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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2423 E Pony Lane Gilbert, AZ 85295

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,906 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779360

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move in ready, clean, bright 3BR, 2BA with designer touches and extended 2 car garage. Large lot size with private bacyard. All new windows, security door, newer A/C and all appliances included. Newly updated bathrooms. Great location and close to shopping, highways, schools etc.

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1103 W Pebble Beach Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$550,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,731 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6737458

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Location, Location very good center location close to Arizona state university only 2-3 miles , easy access to major freeways and sky Harber airport. 4- bedroom high ceiling new flooring in all bedrooms. Freshly painted, perfect rental or family home large cozy back yard remodeled with brand new artificial Graas, low maintenance. short drive to mill Ave, Tempe town lake and Papago hiking and golfing. Night life restaurants shops Ets.

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41333 N Belfair Way Anthem, AZ 85086

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,616 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6746580

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

If you are looking for a remodeled home for under the average list price in Anthem Country Club, stop right here, you have found it! With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, this home is perfect for a small family or a couple who needs room for visitors. The remodeled kitchen and bathroom, and the updated flooring ensure that the home is move-in ready. You will love the storage space in the kitchen, which includes a large pantry. The updated stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops and natural light from both large and small windows give the kitchen and family room a fresh, bright, and cheery feel and look. This home is a private oasis within the spectacular community of Anthem Country Club which offers anything you could ask for in a Country Club setting. Two Club Houses with restaurants, two fitness centers, tennis, pickleball, bocce ball, two private heated pools and so much more. Come see for yourself, we are certain you will love it!

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5020 E Morning Star Drive Phoenix, AZ 85044

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,878 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6760957

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

ENJOY LIVING IN AHWATUKEE'S ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITY IN THIS COMPLETELY RENOVATED HOME. INVITING OPEN FLOOR PLAN WITH ABUNDANT UPDATES. EAT-IN KITCHEN FEATURES QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS, TILED BACKSPLASH, UPGRADED CABINETRY, GRANITE SINK, PANTRY & STAINLESS-STEEL APPLIANCES. GAS FIREPLACE IN FAMILY ROOM. MASTER SUITE BATHROOM INCLUDES GRANITE COUNTERTOP & WALK-IN SHOWER WITH GRAB BARS. WALK-IN CLOSETS IN SECONDARY BEDROOMS PLUS HALL BATH CONNECTS TO BEDROOM TWO. LAMINATE WOOD FLOORING THROUGHOUT WITH TILE IN THE BATHS. ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS OF REMODEL INCLUDE RECESSED LIGHTING, RAISED-PANEL 3-HINGE DOORS, CUSTOM BASEBOARDS/MOLDING, DUAL-PANE WINDOWS TANKLESS WATER HEATER, SOFT WATER SYSTEM WITH ENTIRE HOME WATER FILTRATION, FRONT & BACK ARTIFICIAL GRASS & COVERED PATIO WITH MISTING SYSTEM.

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3600 W Cobalt Court San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$550,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,614 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752633

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this exquisite 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence in The Preserve at San Tan! Discover an inviting great room with high ceilings, recessed lighting, a soothing palette, blinds, and stylish wood-look flooring. The delightful kitchen boasts quartz counters, ample white shaker cabinets, chic pendant lighting, a subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, and an island with a breakfast bar. You'll also find a versatile den, ideal for an office or study. Upstairs, the cozy loft offers additional living space. The serene main bedroom includes plush carpeting, an ensuite with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. Venture outside to the backyard, featuring a covered patio for al fresco dining and ample space to create your dream oasis. The community also offers a dog park, pickleball court, community grills, outdoor theater/amphitheater, fire pits, walking/biking trails and SO MUCH MORE! Come see it today!

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44049 W Palo Nuez Street Maricopa, AZ 85138

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,820 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751432

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Elegance, luxury, and practicality combine in this one-of-a-kind home. BEAUTIFUL HOME IN MARICOPA WITH A POOL AND RV GARAGE. The curb appeal is off the charts with a paved driveway, cozy courtyard, and LARGE 45' RV GARAGE. Spacious floor plan with open kitchen concept boasting beautiful granite countertops, oversized pantry, and huge island, all overlooking a great room and backyard. Large primary bedroom with roomy bathroom featuring dual vanities and walk-in shower, but it's the backyard that will capture your attention; mature backyard complete with lots of artificial grass for the little ones, oversized pergola, and REFRESHING SWIMMING POOL for those hot AZ afternoons or weekends with friends. Never pay for RV storage again; come by and look and make this beautiful home yours.

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1171 E Crestridge Drive Casa Grande, AZ 85122

$550,000

7 Beds

4 Baths

3,443 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766760

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This impressive 7-bedroom, 4-bath, 2-story home boasts 3,443 sqft of elegant living space, offering both beauty and functionality. The exterior is aesthetically appealing, while the interior feels cozy and bright, with dark wood cabinets and lighter wood-look tile contrasting beautifully with the cream-colored walls. The spacious primary bedroom, located downstairs, features a split layout and a walk-in closet. Additional bedrooms have walk-in closets, providing ample storage. The great room is perfect for gatherings, and the kitchen features a pantry, granite countertops, a kitchen island, and a breakfast bar. Step outside to the covered back patio and envision creating your own oasis in the low-maintenance yard, currently awaiting your personal touch. A 3-car garage completes this home!

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3730 W Memorial Drive Phoenix, AZ 85086

$550,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,168 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6754352

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

With understated elegance & the perfect 5 bdrm family home, this property is located in a very friendly neighborhood of the highly sought after Anthem community. This lovely abode is located within walking dist.to a very well maintained park & close to numerous shopping centers, boutiques, delicious dining along with all the wonderful amenities Anthem has to offer: workout facilities, tennis, pickleball, swimming, waterpark, walking paths and community parks. It boasts a very popular and attractive floor plan with open vaulted ceilings with 2 bdrms downstairs and 3 bdrms upstairs. The back yard is extremely private, relaxing, has a large patio area, a privacy wall and a very cozy fire pit with bench seating. Easy to maintain landscaping. Come & build your cherished family memories here!

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24098 N Wheat Road Florence, AZ 85132

$550,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,407 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755862

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning residence features a rare, massive RV garage and RV gate! Step into the backyard oasis where a sparkling pebble-tec pool awaits, framed by a beautiful travertine deck and a spacious covered patio—ideal for relaxing and entertaining. Inside, the modern home boasts sleek stainless steel appliances, island with elegant granite countertops, and a convenient walk-in pantry. Enjoy the vibrant community amenities including a playground, basketball court, and green spaces—perfect for fun weekends! Hurry before this opportunity is gone!

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300 N Gila Springs Boulevard Unit 181 Chandler, AZ 85226

$550,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,937 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761447

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Enjoy Luxury living in this gated community. Beautiful contemporary condo that has never been lived in full time and it shows! Main level consists of a tandem garage, laundry, kitchen, dining room, family room, half bath and large patio. Second level has three nice sized bedrooms, full bath and loft area. Top floor is for the entire primary suite. Enjoy a large kitchen with stainless appliances, pantry and bar seating. The formal dining room and family room are right off the patio making it great for entertaining guests. The guest rooms on the second level are split with a bathroom in between and a loft area can be used for fitness equipment, office or quiet reading space. The primary level is a dream for condo living. The bedroom has a patio large enough for chairs and a table so you can enjoy sunrises and sunsets. Lots of storage for linens and towels that leads you to the ensuite with dual sinks, private toilet room and a massive walk in closet! This gated community has a pool, spa, basketball hoop, fenced in grass area with picnic table and ample open parking. This particular unit is on the end making you only share one wall with no one below or above you. The owners spared no expense with this unit when it came to upgrades! They literally upgraded every single option you could do! Sit on the all turf patio with cute market lights and enjoy a glass of wine while you marvel in the architecture of this community. Furniture available of separate bill of sale.

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4443 E Camino De Cafe -- Hereford, AZ 85615

$550,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,912 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756980

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful 4 bedroom, 2 bath home on .88 acres, surrounded by mountain and valley views. Home amenities include granite throughout, tile flooring throughout living spaces and in office, carpet in bedrooms. Spacious master bedroom, master bath includes soaking tub and spacious walk-in shower with rain glass. Large walk-in closet through bathroom. Kitchen includes all appliances. Each room installed with cable/internet, fiber throughout. Water softener attachment installed, gas grill attachment installed for future outdoor kitchen, and electrical outlet for jacuzzi spa. Ground mounted solar and garden shed included. Walled back yard with covered porch.

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2236 W Aston Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85144

$550,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,560 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6758921

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautiful well appointed home. This spacious 4 bedroom + den and 2.5 baths sit on a huge lot for outdoor entertaining. The huge kitchen has a massive island and a huge stainless built-in freezer fridge. The quartz countertops and white cabinets gives a sense of elegance which overlooks the huge great room. Plantation shutters are throughout the entire house with ceiling fans in every room. The garage is an over height 3 car tandem arrangement for that extra workshop area. There is an RV gate that leads to the backyard with sails covering the raised vegetable and flower beds. The backyard also has been pre-wired for a spa. Rainwater capture system located on the northeast corner of house and plastic storage box on west side of house does not convey with sale.

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