Buying a home is an ideal investment for many people because not only is it a place that belongs to them, it can also be very beneficial financially. While you may be strongly considering buying a home for these reasons, it’s also important to be in good financial health so that your ideal home purchase is within reach. If you’re currently perusing the market for prospects, here are some reasons you should pay down debt before taking the leap into home ownership.
Good Credit History
The amount of your debt load and whether or not you’re paying off your minimum monthly payments has a considerable impact on your mortgage approval, so ensuring that you have good credit history going into the process is important. If you’ve had hiccups with your credit, make sure you go through your credit report prior to submitting your application to determine where you’re at.
Lowering Your Debt-to-Income Ratio
Whether or not you’ve heard the term, your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) has a significant impact on how much house you can afford. Made up of the amount of your monthly debt payment and current house payment, your DTI should be below a certain percentage as this will enable you to afford a higher home payment each month.
Shifting Interest Rates
Getting a mortgage is one thing, but interest rates add more to the monthly amount you’ll owe. A fixed-rate mortgage can seem like a good idea, but if interest rates are low you may end up paying more than you would on a variable rate, which can be hard to predict. As interest rates are a part of home ownership, having lower debt will enable you to deal with these additional costs.
Finding The Right Home
Putting your money into a home can be one of the best purchases you’ll make, but if you’re unable to afford the home you love, it can be a disappointing fact to face. While there are no assurances that paying down debt will enable you to afford your dream home, it can go a long way towards giving you more options that will fit your budget.
Buying a home can be a money saver in the long run, but if you’re struggling to keep up with your debt payments buying into the market can be more of a burden than anything else. If you’re currently paying down debt and considering a home purchase, give me a call and let me help start the planning process – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.
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43576 W Snow Drive
Maricopa, AZ 85138
$465,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
3,183
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6694059
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Spectacular location close to North entry of popular Villages community! This private lanscaped lot has fruit trees, a raised barbecue & outdoor fireplace entertainment area that overlooks green belt park and sport courts. Close walk to community pool and clubhouse. Great main floor plan with spacious entry living room, large kitchen incl. corrian countertop island and dining area that opens to large family room with built-in shelfing system, 1 bedroom & full bath, laundry room. 3 bedroom and comfortable open sitting area upstairs. Main upstairs bedroom has access to large balcony deck with views of park and mountains. 3 car extended garage. North/South exposure! This homes great location, floor plan and entertainment yard make it a great home to any buyer!
368 W Golden Aspen Drive
San Tan Valley, AZ 85140
$465,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,165
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6694410
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this beautifully upgraded David Weekly Home where Pottery Barn meets Chip and Joanna! This meticulously maintained home is move in ready. The beautiful exterior elevation welcomes you into the open light & bright great Room split floor plan with 10 ft. ceilings, custom paint, shiplap accent wall, recessed can lighting, 4 true bedrooms w/ 3 full baths, bedroom 4 with private ensuite creating privacy for family or guests. Awesome floorplan! Upgraded gourmet kitchen has large breakfast bar Island, granite counters, SS appliances, gas Cooktop, 42 inch upper cabinets w/ under cab lighting, tile backsplash, apron sink, walk in pantry, eat in kitchen/dining room and the oversized family room! The king sized primary bedroom features ensuite w/ large walk in shower, raised vanities, private toilet, & walk in closet. You will love the customized laundry room with pipe shelving with custom wood folding table. The backyard is fully landscaped with travertine tile, custom bar with electrical, lighted gazebo with electrical, putting green & artificial grass. Low maintenance a wonderful space to relax and entertain. 2 car garage with storage racks, garage opener. Fiber Optic wiring thru out home, water softener owned, Highest Energy efficient homes in The Parks with 2x6 construction, R30 cellulose blown insulation exterior walls Attic Batts and blown cellulose. Leased Solar panels installed 2021 saves on monthly electric bills with low monthly payment. Close to shopping, Olive mill, Schnepf farms, hospitals, restaurants and area is growing.
19514 N 84th Avenue
Peoria, AZ 85382
$465,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,448
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6694726
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
This UPDDATED, end-unit Casita is a stunning ST THOMAS floorplan packed with desirable features. Both bathrooms remodeled - raised vanities, Granite counters, updated showers. Plank tile flooring throughout, complemented by custom floating shelves and built-ins in the great room with slate accents. Recessed lighting adds ambiance, and check out the unique, custom bookshelf with hidden storage! The primary bathroom has been reconfigured to enlarge the shower. Kitchen enhancements include Stainless Steel appliances, Quartz counters & windowsills, gray cabinets and under-cabinet lighting. Utility area with built-ins and Quartz counters provide a nice workspace. Windows and sliders have been replaced with Vinyl. Guest room is enhanced by a stunning slate wall and built-in custom cabinetry. You'll love the versatility offered by mechanical interior shades in the Great Room, mechanical shades for all 3 sides of the patio, and roller shades for the rear of the home. Covered area is expanded by the addition of a pergola with adjustable slats. With a new air conditioner in 2020 and a roof covered by the HOA, this home offers peace of mind and efficiency. Additional upgrades such as a new garage door and opener further enhance its appeal. Plus, the option to purchase most furniture outside of escrow provides an opportunity for seamless move-in and personalized touches. Come and enjoy the Active Adult lifestyle of Westbrook Village!
18816 N 94th Avenue
Peoria, AZ 85382
$465,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,649
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6695103
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Beautiful Patio Home now available in Fairway Ridge! This Pebblebeach floorplan offers many recent updates/upgrades, including newer windows in 2019. Granite counters in kitchen and baths. Upgraded wood flooring, newer carpeting, fresh paint in bedrooms. Upgraded cabinets. Private pavered backyard patio is a perfect extension for outdoor living. This unit boasts a new roof! The community pool/spa are steps away. Westbrook Village is truly a resort experience that is so convienently located to shopping/dinning options. 2 community centers, pickle ball, fitness and pools. Enjoy a resort lock and leave lifestyle!
2211 E Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85016
$465,000
1
Bed
1
Bath
553
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6695705
Property Type
Apartment
Price Type
--
This beautifully appointed unit in the 5-Star Residences at 2211 boasts a private bedroom with room for a king-sized bed, a thoughtfully designed kitchen and a bright, open floor plan. Featuring Bosch appliances, wood flooring throughout, ample storage, and indoor/outdoor living with an oversized patio. Building amenities include: rooftop heated swimming pool, jaccuzzi, BBQ area, Club Room with full catering kitchen, state-of-the-art gym, business office, 24-hour concierge.
1203 E Northshore Drive
Tempe, AZ 85283
$465,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,454
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6695386
Property Type
Apartment
Price Type
--
Your search is over! You found the perfect waterfront property in Tempe. Located in Runaway Point, in the highly sought after Lakes community, this end unit condo offers unobstructed lake views from your private balcony. This low maintenance home offers a new HVAC system, new washer and dryer and water heater installed in 2021. Light and bright with an open floor plan, this unit will surely please. Runaway Point has a private community pool and The Lakes has additional amenities within a short five minute walk. Enjoy a lap pool, workout facility, sand volleyball, pickleball, tennis, sport court, community rooms and much more, including several restaurants within walking distance. Don't wait to see this wonderful property!
5190 N Dime Drive --
Strawberry, AZ 85544
$465,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,320
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6700759
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The log cabin you have been waiting for in the heart of Strawberry, AZ! Tucked away in the pine trees on a cul-de-sac, this 2-story cabin with a spacious loft is the perfect getaway. The vaulted tongue & groove ceilings, wood walls, hardwood floors and a cozy woodstove give a warm and rustic vibe while the large windows and skylights bring in plenty of natural light. The kitchen features brand-new appliances, breakfast bar & separate dining area. The cabin was constructed with 8'' spruce logs with an expansive deck for entertaining and an attached wood or storage shed. A covered breezeway provides addt'l parking for recreational vehicles. This log cabin isn't just a home; it's an opportunity to embrace the mountain lifestyle and start creating memories that will last a lifetime!
782 S Beck Avenue
Tempe, AZ 85281
$465,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
1,218
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6698225
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
Graced with a prime location in the heart of Tempe, this 3-bed, 3-bath home boasts a vibrant and spacious living space, perfect for a growing family or young professionals. With its modern design and open floor plan, this townhouse is ideal for hosting gatherings and entertaining guests. The convenient location provides easy access to nearby parks, shopping and dining. The property is also just a short distance from ASU, making it an ideal home for students and faculty. Enjoy the Arizona sunshine from the comfort of your private patio or balcony, perfect for outdoor relaxation. Don't miss the opportunity to make this stunning townhouse your new home sweet home. Check it out for yourself and experience the best of Tempe living!
14141 N 133rd Drive
Surprise, AZ 85379
$465,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,038
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6699095
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This modern home in Surprise is now available! Vaulted ceilings give this home a wonderful spacious air while not compromising on a cozy feeling thanks to carpet and wood tile throughout. The kitchen is home to a beautiful island and a full suite of stainless steel appliances lit by updated modern light fixtures. The primary bedroom includes a walk-in closet and vaulted ceilings, while the bathroom enjoys dual sinks and private water closet. Outside a covered patio overlooks newer pavers, green spaces with smart irrigation system, and a pool with new cover. Updated AC unit (2020), solar panels, EV charger and smart Trane thermostat add to the modern touches! This home has a 2-car garage, access to nearby parks and green spaces, and is close to the Loop 303 and new shopping developments!
1106 N 29th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85008
$465,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,560
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6700725
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome home to this gem nestled in the heart of downtown Phoenix with NO HOA!! This spectacular home built in 2007 comes with 4 bedrooms and 2 baths and boasts over 1500 sf of livable space. The updated kitchen comes with updated white cabinetry and granite countertops and pantry. Tiled throughout this home offers a spacious master with walk in closet, 3 additional bedrooms and inside laundry. The home boasts an extra large lot (almost 9000 sf) with an RV gate and block fencing. Perfect lot size to design your own backyard oasis or to add a pool. Ideal for storing your ATV, boat or extra vehicles.
12245 Bliss Avenue
Bellemont, AZ 86015
$465,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,600
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6701142
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
This beautiful 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom townhouse is upgraded with granite countertops, Samsung stainless steel appliances, shaker cabinets with soft close drawers, and luxury vinyl flooring throughout! Excellent Flagstaff value with park views! Enjoy the low maintenance fenced/gated front yard, and an oversized garage providing extra storage. The home is energy efficient and features spray foam insulation. The community offers a children's playground, picnic gazebos, a pickleball court, a large grassy park area for activities and a separate fun dog park area. Tenant in place, lease ends 11/30/2024. Currently getting $2550/month！！！6% CAP RATE! Showings need 48 hours notice in advance.
12064 W Morning Dove Drive
Sun City, AZ 85373
$465,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,041
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6701502
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
*Not Age Restricted* Welcome to this beautiful home in the peaceful Rio Sierra! Nestled on a corner lot, it offers 4 beds, 2 baths, 2-car garage, & a lovely landscape. Fabulous interior showcases vaulted ceilings, neutral paint, tons of natural light, and wood-look flooring in all the right places. If entertaining is on your mind, you'll love the living & dining room combo and a family room that opens up to the kitchen! SS appliances, New Cabinets & Quartz counters, a Pantry, recessed lighting, ample cabinetry, Island w/breakfast bar, and a Dry bar w/Wine Rack & Beverage Fridge make up the kitchen. Main bedroom has an Ensuite with dual sinks, separate tub/shower, & a walk-in closet. Enjoy the tranquil backyard boasting a covered patio, mature trees, artificial turf, & well-laid pavers! This home is in the Peoria School District. Here's your opportunity to own a beautiful home & enjoy all the amenities Rio Sierra at Cross River community has to offer; such as playgrounds, basketball court, tennis courts, ramadas, soccer fields, picnic tables, barbeques, sand volleyball and large open areas. Close proximity to 303 freeway access, 20 minutes to shopping, dining, entertainment, health care, and beautiful Lake Pleasant Regional Park.
