b'NewcomersHOUSINGIn keeping with modern technology, the Housing Referral Office (HRO) has implemented the DOD web-based program, Homes.mil, for military personnel, DOD civilians and retirees. Eligible personnel can access the website 24/7 for current listings of off-base rental property. To view rentals available near Luke Air Force Base and in the Phoenix metro area, visit www.Homes.mil. Besides rental property listings,the HRO has listings of sales property to help with yourhousing search. The HRO offers home-buying seminars about four times a year to help educate prospective homebuyers on the process. At these seminars, you will learn how much house you can afford as well as overall cost and monthly payment, what mortgage brokers look for on your credit reports, how to look for and work with real estate agents, what to expect at closing, how to read a contract, and more helpful home-buying hints, DoD photo by Daniel Mayberry tips and pitfalls to avoid. To find out when the next home-buying Airmen and junior noncommissioned officer homes consistseminar will be held, call 623-856-7643.of two-, three- and four-bedroom multifamily units (duplexes,HRO staff members are available to assist with problems you triplexes and fourplexes). Senior NCOs are offered three- ormay encounter, such as discrimination complaints, tenant/four-bedroom multifamily units. Key and essential personnellandlord disputes or any questions or problems about on- or and officers with families are offered single, detached three- oroff-base housing. For assistance, call 623-856-7643.four-bedroom units.All the homes come with fully equipped kitchens, OFF-BASE HOUSING washer-and-dryer connections and central air conditioning. The community center provides residents with amenitiesLuke Air Force Base has a moderate cost of living with the such as a swimming pool, conference areas, and media andprice of rentals typically within the basic housing allowance. fitness rooms. Most rental properties require a first and last month rental Luke Family Homes is responsible for managing the deposit with additional charges for pets. The average rent for on-base family housing, including 24-hour management an apartment in Phoenixranges from $1,376 to $2,582. The for residents, maintenance and upkeep of the homes and cost of rent varies depending on several factors, including landscape maintenance.location, size, and quality. The cost of buying a home ranges Caring and professional, the Luke Family Homes managementfrom $250,000 to $600,000, depending on size and location.and maintenance team at Luke Air Force Base is committed toUtility bills vary widely depending on the size of the apartment providing all military members and their families with qualityor home and time of year. Utility costs are highest during the homes and superior customer service. The Luke Familyhot summer months due to air conditioning energy demands. Homes team is ready 24/7 to make your living experience Average monthly utility estimates range from $198 for a at Luke Air Force Base a pleasure.one-bedroom apartment to $300 per month for a three- or To contact the Luke Family Homes office, call 623-388-3515four-bedroom house. High-demand devices such as pumps or visit www.lukefamilyhomes.com. for swimming pools can significantly increase utility costs. REFERRAL SERVICESMany rental properties and houses are all-electric. Some rentals The Luke AFB Housing Management Team is committed include water, sewer and garbage as part of the rental payment; to providing its customers a full range of relocation assistancehowever, some do not, and the minimum services for all three and offers complete referral services. Services include could cost $78 to $90 monthly.landlord/tenant dispute and mediation, a Homeowners All single Airmen E-3 and below or E-4 with less than Assistance Program, a home buying/selling and property three years time in service must reside in the dormitory. All management briefing, lease agreements counseling, maps,E-4 with more than three years time in service and above are rentals, for-sale listings and information about the communitieseligible to live in the local commuting area. To request BAH, where the rental properties are located. you must contact the UH Management Office. Airmen need All renters should carry renters insurance against fire, theftto contact the HRO before signing any contract for off-base and other damages.housing. Call or visit the HRO at 623-856-7643.12 LUKE AIR FORCE BASE THE Premier Fighter Wing'