Understanding ‘Disposable Income’ and How This Will Impact Your Mortgage Approval

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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7760 E Gainey Ranch Road Unit 13 Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$1,200,000

2 Beds

3 Baths

2,073 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778369

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

This ''Jewel of the Desert' luxury townhome has incredible views from virtually any room in the house. Mosaics, quartz surfaces and silver strand hardwood floors displayed throughout. From kitchen you can look out the 15 ft., sliding wall of glass to golf course, water, Gainey Hyatt and Camelback Mountain. 2nd bedroom en suite, 3 FULL baths. The master suite and sitting room enjoy the same great views. Master Sitting/Rm can be office or constructed into an oversize Master walk-in closet. Oversized resort backyard with BBQ for entertaining. All the amenities one would expect from Gainey Ranch. Close by paths, restaurants, & shopping.

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19208 E Appleby Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$1,200,000

6 Beds

3 Baths

3,446 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784465

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Remarkable home designed for country living in the city, an equestrian enthusiast's dream! Starting w/a 2-car garage & circular driveway. Enter through double doors to large great room w/ tall vaulted ceilings, beautiful bay windows, & a light inviting vibe. HUGE open floor plan w/recessed lighting that illuminates every corner. An island, subway tile backsplash, granite counters & abundant cabinetry accentuated by crown molding complete a spotless kitchen. Great room looks out to a spacious paved porch, lush grass w/irrigation rights, 20 mature fruit trees, large pasture & an oversized 30x40 steel shop perfect for hobbies/toys. The perfect family home w/4 bed, 2 bath & 2 bed,1 bath in a luxurious casita. Not enough room? The casita opens to the big house making one large home. Owner's retreat won't disappoint, boasting plush carpet, double door entry, sunny bayed window sitting area, an ensuite w/dual sinks, & a walk-in closet. The vast backyard provides a covered patio, fragrant citrus tree, storage shed, large barn, stall, & lots of room for all your toys. Horses will love to roam! Act now before it's gone!

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10603 W Electra Lane Peoria, AZ 85383

$1,200,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,795 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784984

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

*30X50 RV GARAGE WITH AC & electric gate to backyard* Gorgeous single level home on almost 1/2 acre featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths and an office. Home has a split 3 car garage on the house along with tons of concrete for additional parking. Enter through the wrought iron glass door into this light and bright home. With wood plank tile everywhere but the bedrooms, large kitchen with huge island, white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and upgrading lighting throughout. Backyard is lovely & low maintenance with tons of pavers, synthetic grass and a large covered patio. RV Garage has built in cabinets, 220V, & AC. Other features include: 8' doors, 12' ceilings, tons of recessed lighting throughout the home. Close to the ''Four Corners'' offering shopping, restaurants, gyms, etc.

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4320 W Arabian Trail Flagstaff, AZ 86005

$1,200,000

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,761 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786753

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Incredible opportunity for this beautiful 3-bed/3.5-bath with views of the #16 tee box in the highly desired Flagstaff Ranch Golf & Country Club. This is sophisticated townhome living in this expansive 2,761-square-foot residence. Boasting 3 spacious bedrooms, each with its' own en-suite bathroom, this home is the perfect lock and leave mountain home. The open-concept layout features light-filled living spaces, a modern kitchen with premium finishes, and a serene primary suite with a spa-inspired ensuite and balcony views overlooking the golf course. Additional bedrooms offer comfort and privacy, perfect for guests or family. Outdoor areas and tasteful architectural details elevate the charm of this home.

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16121 E Ridgestone Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$1,200,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,865 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6754268

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

This Overlook at Firerock masterpiece offers incredible mtn and golf views & is a dream come true! Lovely façade boasts a 2-car garage w/glass doors, paver driveway, & stone accents. You'll find a meticulously designed interior w/clean lines that exudes modern sophistication. Harmonious open floor plan is complemented by tile flooring, surround sound, a wall-mounted fireplace, & large sliding glass doors leading to the back patio. Stunning kitchen showcases recessed & pendant lighting, a plethora of cabinetry, quartz counters, a prep island w/a breakfast bar, stylish tile backsplash,& SS appliances, which include wall ovens & cooktop gas. Grand owner's retreat provides plush carpet, direct outdoor access, an ensuite w/dual sinks, make-up desk, an enclosed glass shower, & a walk-in closet. Wonderful backyard features a covered patio, built-in BBQ, fireplace, and a refreshing spa/spool (app to control the spool). Large powered shade to cover large stacking door. What's not to like? You must see it in person to fully appreciate its beauty! There is a sound system with 2 zones (one for inside and one for outside). RO Water System, Water Softener, TV Hookup in Primary bedroom.

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37269 N 100th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$1,200,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

3,130 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6761023

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Private and Peaceful. This lovely home in the intimate gated community of Montecito at Mirabel is tucked away on nearly an acre of beautiful high Sonoran Desert landscape. Pavered driveway, walkways and extended patios add to the serene setting. Backing to acres of natural area open space, this desirable open concept floor plan offers the ultimate indoor/outdoor living experience. The large great room includes a wall of disappearing glass doors and remote sun shades. Beautiful built-in cabinet on one wall includes 75'' TV and electronics along with room for your books and special art pieces. Stainless appliances, Wolf gas cook top, generous pantry, extended wood cabinetry with granite counters complete the large eat-in kitchen. Separate Primary Suite has double door access to the back patio, plantation shutters, walk-in and linen closets and bath with tub and walk-in shower. The Two guest suites include Jack & Jill bath and walk-in closets for plenty of storage. Office/den has a separate double door exit to front walk way, plantation shutters plus a third bathroom in the nearby hallway. There's a lovely separate Dining Room off the foyer and a Butler's Pantry close by. Enjoy quick and easy access to North Scottsdale, Carefree and Cave Creek shopping and dining. This location is truly great for those who enjoy boating etc. year round at Bartlett Lake to the east or Lake Pleasant to the west or explore the Tonto National Forest with your 4 X 4 rigs.

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5420 E Skinner Drive Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$1,200,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,450 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6757263

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home, an amazing property built in 2020, set on 1.27 acres with an RV garage and no HOA! You'll love the layout of this home that exudes elegance and comfort. Friends and family will enjoy gathering in the open-concept kitchen, which features an oversized stone island, a lovely backsplash, SS appliances, and an abundance of natural light. The home chef will appreciate the convenience of a walk-in pantry, a gas range, a wall oven, and a built-in microwave. Your spacious primary bedroom, complete with an ensuite bathroom featuring dual sinks, serves as the ideal retreat. Two additional bedrooms share a jack & jill bathroom, while a fourth bedroom offers flexibility, along with a formal dining area that could easily be transformed into an office or game room. The RV... Garage is 1,250 sq ft (25' x 50') w/15' ceilings and a Bathroom! The attached 3-car garage is equipped with ceiling-mounted storage racks. Whether you're relaxing on your front or back patio, you'll delight in the desert vibes and the occasional visit from wildlife. You'll feel a world away, yet be just minutes from shopping, dining, and the 101. Design your ideal outdoor space - there's ample room for a pool, casita/ADU, a pickleball court, or horse enclosures; the possibilities are endless! A 12' RV gate provides convenient access to the backyard. Additional features include Hunter Douglas window treatments throughout (light filtering AND room darkening in bedrooms), adjustable shelving in the pantry and all closets, low-voltage lighting, a laundry room w/utility sink, citrus trees and more! Water softener was replaced in 2023.

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27000 N Alma School Parkway Unit 2034 Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$1,200,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,627 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6773564

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Incredible opportunity to own this highly customized Townhouse in Pinnacle Pointe. Located directly across from Four Seasons Scottsdale, Troon North with views out every window, this 2627 sqft, 3 bed, 3 bath Townhouse offers the ease of lock-n-leave living while giving you some of the best views in the Valley. This property is loaded with custom features including a private wood paneled handicap accessible elevator, wood floors, open chef kitchen with stainless steel KitchenAid appliances, granite countertops, accent lighting, walk-in pantry, and large laundry room. From the open great room you'll enjoy sunsets and city lights from your HUGE double retractable sliding window systems, and wrap around patio with newly installed motorized sunshades.

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6938 E Exeter Boulevard Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$1,200,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,300 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6780608

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

This lovely 2 bedroom / 2 bath + office townhome is perfectly situated to enjoy the best Scottsdale and Arcadia have to offer. Walking distance to the best shopping and restaurants in AZ- close to Fashion Square, Camelback Mountain, golf, hiking, and 20 minutes to the airport. Private office space overlooks the rear patio with built in barbecue which is ideal for entertaining or just relaxing in the warm AZ weather. This turn-key property is ideal as a second home or for busy professionals or retirees who want upscale and low maintenance lifestyle. Only 30 homes in exclusive Villa D'Este and they rarely come available- Don't miss this opportunity to make this home your own!

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3925 S 6th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85041

$1,200,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,552 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782318

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Endless possibilities await on this nearly acre-sized lot near Downtown Phoenix, featuring TWO distinct dwellings. Whether you're looking for flexibility, investment potential, or multi-generational living, this property is a rare find. The primary custom-built home boasts an open floor plan, expansive kitchen island, 2x6 construction, a spacious master suite, and two generously sized guest bedrooms, all bathed in natural light. The second dwelling provides 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, dedicated parking, and its own fenced yard, offering endless potential for income or personal use. At the heart of both dwellings, you'll find the courtyard—perfect for enjoying serene Arizona evenings with family and friends. With over 50% of the property as an open canvas for your vision, imagine building additional multifamily units or crafting your own private oasis. Here, the only limit is your imagination.

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25034 N Horseshoe Trail Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,200,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,821 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776594

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Custom home with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths on a private 1.59 acre lot. North/South exposure. Enjoy the beautiful sunsets with 360 degree mountain and city views from the view deck. Home has numerous windows providing natural light. Split bedroom floor plan. Eat-in kitchen. Master bedroom, living room and dining room all access the spacious backyard/pool/spa/covered patio area. Besides the large master suite, there is an ensuite bedroom with a walk-in closet as well as 2 bedrooms, one with a separate entry that would make a great office. Outside shower and access to a 1/2 bath from the patio. Outside storage room. There is space to build a casita, sports court or additional expansion.

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744 E County Down Drive Chandler, AZ 85249

$1,200,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,600 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6715671

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in the exclusive gated community of Fieldstone Estates! This stunning single-level residence sits on a premium 1/3-acre corner lot, offering unmatched privacy with no neighbors behind and serene greenbelt views. From the charming courtyard with a gas fireplace to the resort-style backyard featuring a Pebble Tec pool surrounded by ivory limestone, a pergola, and a built-in bar, this home is the ultimate retreat for relaxation and entertaining. The beautifully remodeled kitchen boasts custom white cabinetry, quartz countertops, a striking quartzite island, stainless steel appliances, dual ovens, and a gas cooktop—perfect for any culinary enthusiast. Step outside to the convenient gas BBQ, just off the kitchen, with a paver pathway leading to the extended covered patio and a stunning quartz outdoor dining table, ideal for alfresco meals. The split floor plan is thoughtfully designed to ensure privacy, with a luxurious owner's suite featuring a spa-like bath, a soaking tub, and a walk-in shower. Just off the master is a dedicated office space, perfect for working from home. Adding to the home's versatility, the dining room or gym features elegant glass doors and coffered ceilings. The private guest suite and Jack-and-Jill bedrooms provide comfortable accommodations for family or visitors. Additional highlights include plantation shutters, tile floors, an extended 3-car epoxy-coated garage w storage, and access to community walking paths, playgrounds, and serene green spaces. Don't miss this rare oasis in Fieldstone Estates.

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