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 and mortgage expert, who explains how co-signing affects mortgage approval, why lenders use the lowest credit score between borrowers, and what to consider before agreeing to co-sign.

Finally, we discuss practical alternatives that allow you to support someone financially without risking your credit or long-term goals.

Whether you've been asked to co-sign or you're thinking about asking someone else to, this episode offers clear, balanced guidance to help you make an informed decision.

00:00 – Introduction
01:00 - What is Co-signing?
02:02 - The Problem with Co-Signing
02:50 - Co-Signing for a Mortgage
03:50 - The Emotional Trap
04:42 - Real World Fallout
05:42 - Smarter Ways to Help
05:52 - Coach, Don't Co-Sign
06:08 - Help Them Build Credit
06:22 - Gift What You Can
06:45 - Connect with a Lender Early
07:01 - The Run-Down
07:49 - Next Steps

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 the highest ROI for Arizona homeowners

• Why kitchens and bathrooms continue to deliver top resale value

• How energy-efficient upgrades like HVAC, windows, and insulation pay off

• Flooring and curb appeal updates that make your home stand out

• Why over-improving or chasing short-lived design trends can hurt resale value

• The truth about pools and ROI in today's Phoenix housing market

📍 Featuring real stories from the Klaus Team:
One seller replaced a 20-year-old HVAC system before listing — and buyers immediately noticed the cool comfort, helping them get an offer above list price the first weekend.

Whether you're preparing to sell or just want to make smart updates to love your home longer, this episode will help you make confident, high-ROI remodeling decisions in Arizona's desert climate.

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 thinking about buying your first home, this is the episode that will set the record straight.

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 your realtor and lender is key to getting your dream home

Don't waste time falling in love with homes that aren't the right fit — start with pre-approval and put yourself in the strongest position to buy.

🏡 Ready to take the first step toward homeownership? Start here: https://www.klausteam.com/firststeps/

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, especially with vacant land, and how you can protect yourself with free tools like title alerts.

Learn how to:

• Read and understand your annual tax valuation notice

• Protect your property from scammers

• Recognize red flags in land fraud

• Sign up for title alerts in Maricopa & Pinal Counties

• Appeal your property assessment

• Qualify for tax exemptions for seniors, veterans, and more

This is must-know information for any Arizona homeowner or landowner.
Subscribe to stay informed and protect what's yours.

🔗 For more info or to connect: KlausTeam.com

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, and city splash pads
Unique indoor fun like axe throwing & 3D blacklight mini golf
Museums that entertain and educate
Floating down the Salt River
Trips to Rim Country for pine trees and cool breezes
Family fun centers like Main Event and Fat Cats

Whether you're a homeowner looking for summer adventures or just need to entertain the kids, we've got you covered.

Know someone melting in the AZ heat? Share this with them!

Learn more at: https://www.State48Homeowner.com

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 season and clean your cast iron skillet (hint: no soap!)

* Step-by-step cast iron bison steak & asparagus recipe

* Tips for protecting your pan — and impressing your guests

Whether you're a cast iron newbie or a seasoned pro, this episode will have you hungry to cook again.

👉 Subscribe for more homeownership, home cooking, and home maintenance tips!
👉 Got your own cast iron story? Share it in the comments!

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 recent price drops in Arizona

* The impact of interest rates hovering around 7%

* Buyer vs. seller advantages in today's balanced market

* Why now might be your best opportunity to buy before the next wave of competition

* How renting is costing you more than you think - HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS over four years!!!

🎯 Whether you're a buyer, seller, renter, or just watching the market, this episode breaks down what's really happening in Arizona real estate right now.

📍 Learn more, ask questions, or connect with the Klaus Team at https://www.klausteam.com