In this episode of the Realty Terms series, Birdman is joined by Mountain Retreat Realty Experts and Stephanie Crane to break down one of the most important—and often misunderstood—real estate terms: escrow. Stephanie explains how escrow works as a neutral third party that protects both buyers and sellers by securely handling all funds involved in a transaction. From earnest money and down payments to repairs and closing costs, learn why opening escrow is the standard and safest way to complete a real estate deal, and how it helps prevent disputes and financial risk for everyone involved.

Escrow is a neutral, third-party account used during a real estate transaction to safely hold and manage all funds until the deal officially closes. Rather than money being exchanged directly between the buyer and seller, everything flows through escrow to ensure fairness, security, and transparency.

In this episode, Stephanie explains that opening escrow is the standard method used by Mountain Retreat Realty Experts and is the preferred way to handle transactions.

Once a contract is accepted:

• The buyer's earnest money deposit is placed into escrow

• Funds related to financing, down payments, and closing costs are routed through escrow

• Any negotiated repairs or credits that must be paid at closing are handled by the escrow officer

• At closing, escrow distributes funds appropriately and records the transaction

This process removes the risk of one party directly handing money to another and ensures all contract terms are met before funds are released.

Escrow acts as an unbiased third party, meaning:

• Neither the buyer nor the seller controls the funds

• Money is only released according to the contract

• Disputes—such as disagreements over earnest money if a contract is canceled—are handled impartially

If both parties disagree, escrow holds the funds securely until the issue is resolved, protecting everyone involved.

Escrow is opened for both parties at the same time once the transaction begins. Buyers and sellers do not open separate accounts—escrow serves the entire transaction from start to finish.

Escrow is a critical safeguard in real estate transactions. It ensures that all money is handled professionally, securely, and fairly—giving buyers and sellers peace of mind throughout the process and at closing.

House Keys is brought to you by

Mountain Retreat Realty Experts

https://mtnretreatrealty.com

House Keys is produced by Birdman Media™

In this episode, Birdman sits down with Mountain Retreat Realty Experts and Stephanie Crane to break down one of the most important tools in real estate: the Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). Learn how a professionally prepared CMA differs from online estimates and why "location, location, location" still matters more than algorithms. Stephanie explains how experienced agents analyze true comparable properties to determine accurate value—whether representing a buyer or a seller. The discussion also covers how CMAs relate to appraisals, buyer spending power, and avoiding overpaying in today's market. If you want confidence in pricing and a clearer understanding of what a home is really worth, this episode delivers the keys. 🔑

A Comparative Market Analysis, often called a CMA, is a detailed pricing tool created by a real estate professional to determine the true market value of a home. Unlike automated online estimates, a CMA is built using real, local data and professional judgment.

In this episode, the focus is on how experienced agents and brokers use CMAs to analyze homes that are truly comparable—looking closely at location, condition, size, features, and recent sales in the immediate area. This hyper-local approach is what makes a CMA far more accurate than broad AI-generated price ranges you might see on real estate websites.

A CMA is commonly prepared before:

• Listing a home for sale

• Making an offer as a buyer

• Negotiating price or terms during a transaction

Online pricing tools pull data from wide geographic areas and automated averages. A skilled agent, however, can:

• Compare homes on the same street or neighborhood

• Adjust for upgrades, views, lot size, and condition

• Understand how market trends affect buyer behavior

Because of this, a well-prepared CMA can come very close to appraised value, giving both buyers and sellers confidence in their decisions.

• For sellers, a CMA helps price the home competitively—maximizing value without overpricing and risking the home sitting on the market.

• For buyers, a CMA ensures they're not overpaying and helps guide strong, informed offers.

Agents simply "change hats" depending on who they represent, but the goal remains the same: identify true market value.

While a CMA is not an official appraisal, it plays a critical role before one happens. A buyer can choose to pay more than appraised value—but they must bring the difference in cash. Understanding a CMA ahead of time helps buyers avoid surprises and prepares everyone for the appraisal process.

A Comparative Market Analysis is one of the most valuable tools in real estate. When done by a knowledgeable professional, it provides clarity, confidence, and protection—helping buyers make smart investments and sellers achieve the best possible outcome.

House Keys is brought to you by

Mountain Retreat Realty Experts

https://mtnretreatrealty.com

House Keys is produced by Birdman Media™

Understanding Property Taxes In this episode of Terms of the Sale, Birdman sits down with Stephanie Crain of Mountain Retreat Realty Experts to explain one of the most important — and often misunderstood — costs of homeownership: property taxes. Property taxes help pay for schools, fire districts, roads, and public services — and Stephanie Crain of Mountain Retreat Realty Experts breaks down exactly how they are calculated in Arizona using the property's assessed value and local tax rates. In this episode, Stephanie Crain of Mountain Retreat Realty Experts explains: • How property taxes are calculated and where the money goes • Why your tax bill shows separate amounts for schools, fire districts, and public services • How Arizona counties like Navajo, Apache, Maricopa, and Pima handle assessments • What happens if you think your assessed value is too high • Why appealing for a higher value actually raises your taxes • What homestead, senior, military, and primary residence exemptions can do • How short-term rentals are taxed differently Using real-world insight from the White Mountains, Stephanie Crain of Mountain Retreat Realty Experts shows how property taxes affect homeowners, investors, and vacation rental owners — and why understanding them upfront can save you money over time. If you're buying, owning, or investing in Arizona real estate, this episode gives you the clarity you need before the tax bill arrives. Terms of the Sale is part of the House Keys podcast, produced by Birdman Media™ and brought to you by Stephanie Crain and Mountain Retreat Realty Experts — helping Arizona homeowners make smarter financial decisions. 💰 Know the tax. 📑 Understand the terms. 🔑 Own with confidence.

House Keys is brought to you by

Mountain Retreat Realty Experts

https://mtnretreatrealty.com

House Keys is produced by Birdman Media™