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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8821 S 47th Place
Phoenix, AZ 85044
$579,000
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,195
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6745563
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
A rare opportunity for totally updated residence w/ views in mountainside resort, gated community! Amazing 4 bed, 3 bath residence in Pointe South Mtn/ AZ Grande in Ahwatukee haven! Two master bedrooms/ two large bedrooms perfect for large family or multi generational living. Upstairs bedrooms have balconies. Downstairs master with outdoor access. Updates from 2024 include modern interior color palette (2023 colors of the year), ext paint, two luxurious tiled rain showers, SS appliances, granite counters in kitchen/ downstairs baths, new light fixtures, new plumbing fixtures, all new flooring (wood plank tile and carpet), feature wall, roof updated, new landscape design featuring artificial grass and nightscape. The joy of your own piece of resort living, totally updated!
25024 S Stoney Lake Drive
Sun Lakes, AZ 85248
$579,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,968
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6750372
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this beautiful 2-bed, 2-bath Plus Office/Den residence on a coveted corner lot! The exterior boasts a striking stone facade, a 2.5-car garage, and a tasteful paver driveway. The inviting living room showcases vaulted ceilings, a soothing palette, and plush carpeting throughout. The eat-in kitchen comes with granite counters, ample wood cabinetry with crown molding, built-in appliances, a center island, and a serving window with a breakfast bar for casual dining. The cozy main bedroom offers direct backyard access, an en suite with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. Venture outside to find a covered patio for al fresco dining, a relaxing spa, and a low-maintenance desert landscape. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity! HVAC - 2 Units- Replaced in 2021, Hot water heater replaced 2021, Exterior Painted 2023, New Drip system - valves & timer replaced 2023. Exterior Stone work & Pavers done in 2023. New SPA Hot Tub 2024 Hard wired Security System. Reverse Osmosis.
1509 E Peach Tree Drive
Chandler, AZ 85249
$579,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,250
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6757886
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome home to this gorgeously redone 3BR 2BA home in the vibrant active adult community of Sunbird CC. A charming courtyard greets you. Enter a large living/dining area with wood look tile throughout. The stunning kitchen boasts granite counters, crisp white cupboards, bar and newer SS appliances. Large family room with access to the relaxing patio and backyard. Bonus art studio den just off the family room. Enjoy the active adult resort lifestyle with golf, pool, tennis and pickleball. Plus, restaurant, bar and loads of entertainment!
8305 W Pioneer Street
Tolleson, AZ 85353
$579,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
3,244
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6756752
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Make yourself at home in this beautiful 5-bedroom haven with a 3-car garage in Tolleson! Large living & dining room and the desirable great room are meticulously designed for relaxation and entertaining. High vaulted ceilings, plantation shutters, and wood-look tile flooring add to the overall appeal. Open-concept kitchen boasts ample white shaker cabinets, a pantry, tile counters & backsplash, a center island with a breakfast bar, and stainless steel appliances. You'll also have a den/office and a cozy loft ideal for a reading nook. HUGE main retreat provides double door entry, media niches, an ensuite with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. Surely to impress with the wonderful backyard equipped with a covered patio, gazebo, and a refreshing pool for endless summer fun. Don't miss it!
233 E Angela Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85022
$579,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,808
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6774515
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This charming home features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, providing ample space for family or guests. The updated kitchen boasts modern amenities, making meal preparation a joy. All the windows are energy-efficient low-E windows, complemented by new doors throughout the home. Two of the bedrooms are particularly spacious, with the master bedroom offering a large walk-in closet for plenty of storage. The master bathroom includes a beautifully tiled walk-in shower, adding a touch of luxury. For those who work from home, there's a dedicated office space, perfect for productivity. The family room is a cozy retreat, complete with vaulted ceilings and a warm fireplace for those chilly evenings. Step outside to a backyard oasis, where a sparkling pool invites relaxation. The expansive covered patio offers a fantastic space for outdoor living and entertaining, with a lush grass area and a paver front entry adding curb appeal. Additionally, art lighting highlights your favorite pieces, and a large laundry/storage room adds functionality to the home.
9101 E Nacoma Drive
Sun Lakes, AZ 85248
$579,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,252
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6750314
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
UPDATED Extended Palacia Plus Model w/ Energy Efficient (Solar) & NEWER HVAC in the GATED, ADULT COMMUNITY of Oakwood. Featuring NEW FLOORING & GRANITE COUNTERTOPS with an OPEN kitchen & TONS of Storage. Completely REMODELED Primary Bath. Vaulted ceilings in the great room makes space feel much larger. Also wired for stereo system. New VERY Bright can lights throughout & new dimmers & ceiling fans. 2 sliding glass doors which all give great natural light to the home. The 2.5 car garage has tons of storage. The RV electric hookup is also a nice feature. Don't miss this AMAZING opportunity in Sun Lakes w/ Guarded gate entry for more security and all of its amenities including golf, tennis, pickle ball, pools, fitness center, clubs, social activities, restaurants & so much more!
2511 W Queen Creek Road Unit 425
Chandler, AZ 85248
$579,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
1,584
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6755740
Property Type
Apartment
Price Type
--
Experience true luxury living in this stunning 2-bedroom, 3-bathroom loft-style residence located in the prestigious Cays Downtown. Boasting one of the best floor plans in the entire subdivision, this spacious and stylish home offers an open, modern layout with soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, and high-end finishes throughout. Loft used as 3rd room with murphy bed. Each bedroom features its own en-suite bathroom for ultimate privacy and comfort, while the third bathroom provides added convenience for guests. The sleek, contemporary design complements the vibrant downtown lifestyle, with easy access to upscale dining, shopping, and entertainment. Whether you're relaxing in the expansive living spaces or enjoying the urban energy of downtown, this home is the perfect blend of sophistication and convenience. Don't miss your chance to live in one of the most sought-after addresses at The Cays Downtown!
21263 W Sycamore Drive
Buckeye, AZ 85396
$578,999
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,903
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6775817
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this beautifully designed 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home located in the heart of Buckeye's highly sought after Verrado community. This home features an inviting open floor plan with soaring ceilings and plenty of natural light. The gourmet kitchen is perfect for the modern chef, offering granite countertops, matching appliances, a large island, and plenty of cabinet space. It flows seamlessly into the living and dining areas, making it perfect for entertaining. Step outside to enjoy the beautifully landscaped large low maintenance backyard, complete with a covered patio, perfect for outdoor dining and relaxing. Situated in the vibrant Verrado community, you'll have access to incredible amenities such as parks, community pools and spa, children's playground, walking trails, golf courses, and a bustling Main Street with shops and restaurants that is walking distance from the property! Top-rated schools and easy access to major freeways make this location unbeatable! Don't miss out on the chance to live in this highly desirable neighborhood! Buyers currently living in Maricopa or Pinal County ask about an ADDITIONAL $7,000 home buyer credit available via the Community Promise Program. Rate Relief Rebate Program: Benefit from a 2% seller credit to reduce your mortgage payments by Approximately $591/month in year 1 and $303/month in year 2. This exclusive offer makes homeownership more affordable now, while you await potential rate decreases.
16062 W Alameda Road
Surprise, AZ 85387
$578,960
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,674
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6729568
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
MOVE IN READY, BRIGHT GREAT ROOM PLAN , QUICK CLOSE!! 4 BEDROOM PLUS LOFT, 3.5 BATH , 9'CEILINGS, GOURMET KITCHEN LAYOUT, UPGRADE CABINETS , GRANITE KITCHEN TOPS, SPA SHOWER, TILED FLOORING. 2'WHITE BLINDS, CEILING FANS, FRONT YARD LANSCAPING COMPLETED, ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED HOME, INDOOR AIR PLUS. A SHORT DISTANCE FROM THE COMMUNITY POOL AREA, PICNIC AREA, TOT LOTS, BASKETBALL, PICKLE BALL COURTSAND SO MUCH MORE.
3726 E Rochelle Circle
Mesa, AZ 85215
$578,950
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,705
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6749729
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This is a to be built home being offered at Base Price plus lot premium. Price includes a nice standard feature package and an option allowance to be used at the Design Studio to personalize the home to your tastes. Features include a heavy iron front door, 2x6 ext. framing, dual pane vinyl windows, Carrier gas furnace and AC. Price includes ceramic tile in select areas. Choice of interior door styles, iron front door styles plus choice of door hardware and bathroom fixture colors. 10' interior ceilings, front porch and rear patio included! Much more. Front view picture is of an artists rendering, pics are of a upgraded former model home. Final price is determined by any other options or upgrades added by buyer at the Design Studio. Taxes are estimated. 2025 completion
8572 W Palo Verde Avenue
Peoria, AZ 85345
$578,900
5
Beds
2
Baths
2,196
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6731165
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to your next business opportunity! This spacious 5 beds, 2 baths home with a sprinkler system is ideal for starting or expanding a group home business. Previously licensed for a 10-bed behavior group home, it offers ample room for residents with its professionally converted garage adding extra space. Located in a prime area with easy access to local amenities and healthcare facilities, Its turnkey nature allows for business operations, offering significant growth potential and profitability.
9236 E Sector Drive
Mesa, AZ 85212
$578,814
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,410
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6778595
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
MOVE IN READY HOME! This WILSON plan features a Deluxe Gourmet Kitchen with a 36'' gas cooktop and a wall mounted gas range. This home features white cabinets with polished nickel pulls throughout, zinc quartz countertop and Santorini 4x12 backsplash with Oregon Rovere 8x36 wood-tile flooring throughout downstairs. One of the most popular floorplans for a reason, the Wilson is the perfect home for hosting visiting guests in the downstairs bedroom with full bath, have a designated office downstairs and a second living room in the upstairs loft where the rest of the family can hang out!