The Impact of Homeownership on Civic Involvement

The Impact of Homeownership on Civic Involvement | Simplifying The Market

The National Association of Realtors recently released a study titled ‘Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing.’ The study confirmed a long-standing belief of most Americans:

“Owning a home embodies the promise of individual autonomy and is the aspiration of most American households. Homeownership allows households to accumulate wealth and social status, and is the basis for a number of positive social, economic, family and civic outcomes.”

Today, we want to cover the section of the report that quoted several studies concentrating on the impact homeownership has on the civic participation of family members. Here are some of the major findings on this issue revealed in the report:

  • Homeowners have a much greater financial stake in their neighborhoods than renters. With the median national home price in 2015 at $223,900, even a 5% decline in home values will translate into a loss of more than $11,195 for a typical homeowner.
  • Because owners tend to remain in their homes longer, they add a degree of stability to their neighborhood.
  • Homeowners also reap the financial gains of any appreciation in the value of their home, so they also tend to spend more time and money maintaining their residence, which also contributes to the overall quality of the surrounding community.
  • Homeowners were found to be more politically active than renters with 77% of homeowners saying they had at some point voted in local elections compared with 52% of renters.
  • There seems to be a greater awareness of the political process among homeowners. About 38% of homeowners knew the name of their local school board representative, compared with only 20% of renters.
  • There is a higher incidence of membership in voluntary organizations and church attendance among homeowners.
  • Homeownership does create social capital and provide residents with a platform from which to connect and interact with neighbors.
  • Owning a home means owning part of a neighborhood, and a homeowner’s feelings of commitment to the home can arouse feelings of commitment to the neighborhood, which, in turn, can produce interactions with neighbors.

Bottom Line

People often talk about the financial benefits of homeownership. As we can see, there are also social benefits of owning your own home.  Give me a call to get started on your path to homeownership – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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32621 N 15th Lane Phoenix, AZ 85085

$1,149,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
3,012 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6754033
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Don't miss this stunning home with unobstructed mountain views! The heated pool, spa, gas firepit with conversation area, and built-in bbq make this home feel like a vacation everyday! Large covered patio, pavers, synthetic grass, and professional landscaping complete the backyard oasis. This triple split 4 bedroom plus flex front room is complete with 3 bathrooms and a 3 car garage. New premium luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout living areas including primary ensuite. Secondary bedrooms have new carpeting. This home has all new paint and updated trim and moldings throughout. Located on a cul de sac in a small gated enclave of highly sought after Sonoran Foothills surrounded by trails and parks, this home is ideal for Arizona living.

15604 E Scorpion Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$1,149,900
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,046 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6763720
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Gorgeous Spec Home with a private pool just completed! Contemporary styled crown molding & exquisite features throughout this one! Fabulous kitchen boasts Quartz countertops with waterfall edges to the floor on the island, shaker style cabinets with lighting & hidden outlets on backsplash. Bosch stainless steel appliances which includes full size oven as well as a Convection/Microwave combo. Beverage fridge added for additional cooled storage & entertaining. 6 foot electric, color changing, remote controlled fireplace. Ensuite master has his/her sinks, custom shower with dual heads, shampoo niches & a bench seat as well as a huge walk in closet with multi-level shelving/rods and a window for ample lighting. Wonderful laundry room has upper/lower cabinets, a sink & hanging rod. Over-sized & insulated 3 car garage pre-wired for future wall mount mini split AC system with epoxy floor, utility door & on demand tankless hot water heater. Fully landscaped desert front yard & artificial turf in back both featuring lighted steps & pathway lighting. Pool has pebble sheen finish, raised tile wall, 3 waterfall scupper features & a bathing platform/over-sized seat. wifi accessible controls, Dusk to dawn exterior photocell coach lights. Custom wrought iron view fencing & side gate to the backyard. All cabinets are soft close doors & drawers with custom 7 black hardware. Ceiling fans throughout the home. Home is pre-wired for cable, satellite, wi-fi, surround sound speakers in the greatroom & back patio ceiling speakers. Elongated low water use, comfort height toilets in all 3 bathrooms. Upgraded spray foam insulation in the home & garage to help save on electric bills.

7285 E Arlington Road Scottsdale, AZ 85250

$1,149,900 - 2Br/3Ba -  for Sale in La Jolla Blanca, Scottsdale
Open House
$1,149,900
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,463 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6769913
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to the Classic Updated & Renovated Detached Patio Home located in the Gated Community of *La Jolla Blanca* Camelback Mountain Views & Arizona Sunsets* Private Courtyard, Stunning Entry W/ Old World Charm, Open Gorgeous Kitchen with a Beautifully Extended Island. 5 Burner Gas Cook Top, Stainless steel Appliances, Custom Cabinets, Breakfast Area & Formal Dining. Open Great Room W/ Fireplace. Updated Remodeled Bathrooms. *Two Spacious Primary Suites with Custom Bathrooms* Open Balcony Loft Game room or used as Office /Den- Exits to a upstairs View Deck. Private Rear Covered Patio with Electronic shades, Garage has epoxy Floors with Custom Cabinets. *Property is next to a Lush Greenbelt *Beautiful Place to Call Home* * Near Old Town Scottsdale's upscale Shopping & Fine Dining*

3014 E Avalon Drive Phoenix, AZ 85016

$1,149,899
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,035 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6743521
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
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41253 N Whistling Strait Court Anthem, AZ 85086

$1,149,000
5 Beds
5 Baths
4,304 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6756308
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Stunning Golf Course & Mountain views. Sought after guest casita, spacious courtyard w/double iron doors, 9/24 exterior paint, 2022 remodel: double Sub-Zeros, Thermador Stove/DW, modern built in entertainment w/linear electric FP, wine fridge, Edgestar ice maker never out of ice! Other features: Zoned cooling and heating, Noche stone, fresh paint + carpeting (spare bdrms/casita). Granite stone/marble throughout baths. Huge primary suite w/stone/marble bath, jetted tub, massive closet. Updates: Sun screens/patio screens/gutters security door/epoxy garage, recirc hot water. ENERGY saving LED lighting! LOW maintenance landscape.

15426 S 4th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85045

$1,149,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
3,494 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6773234
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Tranquil Dove Canyon stunner w/mtn views all around. Luxury upgraded kitchen; GE double oven, granite counters/island, new JennAir dishwasher and cooktop, built-in Wolf microwave. Cabinets to ceiling! Copper sink & wine cooler bar. Large master, 3 walk-in closets. High end bathroom fixtures, walk-in tile shower w/textured glass, deep soaking tub. 1st floor in law/guest quarters. Plantation shutters thru out. New; air conditioner, water cond. system, retractable sunshades, industrial Guardian garage floor. New resort-style yard w/travertine patio. Self-clean blue pebble sheen pool, w/waterfall & new heater, spa, outdoor shower, built-in gas BBQ w/sink. New artificial grass, putting green, café lights, gas stone fireplace. Nearby hiking trail, tennis, pickleball, basketball, volleyball park

15528 E Chicory Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$1,149,000
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,243 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6776327
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
TO BE BUILT Spec Home. All photos are of previously built homes. List of amenities specific to this property in documents tab. Completed home by this builder is available to be shown. Lavish finishes to be installed throughout! Kitchen to include recessed shaker style-stained grade cabinets with stained grade 3-inch-thick wood shelves at beverage center area with custom paneled backsplash. Uppers are 36-inch tall with 15-inch-tall cabinets with glass inserts stacked above. Quartz counters at all tops throughout. Island has waterfall edges to the floor at both ends & granite composite Blanco brand single bowl under mount sink with Delta brand black finish high arching faucet with pull down sprayer & soap dispenser at the sink. Upgraded Bosch brand stainless steel appliance package that includes wall microwave/convection oven combo, induction smooth top cooktop, stainless steel interior dishwasher with hidden controls, stainless hood liner, and a 36-inch side by side fridge. Also will include an under-mount beverage center in the kitchen area. Cabinets have high end soft close hardware on all drawers & doors. Custom 7-inch black or satin nickel hardware pulls on all doors/drawers. Light rail trim molding at underside of kitchen upper cabinets to hide the under-counter LED strip lighting & outlets that are mounted under the uppers to hide from view and keep outlets out of the decorative tiled back splash. 6 foot linear electric fireplace with oversized 36 x 24 inch porcelain tiles on the face and returns. Garage has aluminum flush paneled overhead doors that will have upgraded insulated panels with powder coated finish. Doors will have Wi Fi Lift Master garage door openers. It will also be prewired and piped for a future wall mount mini split HVAC system. Floors are epoxy coated with a full broadcast paint chip finish. AC system includes multiple returns & additional sensors as necessary to balance out the cooling and heating throughout the home. Fully landscaped front & rear yards with generous amounts of plants, bushes, cacti & large rip rap rock for drainage areas. Artificial turf section in backyard. Crushed granite at all areas with an automated timer clock for the watering system. Lighted steps at the front & side walkway to the rear yard with other spot lighting & pathway way lighting included. Concrete pavers used at the driveway, sidewalks, the front entry & back patio. Concrete paver walkway from side of garage to a paver area behind the garage for trash cans & other storage. Silver colored travertine pavers used at back patio.

1615 Stoney Lane Prescott, AZ 86303

$1,149,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,341 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6772460
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
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29399 N 67th Way Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$1,149,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,159 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6753207
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This stunning and fully renovated home in North Scottsdale with a brand new pool will be your oasis in the desert! From oversized double doors to imported real hard wood floors, vaulted ceilings, a stone fire place with oversized bay windows and a large living room create a beautiful and bright space for entertaining or comfortable space to lounge. The kitchen boasts custom cabinets with 63 inch uppers, stunning backsplash, GE Cafe stainless steel appliances, and quartz countertops with a waterfall edge on the island. The master bathroom has been fully remodeled with double showerheads marble tile, and tall framed glass windows to enjoy a long steam. The roof was recently fully replaced and so was the AC. Come see this house before its too late!

5833 W Desperado Way Phoenix, AZ 85083

$1,149,000 - 4Br/5Ba -  for Sale in Stetson Valley, Phoenix
Open House
$1,149,000
4 Beds
4.5 Baths
3,810 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6759873
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to the epitome of luxury living in Stetson Valley! This highly upgraded, meticulously cared for home is unlike any other. It's rare that a 3800+ sq/ft, single level home, in a quiet cul-de-sac lot, w/ gorgeous mountain views, complete privacy, and a long list of upgrades becomes available in Stetson Valley. The OWNED SOLAR (2 Tesla Powerwalls) stores energy for later use and allows home to operate off-grid. The 12.75kW Tesla solar panel array services entire property and can eliminates electric costs completely! In fact, APS provides the owner w/monthly credits that result in an annual check! Tesla Supercharger for vehicle charging. More 'big ticket' improvements include: NEW ROOF (2023). NEW 80-gallon water heater & exterior paint (2024), NEW GE Cafe Side-by-Side Refrigerator! Step inside and you'll appreciate the open floor-plan and abundant views of the surrounding mountains. There is a 'zero threshold' at the front door for ADA accessibility and easy moving. Each of the 4 bedrooms are spacious in size and include an en-suite full bathroom. Each bedroom has brand new carpet installed. There is plenty of space to spread out by taking advantage of the open study/den space and the dedicated dining room - both complete with real hardwood flooring, and custom high-end chandeliers. Dimmable lighting is available throughout. Real wood shutters. The primary suite is a perfect owner's retreat and includes a serene sitting area that overlooks the flowing water coming from the multiple pool fountains - as well as the stunning sunsets over the mountains. Primary bath features walk-in shower, a deep soaking tub, and an oversized walk-in closet. Head over to the kitchen to take in the 10-foot-wide granite island, stainless steel appliances (Bosch & Viking brand), and the walk-in pantry. RO drinking water and soft water systems are newer installs. 12 foot ceilings in living areas and primary bedroom, 10 foot ceilings on secondary bedrooms. This oversized 3 car garage provides ample space for a work area, and has epoxy floor paint, a large stainless-steel sink, and an abundance of custom lighting. Just inside the garage door is a spacious laundry room equipped with another stainless-steel sink, 2 dedicated circuits for a fridge and freezer, and option to install a gas or electric dryer. ADT wired and Frontpoint Wireless alarm systems are both available, plus two installed cameras and window/door sensors installed. This home's curb appeal is truly special and impresses at first site! The high-end turf, the meticulously maintained plants, and the entry/courtyard smooth patio pavers set the tone for the luxury vibe that awaits inside and out. Irrigation lines, and drainage pipes are installed in the courtyard - enabling for a 'no mess' watering and drainage setup. The backyard is something to marvel - with a clear view of surrounding mountains, and plentiful upgrades to enjoy and create lifelong memories with, including: a heated, pebbletech saltwater pool, equipped with baja step, in floor cleaning system and cascading water feature fountains. The spa flows graciously into the pool for extra ambiance. There are 2 hard plumbed gas-powered BBQ grills - perfect for cookouts, with spacious bar and island seating for guests. Newly installed landscaping lighting. Gas firepit with seating bench. Don't forget the custom putting green to help sharpen up your golf short game! Home is just 2 mins walk to one of Deer Valley School District's newest K-8 Schools (Inspiration Mountain). Lot adjacent to school is slated for a community/city park! it's just 10-15 mins to I-17 and retail/dining/entertainment options at The Shops at Norterra. Take the 3D virtual tour to fully capture the beauty and essence of this truly special property and plan a tour today!

2144 E State Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85020

$1,148,900
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,528 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6767764
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Experience the allure of this Sonoran gem, nestled against the stunning Phoenix Mountains Preserve in the highly sought-after Madison School District and Biltmore Area! Set on an oversized corner lot in the foothills of the Piestewa Peak Mountains, this contemporary adobe boasts breathtaking multi-million dollar views in every direction and no homeowners' association restrictions. This home has been completely remodeled, showcasing organic desert living in every detail and finish. As you stroll through the beautifully landscaped grounds and open floor plan, you'll appreciate the extensive upgrades, including a new roof, new AC, renovated pool with updated equipment, and fully replaced plumbing lines—all with transferable warranties. Entering through the modern front door, you are greeted by floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the living room with natural light, complemented by bleached oak flooring and enhanced lighting in the open great room concept. The kitchen seamlessly connects to a grand formal dining area featuring a custom wood accent wall and an exquisite quartz waterfall island that offers additional seating. Modern finishes adorn the kitchen, with custom two-tone white and brushed oak cabinets, quartz countertops that extend up the wall, gold hardware, new stainless steel appliances (fridge included), and a custom hood, creating a serene and sophisticated atmosphere. Adjacent to the kitchen, the family room dazzles with floor-to-ceiling windows and a new sliding door, accentuated by a real wood-burning fireplace, wood slat paneling, a quartz mantle, and custom floating shelves. The thoughtfully designed split floor plan includes a remarkable primary suite, showcasing more floor-to-ceiling windows, a new slider, and a custom barn door for privacy. The luxurious primary bath features floor-to-ceiling natural stone, a double sink with a floating oak vanity, LED mirrors, gold accents, and a custom-tiled rainfall shower with a handheld fixture. A free-standing soaking tub, complete with a chandelier, and an oversized walk-in closet complete this serene retreat. Two additional renovated bedrooms are conveniently located on the opposite side of the home, each featuring new doors, casings, hardwired lighting, fans, and dual-pane windows. You'll also find two beautifully updated guest bathrooms, with the first featuring calming desert hues, peach octagon flooring, and subway tile backsplash over the tub. The second bathroom boasts white subway tile, pebble shower flooring, quartz countertops, and modern gold fixtures. The interiors harmoniously blend urban living with serene surroundings, enhanced by new desert landscaping in the front and back yards. Enjoy evenings under your pergola patio, around the fire pit, or overlooking your newly refinished diving pool, which features pebble sheen, new tile work, and updated equipment. The wrap-around driveway leads to a side-entry two-car garage with newly epoxied flooring. This exceptional home is conveniently located near miles of renowned hiking trails, Biltmore Fashion Park, award-winning golf courses, fine dining, and shopping. Plus, one of the best elementary schools in the state is just a short walk away! Come see this stunning home in person to fully appreciate its beauty!

7141 E Rancho Vista Drive Unit 6012 Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$1,145,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,416 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6753876
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
With a sleek, modern design freshly remodeled from top to bottom in 2020, this is a home not to be missed. A sixth-floor end unit in Optima Camelview, this condo offers expansive glass walls with abundant natural light. From the engineered white oak flooring throughout to the all-new Lutron LED lighting, gorgeous light fixtures, and motorized shades. The kitchen & baths have all-new cabinetry & tile and plumbing fixtures with custom two-tone cabinets in the kitchen and serving area. Spacious island with Quartz counters & island seating. Newer stainless steel GE Monogram appliances and an under-counter wine refrigerator in the kitchen provide the perfect backdrop for entertaining. Outside, the patio features brand-new Italian tile and updated landscaping. Sunny East Facing patio brings in plenty of natural light all around. An oversized master bedroom offers a custom walk-in closet and enough room for a sitting area that has incredible views from high above. The location of this condo is what makes it so special. The home comes with 2 secure underground parking spaces and walkability to Old Town, restaurants, shopping, and the arts district. Every amenity is at your fingertips, with Metropolis Restaurant on-site, Concierge, Fitness Center, Basketball courts, Indoor Lap pool, outdoor swimming pools, and putting green.

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