US Housing Market Continues the Move into ‘Buy Territory’!

According to the Beracha, Hardin & Johnson Buy vs. Rent (BH&J) Index, the U.S. housing market has continued to move deeper into buy territory, supporting the belief that housing markets across the country remain a sound investment.

The BH&J Index is a quarterly report that attempts to answer the question:

In today’s housing market, is it better to rent or buy a home?

The index examines the entire US housing market and then isolates 23 major cities for comparison. The researchers “measure the relationship between purchasing property and building wealth through a buildup in equity versus renting a comparable property and investing in a portfolio of stocks and bonds.” 

While most of the metropolitan markets examined moved further into buy territory (15 of the 23), markets like Dallas, Denver, and Houston are currently deep into rent territory. In these three markets, it is estimated that renting will top homeownership 7 out of 10 times.

Due to a lack of inventory, the home prices in the Dallas, Denver, and Houston, areas have increased by 13%, 11.4%, and 7.3% respectively. Home prices in these areas will begin to return to more normal levels once residents realize that renting is not the best option, therefore bringing home affordability back as well.

Bottom Line

The majority of the country is strongly in buy territory. Buying a home makes sense socially and financially, as rents are predicted to increase substantially in the next year. Protect yourself from rising rents by locking in your housing cost with a mortgage payment now. 

To Find Out More About the Study: The BH&J Index and other FAU real estate activities are sponsored by Investments Limited of Boca Raton. The BH&J Index is published quarterly and is available online at http://business.fau.edu/buyvsrent.

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18045 W Avenida Del Sol -- Surprise, AZ 85387

$460,535

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,476 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6681312

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come see this incredible floorplan, MOVE IN READY! An amazing layout with 4 bedrooms plus a loft, and 3 baths. In addition to being energy efficient and a Smart Home, the many upgrades make this one stand out. Great curb appeal, nice size yard great for entertaining. Two-tone paint, 9' ceilings. Beautiful dark cabinets, granite in the kitchen and baths, island, and walk in pantry. Lots of room to cook and move around! !

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$460,243

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,897 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6660133

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Let the Sabino floor plan welcome you home with ample room for the whole family. With four bedrooms, two bathrooms with a expansive primary bedroom, you're primed to live in domestic bliss. Kitchen features Benton White cabinets with 42″ uppers, Frost quartz counter-tops and Marazzi Artezen backsplash! Tile throughout the home in a Vicinity Natural color! Our High Performance Homes come standard with home automation technology, a Remo Halo Air Purification system designed with you in mind to keep you more comfortable in your new home. This home is conveniently located close to the 303 and northern parkway!

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19610 W Cambridge Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$460,193

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,070 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6676082

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Explore this must-see Slate home, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting front yard landscaping and driveway pavers. Included features: an inviting covered entry; an impressive kitchen layout offering 42'' cabinets, stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops, a center island and a roomy pantry; an open dining area; a spacious great room; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a covered patio and a 2-car garage. This home also offers stone tile flooring, additional windows and ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms.

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2629 S Equestrian Drive Gilbert, AZ 85295

$460,005

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,812 SqFt

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MLS # 6617577

Property Type Townhouse

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Remarkable new 2-story condo offering 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and an attached garage. This Spanish-style property is move-in ready! Located in the Towns of Annecy, home owners enjoy gated access, a community pool and spa, a playground, and walking and biking paths, perfect for taking in the lake views. The condo features designers selections and upgrades throughout including Nutmeg Shaker Winstead stained brown cabinets, a Delta Trinsic Faucet Collection, ''Frost'' Quartz countertops in the kitchen, and Matte Black cabinet and door hardware. The kitchen boasts a stainless GE dishwasher, microwave, and slide in electric range. 6'' x 36'' Floor Tile in the living, kitchen, and dining area in addition to the carpeted bedrooms. Ample storage throughout. Soft water loop pre-plumb only.

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