Careful…Don’t Get Caught in the Rental Trap!

There are many benefits to homeownership. One of the top benefits is being able to protect yourself from rising rents by locking in your housing cost for the life of your mortgage.

Don’t Become Trapped 

Jonathan Smoke, Chief Economist at realtor.com, reported on what he calls a “Rental Affordability Crisis.” He warns that,

“Low rental vacancies and a lack of new rental construction are pushing up rents, and we expect that they’ll outpace home price appreciation in the year ahead.”

In the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University’s 2016 State of the Nation’s Housing Report, they revealed that “The number of cost-burdened households rose to 21.3 million. Even more troubling, the number with severe burdens (paying more than 50% of income for housing) jumped to a record 11.4 million.” These households struggle to save for a rainy day and pay other bills, such as food and healthcare.

It’s Cheaper to Buy Than Rent 

In Smoke’s article, he went on to say,

“Housing is central to the health and well-being of our country and our local communities. In addition, this (rental affordability) crisis threatens the future value of owned housing, as the burdensome level of rents will trap more aspiring owners into a vicious financial cycle in which they cannot save and build a solid credit record to eventually buy a home.”

“While more than 85% of markets have burdensome rents today, it’s perplexing that in more than 75% of the counties across the country, it is actually cheaper to buy than rent a home. So why aren’t those unhappy renters choosing to buy?”

Know Your Options

Perhaps you have already saved enough to buy your first home. HousingWire reported that analysts at Nomura believe:

“It’s not that Millennials and other potential homebuyers aren’t qualified in terms of their credit scores or in how much they have saved for their down payment. 

It’s that they think they’re not qualified or they think that they don’t have a big enough down payment.” (emphasis added)

Many first-time homebuyers who believe that they need a large down payment may be holding themselves back from their dream home. As we have reported before, in many areas of the country, a first-time home buyer can save for a 3% down payment in less than two years. You may have already saved enough!

Bottom Line

Don’t get caught in the trap so many renters are currently in. If you are ready and willing to buy a home, find out if you are able. Let’s get together to determine if you can qualify for a mortgage now!  Give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

7233 W Corrine Drive Peoria, AZ 85381

$644,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,982 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6510891

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This fully renovated 4 bedm, 3 bath Luxury Home, is currently a very successful AIR.B.n.B. Walking distance to shops and restaurants. 7 miles to PHX Cardinal football Stadium / Westgate District. This Home features - Solar Heated Play Pool with connected Spa - 2 Stall Garage - Walk-in Closet - Indoor Fireplace - new front/back landscape (pavers/tuff) - Vaulted ceilings - New water heater - Freshly painted inside.

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7008 E Lynx Wagon Road Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

$644,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,655 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6733564

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to beautiful Stoneridge. This home has it all. With plenty of space for friends and familyand all the amenities you need. Main level living with additional bedrooms upstairs. The open floor plan invites you to enjoy family gatherings, perfect for entertaining. Enjoy breathtaking views from the large open lot. Walking distance to the golf course, restaurant and parks. Call today before this home is gone!

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2826 E Victor Hugo Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85032

$644,900

5 Beds

2 Baths

2,154 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769787

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautifully updated home in the peaceful Shadow Mountain neighborhood is surrounded by picturesque mountain views & offers a blend of modern upgrades and serene outdoor living. The spacious, low-maintenance backyard is one of the main features of the home with newly planted citrus trees, covered patio and a newer aqua blue Pebble Tech pool making it the perfect oasis for relaxation. Step inside to find a stylish kitchen and living area with sparkling white quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, fireplace, sit in dining room and a tankless water heater for energy efficiency. The home has been thoughtfully upgraded with brand new flooring(2024), a new septic tank system (2023), a new block wall for privacy (2023), and an upgraded main electrical panel (2023), Updated Plumbing. Other recent updates include: Refurbished HVAC unit installed in (2023), New remote-controlled ceiling fans (2023), New French patio doors (2023), New vinyl windows(2023) throughout. Also close to great shopping, & minutes from the 51 making easy commutes. This home combines modern convenience with natural beauty, making it a must-see property! Don't miss the opportunity to make it yours.

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4823 E Presidio Road Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$644,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,750 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6737405

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

New Photos Coming, Beautiful updated home in desirable 85254. No HOA. Single level, 3BR/2BA/2CG. Formal LR/DR and family room with fireplace are great for entertaining. Updated Quartz countertops throughout. Large backyard, with new turf and putting green with plenty of room for a pool. Please inquire with any questions.

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4703 N 206th Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$644,900

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,297 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6722802

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Introducing this highly desirable Lennar NextGen home, which is ONLY available as a resale in the sought-after Victory at Verrado community. Boasting 2 bedrooms, den, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 great rooms, courtyard, covered rear patio with extended pergola, and two add'l rear patio areas. This open-concept home is perfect for those who love to entertain. The gourmet kitchen is equipped with a gas range, hood, and a spacious island, flowing seamlessly into the eat-in breakfast nook. The NextGen suite has a separate entrance and features a full bathroom, bedroom, living room, and kitchen, providing a private retreat for you or your guests. Plantation shutters add a touch of elegance and privacy to this beautiful home.

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7315 E Night Watch Way Prescott Valley, AZ 86314

$644,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,123 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779660

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the exquisite Lupine Plan in the sought-after Stoneridge Golf Community. This home is in pristine condition, boasting a new roof and fresh paint on the exterior and interior as of August 2024. 2.5-car insulated garage with two 240 outlets for car charging or hobbies. The home features 3 bedrooms plus a bonus room, and 2 baths, Remodeled kitchen includes granite island, under-counter LED lighting, updated black stainless appliances, slide-out shelves, and a walk-in pantry. High ceilings and custom barn doors. Solid surface flooring throughout. Both primary and secondary bathrooms have been beautifully remodeled. The garage has epoxy flooring, work area, and water softener, Oasis of a backyard!! Dog door leads to secure dog run with HOA approved 6' fence. See documents for feature Unique paver stone driveway and walkway. Enjoy the mornings or evenings on the extended, covered patio.

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2825 N 42nd Street Unit 11 Phoenix, AZ 85008

$644,888

3 Beds

4 Baths

2,229 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6671892

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This sophisticated and contemporary residence boasts three spacious master suites in addition to generously sized rooms for office use. The main level presents an expansive open floor plan featuring a gourmet kitchen, a generously sized great room, a convenient half bath, and direct access to a two-car garage. 2 of the master suite offers substantial walk-in closets and full baths complete with dual vanities. The rooftop patio provides a delightful vantage point for glimpsing mountain views. The sought-after Edgemont community provides residents with access to a pool, a gated pet park, and a BBQ grill. Conveniently located less than two miles from Arcadia's fashionable dining venues, shops, the 202 freeway, minutes away from the Biltmore, Downtown Phoenix, and the Airport. location Location!! Location!!

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10133 S Bickwell Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$644,823

5 Beds

4 Baths

3,094 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768151

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover a unique home and buying experience at Laurel at Blossom Rock! This 2-story Heritage design is currently under construction and features a spacious, open-concept floorplan. The inviting kitchen flows seamlessly into a bright great room that opens to a private, covered outdoor space, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The 3-car garage includes a convenient drop zone, and the home offers 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a great room, and a kitchen with an island. Plus, $61,000 in premium upgrades are already included, and special financing options are available. The home is anticipated to be completed by September. Blossom Rock is designed for outdoor living, with community parks, miles of scenic trails, beautiful lakes, and signature events that bring the community together.

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8413 E Hubbell Street Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$644,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,475 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6749186

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Become the proud owner of this charming fully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence on a desirable corner lot, no expenses spared! All new plumbing and sewer lines as of 2024. Featuring a garage, a convenient RV gate, a low-maintenance yard, and a cozy front patio. Inside, the great room boasts a soothing palette, blinds, and stylish wood-look flooring. The spotless kitchen showcases quartz counters, abundant wood soft closing cabinetry, pendant/recessed lighting, a chic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and a center island with a breakfast bar for casual dining. The main bedroom offers a private bathroom with dual sinks. Venture outside to the lovely backyard, complete with a covered patio, artificial turf for year-round greenery, drip system to all exterior plants, alley access, and a shed for additional storage. Make this gem yours or turn it into the perfect air bnb or VRBO!

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18602 E Avenida Del Ray -- Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$644,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,886 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6760968

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Built in 1990 this well maintained Santa Fe Territorial is comfortably tucked into the active adult golf community of Rio Verde. This home is move in ready and boasts 14 foot ceilings a split 3 bed 2 bath open concept floor plan. View the beautiful Mazatzal mountain tops from the covered back patio living space, accessed by a living room slider and primary bedroom which has its own private patio access. Spacious kitchen with extra long granite bar and a dining room area. A cozy Fireplace to keep you warm on crisp desert nights. Large mature desert landscaped corner lot with a long driveway providing even more privacy. 2 car garage with a separate side entrance golf cart garage. Golf membership information available upon request. Social membership included with purchase. Rio Verde's active adult Golf Course community offers an array of activities for all. There is a private gate to access all of McDowell Regional Parks 21,000 acres of hiking and mountain biking trails. Rio Verde has a very active Tennis and Pickle Ball community. Bocce Ball parties every Wednesday and Friday afternoons, A brand new 2700 sq/.ft workout facility, lap and social pool which offers water sports and class activities, a community art room, resort style library and a separate Billiards Room - all makes for an enjoyable part of the Rio Verde lifestyle. All the above mentioned amenities are included with home ownership in Rio Verde. Golf membership information available upon request- Rio Verde has two different 18 hole courses within the community.

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20254 W Hollyhock Street Buckeye, AZ 85396

$643,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6718219

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome Home to the Estates at Arroyo Seco, our newest Buckeye Community. This Deacon floorplan includes an attached RV garage, plus a tandem two car garage, a 220 V 50AMP, pre-plumb for utility sink, soft water loop, garage service door and an RV cleanout. Inside a well-appointed gourmet kitchen with 42'' upper white cabinets, brushed nickel cabinet pulls, quartz countertops, tile backsplash and GE Plus Stainless-steel appliances with a chimney hood and 36'' gas cooktop, also includes a walk-in pantry and is flanked by a great room and a dining room with center meet sliding doors leading out to a covered patio. You'll also appreciate the versatile flex-room, two secondary bedrooms with shared access to a full bath with dual vanities, and a primary suite with a private bathroom featuring a deluxe tiled shower with rain shower, dual vanities and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom and walk-in laundry room round out the interior of the home. This home also includes two-tone paint, 9 x 35 tile flooring throughout and carpet in the bedrooms only. Ceiling fan prewires at all bedrooms, great room, flex room and covered patio; a gas stub at the patio; pre-plumb for a sink at the laundry room; pendant lighting at the kitchen island; exterior coach lights; paver driveway and walkway and front yard landscaping complete the home. This home is situated on an 8760 square foot South facing lot with a double side gate.

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26403 S 231st Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

Open House

$643,698

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,918 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6673328

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This is a brand new Quick Start Home under construction in Queen Creek, with a Spanish elevation. 4 bed, 2.5 bath, plus flex room and den. Stainless Steel Gourmet Whirlpool kitchen appliances include 36'' gas cooktop, stainless chimney hood, built-in microwave and oven, and dishwasher. White 42'' cabinets with quartz countertop and tile backsplash at the kitchen, along with upgraded wood-look tile and carpet. 12 ft center slide at great room. Move in anticipated for Sept/Oct. Please ask about our special financing incentives!

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