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Finding the Perfect Home for Your NAU Student: A Parent’s Guide to Flagstaff Real Estate

If your son or daughter is heading to Northern Arizona University (NAU), you’re likely thinking about more than just their class schedule. Finding safe and affordable housing is a top priority, and the housing market in Flagstaff, Arizona, can be a challenge. While on-campus living is an option, it’s not always a guarantee. Many students are now looking to the community for a place to call home, and for parents, this opens up a unique opportunity: buying a home for your student.

The NAU Student Housing Situation

NAU has a large student body, but the number of available dorm rooms and on-campus apartments can’t keep up with demand. This has created a competitive and often expensive rental market in Flagstaff, leaving many students to search for housing off-campus. The high cost of rent and the limited number of available units can be a stressful process.

For parents, this situation is not just a problem—it’s a chance to make a smart financial decision. Instead of paying rent for four years with no return, you can invest in a property that your student can live in.

Buying a Home as a Student Housing Solution

Investing in a Flagstaff home for your NAU student offers several major benefits:

  • Financial Investment: As a homeowner, you build equity over time. This means that a portion of every mortgage payment goes toward owning the property, not just paying a landlord. When your student graduates, you can sell the home, and you might see a significant return on your investment, especially in a market like Flagstaff where property values tend to rise.
  • Rental Income: If the property has extra bedrooms, your student can have roommates. This is a common and excellent way to generate rental income that can help cover the mortgage payments and other expenses. It can make owning a home more affordable than you think.
  • A “Home Away From Home”: Owning a home provides a stable and comfortable place for your student. They won’t have to worry about finding new housing every year or dealing with rising rent. It’s a secure base where they can focus on their studies.

Making a Strategic Real Estate Investment in Flagstaff

The Flagstaff real estate market has a lot to offer. From single-family homes near campus to townhomes and condos, there are many types of properties that can work as a student residence and an investment. When you start your search, consider factors like:

  • Location: Is it close to NAU? Is it on a Mountain Line bus route? A great location can make the property highly desirable for future tenants or buyers.
  • Property Type: A multi-family home (like a duplex) can be a fantastic investment because it allows you to rent out multiple units, providing a steady stream of income.
  • Resale Value: Look for a property with features that will appeal to a wide range of buyers, not just students. A home with a good layout, a yard, or a garage can be a great long-term investment.

A Trusted Partner for Your Real Estate Journey

Navigating the Flagstaff housing market requires an expert. When you are visiting Flagstaff and considering this important investment, you need a local realtor who understands the community and the unique aspects of student housing.

We highly recommend connecting with Bob Baronas, Associate Broker with Coldwell Banker Northland. Bob is a dedicated professional with deep knowledge of the Flagstaff real estate landscape. His expertise goes beyond just finding a house; he can help you understand the potential for rental income, property management, and the overall investment potential of a home in the area. His experience ensures that you will have a partner who is looking out for your family’s best interests.

If you’re a parent of an NAU student, don’t just rent a place for four years—invest in their future and your own. Contact Bob Baronas to start exploring the opportunities in the Flagstaff housing market today.