Buying
What Is Earnest Money in Arizona?
What earnest money actually is, who holds it, when it becomes at risk, and how it is credited at closing.
5 min read
Resource library
Real estate, explained plainly
Guides written the way Melissa explains things in person: clear, specific to Arizona, and without pretending the process is simpler than it is.
Buying
What Is a BINSR?
The Buyer's Inspection Notice and Seller's Response is one of the most consequential documents in an Arizona transaction. Here is how it works.
6 min read
Buying
Understanding the Arizona Home Inspection Period
What the inspection period is for, how to use it well, and the specialty inspections worth considering in Northern Arizona.
6 min read
Buying
What Happens at a Final Walkthrough?
What the walkthrough is for, what to check, and what to do if something is wrong.
4 min read
Buying
What Happens on Closing Day?
Signing, funding and recording — what actually has to happen before a home is yours.
4 min read
First-Time Buyers
Rate vs APR: What's the Difference?
Why two lenders can quote the same rate and still cost different amounts — and how to compare fairly.
4 min read
First-Time Buyers
Buying Your First Home in Flagstaff
A realistic path from curiosity to keys, written for someone doing this for the first time.
8 min read
Northern Arizona
Moving to Flagstaff: What to Know First
Elevation, seasons, neighborhoods and logistics for anyone planning a move to Flagstaff.
7 min read
Manufactured Homes
Understanding Lot Rent in a Manufactured Home Community
What lot rent covers, how park approval works, and why land-owned and leased-land homes behave differently.
6 min read
Probate & Estate
Selling an Inherited Home in Arizona
A calm overview of what tends to be involved when an estate property is sold, and where a REALTOR® fits.
6 min read
Reference
Real estate glossary
Every term you'll hear between offer and closing, defined in one place.
Open the glossaryInformation on this site is general in nature and is not legal, tax, financial or lending advice. Melissa Smets is a licensed REALTOR® and is not an attorney. Consult an appropriate professional regarding your specific situation.
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