Three-Bedroom
Starter Homes

On average, buyers this year will spend $166,200 on their very first house, up from $157,400, according to the National Association of Realtors. Here's a look at three-bedroom starter homes in that range.

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PLACE/PRICE: Rolla, Mo. / $159,500

PROPERTY TAX: $1,025 annually

THE PROPERTY: This 2,435-square-foot corner home with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths was built in 1984.

DESCRIPTION: This 1.5-story home has a screened-in porch and a family room with wet bar and built-in cabinetry. Its partially finished basement has stairs to the outdoors.

NOTABLE: Home to the University of Missouri-Rolla, this town is nestled in the foothills of the Ozarks, which is a great place to explore caves or go canoeing.

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PLACE/PRICE: Silver City, N.M. / $159,900

PROPERTY TAX: $535 annually

THE PROPERTY: This 1,353-square-foot ranch with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths was built in 1996.

DESCRIPTION: This home has a vaulted ceiling in the living room and provides mountain views. There is a sliding glass door off the combination kitchen-dining room.

NOTABLE: Silver City, situated on the outskirts of the Gila Wilderness, has one of the lowest property-tax rates in the country.

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PLACE/PRICE: Phoenix /$162,500

PROPERTY TAX: $1,100 annually

THE PROPERTY: This 1,402-square-foot home with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths was built in 1974.

DESCRIPTION: This yellow ranch has a split master bedroom with walk-in closet. The kitchen has a vaulted ceiling and a new ceramic-tiled floor.

NOTABLE: Remodeled this year, the home has updated cabinets, a covered patio and a carport. The property is located 15 minutes from downtown.

Sources: inv-rel.com, smithrealestate.com, courtneyvalleywide.com and realtor.com

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