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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6073 W Caribe Lane Glendale, AZ 85306

$582,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,996 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6713341
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Gorgeous family home with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, no HOA, pool, and an RV gate. Currently used a short term rental and can be purchased fully furnished. Home has open layout and was completely remodeled in 2022.. Great location in Glendale family neighborhood.

1275 W Via Del Palo -- San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$581,566
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,149 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6785722
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MLS#6785722 April 2025 Completion! Welcome to the Sunrise in Ovation at Meridian! As you step into the foyer, you'll find a flexible space and a full bathroom to the left, and a secondary bedroom with its own full bathroom to the right. Continue into the casual dining area, which flows seamlessly into the gathering room and kitchen, all with views of the outdoor patio. At the back of the home, the spacious primary suite offers a private retreat, complete with an en-suite bathroom and a large walk-in closet. Structural options added include; 8' interior doors, 12' sliding glass door, soft water loop, and garage service door.

15680 W Mercer Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$581,027
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,492 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6760233
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Brand new home completed this November! This home is a wonderful 3-bedroom with a Den or Flex Room. The amazing kitchen / great room is open and has an oversized island. This beautiful home is under construction & backs to an open space with no direct back neighbors. There is wood plank tile throughout except for the bedrooms. Gourmet kitchen with designer hood, gas cooktop, built in oven / Microwave. & upgraded Painted Linen Cabinets, honed granite countertops, and a custom backsplash. Owner's suite has a tiled shower & Honed Granite counters & undermount sinks. Don't miss the unbelievable owner's closet. The flex room is built in so that it could easily be used as a den / playroom or home office. HOME WILL BE COMPLETE IN November. SELLER IS OFFERING RATE BUYDOWNS!

4230 W Palace Station Road New River, AZ 85087

$581,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,799 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6747349
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Don't miss this one! Stunning single story Barbaro model home on a premium corner lot in sought after Circle Mountain Ranch! 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and just under 1800 SF. Split floor plan with a bright and open concept main living space. The kitchen boasts granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, walk-in pantry, gas range and opens to the spacious great room with tile flooring, ceiling fan, recessed lighting, multiple windows and neutral tones. Primary retreat with double door entry, ceiling fan, carpet, walk in closet, en suite bath w/ dual sinks. Low maintenance landscape, block wall, extended paver patio & cover and turf! Additionally, this home is equipped with smart home technology. Enjoy all of the wonderful amenities Anthem has to offer - walking/hiking paths, parks, shopping, dining, golf & more all with EZ freeway access.

26815 N 65th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85083

$581,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,244 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6775468
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Great 4-bedroom home located on a desirable corner lot of a private cul-de-sac with stunning mountain views! Split floor plan boasting wood flooring, formal dining, custom pain finishes, and a charming living room for entertaining. The eat-in kitchen has built-in appliances, honey oak cabinets, ample counters, and a breakfast bar for casual meals. The main bedroom is downstairs and offers a bathroom with a separate tub/shower, dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. Upstairs, you'll find the secondary bedrooms along w/French inspired stained glass at entrance of 2nd story windows. The fabulous backyard features a view fence, a covered patio, and a sparkling blue pool. Close to shopping, restaurants, and other attractions. Really nice home!

17580 W Running Deer Trail Surprise, AZ 85387

$580,995
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,840 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6699992
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Explore this impressive Darius home, ready for an August move-in. Included features: an inviting covered entry; a spacious great room; a quiet study; an open dining area; a gourmet kitchen offering a double oven, quartz countertops, 42'' cabinets, a center island and a pantry; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks and cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a large living room; a covered patio and a 3-car garage. This home also offers additional windows, ceiling fan prewiring and stone tile flooring in select rooms as well as airy 10' ceilings throughout.

9911 S Caballo Drive Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$580,990
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,444 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6782867
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This expansive 2,444 square-foot single-level home offers the perfect combination of space and comfort. With 5 bedrooms/3 full bathrooms, this residence is ideal for large gatherings for those who love to entertain. The home's open-concept design creates a seamless flow between the main living areas. The kitchen is a highlight, featuring modern appliances with a gas stove, ample cabinetry, a large center island, and a breakfast bar. Adjacent to the kitchen is a spacious dining area that comfortably accommodates family meals and gatherings. The living room is designed for relaxation and socializing, with plenty of natural light streaming through large windows. 3 car garage & HUGE yard! tankless water heater!

13138 N 173rd Lane Surprise, AZ 85388

$580,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,745 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6760540
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This home combines modern luxury with everyday convenience, making it the perfect place to make your own. Located in a newly developed and highly sought-after neighborhood, this brand-new construction (2023) boasts both luxury and convenience. With 4 bedrooms, 2 bonus flex spaces, great room, chef's kitchen, and a large interior courtyard, this home offers the perfect blend of style and functionality for today's modern lifestyle. Chef's Kitchen: The heart of the home, featuring gourmet appliance package including double wall oven, gas cooktop, and drawer microwave, chic white cabinets with 42'' uppers, decorative tile backsplash, and an expansive island - ideal for culinary enthusiasts or entertaining. Large Great Room: Open and airy with plenty of natural light, perfect for family gatherings or relaxing after a long day. The 12' center-slide glass door provides direct access to the patio. Eat-In Kitchen: Spacious for hosting dinner parties, holiday feasts and gathering for family meals. Owner's Ensuite: Nestled at the back of the house and split from the other 3 bedrooms, your private retreat with a spa-like bathroom, oversized walk-in shower, double vanities, and a generous walk-in closet. 3 Additional Bedrooms: Spacious and thoughtfully designed with ample closet space. 2 Bonus Flex Spaces: Versatile areas that can be used as home offices, playrooms, or workout spaces. Large Interior Courtyard: A serene outdoor space for al fresco dining, lounging, or gardening. Across the Street from a Beautiful Park: Enjoy walking, playing, or relaxing in the lush greenery right outside your door. Minutes from Costco and Other Shopping and Dining: Convenience at your fingertips with easy access to a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. Don't miss your chance to own this gem in one of the most desirable new neighborhoods!

6658 S St Andrews Court Gilbert, AZ 85298

$580,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,764 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6730222
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This 2 bedroom 2.5 bathroom home is located right in the heart of Seville. On a corner lot in a quiet cul-de-sac you will find this gem that sits on the golf course right between the hole 9 tee box and the hole 8 green. The home has a large, beautiful kitchen with granite countertops and plenty of storage space. Gorgeous stone and wood accents are all throughout the home giving it that Arizona charm. There is a large master bedroom with a full bathroom and it is complete with a large walk-in closet. A full bar room/office is perfect to come relax on a hot day. As you step into your lovely backyard you are greeted with the sound of a calming rock fountain and the stunning golf course views. This home is impeccably well maintained and shows a real pride of ownership.

3705 Ridgeview Terrace Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$580,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,554 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6754596
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This perfect 2-bedroom, 2-bath home is ideal for two, offering 1,554 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed living space. The open great room features stunning eastern mountain views and beautiful landscaping. Inside, you'll find upgraded cabinets with soft-close drawers, granite countertops throughout, under-mount sinks, and custom tile flooring with upgraded carpet in the bedrooms. Custom shutters adorn the bedrooms, while the living room boasts a custom entertainment center and shelving. Additional features include central vac, water filtration, a fully fenced yard with ample entertaining space and a custom water feature, all framed by open mountain views to the north and east. Paired with your resort lifestyle living, you've found your desert oasis!

3920 E Tonto Street Phoenix, AZ 85044

$580,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,152 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6763663
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
**Your Dream Home Awaits in Ahwatukee!** Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in the heart of Ahwatukee. With an abundance of natural light, the spacious floor plan creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The gourmet kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and plenty of space for culinary adventures. ALL new Andersen Windows. Step outside to a **spacious yard** complete with a **generous swimming pool**, perfect for entertaining or enjoying Arizona's beautiful weather. The yard offers plenty of space for relaxation and outdoor activities, making it an ideal retreat. Enjoy the perfect blend of style and comfort in every corner of this home. Spacious bedrooms and modern bathrooms complete the package. Don't hesitate, this one will go fas

3215 W Molly Lane Phoenix, AZ 85083

$580,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,864 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6771001
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome home! Step into this stunning 2-story gem, where comfort meets style at every turn. As you enter, you'll be greeted by inviting wood-look floors and a neutral palette that sets the perfect tone for relaxation. The pre-wired surround sound creates an immersive audio experience throughout the home. The cozy living room flows seamlessly into a spacious great room, ideal for gatherings with family and friends. The kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, ample counter space, and a hanging pot rack. You'll love the convenience of the walk-in pantry and the large center island with a breakfast bar, perfect for quick meals or casual conversations. Retreat to the main bedroom, a true sanctuary featuring a lovely bay window that floods the room with natural light... The private bathroom offers dual sinks and a generously sized walk-in closet. Venture upstairs to discover a spacious loft, perfect for creating your own media center or play area. Step outside to your backyard oasis, complete with a covered patio, a paver patio for entertaining, lush grass for outdoor fun, and a rejuvenating pool to cool off on warm Arizona days. With so much to love about this home, it's truly a must-see. Don't miss your chance to make it yours today!

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