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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19026 W Stella Avenue Waddell, AZ 85355

$570,990
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,399 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6745705
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The beautiful Irwin floorplan has a 3 car tandem garage, 4 bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms. 9' ceilings, wood plank style tile floorings throughout the home, 8' interior doors, gourmet kitchen package, kitchen tile backsplash and huge island makes this home the perfect spot to entertain! This home is built zero energy ready with spray foam insulation, 2 x 6 construction and 85% offset solar system included giving you a HERS rating in the single digits! This home gives you almost no energy bill and is ready now!

23055 E Watford Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$570,990
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,688 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6770743
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
To Be Built of our very popular Pebble single story plan. This plan boasts a 3 car garage, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and an office. Build time is approximately 7 months. We offer a full design center experience where you can colorize the home to your liking. Options and upgrades may increase the price of the home. Please ask about our special financing promotions.

15922 W Electra Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$570,699
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,229 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6719014
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --

15922 W Electra Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$570,687
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,229 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6770484
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to Escalante! New Home Ready for immediate Occupancy. This single level 2229 SF, 4 BR, 3 BA with a 3 car garage is located on an interior NS facing homesite surrounded by single level homes, NO two Stories! Exciting included features! Upgraded white cabinets, 42'' Uppers, Granite Countertops, Tile Backsplash, Plank Tile on the floors in all traffic areas! 10' ceilings, 8' interior doors,, garage service door, large extended patio, tankless water heater, front yard landscaping with drip system, PLUS so much more. Neighborhood includes tree lined streets, Parks and Aquatic Center. Energy Star & Indoor Air Plus Certified for more energy savings! 5 Star Resort Style Amenities include, hiking trails, Aquatic Center, 8 select parks, Picnic Ramada's, Basketball, 3 Pickle Ball courts, bocce ball courts, 18 hole disc golf course, and a Zip Line for the kiddos! This home is Energy Star and Indoor Air Plus qualified. Includes full Builder Warranties plus so much More..

11169 N Par Drive Tucson, AZ 85737

$570,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,904 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6781986
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Spacious 5 bedroom, 3 bath home with a 3 car garage. Open floorplan with family room and formal dining room/living room. Open kitchen with breakfast nook. One large bedroom downstairs and the rest of the bedrooms upstairs. Master suite upstairs with large walk in closet and balcony overlooking the backyard and pool. Landscaped front and backyard with no backyard neighbors. Come show today.

11226 E Posada Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$570,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,718 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6728991
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Live your best life in the lovely Sunland Springs Village (SSV) 55+ Adult Community. This cozy 2 bd/2bth plus den has all the right touches. Pride of Ownership on Display! Enjoy the Living Area with Electric Fireplace; Porcelain Tile Wall, Stunning Wall of Glass looks out to Extended Patio w/ Travertine Tile, Pergola and 2 firepits. Stellar landscape design; Lush yard with sweet orange and lemon trees. Solar Roof Panels provide energy saving benefits. Plantation shutters adorn the windows. Extended kitchen with granite countertops and energy efficient appliances. This is not just a house but a HOME! Enjoy resort like community amenities: Rec Center, Clubhouse, Ping Pong, Billiards, Golf, Tennis, Pickleball, Shuffleboard, Heated Pools, Jacuzzi, Exercize Rooms, Yoga; SSV has it all! This is a Must See! Please visit the SSV HOA website to learn about the many clubs and activities available in this active adult community:

20515 N 264th Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$570,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
2,095 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6741698
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
VALUE! PAID SOLAR LEASE, PAID CFD, NEWER HVAC AND APPLIANCES. This 2 bed/2 bath/Den Destiny model has fabulous golf course views and sets on a quiet street yet it's close to the Sage Recreation Center, the Grill and the Golf shop (location, location, location). This is a quality Del Webb built home with many upgrades. See a more complete list in the Documents tab.

4216 N 27th Street Unit 106 Phoenix, AZ 85016

$570,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,683 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6756185
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
This stunning and spacious townhouse is situated in the Biltmore area and boasts impressive 18-foot ceilings in the main living room, a cozy fireplace, and 10-foot ceilings in each of the bedrooms as well as a two-car garage with epoxy flooring. The expansive primary bedroom includes a private balcony, a generous walk-in closet, and a bathroom featuring an oversized soaking tub and recently remodeled shower. The charming courtyard has been enhanced with turf and pavers, creating a lovely outdoor retreat. Conveniently located near restaurants, shopping, the airport, and major freeways, this home is situated in an exclusive part of Phoenix, in close proximity to Arcadia, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley.

1150 S Karen Lane Gilbert, AZ 85296

$570,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,593 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6767613
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful, and very well-maintained home in a great location! Home features big open space with vaulted ceiling. kitchen with stainless steel appliances and lots of cabinets with granite counter tops. A nice size master suite with walk-in closet and private access to backyard, and sparkling pool with waterfall feature. Three bedrooms plus an office. Easy maintenance front and backyard landscape. Home located in a nice quiet cul de sac. Move in ready with NEW roof (2021), AC unit (2022), water heater (2024), and irrigation system (2023) throughout the lot with extra new lines for future planting. Greenfield Lakes has an executive length 18-hole golf course and driving range. Located near Santan Mall, Top Ranked Restaurants, and highly desired School District!

20414 E Happy Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$570,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,185 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6781013
Property Type Manufactured Home
Price Type --
Fantastic breathtaking mountain views, over an acre of property and NO HOA!!! Size does allow for horses. Spacious floor plan! Master has two separate bathrooms! Kitchen open to family room, tons of cabinet space. Corner Lot. North South facing exposure. Entire property surrounded by no climb fence. This home boasts with updates throughout. This property provides a blank canvas for anyone to make this their dream property! Conveniently close to amenities.

17416 E Windstone Trail Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$570,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,331 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6783005
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
HOME IS COMPLETE AND MOVE IN READY NEW BUILD ON AN ACRE AND A QUARTER LOT WITH BREATHTAKING MOUNTAIN VIEWS. THIS 4 BEDROOM HOME HAS 2331 SQFT, OPEN KITCHEN WITH UPGRADED CABINETS, ISLAND, GRANITE COUNTERS, STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES, DOUBLE OVENS, 36'' COOKTOP, CUSTOM EXHAUST HOOD, MICROWAVE, FARMER SINK AND A WALK IN PANTRY. GREAT ROOM WITH FIREPLACE. MASTER BEDROOM HAS A LARGE WALK IN CLOSET, 36'' HIGH VANITY WITH DUAL SINKS AND GRANITE TOPS, SEPARATE TUB/SHOWER WITH TILE SURROUNDS. EXTRA LARGE LAUNDRY ROOM WITH DEEP SINK.

1724 W Hemingway Lane Anthem, AZ 85086

$570,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,168 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6785447
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nestled in the heart of the desirable Anthem Parkside neighborhood, this spacious 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers a blend of comfort and convenience. Located directly across from a beautiful park, it provides serene views and easy access to outdoor recreation right at your doorstep. This home has been recently updated with a brand-new AC unit, water heater, and fresh paint throughout, ensuring energy efficiency and a fresh, modern feel. The master bathroom has also been completely renovated, providing a luxurious retreat within the home. With plenty of space for family and guests alike, this home is move-in ready and primed for memorable gatherings and everyday relaxation.

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