If you’re just jumping into the game of home purchasing, you are likely considering all of your loan options and may even have heard the term mortgage rate lock. For those who don’t like to gamble, a mortgage rate lock can offer a bit of reassurance, but there are also some downsides to this type of protection. Before signing off on this, here are the details on rate locks so you can make an informed decision.
What Is A Rate Lock?
For many people who are buying a home in such a tumultuous market, the idea of interest rates can make the heart race a little faster, but this is the purpose of rate locks which offer consistency in a market in flux.
Instead of having to deal with day-to-day fluctuations of the rate which increases or decreases what you owe a rate lock is a lender promise that you will be held to a specific rate or your rate will not rise above a certain number.
Easy Balancing Of The Budget
The easy thing about utilizing the rate lock, especially for a buyer who is less familiar with the market, is that it will enable you to instantly determine your monthly payments based on that rate. Instead of having to pay more per month, you’ll be able to estimate exactly what your payment will be and it won’t rise above the limit you’ve set for yourself. While daily fluctuations can be a drag, a mortgage lock takes the guesswork out of the day-to-day.
The Added Cost Of Security
It might seem like a rate lock is an option that everyone would utilize, given the stability, but lenders charge for this type of offer because of the risk factor. While lenders can certainly stand to gain if your rate lock is higher than the interest rates, in the event that they rise beyond this point, they will end up losing money. So, while a 30-day rate lock may not end up costing you, this type of lock stretched over a longer period may actually end up costing you more than fluctuating rates.
If you’re not familiar with the world of investing and interest rates, a mortgage rate lock can sound like a great idea; however, there are downsides to this offer and they’re worth considering before getting locked in. If you are currently on the hunt for a home, give me a call for more information – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.
Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth
11458 E Utah Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85212
$614,990
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,474
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6787361
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to ''The Pearl,'' a stunning four-bedroom, three-bathroom farmhouse-style home featuring a guest retreat. With 10-foot ceilings and 8-foot doors, this home boasts an open, airy feel. The great room opens to a covered patio through a 4-panel center slider, perfect for indoor-outdoor living. The gourmet kitchen includes a 36-inch gas cooktop, charcoal shaker cabinets with hardware, a tile backsplash, and quartz countertops. Upgrades abound, including 6''x36'' wood-look tile in the main areas, and upgraded bathroom lighting, faucets, and fixtures. Experience luxurious living in this beautifully designed home..
865 S Oak Street
Gilbert, AZ 85233
$614,900
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,243
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6787824
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this delightful 4-bedroom residence in Raven Ranch! You're greeted by a spacious 3-car garage and a tasteful desert landscape. Discover a bright living room with high ceilings, a cool palette, plantation shutters, and wood-look flooring. The great room includes sliding door access to the backyard and ample windows for abundant natural light. Cook delicious meals in the spotless kitchen, equipped with wood cabinetry, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances, a handy pantry, and a peninsula with a breakfast bar for quick meals. The serene main bedroom offers a sitting nook, an ensuite with double sinks, and a walk-in closet. Venture out onto the backyard, complete with a covered patio, lush natural turf, and a refreshing pool. Make this gem yours today!
3043 E Rose Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85016
$614,900
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,185
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6696353
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
This charming, newly renovated 2 bed, 2 bath townhome is situated on the prestigious Biltmore golf course and offers amazing views and amenities. The kitchen opens to the family room overlooking the patio and course. The bedrooms and baths are separated offering privacy. The community offers a swimming pool, spa, guard gate and tennis court. Plenty of room for parking between the single private garage and the covered public one.
21225 W Wilshire Drive
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$614,900
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,322
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6713534
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Picture yourself enjoying the fall sunsets on your private patio next to your heated pool, perfect for entertaining family and guests, or maybe just your own quiet time This stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom gem with a den features a modern design and an open floor plan, perfect for both family life and entertaining. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's delight, boasting contemporary appliances, a large island, sleek tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and ample cabinetry. Step outside to your private oasis with a fully landscaped yard and a luxurious heated pool, perfect for year-round enjoyment. The home also offers a three-car tandem garage, solar system for energy savings, and double gates to conveniently park your toys. Nestled on a desirable corner lot, this home is an absolute must-see
3948 E Gold Mountain Avenue
San Tan Valley, AZ 85143
$614,857
4
Beds
3
Baths
3,146
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6776756
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Enchanting new home featuring designer selections, a split floor plan, and north/south exposure. Located in Bella Vista Farms, homeowners have access to their community pool and playground. The kitchen boasts a GE Executive kitchen appliance package including double ovens and a gas cooktop, there are also Delta Terra Quartz Zinc countertops and Aristokraft 42'' cabinets in Benton White. Other highlights in the home include a frameless walk-in shower at the primary suite and Vicinity White 6 x 36 Matte Wood like tile flooring. Utilities for this home include: Mesa Gas, EPCOR Water, and Rural Metro.
3645 E Decatur Street
Mesa, AZ 85205
$614,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,448
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6775556
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover this beautifully updated home situated on over a quarter-acre lot backing onto a greenbelt in an established Mesa neighborhood, free from HOA constraints. The layout includes a front living room with soaring two-story vaulted ceilings and a fireplace, a dining area with a bay window, and a separate family room boasting another fireplace. The kitchen is equipped with white cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a pantry, a built-in desk, and a peninsula offering breakfast bar seating. The expansive backyard is an oasis featuring a full-length covered patio with ceiling fans and roll-down shades, a built-in pool and spa secured by a removable fence, ample grassy areas for play, a storage shed, and a spacious side yard with an RV gate and concrete slab. The main floor primary bedroom features double door entry, a tray ceiling, hardwood floors, and an en-suite bathroom with a dual-sink vanity, separate tub and shower, and a walk-in closet. Upstairs, you'll find secondary bedrooms and a full bathroom with double sinks and a tub/shower combination; one bedroom even has double doors leading to a balcony. Additional amenities include plantation shutters, fresh carpeting, one new A/C unit, and an oversized two-car garage with a service door to the backyard.
537 W Mountain Vista Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85045
$614,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,050
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6751364
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
INTERIOR HAS BEEN FRESLY PAINTED Home has perfect floor plan w/ large open living area w/ slate & hard wood floors, double door office/fourth bedroom. Kitchen features large granite breakfast bar, newer raised panel dove tail drawer cabinets & glass tile back splash & stainless steel appliances. All open to family room w/ fireplace & views of oversized covered patio & diving pool, built In spa. Entire home has natural slate tile flooring and vaulted ceilings through out. Three car garage has Incredible Built In Cabinets And Plenty Of space for vehicles & toys. Roof is three years old & HVAC is also newer for ease of future comfort. home Is Incredible & quietly located In the Foothills Club West w/ easy access to freeway travel. Home backs to old Club West Golf Course on double fairway.
917 W Desert Hills Estate Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85086
$614,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,600
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6750600
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Looking for trail options to ride your horse from home? This horse property has three desert trailhead options within a mile of the home. This well-maintained, single-owner 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home spans 1,600 SF on a spacious 1.125-acre lot, offering the perfect blend of rural charm, and modern conveniences. The property features a horse corral, a one-horse mare motel, and a detached 24x14 Tuff Shed/tack room, ideal for a tack room or storage. Situated on a private road with only two other residences, you'll enjoy unparalleled seclusion with an untouched natural desert lot to the north. Breathtaking mountain views and a serene country lifestyle. This move-in-ready home includes a two-car garage and an outdoor water feature that adds a soothing touch to your outdoor space. The open floor plan seamlessly connects the kitchen, dining, and living areas, while the split layout ensures privacy for the master suite. The master bedroom boasts dual sinks, a private toilet, and a tiled walk-in shower. Recent upgrades include a new roof in 2022, a new AC unit in 2017, exterior paint in 2021, and a new septic system in 2023. The home also features all-new windows (except the garage) installed in 2021, New kitchen counter tops, kitchen sink and faucet 2021, and newer appliances including a 2021 refrigerator, built-in microwave, a 2022 dishwasher, and a 2018 washer. The well is a 4 share well. This North Phoenix rural horse property offers the tranquility of country living while being conveniently close to the Carefree Highway, I-17, restaurants, shopping, and other amenities. Horse riding trails into the vast desert is a short 4,000 feet away. Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity!
25742 N 103rd Drive
Peoria, AZ 85383
$614,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,172
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6760450
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Amazing View lot with all the incredible features you dream of! To start, you enter into this home with soaring 10-foot ceilings, then into the large open kitchen with an entertainers Granite countertop, stainless appliances, 16 Inch tile throughout, gas fireplace, large family room, extended covered back patio looking out over the horizon and awesome mountain views! Split floorplan with very private master Suite with exit onto the patio, Garage is extended with a service door leading to an RV parking area and RV gates. This is a well sought after community in the Peoria public school district, and only a few miles of Several National Acclaimed Charter Schools. Easy access to loop 303-I-10 AND the 101. This home is a MUST SEE!! Don't miss your opportunity 2 Own this one!
22647 E Avenida Del Valle --
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$614,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,799
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6773273
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This beautifully designed 5-bed, 3-bath home in the Meridian community offers 2,799 sqft of modern living space, built in 2018. Featuring tile throughout the main areas, with carpet in the bedrooms, a massive family room, and a 3-car garage, this home blends style and functionality. Plus, the paid-off solar provides excellent energy savings! Enjoy Meridian's 5,000 sqft pool, parks, and scenic trails, along with the nearby Frontier Family Park offering playgrounds and picnic areas. This stylish, move-in ready home is a must-see in one of Queen Creek's most desirable communities!
13014 W Dreyfus Drive
El Mirage, AZ 85335
$613,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,556
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6789422
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Stunning 4-Bedroom, 3-Bathroom Home with Den, Game Room, and Resort-Style Backyard This exceptional 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home with a den and game room offers everything you need for comfortable, modern living. The open floor plan features a spacious kitchen with a large island that seamlessly flows into the family room, perfect for entertaining or everyday living. Laminate flooring throughout the first floor provides a sleek, low-maintenance touch. The master suite includes an en-suite bath with dual vanities, a soaking tub, and a separate shower. Plus, the home is equipped with a soft water system for added convenience and comfort. Step outside into your private oasis—the backyard is an entertainer's dream! Enjoy Arizona's warm weather with a sparkling pool and spa, a beautifully outdoor kitchen, and misters to keep you cool all summer long. With synthetic grass and pavers, the low-maintenance landscaping ensures you can spend more time relaxing and less time on upkeep. Other key features include a fully paid solar system (transferred at closing), a 2-car garage, and a low-maintenance front yard with synthetic grass and pavers that enhances curb appeal. This home truly has it all, a fantastic layout, and an incredible backyard for outdoor living. Don't miss the chance to make this stunning property your own!
17728 N Deer Trail
Maricopa, AZ 85139
$613,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
1,940
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6735874
Property Type
Manufactured Home
Price Type
--
This 2.49 acre property in Hidden Valley has it all! This gorgeous MOVE-IN READY home is just over 1900 sq ft. Western style property inside and out! The home features 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, and formal dining. Split floor plan with the main bedroom opening to an en-suite bathroom. Full length parking stalls along the side of the home. The property has a fully finished workshop & chicken coop equipped with a misting system. No HOA, shared well, fully fenced with GORGEOUS MOUNTAIN VIEWS and only minutes from city amenities! Bring your horses & make this home yours today. Truly a must see!