Blog
Writing from Kristan Cole Network and its members.
What Do HOA Fees Cover in Verrado and How Do They Work?
What Verrado HOA fees pay for, how Arizona law limits dues increases and fines, what happens if you fall behind, and the questions to ask before you buy.
How Do I Compare Neighborhoods in Surprise AZ Before an Offer?
What to verify before you write an offer in Surprise, AZ: school boundaries, commute routes, HOA resale documents, water providers, and city maps.
Palmer vs Wasilla: How to Choose Your Mat-Su Valley Town
Palmer vs Wasilla compared on commute to Anchorage and JBER, town character, shopping, lot rules, and Mat-Su school boundaries, with June 2026 market figures.
Verrado vs Estrella: How These West Valley Communities Compare
Verrado vs Estrella compared on layout, home formats, golf and trails, HOA structure and freeway access, with Verrado market figures as of June 2026.
What Salary Do You Need to Buy a $400,000 Home in Alaska?
What income lenders want for a $400,000 Alaska home: Fannie Mae DTI caps of 36%, 45% and 50%, PMI rules, Mat-Su taxes, and self-employed documentation.
What Should I Know Before Buying New Construction in North Phoenix?
A North Phoenix new construction guide: builder deposits, upgrades, build timelines, Arizona warranty law, and how to time the sale of your current home.
What Should I Know About Buying a Home on a Golf Course in Scottsdale?
Easements, ball strikes, HOA and club dues, course redevelopment risk, and lot position: what to check before buying a Scottsdale golf-course home in 2026.
Who Pays Closing Costs in Arizona, Buyer or Seller?
Arizona closing cost custom explained: what buyers pay, what sellers pay, why there is no transfer tax, and how seller concessions are structured in Prescott.
Who Pays Closing Costs in Tucson, Buyer or Seller?
Both sides pay closing costs in Arizona. Here is which items the buyer customarily covers, which the seller covers, and how concessions work in Tucson.
How Do I Know If a Smaller Home Is Right for Me in Anchorage?
Deciding whether to downsize in Anchorage. Space audit, entertaining, winter indoor time, and gear storage, grounded in June 2026 Anchorage market figures.
How Much Do I Need Saved to Buy a House in Arizona?
What a first-time buyer in Arizona needs saved: down payment, closing costs, earnest money, inspections, reserves, and the Home Plus assistance program.
What to Verify Before Buying a Part-Time Pinetop Second Home
Snow removal jurisdiction, winterization, utilities, cell service, property management licensing, and how Pinetop, Lakeside and Show Low actually differ.