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

6728 N 190th Drive Waddell, AZ 85355

$619,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,397 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6739349

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 very spacious Carmona on a LARGE LOT. 3 bedrooms + study, 2.5 baths, Multi slide door perfect for entertaining off of the extended covered patio. Large walk in shower at owner's bath. Brick pavers at porch, drive, and walk. Garage service door for easy access to the backyard. Stainless steel gas appliance package with 36'' cooktop and canopy hood for the cook in the family. Slate (gray) cabinets with 42'' kitchen uppers and pull out trash drawer. AZT Himalaya white granite tops in kitchen and at the enhanced kitchen island. Upgrade flooring includes EMS Novales 12x24 Astra tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms & closets. Please verify all information with onsite agent. Thank you!

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11513 E Utah Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$619,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,506 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6708212

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

''Stunning Suntone floorplan - 3 bedrooms with seperate Den and 2.5 Baths, located in the East Valley's newest community, Destination at Gateway. Discover this inviting home featuring a 4 Panel Center siding glass door off the great room, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor living. The kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, including a 36-inch gas cooktop, built-in wall oven and microwave, along with white and gray shaker cabinets adorned with satin nickel hardware and a convenient trash pull-out. The quartz countertops and tile kitchen backsplash add a touch of elegance to the space. Throughout the home, 8-foot interior doors with upgraded satin nickel door hardware create a modern, cohesive feel. The main areas are adorned with 8 x 36'' wood-look tile and 4 1/4-inch baseboards, providing a stylish foundation for the home. Bathrooms feature upgraded vanity lights and brushed nickel bath faucets, while the primary bathroom offers an enlarged shower and a separate soaking tub for relaxation. With 10-foot ceilings, an oversized laundry room, a separate valet area at the garage entrance, and a paver driveway, this home is designed to offer both luxury and practicality, providing a comfortable and stylish living space for you and your family.

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20105 W Pinchot Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$619,990

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,835 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6715566

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Ask about special financing with preferred lender. This single-level home is host to two secondary bedrooms situated off the foyer with a convenient game room in between them, ideal for younger family members. At the back of the home, a generous open floorplan is shared between the Great Room, kitchen and dining room, offering access to a covered patio. The owner's suite and a fourth bedroom can be found in a private wing off the living and dining space. Photos are the actual home along with staged renderings. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.

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26851 N 67th Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

Open House

$619,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,051 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6711432

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

READY NOW-turn key! Experience the charm of Aloravita, nestled within the scenic mountains of Peoria. This community boasts breathtaking views and is conveniently located minutes away from shopping, dining, hiking trails and more! Our popular 'El Dorado' floorplan features 3 full bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 Car-Garage and a private yard with views! Designer selected finish includes Burlap Cabinetry, Quartz Kitchen Countertops, Wood Like Tile Throughout, and Plush Carpet in all the bedrooms. This beautiful home will have it all including 9' ceilings, Gourmet Gas Kitchen, Smudge Proof Stainless Steel Appliances, Blinds, Pre-Plumb for Soft Water, and Smart Home Technology. Photos and virtual tour of similar spec home, options may vary**

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1918 N 22nd Place Phoenix, AZ 85006

$619,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,950 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782248

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BRAND NEW BUILT!!! with NO HOA. This home features 2 MASTER SUITES and a Large Open floor plan with 9ft ceiling height with a large Living Room and Dinning area. Kitchen with White Cabinetry, Granite Counter Tops and STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES. Tile throughout the high traffic areas of the house and new carpet in the bedrooms. The house layout provides an open space feeling from the moment you enter the door. All bedrooms are of pretty good size and the bathrooms are upgraded with tile. RV gate on the backyard. The Best of all is that you are moving into a BRAND NEW HOME with NO HOA!

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19611 W Marshall Avenue Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$619,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,640 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6769605

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Looking for a new home that is move in ready? You've found it! This beautiful 4 bed, 3.5 bath residence in Canyon Views boasts over 165K in upgrades, it has great curb appeal, paid off Solar, Gourmet Kitchen, 2nd ensuite, Surround Sound, Pool, Large Lot, EV Charging station & Double Gates. Discover a spacious open floor plan w/elegant wood-look tile flooring and neutral palette throughout. The gourmet kitchen is comprised of upgraded cabinetry w/quartz counters, a pantry, tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, pendant lighting, and an island complete w/a breakfast bar. You'll love the primary bedroom, showcasing soft carpet, a walk-in closet, and a pristine ensuite w/dual sinks. You'll also find a large den ideal for an office or reading nook! Lastly, the spacious backyard includes a covered patio with built in BBQ Grill, exterior double fridge, artificial turf and a refreshing pool with water feature.

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669 N Madison Street Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$619,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,530 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765573

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautiful home offers majestic views and a host of modern updates. Step inside to find fresh interior paint, laminate floors, and an open floor plan with split living areas. The formal living room and sunken family room provide spacious entertainment options. The kitchen boasts a butcher block island, new appliances, and a huge pantry for ample storage. Additional features include a two-car garage, carport, tri-zone air system, and newer windows throughout. The master suite is a wonderful retreat with a walk-in shower. Vaulted ceilings create a sense of openness, and the home is surrounded by charming courtyards. Perfect for and style, this home combines practicality and elegance.

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2310 W Kachina Trail Phoenix, AZ 85041

$619,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,406 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769338

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful Home in the popular Southern Highland gated community with spectacular mountain views. This home is move in ready with all appliances including fridge , washer & dryer and 1 newer AC unit. Featuring 3 Large Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms, an Office or Den and a 3 car split garage. Spacious rear yard with artificial turf, newer pool built in 2018 with custom tile and stone finishes, additional cool decking, spa, fabulous water feature with remote app control. This home has large diagonal set tile in all the living areas, walkways and kitchen with very nice Hunter Douglas window shades throughout. Gourmet Kitchen is nicely done with Upgraded Cabinets, Lots of Granite Countertops, a Walk-in Pantry, Gas Stove, Stainless Steel Appliances, Water filter system + RO drinking water and a Large Island. The Kitchen is open to the Family Room so that you can be part of the entertainment. The Master Bedroom is large and split from the other bedrooms. In addition, there are dual Walk-in Closets, an On-Suite with Dual Sinks, a Separate Shower and Tub, and lots of Counter Space. All the other bedrooms are good sized with large closets. Venture outdoors steps away from South Mountain Park and Preserve and enjoy the great Arizona weather. This home does not have any neighbors across the back providing an open private space to enjoy.

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478 N Jackson Street Gilbert, AZ 85233

$619,900

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,732 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774181

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Wow !!! What a wonderful chance of buying a great home on the Golf Course with a Gorgeous Swimming Pool. Exterior was Just Painted this year, Great Floor Plan with 4 Bedrooms Up & 1 Down with it's own Bath. Perfect for Guest. Priced to sell. This home will need some updating but the seller has spent over $ 60,000 to repair the house foundation which comes with a Life Time Warranty from Ram Jack of Arizona. Gorgeous Spindle Staircase. North/South Exposure.

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8953 E Yucca Street Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$619,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,611 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780255

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION & STYLE, STYLE, STYLE! This 3 bed 2 1/2 bath home is situated near freeways and amenities while being tucked away from traffic. This designer home will make the perfect place to come relax at after a day's work. Seller has taken care to add the perfect design details while keeping an inviting and warm environment. Downstairs features a number of places to entertain- from the open kitchen to the dinning area/family room to the backyard with greenery and BBQ to enjoy the amazing weather this time of year. In addition to all the design details, the seller has also done the following upgrades: new garage motor (5 months ago), all new irrigation lines & sprinkler timer in 2023, all new kitchen appliances, - new A/C unit in 2023, and custom garage cabinets installed 2023. This turn key ready home will not last long so don't wait, come see it today!

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4131 E Cathedral Rock Drive Phoenix, AZ 85044

$619,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,450 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6750221

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Back on market after full-price cash buyer had to walk! Welcome to your dream home! This stunning 4-bed, 2.5-bath home boasts 2,450 square feet of beautifully updated living space. Situated on an oversized corner lot, the property offers both privacy and ample space for outdoor living. Inside, you'll find tasteful updates throughout, including new flooring, light fixtures and faucets (and interior/exterior paint from 2019). Major updates (roof, both AC units, water softener, extra attic insulation) have also been done in the last 5 years providing peace of mind. Enjoy the community's top-notch amenities with access to pools, parks, and tennis courts plus great schools and shopping nearby. This home is the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience you will love!

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13418 W Almeria Road Goodyear, AZ 85395

$619,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,712 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780947

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous single-level Palm Valley home on just shy of 1/3AC lot. Enjoy the 2712 sf home with a pool and water feature. Both AC units just replaced in 2024, roof replaced in 2020, new variable speed pool pump replaced 2024, and entire interior of home and garage repainted November 2024. Spacious split floorplan that opens up to family and dining room area. Backyard boasts an outdoor kitchen with built in grill and sink, covered patio with custom shades, garden area on the North side of home, dog run on the South side of home, synthetic turf with planters and giant diving pool with water feature. Corner lot so one only has neighbors to the West and North. True pride of ownership. You get to enjoy a gorgeous, well established neighborhood with all the high dollar items already updated.

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