Lower mortgage rates won't fix this problem.
Zillow's 2025 report revealed only 42% of renters would be very or extremely likely to buy if rates dropped. Three in five plan to keep renting.
The real issue? Hidden costs are crushing buyers.
Average annual ownership costs hit $15,979. That's $10,946 for maintenance, $3,030 in property taxes, and $2,003 for insurance. These expenses rose 4.7% while incomes only grew 3.8%.
The break even point stretched from five years to six years nationwide. In Austin, LA, and Seattle, it's 18 years. San Francisco, San Jose, and New Orleans? Try 30 years.
Even qualified buyers are choosing to rent long term. The math just doesn't work anymore in many markets.
If you're weighing rent versus buy in the Phoenix Valley, I'll walk you through the real numbers for your specific situation.
DM me directly and I'll get back to you within the hour.
