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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4359 N 203rd Avenue
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$594,990
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,674
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6736229
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This Gorgeous Altena floorplan curated with Classic 'Looks' interiors selections offering a gorgeous cohesive design. Your spacious kitchen is designed with a large island, pendant lighting, quartz counters, stunning stacking cabinets and GE profile stainless steel appliances. Feel the openness of your great room and dining room with coffered ceiling and crown molding. Enjoy indoor-outdoor living with your 12 ft sliding glass door. The Primary Suite includes an Upgraded no step rain shower. Wood look tile throughout most rooms and plush carpet in bedrooms, plus window coverings included! ^^Short/long term interest rate buydowns available when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.
22873 E Roundup Way
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$594,990
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,234
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6764472
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
''The Sunflower floorplan is ideal for modern living, featuring an expansive kitchen with a large island, pantry, and generous dining and Greatroom areas, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying quality family time. Step into this stunning quick move-in home, offering a thoughtfully designed 2234 sqft layout with 4 bedrooms, a guest retreat, 3 full bathrooms and 2.5 car garage. The home radiates elegance with finishes from the Oxford Collection, showcasing 6 x 36 Vicinity Natural plank tile floors in the main living areas, plush carpeting in the bedrooms, and stylish 42'''' Fairview Sarsaparilla shaker cabinets adorned with sophisticated Champagne Bronze hardware. The kitchen is truly a showstopper, featuring Della Terra Quartz countertops in Carrara Breeze and a 3 x 12 Matte White brick-pattern tile backsplash, creating a seamless blend of luxury and functionality. Additional highlights include a paver driveway and entry walkway, two-tone paint, and 8' doors throughout, adding to its refined appeal. The spacious Greatroom is accented by a 4-panel sliding glass door that seamlessly transitions to the covered patio and backyard, making it perfect for embracing indoor-outdoor living. This home is fully equipped with stainless steel appliances, including a gas range, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, white washer and dryer, blinds, soft water loop, and a garage door openermaking it truly move-in ready. This Sunflower plan combines thoughtful design with elegant details, creating an inviting and meticulously finished space that's ready to welcome you home. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this gem firsthand.
20257 W Catalina Drive
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$594,990
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,510
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6783696
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
QUICK MOVE-IN HOME! MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS! SPECIAL FINANCING WITH BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES AVAILABLE! MOVE-IN PACKAGES AVAILABLE! PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT THESE SPECIALS ON THIS QUICK MOVE-IN HOME AND OTHERS. ACT SOON BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! It's the beautiful Jade floor plan with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. Multi slide door that leads out to the covered patio. Large walk in shower at owner's bath with tile surrounds. Kitchen features include a stainless steel gas appliance package with a 30'' cooktop, wall oven, canopy hood. Barnett Boulder cabinets. AZT Hana Sky Quartz countertops on the expanded kitchen island. Stainless steel undermount single bowl sink. Upgrade flooring includes DT Valance Gray 6x24 plank tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms and closets. Gas stub for future BBQ, soft water loop, 8' tall garage door with two remotes. Garage service door for easy access into the backyard and so much more.
2173 N Iowa Street
Chandler, AZ 85225
$594,990
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,881
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6774238
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Brand New Home Alert! Welcome to Arbor Square, where luxury and convenience meet in the heart of Downtown Chandler. Nestled within walking distance to the vibrant Downtown Chandler Entertainment District, our community provides the perfect balance of urban living and peaceful escape. Each home at Arbor Square boasts top-of-the-line amenities, designed with your comfort and convenience in mind. From elegant quartz countertops to luxury vinyl plank flooring, every detail has been carefully selected to provide you with a high-end yet modern living experience. Our homes also feature pre-wiring for EV chargers, making it easy for you to stay connected and eco-friendly. Our community is designed to give you all the perks of luxurious living without the hassle of upkeep. Experience the best of urban living in a peaceful and modern setting at Arbor Square. Come find your perfect home today! Photos are of the builder's model of a similar floor plan, actual home is under construction. Contact listing the agent for additional incentives. Agents Must accompany their clients upon their first visit.
2627 N 30th Place
Phoenix, AZ 85008
$594,900
2
Beds
1
Bath
800
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6688674
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
ATTENTION INVESTORS AND BUILDERS. Small rental home on this amazing RARE LARGE parcel size of 17,000sf!! Zoning is R1-6, so each lot (without a variance) needs a minimum of 6,000sf per lot, but many lots in the area are less than 6,000sf. No variance needed if you split the site into two lots and you could build one home on the South lot and keep the small home on the North lot as rental income ($1,500/mo) until you are ready to tear it down and build a new home. Phoenix zoning now allows ADUs (Additional Dwelling Units). Many new homes are being built in the immediate area and this is a RARE parcel size!! See photos with potential development ideas. Check with city to verify all info. Please don't disturb the tenants by walking the lot without permission from agent. THANK YOU!
769 W Citrus Way
Chandler, AZ 85248
$594,900
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,979
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6738698
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This fabulous residence nestled in the Fox Crossing Community is the one you've been looking for! Make yourself at home in the inviting interior showcasing a designer color palette, neutral tile flooring, and soft carpet in all the right places. The well-appointed kitchen boasts wood cabinetry adorned with crown moulding, sleek granite counters, matching built-in appliances, pendant lighting, a stylish mosaic backsplash, and a center island equipped with a breakfast bar. The serene main bedroom features private outdoor access, an immaculate ensuite with dual sinks, separate tub/shower, and a walk-in closet. Spend relaxing afternoons along with your loved ones in the charming backyard, offering a covered patio and an easy-care landscape! Don't let this home slip by!
15 W Palmcroft Drive
Tempe, AZ 85282
$594,900
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,608
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6767877
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Beautifully updated mid century gem with all the historic charm intact in the heart of downtown Tempe! Impeccably maintained with updates galore featuring 3 bed/2 baths, large professionally landscaped lot, award winning schools, walking distance to ASU, downtown Tempe and Gammage. Updates include: new roof, new Trane a/c, plantation shutters, professionally landscaped backyard including irrigation system, block wall/fence, gate, extended covered patio & large storage shed, new windows, interior and exterior doors, remodeled kitchen, stainless appliances, remodeled bathrooms, interior and exterior paint & newer water heater. Date Palm Manor is a historic designated neighborhood which reduces owner property taxes by half.
9919 E Radioactive Drive
Mesa, AZ 85212
$594,900
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,115
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6655238
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Major Price Reduction! Better than New! 3 Bed + Den, 3 Baths, 3 Car Tandem Garage. Very spacious floorplan. Wood Plank Like Tile Flooring w/Upgraded Carpeting. Across the street from a park. Features Include: Butler Pantry, Large Kitchen Pantry, Gas Cook Top, Granite Countertops throughout w/ Island &Breakfast Bar, White Cabinets with Pull Handles, Wood Shutters, Soft close drawers & cabinets, Gas Stub for BBQ, Walk-In Master Shower, Extra Insulation to Garage, Built in Classy Closets in Garage w/overhead cabinets, Epoxy Garage Floor, Backyard Fully Landscaped w Brick Pavers and Artificial Turf, Water plumbed to backyard to add irrigation for garden boxes, Pavers at Front making driveway wider, Overhead cabinets in Laundry. 5 minute freeway access. Eastmark Community offers: Heated Pool, Splash pad, Dog parks, Many Parks, Tennis courts, Fishing Pond, Ball fields, Frisbee golf course and Rec Center. There are many recreational spots close by including a regional sports park just south of this home on Ellsworth and Pecan Lake Entertainment which offers many various attractions and restaurants.
122 W Foothill Street
Apache Junction, AZ 85120
$594,900
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,645
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6771553
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This beautiful 1645 SQ. FT. slump block constructed home has been remodeled and refinished with all new and updated finishes. New roof & fascia boards, new exterior stucco & paint, new ac unit & hot water heater, all new dual pane windows, all new lighting inside & out, all new interior doors & baseboards, the kitchen has new white shaker style cabinets w/soft close drawers, new beautiful quartz countertops, new SS dishwasher & refrigerator, new barn style doors on walk-in pantry & laundry room. All interior floors are plank style tile. Both bathrooms have been remodeled and updated with the right touches. This open floor plan flows gracefully together and creates a wonderful place to entertain family & friends in. The property is 1.25 acres and is completely ..... fenced in with all new gas pipe fencing which also includes a large RV gate. No HOA to contend with here. Large enclosed chicken coop to convey and you can even have the chickens & the ducks. All new granite minus has been installed. The full length covered patio faces north and provides wonderful mountain scenery to soak up and enjoy. Cargo container located on property can be purchased on a separate bill of sale out side the COE and offers a great space for storing side by sides or what ever you might have. The land is very flat & buildable for any future additional buildouts that one might need and the owner has plans available and they are uploaded into the document section. The new plans are for an addition to make this a 4 bedroom & 3 bathroom home. Apache Junction is a hidden gem amongst our growing city population. Come see the beauty that surrounds this property from the Superstition Mountains up to the Tonto National Forrest. You won't be disappointed. Also, roof still has a 9 year warranty. 4 ton ac unit with a 16 seer rating. This area is known for it's equestrian areas and low key life style.
2451 E Glencove Street
Mesa, AZ 85213
$594,900
6
Beds
3
Baths
2,950
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6778523
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover the charm of this 6-bedroom, 3-bath property, NO HOA, now for sale! You'll love the sizable living areas featuring tall ceilings, neutral paint tones, and hardwood flooring, creating an inviting atmosphere for hosting and entertaining. The kitchen is the heart of the home, equipped with generous counter space, a mosaic tile backsplash, rich wood cabinetry, recessed lighting, and a breakfast bar. Retreat to the main suite, boasting two ceiling fans, a sitting area, an ensuite, and a walk-in closet. Venture upstairs to find more sizable bedrooms! Experience the ultimate outdoor lifestyle with weekend BBQs, refreshing swims in the crystal-clear pool, and endless opportunities for relaxation and fun. What are you waiting for? Make this gem yours today!
2613 E Dragoon Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85204
$594,500
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,598
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6714910
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
NO HOA! A LARGE BEAUTIFUL 2598 SQ.FT. 2 STORY, TRI-LEVEL 5 BEDROOM, 3 BATH HOME IN A QUIET STREET AND NEIGHBORHOOD SURROUNDED BY LARGE CUSTOM HOMES. THIS HOME IS ONE OUT OF ONLY 9-10 SIMILAR 2 STORY, TRI-LEVEL HOMES IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. Home is currently owner-occupied. HOME IS BEING SOLD AS-IS IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION - The Seller will provide a two-year Premium Home Warranty Plan.
12800 N 172nd Drive
Surprise, AZ 85388
$594,325
5
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,159
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6756193
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
QUICK MOVE-IN!!!!! SELLER IS OFFERING INTEREST RATE AND CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE! This beautiful new home is a must see. 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, loft and a 3-car tandem garage. 1st floor Owner's Suite! Beautiful, tiled floors on 1st floor including the Great Room, upgraded carpet upstairs and in bedrooms, The home has a large open kitchen and great room. Beautiful gray Cabinets, Quartz countertops, Stainless steel appliances and a large kitchen island. Secondary bedrooms are good size, and some have walk in closets, they are all surrounded by a spacious loft. The home is on a large lot that gives you many entertaining opportunities and has no backyard neighbors. THIS HOME IS COMPLETED!