Worried About Future Mortgage Rate Increases? Here’s How to ‘Stress Test’ Your Finances

Worried About Future Mortgage Rate Increases? Here's How to 'Stress Test' Your Finances When it comes to real estate, there are always going to be upswings in the market that will have an impact on your mortgage payment and overall financial health. However, with a fluctuating market here to stay, you may be wondering how you can guard your biggest investment and your finances against rate increases. If you’re concerned about rates on the rise, here are a few tips to test out you’re fiscal well-being.

Calculate Your Debt-To-Income Ratio

It’s beneficial to determine your DTI ratio prior to purchasing a home, but since debt and housing costs are always fluctuating, calculating this number again can be a wakeup call. By adding up your monthly expenditures (including any debt), and dividing that number by your pre-tax income, you’ll be able to determine your DTI percentage. While it’s ideal to have a percentage of less than 28%, if your expenditures have risen above this number, it may be time to take a look at your monthly budget and see what you can cut out.

Do You Have Emergency Savings?

Many people make a habit of putting money into their retirement funds each paycheck, but it’s equally important to have emergency savings you can access in the event of car repairs, home maintenance issues or an unforeseen medical problem. While it’s often suggested that a person should have a minimum of 3 months of expenses at their disposal, saving more than this can make you even more prepared in the event that a rate increase requires you to dive into other funds.

Review Your Budget

It’s easy enough to have a monthly budget, but the hard part for most people is sticking to it on a day-to-day basis. If you’ve veered off the trail a little bit in this regard, sit down to review your expenditures and determine what your financial outlook would be if you experienced an interest rate bump next month. In the event that there’s very little cushion and no money for savings, it may be worth your time to craft a new budget that gives you a bit more wiggle room.

Many people are uncertain about what the short-term economy will bring for their mortgage rates, but by reviewing your budget and maintaining emergency savings, you can be better prepared for the future. If you’re currently considering purchasing a home, give me a call for more information – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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4816 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$609,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,630 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6691847
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
An inviting covered porch welcomes guests to the charming Pomona plan. A spacious great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a roomy nook and an impressive gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry and center island. This home offers a study.. The lavish primary suite offers a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks and deluxe tub and shower. A convenient laundry and covered patio are also included.

10430 S 48th Glen Laveen, AZ 85339

$609,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,390 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6704814
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry, quartz counters, and Shaker cabinets is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private deluxe bathroom with seperate drop in tub bathroom and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room will complete the plan.

10434 S 48th Glen Laveen, AZ 85339

$609,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,630 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6719435
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
An inviting covered porch welcomes guests to the charming Pomona plan. A spacious great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a roomy nook and an impressive Gourmet Kitchen with 42'' white cabinets, quartz counters, matte black fixtures throughout, a walk-in pantry, center island, and 10' ceilings. There is stone tile throughout, with carpeted bedrooms. This home will be built with a study. The lavish primary suite offers a generous walk-in closet, private bath #2 w/double sinks, deluxe walk-in shower with rain. A convenient laundry room, tankless water heater, covered patio, and 8' garage doors, are also included.

4829 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$609,995
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,390 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6720292
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry, quartz counters and shaker style cabinets is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access including a center meet door. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private deluxe bathroom with oversized walk-in shower and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room will complete the plan.

23942 N 171st Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$609,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,630 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6645243
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to Estates at Asante , a beautiful community with surrounding views. Look no further as this community offers only single-story homes. Step inside and you'll be greeted by the popular spacious Pomona floor plan. Very airy, open and bright. Perfect for entertaining with he multi slide off the great room and outdoor patio to bring outdoor living inside .Kitchen island awaits the family chef to enjoy the amazing kitchen island and abundance of cabinets. Set up 4 bedrooms, 3 bath, study and 3 car garage. Your dream home is here.

1865 S 231st Lane Buckeye, AZ 85326

$609,995
5 Beds
3 Baths
3,112 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6773421
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Spectacular and spacious 2-story home in Sundance of Buckeye. Homes sits on one of the largest lots in the neighborhood. Completely remodeled with tons of upgrades. OWNED 42-panel solar system that saves $$$ on electric bills. The home offers ultimate privacy with no rear neighbors due to the common area behind the lot. With low property taxes and HOA fees, this luxurious home is also cost-effective. See the list of upgrades in the docs tab...TOO MANY to list here. Don't miss out on this extraordinary property that blends luxury, modern amenities, and functionality in a peaceful, private setting. Don't miss this one!

37735 W Padilla Street Maricopa, AZ 85138

$609,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,756 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6762778
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Move in FAST to this completed home! Say hello to luxury, Maricopa! This beautiful Jerome floorplan features an expansive great room with 10ft ceiling and a 15ft multi slider allowing for indoor outdoor living. The stunning kitchen is appointed with stacked cabinetry, matte black hardware, gas stove top, and double ovens! Relax in your Primary with Ultra Spa Shower and large walk-in closet. Your FIVE CAR GARAGE is perfect to store everything! With 8,750 sq ft homesites, come see why K. Hovnanian is the First Name in Lasting Value! ^^Up to 6% of Base Price can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

3936 E Terrel Street San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$609,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,175 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6778908
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This home has it all with room for all of your toys! Popular Wayfarer plan features it's own RV garage. This home is situated in the amenity rich community of Bella Vista Farms. Residents enjoy an amenity-rich lifestyle with exclusive access to an onsite swimming pool, picnic area, splash park, playground, basketball court, volleyball court and greenbelt. The local area is host to the San Tan Regional Park, where locals enjoy biking, hiking, horseback riding and more. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.

16683 W Saguaro Park Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$609,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,605 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6745142
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Up to 3% of Base Price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available through preferred lender.'' Discover the sophistication of the Coventry floorplan, offering 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and an additional kitchen with living space. Noteworthy structural details include a step-free shower, 8' interior doors, and a spacious 3-car garage. The home is further enhanced with built-in appliances, quartz kitchen countertops, a gas-ready kitchen, a BBQ-ready backyard, and a laundry area equipped for a gas dryer.

5317 W Rainwater Drive Laveen, AZ 85339

$609,990
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,550 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769244
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MLS#6769244 January Completion! Discover The Turquoise at Tierra Montana Encore, a spacious two-story home that greets you with a charming front porch entry. Upon entering, you're welcomed by a light-filled foyer that leads to a versatile study. Entertain in the formal dining room, then flow seamlessly into the open kitchen, casual dining area, and gathering room. The private owner's suite offers a luxurious retreat with a spa-like bath and a large walk-in closet. Upstairs, you'll find four additional bedrooms, two full baths, and a generous loft, perfect for family living or recreation. Structural options include: tub at owners bath, garage service door, paver front porch, laundry room sink.

37630 W Padilla Street Maricopa, AZ 85138

$609,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,765 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6749647
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Move in FAST to this completed home! Say hello to luxury, Maricopa! The captivating Jerome floorplan features an expansive great room, 15ft multi slider, home office, and stunning kitchen appointed with stacked cabinetry, gas stove top, double ovens, and matte black hardware! Relax in your freestanding tub, host on the patio, or take out the toys from your FIVE CAR GARAGE! With 10ft ceilings, 8ft doors, and 8,750 sq ft homesites, come see why K. Hovnanian is the First Name in Lasting Value! ^^^Up to 6% of Base Price can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

3365 E Aris Drive Gilbert, AZ 85298

$609,990
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,122 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6751289
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
POSSIBLE ASSUMABLE CONV LOAN 3.49% Stunning 4 bed/2bath home is perfectly situated on a corner lot in the sought-after community of Marbella Vineyards. As you step inside, you're greeted by a spacious front living and dining room, ideal for hosting guests or enjoying quiet evenings at home. The heart of the home is the modern kitchen, boasts an oversized island, perfect for both meal prep and entertaining. Modern floor tiles flow throughout the entire house, providing both style and easy maintenance. The owner's suite offers a tranquil retreat with a cozy sitting area complete with a bay window. The secondary bathroom offers double sinks for added functionality. Extended 2.5-car garage provides ample space, featuring built-in cabinets and overhead racks to help keep everything organized Step outside to the low-maintenance backyard, lush turf and an open fence, creating an oasis with only one neighboring property. Additionally, the home comes equipped with leased solar panels, enhancing its energy efficiency and reducing utility costs. This home truly has it all, from its modern finishes to its thoughtful design, ensuring comfort and convenience at every turn.

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