Tips for Getting a Mortgage in Arizona

The best interest rates are available to those with strong credit profiles who manage their monthly debts well. Here are some steps Arizona homebuyers should take to improve their creditworthiness before applying for a mortgage:

• Check credit reports for errors and dispute any you find.

• Pay down outstanding debt and make all payments on time.

• Avoid making major purchases or closing any credit card accounts.

Homebuyers with annual incomes below $126,351 may also be eligible for the Home Plus Program, offered through the Arizona Industrial Development Authority. The program, which is available to income-eligible borrowers with credit scores of at least 680 for its conventional loans, provides down payment assistance and an affordable 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage.

5 DIY Improvements to Make Your Home Classier

Updating your home to be more chic - without looking cheap - is completely doable on a budget.

If you're looking to add more class to your home, taking on a DIY project can give your house that extra sense of style while saving you money. No need to cringe at those three little words: "do it yourself." There really are fast, easy and affordable projects you can do on your own. Here are five relatively easy ways to enhance your home.

1. Replace Your Light Fixtures
Switching out an old or basic light fixture for a more elegant one is an easy way to shift the ambiance of a room. By adding a sophisticated light fixture, you can control the intensity of the light and character of your room. And you don't need to pay a pretty penny for expensive new fixtures - you can buy used fixtures online.

2. Add Floating Shelves
Installing floating shelves in your home combines the functionality of extra storage space with a bit of style and personal flair. Floating shelves can be mounted on walls in many different patterns, and they come in various materials to give your rooms a unique touch. For a small room choose shallow shelves to display framed photos; for a larger room you can afford to use deeper shelves to hold vases, books and unique trinkets.

3. Paint an Accent Wall
Painting an accent wall can add a pop of color and showcase your personality. Usually a low-risk project, a homeowner of any skill level can tackle this project in a day. You just need some painter's tape, a brush and the color that suits you! Just make sure the color you choose is complementary with the other colors in the room. Stay consistent between warm and cool tones.

4. Install Decorative Molding
Adding decorative molding around your home can add an extra touch of elegance. Install molding to the ceiling by capping walls, columns and cabinets, or add chair molding lower to the ground. With detailed molding you can add character to your rooms while also making them feel taller and more finished.

5. Build a Stone Fire Pit

Take your sophisticated style outside by building a stone fire pit in your backyard. Completed in only a few hours, take uniquely shaped rocks or large stones and put them together to create a functional and stylish fire pit. Before starting the project, be sure to check your local fire codes or homeowners association to ensure you are safe and allowed to start building.

Adding a touch of class to your home doesn't have to break the bank! Just be sure to start with one project at a time, allowing yourself to complete one before starting the next. Otherwise, you'll fall victim to chronic project incompleteness syndrome - not a good look!

Now that you know about these five inexpensive DIY projects, which will you try?

HOW TO GET TO KNOW YOUR NEW NEIGHBORHOOD...

Buying a home often means you may have to learn about new surroundings. Whether you're trying to learn about an area before you make the move or you've finished unpacking your boxes and you're ready to get to know your new community, you can use these tips to learn about a new neighborhood.

Take a Walk. One of the best ways to get to know a neighborhood is to explore it on your own two feet. A walk can tell you more about a neighborhood than what online pictures and maps show. It also gives you the chance to immerse yourself in the neighborhood and learn more about it.

Talk to People. The people who live in a neighborhood are a big part of what makes it a community. If you have friends or family who live in the area, ask them what they like and don't like about where they live. If you're moving to a completely new area, look for public Facebook groups or community pages where people can help answer your questions.

Check Out the Local Shops. Pretty much every community has national chain stores, but the local shops are what really make neighborhoods unique. Visiting local businesses is a great way to engage with people who live in the area and help support the community at the same time.

Practice Your Commute. Your commute is an important part of your daily life. You'll want to know the easiest way to commute to work and how long it will take. The best way to find out this information is to practice your commute - ideally, during the time you would normally be making this trip.

Once you've done your research and found the perfect neighborhood, reach out to a real estate professional who can help you find the right home.