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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18226 W Desert Willow Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$599,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,672 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763258

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the ultimate in outdoor living with this beautifully upgraded home in Estrella Mountain Ranch, where the seller's loss is your gain! With over $125K in upgrades, this is a fantastic deal for anyone seeking a vibrant, active lifestyle. Picture yourself relaxing by the brand-new, top-of-the-line pool or taking a short walk to the community pools, fitness centers, golf course, and trails. Perfect for those who value convenience and connection to nature, this home offers both luxury and an outdoor-focused lifestyle. Ask about an ADDITIONAL $7,000 home buyer credit available on this home via the Community Promise Program.

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1926 E Siesta Lane Phoenix, AZ 85024

$599,999

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,057 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778919

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MOUNTAIN VIEWS! Discover this captivating home, perfectly positioned facing the Greenbelt and backing onto Buffalo Ridge Preserve. Enter an open, inviting living space with soaring ceilings, ideal for seamless entertaining. With laminate flooring throughout, spacious bedrooms, and ample storage, this home offers both style and function. The cozy kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a breakfast nook with a bay window. Upstairs, enjoy private views from the oversized balcony, making the loft an ideal office or game room. The primary suite boasts stunning mountain views and an ensuite. An oversized backyard with an extended covered patio completes this dream home—don't miss it!

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1530 W Saragosa Street Chandler, AZ 85224

$599,999

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,954 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6774987

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautiful 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home nestled in the heart of Chandler. Designed as a model home, it exudes style and comfort, offering a blend of elegant finishes and practical features. Step inside and be greeted by a spacious great room, perfect for both entertaining guests and spending cozy evenings with family. The chef's kitchen is a standout, equipped with custom designer cabinets and a gas stove. The real highlight of this property, is the backyard private retreat complete with a sparkling pool that's just right for enjoying Arizona's warm, sunny days. Whether you're cooling off during the summer or hosting a poolside gathering, this outdoor space is sure to impress. The home also includes a 3-car garage with new epoxy flooring, providing a sleek and durable space for vehicles and storage. Located in a prime spot, this property offers the best of Chandler living. It's just minutes away from vibrant shopping centers, a variety of dining options, and convenient access to freeway. Here, you'll find everything you need to live comfortably and entertain with ease.

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1177 E Chapman Drive Chandler, AZ 85286

$599,999

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,239 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6775945

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

5 year old home in south Chandler with very nice flooring upgrade package. Not just a corner lot home, but also immediately across from the large community pool/spa and spacious greenbelt. Beautiful views of the park instead of garages. Large kitchen island with quartz countertops open to the living room, ample storage, under stair storage, and custom overhead hanging storage in garage. Garage has an additional 10 ft carrport overhang providing some shade for driveway. Upstairs is a large bonus room/loft and 3 spacious bedrooms each with their own bathroom. Home is a ''smart home''. Back patio area upgraded with pavers. Front yard is maintained by HOA. Community is located approx .35 miles to 202 Fwy.

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750 N Chippewa Place Chandler, AZ 85224

$599,999

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,070 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762793

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunningly remodeled single-story home with owned solar features 4 bedrooms, a den/office, 2 bathrooms, and a roomy 2-car garage, all within 2,070 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. The open split floorplan provides a perfect balance of privacy and functionality. The upgraded kitchen features granite countertops, updated cabinets and appliances, a stylish hood over the cooktop, and a generous walk-in pantry. The primary suite is a true retreat, complete with an extra-long vanity featuring dual sinks and custom mirrors, a walk-in shower with dual shower heads, a large walk-in closet, and a private toilet room. Throughout the home, you'll find updated dual-pane windows, blinds, ceiling fans and modern light fixtures. The exterior is equally impressive with a charming... private courtyard, a paver walkway, and a backyard that boasts a covered patio, a sparkling pebble-tech pool, a grassy lawn, putting green and RV gate with additional parking. Located in a cul-de-sac, this home offers both tranquility and convenience, being centrally situated near shopping, dining, freeways, and entertainment. This home is a must-see for those seeking comfort, style, and convenience!

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4337 E Vaughn Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85234

$599,999

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,556 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6722059

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You'll LOVE this remarkable 5-bed, 3-bath home in the desirable Morrison Ranch neighborhood! Gorgeous lake community with tree-lined streets, large green belts and parks. Fabulous interior showcases designer paint, layered crown molding and tons of natural light. Perfect for gatherings, you have a welcoming living/dining room combo and a large family room w/additional eating area! The impressive kitchen boasts sleek SS appliances, granite counters, a pantry and center island. Modern bathroom updates, water softener and whole home water system. One bedroom downstairs and four bedrooms upstairs along w/flexible loft upstairs! Sizable main bedroom has an ensuite with dual sinks, separate tub/shower, & a walk-in closet. Discover the backyard, ideal for relaxing ! A covered patio, well-laid pavers, synthetic lawn, & gazebo make this a must see!

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1724 W Thomas Road Phoenix, AZ 85015

$599,999

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,593 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6720472

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Motivated sellers!! The home features a modern open kitchen that flows seamlessly into a spacious family room with a cozy fireplace. The casita offers a comfortable and independent living space for guests or potential rental income.

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47970 N Navidad Court Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$599,999

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,263 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6726998

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with a spacious 3-car garage has everything you need and more. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Superstition Mountains and the vast open desert through the backyard view fence. The newly remodeled kitchen boasts white cabinets, white quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, double ovens, a high-end built-in microwave, a newer cooktop, a large hood, and a tiled backsplash. The large center island features a striking waterfall countertop design, and there's a huge butler's pantry just off the kitchen. The entire interior has been beautifully updated, featuring luxury vinyl plank flooring laid straight throughout, new recessed lighting, and fixtures. A highlight of the living room is the backlit television wall, adding a touch of modern elegance.

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7453 E Almeria Road Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$599,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,498 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6738857

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MUST SEE TODAY!!! Pride of ownership is shown in this fabulous turn-key residence nestled in Scottsdale! Discover an impressive interior showcasing tile flooring, a soothing palette throughout, plantation shutters, and recessed lighting. The spotless kitchen is ready for you to cook your favorite meals, offering white shaker cabinets, sleek granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and a center island complete with a convenient breakfast bar for casual dining. The master bedroom boasts a sliding-door closet and a private bathroom for added comfort. Host fun gatherings in the wonderful backyard, including a covered patio and a sparkling swimming pool! This is truly a turn key property, ready to go. Only a mile from old town Scottsdale!

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3981 N Hudson Drive Florence, AZ 85132

$599,999

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,554 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741528

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Wake up to stunning golf course views in this beautiful home within the 55+ Merrill Ranch community. Enjoy a gourmet Kitchen, a luxurious Master Suite with an $80,000 remodel, and a private courtyard, backyard outdoor BBQ. Relax in your library, work from your custom office, and benefit from energy-efficient features like solar panels and a tankless water heater. With a 2-car garage and a golf cart garage, this home offers Luxury and Comfort in every detail. Don't miss out on making it yours!!!

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1410 W Flintlock Way Chandler, AZ 85286

$599,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,132 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6742529

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Excellent location! This 3 bed, 2 bath + office/den home boasts of 2 spacious living areas, open kitchen concept with a large island and new SS appliances (2024). The oasis backyard includes a heated pool and spa, and backs to a greenbelt. This home also features a 3-car AC'd garage that includes a 220V, 27 ton hydraulic system. With a New roof (2023), New HVAC (2022), New Tankless Water Heater (2022) and water filtration throughout the home, this place has it all. The property is centrally located near the 202 freeway, Chandler Fashion Center, Hospitals, A+ Chandler Schools, Restaurants, and Much, Much More, putting you in the heart of everything Chandler has to offer.

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3780 S Ashley Place Chandler, AZ 85286

$599,999

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,188 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6743456

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Home, sweet home! This beautiful 4 bed, 2 bath residence now on the market is for you! Great curb appeal, a low-maintance front yard, and a 2 car garage & Brand New AC System! Discover spacious dining & living areas w/vaulted ceilings, soft carpet in all the right places, and custom palette throughout. The kitchen is equipped w/ample cabinet & counter space, a pantry, built-in appliances, recessed lighting, a prep island, a breakfast nook w/a lovely bay window, and a peninsula w/a breakfast bar. End your busy day in the primary bedroom, boasting a walk-in closet and a full ensuite w/dual sinks. Finally, the wonderful backyard includes a covered patio, extended seating area, artificial turf, and a sparkling blue pool perfect for the warm summer days! What are you waiting for? Act now

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