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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4223 E Walnut Road Gilbert, AZ 85298

$619,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,045 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6776030

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

PRICED RIGHT (AND) NEWLY UPDATED...The Search Is Over! GUARD GATED TRILOGY AT POWER RANCH with a SOUTH-FACING BACKYARD for Winter Sun & Summer Shade! Enjoy outdoor moments in the backyard, complete with a Full-Length Covered Patio, Lush Low-Maintenance Landscape and Natural Turf. Spacious great room with high ceilings, soothing palette, and plantation shutters. Grand kitchen with quartz counters, sleek stainless-steel appliances, two-tier island with a breakfast bar for casual meals, plus an eat-in dining nook. A versatile double-door den or 3rd bedroom is ideal for an office or lounge. Sizeable main bedroom with sitting area, classy closet wardrobe room, spacious bathroom with granite counters, dual sinks, walk-in tub, and separate shower. Tile flooring and recessed lighting throughout!

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22806 N Wagon Wheel Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$619,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,145 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6785252

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

What a great opportunity to own this furnished, nicely updated 3-bedroom home on the golf course adjacent to the green on Deer Valley golf course #14. Most furnishings and household items convey. Large kitchen with great views of the golf course. Many updates include newer roof underlayment, newer HVAC, granite countertops, flooring in bedrooms and AZ room, newer stainless appliances. See the full list in the photo section. Desired South back and great patio. Extended garage and golf cart garage, plus extra refrigerator. Leased solar set at $101 per month and designed to offset 118% of current owners use. Don't miss out on this amazing golf course property in this top rated active adult retirement community where the people are friendly and the activites available are endless!

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7662 E Orange Blossom Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85250

$619,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,575 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763710

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Stunning Home Located in the Highly Sought After Retirement (55+ Community), Awarded Historic District of Villa Monterey! Unbelievable Remodeled and Expanded Floor Plan w/ a 2 Car Covered Parking (Rare) w/an End Unit Location w/ Side Gate (Very Desirable). Property Consists of Kitchen Shaker Style Cabinets w/ 42' Uppers w/ Crown Moulding, Tile Backsplash, Oversized Island w/ Breakfast Bar, Quartz Countertops, Stainless Steel Appliances, Gas Range/Oven, Built-In Microwave, Huge Pantry, Work/Office Desk, Beautiful Primary Suite w/ a Large Walk-In Closet w/ Built-In Shelving, Tile Surround Walk-In Shower, Private Toilet Room, Vanity w/ Dual Sinks, Barn-Style Doors, Carpet & Wood Flooring, Wood Shutters, Custom Baseboards, Dual Pane Windows, Recessed Lighting, Ceiling Fans, Outdoor Storage, Inside Laundry Room, Refrigerator, Washer & Dryer Included, North/South Exposure, Low Maintenance Desert Landscape w/ Beautiful Backyard Synectic Grass, Relaxing Covered Patio, Situated Next to the Wonderful Pool & Spa, Fantastic Scottsdale Location, Convenient to Old Town Scottsdale, Spring Training Baseball, Scottsdale Fashion Mall, ASU, Freeway, Parks, Golf, Bike Paths, Restaurants, Talking Stick Casino & Much More!

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1170 N 87th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$619,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,592 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784005

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Exciting news for Scottsdale home buyers! A new property is hitting the market that combines modern comfort with incredible value. This charming home features a completely redone kitchen, spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, as well as a 2 car garage; making it a fantastic choice for families, professionals, or anyone looking to settle in this vibrant area. With its open layout, ample natural light, and tasteful finishes, this home offers a welcoming and versatile space for entertaining or relaxing. Not only does it have everything you need, but it's also priced competitively—making it a great opportunity to secure your place in one of Scottsdale's most desirable neighborhoods. Don't miss the chance to tour this stunning property!

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40748 W Chambers Drive Maricopa, AZ 85138

$619,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,747 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787141

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning Lakefront Home with Private Pool and Mountain Views! Welcome to your dream home! This gorgeous 5-bedroom property includes a versatile den/office (easily converted into a 6th bedroom) and a spacious loft, all complemented by 3 full bathrooms and a 3-car garage—perfect for all your needs. The open floorplan offers an effortless flow, making it ideal for both entertaining and everyday living. A downstairs bedroom with a full bath provides privacy for guests or family members. Notable upgrades include a beautifully renovated kitchen, high-end flooring, a sparkling inground pool and maintenance-free synthetic grass, Plus, the home's exterior was freshly painted in Fall 2023 for a polished, like-new look. Situated on a north/south-facing lot, you'll enjoy breathtaking mountain and sunset views. Whether you're a growing family or simply seeking ample space, this home offers it all. Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a lakefront oasis!

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9765 N 105th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$619,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,378 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6737746

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous bright & spacious single level patio home in desirable Suntree East of Scottsdale Ranch is calling you home! Best placement in community with extra greenspace out front & NO shared interior walls! Updated granite built in wet bar & indoor fireplace. Large eat-in kitchen with solid surface counters & newer stainless appliances 2020. Open floor plan offers formal dining & living room, family room & attached private outdoor space. Beautifully landscaped with artificial grass to stay green year round. Plenty of room for all your toys, thanks to the oversized 2-car garage. Retreat to the master bedroom that has an en suite master bathroom just calling you to relax. Stunning community offers resort like pool, sparkling spa, & beautiful lush landscaping. Scottsdale living awaits!

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9556 W Frank Avenue Peoria, AZ 85382

$619,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,208 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741287

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home, where modern elegance meets spacious comfort!This beautifully refreshed residence boasts a freshly painted interior and exterior, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere.Step inside to discover expansive bedrooms,each offering ample space for relaxation and personalization.The master suite is a true sanctuary, featuring a cozy sitting area that invites you to unwind and enjoy peaceful moments.Entertain family/friends in style with not one, but two generous living spaces, perfect for gatherings.The heart of the home is the stunning kitchen,equipped with stainless steel appliances and luxurious granite countertops.Venture outside to your custom outdoor kitchen,complete with a bbq, and sink.AVERAGE PAST 3 MONTH UTILITY BILL INCLUDING SOLAR PAYMENT=$251.00!!

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33432 N 24th Drive Phoenix, AZ 85085

$619,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,907 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755599

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Charming French Country-Inspired Home with Pool in Carefree Crossing Welcome to this beautifully decorated, single-level home in the highly sought-after Carefree Crossing community. This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, with an additional den, offers the perfect blend of comfort and style. Step inside and feel right at home with the French country charm throughout, highlighted by a custom kitchen with a one-of-a-kind sink and countertop that's sure to impress. The spacious split floor plan includes a generously sized master bedroom with an en-suite bath and ample closet space.The exterior is just as inviting, featuring a sparkling pool with a brand-new variable speed pump, a cozy wood fire pit, and a gazebo. perfect for entertaining or relaxing under the Arizona sky. Location is Amazing. Additional features include a washer, dryer, and refrigerator, making this home move-in ready. Located in a family-friendly neighborhood, you'll be close to top-rated schools, shopping, dining, and easy access to major freeways, ensuring convenience in all directions.Don't miss the opportunity to own this one-of-a-kind home in North Phoenix's Carefree Crossing!

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2401 W Cheery Lynn Road Phoenix, AZ 85015

$619,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,388 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6750173

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to a diamond in Central Phoenix. Rare, expansive square footage in this area of Phoenix at 2388 sf, in this classic 3 bd 2 ba beauty. New AC Unit, hot water heater and kitchen appliances and tastefully updated throughout the home. Let your imagination run wild with this oversized over 13,000 sf corner lot that has been enclosed with privacy Ficus trees to start the creation of your backyard oasis. Close to great midtown dining and shopping and freeway accessibility. You won't want to miss this one of a kind property.

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15221 N Clubgate Drive Unit 1150 Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$619,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,401 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6754338

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Experience the warmth of this charming fully updated, first-floor, 2-bedroom unit in Kierland Greens. Inside, enjoy a welcoming vibe with wood-look tile floors, a soothing palette, and a bright living/dining area enhanced by a cozy gas fireplace. Hone your culinary skills in the sleek kitchen equipped with stainless steel appliances, recessed lighting, granite counters, mosaic tile backsplash, a pantry, and a breakfast bar. Retreat to the serene primary suite, boasting a walk-in closet and a private bath with dual sinks and a standalone tub. Relax under the covered patio, perfect for sipping your favorite beverage. This unit also features a 2-car garage. Within this gated community, enjoy the pool, spa, and fitness center. Short-term rentals allowed.

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3235 Josey Wales Way Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$619,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,229 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6764213

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home, featuring 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, all within over 2,200 sq ft of beautifully designed living space. The interior exudes a sleek and modern aesthetic, enhanced by an open floor plan that promotes a seamless flow. A private office/den comes with a Murphy bed and solid wood barn doors. The heart of the home is the kitchen, which boasts a large island perfect for meal prep and casual dining.The cabinetry and finishes create an inviting space for culinary enthusiasts and entertaining guests alike. The adjoining living area is bright and airy, anchored by a wall of sliding glass doors that lead to a generously sized, fully remote screened in patio, ideal for outdoor gatherings and relaxation while enjoying the serene 180 degree mountain views. This property has undergone significant upgrades since its last listing, ensuring it looks nothing short of amazing. With attention to detail and contemporary design elements, you'll appreciate the fine craftsmanship and thoughtful layout. The spacious primary suite offers a serene retreat with an en-suite bathroom featuring modern fixtures, while the second bedroom provides ample space for guests or family. Additional features include a convenient 3-car garage, providing plenty of storage and parking options. This home not only exemplifies modern living but also offers a lifestyle of comfort and elegance.

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7253 E Nance Street Mesa, AZ 85207

$619,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

1,925 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766033

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Absolutely gorgeous home with a heated pool in the desirable Trailridge at Las Sendas gated community. This 3 bedroom, 3 bath home shows off the pride of ownership right when you walk in the door. The kitchen offers crown molding cabinets, granite counter tops and a large island. The master suite offers a huge walk in closet along with dual vanity sinks. The highlight of your low maintenance backyard is the beautiful pool in the back complete with a heater for year-round use! The gated community offers a large club house, workout facility, a spa, pickleball courts, community pools, parks and sporting fields along with bike and hiking trails to enjoy the desert landscape!

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