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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6109 S 68th Avenue
Laveen, AZ 85339
$549,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
3,402
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6781655
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
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Your new home is waiting for YOU! This well maintained home offers 2 car garage, extended driveway for extra parking, RV gate, and low maintenance front yard. Incredible inside offers plank style laminate and tile, No carpet, 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, formal living & dining rooms, den/office that could easily be used as another bedroom, and large loft area can be used for a bonus room or pool table. Chef's kitchen is comprised of Stainless Steel appliances, Gas Stove, island, mosaic backsplash, walk-in pantry, and ample counter/cabinet space. Upstairs master suite includes walk-in closet, full bath, dual sinks, separate tub, and step-in shower. Huge backyard has built-in BBQ & covered patio extended with pavers. The Lot is almost 1/3 Acre! HUGE RV Gate area and plenty of space to use it! 3 Bay Garage/ 2 door entry, tone of extra space. Whole house sprinkler system. Close to Freeways, Sprouts, Home Depot and restaurants. Trailside Point community park features a fishing lake, water splash pad and covered play area. The Laveen Schools are rated A+! Don't miss this opportunity!
11407 W Duane Lane
Peoria, AZ 85383
$549,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,902
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6782259
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This Stunning 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Features a Chefs Kitchen with gas Cooktop and Quartz Countertops, Built in Microwave and Oven, New RO System 10/2024. Stainless Steel Refrigerator Backsplash pendant lighting and a Large Pantry. Master bath has a Tiled super shower with rainfall Shower Heads, Jack and Jill Bath connects other Bedrooms. Raised vanities and Walk in Closets in all Bedrooms. Half a bath in hall way.8 ft doors highlight the interior with 5 1/4 Baseboards and upgraded lighting and fixtures, Matte Black throughout. The home also has Wood look Porcelain Tile and Upgraded Honeywell Thermostats with remote Via App. A 12' Multi Glass Sliding Door Leads to to an Extended Covered Patio and a Fully Landscaped Back Yard. Other Features Include Satellite Rewired, Water softener .
22807 E Via Del Palo --
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$549,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,710
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6783813
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Gorgeous 3 bed 2 bath Queen Creek gem. This must see home has loads of upgrades in all the right places. Tucked on a corner lot, on a sweet tree lined street in the highly desirable Harvest at Meridian community. Thoughtful builder upgrades including premium tile in all main living areas and upgraded carpet in the EXTENDED bedrooms. A premium cabinet package that has been professionally refinished, custom backsplash, gas cooktop, EXTENDED garage, upgraded bathroom package, premium countertops, high soft close toilets, upgraded electrical outlets, spray foam insulation, new pendant lighting, custom screen door, soft water system, custom sunscreens, complete with a 100K backyard Oasis, featuring gorgeous green turf and a stunning oversized 6 1/2 ft deep pool with Baja step and waterfall. Multiple walk-in closets, and loads of charm throughout. Complete with amazing community amenities. Including a splashpad, community pool, community garden, playground, walking paths, within walking distance to highly desirable Queen Creek schools. Close to amazing shopping, dining and entertainment alike. Enjoy fireworks from Schnepf Farms multiple times a year from the backyard patio, just 7 minutes to Frontier Family Park, 6 minutes to Schnepf Farms, and only 5 minutes to Queen Creek Olive Mill Market. With amazing freeway access this beautiful home sits right in the heart of Queen Creek.
714 N Fox Hill Circle
Payson, AZ 85541
$549,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,695
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6784866
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Step into this beautiful single level home in Woodhill Subdivision, nestled into a beautiful cul-de-sac lot with lots of mature natural trees. Very private backyard which backs to undeveloped land, south side has a large dog turn out which allows for more privacy. This home features an open floor plan which provides a seamless flow between living, dining and kitchen. Living room boasts with large windows giving it lots of natural lighting, vaulted ceilings, cozy fireplace adds warmth and charm! This is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, split floor plan, vaulted ceilings, electronic blinds on some of the windows, walk-in closet, en-suite with dual sinks and walk in tiled shower. Private backyard with covered patio Don't miss out on this one!