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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11100 W Alsdorf Road Arizona City, AZ 85123

$19,999

2 Beds

1 Bath

840 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6630543

Property Type Manufactured Home

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Very well maintained 2 bed 1 bath unit in this 55+ Community. Land lease includes water, sewer and trash. Low maintenance yard. This unit has inside laundry. Community pool. Grilling area and coined laundry. Short driving distance to local shopping and medical facilities.

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9447 E Kedron Drive Hereford, AZ 85615

$19,900

2 Beds

1 Bath

1,462 SqFt

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MLS # 6480354

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Fix it up! Clean it up! Live it up! A severe fixer upper located in a quiet neighborhood. Owner will carry.

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659 N Utah Avenue Hayden, AZ 85135

$19,000

6 Beds

3 Baths

1,870 SqFt

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MLS # 6643836

Property Type Twin Home

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This property provides a great start to a multifamily building.

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265 S Smelter Road Hayden, AZ 85135

$19,000

1 Bed

1 Bath

840 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6647911

Property Type Single Family Residence

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This is a great place to create a ranch and have all the off road devices you possibly want. Come take a look at the possibilities today!

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5201 W Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85031

$18,000

2 Beds

1 Bath

600 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6610629

Property Type Manufactured Home

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***Highly Motivated Seller***55+Park***You will enjoy the spacious feeling in this 2 bedroom 1 bathroom home, a super cute home, and a bargain to boot! This adorable place could be either your primary home or your Arizona getaway! Boasts an beautiful Arizona room, which is where the second bedroom is. The interior of this darling place has been well taken care of, with upgrades galore: New wall unit style AC/Heating units remotely controlled as well in Front room, bedroom and 2nd bedroom. Freshly painted inside recently inside. The refrigerator and dryer stay. Low maintenance yard. Buyer to verify schools. New hot water heater as of Jan 2024! The water and sewer are also included in the lot rent! Lot rent is approximately $855.00, Live in a great 55+ park with many amenities to enjoy. Heated pools and spas, or enjoy your days playing pool or reading from the vast library. The walking and biking path winds through the community. This place is bargain paradise!

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16005 N 32nd Street Phoenix, AZ 85032

$18,000

1 Bed

1 Bath

800 SqFt

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MLS # 6635032

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Seller Financing Available! This one bedroom, one bath is located within the 55+ age restricted community of Paradise Valley Ranch. Freshly painted, this home features central AC and heat, gas cooking and all appliances including W/D. It features two extended covered carports offering privacy and shade. Located at Paradise Valley Ranch 55+ Community operated by Treehouse Communities. Community amenities include, pool, spa, fitness, recreation center, outdoor dining and laundry. The lots are spacious and private.

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