Wondering How Much Mortgage You Can Afford? Here’s How to Calculate It

Wondering How Much Mortgage You Can Afford? Here's How to Calculate ItMany people are aware of the financial commitment that is involved when investing in a home, but what that amounts to is different for every person. From what you can afford to what a lender will allow, there are plenty of details involved in determining the right home for you. If you’re not quite sure what the right price is, here’s how to approach home ownership and determine your debt-to-income.

Utilize the Calculators on My Website

Visit my website at www.JPCookAZRealEstate.com.  Click on ‘Buyers’ then utilize the Affordability Calculator, which will tell you how much house you can afford with your current income and expenses.  You can also utilize the Mortgage Calculator to determine how much your monthly house payment will be.

Do it Yourself:  Calculating Your Debt-To-Income Ratio

You may not know what your DTI ratio is, but it has a lot to with how much home you can afford. In order to calculate this amount, add together all the debts you owe each month and divide them by your monthly pre-tax income. For example, if your credit card is $150 and your rent is $900, your debt amount would be $1050. Divide this amount by your income, say $2500, to get 0.42. This means your DTI ratio is 0.42 or 42%.

What Your DTI Means

While a DTI in the high 20s or low 30s is good, anything that hovers above 43 percent may serve as a red flag to the lender. The lower your DTI ratio is, the more likely it is that a lender will approve your mortgage application since you’ll have the disposable income to deal with financial hurdles. If your dream home has you hovering close to this amount, it may be a sign that it’s a bit out of reach.

How Do You Want To Live?

It’s quite common to be taken over when you find your dream home and decide to commit. However, buying a home is a huge financial commitment, and if you’re buying more than you can afford it may drain your well-being over time. Instead of diving in, determine other expenses that are likely to come up in the next few years, whether it’s travel, a child or a new car. It’s important to have the home you want and budget when buying it, but you’ll still need to financial wiggle room in case something comes up.

There are a lot of factors involved in determining how much house you can afford, but by calculating your DTI ratio and being aware of your spending plans, you’ll be well on your way to an ideal price range.  Give me a call for more information – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

24882 N 124th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$2,995,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,939 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6761816
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover your dream home in the prestigious Troon North, renowned for its exceptional desert golf experience. This stunning newly built residence boasts 3,939 sqft of sophisticated living space on a sprawling 1.68-acre cul-de-sac lot. Step inside to find an expansive open floor plan featuring a great room setup, ideal for modern living and entertaining. The layout includes 3 bedrooms with on-suite luxurious bathrooms, with upgraded tile flooring and exquisite cabinetry. The chef's kitchen is a culinary haven, equipped with a Wolf stove, a Subzero fridge and a butler's pantry with a bar counter right next to the dining room perfect for creating gourmet meals while enjoying the company of family and friends. The master suite is a true sanctuary, featuring a custom closet and an a master bathroom that has been thoughtfully designed with a separate tub and walk-in shower. Additional features include a bonus room that could also be used as a bedroom, with at attached den. Enjoy the practicality of an oversized garage with epoxy flooring, added garage closets, and a convenient drop zone. The professionally landscaped backyard is a private oasis, complete with a sparkling swimming pool, BBQ area, and extensive hardscape for entertaining.

10040 E Happy Valley Road Unit 243 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$2,995,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
4,320 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6737328
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Step into elegance with this beautifully remodeled home featuring three significant upgrades. A long, private driveway welcomes you to an open-concept space with soaring 30 ft. ceilings, large windows, and sliding glass doors that frame breathtaking mountain views. The property includes two custom-designed water features and a spacious deck, perfect for entertaining. The Desert Highlands community offers unparalleled amenities, such as a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, a comprehensive tennis center, pickleball courts, a fitness center, and a luxury country club.

36975 N Mirabel Club Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$2,995,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,002 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6764283
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
VERY RARE 4 bed, 4.5 bath plus flex room golf villa in the Mirabel Club w/ an even more rare 3 car garage and access to a FULL GOLF MEMBERSHIP per club bylaws & application approval. This home has extensive upgrades inside & out. The spacious master suite has 2 walk-in closets & a cozy fireplace and large sitting room. Enjoy the large open, split floor plan & separate entry guest casita. Each bedroom has its own ensuite bath. The great room has a stone fireplace and vaulted ceilings with wood beams. The kitchen is complete with Wolf/Subzero/Cove appliances, custom cabinetry, large walk-in pantry, & custom granite. Multiple sets of cedar French doors bring the outside in. The private backyard backs up to open space w/ mountain views. The pool & spa includes 3 soothing waterfalls.

8742 E Villa Cassandra Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$2,995,000
5 Beds
5.5 Baths
4,464 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769643
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Enjoy the lap of luxury in this beautiful 4,500 sq ft gated desert oasis property complete with 5 bed 5.5 baths with an attached casita. Sitting on almost an acre this home truly highlights what it means to enjoy the indoor outdoor lifestyle of North Scottsdale. With an incredible low maintenance resort style backyard with heated pool and spa as well as a custom built in BBQ that will extend those pool days into a perfect meal under the stars. Complement all of this with a private courtyard and fireplace plus an oversized 3 car garage, your search just might be over

21326 E Stacey Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$2,995,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
4,141 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6771121
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream oasis! This stunning 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home, nestled in Arizona's highly desired aviation neighborhood, Pegasus airpark, offers a perfect blend of luxury and functionality. Inside the 52' x 52' hangar you can park your aircraft with space to fit all of your toys! Step inside the home to be captivated by the meticulous attention to detail and premium features that define this residence, including an office with views of the San Tan mountains, a theatre room, a gourmet kitchen and a resort style owners suite with a private workout room, Outside into your private oasis - the backyard is an entertainer's paradise. Enjoy a game of pickleball on your private court, relax in the above-ground spa, or cool off in the pool. You won't want to miss this incredible home!

10948 E Rising Sun Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$2,995,000
4 Beds
5.5 Baths
4,710 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6782501
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Exquisite upcoming spec home nestled within the gated Sonoran Sanctuary! Currently undergoing plan review w/ the City of Scottsdale, this visionary residence is a testament to avant-garde design, crafted by the esteemed Victor Sidy, former dean of the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Design (Taliesin) in Arizona and Wisconsin. This contemporary home unfolds across 4,710 square feet of opulent living space, characterized by a sophisticated great room floor plan. The residence boasts 4 en-suite bedrooms strategically arranged in a split floor plan, complemented by 5 full bathrooms (including a convenient pool bath w/ a shower) and a chic half-bath powder room for guests. Three of the bedrooms enjoy exclusive access to a private patio, connected to a family room.

3221 Dick Hevly -- Flagstaff, AZ 86005

$2,995,000
6 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,699 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6782522
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This architecturally significant post-and-beam home, crafted by the renowned Deck House/Acorn Deck House Company, embodies the mid-century mountain modern aesthetic. Showcasing beautiful teak and mahogany wood accents throughout, the residence offers floor-to-ceiling glass walls that fill every space with an abundance of natural light. With its thoughtful design, this home delivers an enchanting Ponderosa pine ''treehouse'' feel, perched above the #9 green of the Canyon Course and spanning just under an acre in a serene cul-de-sac. Inside, a striking tongue-and-groove wood ceiling crowns the open great room, providing an inviting and expansive setting. A dedicated game room, complete with a wet bar, accompanies three fireplaces and two laundry rooms for added convenience. This home boasts a new roof installed in 2016, alongside substantial interior updates completed between 2018 and 2019, including a fully refreshed kitchen, upgraded lighting fixtures throughout, updated bathrooms, newly painted interiors, and HVAC units with added air conditioning. The property also features a reverse osmosis water system in the kitchen, an EV charger in the garage, and multiple outdoor decks for relaxing and entertaining. For an extra touch of adventure, a treehouse hideaway for kids awaits, making this home a truly special retreat. Tucked away amidst 1,100 acres of pristine alpine beauty, Forest Highlands exudes an unparalleled sense of exclusivity and serenity. With two championship golf courses designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, Forest Highlands sets the stage for unforgettable golf experiences. The community offers an array of exceptional amenities, including two clubhouses, multiple dining options, tennis courts, swimming pools, and miles of hiking and biking trails. Forest Highlands is a retreat where luxury meets nature, ensuring a harmonious lifestyle for its residents.

39742 N 103rd Way Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$2,995,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
4,108 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6755023
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The ultimate in serenity, privacy and exquisite vistas of open desert, sunsets, and city lights in Desert Mountains village of Turquoise Ridge! This lovely home embraces Arizona architecture seamlessly blended with a modern interior. Sited on a cul-de- sac with north/south solar orientation, it overlooks expansive natural open space area offering a slice of paradise with breathtaking views. On approach the lengthy driveway reaches the motor court, 3-car finished garage and gated front courtyard with authentic banco seating, mature vegetation and double arched double door entry. Step into the expansive great room adorned with high white walls, the circular sun ray viga ceiling design and an abundance of picture windows framing the natural Sonoran Desert. A floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace anchors the space, creating a cozy ambiance complemented by the circular dining room with its chandelier, cove lights and unique niches a perfect setting for intimate dining experiences. Flowing into the streamlined kitchen any chef would be delighted with the spacious island with sink and bar seating, Alder wood cabinets with Quartz counters, high-end appliances, viga ceiling detail, casual dining space and outdoor access. The new spacious walk-in pantry is to die for, the comprehensive laundry and powder with wood plank wall detail provide living necessities first-rate. The refined adjacent den with modern kiva fireplace, banco seating, viga and latilla ceiling detail and large picture window invite casual comfort and leisure. The west side of the home unveils the luxurious Primary suite, boasting viga ceiling details, a modern style kiva fireplace, wide plank wood flooring and newly remodeled bath with a free-standing tub, walk-in steam shower and large designer closet. An adjacent open space with picture windows offers versatility for an office, fitness area or studio.The second Primary bedroom, a unique haven, showcases viga wall decor, wood plank floors, built-in wood desk space and a luxury bath with a double vanity, walk-in shower and soaking tub.The new spacious designer closet provides ample luxury and storage.The third ensuite bedroom on the east side, ensures comfort and privacy, with decorative details and an ensuite bath with granite counter and a whimsical walk-in snail shower. Indulge in the spectacular vistas around the outdoor oasis with a pool, spa, water feature and a spacious covered patio. The negative edge pool and raised spa, accompanied by a boulder water feature, offer hours of enjoyment. Multiple areas for conversation, sunning and dining create the perfect backdrop for intimate gatherings or large get togethers. Wind down the day sitting by the fire pit, appreciating the sunset and night lights magically become the twinkling stars of the dark sky. Located in the prestigious Desert Mountain community, enjoy proximity to the Sonoran Club for pickleball, tennis, fitness classes and more. Explore the seven golf courses and scenic trails bordering the Tonto National Forest. This residence is not just a home; its a lifestyle a harmonious blend of elegance, comfort and the allure of the desert landscape. Welcome to your desert sanctuary.

30508 N 64th Street Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$2,995,000
5 Beds
4.5 Baths
5,653 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6730262
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Step into true desert luxury. This custom home takes comfort and convenience and seamlessly integrates with style and sophistication. An open layout that makes entertaining a breeze. Stunning finishes throughout. Resort style pool with reflection fountain and a backyard oasis that turns even the hottest AZ days into the coolest of experiences. Surround sound, home theatre, oversized office, a split primary suite with dual walk-in closets and see-through fireplace two additional bedrooms with ensuites. There is even a pet wash station and dog run. Walk into your new home and have people over as soon as you get the keys. Home furnishings are also available for purchase to make your AZ move a breeze. Your exquisite desert oasis is in the prestigious town of Cave Creek, just outside Scottsdale, Arizona. This unparalleled luxury residence offers a sophisticated blend of modern amenities and timeless elegance, designed to captivate discerning home buyer seeking the ultimate in high-end living. Exceptional Features Include: Master Suite: Indulge in the opulence of the master suite, featuring a jetted tub with a see-through fireplace, his and hers walk-in closets, and two luxurious laundry rooms. Wine Enthusiast's Dream: Savor your finest vintages in the temperature-controlled wine cellar and beverage center, complete with marble countertops, dual drawer refrigerators, and two built-in ice and water dispensers. Gourmet Kitchen: The main kitchen is a chef's delight, showcasing white marble countertops, an island with stunning granite, built-in appliances, a walk-in pantry, and a convenient pass-through window to the outdoor patio. Entertainment Haven: Host unforgettable gatherings in the resort-style backyard, boasting a reflection fountain, a sparkling pool, a sunken hot tub, and an outdoor kitchen with a fire table. Enjoy the seamless indoor/outdoor living experience facilitated by the impressive 20-foot pocket door. Custom Interiors: The great room features high ceilings with faux wood beams, custom pendant lighting, a striking gas fireplace with stone veneer and fiberoptic twinkling lights, and engineered wood floors. Executive Office: A spacious executive office accommodates two workspaces, perfect for those working from home. Pet Paradise: Pamper your pets in the dedicated dog room with a shower, leading to an outdoor dog run enclosed by block walls with deep footers and a steel mesh view fence. Smart Home Features: Enjoy the convenience of motorized shades both indoors and outdoors, wood casement double-pane windows, and comprehensive home automation systems. Energy Efficiency: Benefit from spray foam insulation, three tankless water heaters, whole house filtration, soft water system, hot water recirculation, and three HVAC units with air scrubbers and humidifiers. Safety and Security: Peace of mind is ensured with surveillance cameras, an alarm system, fire sprinklers, and a 500-gallon LP tank. Garage and Storage: The oversized three-car garage includes an electric vehicle charger and a storage room, providing ample space for all your needs. This magnificent property offers breathtaking sunset views from almost every room, mature date palm trees, a large artificial grass area, a stereo system, and a misting system for year-round outdoor enjoyment. This spectacular estate embodies the essence of luxury living and is a must-see for those seeking the finest in desert living. Experience the epitome of luxury in Cave Creek.

34749 N 83rd Way Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$2,995,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
3,627 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6659874
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to the epitome of contemporary luxury living in the exclusive gated community, The Reserve at Black Mountain. This brand-new contemporary single level showpiece, crafted by the renowned Toll Brothers, fulfills every item on today's discerning buyers wish list offering an open great room floor plan, a resort-style outdoor oasis, generous 3 car garage space and breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic mountains, colorful sunsets and lush Sonoran Desert. As you step through the inviting front portico entry into the front courtyard, the metal and glass front door opens to the foyer and sets the stage for the grandeur that awaits. The great room with a stunning 60'' linear fireplace with floor to ceiling tiled surround, draws the eye upward to the soaring 16' beamed ceilings extending through the open dining space, while south-facing windows frame the picturesque mountains of Pinnacle Peak and beyond. Designed for both culinary enthusiasts and entertainers alike, the adjacent kitchen boasts an oversized island adorned with sleek Quartz countertops, Wolf/Subzero appliances, 2 dishwashers, modern pendant lighting and bar seating for 4. Abundant Shaker cabinetry, subway tile backsplash and a generously sized walk-in pantry add both style and functionality to this culinary dream. The seamless indoor-outdoor flow is achieved through a four-paneled glass wall system, effortlessly connecting the dining area to the outdoor patio- an ideal setting for alfresco dining and conversation. Retreat to the expansive Primary Suite, where numerous windows invite natural light and showcase panoramic vistas. Indulge in the luxurious bath featuring double vanities, a freestanding soaking tub and a double walk-in shower graced with floor-to -ceiling tile - a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. The spacious designer closet offers ample storage and organization, adding a finishing touch of opulence. Adjacent to the main living area, a doorless office overlooking the front courtyard provides a tranquil workspace for remote endeavors. For family and guests, a beamed ceiling den beckons with its wall-to-wall entertainment center and glass wall system opening to the front courtyard, ensuring comfort and enjoyment for all. The home's thoughtful design extends to the two connecting ensuite bedrooms, each appointed with ensuite baths and plush low pile carpeting - a retreat of privacy and serenity. The comprehensive laundry with outdoor access caters to pool time, anytime. The poolside casita offers an additional retreat, complete with a breakfast bar, wood plank look tiled floors and a luxury bath - an ideal space for extended stays or hosting guests in comfort and style. The resort-style backyard entices with a linear pool with Baja shelf, raised spa, patio sunning space, and an expansive covered patio with heaters offering living and dining space - perfect for outdoor gatherings and leisurely afternoons. The Astro turf and desert landscape provide an effortless outdoor experience. For enchanting sunsets, starry nights and warmth, gather around the substantial firepit with lava rocks. Thoughtful upgraded finishes throughout have elevated the distinction of this home. Nestled in North Scottsdale, this home offers a wonderful life refuge remaining in proximity to dining, shopping and fabulous outdoor adventures. Welcome to a lifestyle of unparalleled luxury and refinement. Home has been pre wired for shades as well.

5214 E Flower Street Phoenix, AZ 85018

$2,995,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
5,582 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6773295
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover your private desert retreat in the heart of Arcadia! This contemporary ranch estate, built in 2018, offers a combined 5,582 SqFt of luxury living between the 4,413 SqFt main house and a spacious 1,169 SqFt guest house. This stunning home features an open floor plan with soaring ceilings and sun-drenched spaces. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, complete with a massive island, double ovens, a 66-inch fridge/freezer, and an oversized pantry for all your storage needs. Perfect for entertaining, the kitchen flows effortlessly into the main living area, creating an inviting space for gatherings. The primary suite is a true sanctuary, offering a spa-like bathroom, a large walk-in closet, and direct access to a private patio where you can soak in the stunning views of Camelback.

41633 N 102nd Way Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$2,995,000
4 Beds
4 Baths
4,017 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6550769
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Golf Membership Available- Striking Southwest Contemporary located in the elevated village of Saguaro Forest in Desert Mountain. The generous homesite located off the 6th hole of the Chiricahua golf course provides privacy with outstanding views of the boulders of Apache Peak all the way around to the blazing sunsets of Black Mountain. Stacked stone walls and columns, clean lines and angles and an abundance of glass are admired inside and out. Enjoy family and friends in the open and inviting great room with soaring multi-level curved ceiling details, the walls of windows to the patio and the cozy warmth of the fireplace. The stately wet bar with bar seating adds to the appeal of the great room experience. Seamlessly move into the well-designed kitchen with two islands, one with stainless steel farm sink and appliances, pendant lights and bar seating, the other a buffet-like linear island with lots of counter space, bar seating and cabinets for storage  ideal for larger gatherings. The open dining space furnishes seating for up to12 along with patio access allowing for the Arizona casual indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Step outside to a desert oasis for a dip in the pool, listen to trickling water of the boulder fountain and relax any time of day on the expansive patio. The view fencing allows exquisite desert and mountains vistas at the same time protecting the privacy of the home. The built-in barbecue is perfect for Alfresco dining and the spa and firepit a joy for star gazing at night. Back inside, through a double door entry, the owners retreat is a treasure. The spacious bedroom with fireplace and outdoor access to a private patio invites rest and relaxation. The luxury spa bath with jetted tub, two vanities, one with make-up space, double walk-in shower, separate water closet and two walk-in closets delivers ultimate lavish living. First thing enjoy coffee in the morning or wind down with wine in the evening with the coffee/wine bar. The sizeable workout room will keep you fit while enjoying the stunning views. In the same wing of the home the spacious office with built-in double desk and murphy bed with shelves is the perfect office and can also be a 4th bedroom if needed. The adjacent full bath with walk-in shower serves as a 4th bedroom bath or powder for all. Two beautifully appointed ensuite bedrooms, one with patio access, are found in the opposite side of the home. Privacy and comfort appear foremost in these family and guest accommodations. The roomy laundry with upper and lower cabinets, sink and faucet, folding counters and ironing station turn chores into pleasures. Easy access from the finished 3-car garage completes the guest wing of the home. The finest of finishes; Cherry doors and Shaker style cabinetry, granite and tiled vanities, counters and surrounds,18 polished limestone floors, carpeted bedrooms and office and contemporary light fixtures are seen throughout. Saguaro Forest is a superb location within Desert Mountain, close to club houses, golf courses, restaurants and the award-winning private hiking trails. Membership available to be purchased with this property. A 30-day Membership application review and approval is required. Contact the Desert Mountain Club for details.

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