Your fully furnished dream home is here! This exquisite former model home has a 3-car garage, a paver driveway, and a meticulously maintained yard with artificial turf. Discover an inviting designer rooms with high ceilings, a soothing palette, recessed lighting, attractive wood-look flooring, and sliding doors to the backyard for indoor-outdoor living. The delightful kitchen is equipped with quartz counters, Thermador appliances with a wine fridge, abundant white cabinetry, chic pendant light fixtures, a stylish tile backsplash, a large walk-through pantry with cabinets, island with a breakfast bar for casual dining. You'll also find a den, ideal for an office. Primary bedroom retreat, offering a lavish ensuite with dual sinks, a soaking tub, a raindrop shower, and a walk-in closet. The enchanting backyard is a true oasis, featuring a covered patio, a built-in BBQ for weekend gatherings, and a cozy firepit. This gem will sell fast!