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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4442 W Hannah Street San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

New

$459,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,342 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6692712

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Brand new, energy-efficient home available NOW! A unique single-story home featuring a social living area. Umber cabinets with hardware, dusty white granite countertops, stone-look tile flooring and warm beige carpet in our Calm package. Enjoy secluded primary suites at San Tan Groves in San Tan Valley. San Tan Groves is conveniently located minutes from San Tan Mountain Regional Park, making morning hikes easy! This community boasts ample storage and a 5 bedroom layout. Enjoy dining and entertainment just a few miles away. We build each home with innovative, energy-efficient features that cut down on utility bills so you can afford to do more living.* Each of our homes is built with innovative, energy-efficient features designed to help you enjoy more savings, better health,

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2101 W Shelly Avenue Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$459,990

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,051 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6688460

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Radiance at Superstition Vistas, a brand new master planned community located on the border where Mesa meets Apache Junction. This is a rare opportunity for optimal living - to have the convenience of City living while enjoying the breathtaking Superstition mountains! Small town feel meets modern amenities at its best! The Hanna 2052 sq ft, 4 bed/2.5 bath adorable, energy efficient home in which you will find tile in all common areas, 9 foot ceilings and on trend extra bright white walls.. Located close to the 24, 60 & 202.

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16035 W El Cortez Place Surprise, AZ 85387

$459,990

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,139 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6557712

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Brand new, energy-efficient home available NOW! This single-story features a split floorplan with the primary suite tucked away in the back of the home. White cabinets with ice quartz countertop and backsplash. Grey tile flooring in our Balanced package. Paloma Creek - Reserve Series is coming soon to Surprise. Strategically located near Loop 303, this family friendly community offers easy access to the amenities of metro Phoenix and includes an exclusive community center on your doorstep. Each energy-efficient home comes standard with features that allow your whole family to live better and breathe easier too.* Each of our homes is built with innovative, energy-efficient features designed to help you enjoy more savings, better health, real comfort and peace of mind.

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22854 N 126th Lane Sun City West, AZ 85375

$459,990

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,832 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6671311

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Brand new, energy-efficient home available by May 2024! The expansive great room of the Mason is perfect for watching the big game with friends. Espresso cabinets with white/grey granite countertops, wood-look tile flooring with multi-tone carpet in our Elemental package. Last chance to own at Camino Crossing in Sun City West. With convenient access to the Loop 303, this community provides easy access to schools, major employers, shopping, dining and entertainment. Your family will love spending time at the community park complete with a playground, corn hole and ramadas. We also build each home with innovative, energy-efficient features that cut down on utility bills so you can afford to do more living.*

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