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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Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

4940 W La Puenta Avenue Laveen, AZ 85339

$655,261

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,683 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772025

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

New home with an RV garage on a large lot! Amazing home with 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, an upstairs loft and a guest suite on the 1st level. Enjoy your Chef's kitchen with gourmet appliances, double ovens, gas cooktop, oversized island and beautiful linen cabinets & quartz counters. Kitchen opens to a large great room and dining area. Enter the large back yard thru your 12' slider that allows for endless entertaining. All wood plank tile on the lower level except in the guest suite. Owner's suite, and guest rooms are upstairs along with a loft. All bedrooms have walk in closets and lots of storage. Enjoy mountain views all around this lovely home. This home is complete. Make it yours. Seller is offering closing cost / interest rate buydowns. Photos are of a model home.

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6920 N 79th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85250

$655,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,432 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781215

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Are you hunting for a lovely townhouse that perfectly blends comfort & convenience? Look no further! This end-unit gem in the desirable Camelview Greens is the one. It offers a 2-car garage & a gated courtyard. The captivating interior highlights a well-sized living/dining room adorned with track lighting, plantation shutters, stylish tile flooring, a warm fireplace, & soaring vaulted ceilings with wooden panels, adding a touch of rustic design. Chef's kitchen is equipped with granite counters, rich wood cabinetry, a breakfast nook, and French doors to the back patio. Main retreat has wood flooring, a sitting area with patio access, a full ensuite with dual sinks, & a walk-in closet. Continue onto the private back patio with a desert landscape & pavers, ideal for fun BBQs. Visit now!

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3161 S 183rd Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$655,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6706885

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover your dream home in the desirable Las Brisas community of Goodyear, AZ! This elegant 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence features a versatile flex room/office and an upgraded RV garage with A/C mini splits and epoxy flooring. Boasting 2,390 sqft of living space on a sprawling 12,765 sqft corner lot, this property offers breathtaking views of the Estrella Mountains. Step inside to find a beautifully upgraded gourmet kitchen, complete with 42-inch upper cabinets, quartz countertops, and top-of-the-line appliances. The open-concept layout is enhanced by upgraded flooring and warm interior colors, creating an inviting atmosphere throughout. The living area is perfect for entertaining, with a multi-slide door that opens to a spacious back patio showcasing gorgeous views. The primary suite is a private retreat, featuring a deluxe walk-in shower and ample space. Enjoy added security and style with a main entrance security door and pavers. The upgraded ceiling fans throughout the home add to the comfort and elegance. Outside, the huge backyard is a blank canvas ready for your personal touchideal for family gatherings, outdoor cooking, or additional landscaping. The RV gates provide easy access and convenience for your recreational vehicles. Don't miss the opportunity to own this exceptional home with stunning mountain views and endless potential. Schedule a showing today and experience the luxury and charm of Las Brisas living!

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1845 S Morrison Lane Gilbert, AZ 85295

New

$655,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,174 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6788317

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Completely remodeled 4 bedroom 2 bathroom home. Beautiful new white shaker kitchen with quartz island and custom wood island new backsplash custom tile showers in both bathrooms, nice open living room with optional kids/playroom, laundry room inside hallway right by master bedroom, custom master tile shower with bench and double vanities walk in closet and toilet room. Very nice custom rock water feature with grotto pebble tech pool and grill and bar area for family time epoxy garage new interior and exterior paint, roof recently replaced all roofing, trane ac, all new window blinds, custom new vinyl flooring and tile bathrooms nice driveway and grass front lawn with 2 car garage!! all new trim fixtures fans and much more!! check this one out as it wont last long!

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17245 W Dartmouth Street Surprise, AZ 85388

$655,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,530 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765989

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your New Home in the prestigious guard gated Sterling Grove Golf & Country Club community. This Craftsman Style home is a 1530 sf ft, 2 bed, 2 bath Toll Brothers Smithfield model with over $100,000 in Builder & Owner upgrades. It is light and bright and built for indoor / outdoor living. Enter the home into the expansive Great Room with a feature wall and gorgeous Kitchen, including a large island with waterfall counter, gas range, walk-in pantry, and an abundance of storage. Then head out to the private Outdoor Living Room, complete with two-sided gas fireplace and TV wall, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. As you head to the end of the hall, turn the corner into the serene Primary Suite, with oversized shower in Bath and large walk-in closet. This home is your your year-round sanctuary or lock and leave winter home. Sterling Grove offers a Jack Nicklaus Design Golf Course & Country Club with majestic views of the White Tank Mountains, managed by Troon, as well as a Copper & Rye restaurant, Flora Spa, health and fitness facilities, resort style pools, lighted pickleball and tennis courts, community center, playground, and fun community events for everyone year round. Close to freeways, schools, dining, and shopping. Visit this home today to experience luxury living in the West Valley.

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1845 S Morrison Lane Gilbert, AZ 85295

$655,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,174 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757501

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Completely remodeled 4 bedroom 2 bathroom home. Beautiful new white shaker kitchen with quartz island and custom wood island new backsplash custom tile showers in both bathrooms, nice open living room with optional kids/playroom, laundry room inside hallway right by master bedroom, custom master tile shower with bench and double vanities walk in closet and toilet room. Very nice custom rock water feature with grotto pebble tech pool and grill and bar area for family time epoxy garage new interior and exterior paint, roof recently replaced all roofing, trane ac, all new window blinds, custom new vinyl flooring and tile bathrooms nice driveway and grass front lawn with 2 car garage!! all new trim fixtures fans and much more!! check this one out as it wont last long!

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10158 E Texas Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$655,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,689 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6740167

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome home! This stunning 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath residence in the highly coveted Cadence at Gateway is in immaculate condition and feels almost new. It features soothing palettes and numerous upgrades, including a frameless shower enclosure in the master bath, expanded covered patio, tankless water heater, and upgraded air conditioning. The modern kitchen boasts quartz countertops, sleek flat-panel cabinets, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances, a pantry, and a large island with a breakfast bar for casual dining. The versatile den is perfect for an office or exercise room. The sizeable main bedroom offers an ensuite with dual sinks and a walk-in closet. All of this is located in a fantastic neighborhood just minutes from Route 24.

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12546 W Via Caballo Blanco -- Peoria, AZ 85383

$655,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,468 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6740198

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

UP TO $8,000 CONCESSION A MUST SEE! THIS HOME HAS IT ALL! SMART HOME SETUP, 4 BEDS + DEN, CUSTOM BUILT BARN DOORS, UPGRADED CEILING FANS AND LIGHT FIXTURES, 9' PLUS CEILINGS, 8' DOORS, TILE IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES. LARGE GREAT ROOM. ARCADIA HAS UPGRADED SECURITY STEEL SCREEN DOORS, BACK YARD FULLY LANDSCAPED WITH ARTIFICIAL TURF. BACKS UP TO WALKING PATH. KITCHEN BOASTS GRANITE COUNTERTOPS, GAS RANGE, WALK IN PANTRY & LOTS OF COUNTERSPACE. SPLIT FLOOR PLAN-MASTER W/ DOUBLE SINKS, LRG WALK IN CLOSET. 3 CAR TANDEM GARAGE HAS POLYASPARTIC FLOORING, SMART OPENER, SOFT WATER SYSTEM OWNED, HOA APPROVED PAVERS IN FRONT FOR 3 CAR PARKING ON SLAB. A BEAUTIFUL HOME READY FOR MOVE-IN! SOLAR IS NOT A LEASE, OWNED WITH LOAN ASSUMPTION, SAME PAYMENTS OF 217.91 EVERY MONTH, CHECK DOCS TAB FOR IN

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4924 W Boston Street Chandler, AZ 85226

$655,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,827 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6738908

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Pride of ownership shows in this immaculate single-level home situated on a HUGE, 13,482 sf. lot. Located within the highly coveted Kyrene School District, this 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom open floor plan features a beautifully updated kitchen with quartz waterfall island, new white shaker cabinets, and spacious pantry. Additional improvements include newly replaced energy efficient windows, fresh white interior paint, and an updated primary bathroom. The generous backyard offers low-maintenance turf, jacuzzi, citrus trees, covered patio with insulation, and additional land to add the pool or pickleball court of your dreams. This central location keeps you close to major freeways, Intel, Downtown Chandler dining & entertainment, and premier shopping at Chandler Fashion Center.

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141 S 156th Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$655,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,500 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767723

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home! This stunning resale of the Celeste floorplan by Richmond American features 4 bedrooms plus a study/den with 2,500 sqft of modern living space. Enjoy 10-foot ceilings and a gourmet kitchen equipped with extra cabinetry, a built-in oven, and an expansive island topped with luxurious marble. The home also includes a convenient butler's pantry and a Deluxe Primary Bathroom upgrade for added luxury. The low-maintenance synthetic grass landscaping enhances the modern look, while stylish vinyl wood-look flooring flows throughout. Located near the 303 & 101 freeways & Goodyear Square for shopping and dining. Why wait for a new build? This upgraded gem is move-in ready!

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40478 N Wood Lane San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$655,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,586 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770116

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Everything about this home is perfect. The layout, the lot, the upgrades, the backyard and the community! The home has been tastefully upgraded throughout and features custom touches that make it a standout. The kitchen is a dream - with quartz countertops, tasteful backsplash,tons of cabinet space, stainless steel appliances, gas stove and custom hood, in wall oven and a huge island to entertain friends and family. The great room has a wall of glass that makes the space feel even larger and allows conversations and views to flow easily from inside to outside. The backyard is perfect - pool, pergola, BBQ and large covered patio are ready for you to enjoy the upcoming fall and winter cooler weather.Back inside, the secondary bedrooms have walk in closets and both them and the office are spacious. The master suite has tons of natural light due to the bay window plus a huge closet. The master bath is as upgraded as the rest of the home with gorgeous appointments to the shower, flooring and countertops. The powder bath is perfect for guests and the secondary bath is large enough to be shared and not feel cramped. The home has so many other gems to offer - RV's are welcome, the smart home apps allow you to control the garage door, yard watering system, thermostat, and Ring doorbell remotely, most of the interior flooring is wood look plank flooring, the pool is salt water, there is a gas stub in the backyard to add to the oasis, sunscreens, lush landscaping and tons of storage inside are some of them!

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14023 W Monte Vista Road Goodyear, AZ 85395

$655,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,976 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774191

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Pristine, better-than-new gem in sought-after Palm Valley! Experience effortless flow & abundant natural light throughout. Whip up culinary masterpieces in the spacious kitchen complete with an expansive island just perfect for gatherings for breakfast with the family or a social spot for chatting and sipping vino. Use the versatile & flexible loft as an office, workout room, or game room—tailor it to your lifestyle. From elegant plantation shutters to stunning wood plank tile flooring, every detail has been meticulously chosen. Resort-like backyard features a sparkling pool, easy care turf & covered, extended patio. Community perks include a golf course & community pool. Why wait for new... this home is truly done to the nines so don't miss your chance to own this slice of paradise!

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