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

So, How Much Do You Need to Buy a Home?

August 1, 2025 • 3 mins

💵 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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Understanding a Home Appraisal

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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Adjustable Mortgage

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).

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🏠 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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"As Is" Home Sale

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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Buyer's Costs

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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Welcome to House Keys

July 25, 2025 • 1 min

Welcome to the first episode of House Keys

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