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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17744 W Buckhorn Trail Surprise, AZ 85387

$465,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,044 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6667478

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Newly sold-out Desert Oasis in Surprise community has a new resale to the market. This beautiful 2,040 sq ft, 4 bed, 2 bath home was built in 2022. This home boasts attractive tile and upgraded carpet throughout; split floorplan; elegant owner's suite has extra windows, double sinks w/quartz countertops, large shower, private toilet room, and an oversized walk-in closet; an spacious open dining room, a large great room w/additional windows; well-appointed kitchen featuring 42'' upper cabinets, quartz countertops, an oversized island, walk-in pantry, & upgraded stainless-steel appliances, including gas range & double oven; central indoor laundry room; and three additional bedrooms & bathroom providing ample space for rest and relaxation. Additional highlights include a stacked stone home front, professionally landscaped front yard, designer brick paver driveway & walkway w/a charming, covered entry; 2-car garage w/extended length for extra storage space, a service door, and 8' tall garage doors; rear yard oasis w/a good sizes covered patio, picturesque trees, shrubs, flowers, and artificial turf.

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17903 W San Alejandro Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$465,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,735 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6671804

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BRAND NEW ROOF. Estrella Mountain Ranch stunner. Enter into the open concept living area with vaulted ceilings and large windows providing lots of natural light and views of the pool. The kitchen is bright and equipped with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, ample cabinet space and a breakfast bar for casual dining. The spacious primary bedroom features vaulted ceilings and has a full ensuite: double sinks, shower, walk-in closet and an exit to the backyard pool. 2 additional bedrooms. The Pebbletech pool has a variable speed pump. New roof underlayment and new water heater. This area is a little bit of heaven with mountains, hiking trails, lakes, golf courses, PICKLEBALL, tennis and beautiful clubhouses. The area has lots of amenities to keep you close to home.

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3935 E Rough Rider Road Phoenix, AZ 85050

$465,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,386 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6669384

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Villages at Aviano is like living in a resort year round. Perfect lock & leave lifestyle. Extremely well cared for SINGLE LEVEL Amici model. No stairs, 2 bedroom/2 bathroom with 2car tandem garage. ORIGINAL owner who has occupied a fraction of the time as it has served as a second home. NEVER used as a rental! Finishes include new LV flooring (2022) and tile in all major spaces and walkways with carpet in the two bedrooms. Granite counters in the kitchen and primary bathroom, stainless appliances, solid wood doors, arched entryways, full laundry w/newer units (2022), newer HVAC (2022) new W/H (2024) split floor plan, and wired for surround sound. Minutes from the Desert Ridge Marketplace, Mayo Clinic, Wildfire Golf Club, Top Restaurants and High Street, and easy access to the 51 &101

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18798 N Piccolo Drive Maricopa, AZ 85138

$465,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,722 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6670388

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

PRICE IMPROVEMENT! STUNNING Single Level Built in 2021 w Over 2700 Sq Ft! Boasting 4 spacious beds with walkin closets + enclosed den, 3 FULL baths (second master with on suite!) & formal dining room! Gorgeous kitchen overlooks the great room & features staggered White cabinetry, granite countertops, subway tile backsplash & SS appliances w GAS range! UPGRADES include soaring 10+ ft ceilings, 5 in baseboards, wood plank tile, plush carpet, modern fixtures, designer paint, gas hookup to dryer, extended garage w epoxy flooring & more! Palatial master features dual sinks, oversized walk-in shower & soaking tub & huge walkin closet! Step through the oversized doors to your own BACKYARD OASIS with sparkling pool, extended paver & travertine deck, large pergola & shed with NO NEIGHBORS BEHIND!

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