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

21816 E Saddle Court Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$629,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,500 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6708893

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The single-story Cassandra plan showcases an open layout with a multi-sliding glass door in the great room, cozy breakfast nook, a large gourmet kitchen and a 2-car garage. The primary suite is adjacent, and boasts a generous walk-in closet and an attached bath with a large walk-in shower. Two additional bedrooms flank a full bath, and the nearby study.

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21881 E Saddle Court Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$629,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,500 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6731553

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The single-story Cassandra plan showcases an open layout with a great room with a multi-sliding glass door, a breakfast nook, a large gourmet kitchen and a 2-car garage. The primary suite is adjacent, and boasts a generous walk-in closet and an attached bath with a large walk-in shower. Two additional bedrooms flank a full bath, and the nearby study.

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23997 N 172nd Avenue Surprise, AZ 85387

$629,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,734 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6732038

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Estates at Asante, a beautiful community with surrounding views to enjoy! This community offers single story homes with floor plans you will love, like our beautiful Julia plan! This home sits on an oversized, cul de sac, corner lot with mountain views. Once you walk inside the Julia, the extended entry leads to an expansive gourmet kitchen with an extended Quartz center island and 42'' cabinets; a large Butlers Pantry with a wetbar, breakfast nook and great room with a 15ft center meet slider, for indoor and outdoor entertaining. In addition, there is a formal dining room with adjacent covered courtyard off to the side of the home accessible by the center meet doors! This home is set up with 3 bedrooms, 2 and half bathrooms, 3 car garage with additional storage. Welcome to the home of your dreams!

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25388 N 76th Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$629,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,150 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6704857

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. It also offers our Coastal Design Palette which includes Fairview White Painted 42'' Cabinets, Crisp Stria Quartz kitchen countertops, Zelige Cielo 4x4 kitchen backsplash, and 6x36 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!

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22884 E Lords Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$629,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,111 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6726730

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Step into this delightful quick move-in home, featuring our Daisy floorplan with 3111 sqft, boasting 4 bedrooms, a den, a loft, and 3.5 bathrooms. The Daisy floorplan offers a spacious kitchen with a large island, pantry, and expansive dining and great room areas, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying quality family time. Embrace the elegance of our fine finishes, featuring 6 x 24 plank tile floors in the main living areas, plush carpeting in the bedrooms, stylish 42'''' gray shaker upper cabinets with sleek Black Bronze hardware, and stunning quartz kitchen countertops paired with a white 4 x 16 tile backsplash. The kitchen comes fully equipped with stainless steel appliances, including a gas range, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, and white washer and dryer. Additionally, the kitchen is pre-wired for pendant lighting, allowing for easy customization, and features a painted grade mission railing and soft water loop. This home is truly a gem, with 8' doors throughout, a 4-panel slider in the great room, and a mission stair railing adding to its allure. It's just waiting for your personal touch to make it complete. Don't let this opportunity pass you by! Begin your journey to owning your dream home at Madera!

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2434 W Rowel Road Phoenix, AZ 85085

$629,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,964 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755330

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your NEW HOME at Aster in Union Park! This home offers 1,964 sq ft of living space with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. The primary bedroom has dual walk-in closets and a private deck. The Design features are the Elevated A package of upgrades including 42'' flagstone cabinets, quartz countertop, custom backsplash, large island, stainless steel gas range and tile flooring. HOA includes Union Park Amenities, front yard landscaping & maintenance along with concierge trash pickup. Union Park residents will enjoy the abundance of amenities that include, resort styled pool and lounge areas, a 5800 sq ft clubhouse, pickleball courts, basketball courts, 11 parks, playgrounds and walking paths. Easy access to 3 freeways within 10 minutes and 25 minutes to Airport.

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11506 E Utah Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$629,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,615 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6728747

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to the Garnet at Destination at Gateway in Mesa, Arizona. This stunning single-story home boasts 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a den. With 10-foot ceilings and 8-foot doors, the space feels open and inviting. The gourmet kitchen features GE stainless steel appliances, a 36-inch gas cooktop, built-in wall oven and microwave, shaker cabinets with hardware, quartz countertops, and a tile backsplash. Enjoy 6x36'' wood-look tile in the main areas and upgraded carpet elsewhere. A 4-panel sliding glass door connects the great room to a covered patio. The primary bathroom includes a separate shower, soaking tub, dual sinks, and vanity. Bathrooms have upgraded vanity lighting with matte black faucets and fixtures.

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23043 E Lords Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$629,990

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,568 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757137

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Brand new phase!. Our beautiful Juniper plan is conveniently located to all that Queen Creek has to offer. Minutes from the brand new Costco, Schnepf Farms, Queen Creek Market Place and the Queen Creek Olive Mill. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.

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7444 W Quail Track Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

Open House

$629,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,989 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755375

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Ahh the smell of new-October completion! Experience the charm of Aloravita, nestled within the scenic mountains of Peoria. This community boasts breathtaking views and is conveniently located minutes away from shopping, dining, hiking trails and more! Our popular 'Amherst' floorplan features 3 full bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 Car-Garage and a private yard with views! Designer selected finish includes White Cabinetry, Quartz Kitchen Countertops, Wood Like Tile Throughout, and Plush Carpet in all the bedrooms. This beautiful home will have it all including 8' doors, Gourmet Gas Kitchen, Smudge Proof Stainless Steel Appliances, Blinds, Pre-Plumb for Soft Water, and Smart Home Technology. Photos of similar spec home to show layout, options may vary**

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27476 N 125th Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$629,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,885 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765803

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located in Trilogy at Vistancia, Peoria's premier 55+ community. Situated on a professionally desert-landscaped 14,205 sq ft corner lot, the home has been meticulously maintained and highly upgraded. Upon entry, you'll be welcomed into an open kitchen and great room featuring freshly painted cabinets, custom epoxy countertops, an oversized island, a pantry, a stainless-steel appliance package, and a wine fridge. The family and dining rooms showcase modern light fixtures, a fireplace, built-in surround sound, and large windows that provide plenty of natural light. The split floor plan includes an oversized den, perfect for a home office or man cave, and the primary suite, complete with a spacious walk-in closet, dual sinks, a walk-in tile shower... ...and a private toilet closet. Additional features and upgrades include a private patio with a water feature, interior laundry, a heated and cooled garage with LED lighting and custom storage shelves, a tankless water heater, and a 3-zone wireless Honeywell HVAC control system. Reach out for the full list of upgrades. This home has so much more to offerdon't miss your opportunity to own this gem! Get your private tour today and experience it for yourself.

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16111 E Kingstree Boulevard Unit 3 Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$629,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,139 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761289

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover a rare fully-renovated gem in the heart of Fountain Hills! This stunning single-level, end-unit patio home is part of an exclusive enclave with only six units, offering a serene and private living experience. With breathtaking mountain views, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom property combines luxury with tranquility. Enter through a private courtyard into an expansive great room featuring a cozy fireplace, perfect for relaxing evenings. The formal dining room seamlessly flows to both the back and side patios through elegant sliding doors, ideal for indoor-outdoor living. The split floor plan provides privacy for the spacious master suite, which boasts a spa-like bath with a double-sink vanity, separate tub and shower, a large walk-in closet, and direct access to your private enclosed backyard oasis. Enjoy the community amenities, including a relaxing hot tub and pool, surrounded by the natural beauty of Fountain Hills. This vibrant community offers something for everyone, from the iconic Fountain and the winter concert series in the park to scenic walking trails, a farmers market, and dining options that will delight your family and guests. Experience the perfect blend of luxury and lifestyle in this meticulously remodeled home. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity!

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18228 N 60th Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$629,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,362 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6778436

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

***RARE FIND*** RV Garage with LIFT Plus a 3 Car Garage, Large Lot, Pool & NO HOA!!! Don't miss out on this fantastic tri-level home with excellent location at Sunset Vista! Showcasing great curb appeal, RV gate, and a no-fuss landscape. PLUS! A detached RV garage with a lift and split AC unit! The interior boasts vaulted ceilings, wood-look floors, carpet in the right places, and plantation shutters. Discover bright living and dining rooms. Continue into the impeccable kitchen to find track lighting, ample wood cabinets, tile backsplash, granite counters, SS appliances, and an island. The lovely breakfast room overlooks the spacious family room, outfitted with a wood burning fireplace, wet bar, and backyard access, promoting easy entertaining. The owner's suite has a lavish ensuite featuring high-end details, including a granite vanity, freestanding tub, and a walk-in shower with a double wall-mounted shower panel. Outside, the side yard hosts a workshop with epoxy floor. The backyard offers a cozy covered deck, multiple covered patios, fire pit, artificial lawn, a fenced pool with grotto/waterfall, and a hot tub under the pergola. This beauty has it all! Run, don't walk to see this gem!

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