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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2101 E Oak Street Phoenix, AZ 85006

$465,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,188 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6679967

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Exquisitely remodeled from top to bottom. This modern home boasts 3BR, 2BA, and an array of upgrades. This home features a new kitchen with plenty of cabinet space, Quartz Countertops. Nicely done Bathrooms, some new plumbing and electrical, New Roof, New Windows, New AC, Fresh Paint inside and out, and more. Entertain effortlessly in the backyard oasis featuring a sparkling pool and RV gate for added convenience. Desirable location, close to everything. Immediate access to freeways, minutes from Sky Harbor Airport and Downtown Phoenix. No HOA. Don't miss this opportunity!

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1502 E Garfield Street Phoenix, AZ 85006

$465,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,032 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6685102

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Beautifully updated 3 bed-2 bath home on spacious lot in Historic Garfield. Walk to vibrant downtown Phoenix restaurants, art, festivals, and more! Natural light floods all rooms creating bright + airy ambience. Home has an open floor plan with high ceilings, split bedrooms, indoor laundry, + all new luxury vinyl plank flooring. Kitchen has freshly painted cabinets, quartz counters, + ss appliances. You can live in an adorable historic home w/ all the modern conveniences. Low maintenance desert landscaping in front. Large backyard provides option for casita or office space for those who WFH. 2016 - roof replaced, HVAC replaced, new Pella windows, updated bathrooms & kitchen. 2024 - all flooring + baseboards replaced, all fresh interior paint, and more. This home is an absolute gem!

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1925 W Joan De Arc Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85029

$465,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,898 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6675275

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Sit under the covered patio and enjoy mountain views from your backyard in this energy-efficient home conveniently located to elem school, parks, golf, gorgeous Moon Valley hiking. Fresh paint, new carpet, dbl-pane windows/sliding door. 16-seer HVAC system, incld ductwork inspected and cleaned for your convenience. 4 bdrms pls room off kitchen for office or pantry, gas range with dual ovens, newer dishwasher, Corian countertops, integrated sink. Outside has Tex-Coat cool wall heat reflective coating and a 50yr rated, heat-reflective roof (2011). Other systems replaced: bathroom underground flex pipe, laundry room/kitchen sewer line, thick blown-in insulation in attic, which has extra storage build-outs. Oversized yard with RV gate to store the big toys. Beautiful 50yr-shingle roof.

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129 S 82nd Way Mesa, AZ 85208

$465,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,994 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6678829

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Welcome to this beautiful 2017 home featuring a wonderful floorplan with a split master bedroom and large kitchen with plenty of cabinets and walk in pantry. Exterior of home was recently triple coat painted and has a large RV gate, 30 amp RV plug, and 20x20 storage shed in backyard. House has water filtration system and softener and is solar financed with a $39,000 balance. You will love the vaulted ceilings in the family room and plenty of windows for lots of natural light coming in. Water heater is only 2 years old and the attic and walls are double insulated. Much pride of ownership in this fantastic home just waiting to become YOUR home next with no HOA.

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