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Hiring a great home inspector is a key part of the due diligence or inspection period. Getting a home inspection is like getting a physical from your family doctor. The home inspector will check out all of the home's systems to make sure that they are working properly, and recommend you follow up with a specialist (plumber, roofer, etc) if there are any signs of issues. Choosing the right home inspector can be the difference between relaxing in your new home or potentially spending thousands of dollars on unexpected repairs. One of the first things you should do to ensure you get a great home inspector is to check with the Arizona Board of Technical Registration. You can find their website at https://btr.az.gov.If you have questions about hiring a home inspector or are ready to start the home buying journey, please feel free to reach out to me.Christopher EppichAssociate BrokerHomeSmart(480) 295-9431 CellChris@YourFirstHomeAZ.com

The real estate market is heating up, and some buyers are getting BURNED! With the hottest real estate market since 2006, buyers need to really understand and plan for entering the current real estate market. A big part of that preparation is hiring the right REALTOR and lender. In this episode, I'm sharing what is happening in the market and what to expect, as well as important questions to get the right agent in this market.Ready to start your home buying journey?You can reach me at :Christopher EppichAssociate BrokerHomeSmart(480) 295-9431 CellChris@YourFirstHomeAZ.comwww.yourfirsthomeaz.com

First time home buyers are facing stiff competition from repeat buyers so far in 2021, but they are also discovering that they have 3 key advantages over repeat buyers. In this episode, I'm discussing these advantages, which include: down payment assistance, no buyer contingencies, and expectations. Together, these are giving first time home buyers an edge in winning the home of their dreams.Ready to start your home buying journey?You can reach me at :Christopher EppichAssociate BrokerHomeSmart(480) 295-9431 CellChris@YourFirstHomeAZ.comwww.yourfirsthomeaz.com

Not sure what questions to ask during the due diligence period when buying your first home? The Buyer Advisory is an important and valuable document your REALTOR should provide you with to assist you with your due diligence and home buying questions. This 14-page document is full of information and resources, as well as commentary from the Arizona Department of Real Estate. By carefully reviewing this advisory, you can find insight and resources to help you ask the right questions about your potential new home. I consider it a must-read for anyone purchasing a home, but especially first time home buyers.As always, you can reach me at:Christopher EppichAssociate BrokerHomeSmart(480) 295-9431Chris@YourFirstHomeAZ.com

The due diligence period is full of many things to consider and almost as many things to do. Many first time home buyers aren't sure what questions to even ask, but you're in luck! The Arizona Association of REALTORS residential purchase contract offers you crucial insights from the seller in the form of 2 critical documents the seller should provide you. They are the Seller's Property Disclosure Statement and the Insurance Claims Report. These two documents, along with the Buyer Advisory are instrumental in understanding the condition of the home, and discovering any important facts about the home that might just change your mind about purchasing that home. In this episode, I'm going to discuss these two documents in more detail and help you understand how to use them to know what questions to ask.As always, you can reach me at:Christopher EppichAssociate BrokerHomeSmart(480) 295-9431Chris@YourFirstHomeAZ.com

Will 2021 be a good year to purchase a first home? 2020 was a difficult year for many first time home buyers. So, how will 2021 compare? It's important for first time home buyers to understand the real estate market and determine for themselves if it's a good time to purchase a house. In this podcast, I will be discussing some of the predictions by economists as well as what I am seeing so far in 2021. In this episode, I discuss 2 online articles. You can find them here:https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/01/11/2021-housing-market-predictions/https://magazine.realtor/news-and-commentary/economy/article/2021/01/real-estate-in-2021-plenty-of-reason-for-optimismAs always, you can reach me at:Christopher EppichAssociate BrokerHomeSmart(480) 295-9431Chris@YourFirstHomeAZ.com

The National Association of REALTORS is the target of multiple lawsuits. These lawsuits target the way that a buyer's agent is paid a commission. So why are sellers targeting the buyer's agent's commission? Well, there are a few reasons. First, it's been traditional for the seller to pay for the buyer's agent, but this practice started in a different time and the tradition hasn't changed with the times. Second, the plaintiffs against the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) allege that the NAR is conspiring with 4 major real estate companies to keep a buyer's agent's real estate commissions artificially high. Finally, they allege that a buyer's agent does not contribute in a significant way to the real estate transaction. The NAR has asked the courts to dismiss these lawsuits as being baseless and full of incorrect and false information. However, the National Association of REALTORS just agreed to settle a lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice, which alleges the NAR is in violation of antitrust laws and creating an environment that is anticompetition.If you would like to learn more about these lawsuits, I've referenced the following online news articles:https://therealdeal.com/2020/06/08/a-trifecta-nar-sued-again-over-buyer-broker-commissions/https://therealdeal.com/national/2019/06/18/class-action-cases-over-broker-commissions-pick-up-steam/https://therealdeal.com/2019/04/17/nar-hit-with-another-antitrust-suit-over-buyer-broker-commissions/https://www.housingwire.com/articles/48832-nar-slapped-with-second-class-action-lawsuit-to-end-buyer-broker-compensation/https://www.washingtonpost.com/realestate/average-commission-rate-for-home-sales-heads-down-toward-5-percent/2017/01/09/4ee3f048-d6a8-11e6-b8b2-cb5164beba6b_story.htmlIf you have any questions about real estate commissions or anything else related to buying your first home, please feel free to reach me at:Christopher EppichAssociate BrokerHomeSmart(480) 295-9431 CellChris@YourFirstHomeAZ.com

Last week the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) was sued by the Department of Justice alleging that the NAR was responsible for anticompetitive policies and violations of anti-trust laws. This and other law suits the NAR is facing could have a significant impact on real estate commissions and who pays them. If you would like more information on the DOJ's claims, be sure to check out https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-files-antitrust-case-and-simultaneous-settlement-requiring-nationalIf you have any questions about purchasing your first home, you can reach me at:Christopher EppichAssociate BrokerHomeSmart(480) 295-9431Chris@YourFirstHomeAZ.com

Once your offer has been accepted you'll be ready to start the purchase process. There are many things to do including inspections, your due diligence, getting a loan, and LOTS of paperwork. In this episode, I cover the overall escrow process that brings you to become the new owner.

In this episode, I discuss the impact the elections have on the real estate market. 2020 has been unlike any previous year in recent history and many people want to know how the elections will affect the current real estate market. I think there are 4 key reasons that the real estate market will remain unchanged. They are: 1. Historical Data2. Strong Buyer Demand3. Historically Low Interest Rates4. Millenials Are Entering The Market Like Never BeforeI hope you enjoy listening to this episode. If you have any questions about the real estate market, relocating to the Phoenix metro area, or purchasing your first home, you can reach me at:Chris EppichAssociate BrokerHomeSmart(480) 295-9431 CellChris@YourFirstHomeAZ.com

Earnest money is an important part of your offer when buying a home. In this episode, I share what you need to know about earnest money. There are 5 reasons why you should consider an earnest money deposit. 📺 Want to learn more? Check out my playlist How To Prepare To Buy A House. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list... 📺➡️ Like the information I share on this podcast? Make sure to hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications so you'll won't miss a single episode. ⬅️💰 Find out how you may qualify to receive up to $16,588 in down payment assistance in Arizona by visiting my website at www.yourfirsthomeaz.com 💰🏠 Join me on Facebook at facebook.com/azfirsttimehomebuyers 🏠Have a question or want to get started on purchasing your first home? You can also reach me at: Chris EppichAssociate BrokerHomeSmart(480) 295-9431chris@yourfirsthomeaz.com

Many first time home buyers wonder what happens when you make an offer on a house? There are 3 parts to the offer process. They are: writing the offer, presenting the offer, and resolving the offer. Writing an offer can be exciting and scary both at the same time. In this episode I'm going to share with you how the offer process works, and what happens once you've made an offer. 📺 Want to learn more? Check out my playlist How To Prepare To Buy A House. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list... 📺➡️ Like the information I share on this channel? Make sure to hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications so you'll won't miss a single episode. ⬅️🎙️ You can find my Arizona First Time Home Buyer Podcast on your favorite podcast app, or give it a listen at https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-ari... 🎙️💰 Find out how you may qualify to receive up to $16,588 in down payment assistance in Arizona by visiting my website at www.yourfirsthomeaz.com 💰🏠 Join me on Facebook at facebook.com/azfirsttimehomebuyers 🏠Have a question or want to get started on purchasing your first home? You can also reach me at: Chris EppichAssociate BrokerHomeSmart(480) 295-9431chris@yourfirsthomeaz.com

Many first time home buyers wonder, "What does it cost to have a buyer's agent?" In many situations, the seller will pay the commission for the buyer's agent, which means that most buyers can receive professional advice, help negotiating, expert guidance on their home search, and an advocate for FREE. However, there are certain things that the buyer can do that risk having the seller refuse to pay the buyer's agent's commission. In this episode, I'm going to help you understand who pays for a REALTOR to represent the buyer and how to avoid having to pay the commission out of your pocket.if you will be buying a home with less than 20% down, you'll want to understand mortgage insurance; what it is and why you'll need it. Mortgage insurance protects the buyer and their lender in the even of a default or the buyer has to give the house back to the lender. In this episode, Greg Gale and I discuss what mortgage insurance is and Greg helps provide understanding as to why you need it, what mortgage insurance actually is. 📺 Want to learn more? Check out my playlist How To Prepare To Buy A House. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfINoTnqEsmEeeAAXyYWo8g_2ldXmOEMd 📺➡️ Like the information I share on this channel? Make sure to hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications so you'll won't miss a single episode. ⬅️🎙️ You can find my Arizona First Time Home Buyer Podcast on your favorite podcast app, or give it a listen at https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-arizona-first-time-home-buyer-podcast 🎙️💰 Find out how you may qualify to receive up to $16,588 in down payment assistance in Arizona by visiting my website at www.yourfirsthomeaz.com 💰🏠 Join me on Facebook at facebook.com/azfirsttimehomebuyers 🏠Have a question or want to get started on purchasing your first home? You can also reach me at: Chris EppichAssociate BrokerHomeSmart(480) 295-9431chris@yourfirsthomeaz.com

What is the best app to search for homes for sale? I'm covering my top 5 list of home search websites and why you should choose one of these to find your next home. Searching accurate home data is critical when shopping for your new home. You don't want to waste precious time searching through homes that aren'te even for sale. Many home buyers don't even realize that the data displayed on many home search websites is inaccurate or even out of date. These sites are in the business of selling your data to REALTORS and lenders. In this episode, I'm going to cover my top 5 home search apps. This list is only my opinion, and I'm not compensated or affiliated with any of these sites. Want to connect with me through homesnap? Visit www.homesnap.com/Christopher-Eppich and connect with me about your home search.📺 Want to learn more? Check out my Youtube playlist "How To Prepare To Buy A House". https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfINoTnqEsmEeeAAXyYWo8g_2ldXmOEMd 📺➡️ Like the information I share on this channel? Make sure to hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications so you'll won't miss a single episode. ⬅️🎙️ You can find my Arizona First Time Home Buyer Podcast on your favorite podcast app, or give it a listen at https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-arizona-first-time-home-buyer-podcast 🎙️💰 Find out how you may qualify to receive up to $16,588 in down payment assistance in Arizona by visiting my website at www.yourfirsthomeaz.com 💰🏠 Join me on Facebook at facebook.com/azfirsttimehomebuyers 🏠Have a question or want to get started on purchasing your first home? You can also reach me at: Chris EppichAssociate BrokerHomeSmart(480) 295-9431chris@yourfirsthomeaz.com

Why buy a home in the winter? WInter home buying can be easier, especially for first time home buyers. Reduced competition, lower costs, better service, and lower rates are all good reasons to buy between October and New Year's Day. There are other reasons why you should consider winter buying in 2020. Fierce competition, historically low interest rates, and a critical shortage of homes for sale have dominated the news about real estate. I believe that the seasonal slow down around the holiday season will be the very best time for many buyers. If you've struggled to buy a home, or have been afraid to enter the real estate market, right now is the time you've been waiting for. With possible shut downs of businesses and stay at home orders due to COVID 19 predicted for the fall and winter seasons in much of the country, and worries that inflation will cause rates to increase, now is your time to take advantage of the amazing savings from the lowest rates in recorded history. Download a free copy of my buyer's guide? Then head over to www.yourfirsthomeaz.com/buyers-guide. It's packed full of useful information about the home buying process.💻Ready to begin your home search? Then join me on HomeSnap by visiting www.homesnap.com/christopher-eppich💻📺 If you want to learn more about the FHA 203K Construction Loan then you'll find my video helpful at https://youtu.be/OuJDe6g4siE 📺➡️ Like the information I share on this channel? Make sure to hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications so you won't miss a single episode. ⬅️💰 Find out how you may qualify to receive up to $16,588 in down payment assistance in Arizona by visiting my website at www.yourfirsthomeaz.com 💰Have a question or want to get started on purchasing your first home? You can also reach me at: Chris EppichAssociate BrokerHomeSmart(480) 295-9431

When buying your first home, you're going to want to consider your home buying wants and needs. By focusing on what is most important to you in your new home, you'll not only reduce the stress and confusion of home buying but you'll also have an easier time identifying your new home. There are 3 main areas you should consider when shopping for your new home, they are; the house, the lot, and the community. Each of these helps to shape your experience as a homeowner. By factoring these into your home buying wants and needs, and focusing on the most important needs and wants, you'll not only get a home that you love but also avoid home buyers remorse.🖨️ If you would like to download a copy of my Home Buying Wants and Needs Worksheet you can find it at www.YourFirstHomeAZ.com/wants-needs. No registration is required. 🖨️💻Ready to begin your home search? Join me on HomeSnap by visiting www.homesnap.com/christopher-eppich💻➡️ Like the information I share on this podcast? Make sure to hit the subscribe button, so you won't miss a single episode. ⬅️💰 Find out how you may qualify to receive up to $16,588 in down payment assistance in Arizona by visiting my website at www.yourfirsthomeaz.com 💰Have a question or want to get started on purchasing your first home? You can also reach me at: Chris EppichAssociate BrokerHomeSmart(480) 295-9431

Knowing what to look for at an open house can save you time and money when purchasing a home. Visiting an open house or private showing is a great way to see if a home needs repairs or updates before writing an offer. It's also a great way to see if the home will fit your needs. THere is more to look for than just the floorplan and how the seller decorated.In this video, I'm going to share with you 7 things you should look for. They are;Odors, Pets, Pests, Temperature, Deferred Maintenance, Water Damage, and Foundation Issues.These 7 things may cause you to rethink writing an offer on the home.

In this episode, I'm discussing the ins and outs of open house etiquette. Visiting an open house can be a great way to find out what you would like or not like in your new home. It can also be a great way to meet and find out what type of a real estate agent you want to work with, and possibly find the right agent to help you. There are some rules, or etiquette, to follow when attending an open house though. Many first time home buyers are unaware that an open house has rules, or they don't know what the rules are, so I'm sharing them with you in this episode.

There are many things to decide when buying your first home, and deciding between a fixer upper vs move in ready is the first place to start. There are several factors to consider, such as if you are willing to take on a project home, or if you even have the time to. In this episode, I'm going to share some of the pros and cons for both. Taking on a fixer upper has gained popularity since the housing market crash. There are even many TV shows, but move in ready is quite popular with many home buyers. So, which is right for you? Make sure to listen until the end, because I'm going to share with you my favorite home search tool. 💻Ready to begin your home search? Then join me on HomeSnap by visiting www.homesnap.com/christopher-eppich💻📺 If you want to learn more about the FHA 203K Construction Loan then you'll find my youtube channel video at https://youtu.be/OuJDe6g4siE 📺➡️ Like the information I share on this channel? Make sure to hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications so you won't miss a single episode. ⬅️💰 Find out how you may qualify to receive up to $16,588 in down payment assistance in Arizona by visiting my website at www.yourfirsthomeaz.com 💰Have a question or want to get started on purchasing your first home? You can also reach me at: Chris EppichAssociate BrokerHomeSmart(480) 295-9431