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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21207 E Domingo Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$599,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,188 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769045
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream home in Nauvoo Station! Has SOLAR!! This meticulously maintained 4-bedroom residence offers a spacious, open-concept design with surround sound in the great room, elegant tile flooring, plush carpet in select areas, and modern light fixtures throughout. The chef's kitchen features pristine white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, a pantry, and a large island with a breakfast bar, perfect for casual dining or entertaining. The primary suite includes a generous walk-in closet and a beautifully updated en-suite with dual sinks. Outside, enjoy the serene backyard with a putting green, lush lawn, and private pool, ideal for outdoor relaxation. This home is a true gem—don't miss your chance to make it yours!

2560 N Lindsay Road Unit 66 Mesa, AZ 85213

$599,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,151 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6763255
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
SELLER IS OFFERING BUYER CONCESSIONS with a competitive offer!! This beautifully remodeled 4-bed, 3-bath home in Mesa is a must-see! Designed by the renowned Maverick Design, the home boasts modern elegance throughout. The primary bathroom is a true showstopper with a brand-new floor-to-ceiling tiled walk-in shower, featuring double shower heads for a spa-like experience. The spacious kitchen is perfect for the home chef, complete with new stainless steel appliances and stunning granite countertops. Downstairs, the finished basement offers a private retreat with its own bedroom and full bathroom. The home is outfitted with new luxury vinyl floors and upgraded baseboards, adding a touch of sophistication. Two brand-new HVAC systems ensure year-round comfort!!

2783 E Tulsa Street Chandler, AZ 85225

$599,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,913 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6737708
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
PRICE IS MORE THAN $20,000 UNDER RECENT APPRAISAL!! Tour this gorgeous, RECENTLY RENOVATED, SINGLE STORY Chandler home today! Nestled directly between Downtown Gilbert & Downtown Chandler (less than 10 minutes to each), you'll be surrounded by endless dining & shopping options, plus almost-daily local events & activities~ This home was remodeled with entertainment in mind, boasting a thoughtfully designed layout w/a TRUE SPLIT FLOOR PLAN, featuring 3 BEDROOMS, including a LARGE PRIMARY SUITE w/a direct access to the backyard, an UPDATED ENSUITE BATHROOM & SPACIOUS PRIMARY CLOSET~ 2 large guest bedrooms complete the home, w/one showcasing a CUSTOM SHIPLAP WALL & the other featuring added BOOKSHELF STORAGE~ The home offers 2 FULLY UPDATED BATHROOMS, including a RENOVATED MASTER BATHROOM with a CUSTOM GLASS SHOWER with RAINFALL SHOWER HEAD, and a FREESTANDING TUB~The UPDATED KITCHEN features a SOLID STONE ISLAND that opens to the living space, HIGH-END APPLIANCES like a 5-BURNER KITCHENAID OVEN and a MONOGRAM MINI DRINK FRIDGE, plus a BREAKFAST NOOK with shutters overlooking the beautifully landscaped backyard~ Open the SLIDING GLASS DOORS from your living room, and an entertainer's LUXURY BACKYARD awaits, with a partially covered patio equipped with an OUTDOOR HEATER for all-season enjoyment~ Invite your friends over for backyard movie nights with an OUTDOOR MOVIE SCREEN and PROJECTOR. Backyard also features over 800 SQ FT OF PAVER PATIO AND WALKWAYS with lighting, over 350 SQ FT OF ARTIFICIAL TURF, IRRIGATED GARDEN BEDS, MATURE TREES, and NATIVE PLANTS, with NO NEIGHBORS BEHIND for added PRIVACY~ Additional highlights of the home include CEILING FANS in all rooms, an open layout with unobstructed views from the kitchen to the living and dining areas (or flex space), DUAL-PANE WINDOWS with CUSTOM SHUTTERS opening to the backyard, front yard, and side yards~ The home boasts HIGH-END PORCELAIN WIDE-PLANK WOOD FLOORS, along with a NEMA 14-50 plug for EV CHARGING in the garage, a TANKLESS WATER HEATER, AUTOMATIC GARAGE DOOR OPENERS, a WATER SOFTENER, and a freshly REPAINTED EXTERIOR in 2024 (5-YEAR WARRANTY)~ Further improvements in 2024 include home being COMPLETELY REWIRED to be brought up to current safety standards, AIR DUCT CLEANING, and installation of an AIR PURIFIER and SCRUBBER for optimal indoor air quality~ The neighborhood is surrounded by FOUR LARGE PARKS and green spaces, with a playground right across the street~ Conveniently located less than a mile from Fry's Food & Drug, you're also just minutes from Trader Joe's, Target, Whole Foods, Sprouts, and other popular grocery options~ SAN TAN VILLAGE MALL is approximately a 7-minute drive~ Part of the CHANDLER SCHOOL DISTRICT, this home is only two blocks from CHANDLER TRADITIONAL ACADEMY - LIBERTY CAMPUS, with easy access to Gilbert, AZ, across the intersection~ This exceptional property offers an unbeatable location, thoughtful upgrades, and a welcoming atmosphere!

4055 N Smithsonian Drive Florence, AZ 85132

$599,900
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,385 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6765379
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
AMAZING LOT, AMAZING HOME! Enjoy the affordable luxury and RESORT STYLE LIVING with this remarkable ''Journey'' model. Located on a spectacular PREMIUM WASH LOT with an abundance of outdoor entertaining space that offers an extended paver patio, gas fire-pit, built-in BBQ, hot tub, pergola and BEAUTIFUL DESERT VIEWS. Every detail has been masterfully added for your consideration starting with the chefs kitchen cabinet layout w/granite counter tops, roll-out trays, soft close drawers, stainless appliances w/ newer Bosch dishwasher and fridge, RO system and water softener. Enjoy the butlers pantry w/beverage cooler, entertainment/media center, surround sound, custom closet in primary, gorgeous wood flooring, golf cart garage, A/C in garage w/additional outlets and a 4ft garage extension. You can't build this home on this LOT, with all these UPGRADES and OPTIONS at this PRICE. STUNNING HOME THAT NEEDS TO BE SEEN TO APPRECIATE! Merrill Ranch also offers the Anthem Grille, The Poston Butte Golf Club, a learning center and all the festivities, activities and amenities a Sun City community has to offer. Remember you are buying a lifestyle that goes beyond the homes property lines.

18578 E Pine Barrens Avenue Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$599,900
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,931 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6765313
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this spacious and inviting 2,931 sf single-level home in popular Sossaman Estates, ideally located at the Gilbert/Queen Creek border! Designed with a modern open floorplan and 10 ft ceilings, this home offers comfort and plenty of space for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen is ready for every chef's needs, featuring double wall ovens, a prep island with cooktop and breakfast bar, ample counter space, and plenty of cabinets. A bright breakfast nook with bay windows, an extra-large dining area, and a butler's pantry with built-in wine racks add even more charm and functionality. French doors from the living room open up to a sizable backyard complete with a covered patio, pergola, and mature trees. Side yards offer potential for an RV gate and additional storage space. The spacious primary suite provides a relaxing retreat with two walk-in closets, access to the backyard, a garden tub, a large shower, and dual vanities. Additional highlights include three well-sized bedrooms, a versatile bonus room, and built-in workstations perfect for work-from-home or study areas. The large laundry room with folding counter and plenty of storage space adds convenience. Set on almost 1/3 acre on a corner lot, there's a 2-car garage and slab parking for up to four vehicles, ideal for families and gatherings. This home's location is a dream, with easy access to greenbelts, walking trails, shopping, dining, schools, and the 202 freeway. As an estate sale, it's priced generously under market value for potential instant equity! Recent updates include: *NEW BLINDS: In Kitchen, Dining Area, Living Room, Master Bedroom, & Bedroom 4. *PLUMBING: NEW Water Softener. Water Lines Flushed. New Valves/Cartridges in Kitchen, Bathrooms, Laundry Room, & Hose Bibs. Repaired Toilet/Shower Head Leaks. *ROOF: Repaired Cracked/Slipped Roof Tiles/Mortar Caps. *HVAC: NEW Condensers w/10 yr warranty. *MISC: Repaired Bathroom Fans & Sink Stops. Secured Toilet Tank, Kitchen Cabinet & Door Thresholds.

2427 E Marmora Street Phoenix, AZ 85032

$599,900
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,249 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772891
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Rare opportunity to own a remodeled 5 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom home, Mountain Views in North Phoenix. OWNED SOLAR!! Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring throughout, gorgeous high end kitchen, fireplace, remodeled bathrooms with the latest styles! Excellent open concept main living room, spacious primary suite, and your bonus ''Arizona'' room has endless possibilities. Low maintenance backyard featuring turf and a great amount of patio space. 3 Brand new HVAC & Electrical Panel! Just a short walk to schools, mountain preserves, 51 freeway, and a few miles to the new reimagined PV in Phoenix.

19781 W Exeter Boulevard Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$599,900
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,129 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6714581
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
PAID OFF SOLAR AT COE!!! When Minimalist meets Elegance, It Truly does not get better than this! Feast your eyes on this Toll Brothers Beauty located in the Famous Verrado Community! This home boasts 3 generous bedrooms, a spacious Den/Office enclosed by STUNNING $20,000 Custom Steel Partition doors and 2.5 Bathrooms! The great room is welcomed by tons of natural light, but can be darkened with beautiful White Blackout Shades! The Top of the Line Chef's Gourmet Package features KitchenAid Appliances with a Large Hood and In-Island Drawer Microwave! Pristine Hydro Water Filtration System and Soap Dispenser accompany the Kitchen Sink! Beautiful Mosaic Tile backsplash catches your eye immediately! Master Bedroom suite is very roomy with dual vanity, walk in shower and Large Walk in Closet. You have NEVER seen a yard like this! The Definition of ZEN. The Custom White Stuccoed Enclosed yard features a wide variety of fruits and veggies, no more grocery shopping for your produce! The self sufficient yard includes Fruit trees including 5 mango varieties, avocado, pomegranate, peaches, lemons, limes, oranges, grape vines, bananas, Jamaican cherries!! But it doesn't stop there! It also has 2 custom raised garden beds with automatic irrigation. Currently growing brandywine tomatoes, beans, cabbage, thyme, mint, rosemary, collards, zucchini, cucumber and Carrots! WOW! Both garages are fully epoxied, the 2 car garage has an Electric Car Charger and the Single Car Garage has a Split AC Unit as well as Spray Foam insulation to keep it cool to be used as an additional work space! The entire home is equipped with a Full Filtration system including a Water Carbon Filter and Water Softener System!

6708 E Juniper Avenue Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$599,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,428 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6780389
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Experience the charm and elegance of North Scottsdale in this beautifully remodeled home, nestled in a highly sought-after neighborhood. This property boasts a prime location, providing convenient access to major freeways, an array of shopping options, and exquisite dining experiences. The thoughtful renovations enhance both style and comfort, making it the perfect retreat for relaxation or entertaining guests. Enjoy the vibrant lifestyle that North Scottsdale has to offer, where outdoor adventures and cultural experiences are just moments away. Don't miss the opportunity to make this stunning home your own!

721 E State Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85020

$599,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,490 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6734998
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Adorable updated North Central Charmer in the highly desirable Northwood neighborhood. Cute as a button, lovingly restored and refreshed. HUGE green irrigated lot with abundant room for pool, hardscape or addition for more square footage. Updates include new windows, new electrical panel and outlets, full kitchen and baths, interior and exterior paint, new laminate wood flooring. Please see supplement in document tap for full list. Highly desired Madison School district, within walking distance to Madison Simis. Conveniently located in the North Central corridor~ a quick walk or bike ride to Lucy's at the Orchard, Murphy Bridal Path, Uptown Farmers Market and many new restaurants. Minutes from downtown and easy access to freeways. A true move in ready gem ready for you to call hom New interior and exterior paint New flooring throughout New windows (except front grid window) New baseboards Fully remodeled kitchen cabinets, countertops, plumbing, appliances Fully remodeled bathrooms including plumbing Updated cabinet hardware throughout Added laundry room storage cabinets New exterior primary bedroom door New closet racks and shelving New ceiling fans + light fixtures Updated electrical panel New electrical at outlets Front exterior planter Updated irrigation leveling New exterior patio paint New patio fan, electrical outlets New exterior lighting

25031 S Desert Flower Court Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$599,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,883 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6750998
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
LOVELY residence in the private, GATED COMMUNITY of Oakwood. FIRST IMPRESSEIONS wrought iron front door greets you as you step into this REMODELED beauty! Gorgeous high-end STONECREEK, soft close, DOVETAIL kitchen cabinets w/GLASS doors, STUNNING QUARTZ countertops, sleek SUBWAY TILE backsplash & PORCELAIN APRON FARM sink. Tons of NATURAL light & PLANTATION SHUTTERS, neutral paint, spacious primary bdrm, lovely walk-in shower w/PEBBLE STONE accents & CUSTOM vanity cabinets. Hall bath also tastefully UPDATED! Huge laundry rm w/tons of storage & countertops. Private backyard w/LUSH landscape & real grass! PAVERED walkway & driveway. NEWER HVAC 2018, newer EXTERIOR paint 2022, newer water heater & patio ROOF 2023. This 40 & over ACTIVE ADULT community has tons of AMENITIES,clubs, events!

2234 E Donald Drive Phoenix, AZ 85024

$599,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,675 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6771942
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautifully upgraded 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in the desirable Redhawk community. This home offers an expansive open floor plan perfect for family and guests. Enjoy luxurious features like upgraded tile flooring, granite countertops, and new AC units (installed in 2022). Relax in the cozy family room by the fireplace, which opens to the kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances. The open backyard features a sparkling pool with upgraded landscape lighting, making it an entertainer's dream. The home also boasts low-maintenance artificial turf in all the right places. With a double-car garage and an expanded paved driveway, there's plenty of parking. Don't miss this opportunity to call this stunning home your own!

3622 E Columbine Drive Phoenix, AZ 85032

$599,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,098 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6772794
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful Slump Block Ranch home in Roadrunner Estates. Corner Lot and elevated! This lovely home is just waiting for it's new owners to create endless memories. The home has been freshly painted inside and out, and also boasts a new roof and newer A/C and newer dual pane windows and a 2 car garage. Open layout that offers endless possibilities and offers great living spaces. Can you say location? The location is steps away from Roadrunner park and just minutes away from the new reimagined PV Mall Development that will offer so many options for dining and shopping. Whole Foods, Lifetime and Flower Child just to name a few. Imagine walking to the famers market on Saturday or just biking around the park or feeding the ducks at the pond. Relaxing backyard and desert front & home is Turn-Key!

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