Ep 181 - Sustainable Living in the Desert: Arizona Innovations
Release Date: 03/03/2025
Ep. 196 - Everything You Need to Know About Co-Signing a Loan (Before You Say Yes)
State48 Homeowner Podcast
Co-signing a loan often comes from a place of support — whether you’re trying to help a family member or friend qualify for a car, student loan, or even a mortgage. But before you put your name on the dotted line, it’s important to understand what co-signing really means for your credit, financial future, and relationships. In this episode of State 48 Homeowner, we break down how co-signing works, the legal and financial responsibilities involved, and why it may have more consequences than benefits — even when everything goes right. We’re also joined by Steve Farrington, our lending...
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Ep. 195- Top 5 Home Remodels That Add the Most Value in Phoenix, Arizona (2025 Guide)
State48 Homeowner Podcast
Thinking about remodeling your home in Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, or Chandler? 🏠 Before you spend a dime, find out which home improvement projects actually increase your home’s value in Arizona — and which ones don’t. In this episode of State 48 Homeowner, host Scott Kooiman and the experts at Klaus Team Real Estate Solutions reveal the Top 5 Home Remodels That Add the Most Value in Phoenix for 2025. Based on real local data, buyer behavior, and first-hand stories, you’ll learn where to invest for the best return on your remodeling budget. 💡 You’ll Learn: The five remodels with...
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Ep. 194 - Homebuyer Myths: Down Payments, Credit Scores, and Assistance
State48 Homeowner Podcast
Do you really need 20% down to buy a house? What credit score do you actually need to qualify? And how do down payment assistance programs really work? In this episode of the State 48 Homeowner Podcast, Scott Kooiman is joined by Steve Farrington and Twila Edwards from the Klaus Team to bust some of the biggest myths keeping first-time buyers from becoming homeowners. They cover the truth about down payments, loan options like FHA, VA, and USDA, how credit scores impact your approval, and the role assistance programs can play in making homeownership possible sooner than you think. If you’re...
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Ep. 193 - First Steps to Buying a Home: Why Pre-Approval Comes First
State48 Homeowner Podcast
The #1 mistake first-time homebuyers make? House hunting before getting pre-approved. In this episode of the State 48 Homeowner Podcast, Scott Kooiman sits down with Steve Farrington and Twila Edwards from the Klaus Team to explain why pre-approval is the crucial first step in the homebuying process. You’ll learn: * Why pre-approval saves you time, money, and stress * How pre-approval helps you shop with confidence in the right price range * The difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval * How agents and lenders work together to strengthen your offer * Why communication between...
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Ep 192 - Avoiding Arizona Property Tax Surprises and Title Fraud
State48 Homeowner Podcast
Are your Arizona property taxes going up even though home prices are dropping? Confused by that annual assessment notice? Or worried about title fraud, especially if you own land? You’re not alone — and we’ve got answers. In this episode of State 48 Homeowner, Scott Kooiman sits down with Maricopa County Assessor Eddie Cook to break down exactly how property tax values are calculated, what FCV and LPV really mean, and how to appeal your valuation if it seems off. Then, Alysia Moore from Fidelity National Title joins the conversation to reveal how title fraud is exploding in Arizona,...
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Ep. 191 - 7 Cool Things to Do to Beat the Summer Heat in Arizona
State48 Homeowner Podcast
Arizona summers are no joke—but you don’t have to stay stuck inside! This month on the State 48 Homeowner podcast, we share 7 fun and refreshing ways to escape the heat without leaving the state. Whether you're craving a splash, a scenic mountain escape, or an indoor adventure for the whole family, this episode is packed with local tips to keep your summer cool and exciting. From tubing the Salt River to exploring interactive museums and planning a weekend up in Rim Country—this is your go-to guide for making the most of an Arizona summer. Water parks like Sunsplash, Great Wolf Lodge,...
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Ep. 190 - Cooking with Cast Iron | Bison Steak Recipe Perfect Sear Easy Clean-Up
State48 Homeowner Podcast
What do bison steak, roasted asparagus, and Grandma’s cast iron skillet have in common? They all come together in this flavorful, no-fuss episode of State 48 Homeowner. Join Scott as he dives into the magic of cast iron cooking — from how to season and care for your pan to exactly how to cook a restaurant-quality bison ribeye at home. You’ll learn why cast iron is the kitchen tool that just keeps getting better, how to use it without fear, and why it may be time to rescue Grandma’s pan from retirement. In this episode: * Why cast iron is the best tool for high-heat cooking * How to...
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Ep 189 - Is It a Good Time to Buy or Sell? Arizona Housing Market Update 2025
State48 Homeowner Podcast
Are home prices going up or down? Are interest rates finally coming down? Is now the right time to buy or sell your home in Arizona? In this special episode of the State 48 Homeowner Podcast, we’ve taken the best moments from our live stream market update and distilled them into a fast-paced, information-packed conversation about the current state of the East Valley real estate market. Join Scott Kooiman of the Klaus Team, Steve Farrington of Unity Home Loans, and Realtors Kraig Klaus and Twila Edwards as they discuss: * Inventory trends and what they mean for prices * The truth behind...
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Ep 188 - The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of HOAs.
State48 Homeowner Podcast
HOAs: love ’em or hate ’em, they can make or break your experience as a homeowner—especially when it comes time to sell. In this episode of the State 48 Homeowner Podcast, we’re diving into the good, the bad, the ugly—and the downright deal-killing—side of homeowners associations in Arizona. 🏡 You’ll learn: • What HOAs are supposed to do (and when they work well) • How Arizona law handles HOA overreach • How to work with (or around) your HOA • Arizona laws that protect homeowners—and where they fall short • Real stories from East Valley homeowners navigating...
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Ep 187 - The Low Rate Time Machine - Assumable Loans
State48 Homeowner Podcast
What if you could travel back in time and take over a mortgage with a 2.25% interest rate? In this episode of State 48 Homeowner, we break down the power of assumable loans—a real estate strategy that lets homebuyers "assume" the low-interest mortgage of a home seller. We’ll walk you through two real-world examples in Mesa and Chandler, Arizona, where VA assumable loans can save buyers hundreds per month. You’ll also hear expert insights from Raunaq Singh, CEO of Roam, and Mike Roberts of UMe Projects, who explain how these loans work, how to qualify, and how both buyers and sellers...
info_outlineCurious about how to manage water wisely and reduce utility costs in Arizona’s arid climate? In this episode of State 48 Homeowner, we are joined by Arizona State Corporation Commissioner Kevin Thompson and Mesa City Vice Mayor Scott Somers to discuss the latest innovations in sustainable living.
Learn about xeriscaping, gray water harvesting, and creative design techniques like passive solar and basement homes. Discover real-world examples of community gardens, advanced water recycling, and policies that are shaping the future of sustainability in Arizona. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to desert living, this episode offers valuable insights to help you thrive while protecting precious resources.
What You’ll Learn:
• Ways to conserve water through xeriscaping and gray water systems
• Simple energy-efficient design ideas for desert homes
• The potential of solar power in Arizona (plus where to find more info)
• How policymakers and homeowners are working together for a more sustainable future
• Real-life examples of community-driven sustainability efforts
Stay tuned for three easy tips you can start using right away. If you find this content useful, remember to like and subscribe for more guidance on desert living and responsible homeownership.
00:00 Introduction
01:27 Innovations In Water Management
01:38 Xeriscaping: Low Water Landscaping
01:52 1 - Use Native Plants
02:00 2 - Use Efficient Irrigation
02:08 3 - Use Gravel And Mulch
02:36 Gray Water Harvesting
04:43 Solar Power Solutions
05:03 Sustainable Architecture And Design
05:12 Passive Solar Design
05:18 How It Works
05:20 1 - Orientation - North/South Exposure
05:46 2 - Shading: Overhangs, Awnings
05:53 3 - Thermal Mass: The Right Materials
06:11 Basement Homes
06:39 The Future Of Sustainability In The Desert
06:52 Interview: Arizona Corporation Commission Kevin Thompson
07:43 Interview: Mesa City Council Person Scott Somers
08:38 How Community Members Can Collaborate
10:23 3 Ways To Live Sustainably