4 Things You Absolutely Should Not Do After You Apply for a Mortgage

If you have a good credit history and are prepared to invest in a home, you may be feeling pretty confident about the mortgage process. However, it’s important to be aware that there are things that can have a negative impact on your application. Whether you’ve just submitted your documents or are getting close to it, here are some things you may want to avoid.

Acquiring New Credit

It may seem silly that something as minor as a new credit card can be a mark against your credit, but applying for new ones can be a bad sign to lenders. The problem is that this can be signal an unmanageable debt load, so you may be considered a high risk for not being able to make your payments.

Forget To Pay Your Bills

It’s easy enough to get lulled into the feeling that your mortgage application will be approved, but this doesn’t mean that you should forget your financial responsibilities. If you’ve had poor credit in the past and neglected paying your bills on time, now is not the time to do this. Instead, ensure that you’re paying all bills and any applicable minimum payments in advance of the due date so your credit score is not impacted.

Close Old Credit Cards

Many people think that closing out old credit cards can be a positive financial step forward and a good way to streamline their finances, but this can cause damage to your credit score. Because closing a credit card will change your available balance and bump up your debt load, it may mean that your debt percentage will increase. Instead of risking this, leave them active until you’ve received approval.

Quit Your Job

Few people will have the ability to quit their job when they’re applying for a mortgage, but doing this or incurring other fluctuations in your monthly income can cause problems with your application. If you are self-employed, there may be peaks and valleys in your finances, but a huge shift in what you bring home can show lenders that you’re not a solid bet.

There can be a lot of stress that comes along with the mortgage application process, but by paying your bills on time and staying on top of your payments, you can avoid negatively impacting your approval.   To start your home search, give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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14163 W Georgia Drive Surprise, AZ 85379

$465,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,337 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6693397

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Absolutely Beautiful 4 Bedroom + Loft, 2.5 Bathroom, Two Story Home Located On Premium Lot Bordering Common Area, Built in 2020, Upgraded Kitchen w/Custom Cabinets, Granite Countertops, Gas Range, Stainless Steel Appliances, Kitchen Island w/Breakfast Bar, Dining Room, Spacious Greatroom, Upstairs Master Bathroom w/Walk-In Closet, Master Bathroom w/Dual Sinks & Separate Tub & Shower, Extra Large Loft Upstairs, Covered Backyard Patio, 2 Car Garage, Come Check It Out!

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8410 E Chaparral Road Scottsdale, AZ 85250

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$465,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,676 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6651453

Property Type Townhouse

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Spacious four bedroom townhouse in Scottsdale just minutes to the Scottsdale Greenbelt multi-use path, Chaparral Dog Park, multiple City parks, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and entertainment. Quick, easy access to the 101 freeway. This is a unique tri-level split floor plan. Two bedrooms upstairs with a full bath and two bedrooms downstairs with 3/4 bath. Main floor has an open kitchen, dining room, and sunken living room. Kitchen has granite countertop installed in 2023 and stainless steel appliances purchased in January 2024. Private back patio with storage space/laundry area. Covered carport parking for two along with guest parking throughout the community. Property features a pool and clubhouse. HOA maintains all public areas and landscaping. Listing agent is related to seller.

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2401 E Rio Salado Parkway Tempe, AZ 85288

Open House

$465,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,380 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6652290

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Resort style gated community! The Location can't be Beat! Walking distance to the Cubs Sloan Park Stadium. Right off of 101 & 202 FWY, ASU, Bus stops, Airport, Tempe Market Place! Popular 3 Bed & Den 2.5 Bath floorplan with a large open living area adjoining a full kitchen with island. Downstairs is the living area, spacious downstairs den/bonus room/large home office (at 126 SF!), Kitchen & breakfast area overlooking a private covered patio & backyard. Upstairs is master bedroom & master bath, laundry & 2 additional bedrooms with another bath. Two car garage and lots of additional guest parking in this beautifully maintained complex! 2 Pools and lots of area to walk your dog! Move in ready! Hurry! 3 bedroom unit sure to go quickly

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14548 W Poinsettia Drive Surprise, AZ 85379

Open House

$465,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,291 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6677396

Property Type Single Family Residence

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This designer home in the gated Copper Canyon community has no neighbors behind, offering park views. It features a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, stainless appliances, and a large island that opens to a family room with a gas fireplace and screened-in patio. The home includes three bedrooms; the master suite has wood laminate flooring, a custom closet, and a luxurious bath. Additional amenities include a laundry room, office space, and a two-car garage with storage. Conveniently located near shopping and highways, this home combines comfort with convenience. Discover this charming home overlooking a community park, with a low-maintenance yard and two-car garage. Inside, enjoy a functional layout with three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and a screened patio. perfect for Arizona's climate. The backyard features a paved seating area and view fence, ideal for relaxation and entertainment.

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