Feeling the Squeeze of Rising Rents? Here Are 3 Reasons You Should Consider Buying a Starter Home

With real estate becoming more affordable, new homes being sold in a range of prices and the cost of rent going up, there has never been a better time to consider buying a starter home.

Put That Rent Money Into Your Own Property

People who live in areas that have become trendy know the pain of rising rent rates. At what point is the amount of money being spent on rent more advantageous to put into a new home?

Starter homes are not the crazy investment they used to be. With the increase in condo developments and the lower entry price for smaller homes, it’s never been easier and less expensive to put a down payment on a new home and put that rent money into a place that you actually have a financial stake in.

A Starter Home Is Not A Fixer Upper

There was a point in time when starter homes were considered to be houses that required a lot of work to renovate them to a point where they could be sold for a profit. This was before really affordable condo developments started to spring up in every city and began to provide younger people the opportunity to own a home.

Some people still think of a starter home as a fixer upper, an old house that will require a substantial investment and time, something that most first-time home owners do not have an abundance of. In today’s market, starter homes can be brand new and will be in the best condition imaginable.

It Can Act As A Source Of Income

Some homeowners find that when it’s time to finally make the move from their starter home into their forever home, they no longer need to sell. In some cases they prefer to hold onto it and use it as a rental property to bring in a second source of income to help with the new house.

This is more common with condos in neighborhoods that have experienced tremendous growth around them in the years after the purchase. When the price of rent skyrockets in these areas, the investment actually has more value as a rental property until the time is right to sell.

There are many reasons to invest in a starter home and the area you want to buy will change depending on your own reasons. Give me a call so you can pinpoint what you want out of a starter home and receive some valuable insight into the kinds of homes you should be considering – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

Listing types.

For Sale

For Rent

Land

Multifamily

Commercial

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Distressed

Open House

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Price MaxAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Neighborhood

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Location Search Nearby

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

View As: Thumbnails List

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

28428 N 65th Lane Phoenix, AZ 85083

Open House

$638,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,184 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780195

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come by and tour this weekend! Virtual tour available. Beautiful Maracay home located in Summit at Boulder Mountain North. This fabulous home features a 3 car wide garage plus a 4th tandem garage with full access door to the back yard. Downstairs guest bed/office and full bath on the main level. Walk in closets in generous secondary bedrooms. Extended covered patio. Kitchen boasts beautiful cherry cabinets, granite kitchen counter tops , SS steal appliances , double oven and gas cooktop with brushed nickel fixtures. Virtual tour available please request the link.

View Property

5771 W Cinder Brook Way Florence, AZ 85132

$637,500

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,590 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777576

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

JOURNEY TO RESORT STYLE LIVING w/ Private heated POOL & SPA!! Only the best w/ over $130k in builder upgrades featuring a Private Courtyard w/beautiful iron security gate & ornate glass door to designer tile entry & Plantation Shutters, Den w/ gorgeous French Doors, Chef Lux kitchen w/ Gas Cooktop & dbl ovens, Luxurious Black Stainless built-in appliances, u/c lighting, Pendant lighting over a spacious unpolished Granite Island, soft close staggered raised panel cabinets w/ Pots & Pans drawers, pull outs, tiled backsplash, spacious walk-in pantry & Butler's pantry. Owner's Suite features bowed window, stunning walk-in tile shower & Granitex vanities. 2 Guest Bedrooms w/ shared en-suite. Extended Patio w/ Pergola, Private Pool w/ Water Feature & Spa! Poston Butte Golf Course & Grille!!!

View Property

2201 N Iowa Street Chandler, AZ 85225

Open House

$637,400

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,408 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6775852

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! *HOA Fees are an estimate today, the builder has a conditional public report. 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.

View Property

7933 E Queensborough Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$637,370

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,358 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783391

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6783391 February 2025 Completion! The Paisley is a thoughtfully designed 2-story floorplan offering 2,358 sq. ft. of living space with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a loft, and a 2-car garage. Perfect for hosting guests, the main level features a private bedroom and an open-concept great room, dining area, and kitchen that flow seamlessly into the outdoor living space, ideal for entertaining or relaxing. Upstairs, the versatile loft can be transformed into a playroom, home office, or secondary living area. The primary suite includes a walk-in closet and dual sinks for added convenience. We're confident you'll love calling the Paisley home! Structural options include: gourmet kitchen, soft water loop, pavers on porch and driveway.

View Property

4304 Stage Stop Way Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$637,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,969 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6742345

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the epitome of modern elegance in this nearly new Cypress model in Wickenburg Ranch. Meticulously updated with luxurious features, this home boasts fresh flooring in bedrooms and closets, a sleek gourmet kitchen with a large island, and a stunning sliding glass wall that opens to an expansive outdoor patio and backyard retreat. Enjoy outdoor living at its finest with a BBQ island and cozy firepit, all while backing to a serene wash for added privacy. With PAID SOLAR and a 3 CAR GARAGE, this home combines roominess and sustainability seamlessly.

View Property

6411 S River Drive Unit 10 Tempe, AZ 85283

$636,477

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,589 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6759930

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Remodeled 2 bed 3 bath townhome in the Cottonwoods Community of 68 homes. This home has an open floor plan, lots of light, high ceilings, & lots of space for entertaining. Both bedrooms have en-suites & walk-in closets. New LVP flooring in traffic areas, new carpet in bedrooms and loft & new baseboards. Interior hardwood doors, new canned lighting, new interior & exterior paint. The kitchen has lots of counter space, hardwood cabinet doors & stainless appliances. There is a fireplace, bed 2 has a walkout patio, loft has an exterior Juliet balcony, & lots of storage. The backyard is large and updated, including new exterior wall paint & gate. Close to freeway, shopping & short drive to airport.

View Property

16978 W Canterbury Drive Surprise, AZ 85388

$636,461

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,870 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6728478

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS #6728478 February 2025 Completion! Discover The Shire, a single-story floor plan in Paradisi Venture II. This home offers 2,870 sq. ft. with 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a 3-car split garage, and a study. Each bedroom has its own en suite bathroom, providing separate spaces for kids and guests. The open layout of the gathering room, kitchen, and dining room forms the heart of the home, perfect for hosting gatherings or family game nights. Create lasting memories, whether it's a cookout with friends or quality time with family. The owner's suite includes a spacious walk-in closet, split vanities, and a generous shower. Structural options include: interior door at laundry, gas line for future outdoor kitchen, garage service door, and chef's kitchen.

View Property

20941 E Via Del Sol Street Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$636,237

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,537 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6736382

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

WOW - PRICE REDUCED $7,500. IN ADDITION, SELLER CONSESSION AVAILABLE TOWARDS CLOSING COSTS OR RATE BUYDOWN with Rates as Low as 3.875% on this Quick Move-In Home When Financing Thru Builders Preferred Lender(s). Beautiful Cul-de-sac Home Located close to Queen Creek Market Place Shopping, Dining & Entertainment with Community Parks, Tot Lots, BBQ's, Basketball Courts, Soccer Field and Just Steps to the 8-Mile Walking Trail. All Appliances Including Stainless Refrigerator, Stainless Gas Cooktop, Dbl Wall Ovens, Microwave, Dishwasher, White Washer/Dryer. Too Many Beautiful Upgrades to List Here. Primary & Two Secondary Bedrooms Upstairs. One Secondary Bedroom and Full Bath Downstairs. Don't Wait, Come See This Home Today

View Property

14655 N Kings Way Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$636,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,267 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784020

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BACK ON MARKET: Don't miss this cute 2 bedroom, 2 bath detached home plus bonus room in the Courtside Villas community. Features include vaulted ceilings, sliding doors to large covered back patio, private pool with water feature. Backyard is super private as it backs to a wash area. Kitchen features granite counters, SS Fridge & Stove and is open to the dining & living room. The Living room also has wood burning fireplace. Bonus room is currently being used as an office/den but could be used as a game room or Formal dining. You have options! Inside laundry room, attached garage with direct access. Home sits in the back of the community so super quiet. Perfect for lock & leave or full time residence.

View Property

23176 W Skinner Road Wittmann, AZ 85361

$635,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,242 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6731535

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Highly upgraded 4 bedroom 2 bath 3 car garage on an Acre lot! NO HOA! Located at the end of a nice road, with tons of room to ride your horses dirt bikes ect... This Beautiful home comes with Quartz counter tops, large center island, tile backsplash, built-in microwave, stainless steel hood, 8' doors and 4'' baseboards, designer tile and upgraded lighting. Split floor plan, 2 walk-in closets in Master.. Located in a very nice area just minutes from Surprise and Wickenburg.

View Property

7639 W Nosean Road Peoria, AZ 85383

$635,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,982 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741345

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6741345 Ready Now! The Iris is a 1-story home with 1,982 sq. ft., featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a 2-car garage, and a flex room. As the only single-story floor plan at Aloravita South Discovery, it stands out for its thoughtful design. The foyer leads to a hallway with secondary bedrooms and a full bathroom. The open kitchen, casual dining area, great room, and flex room create a welcoming living space. The private covered patio is perfect for enjoying Arizona weather. The primary suite offers a private bathroom with double sinks and a spacious walk-in closet, making it the perfect retreat.

View Property

16528 W Isleta Court Surprise, AZ 85387

$635,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,300 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6677181

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this 2300 sq/ft furnished, Mission model home located in Sun City Grand (The Grand) a 45+ Active Adult Resort Style Community. Open site-lines are evident upon entering into the great room w/gas fireplace and picture windows. A Large Updated Kitchen with 2 Breakfast /Entertaining Bars with An Expanded Island & Granite Counter tops, S/S Appliances, Roll-out shelves, Large Pantry & plenty of Cupboard storage. Large Dining Space with Bay Window Overlooking the Pool. A Nice sized Office/Den with Built-in Double Desks w/large window situated between the Primary Suite & the Private Guest Suite. Master bath has a large shower, Double Sinks & Large Walk-in closet. The Party begins upon entering the Outdoor Covered Patio w/ Pebbletec pool & Baja Deck, Gas Grill, & Patio Seating that create an Entertainer's Delight! Home also boasts a Large Laundry room w/ storage; Powder Bath; a Second Dining area; Ceiling Fans throughout; Central Vacuum; Soft Water. The Leased Solar Panels (non-escalating transferable lease), HVAC (2 units) replaced in 2017, Hot Water Tank replaced in 2020, installation of Patio Misters in 2020, and the 2-Car Garage plus Golf Cart Garage!! Low cost nonescalating solar is $106.30 per month. The Grand is home to 4 championship Golf Courses, 2 Rec Centers, 5 pools, spas, 2 Large Exercise Rooms, Indoor Walking Track, Auditorium, the New Maple & Rye Restaurant, Banking, CVS Pharmacy, along with activities, trips, clubs and much more. Home is Vacant and Easy to Show. Don't Miss This on Your Tour!

View Property