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.

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

18926 N 259th Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$560,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,907 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769286

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Haven model comes furnished with a heated pool, solar and a lot more. Located on the mountain side of Sun City Festival, the area's premier 55+ active adult community, you can move right in and start enjoying a vibrant lifestyle with incredible amenities. This home features well over $200,000 in furnishings, builder, and homeowner upgrades. It's 1,907 sf includes 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and a den. Interior upgrades include French doors with sidelights at the den, a built-in entertainment unit, 8-foot doors, SS gas cooktop, upgraded charcoal-colored cabinets, granite, fixtures, lighting and electrical. The back patio includes roll-down sunshades and awnings. The side patio features a wall, gate, and pergola. The tandem garage includes built-in shelving, epoxy floors and soft water system.

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7163 E Onza Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$560,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

1,947 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766050

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Lennar Next Gen Home- Two Homes Under One Roof! Discover the next level, multigenerational living, this Lennar homes feature an attached private suite with its own entrance, kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom. The possibilities are endless, GREY tile throughout. Built in 2017, is situated on a prime corner lot, tile flooring throughout. Offering a perfect blend of privacy and togetherness, outdoor space, making it ideal for multi-family living, in-laws, or guests. A large side yard and a low-maintenance backyard, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Included in sale are two washer and one dryer, and two refrigerators, and a gas BBQ.

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9551 E Redfield Road Unit 1024 Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$560,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,858 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782052

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Great location - gated condo recently updated.

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1716 N Alpine Meadows Lane Unit 1405 Prescott, AZ 86303

$560,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,687 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6707897

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Looking for a weekend getaway, a full-time residence or how about a turnkey, then look no further than this highly sought after, gated entrance to Alpine Meadows Condo community, located within the beautiful and serene Hassayampa Village. This home has been meticulously well taken care of, the owners have upgraded the big-ticket items, so you don't have too; with a new HVAC, a new HOT WATER HEATER, all new APPLIANCES, GARAGE FLOOR has been epoxied, making clean-up easy, 2 car garage with an EV CHARGING STATION for your electric vehicle and so much more (details under documents). The ROOF was replaced by the HOA in 2023. The home and carpeting were recently professionally cleaned, so all you need to do, is move-in. Enjoy the stunning views of Thumb Butte off the private balcony. This spacious one-level 1687 sq. ft., 2BR/2BA + a flex room, with its own private elevator for just a touch of luxury or take the stairs. Enjoy the 9 ft ceilings, great natural lighting, and a gas fireplace for those chilly Prescott nights. Large master bedroom, with room for a sitting area, views of the breathtaking, private Capital Canyon Golf Club fairway greens, designed by Tom Weiskopf and managed by Troon Prive'.

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6229 S Moccasin Trail Gilbert, AZ 85298

$560,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,248 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6731776

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

SELLER IS MOTIVATED! Welcome to this spacious 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with a 3 car garage, perfectly positioned on a corner lot in the highly sought-after town of Gilbert, Arizona. This charming property offers excellent potential for renovation and customization to match your personal style and needs. The open floor plan features a bright and open living space, ideal for entertaining. This four bedroom home offers a split floor plan and large secondary bedrooms. Enjoy the Arizona sunshine in the large backyard, which offers endless possibilities for outdoor living with a built in BBQ and plenty of room to add a pool or spa!

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2102 S Nancy Lane Gilbert, AZ 85295

$560,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,804 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6736775

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Reduced to accelerate sale! Great opportunity in Cooley Station! Beautiful single level home loaded with upgrades and priced to sell! Built by Fulton Homes in 2016 and now for sale from the original owner. Home features 3 bedrooms + den space and 2 baths with 2 car garage, loads of builder upgrades like gourmet kitchen package, granite countertops and staggard tile. Stunning iron and glass entry door completes the cute front patio and the home backs to a community road so no houses behind! Cooley station is one of Gilbert's favorite destinations with Verde and Epicenter close by and easy access to San Tan Village, the 202 freeway and Mesa Gateway Airport. Large community pool and central park with pickle ball court, bocci ball and playground. Check this home out before it's gone!

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1500 E Wahalla Lane Phoenix, AZ 85024

$560,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,679 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757567

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Luna Azul is a unique gated Community Where residents of every age can live in a neighborhood managed by 24-hr on site staffing. An RN onsite 24hrs a day. The 1679 Sqft Alma floorplan offers 3 beds 2.5 baths and spacious covered front and back porches. Interior features: Designer Finishes, & window treatments.1st floor En-Suite bedroom, high performance exterior wall and roof insulation, energy efficient HVAC, LED lighting ,Brand name appliances, Quartz countertops, cabinets with soft close doors & drawers. Community amenities include landscaped grounds, a 4000+sqft Club house with multi-purpose activity rooms and recreational facilities, an outdoor pool and large space for gatherings. Conveniently located near transportation, social, recreational and cultural opportunities and activities Professionally landscaped low maintenance back yard with artificial turf and dwarf palms just beyond the covered patio. Monthly planned events at the Clubhouse. Medical assistance onsite 24hrs a day by a a register nurse who lives onsite.

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20883 E Cattle Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$560,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,352 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6742557

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You will not be disappointed the moment you walk into this 4BR, 3BA, 2CG located in a well developed Queen Creek area. Very spacious with high high ceiling. Large kitchen with high end upgrades such as granite counter, gourmet kitchen, gas cook top, 42 inch upper cabinets, stainless steel appliances, recessed lighting. neutral ceramic tile flooring thru out the house. The open floor plan of the family room, kitchen & dining area will give you plenty of room to entertain all of your guests. Large laundry area. Epoxy flooring in Garage and Paver drive-way. Desert landscaping in the front for low maintenance and a beautiful backyard with covered patio for your relaxing and entertainment after long day work, paver, fake grass, with no house in the back. EZ access to freeway. Close to school

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8143 W Salter Drive Peoria, AZ 85382

$560,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,465 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751158

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Freshly painted Ext/Int 5BR, 3BA, 3CG located in well developed Fletcher Heights neighborhood, new stainless steel stove and dishwasher. Very bright and spacious floor plan with high ceiling. Spacious kitchen over look the family room. Laminate flooring thru out the house. Ceiling fan in every room for your comfort. Low maintenance front with desert landscaping. Large backyard with a swimming pool for your family enjoyment in the summer time, low maintenance desert landscaping with artificial grass . Formal dining and living room. Very large Owner bedroom with double sink, separate tub and shower and a large walking closet. Close to shopping, schools, park, restaurant and easy access to loop 101

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4925 W Buffalo Street Chandler, AZ 85226

$560,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,802 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770215

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You'll love to own this incredible 4-bedroom, 2 bath property, now for sale! Charming curb appeal with a low-care front yard and a 2-car garage. The interior features spacious formal living areas perfect for hosting and entertaining. Vaulted ceilings, soothing paint, kitchen is complete with SS appliances, ample counter space, Island and handy pantry. Primary bedroom features a full ensuite, separate tub and shower and a walk-in closet. The backyard invites you to relax and have fun with its covered patio and a fenced pool. Roof is 4 years old and AC unit only 2 years old. Awesome location! Less than a mile away from Intel. Surrounded by shopping, dinning and entertaining. No HOA on this gem! Hurry, this home won't last long

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6012 E Vernon Avenue Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$560,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,860 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770543

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Step outside to panoramic views of the Papago Mountains from your front courtyard and Camelback Mountain as the perfect backdrop from your private back patio. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers privacy along a lush greenbelt and features a BRAND NEW ROOF with all new plywood decking ($44k), w/warranty, and the A/C unit has been replaced so you can chill out. Enjoy an oversized patio and yard, a wood-burning fireplace, and access to a hillside pool. Similar remodeled homes have sold for $800,000—this one is full of potential. Located minutes from Old Town, Tempe, ASU, SkySong, and the airport, it's a hidden gem in the heart of the city.

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16733 E Duane Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$560,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,512 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6773011

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover your perfect retreat in the serene Rio Verde Foothills! This stunning home offers mountain views and the freedom of no HOA. The open floor plan features a beautiful kitchen with granite countertops and ceramic wood-style tile flooring, adding warmth to every space. The expansive backyard, complete with an RV gate and power hookup, is a blank canvas for outdoor projects or relaxation. Customize the property to fit your lifestyle. Nestled in a peaceful location with access to nearby amenities, this home blends style, practicality, and tranquility. Have no worries as this great home is signed up with EPCOR! You won't want to miss this home!

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