Are you stuck deciding between using a debit card or a credit card? 💳💰 In this episode of State 48 Homeowner, Scott Kooiman breaks down the pros and cons of both to help you make the smartest financial choice for your situation.

✅ Learn the Basics:

What makes debit and credit cards different?  How each impacts your spending, budgeting, and financial future. ✅ Credit Card Advantages: Build credit history and boost your credit score. Earn rewards like cashback and travel points. Gain fraud and purchase protection for safer spending. ✅ Debit Card Advantages: Avoid debt and interest charges. Stick to your budget by spending only what you have. 💡 Plus, stick around for 3 surprising ways cash can help you save money, from avoiding fees to negotiating better deals. Whether you're trying to build credit, avoid debt, or just maximize your financial potential, this video is packed with actionable tips to help you use your cards—or cash—wisely. 📌 Got questions? Drop them in the comments! Don’t forget to like this video, subscribe to our channel, and hit the notification bell for more expert insights every week. 

Listen Now and take control of your finances today!

📈 What’s next for the Arizona real estate market in 2025? Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, this episode of the State 48 Homeowner Podcast dives into what you can expect for the year ahead.

Join host Scott Kooiman and a panel of real estate experts, including Kraig Klaus, Twila Edwards, Rick Collins, Rob Martin, and loan officer Steve Farrington, as they explore:

✅ Inventory trends and how they’re shaping the market. ✅ Interest rate projections and their impact on buyers and sellers. ✅ Pricing predictions and why a crash isn’t in the cards. ✅ The rise of multigenerational living and shifting demographics.

🌟 What’s in store for 2025?

→ Inventory: Gradual improvements with increased housing starts. → Interest Rates: Expected to trend down to the low 6% range. → Home Prices: Steady growth of 2-3%. → Sales Volume: A projected increase in both resale and new home sales.

💡 Actionable Tips for 2025:

Buyers: Get pre-approved, save more, and be ready to act fast when you find the right home.

Sellers: Take advantage of improved demand by focusing on pricing and presentation.

Everyone: Work with an experienced local agent to navigate a market that varies by neighborhood, property type, and price point.

Whether you're planning to move or simply staying informed, this video is packed with insights to help you make smarter decisions in 2025.

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe! Share your biggest questions about the Arizona real estate market below—we’d love to hear from you!

🔔 New videos every week.

Are you an Arizona homeowner wondering how to care for your pool and hot tub during the winter months? Even though our winters are mild, your pool and hot tub still need proper maintenance to stay in top condition. In this episode of State 48 Homeowner, we sit down with pool expert Nate VerWoert, owner of True Lagoon Pools, to share essential tips for winter pool and hot tub care.

Discover why it's important to keep your pool water circulating, how to adjust your chemical usage during cooler temperatures, and key steps to maintain your pool equipment even when it's not swimming season. Nate provides valuable advice on managing heated pools, including the differences in chemical treatment and the impact on your energy bills.

Thinking about enjoying your hot tub this winter? Learn how to keep it clean, efficient, and ready for those chilly Arizona evenings. Nate covers everything from cleaning filter cartridges and balancing water chemistry to maintaining the right temperature and using a hot tub cover to save energy.

Stay tuned as Nate reveals the top three mistakes to avoid with your pool and hot tub during the winter. Whether you're a seasoned pool owner or new to maintaining your outdoor oasis, this video is packed with practical tips to help you protect your investment and enjoy your pool and hot tub all year round.

If you find this video helpful, please give it a thumbs up, subscribe to our channel, and hit the notification bell so you won't miss our weekly videos offering valuable insights for Arizona homeowners. Got questions about winter pool or hot tub maintenance? Drop them in the comments below—we'd love to hear from you!

Curious about solar energy? Before you jump in, watch this video to get a full understanding of what solar really means for Arizona homeowners. Door-to-door sales reps might make solar sound like a no-brainer, but the reality has layers that you deserve to know. In this episode, Scott from the State 48 Homeowner podcast breaks down the full picture about solar for Arizona homes, including what most salespeople leave out. From financing and tax credits to the impact on home sales, we dive into the details with insights from real estate pros, solar techs, and roofing experts to help you make an informed decision.

What You’ll Learn in This Video: • Avoiding Sales Pressure: Learn why high-pressure sales tactics are a red flag in the solar industry and why it's essential to take your time before committing. • True Costs of Solar: Get a clear look at solar financing and leasing—how it affects your home’s  potential buyers when you’re ready to sell. • Roofing & Maintenance Considerations: Discover what adding solar panels means for your roof's lifespan and maintenance, including the hidden costs when repairs are needed. • Arizona-Specific Advice: Understand the impact of utility providers (like SRP and APS), local tax credits, and incentives that could make or break your decision.

Featured Experts: • Rob Martin, Klaus Team Realtor • Twila Edwards, Klaus Team Realtor • Steve Farrington, Loan Officer, Unity Home Loans • Scott Kooiman, State 48 Homeowner Podcast Host and Real Estate Associate Broker, Klaus Team

If you’re considering solar, don’t miss out on these essential insights. Whether you’re looking for long-term savings or trying to make the most informed decision, this video will help you decide if solar is right for you in Arizona. Hit “Subscribe” for more homeowner tips, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

0:00 Intro 0:58 High Pressure Sales 2:18 Financing Solar 3:49 Equipment on a Lease 4:07 Roof Maintenance  4:50 When Does Solar Work? 5:37 The Bottom Line

What if you could transform your mindset, your home, and your relationships—all by practicing gratitude? In this episode of the State 48 Homeowner Podcast, we explore the power of gratitude and how it can lead to a healthier, happier life. Learn how choosing gratitude over self-pity, entitlement, or comparison can shift your perspective and positively impact your entire household.

Scott and the Klaus Team share insights, personal stories, and actionable tips, including three simple steps to start cultivating gratitude in your daily routine. Plus, hear from team members about how gratitude has made a difference in their lives.

Learn how starting your day with a grateful mindset can make a profound difference in your outlook and relationships. We'll discuss how gratitude positively impacts your household and share personal insights from our team about its powerful effects.

We'll also identify common obstacles to gratitude—like self-pity, complaining, comparing, and entitlement—and offer practical ways to overcome them. Stick around until the end for three actionable steps to bring more gratitude into your daily life:

Join us in embracing a mindset that enhances happiness and well-being. If you find value in this video, please give it a thumbs up, subscribe for more homeowner and real estate content, and ring the notification bell for weekly updates.

We'd love to hear from you! Share what you're grateful for or what gratitude means to you in the comments below. Ready to live with intention and improve your mindset? Hit play, and let’s start building a grateful life together.

Curious about the sudden changes in the Arizona housing market? Are we in a Buyer's Market? With a surge in new listings and the market tilting in favor of buyers, it's essential to understand what's happening. 

Join the Klaus Team's real estate professionals as they break down the latest developments in Phoenix and the surrounding areas. Get insights from top agents, loan officers, and market experts on why inventory is rising, how interest rates are influencing buyer behavior, and what it all means for you. Curious about how interest rates are influencing buying power or why some sellers are moving despite high mortgage rates? Or maybe you want to know how to make your home stand out in this market? We cover it all to help you make the most informed decisions.

Whether you're a buyer looking for the perfect home or a seller aiming to make the most of your listing, this video offers valuable tips and strategies to navigate the evolving market landscape. Stay informed and ahead of the curve—tune in now!

Is Arizona shifting into a buyer’s market? We’ll dive into inventory trends, buyer advantages, seller motivations, and expert advice on navigating today’s housing market. 

Stay tuned for tips that can give you a competitive edge whether you’re purchasing your first home, upsizing, or looking to downsize. 

Subscribe to stay updated on all things real estate in Arizona, and visit klausteam.com/callusfirst if you're ready to take the next step!

0:00 Introduction 1:01 Listing Inventory 2:30 What it means for Buyers 3:12 Interest Rates and Buyers 3:45 Why are Sellers Selling? 4:14 1-Moving Out of the Area 4:57 2-Move-up 5:28 3-Downsizing 5:57 4-Death, Divorce, Life Transition 6:50 Call Us First 7:20 Pricing and Presentation 8:42 Breaking it Down 9:08 Tips for Navigating the Market

Real Estate and Market Experts: Kraig Klaus, Twila Edwards, Rick Collins, Steve Farrington, Scott Kooiman

In this episode of State 48 Homeowner, host Scott breaks down how the average American spends nearly $18,000 annually on nonessential items without even realizing it. From daily coffees and dining out to streaming services and impulse purchases, these seemingly small expenses can add up significantly over time.

What You'll Learn:

· Hidden Expenses: Uncover where your money is really going each month. · Detailed Breakdown: Analyze spending on coffee, dining out, subscriptions, rideshares, and more. · Real-Life Insights: Hear from guests like Karen, Twila, and Ty about their personal spending habits. · Actionable Tips: Get one simple step to start cutting costs today. · Financial Impact: Learn how reducing nonessential expenses can help you pay off debt, save for retirement, or afford a home.

Why You Should Watch:

If you're curious about how small daily expenses can affect your financial health, this video is a must-watch. Gain valuable insights into managing your finances better and making smarter spending decisions. Plus, find out how reallocating just a portion of these nonessential costs can bring you closer to your financial goals.

Don't Miss Out!

Stick around until the end for Scott's straightforward tip to help you start saving immediately. Your future self will thank you!

👍 Enjoyed the video? Give it a like, subscribe for more essential homeowner tips, and share it with friends and family who could benefit!

0:00 Introduction 1:20 Drinks - Coffee & Cocktails 2:34 Cable and Streaming 3:23 Dining out 4:57 Purchasing Lunch 5:37 I Don't Want to Buy Your House 6:37 Recurring Charges and Subscriptions 8:22 Impulse Buys 9:23 Rideshares 10:38 Next Steps

Welcome back! In today's video, we're taking you behind the scenes of an incredible home restoration journey. This house has faced it all—fire damage, mold infestation, termite destruction, asbestos contamination, and more. Join us as we walk through this severely damaged property with Jill Herndon, owner of Lotus Restoration Services, and discuss the comprehensive plan to bring it back to life.

🔥 What Happened? A lightning strike ignited a neighboring palm tree, leading to a devastating fire that severely affected both homes. While the neighbor's home was a total loss, this house suffered significant fire and smoke damage to the carport and interior. But that's not all—we also uncovered mold growth, termite damage, and asbestos in the building materials.

🔨 Our Restoration Plan We're not just repairing the damage; we're giving this home a complete makeover. From addressing structural issues and removing hazardous materials to modernizing the kitchen and bathrooms, we're transforming this property step by step.

🛠️ Key Topics Covered:

• Extent of fire and smoke damage

• Mold remediation techniques

• Termite damage repair

• Safe asbestos removal procedures

• Upgrading outdated electrical systems

• Remodeling the kitchen and bathrooms

• Navigating insurance claims and restoration costs

🏠 Thinking of Restoring Your Own Home? Stick around until the end of the video, where we share the first three crucial steps you need to take if you ever face fire or water damage in your home.

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If you find value in this video, please give us a thumbs up! It helps us reach more homeowners like you. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for weekly content that helps you take care of your Arizona home—from simple maintenance tips to major renovation projects.

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Connect with Us:

• Lotus Restoration Services: For professional restoration services, call 480-500-5481 or visit LotusServicesAZ.com.

• Klaus Team: For real estate needs, visit KlausTeam.com at 480-354-7344.

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SEO Keywords: home restoration, fire damage repair, mold remediation, termite damage, asbestos removal, home renovation, disaster recovery, home makeover, property restoration, Arizona homes, insurance claims, restoration process, rebuilding after fire, water damage, home remodeling

In this episode of the State 48 Homeowner Podcast, we explore the growing trend of golf cars in Arizona communities. Golf cars have become a popular mode of transportation beyond the golf course, with more people using them in neighborhoods like Adora Trails, Eastmark, Sunland Village East, and Morrison Ranch. Whether you're considering buying one for daily use or for fun, this video covers everything you need to know!

Join host Scott Kooiman as he chats with special guests Todd Crouch, owner of Custom Golf Cars, and Rich Milburn from the Klaus Team. We discuss the pros and cons of owning a golf car, essential maintenance tips, and etiquette rules for golf car drivers. Plus, we dive into three important things to consider before buying a golf car, so you can make the best decision for your lifestyle.

Chapters:

· The Growing Trend of Golf Cars in Arizona Communities · Pros and Cons of Owning a Golf Car · Maintenance Tips for Your Golf Car · Golf Car Etiquette: Rules for the Road · Top 3 Things to Consider Before Buying a Golf Car

From fun community parades to practical use around the neighborhood, golf cars are becoming a big part of the Arizona lifestyle. Watch until the end for tips on how to pick the right golf car for you and ensure it's well-maintained and road-ready!

What You'll Learn:

· Why golf cars are becoming more popular in Arizona neighborhoods. · The benefits and drawbacks of owning a golf car. · How to maintain your golf car to keep it running smoothly. · Etiquette tips for driving your golf car responsibly in your community. · Important factors to consider before making a golf car purchase.

Key Takeaways:

· Affordability: Golf cars are inexpensive to operate, with low insurance and maintenance costs. · Customization: Learn how people personalize their golf cars with unique designs and accessories. · Safety: Follow proper etiquette and local regulations to keep yourself and others safe on the road. · Buying Tips: Get expert advice on choosing the right golf car and dealer, especially if you're buying pre-owned.

👉 Looking to buy a golf car or want more information? Contact Custom Golf Cars at 480-373-6176 or visit them in East Mesa, AZ.

In this episode of the State 48 Homeowner podcast, we sit down with Chris Koning, a 35-year-old elementary school teacher and Purple Heart Iraq War veteran, to learn how he built a real estate portfolio of 7 doors—all while working on a teacher's salary. Chris walks us through his journey from buying his first home with an FHA loan to expanding his portfolio using a modified BRRRR (Buy, [very light] Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) investment strategy.

Whether you're new to real estate or looking for insights into building a portfolio with limited capital, Chris’s story is a testament to what’s possible with discipline and a strategic approach. We also break down the BRRRR method and how Chris adapted it to fit his investing goals without buying distressed properties.

Key Topics Covered:

● Chris Koning’s real estate journey: from one property to a growing portfolio. ● How the BRRRR method can help you scale up even if you start with little money. ● The power of leveraging equity to buy more properties. ● Why real estate is a powerful long-term investment tool for financial growth. ● The challenges and rewards of being a real estate investor on a modest income. ● Tips for building a trusted team of lenders, agents, and property managers to support your real estate growth.

Learn from Chris's Story: Chris’s journey proves that anyone with determination can succeed in real estate investing, regardless of income or background. If you're interested in growing your portfolio, learning how to use the BRRRR method, or simply exploring ways to invest in real estate, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and actionable advice.

About Our Guest: Chris Koning is an elementary school teacher, Iraq War veteran, and real estate investor with properties in California, Arizona, and Oklahoma. Through disciplined investing and strategic leveraging of equity, Chris has built a portfolio of 7 doors, with more on the way.

Listen and Learn: Join us to discover how you can build a real estate portfolio from the ground up, even with limited resources. Subscribe to the State 48 Homeowner podcast for more expert advice and insights into building wealth through real estate.