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10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Agent in Arizona

An agent can cost or save you thousands of dollars

Picking an agent is one of those critical issues that can cost or save you thousands of dollars. There are very specific questions you should be asking to ensure that you get the best representation for your needs. Some agents may prefer that you don’t ask these questions, because the knowledge you’ll gain from their honest answers will give you a very good idea about what outcome you can expect from using their services. And let’s face it - in real estate, as in life, not all things are created equal. Hiring a real estate agent is just like any hiring process - with you on the boss’s side of the desk. It’s critical that you make the right decision about who will handle what is probably the single largest financial investment you will ever make.


“It’s critical that you make the right decision about who will handle what is probably the single largest financial investment you will ever make.”


10 Things You Need to Know Before You Hire an Agent

Not all real estate agents are the same. If you decide to seek the help of an agent when selling or buying your home, you need some good information before you make any moves.

  1. What makes you different? Why should I list my home with you? No matter where you live you will have options when hiring an agent. So, what unique marketing plans and programs does this agent have in place to make sure that your home stands out favorably versus other competing homes? What things does this agent offer you that others don’t to help you sell your home in the least amount of time with the least amount of hassle and for the most amount of money?

  2. What is your company’s track record and reputation in the market place? It may seem like everywhere you look, real estate agents are boasting about being #1 for this or that or quoting you the number of homes they’ve sold. If you’re like many homeowners, you’ve probably become immune to much of this information. After all, you ask, “Why should I care about how many homes one agent sold over another? The only thing I care about is whether they can sell my home quickly for the most amount of money.” Well, because you want your home sold fast and for top dollar, you should be asking the agents you interview how many homes they have sold. I’m sure you will agree that success in real estate is selling homes. If one agent is selling a lot of homes where another is selling only a handful, ask yourself why this might be? What things are these two agents doing differently? You may be surprised to know that many agents sell fewer than 10 homes a year. This volume makes it difficult for them to do full impact marketing on your home, because they can’t raise the money it takes to afford the advertising and special programs to give your home a high profile. Also, at this low level they probably can’t afford to hire an assistant, meaning they're running around trying to do all the components of the job themselves. Bottom line - their service to you may suffer.

  3. What are your marketing plans for my home? How much money does this agent spend in advertising the homes s/he lists versus the other agents you are interviewing? In what media (newspaper, magazine, TV etc.) does this agent advertise? What does s/he know about the effectiveness of one medium over the other?

  4. What has your company sold in my area? Agents should bring you a complete listing of both their own and other comparable sales in your area.

  5. Does your Broker control your advertising or do you? If your agent is not in control of their own advertising, then your home will be competing for advertising space not only with this agent’s other listings but also with the listings of every other agent in the brokerage.

  6. On average, when your listings sell, how close is the selling price to the asking price? This information is available from the Real Estate Board. Is this agent’s performance higher or lower than the board average? Their performance on this measurement will help you predict how high a price you will get for the sale of your home.

  7. On average, how long does it take for your listings to sell? This information is also available from the Real Estate Board. Does this agent tend to sell faster or slower than the board average? Their performance on this measurement will help you predict how long your home will be on the market before it sells.

  8. How many Buyers are you currently working with? Obviously, the more buyers your agent is working with, the better your chances are of selling your home quickly. It will also impact price because an agent with many buyers can set up an auction-like atmosphere where many buyers bid on your home at the same time. Ask them to describe the system they have for attracting buyers.

  9. Do you have a reference list of clients I could contact? Ask to see this list and then proceed to spot check some of the names.

  10. What happens if I’m not happy with the job you are doing to get my home sold? Can I cancel my listing contract? Be wary of agents that lock you into a lengthy listing contract which they can get out of (by ceasing to effectively market your home) but you can’t. There are usually penalties and broker protection periods which safeguard the agent’s interests, but not yours. How confident is your agent in the service s/he will provide you? Will s/he allow you to cancel your contract without penalty if you’re not satisfied with the service provided? Evaluate each agent’s responses to these 10 questions carefully and objectively. Who will do the best job for you? These questions will help you decide.

$330,000
4 Beds 2 Baths 7058951 MLS 1,699 SqFt.
Some homes simply feel different the moment you arrive. From the welcoming curb appeal to the thoughtfully designed split floor plan, this beautifully maintained 4 bedroom, 2 bath home offers the perfect balance of comfort, functionality, and everyday living. Natural light fills the living spaces, while the open layout creates an inviting atmosphere for entertaining or relaxing with family. The spacious primary suite provides a private retreat, while the additional bedrooms offer flexibility for guests, a home office, or whatever fits your lifestyle. Step outside to a covered patio and low maintenance backyard designed for enjoying Arizona evenings. An added advantage is that this home may qualify for a below market interest rate through a special financing program for eligible buyer Some homes simply feel different the moment you arrive. From the welcoming curb appeal to the thoughtfully designed split floor plan, this beautifully maintained 4 bedroom, 2 bath home offers the perfect balance of comfort, functionality, and everyday living. Natural light fills the living spaces, while the open layout creates an inviting atmosphere for entertaining or relaxing with family. The spacious primary suite provides a private retreat, while the additional bedrooms offer flexibility for guests, a home office, or whatever fits your lifestyle. Step outside to a covered patio and low maintenance backyard designed for enjoying Arizona evenings. An added advantage is that this home may qualify for a below market interest rate through a special financing program for eligible buyers. That could mean a lower monthly payment than you might expect, making homeownership even more attainable. Come experience everything this home has to offer and ask how you may qualify for this unique financing opportunity before it's gone

3902 E Pinto Valley Road, San Tan Valley

$489,000
2 Beds 2 Baths 7058850 MLS 1,655 SqFt.
Welcome to the Viva Villa in the highly sought after Pebblecreek Active Adult Community! You will love this model! 2 bedrooms 2 bath and den are the perfect combination along with the open floor plan. This Viva is so nice and bright inside with full interior and garage recently painted (2024) giving that fresh and new feeling. All windows are covered with plantation shutters for that resort feeling throughout. The kitchen is stunning! Bright white and cheerful including under cabinet lighting and the amazing center island allows plenty of room to entertain. The primary bedroom suite is the perfect size with updates made to the bathroom including waterfall glass in the huge shower for the added bit of privacy, mirrors and light fixtures. Features walk-in closet, spacious linen closet and dual sinks, The guest bedroom and den are the perfect size with split location from the primary allowing for the privacy to your guests. The extended north facing covered patio is a great area to relax or entertain. The pony wall, turf area and gate provide a little added "security" for your small pets to have a safe place as well. Extra thought went into storage solutions for this home, which include newly added ceiling storage racks in the garage, laundry room and primary bedroom closet storage units, slide out shelves in lower kitchen cabinets, trash & recycle pull out in kitchen. Most light fixtures and fans have been updated throughout the home in 2026. Whole house water softener and filtration, and kitchen RO system with new faucet replaced in June 2026. New smart thermostat was installed in 2026. This Viva gives that resort vibe throughout! Dining table, chairs, buffet and matching bars stools included. Newer (2024) front load washer and dryer with pedestal also included. This is a fantastic opportunity to have "living " in the Active Adult community dream come true! 3- 18 hole golf courses, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, Pickleball courts, Tennis, Softball, 2 restaurant/bars, Fitness center, Creative Arts center and so much more!! Come visit this great Villa and Community!

16948 W Palm Lane, Goodyear

$1,250,000
4 Beds 4 Baths 7058840 MLS 2,877 SqFt.
Some homes are remarkable not because they have already been transformed, but because they offer something far more difficult to find: an extraordinary lot, a peaceful setting, and a story of care that spans generations. Set within one of the subdivision's most coveted interior pockets, this premier flood-irrigated lot is one of the largest in the neighborhood. According to the seller, the lot was originally selected by the subdivision's designer for his own residence - a choice that still feels unmistakably intentional today. Positioned within the neighborhood's distinctive circular enclave, the home enjoys a rare front-facing perspective with views of mature trees, lawns, and neighboring yards, and no home positioned directly across from its front windows. Owned, expanded, and carefully maintained by architect/designer owner for decades, the home reflects a long history of thoughtful stewardship and gracious living. This is a home from an era when rooms were generous, gatherings were grand, and the backyard was meant to be filled with music, dinner parties, and celebration. Swarovski crystal chandeliers, oversized closets, expansive glass doors, and large picture windows speak to the home's sense of glamour and occasion, while original and long-held finishes offer the next owner the opportunity to renovate, reconfigure, or reimagine the home around an irreplaceable lot. The flexible east-side addition offers separate entrances, a bathroom, generous storage, and existing utility connections, creating intriguing potential for multigenerational living, guest quarters, a private studio, office wing, or future attached suite. For buyers envisioning a luxury redesign, future expansion, EV charging, workshop space, or high-demand equipment, the home's rare three-phase electrical service offers an uncommon infrastructure advantage. Additional features include flood irrigation, mature landscaping, a reinforced concrete tile roof, a recently installed electrical panel, and a 220V garage outlet for EV charging readiness. Seller also reports unusually low electric costs for a home of this size. With mature trees, flood irrigation, generous lawns, and close proximity to dining, trails, and premier school options, this home captures the quintessential North Central lifestyle. Walls can be repainted. Floors can be replaced. Flow can be reimagined. But this lot, this position, this provenance, and this sense of arrival cannot be recreated. It is available here, and it is available now.

1001 W Kaler Drive, Phoenix

$749,999
2 Beds 3 Baths 7058838 MLS 2,001 SqFt.
Experience luxury living in this highly coveted Potomac Spanish residence, located within the prestigious Sterling Grove Golf & Country Club community in Surprise, Arizona. Designed with an optimal split-bedroom layout for maximum privacy, this exceptional property features a bright, open-concept great room that flows effortlessly into a private home office. At the heart of the home is a chef-inspired gourmet kitchen, fully equipped with a gas cooktop, wall oven, built-in microwave, and premium cabinetry. A large quartz island serves as the perfect centerpiece, complemented by a stylish tile backsplash. Elegant window treatments and durable, high-end vinyl flooring run throughout the home's main living areas. The interior transitions seamlessly to a private outdoor oasis via... ...upgraded, multi-panel stacking glass doors. Outside, you can enjoy resort-style Arizona living with a pristine heated pool and spa, completely framed by the rare advantage of having no rear neighbors behind you. When it is time to unwind, the generous master suite offers a peaceful retreat, complete with a spa-like bathroom featuring dual sinks, a dedicated vanity station, a spacious walk-in shower, and an expansive walk-in closet. Sterling Grove Golf & Country Club is the West Valley's newest golf experience. The Golf Course is a world-class Nicklaus Design course, operated by the renowned Troon Golf Management Services and designed to be enjoyed by golf enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The state-of-the-art practice facilities are second to none. Home your skills at the driving range, putting and chipping greens, or in the golf simulator. This neighborhood has first-class amenities and beautiful views of the White Tank Mountains, lakes, and ponds. You'll also enjoy the neighborhood greenery on your walks, jogs, and bike rides.

12075 N Luckenbach Street, Surprise

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