Moving can already be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life, but it may be doubly so for a new home owner. For renters who aspire to be home owners, transitioning from an apartment to a house requires a shift in thinking that you may or may not be prepared to make. The financial changes that come with owning, the need to consider planting longer-term roots in a neighborhood, and new neighborhood rules are things renters may not be thinking about enough.
You need to understand how your financial investment is changing. Renters may see an increase in your monthly rent every lease term, but you don’t see exactly where it goes — toward property taxes and insurance, even “luxuries” such as trash pickup. As home owners, you don’t have a landlord who handles all those details, so you need to be ready to juggle the financial responsibilities of home ownership. Be aware of the importance of budgeting to make sure you make smart financial decisions during this process.
You need to be happy with your location for the long-term. As a renter, you can bounce around from home to home every year if you want. But when you own a home, you have to stay put — unless you plan on renting it out, which most home owners don’t. Location is going to play a much more significant role in your future, so you should think about evaluating school districts, access to amenities, and commute time now as you search for your next home.
You may need to abide by new rules. Renters don’t think about possible homeowner association rules you may be governed by, such as trash pickup rules or any curfews or rules pertaining to animals. Make sure to get all the information on neighborhood rules and associations to understand what your new obligations will be.
You’ll need to get into the mindset of an owner. Life as you know it is about to change. Once you purchases a new home, you will no longer have a landlord to tend to your many needs, including lawn care and plumbing. I will provide you with contact information for local industry experts including certified specialists ranging from HVAC companies to carpenters to electricians. You don’t have to do everything yourself – however, you will have to pay for it yourself.
Know your neighbors can affect your home value. Renters typically don’t care who their neighbors are as long as they’re quiet (enough). Property value comes down to curb appeal. Less-appealing neighborhoods often have more-appealing prices, which is not always good for buyers and home owners.
When you’re ready to stop renting and become a homeowner, I’d love to help. Give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.
Source: Rob Rimeris is owner of EverSafe Moving Co. in Philadelphia. EverSafe is a five-star, full-service company that offers affordable moving and storage services. http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2016/08/11/5-things-renters-should-know-about-owning?om_rid=AAT6BZ&om_mid=_BXthPGB9RSTgPN&om_ntype=NARWeekly
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3145 W Sandra Terrace
Phoenix, AZ 85053
$649,999
4
Beds
3
Baths
3,601
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6736381
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover the perfect home in a super convenient location! This beautifully maintained residence offers 4 spacious bedrooms, a huge den, and 3 bathrooms. Enjoy 3 expansive living rooms, one with a cozy fireplace, and a grand great room, ideal for family gatherings and entertaining. The heart of the home is the spacious island kitchen, perfect for meal prep and family time. Step outside to a huge backyard, ideal for children, gardening, or hosting get-togethers. Plus, enjoy the convenience of a 3-car garage. With 3,601 sqft of living space, this home provides ample room for everyone. Don't miss the opportunity to make this incredible home yours.
7326 E Portland Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
$649,999
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,741
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6744851
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
PERFECT Rental! This rare gem in Scottsdale boasts 4 bedrooms plus a den, a 2-car garage, and a refreshing pool. Inside, discover an inviting open-concept layout complemented by sleek concrete floors, exposed metal beams. The kitchen is a culinary paradise, featuring stainless steel countertops, backsplash, and appliances, along with ample white cabinetry. Renovated bathrooms offer modern tile work and fixtures. The spacious master suite grants access to the backyard oasis, complete with a sparkling pool, and covered patio with a bar area. Situated in downtown Scottsdale, it's conveniently close to Fashion Square, dining, entertainment, and major attractions like the botanical gardens and the Phoenix Zoo and spring training stadiums! A rare blend of luxury and convenience.
2771 E State Route 260 Highway
Overgaard, AZ 85933
$649,999
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
3,208
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6752564
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Here's your opportunity to own a piece of nostalgia with the storied Irish Castle. The exterior retains its original castle charm, continuing to captivate passersby with its unique appeal. Inside, you'll find a completely renovated space that masterfully blends modern comforts with the exterior historic character. This landmark offers a distinctive blend of old-world charm & contemporary interior living. This would make an outstanding bed & breakfast or airbnb with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, huge kitchen and separate gathering spaces. All updates have been done within the last 2 years which include items such as mini splits in each room, new roof, new septic, flooring, painting, windows, spray insulation &so much more. List of updates/upgrades attached. Only 219 a square foot!
4232 N 161st Avenue
Goodyear, AZ 85395
$649,999
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,122
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6756990
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
4 Bedroom 3.5 Bath, 3 Car Garage & RV GATE. Custom Iron Gate Entrance into Private Courtyard. Beautiful Custom Tiled Entrance as you enter. TILE T/O except bedrooms. Open Floor Plan W/ Large Open Dining Area & Den. Great Room & GOURMET KITCHEN. Kitchen Features Beautiful GRANITE Countertops, Island, Stainless Steel Appliances, GAS STOVE ,DOUBLE OVENS, HUGE WALK IN PANTRY & 42'' CABINETS for Storage. PLANTATION SHUTTERS. Spacious Primary Suite with gorgeous bathroom w/ a Glass WALK-IN SHOWER, Separate Tub & double Sinks w/ Granite Countertops. 8' Interior Doors & 3 Secondary Bedrooms w/ Generous Closets. Garage W/ Cabinets & Overhead Storage Racks. Large Backyard professionally landscaped with ARTIFICIAL TURF & covered patio
19725 E Escalante Road
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$649,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,500
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6762361
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this absolutely beautiful home nestled in West Park Estates in Queen Creek. Offering 3 spacious bedrooms, a versatile den, and a dining room, this home is designed for both comfort and luxury. Step inside to a large living room that flows seamlessly to the heart of the home—a gourmet chef's kitchen equipped with a large island, sleek quartz countertops, brand-new appliances, a gas cooktop, and a convenient butler's pantry. The oversized back sliding door invites you to a large covered patio, perfect for outdoor entertaining. Enjoy relaxing on the expansive front porch with its cozy sitting area. The spacious secondary bedrooms share a Jack and Jill bathroom, while the luxurious primary suite boasts a floor-to-ceiling glass and tile rain shower, along with a large walk-in . . . closet that connects directly to the laundry room for ultimate convenience. Additional highlights include an extended-length garage, tankless water heater, and the oversized sliding door that brings the outdoors in, double gates on the east side, and a single gate on the west side. Minutes from downtown Q.C. where you will find great dining options, shopping, and entertainment. Within walking distance of Mansel Carter Oasis Park and Lake. This is a prime location for an incredible estate. Every detail has been thoughtfully crafted, making this home an ideal choice for anyone seeking style, comfort, functionality, and location.
21747 E Roundup Way
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$649,995
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,630
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6674425
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Enjoy this beautiful Pomona Opportunity with Guest Suite! This true split floorplan provides space to spread out! Your guests will find the spacious Kitchen/Dining /Great Room area quite comfortable for making memories for years to come. Included features: Timeless Stone Creek Collection Interior Design with cool tones. Upgraded Shaker Cabinets, Quart Kitchen Counters, 6X35 Tile flooring, Carpet in Bedrooms. Matte Black Hardware. Insulated 3 Car Garage with 8' Garage Doors, Gas stub at patio, Gas Range at Kitchen, Gas Dryer Hook up, Paver driveway and courtyard and Tankless water heater included!! Elevate your lifestyle today with the Amazing Pomona Floorplan!
21673 E Roundup Way
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$649,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,390
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6702202
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to Light Sky Ranch and the Pinecrest plan! This 2390 square foot home epitomizes modern luxury and comfort, boasting a well-appointed design that caters to both relaxation and functionality. With three bedrooms, two and a half baths, and a dedicated study, there's ample space for both privacy and gathering. The gourmet kitchen stands as the focal point, featuring quartz counters, upgraded shaker cabinets, and a spacious center island ideal for culinary endeavors or casual meals. The master suite is a tranquil oasis, offering dual closets and a spa-inspired shower for indulgent relaxation. Enhanced by 10-foot ceilings and a multi-slide door, the home is flooded with natural light. Outside, a single-car garage and a 2-car garage offer ample storage for vehicles, outdoor gear, and more. With amenities such as a tankless water heater for efficiency and a charming paver driveway, this home seamlessly blends convenience with sophistication.
20271 W Hollyhock Street
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$649,995
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,630
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6717642
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
8760 sqft lot - Gourmet kitchen, quartz countertops, full tile backsplash, white cabinets w/extension at nook, pendant lights at island, stainless steel appliances w/pyramid hood & gas cooktop - Center-meet doors at great room - Walk-in shower at primary bath - Pre-plumb locations at laundry room, soft water loop, gas to patio - 9 x 35 tile floors throughout except for carpet in bedrooms - Matte black fixtures throughout - Ceiling fan pre-wires at bedrooms, patio and great room - 10-foot ceilings - Single additional gate non-garage side - Two-tone paint - Garage service door.
21680 E Roundup Way
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$649,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,390
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6721113
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This Pinecrest plan is on a generous sized lot with a South facing front and borders a community greenbelt in central Queen Creek. The smart floorplan is a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 3 car garage. Interior finishes include 10' ceilings, Gourmet Kitchen appliances with a gas cooktop and a 36'' vent hood, beautifully designed separate tub and large shower with His and Hers closets in the Primary Bathroom, expansive multi-slide glass door system from the Great Room to the covered patio, and much more! Awesome location close to Queen Creek Marketplace, a brand new Costco and Fry's, and all that Queen Creek has to offer.
2567 N 195th Drive
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$649,995
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,570
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6761230
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The Former Celeste Model is for Sale. home across from the neighborhood park. This home includes many options such as: 10' ceilings w/tray ceilings at the entry & extended entry, Gourmet Kitchen with stainless steel GE appliances including a 36'' gas cooktop, hood, oven and microwave in the wall, quartz countertops, full kitchen backsplash, pendant lights over the kitchen island, walk-in pantry, center meet doors at the nook, deluxe primary bathroom #2 which has the oversized walk-in shower, walk-in closet in primary bathroom, pre-plumbed for sink in laundry room, pre-plumbed for water softener, tankless water heater, gas stub at the patio, service door in the garage, 8' garage door, pavers in the driveway, walkway and entry. Stop in to see this beautiful model home in person , walk-in closet in primary bathroom, pre-plumbed for sink in laundry room, pre-plumbed for water softener, tankless water heater, gas stub at the patio, service door in the garage, 8' garage door, pavers in the driveway, walkway and entry. Stop in to see
7552 E Elena Circle
Mesa, AZ 85208
$649,990
4
Beds
2
Baths
2,048
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6788968
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome home! Tastefully remodeled single-story home on a HUGE lot, 4+ car garage featuring an air-conditioned shop, a diving depth pool, two oversized RV gates, two carports, and NO HOA! Kitchen includes 42'' upper cabinets, solid surface counters, and wood look ceramic tile. Three LARGE bedrooms plus a den featuring a tray ceiling. Primary suite also has a private office/gym with barn doors. Bathrooms feature floor to ceiling tile and soft close cabinets. Oversized covered patio with ceiling fans throughout are great for entertaining. Completely remodeled Pebble-Tec pool has new equipment and warranty! Newer dual pane windows with UV film and all LED lighting throughout make this home very energy efficient. The detached shop is air conditioned, plumbed for air, has an oversize garage door and carports on both sides, all behind a massive 14' wide RV gate. On the other side of the home there is a 12' RV gate. Enough parking for ALL the toys!