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Michael Smith

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Beyond the Four Walls: Celebrating National Homeownership Month

By Michael Smith - June 10, 2026
Welcome to National Homeownership Month! June is officially National Homeownership Month, an annual tradition that began as a single week in 1995 and expanded into a month-long celebration in 2002. It is a time to shine a spotlight on the American Dream, recognize the professionals who make it happen, and demystify the path to getting your own set of keys. There is no sugarcoating it: navigatin

What Buyers Should Know About Buying a New Build Home

By Michael Smith - February 13, 2026
Buying a brand-new home is an exciting prospect. Everything is fresh, modern, and designed with today’s lifestyles in mind. But new construction purchases are very different from buying a resale home — and understanding those differences can help you avoid costly surprises and make a more confident decision. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or considering new construction for the first time, her

Phoenix Metro City Comparison Map: Explore the Best Cities to Live in Phoenix, Arizona

By Michael Smith - January 02, 2026
If you’re researching where to live in Phoenix, Arizona, you’ve probably already discovered something important: Phoenix isn’t just one city—it’s a massive metro area made up of distinct cities, suburbs, and lifestyle pockets, each with its own pros, trade-offs, and personality. That’s why I created the Phoenix Metro City Comparison Map—an interactive tool designed to help you visually compare ci

Understanding the New NAR Rules

By Michael Smith - August 17, 2024
What Home Buyers and Sellers Need to Know As of August 17, 2024, significant changes to how real estate transactions are conducted in the United States have taken effect, ushering in a new era for both home buyers and sellers. These changes stem from a recent settlement by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in response to antitrust claims, marking the most substantial update to the org

Navigating High Interest Rates: A Guide for Homebuyers

By Michael Smith - June 12, 2024
In today's real estate market, one of the most common concerns among potential homebuyers is the rise in interest rates. While it's true that interest rates have increased compared to the historic lows of recent years, this doesn't mean that buying a home is out of reach. In this blog post, let's address these concerns and review some options to help you navigate the market confidently. Understan

Navigating Arizona's Real Estate Landscape

By Michael Smith - November 14, 2023
Diving into the intricacies of Arizona's real estate landscape, this blog post focuses on the crucial laws and regulations you need to be aware of if you're considering buying or selling property in the state. Understanding these key elements is essential in navigating your real estate journey effectively and making informed decisions. Navigating Legal Requirements: The Non-Essential Role of Atto

The Big Advantages of Opting for a Smaller Home in Today's Market

By Michael Smith - October 09, 2023
The search for a new home in today's real estate market can feel like navigating a labyrinth. With listings being scarcer than ever and interest rates making headlines for all the wrong reasons, homebuyers may feel pushed against the wall. However, amidst these challenges lies an opportunity that many buyers might have previously overlooked: the smaller home. Here's why considering a downsized spa

Navigating the Real Estate Market at 50+

By Michael Smith - October 04, 2023
When you’re navigating the real estate market at 50 or older, it presents a unique experience. Whether you're considering downsizing, looking for a dream retirement spot, or exploring the possibility of an investment property, the landscape of real estate can look different when viewed through the lens of life's later chapters. 1. Know Your 'Why' Before embarking on any real estate venture, unde

The Power of Open Houses: A Win-Win for Home Sellers and Buyers

By Michael Smith - April 12, 2023
Are you in the market to sell or buy a home? One powerful tool that can benefit both sellers and buyers is the open house. An open house is an event where a property is made available for potential buyers to view without the need for a scheduled appointment. In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of an open house for both home sellers and home buyers. Benefits for Home Sellers: Increased Exp

Steps to Get a VA Loan

By Michael Smith - February 17, 2023
There are many benefits of getting a VA loan. I have previously written a blog providing why a qualifying veteran should get a VA loan when buying a home -- check it out here: Benefits of a VA Loan. To get a VA loan for a house, you will need to follow these steps: Determine your eligibility: You must be an active-duty service member, a veteran, a National Guard or Reserve member, or a survi

Benefits of a VA Loan

By Michael Smith - November 11, 2022
A VA loan is a mortgage loan that is guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and is available to eligible active-duty service members, veterans, and surviving spouses. Here are some of the benefits of a VA loan over other types of loans: No down payment required: VA loans do not require a down payment, which means that eligible borrowers can finance up to 100% of the purcha

Advantages of Offering a Large Down Payment

By Michael Smith - February 21, 2022
When buying a home, the down payment will make up the bulk of your upfront expenses. While most mortgage lenders offer you flexibility in the amount of your down payment, it's difficult to decide how much money to spend right away. While a higher upfront cost, a higher-than-minimum down payment has some significant advantages. Here are the main benefits to consider: Better Mortgage Terms Typical

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