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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2528 E Sweetwater Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85032

$495,000

2 Beds

1 Bath

1,066 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6670013

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Just imagine the possibilities with an opportunity to own this home located on an extra large lot and ready for horses or ??, one of very few in this area! The home itself, is just as cute as a button, remodeled and new 2023 HVAC, make it move in ready! The outbuilding is a plus for a future office, tack room or storage. Plenty of room on the property for a barn, corrals, outdoor arena and RV or trailer parking. No HOA and you can have 5 Chickens!

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2711 N 38th Street Phoenix, AZ 85008

$495,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,237 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6666072

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Home in the center of everything! Just minutes from Tempe, Sky Harbor, and Downtown. Upgraded Gorgeous Arcadia-Lite Home! Home is open floor plan and perfect for entertaining. Stained concrete floors throughout. Massive, but cozy Back Patio. Huge back yard. RV gate. Appliances Convey. Walking distance to great restaurants, shopping, transportation, and close to freeways! Stylish master retreat boasts contrast accent wall, large closet, & private en suite w/barn door entry. Designer tile, fixtures, & vanity. Roof and AC under 4 years old

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9605 W Getty Drive Tolleson, AZ 85353

$495,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,273 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6669664

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home, 4 bed 3 bath home with a custom designed backyard. Host parties enjoying the gas fire pit, corn hole lanes, putting green, gazebo and covered patio while creating memories with family and friends. This gorgeous kitchen comes with an open concept and plenty of cabinet space, recessed lighting, a center island and pantry. A spacious master bedroom with walk-in closet, double sink vanity and private bath. Plus a large flex room to be used for any of your needs. - Perimeter of the yard, fireplace and counter. Inside - Ruckus Smart Switch and Wifi Network Extension. Garage - MyQ App controlled Garage Door opener. COME SEE IT FOR YOURSELF

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18009 N 129th Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$495,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,874 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6671466

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

W E L C O M E to this newly-upgraded 2,874 sq.ft residence. Inside, you'll find a perfectly flowing layout showcasing a large expensive floor plan. clean lines and sleek designs. Soothing palette, recessed lighting & wide plank vinyl flooring are features you'll love! The stunning kitchen boasts granite & butcher block counters, updated cabinets with custom accents, black and SS appliances, custom island, walk-in pantries. End your busy day in your primary master suites with a jacuzzi tub. Lavish bathrooms, custom vanities, expansive custom showers. Large walk in closets in each room. Spend relaxing afternoons in the expansive large backyard patio, plenty of space for entertaining! 16,900 cul-de-sac lot. This home is a dream come true! Don't miss outi Living Room, Formal Dining Room, Family Room, Office, Primary Master Suite with/classic French doors that open to a private sitting room.

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14258 N 154th Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$495,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,035 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6672000

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Experience your own backyard retreat, complete with lush green grassy play area, a fenced pebble tec pool, and an extended covered patio perfect for family get-togethers and relaxation. Your extended paved RV parking area stands ready to accommodate your camper and outdoor toys. Step into the remodeled kitchen showcasing a custom-built granite top table complementing the counter tops, alongside a tastefully tiled backsplash, a stylish farmhouse sink, and modern stainless-steel appliances. Upstairs, discover four generously sized bedrooms each boasting walk-in closets, while a versatile office-den showcases a contemporary barn door which adds to the home's charm. Enjoy the durability and beauty of Cali Bamboo waterproof laminated flooring throughout the main living areas and wet spaces, including the stairwell. Additional features include ceiling fans, newer window blinds downstairs, and 4 convenient storage sheds. This meticulously cared for home reflects a true sense of pride in ownership.

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2149 S Olivewood -- Mesa, AZ 85209

$495,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,239 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6674996

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This charming 2-bed, 2-bath plus den property in the active adult community of Sunland Springs is now for sale. Featuring vaulted ceilings, an updated kitchen including granite countertops and stainless steel appliances and an oversize Arizona room, this fantastic 55+ property is located just minutes from Superstition West shopping & dining, Sunland Springs Golf Club and is a short 30 minute drive to Sky Harbor Airport. Spend your days enjoying the active lifestyle of Sunland Springs playing golf, tennis, billiards, cards, or simply enjoying your day poolside with friends.

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4697 N 204th Lane Buckeye, AZ 85396

$495,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,657 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6674327

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MOVE RIGHT IN to this Kennedy on the corner! Situated in a quiet little niche of Victory, this Lennar floorplan is super popular - two bedrooms PLUS den, two baths, open kitchen/dining/great room. These original owners have maintained perfectly and upgraded - from custom metal screen security door to new lighting, ceiling fans, professionally painted throughout, epoxy garage floor, permanent heavy duty shelving & overhead storage in garage, professional landscape install extensive pavers in back & side yards. Ready to enjoy Victory living in a charming Victory neighborhood! FHA loan at 3.625 is Assumable!

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29417 N 123rd Glen Peoria, AZ 85383

$495,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,622 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6682362

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Fantastic opportunity for this beautiful original-owner home in Vistancia Village that offers 4 bedrooms + den and loft in a spacious 2622 SqFt. The kitchen features 42'' white shaker-style cabinetry with hardware, granite countertops, subway tile backsplash, contemporary stainless/white Samsung appliances including a gas range and the matching refrigerator is included! Sliding doors lead out to the side patio with new pergola covering, pavers, and easy-care artificial turf, perfect for outdoor entertaining. Bedrooms and laundry are upstairs. The oversized primary bedroom has a step-out balcony and en-suite bath with extended dual sink granite vanity, framed mirrors, and large tiled shower with rain showerhead and glass surround. Upstairs bath also has granite counters and dual sinks,* and all bedrooms have walk-in closets. Other features include a den/office on the main level, under-stair storage, stone exterior elevation, and a 3 car garage. Community amenities include a private pool for the Village residents, and the Mountain Vista Club includes lap and resort pools, splash pad, tennis/pickleball courts, fitness studio, indoor basketball court, game room, and Vistancia's 3.5 mile Discovery Trail. See today!

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36990 N Aleutian Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$495,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,183 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6679966

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

An amAZing home for sale sitting on the border of San Tan Valley & Queen Creek only minutes from all new dining & shopping. This gated community has miles of walking trails throughout plentiful, lush open spaces along with 3 parks! This plan features 3 bedrooms (+office area off main bedroom),2 bath split floor plan. TWO outdoor living spaces: a courtyard & covered patio for your entertainment needs. The kitchen offers plenty of usable counters, & comes w/modern white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops & stainless steel appliances. & tile t/out all common areas! Smart home technology is included along w/14 seer 3 zone HVAC & energy saving features. Soft water loop! blinds! ceiling fans! & nicely landscaped backyard. Just had 1 yr inspection w/builder! Enjoy the AMAZING SUNSETS!

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380 E Hillside Drive Munds Park, AZ 86017

$495,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,470 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6683791

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful and immaculate fully-furnished home in Munds Park. All you need are your personal items. Home has been very tastefully decorated by owners with forest/western motif, wowing every single person walking in. Very spacious corner lot feels much larger than it is with front grass for kids and pets (even a zip line!). Two large storage sheds have been built and installed in the property as well. Home has views to all directions from the front deck and inside kitchen, dining and living areas. Home has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, living and dining areas, and also two additional living spaces: one currently used as a kids play area, and the other one for adults with a ping pong table and a bar. Vaulted ceilings in all living spaces.

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1985 W Raven Drive Chandler, AZ 85286

$495,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,509 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6665827

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath Shea Home situated in the highly sought-after Clemente Ranch neighborhood. The spacious great room boasts vaulted ceilings and a neutral interior paint palette. The kitchen is a chef's delight with granite countertops, an island, ample cabinet space, stainless steel appliances, and recessed lighting. Upstairs, the master bedroom impresses with vaulted ceilings, dual sinks adorned with granite countertops, and a roomy walk-in closet. The secondary bedrooms feature laminate wood floors and ceiling fans. Step into the backyard oasis with lush grass, providing ample play space for both daytime and evening enjoyment. With its ideal location offering proximity to restaurants, shopping, and easy freeway access, this home is a must-see.

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2423 E Dahlia Drive Phoenix, AZ 85032

New

$495,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,440 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6693564

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

PERFECT LOCATION! MOVE IN READY! This inviting 3-bed, 2-bath home offers comfort and style. Close to schools, shopping, dining, and hiking trails with easy access to the 51 Fwy. The open layout seamlessly merges living and dining areas. A neutral palette, wood-look flooring, and tons of natural light enhance the space. The spotless kitchen features SS appliances, quartz counters, pendant lighting, white cabinetry, and a natural butcher block island. The large main bedroom boasts two closets & a private bathroom. An extra-large laundry room with a utility sink adds convenience. Outside, enjoy a covered patio and storage shed. PLUS, ENJOY A NEWER SOLAR SYSTEM WITH NO COST TO THE BUYER! A WIN-WIN for any buyer!

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