Will rain make your mortgage payment go up?

Apparently, Arizona's rivers have decided to start acting like rivers again! After all the rain we've received lately, normally dry washes are flowing, reservoirs are getting some much-needed water, and there's actually something to see when you drive across a bridge. It's been quite a change from the usual ‘desert rivers.’

We've seen some pretty wild weather across Arizona recently, including heavy rain, hailstorms, and flash flooding. While the immediate concern is usually property damage, there's another potential consequence homeowners might not consider: higher monthly mortgage payments.

As severe weather events become more costly, insurance companies are adjusting premiums to account for increased risks and claims. Even homeowners who haven't filed a claim could see their insurance costs rise. And because most homeowners pay their insurance through an escrow account as part of their mortgage payment, an increase in premiums can translate directly into a higher monthly payment, even if their mortgage interest rate hasn't changed.

It's a good reminder that your mortgage payment isn't necessarily fixed, even with a 30-year fixed-rate loan. Reviewing your insurance coverage, comparing quotes, and understanding your deductible can help you prepare for potential increases.

If you feel like your homeowners insurance is getting too high, I have some excellent insurance brokers who can help you shop for competing quotes. Reply to this email or send me a text at (480) 797-8975.

Curious what your rate would be in today’s market? Reach out to my lending partner, Aaron Alvarez with West American Mortgage, at (602) 705-9835.

Congratulations are in order. Good friends of mine from Colorado and my days working at Fort Collins Country Club, just completed the purchase of two brand new homes in the Toll Brothers community of Sterling Grove in Surprise.

I’m excited to spend some time on the 18-hole putting course!!

Sterling Grove is a beautiful, master-planned, gated community in Surprise featuring luxury homes, tree-lined streets, and a championship golf course designed by Nicklaus Design. Residents enjoy resort-style amenities including pools, tennis and pickleball courts, a fitness center, spa, and clubhouse, all surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds and views of the White Tank Mountains.

FOR SALE: 18851 N 71st Ln Glendale, AZ 85308. Golf course living on the 17th hole of The Clubs at Arrowhead! This spacious 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home features upgraded flooring, remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, and a fantastic location overlooking the golf course. Stay tuned for more details and your first look at this beautiful home.

Listed at $695,000. See all the details at 18851n71stLane.com

1320 E. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Unit 77 at the Bethany Villas is a brand new listing in Central Phoenix. This 2 bed, 2 bath condo has new flooring, fresh interior paint and is move in ready. The beauty of this condo complex is all utilities are included, even electric!

RATE BUYDOWN INCENTIVE: My seller is now offering $8,000 for buyer’s to use to buydown their interest rate. Reach out to learn more about how you can use this incentive

Easy, low-maintenance living in the heart of Central Phoenix! This single-level, 2 bedroom, 2 bath townhome is located in a gated community and features fresh interior paint and new laminate plank flooring. Enjoy great community amenities including a sparkling pool, clubhouse and fitness facility. Best of all, the HOA dues include ALL utilities, electric, water, sewer and garbage, making monthly expenses simple and predictable. Conveniently located near the 51 freeway with easy access to shopping, dining, entertainment and major freeways. Whether you're looking for a full-time residence or a lock-and-leave second home, this move-in-ready townhome offers a great combination of location, convenience and value.

See all of the pictures & walk-through video at 1320unit77.com

Referrals are the backbone of any realtors business, and mine is no different. Many of you have sent your friends & family my way over the years, and it is always fun to get that call ‘they said you’re the best, so I’m calling to get your help!’

If you know anyone thinking of buying or selling in 2026, I’d love the opportunity to connect with them and see how I can help.

What Do You Get for $250K? This well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offers 858 square feet of living space in a convenient central location near freeways, shopping and everyday amenities. With a roof that's just 2 years old and an A/C unit replaced 4 years ago, some of the biggest expenses have already been taken care of!

See the pics & info here.

Property listed by Ricardo Derabuni with My Home Group

A rare contemporary masterpiece in the guard-gated Country Club at DC Ranch, this stunning five-bedroom estate overlooks the 10th fairway with sweeping golf course, mountain and city views. Designed for luxury living and entertaining, it features walls of glass, a chef’s kitchen with prep kitchen, wine display, golf simulator, and a spectacular backyard with a negative-edge pool, spa, outdoor fireplaces and putting green.

Listed at $14 million, see all the photos here.

Property listed by Allan Macdonald with Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty

A good friend of mine is a boat guy, and his favorite place to go for a boat vacation is Sandpoint, Idaho. I’ve never been, but it sure seems like a cool place.

Nestled along the shores of Lake Pend Oreille in northern Idaho, Sandpoint is a charming mountain town surrounded by forests, lakes, and spectacular scenery. With a walkable downtown filled with local shops and restaurants, summer boating and hiking, and winter skiing at nearby Schweitzer Mountain, Sandpoint offers year-round outdoor adventure and small-town charm. If you've ever dreamed of trading the desert heat for four distinct seasons, this might be your kind of place!

This home is walking distance from the water and the historic downtown.

See all the pics & info here.

Because if we didn’t laugh…we’d cry