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

10860 W Lone Cactus Drive Sun City, AZ 85373

New

$499,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,261 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6693476

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Looking for a new home? Check out this charming, energy-efficient residence in Wildflower! Providing 4 beds, 2.5 baths, RV gate & parking, and a 3-car garage w/extended driveway. Discover an excellent floor plan showcasing a large living & dining room and an open-concept family room w/media niche! Natural light filled the spaces, complemented by a designer palette and stone tile flooring downstairs. The kitchen boasts SS appliances, a pantry, ample white cabinetry, recessed lighting, and an island. Carpet adds comfort to the bedrooms upstairs! Double-door main bedroom has a vaulted ceiling, a walk-in closet, and an ensuite with dual sinks & a separate tub/shower. Check out the spacious backyard offering a covered patio and a refreshing pool & spa combo for year-round enjoyment! Visit now!

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204 S Thunder Mountain Mountain Payson, AZ 85541

$499,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,378 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6690579

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Looking for serene mountain living? Welcome to this exquisite 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offering the perfect blend of comfort and luxury amidst Payson's stunning natural beauty. This newly constructed home features an open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, ideal for entertaining. The charming corner kitchen boasts new stainless-steel appliances and granite countertops. Easy-to-maintain vinyl flooring graces the main living areas, while plush, low-pile luxury carpeting adds warmth to the bedrooms. The bathrooms are adorned with elegant tile flooring. The expansive owner's suite includes an ensuite bathroom with a double vanity and an oversized walk-in glass surround shower. Relax on the covered back patio, perfect for observing wildlife or enjoying the summer monsoons. Located just an hour and a half north of Scottsdale, this home offers easy access to hiking trails, kayaking, and the fresh mountain air. Experience the tranquility of mountain living in this remarkable home.

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491 Frederick Lane Prescott, AZ 86301

New

$499,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,054 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6692197

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to 491 Frederick Lane, a renovated home perched on an elevated lot, offering stunning views. Updated with care, this property blends beauty with functionality. The kitchen, a focal point, seamlessly combines modern amenities with timeless elegance, ready to cater to your needs. Enjoy the convenience of a split floor plan, with the master bedroom on the first level, featuring a renovated bathroom with a walk-in shower. Downstairs, two bedrooms and a bathroom provide comfortable accommodations. Outside, a new deck invites you to admire Arizona sunsets against the backdrop of Thumb Butte. With a two-car garage including a built-in workbench, this home offers both convenience and craftsmanship. Don't miss your chance to experience Prescott living at its finest!

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5818 S 55th Glen Laveen, AZ 85339

$499,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,099 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6690340

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 3 car garage home with a split floor plan is on a 10,000+ square foot lot in a gated community! Home also features dual pane windows, 2 inch wood blinds, ceiling fans throughout, paneled doors, and upgraded carpet. Large backyard with a covered patio and space for a pool. Just a couple of minutes from the 202 loop, you have quick and easy access to major major venues, dining, and shopping in both the east and west valley!

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12565 W Llano Drive Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

New

$499,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,284 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6693959

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This single-story home in the desirable community of Wigwam Creek sounds like a wonderful find! Here's a closer look at the features and highlights: Wigwam Creek is a sought-after community known for its convenient location, amenities, and friendly atmosphere. The presence of a sparkling pool adds a touch of luxury and offers a refreshing escape during the warm Arizona days. With 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, there's plenty of space for both residents and guests. Being on a corner lot often provides extra space, privacy, and possibly even better views. The home's fresh paint adds a clean and inviting atmosphere, making it feel move-in ready. The 3-car tandem garage offers ample space for parking vehicles, storage, or creating a workshop area. The recently updated kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a large island. This is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional for cooking and entertaining. The family room is described as very spacious, providing a comfortable and inviting area for relaxation or gatherings. The master bedroom offers a spacious retreat with both a tub and shower, double sinks, providing convenience and comfort. Living in Wigwam Creek offers residents the opportunity to enjoy a true Arizona lifestyle, whether it's lounging by the pool, hosting barbecues, or exploring the nearby amenities. Overall, this home seems to offer a blend of comfort, style, and functionality. The combination of the sparkling pool, updated kitchen, spacious living areas, and corner lot location make it an ideal choice for those seeking a relaxing and convenient Arizona lifestyle in the Wigwam Creek community.

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4274 Sawbuck Way Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$499,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,744 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6600394

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move in ready home in Wickenburg Ranch, 55+ neighborhood. Home sits on one of the largest lots in this community and the backyard opens up to a wonderful common area which is fenced for privacy. The backyard also has a custom water feature, artificial turf and a nice sized covered pergola. Beautiful landscaping front and back. Enjoy the 10 ft ceilings, custom fireplace, walk in pantry, granite countertops in kitchen, extra wide hallway, custom cabinets in garage., floored attic which give you a large storage area. Your HOA fee includes play on the nine hole golf course, heated pool and spa, pickleball courts, state of the art gym, dog park, miles of walking paths, catch and release fishing in the Lake Park!!! With so many activities offered, you will never be bored. Owner/agent.

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263 E Alcatara Avenue Queen Creek, AZ 85140

$499,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,433 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6626180

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The ''St. Tropez'' within Encanterra features an open floor plan that allows for comfortable living, yet perfectly sized so maintenance won't interfere with you enjoying the almost 70,000 sq ft of amenities on just under 800 beautiful acres. You'll have access to private golf, 4 pools (2 with bar and grill), tennis, pickle ball, bocci, gym and fitness classes, social clubs, and so so much more! This home is located in the Non-Age restricted portion of the community, close to all amenities. The home features a large Kitchen Island, inside laundry w/ storage, walk in shower, extended garage w/ epoxy finish and MORE! The mature landscaping and ample outdoor space are perfect for evening gatherings around the fire pit.

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18232 W Raymond Street Goodyear, AZ 85338

$499,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,396 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6626813

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Beautiful home on a premium lot with great views is ready for you! Home Boast Large Formal Dining and Living area at entry, Tastefully designed kitchen and primary living area. Upstairs has loft with primary bedroom and 3 additional bedrooms as well as laundry. Views out the windows for days. If you are looking for a large yard your are in luck, this lot is huge has plenty of room for a pool, outdoor kitchen and entertainment.

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6223 N 12th Street Phoenix, AZ 85014

$499,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,461 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6627392

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Stunning and spacious 2 bed, 2.5 bath townhome located in a convenient and desirable Uptown Phoenix neighborhood. This townhome has been thoughtfully renovated with attention to detail and style. New LVP flooring and paint throughout, quartz countertops, shaker cabinets, designer hardware, and upgraded Stainless Steel appliances. Each bedroom has its own oversized walk-in closet and en suite bathroom with double vanities and Delta faucets. There are two private patios and a 2-car attached garage. Close to major highways, great restaurants, shopping, Sky Harbor Airport and more. Don't miss the opportunity to own this exceptional home in Uptown Phoenix! It won't last long!

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4122 S 185th Lane Goodyear, AZ 85338

$499,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,688 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6631109

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Rates are too high client is willing to help with a 2/1 buy down. Ask your agent for details. This beautiful home check a lot of boxes. Owned solar panels, home over 2600 square feet, , wood flooring throughout. This beautiful home is made to entertain with the gourmet kitchen with open sight lines into the living room. Large walk-in closets and convenient upstairs laundry.

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10838 W Reef Circle Arizona City, AZ 85123

$499,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,995 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6632698

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Remarkable custom-built Lakefront home with panoramic views! Nestled on a cul-de-sac offering 5 beds, 3 baths, and a 3-car garage. You'll love the fabulous interior showcasing a welcoming living & dining room combo and an inviting family room paired with a fireplace & media niche, that seamlessly connects to the kitchen. Entertainment-ready, this gem provides surround sound & a wet bar! Abundant natural light, 10ft ceilings, excellent stairway banister, two-tone paint, & tasteful flooring enhance the overall ambiance. The large kitchen boasts built-in appliances, granite counters & backsplash, recessed lighting, a built-in desk, wood cabinetry, and an island w/breakfast bar. One bedroom downstairs! Head upstairs to find a cozy loft & 4 bedrooms. Grand main bedroom will surely impress you! Featuring a media center w/fireplace, wet bar, balcony access, and a sitting room that can be an office as well. Its ensuite includes dual vanities, jetted tub, snail shower, & a walk-in closet. Laundry room with attached cabinetry & sink for your convenience. Outside, your fantastic retreat awaits in the backyard! Natural grass, covered patio, and space for enjoying BBQ complete the picture. PLUS! Take advantage of the private boat dock for your water adventures. This value won't disappoint!

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6081 W Estancia Way Florence, AZ 85132

$499,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,737 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6636271

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This home has many features you have never seen at this price point. There is an elevator from the living room to the loft for those who struggle with stairs. Yard has a gorgeous heat pump heated pool, patio with custom finishes, lots of LED lighting. A true place to relax and unwind. The house itself has all hard flooring. Fabulous kitchen with SS appliances, gas cook top, granite, island, pot rack. Great room plus formal living room/dining room. Den on 1st floor. Huge laundry room. Lots of storage. Beautiful loft area. All bedrooms have walk-in closets and master has an attached bath and 2 huge walk-in closets. 3 car garage has a mini-split and very upgraded electrical. And all in the resort community of Anthem at Merrill Ranch. Amenities galore.

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