House Keys

House Keys

HOUSE KEYS is your go-to podcast for unlocking the world of real estate with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rob “Birdman” Hephner and featuring trusted real estate expert Stephanie Crain of Mountain Retreat Realty Experts, this series breaks down the complex terms, processes, and decisions involved in buying and selling homes. With over 20 years of industry experience and a reputation for unmatched integrity, Stephanie brings practical insights, real-world examples, and straight-talk explanations that empower listeners at every stage of the real estate journey. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or preparing to sell your home, HOUSE KEYS gives you the tools to navigate the market with ease and assurance.

Episodes

August 14, 2025 6 mins

Stephaine is THE expert when it comes to selling Cabins in the Arizona White Mountains, take a listen as she talks about the things you'll need to know.

1. Know Your Buyer Type
 
Cabins often appeal to three main groups:
• Vacation home buyers looking for a weekend retreat
• Investors seeking short-term rental income
• Full-time residents who want a quieter lifestyle
...

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Stephanie digs into the real facts about living in the Arizona White Mountains.  

The Pros

1. Stunning Natural Beauty & Outdoor Recreation

The Arizona White Mountains are surrounded by pine forests, lakes, streams, and open meadows. If you love the outdoors, you’ll find year-round activities — fishing, hiking, mountain biking, skiing at Sunrise Park Resort, and even elk watching in the fall.

2. Four Seasons Without Extreme Desert H...

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August 7, 2025 2 mins
Closing day is the finish line in a home purchase—it’s when all the documents are signed, money is exchanged, and ownership officially transfers from the seller to the buyer. Here’s what happens step by step:
 
 
🗓️ What Happens on Closing Day?
 
✅ 1. Final Document Signing
 
You (and the seller) will sign a stack of legal documents, inc...

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Closing costs are the fees and expenses—beyond the down payment—that buyers and sellers pay when a real estate transaction is finalized (“closed”). These costs cover everything from lender fees to title services, and they typically range from 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price.

🧾 What’s Included in Closing Costs?

🔹 For Buyers:

Buyer closing costs often include a loan origination fee charged by the lender for processing the l...

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💵 So, How Much Do You Need to Buy a Home?
 
The amount depends on several factors: the loan type, the purchase price, your credit, and closing costs. Here’s a breakdown:
 
 
🔑 1. Down Payment Options
 
You can buy a home with as little as 0% to 5% down in many cases:
• Conventional Loans:
• Minimum down: 3–5% (depe...

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August 1, 2025 2 mins

 

🔍 What Is a Home Appraisal?

 

 

A home appraisal is a professional, third-party assessment of a property’s market value. It’s typically required by lenders during a home purchase or refinance to ensure the loan amount doesn’t exceed the value of the property.

 


 

 

🧑‍💼 Who Performs the Appraisal?

 

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July 25, 2025 1 min
An Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) is a type of home loan where the interest rate can change over time, usually in response to changes in a financial index (like the 1-Year Treasury rate or SOFR).
 
 
🏠 Key Features of an ARM:
 
1. Introductory Fixed Rate Period
• You get a low fixed interest rate for a set number of years (commonly 3, 5, 7, or 10)....

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July 25, 2025 3 mins
🔍 What “As-Is” Really Means:
• The buyer gets the property exactly as it stands, with all its flaws—visible or hidden.
• The seller makes no guarantees about the home’s condition.
• The seller won’t fix any issues found during the home inspection.
• The buyer still has the right to inspect the property, and can walk away or negotiate based on what’s found—but the seller isn’t obliga...

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July 25, 2025 4 mins

 

🔑

Typical Buyer’s Costs in a Real Estate Transaction

 

 

 

1.

Loan-Related Costs

 

 

  • Origination fee: Charged by the lender for processing the loan (0.5%–1% of loan amount).

  • Credit report fee: $25–$50.

  • Appraisal fee:...

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July 25, 2025 1 min

Welcome to the first episode of House Keys

 

HOUSE KEYS is your go-to podcast for unlocking the world of real estate with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rob “Birdman” Hephner and featuring trusted real estate expert Stephanie Crain of Mountain Retreat Realty Experts, this series breaks down the complex terms, processes, and decisions involved in buying and selling homes. With over 20 years of industry experience and a reputation...

Mark as Played

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