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.

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:

2. 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 1^st quarter of 2017:

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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3935 E Rockwood Drive Phoenix, AZ 85050

$575,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,924 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772320

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home! This beautifully maintained property features a bright and spacious layout, perfect for relaxation and entertaining. The heart of the home is the modern kitchen. Boasting sleek countertops, updated appliances, and ample cabinetry, it is a chef's delight. Step outside to your private backyard oasis, perfect for outdoor fun or quiet evenings under the stars. This backyard has everyting you need equipped with a covered patio, patio deck, and above-ground spa. Conveniently near the 51 and 101 freeways, you'll be just moments away from a variety of shopping and dining options at either Desert Ridge mall or the newly renovated PV mall. This home truly has it all! Don't miss your chance to experience the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. See it today!

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1635 E Claremont Street Phoenix, AZ 85016

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,792 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769469

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This 3 bedroom and 2 bath Central Phoenix home has nearly 1800 square feet and offers incredible potential for renovations or updates and is priced accordingly. The spacious layout can accommodate various living arrangements or modernizing to fit your style. Look at this huge quarter acre lot waiting to be transformed into your dream yard! Conveniently located within walking distance to local coffee shops, exceptional restaurants, and vibrant bars, you'll also be just minutes away from hiking at Piestawa Peak and exploring the Biltmore and Camelback Marketplace. Plus, it's situated in the highly regarded Madison School District. Just imagine the possibilities. Don't let this on slip away!

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1607 W Shangri La Road Phoenix, AZ 85029

$575,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,073 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771002

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful 4 bedroom 3 bathroom home with a detached 4 car garage. 2 dwellings attached with 2 separate entrances. Total square footage of both dwellings is 2073. Guest home is 853sqft. Guest home is 1 bedroom with 1 bathroom and its own kitchen. Main home offers large laundry room/storage room, open eat in kitchen. Main living area has vaulted ceilings. Home has both an A/C , Heat and Evaporative system. 4 car detached garage is 30x21 with a front and back garage door and extra concrete in front and rear. Garage slab was poured extra thick for a car lift. Garage does have water, power, sewer, vacuum and cooling system. Property is completely fenced in on large corner lot. No HOA with amazing mountain views and hiking trails. Single family home but zoned for multi family use. Zoned R3.

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16733 E Duane Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,512 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6773011

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover your perfect retreat in the serene Rio Verde Foothills! This stunning home offers mountain views and the freedom of no HOA. The open floor plan features a beautiful kitchen with granite countertops and ceramic wood-style tile flooring, adding warmth to every space. The expansive backyard, complete with an RV gate and power hookup, is a blank canvas for outdoor projects or relaxation. Customize the property to fit your lifestyle. Nestled in a peaceful location with access to nearby amenities, this home blends style, practicality, and tranquility. Have no worries as this great home is signed up with EPCOR! You won't want to miss this home!

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1411 N Overfield Road Casa Grande, AZ 85194

New

$575,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,000 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765465

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Home on approx 1/2 acre $575,000, Home with 1 acre pasture, $650,000 LOT SPLIT IN ESCROW Seller will provide water from well located on the adjacent property.

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2292 S 155th Lane Goodyear, AZ 85338

$575,000

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,169 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6741299

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Spectacular, totally move-in ready home! Every box will be checked, beginning with the amazing location! Be close to shopping, dining, schools and access to freeways! Being close to Goodyear Ballpark makes Spring Training easy to enjoy, too! Next box to check is this great floorplan! The large foyer and very impressive stairway to the second floor is only the beginning! This floorplan offers the ability to live on the main floor, beginning with the primary suite, featuring a large walk-in closet and newly remodeled bath! Also on the main floor is the large living room/den and a spacious dining room, accented with dentil molding. The upscale eat-in chef's kitchen, with high-end appliances, beautiful granite on the large island with breakfast bar, and the adjoining family room brings everyone together in the heart of the home! But wait, there is more.... Upstairs, you will find 4 additional bedrooms, 2 full baths and a huge bonus/media/game room! To top it all off, the resort-style backyard, with built-in BBQ, fridge, sink and cooktop, heated saltwater pool with waterslide and waterfall, and the heated spa, is your own private oasis! Be settled for the holidays! Freshly painted and new carpet in all bedrooms, you can move in and enjoy!! A quick close is possible!!

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7738 S Reseda Street Gilbert, AZ 85298

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,731 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6772285

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Looking for the perfect backyard oasis - look no further! This stunning 3-bedroom, 2-full bathroom home is located in the highly sought after Adora Trails neighborhood with MOUNTAIN VIEWS. As you step inside you will be greeted by an OPEN FLOORPLAN with high ceilings, wood look tile flooring and custom feature walls. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, featuring modern appliances and custom cabinetry, ideal for entertaining and family gatherings. This beautifully upgraded home is the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor living with an oversized slider patio door leading to an entertainer's dream backyard, featuring a HEATED and COOLED SALTWATER POOL, large turf area and built-in OUTDOOR KITCHEN. The Adora Trails community has much to offer with a heated COMMUNITY POOL, community lake, clubhouse, FITNESS CENTER, miles of walking TRAILS, green space, and multiple PARKS!

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3849 S Vineyard Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85297

$575,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,474 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6750289

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in the highly coveted Power Ranch community! This stunning residence has been freshly painted throughout, offering a crisp, modern aesthetic. The kitchen is a chef's delight, featuring elegant granite countertops, stylish cabinetry, and sleek stainless steel appliances. It seamlessly flows into the expansive great room, where you'll enjoy views of the beautifully landscaped, low-maintenance backyard. Upstairs, you'll find a serene primary bedroom complete with a luxurious full bath and a spacious walk-in closet. The second level also includes three additional bedrooms and a versatile loft area, perfect for a home office or playroom. Step outside to discover your private oasis—a backyard designed for effortless entertaining with its attractive pavers and inviting fire pit. This home is move-in ready and absolutely gorgeous, making it the perfect choice for your next chapter.

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13809 N Woodside Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$575,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,451 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6762705

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your beautiful desert retreat, backing to the preserve for total privacy and mountain and city light views! Walking distance to Fountain Hills Park & World Famous Fountain! Open floor plan with spacious great room. Sliding glass door and big windows in the great room fill the home with natural light. Eat- in kitchen with breakfast nook. Primary suite with slider to backyard, walk-in shower, and walk-in closet. Low maintenance backyard with covered patio, built-in BBQ, and gorgeous custom stone water feature overlooking the serene desert view. Enjoy the community pool & spa as well as the convenient location close to trails, shopping, golf, dining, and more. Be sure to check out this beautiful winter retreat!

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13233 N 1st Place Phoenix, AZ 85022

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,730 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6758241

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

WELCOME HOME FRIENDS!!! TAKE A LOOK AT THIS BEAUTIFULLY REMODELED MOVE IN READY HOME! PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP IS SEEN THROUGHOUT! FALL IN LOVE WITH THE OPEN CONCEPT FLOOR PLAN, VINYL PLANK FLOORING, NEW KITCHEN CABINETS, QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS THROUGHOUT, TILED SHOWERS IN BOTH BATHROOMS, FRESH INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINT, WOOD BURNING FIREPLACE, SPACIOUS BEDROOMS, LOW MAINTENANCE FRONT & BACKYARD, LARGE COVERED PAVERED PATIO, RV GATE, OVERSIZED LOT & EXTERIOR BUILT IN FIREPLACE! BEING CENTRALLY LOCATED, MAKE A NIGHT ON THE TOWN SEAMLESS! ENJOY HIKING IN THE WINTER MONTHS? SOME OF PHOENIX'S TOP HIKING TRAILS ARE MINUTES AWAY! DID I MENTION THERE'S NO HOA??? THIS HOME SHOWS LIKE A MODEL & IS A MUST SEE! YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!

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14656 W Corrine Drive Surprise, AZ 85379

$575,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,506 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6761008

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Absolutely perfect home in Marley Park II! IMMACULATELY maintained and HIGHLY upgraded 3 bed/2.5 bath home, split floor plan, half bath for visitors, butlers pantry with sink and large walk in pantry, quartz counter tops, soft close cabinets with pull outs and drawers, extended cabinets and counter tops in Kitchen, large double slide arcadia door that lets beautiful natural light in, OWNED Soft Water system, RO System, Tray ceilings in entry and Owner's suite, pendant lights above island, built in bookcase/shelving in Den/Dining room, Owner's entrance to Laundry Room with sink and cabinets, key drop by entry of garage door, highly sought after 3rd car garage, epoxy flooring in garage, custom multi colored eave lighting, exquisite landscaped back yard with extended patio, pavered driveway with pavers up to zero entry front door, pavered walk ways on both sides of home and gates on both side as well for easy access around home, eave lighting/Irrigation timer/garage door openers/ring/yard lighting are all on apps and automated, home designed with almost everything in mind and not a dollar spared, too much to list, ask your agent for an upgrades list, this truly is a must see.

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43298 W Desert Fairways Drive Maricopa, AZ 85138

$575,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,862 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6761031

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this immaculate home located on the prestigious Duke Golf Course, offering breathtaking views and luxurious living. The oversized resort-style backyard is a true entertainer's dream, featuring a sparkling pool, a putting green for the golf enthusiast, an RV gate, and two expansive side yards. With OWNED SOLAR, you'll enjoy year-round energy savings, making the most of Arizona's abundant sunshine.The gourmet kitchen boasts beautiful granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and ample space for any home chef to enjoy. The spacious primary bedroom offers an elegant ensuite bathroom, creating a private and luxurious retreat. There's also a dedicated office space that can serve multiple purposes, from a home office to a hobby room. This home perfectly blends comfort & style.

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