Home Mortgages: Rates Up, Requirements Easing

The media has extensively covered the rise in mortgage interest rates since last fall (from 3.42% last September to the current 4.1% according to Freddie Mac). However, a less covered aspect of the mortgage market is that requirements to get a mortgage have eased while rates have risen.

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) quantifies the availability of mortgage credit each month with their Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI). According to the MBA, the MCAI is:

“A summary measure which indicates the availability of mortgage credit at a point in time.”

The higher the index, the easier it is to get a mortgage. Here is a chart showing the MCAI over the last several months as rates have increased.

Home Mortgages: Rates Up, Requirements Easing | Simplifying The Market

Have requirements for attaining a mortgage actually eased?

Yes. Here are two examples:

  1. FICO® Score – the credit score which helps determine a buyer’s eligibility. The score required to attain a mortgage has been falling over the last five months:

Home Mortgages: Rates Up, Requirements Easing | Simplifying The Market

  1. Down Payment Requirement – the percentage of the purchase price necessary to place as a down payment on a home. To make this point, let’s look at the percentage of first-time buyers who have put less than 5% down over the last several years as compared to the 1st quarter of 2017:

Home Mortgages: Rates Up, Requirements Easing | Simplifying The Market

Bottom Line

Whether you are a current homeowner looking to move to a home that will better serve your family’s current needs, or a first-time buyer looking for a starter home, it is easier to get a mortgage today than it has been at any other time in the last ten years.  Even if you’re just curious what you will qualify for give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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8310 E Glenrosa Avenue Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$665,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
1,647 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6746177
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Rare opportunity to own a 4 bed, 3 bath home near Old Town Scottsdale!! Fully remodeled kitchen shines as the heart of the home w/ shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, SS appliances, bar stool seating & recessed lighting. Gorgeous wood floors add to the warmth & charm, while black out roller shades add extra privacy & cooling effect in summer. Guest suite features a private entrance, AC, 3/4 bath, kitchenette w/ fridge, sink & cooktop - perfect to use as income producing space such as short term rental, long term rental, office, studio, gym, content studio, bedroom or more! 42' extended covered back patio! Spacious Tuff shed conveys as a workshop, gym, storage or more! Beautiful natural desert landscaping in front w/ irrigation. 5 minutes to Chaparral Park, Scottsdale Fashion Square, Scottsdale Stadium, top restaurants, endless shopping & 101 freeway! 20 minutes to Sky Harbor. Hiking abounds at nearby spots such as Camelback Mountain, Pacana Park, McDowell Mountain.

1803 E Dava Drive Tempe, AZ 85283

$665,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,245 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6741645
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful Cul-de-sac Tempe home located in a lake community. This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home with a loft is immaculate and move in ready! Many recent upgrades and Vaulted ceilings, plantation shutters and neutral ceramic tile flooring in the right places. The large kitchen includes granite counters, island and ss appliances. All 3 bedrooms and a large loft are located upstairs. The primary bedroom features a fully updated showstopper of bathroom including custom barn doors and a walk-in closet equipped with custom cabinetry. Resort style backyard is a dream, and features include an Aluma wood covered patio, high-end travertine that carries out to surround the sparkling Pebble Tec pool with a custom water feature and new equipment. Lastly take a stroll around the community lake a few steps away from the home. Short list of updates: New HVAC in 2022 New kitchen appliances in 2022 New exterior paint in 2022 Remodeled backyard in 2020 including pool resurface, expansion of pergola and custom travertine. All windows including slider replaced in 2020 with Anderson Windows Interior bathrooms fully remodeled in 2019

1956 W Black Hill Road Phoenix, AZ 85085

$665,000
5 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,648 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6745313
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The search is finally over! Discover this gorgeous 5-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence, complete with a 3-car garage and meticulously maintained front yard. Inside, the living room boasts high ceilings, a soothing palette, blinds for privacy, and stylish wood-look flooring. The great room features a cozy fireplace for relaxing evenings. The gourmet kitchen comes with granite counters, abundant white cabinetry with crown moulding, pendant/recessed lighting, SS appliances, a tile backsplash, a walk-in pantry, a center island, and a peninsula with a breakfast bar. Upstairs, the sizeable loft offers additional living space, ideal for a family room or play area. The main bedroom includes soft carpeting, walk-in closets, and an ensuite with dual sinks. Outside, the expansive backyard showcases a covered patio, a charming ramada, elegant pavers, a built-in BBQ, and a well-kept lawn, and breathtaking mountain view. Amazing community center has kids play pool, lap pool, climbing wall, gym, and more! This gem will sell fast!

2939 E Ludlow Drive Phoenix, AZ 85032

$665,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,320 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6754479
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!! This beautiful home is perfectly positioned within walking distance of the scenic preserve and Shadow Mountain and offers both convenience and nature at your doorstep. Step inside to discover sleek tile flooring on the main level and in every bathroom. Each of the four generously sized bedrooms boasts vaulted ceilings and ceiling fans, offering comfort and style. Plantation shutters throughout add charm and functionality. The inviting family room, complete with a cozy fireplace, flows seamlessly into the open kitchen, making it perfect for gatherings. French doors lead you to a serene backyard oasis, where a variety of fruit trees await, offering both shade and sweetness to your outdoor space. Located within minutes of top-rated schools, hiking, shopping, restaurants, major highways, and the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, this is the house that's waiting for you.

639 W Port Royale Lane Phoenix, AZ 85023

$665,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,823 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6754356
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
SPACIOUS home located in MOON Valley area, SUNSET NORTH, CUL DE SAC LOT, featuring 4 bedroom 2.5 baths, spacious living room with soaring VOLUME CEILINGS, breath taking stone fireplace, wet bar, spacious loft/family room area, with terrace, All rooms are on ground level except one bedroom and loft room arear. wood & ceramic flooring in living areas, nice spacious kitchen with GARNITE COUNTER TOPS, wet bar, home backs to common area, COMMUNITY POOL,, Convenient to major shopping restaurants, schools, and down town stadiums, theaters.

15835 W Desert Mirage Drive Surprise, AZ 85379

$665,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,905 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6754114
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this stunning 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home, with 3 spacious loft areas and an array of luxurious features. Step inside to find gorgeous tile flooring throughout the entire first floor, soaring ceilings, elegant light fixtures and ceiling fans, and a cozy fireplace perfect for relaxation. The primary bedroom is conveniently located downstairs includes an updated en-suite bathroom and huge closet. The kitchen is spacious and features stainless steel appliances, cooktop, micro/oven, ample cabinet and countertop space and a large center island, perfect for entertaining. Upstairs enjoy new carpeting throughout entire 2nd floor, and enjoy the 3 spacious loft areas, the balcony offers a picturesque view of the backyard, grass and pool area. Hidden Room, see if you can find it?

7244 E Olla Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$665,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,913 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6766648
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This inviting 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom, 2-story home is nestled in a sought-after community and offers an impressive 2,913 sq ft of spacious living. The home features a family room and loft, with sleek wood-like tile flooring throughout. High ceilings and huge windows makes the home airy and bright. The kitchen is equipped with a pantry, granite countertops, elegant wood cabinets, and an eat-in area, perfect for everyday meals and entertaining. Step outside to the covered patio, where you'll find a low-maintenance backyard with a sparkling huge salt water pool, pavers, and artificial grass. The community offers walking paths, a playground, and more, making this home a fantastic place to cultivate your dream home!

3221 W Galvin Street Phoenix, AZ 85086

$665,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,958 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6762416
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
HUGE PRICE CUT,HUGE PRICE CUT.REMODELED HOUSE.check this beautiful home located in Tramonto subdivision. Sitting on a desirable corner lot that overlook a huge park, this house features 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. The first floor offers an open floor plan with an office/den, spacious living room, and a large kitchen with an oversized island, granite countertops, new flooring all over the house, and remodeled bathrooms with large pantry.Outside the extended covered patio overlooks a sparkling pool with water feature, surrounded by four mature citrus trees. Home has a PAID OFF SOLAR SYSTEM accompanied by a backup battery optimized to keep your utilities low during the hot summer months.Close proximity to schools, parks, shopping, and dining.photo to be uploaded soon.very motivated seller

6432 E Aire Libre Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$665,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,634 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6767088
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Fantastic 3-bed, 2-bath home with NEW UPGRADES! A 2-car garage, desert landscape, RV gate, & a cozy front patio are just the beginning. The highly updated interior features new blinds, new light fixtures, new smoke detectors, new ceramic tile in common areas, and new plush carpet in bedrooms. You'll love the separate living & family rooms! The impressive kitchen boasts new quartz counters, new garbage disposal, new recessed lighting, and updated cabinetry. Main bedroom has an ensuite with a tiled shower, a walk-in closet, & outdoor access. PLUS! The bathrooms have been updated as well with new quartz countertops, cabinets, faucets, toilets, & lighting. Outback, you have a covered patio, lush lawn, & a storage shed. Freshly painted inside & out, along with the block fencing! Move-in ready

4083 S San Carlos Drive Globe, AZ 85501

$665,000
4 Beds
4 Baths
3,934 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6771870
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This immaculate 4 bedroom 3 1/2 bath home sits on almost two acres with spectacular 360 views. There is plenty of space for entertaining in the formal living room, den with a wood burning fireplace, bonus room and formal dining room. Enjoy the beautiful manicured yard with mature fruit trees and relaxing outdoor patio. This home brings the outside in with three atriums and skylights throughout the house. The stainless steel appliances in the kitchen are newer and both heating/cooling units have been replaced in the last 6 months. There are double pane windows throughout the house for natural light and energy efficiency. Every inch of this elegant home has been lovingly maintained. Seller is offering an $8000 flooring allowance to buyer

1133 W Courtney Lane Tempe, AZ 85284

$665,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,055 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776439
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Wow! Sierra Tempe single level, 4 bedroom, air conditioned 3 car garage with resort backyard. Backyard includes pebble tech pool with grotto and spa, fireplace and built-in BBQ. Inside you will find full kitchen remodel with stacked cherry cabinets, granite counters, Bosch dishwasher and built-in microwave. Upgraded tile floors throughout entire home and soaring ceilings. Upgraded fixtures, fans, lighting and plantation shutters. Large master bedroom with fully remodeled bath, huge walk-in shower and large custom classy closet. Roof replaced in 2014, Owned solar, interior paint November 2024. 3 car garage has attic access and separate exit. Amazing location near Kyrene schools, shopping and freeway access. This Tempe home and location is perfect!

3031 E Cholla Street Phoenix, AZ 85028

$665,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,752 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6779331
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Stunning recent remodeled home with an elegant kitchen featuring Calacatta Quartz counters, gas range & oven, self closing cabinets with pull out drawers, extensive white tile backsplash and peninsula island. All new luxury vinyl plank flooring and the Master bath was completely remodeled this year. An interior wall was removed to create an open floorplan rarely seen in this neighborhood. Don't miss the secluded small office for a quiet area for work or phone calls. The spacious rear yard features an updated pool with a new pump, large covered patio and grass yard. Energy efficient with newer dual pane windows and complete new attic insulation. The electric panel has all new breakers. The area sells itself with proximity to the freeway and local restaurant favorites. NO HOA

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