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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9518 W Menadota Drive Peoria, AZ 85382

$575,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,231 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6755883
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
PRICED TO SELL & MOTIVATED SELLER: Experience resort-style living in this immaculate move-in ready home situated in the desirable active adult community of Westbrook Village. Boasting 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a private pool, this well-appointed residence is perfect for those seeking a luxurious and low-maintenance lifestyle. Enjoy the open great room with soaring ceilings, perfect for entertaining, and the spacious eat-in kitchen designed with the chef in mind. The lavishly remodeled master bathroom and expansive walk-in shower are sure to impress. The beautifully landscaped front and backyards add to the home's excellent curb appeal. Westbrook community offers numerous amenities including rec. centers, golf courses, a restaurant, pools, tennis/pickleball courts, and much more. Located near an array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options and just 20 minutes from the Westgate entertainment district, this home offers the perfect combination of comfort and convenience. UPGRADES: New Roof and AC both with warranties, Sunscreens, security door, 80gal water heater, exterior painted, kitchenAid dishwasher, refrigerator, handicap accessible and more!

3125 W Whitman Drive Anthem, AZ 85086

$575,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,890 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6758961
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
RARE CORNER LOT OPPORTUNITY in ANTHEM Parkside offers a unique lot in that it is adjacent to the grass common area AND no home in front. The N & S sun exposure makes this desirable for the hot summer months. The upgrades and meticulous condition this place has been kept in will provide an easy move in ready opportunity. 3 CAR garage, 6 person Dr. Wellness spa, water feature, built in BBQ with a view fence and so much more! The ultimate entertaining space for friends and family. THIS oasis extends its backyard presence into the MASTER bedroom with NEW Dual pane sliding glass Arcadia doors. If you are someone who appreciates attention to detail, consideration for lower sun exposure, and a more private lot while getting the amenities an HOA community has to offer this could be your match

21527 N 78th Lane Peoria, AZ 85382

$575,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,078 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6768859
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN THE FORMER MODEL IS NOW AVAILABLE AND LOADED WITH EXTRAS/ EXCELLENT FLOORPLAN WAS DESIGNED FOR FAMILY LIVING W/ SPACIOUS FAMILY & LIVING ROOMS/ BAY WINDOWS IN BOTH DR & LR/ CUSTOM DISTRESSED WOODWORK AND DECORATIVE STONE ACCENTS GIVE THIS HOME THE ''FLETCHER FARMS FEEL''/ CUSTOM PLANTATION SHUTTERS COVER ALL OF THE WINDOWS/ TILE AND LAMINATE COVER THE FLOORS EXCEPT THE CARPETED BEDROOMS/ KITCHEN HAS UPGRADED CABINERTY, GRANITS TOPS, SS APPLIANCES, GAS STOVE, W/I PANTRY AND GREAT BREAKFAST BAR/ OTHER EXTRAS INCLUDE FANS IN ALL ROOMS, 9' CEILINGS, SECURITY SYSTEM, R/O & SOFT WATER, GAS HOT WATER & HEAT & SUNSCREENS/ THE 3CGARAGE HAS EPOXY FLOORS AND ATTACHED GARAGE CABINETS/ EASY CARE DESERT FRONT YARD AND GRASS REAR FOR THE KIDS/ NICE STORAGE SHED W/ ELECTRIC/ SPACIOUS PAVER PATIO WITH OVERSIZED GAZEBO/ YOUR OWN PARK IS DIAGONAL TO THE HOME A BALL THROW AWAY/ THIS HOME IS MOVE IN READY

341 E Constitution Drive Gilbert, AZ 85296

$575,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,156 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6765967
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your dream home, ideally located in a quiet cul-de-sac near Ray and Gilbert Rd in the heart of Gilbert! This stunning single-story, 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home offers a bright and airy interior with hardwood floors and tile in the main living areas, and carpet in the bedrooms for maximum comfort. The inviting great room features a cozy fireplace with a custom mantel, perfect for relaxing evenings. The open kitchen is great for entertaining, equipped with stainless steel appliances, updated light fixtures, and a charming eat-in breakfast nook. Step outside to your backyard oasis, complete with a PebbleTec pool, spa, and real grass for outdoor enjoyment. A custom mural adds an artistic touch to the space. The home also boasts a 3-car garage, complete with an extra electrical sub-panel, ideal for a workshop. Plus, there's an RV gate with a cement pad for all your storage needs. With solar panels to keep electric bills low, this home is as efficient as it is beautiful. Don't miss your chance to own this exceptional property in a prime Gilbert location!

12568 W Chucks Avenue Peoria, AZ 85383

$575,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,162 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6767402
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
BACK ON MARET! Welcome to Vistancia! NEWLY UPDATED Kitchen, Countertops, Bathrooms, Paint, and Flooring Throughout The Home. This 4-bed, 2-bath home offers a wonderful opportunity to live in a top ranking master planned community, with pools, playgrounds, schools, shopping, dinning, sports, and entertainment options nearby. This is a well-maintained single level home with rare 3-car garage, with mountain views & no neighbors behind you. The open concept, split floor plan ensures privacy and easy entertaining. Conveniently located near amenities in Peoria and twenty minutes from Lake Pleasant.

8912 N Johnson Court Maricopa, AZ 85139

$575,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,500 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6773783
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
**Motivated sellers!! Beautiful 1,500 sq. ft. 3 bed, 2 bath home on a 4.2-acre property. This handcrafted single-story residence offers a spacious split floor plan, a large chef's kitchen with a great room concept, and modern cabinetry. The home is filled with natural light thanks to numerous windows and an Arcadia door leading to outdoor living spaces. The master bedroom features both a walk-in closet and a linen closet. Take in the stunning mountain views with true indoor/outdoor Arizona living with front and rear covered patios. Located at the end of a cul-de-sac with no HOA, perfect for those who want to bring their toys and enjoy the serene horse-friendly environment. This property is ready to be your dream home.

10260 E White Feather Lane Unit 2048 Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$575,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,381 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6774632
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
This lock-and-leave condo in Troon North has been refreshed and repriced for a quick sale, offering an unbeatable value for luxury living. The motivated seller has completely painted this 2-bed, 2-bath unit, 1 car garage making it spotless, fresh and move-in ready. Enjoy endless amenities, including a heated pool and spa, fitness center, and a BBQ area for outdoor dining steps from this unit. The community features pickleball and tennis courts, and is tucked just inside the Troon North Golf Club, ranked Top 10 public course in AZ with two championship Tom Weiskopf designed courses. Perfect for seasonal or year-round living, this is your chance to enjoy the Scottsdale lifestyle at an incredible price! Book your private tour today! Easy to show, ready for you to make North Scottsdale HOME!

7380 W Paraiso Drive Glendale, AZ 85310

$575,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,410 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6772726
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
What makes Hillcrest so popular is LOCATION! 4 bedroom 3 bath on over a 10,000 sq. ft cul-de-sac lot. 3 car garage with extra concrete parking, RV gate, beautiful pool with water feature and security fencing. Very private spacious backyard with covered patio, built-in BBQ, newly installed artificial grass area, and mature landscaping. New roof in 2022 with 10 warranty, freshly painted inside and out, island kitchen with granite countertops.

1339 N Tucana Lane Gilbert, AZ 85234

$575,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,274 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6778780
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautiful 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home sits on a large 8,764 sqft lot in a beautiful community. With a FULLY OWNED solar system for energy efficiency, the 2,274 sqft home features a gas fireplace and neutral-tone walls, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Sunscreen windows help keep the home cool and bright. The kitchen boasts a spacious island, sleek countertops, plenty of maple cabinets, an eat-in area, and formal dining space. The large bedrooms, including a primary suite with a walk-in closet, provide ample comfort. The extended covered back patio overlooks a serene yard with matures trees and grass. With a 3-car garage and community amenities such as a park and basketball court, this home offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience!

117 E Vaughn Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85234

$575,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,379 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6775846
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This move-in ready gem is just steps away from vibrant Downtown Gilbert, where numerous dining, shopping, and entertainment experiences await! It is also beautifully remodeled with upgraded flooring, bathrooms, kitchen, windows, doors, paint, fixtures, and more inside. PLUS! Outside boasts new roof and paver patio. The main house features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, and a 160 sq ft detached bonus room with a half bath can be used as a playroom or office — offering endless possibilities to suit your lifestyle. The large yard has mature shade trees. Your new home perfectly blends vintage charm with modern conveniences. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of history in this fantastic location in Downtown Gilbert! No HOA.

7635 W Rock Springs Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$575,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,079 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6718396
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This stunning single-level home is located in a highly desirable Rock Springs neighborhood, offering the perfect blend of comfort and luxury. The property features outstanding curb appeal with its beautifully landscaped front yard and an inviting entrance. As you step inside, you are greeted by an open room concept with an eat-in kitchen that boasts beautiful lighting, and in the kitchen you have granite countertops, an oversized sink, and a double wall oven with an electric cooktop. The kitchen also includes a spacious walk-in pantry and ample storage, making it a chef's dream. The oversized primary bedroom is a retreat in itself, complete with a large walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom that offers dual sinks, a separate tub and shower, and private water closet. Two large guest bedrooms come with extra tall closets and ceiling fans, providing comfort and convenience. The living areas are designed for both relaxation and entertainment, featuring tile flooring throughout, with plush carpeting in the bedrooms. The home extends its living space to the outdoors with an extended back patio featuring two ceiling fans, perfect for enjoying the Arizona weather. The backyard is a serene oasis with artificial turf, natural vegetation, and a dog run on the side yard. Additional features include a 2-car garage and a functional laundry room. This property is a true gem, offering a perfect combination of indoor luxury and outdoor tranquility.

3705 E Toltec Court Sierra Vista, AZ 85650

$575,000
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,595 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6662115
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautiful, spacious 5BD/3.5BA/3CG, 3595 sq ft home is located in Sierra Vista, AZ near Fort Huachuca, Canyon Vista Medical Center, shopping, and schools. This home has a stunning kitchen with granite countertops, two large living areas, travertine tile floors, and a spacious backyard! The home is all electric and includes a double oven, two a/c units, two septic tanks, and a spacious garage. This home is the definition of space and comfort! Call today!

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