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.

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

20293 N 83rd Drive Peoria, AZ 85382

Open House

$640,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,634 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779384

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this STUNNING , recently updated home that combines modern elegance with comfort! As you step inside, you'll immediately notice the fresh, neutral paint and beautiful new flooring throughout downstairs. The spacious layout features a welcoming living area enhanced by ceiling fans and abundant natural light. The heart of the home is the impressive kitchen, complete with a large island, new white cabinets, new counter tops, stainless appliances, perfect for entertaining or casual meals. Adjacent to the kitchen, the inviting loft space offers additional room for relaxation or play. Retreat to the luxurious master suite, which boasts dual sinks in the bathroom for added convenience and privacy. Step outside to the large covered back patio, an ideal spot for outdoor gatherings or pe or peaceful mornings. The sparkling pool is a fantastic addition, perfect for cooling off on hot days and enjoying the sunshine. Don't miss the chance to make this beautifully updated property your own! MUST SEE!!!

View Property

20461 W Briarwood Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

Open House

$640,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,514 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771287

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover this stunning 2,514 sq ft home in the heart of the Verrado. Built in 2017, this beautifully updated property offers 3 bedrooms, a den, and 2 bathrooms. The spacious, open-concept floor plan features a gourmet kitchen with an oversized island, white staggered cabinets, and plenty of space for entertaining. The home has new carpet, fresh paint, and a backyard with newly planted trees, making it feel brand new. Outside, enjoy your private heated pool and built-in spa, perfect for year-round relaxation. A 3-car garage and owner's entry with extra storage add to the home's functionality. Located near several parks and Verrado's community pool, this home offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience in one of Buckeye's most sought after neighborhoods.

View Property

12733 W Banyan Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$639,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,890 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6759547

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your Sun City West 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom oasis! Are you looking for 2 master suites, golf course lot, split floorplan & a fully updated home? We got all that for you and more! Enjoy coming home and entertaining in your gorgeous kitchen with an oversized island that is open to your dining room & family room. Soft close cabinetry. Dual sided fireplace compliment living spaces and give a gorgeous focal point. Luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout home. Bathrooms have fantastic upgrades including stunning tile, cabinetry & fixtures. 2 car garage with attached cabinets. New roof. Dual pane windows. Come see all the home & community have to offer!

View Property

1438 W Coral Reef Drive Gilbert, AZ 85233

$639,995

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,289 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6726941

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

PREMIUM WATERFRONT W/EXPANSIVE LAKESIDE VIEWS! One of the best lots; wth extended & private dock to enjoy breathtaking sunsets, evening boat cruises or morning kayak trips, fishing too, and steps from the community pool! Inside, dramatic soaring ceilings greet you. Kitchen w/updated cabinets, , stainless-steel appliances, RO system. Convenient half bath downstairs and under-stair storage. Your oversized main suite features multiple upgrades & Balcony w/ Lake views 2 other upstairs bedrooms have balconies, PLUS loft Acts as a perfect bonus room. ,2 new HVAC, . Abundant community amenities & events. Bike to Downtown Gilbert. COME LIVE THE SWEET LIFE

View Property

37565 W Padilla Street Maricopa, AZ 85138

$639,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,240 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6699191

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to luxury, Maricopa! It's time we embrace the magnificence of new home construction previously seen in Scottsdale and the East Valley. Introducing the captivating Sedona floorplan, offering both a flexible activity room and a media room to suit your lifestyle. Your expansive gourmet kitchen is adorned with stacked cabinetry, buffet-style lowers, a gas cooktop, and double ovens. Retreat to your indulgent Ultra Spa Shower, entertain on the patio, or access your recreational gear from the THREE CAR GARAGE! Ready for immediate Move-In! ^^Up to 6% of Base Price can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

View Property

18956 W Ocotillo Road Waddell, AZ 85355

$639,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,561 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6739341

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

QUICK MOVE-IN HOME! MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS! SPECIAL FINANCING WITH BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES AVAILABLE! MOVE-IN PACKAGES AVAILABLE! PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT THESE SPECIALS ON THIS QUICK MOVE-IN HOME AND OTHERS. ACT SOON BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! It's the very popular Cinnabar floor plan with 4 bedrooms + study, 3.5 baths and a 3 car tandem garage. Multi slide door off the great room. Pavers at drive, walk and entry. 8' gate on garage side of home. Kitchen upgrades includes - stainless steel gas appliance package with 30'' cooktop and canopy hood. Sonoma Linen-off white cabinets with 42'' kitchen uppers. DT White Ice G238 granite countertop with enhanced kitchen island, undermount single bowl kitchen sink. Flooring includes 7x 24 plank tile in all areas of the home except beds/baths. 5'' baseboards throughout and 3 1/4'' door casings. Dual sink at bath 2, soft water loop, garage service door that leads out to the backyard and so much more. Please verify all information with onsite agent. Thank you!

View Property

18938 W Ocotillo Road Waddell, AZ 85355

$639,990

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,561 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6739870

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

QUICK MOVE-IN HOME! MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS! SPECIAL FINANCING WITH BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES AVAILABLE! MOVE-IN PACKAGES AVAILABLE! PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT THESE SPECIALS ON THIS QUICK MOVE-IN HOME AND OTHERS. ACT SOON BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! It's the very popular Cinnabar with 4 bedrooms + study, formal dining, 2.5 baths. This home is stunning with a multi slide door off the great room that leads out to the covered patio. Pavers at drive, walk and entry. Stainless steel gas appliance package with 30'' cooktop, wall oven, microwave and hood. Barnett maple Boulder-gray cabinets with 42 kitchen uppers. Pull out trash drawer with two bins. Stainless steel undermount single bowl sink. AZT Hana Sky quartz countertops in kitchen and owner's bath. Upgrade flooring includes DT Broxburn Gray 6x24 plank tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms and closets. 5'' baseboards and 3 1/4'' baseboards. Dual sinks at bath 2 and so much more. Please verify all information with onsite agent. Thank you!

View Property

7593 W Smoketree Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$639,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,150 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767735

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Brand new community in North Peoria! This stunning single story home offers 2,150 sq ft of functional living space. It features 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, den, and a 3-car tandem garage. The open concept kitchen is perfect for entertaining and features a large Island, walk-in pantry and stainless steel appliances with gas range. It also offers our Timeless Palette which includes white painted 42'' cabinets, ivory quartz kitchen countertops, arctic white kitchen backsplash, and 6x24 wood looking plank tile in all the common areas. The great room offers a 4-panel center sliding glass door so you can step out into your covered patio to enjoy indoor/outdoor living in your backyard with friends and family. Great location close to dining, freeways, parks, and entertainment!

View Property

37520 W Padilla Street Maricopa, AZ 85138

$639,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,240 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6695735

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Rancho Mirage 23 offers new single-family luxury homes in the fast-growing city of Maricopa, with access to neighborhood parks, walking paths and a community fishing lake. This incredible single-story home features 3,240 square feet, a tandem 3-car garage and 10' ceilings. The kitchen is decked out with stacked cabinetry, gourmet appliances and quartz countertops. The split floorplan is perfect for a family with 3 of the bedrooms adjacent to the Activity Room. Ready for immediate move-in! ^^Up to 6% of Base Price can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

View Property

37627 W Padilla Street Maricopa, AZ 85138

$639,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,240 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6704039

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Introducing luxury living, Maricopa! Step into the allure of this Sedona floorplan, offering both a versatile activity room and a convenient home office. Your expansive gourmet kitchen boasts stacked cabinetry, buffet-style lowers, a gas cooktop, and double ovens for culinary perfection. Unwind in your luxurious freestanding tub, entertain on the patio, or store your belongings in the spacious THREE CAR GARAGE! Discover why K. Hovnanian stands as the epitome of Lasting Value in homebuilding. Don't miss your chance to move into this home now! Up to 6% of Base Price can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

View Property

913 W Juanita Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85233

$639,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,232 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787659

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A wonderful family home in an extremely desirable Gilbert's Cooper Ranch family friendly neighborhood! The conveniences of Gilbert's excellent schools, restaurants, shopping, entertainment and access to freeways are unmatched and close by - Open, bright and light with tile throughout - Soaring ceilngs in the living areas - A private office/den downstairs - 4 Bed/3 BA/3 Car Garage - Large and private mature backyard with a patio - Landscaped, lush and green yards - Awesome curb appeal!

View Property

6061 S Oxley -- Mesa, AZ 85212

$639,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,071 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6719560

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

''Have you ever walked through a model home and wished you could buy it exactly as is? Well, here is your chance, our stunning Aster MODEL HOME is now available for your purchase! Imagine yourself living in a beautiful, sun-kissed retreat, where every detail has been carefully crafted to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Our stunning model home is a true masterpiece, boasting 2071 square feet of luxurious living space. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by the warmth of rich tile flooring, perfectly complemented by the plush carpet in the bedrooms and den. The elegant 42'''' white shaker cabinets with matte black hardware add a touch of sophistication, while the expansive windows allow natural light to pour in and illuminate the space. With its sleek panel center slide and breathtaking views, this outdoor oasis is the perfect spot to relax and unwind. This home is also situated on a perfect lot location facing the greenbelt to soak in all the stunning Arizona sunsets! d. This incredible home includes all the upgrades you've been dreaming of, including a washer, dryer, and a refrigerator! It's truly move-in ready! Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to own a piece of paradise.

View Property