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

1103 W Pebble Beach Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$550,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,731 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6737458

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Location, Location very good center location close to Arizona state university only 2-3 miles , easy access to major freeways and sky Harber airport. 4- bedroom high ceiling new flooring in all bedrooms. Freshly painted, perfect rental or family home large cozy back yard remodeled with brand new artificial Graas, low maintenance. short drive to mill Ave, Tempe town lake and Papago hiking and golfing. Night life restaurants shops Ets.

View Property

41333 N Belfair Way Anthem, AZ 85086

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,616 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6746580

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

If you are looking for a remodeled home for under the average list price in Anthem Country Club, stop right here, you have found it! With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, this home is perfect for a small family or a couple who needs room for visitors. The remodeled kitchen and bathroom, and the updated flooring ensure that the home is move-in ready. You will love the storage space in the kitchen, which includes a large pantry. The updated stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops and natural light from both large and small windows give the kitchen and family room a fresh, bright, and cheery feel and look. This home is a private oasis within the spectacular community of Anthem Country Club which offers anything you could ask for in a Country Club setting. Two Club Houses with restaurants, two fitness centers, tennis, pickleball, bocce ball, two private heated pools and so much more. Come see for yourself, we are certain you will love it!

View Property

5020 E Morning Star Drive Phoenix, AZ 85044

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,878 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6760957

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

ENJOY LIVING IN AHWATUKEE'S ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITY IN THIS COMPLETELY RENOVATED HOME. INVITING OPEN FLOOR PLAN WITH ABUNDANT UPDATES. EAT-IN KITCHEN FEATURES QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS, TILED BACKSPLASH, UPGRADED CABINETRY, GRANITE SINK, PANTRY & STAINLESS-STEEL APPLIANCES. GAS FIREPLACE IN FAMILY ROOM. MASTER SUITE BATHROOM INCLUDES GRANITE COUNTERTOP & WALK-IN SHOWER WITH GRAB BARS. WALK-IN CLOSETS IN SECONDARY BEDROOMS PLUS HALL BATH CONNECTS TO BEDROOM TWO. LAMINATE WOOD FLOORING THROUGHOUT WITH TILE IN THE BATHS. ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS OF REMODEL INCLUDE RECESSED LIGHTING, RAISED-PANEL 3-HINGE DOORS, CUSTOM BASEBOARDS/MOLDING, DUAL-PANE WINDOWS TANKLESS WATER HEATER, SOFT WATER SYSTEM WITH ENTIRE HOME WATER FILTRATION, FRONT & BACK ARTIFICIAL GRASS & COVERED PATIO WITH MISTING SYSTEM.

View Property

3600 W Cobalt Court San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$550,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,614 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752633

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this exquisite 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence in The Preserve at San Tan! Discover an inviting great room with high ceilings, recessed lighting, a soothing palette, blinds, and stylish wood-look flooring. The delightful kitchen boasts quartz counters, ample white shaker cabinets, chic pendant lighting, a subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, and an island with a breakfast bar. You'll also find a versatile den, ideal for an office or study. Upstairs, the cozy loft offers additional living space. The serene main bedroom includes plush carpeting, an ensuite with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. Venture outside to the backyard, featuring a covered patio for al fresco dining and ample space to create your dream oasis. The community also offers a dog park, pickleball court, community grills, outdoor theater/amphitheater, fire pits, walking/biking trails and SO MUCH MORE! Come see it today!

View Property

44049 W Palo Nuez Street Maricopa, AZ 85138

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,820 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751432

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Elegance, luxury, and practicality combine in this one-of-a-kind home. BEAUTIFUL HOME IN MARICOPA WITH A POOL AND RV GARAGE. The curb appeal is off the charts with a paved driveway, cozy courtyard, and LARGE 45' RV GARAGE. Spacious floor plan with open kitchen concept boasting beautiful granite countertops, oversized pantry, and huge island, all overlooking a great room and backyard. Large primary bedroom with roomy bathroom featuring dual vanities and walk-in shower, but it's the backyard that will capture your attention; mature backyard complete with lots of artificial grass for the little ones, oversized pergola, and REFRESHING SWIMMING POOL for those hot AZ afternoons or weekends with friends. Never pay for RV storage again; come by and look and make this beautiful home yours.

View Property

1171 E Crestridge Drive Casa Grande, AZ 85122

$550,000

7 Beds

4 Baths

3,443 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766760

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This impressive 7-bedroom, 4-bath, 2-story home boasts 3,443 sqft of elegant living space, offering both beauty and functionality. The exterior is aesthetically appealing, while the interior feels cozy and bright, with dark wood cabinets and lighter wood-look tile contrasting beautifully with the cream-colored walls. The spacious primary bedroom, located downstairs, features a split layout and a walk-in closet. Additional bedrooms have walk-in closets, providing ample storage. The great room is perfect for gatherings, and the kitchen features a pantry, granite countertops, a kitchen island, and a breakfast bar. Step outside to the covered back patio and envision creating your own oasis in the low-maintenance yard, currently awaiting your personal touch. A 3-car garage completes this home!

View Property

3730 W Memorial Drive Phoenix, AZ 85086

$550,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,168 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6754352

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

With understated elegance & the perfect 5 bdrm family home, this property is located in a very friendly neighborhood of the highly sought after Anthem community. This lovely abode is located within walking dist.to a very well maintained park & close to numerous shopping centers, boutiques, delicious dining along with all the wonderful amenities Anthem has to offer: workout facilities, tennis, pickleball, swimming, waterpark, walking paths and community parks. It boasts a very popular and attractive floor plan with open vaulted ceilings with 2 bdrms downstairs and 3 bdrms upstairs. The back yard is extremely private, relaxing, has a large patio area, a privacy wall and a very cozy fire pit with bench seating. Easy to maintain landscaping. Come & build your cherished family memories here!

View Property

24098 N Wheat Road Florence, AZ 85132

$550,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,407 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755862

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning residence features a rare, massive RV garage and RV gate! Step into the backyard oasis where a sparkling pebble-tec pool awaits, framed by a beautiful travertine deck and a spacious covered patio—ideal for relaxing and entertaining. Inside, the modern home boasts sleek stainless steel appliances, island with elegant granite countertops, and a convenient walk-in pantry. Enjoy the vibrant community amenities including a playground, basketball court, and green spaces—perfect for fun weekends! Hurry before this opportunity is gone!

View Property

4443 E Camino De Cafe -- Hereford, AZ 85615

$550,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,912 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756980

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful 4 bedroom, 2 bath home on .88 acres, surrounded by mountain and valley views. Home amenities include granite throughout, tile flooring throughout living spaces and in office, carpet in bedrooms. Spacious master bedroom, master bath includes soaking tub and spacious walk-in shower with rain glass. Large walk-in closet through bathroom. Kitchen includes all appliances. Each room installed with cable/internet, fiber throughout. Water softener attachment installed, gas grill attachment installed for future outdoor kitchen, and electrical outlet for jacuzzi spa. Ground mounted solar and garden shed included. Walled back yard with covered porch.

View Property

2236 W Aston Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85144

$550,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,560 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6758921

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautiful well appointed home. This spacious 4 bedroom + den and 2.5 baths sit on a huge lot for outdoor entertaining. The huge kitchen has a massive island and a huge stainless built-in freezer fridge. The quartz countertops and white cabinets gives a sense of elegance which overlooks the huge great room. Plantation shutters are throughout the entire house with ceiling fans in every room. The garage is an over height 3 car tandem arrangement for that extra workshop area. There is an RV gate that leads to the backyard with sails covering the raised vegetable and flower beds. The backyard also has been pre-wired for a spa. Rainwater capture system located on the northeast corner of house and plastic storage box on west side of house does not convey with sale.

View Property

300 N Gila Springs Boulevard Unit 181 Chandler, AZ 85226

$550,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,937 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761447

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Enjoy Luxury living in this gated community. Beautiful contemporary condo that has never been lived in full time and it shows! Main level consists of a tandem garage, laundry, kitchen, dining room, family room, half bath and large patio. Second level has three nice sized bedrooms, full bath and loft area. Top floor is for the entire primary suite. Enjoy a large kitchen with stainless appliances, pantry and bar seating. The formal dining room and family room are right off the patio making it great for entertaining guests. The guest rooms on the second level are split with a bathroom in between and a loft area can be used for fitness equipment, office or quiet reading space. The primary level is a dream for condo living. The bedroom has a patio large enough for chairs and a table so you can enjoy sunrises and sunsets. Lots of storage for linens and towels that leads you to the ensuite with dual sinks, private toilet room and a massive walk in closet! This gated community has a pool, spa, basketball hoop, fenced in grass area with picnic table and ample open parking. This particular unit is on the end making you only share one wall with no one below or above you. The owners spared no expense with this unit when it came to upgrades! They literally upgraded every single option you could do! Sit on the all turf patio with cute market lights and enjoy a glass of wine while you marvel in the architecture of this community. Furniture available of separate bill of sale.

View Property

27280 S State Route 89 Highway Congress, AZ 85332

$550,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,735 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763756

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to own a versatile property with two parcels, totaling 1.13 acres. This unique offering features a vintage 2,735 sq ft home, once a charming restaurant. Inside, you'll find new flooring, beautiful wood-beamed ceilings, vintage posts, corbels, and period-style light fixtures, adding character to every corner. The property boasts two separate living quarters, and a guest studio making it perfect for multi-family living or rental opportunities. In addition, there's a spacious 2,100 sq ft detached metal building, ideal for vehicles, equipment, or storage. With a 30x70 ft garage door for easy access, this building offers endless possibilities. The property benefits from prime frontage on Hwy 89 and offers ample parking, making it perfect for a business venture or investment. While the main building has vintage charm and may need some TLC, it's brimming with potential. Whether you're looking for a rental income opportunity or a unique home, this property is full of possibilities!

View Property