FAQs
6
What's the difference between a real estate agent and a Realtor in Arizona?
1
Every Realtor is a licensed real estate agent, but not every agent is a Realtor. A Realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors and agrees to follow the NAR Code of Ethics. In Arizona, you also need to be a Realtor to access the ARMLS (Arizona Regional MLS), which is where the majority of listings live. I'm a licensed agent and a Realtor, working under Bliss Realty & Investments in Gilbert.
How do buyer agent commissions work in Arizona?
2
Since August 2024, buyer agent commissions are no longer advertised on the MLS in Arizona, and buyers sign a buyer-broker agreement up front that spells out their agent's compensation. In practice, the seller often still offers to cover part or all of the buyer agent's commission — it's just negotiated deal by deal instead of posted publicly. Before we tour homes, I'll walk you through exactly how my compensation works and what's typical in current East Valley deals so there are no gray areas.
What's the home buying process in Arizona, step-by-step?
3
Roughly: get pre-approved with a lender, sign a buyer-broker agreement with your agent, tour homes and narrow your list, write an offer with your agent, negotiate to an accepted contract, open escrow with earnest money, complete inspections in the first 10 days, order the appraisal, clear loan conditions, do a final walkthrough, sign at title, and get keys. Most deals take 30-45 days from accepted offer to keys. I send a full written timeline at the start of every deal so you always know what's next.
Should I sell my house before buying the next one?
4
It depends on your financial picture and your risk tolerance. Selling first gives you certainty about your proceeds and usually a stronger negotiating position on the next purchase — but you may need temporary housing. Buying first avoids the move-twice problem but often requires bridge financing, a HELOC, or a contingency that can weaken your offer in a competitive market. There's no universal right answer. I work through this with clients using a simple worksheet that weighs both paths — we'll land on what actually fits your situation.
What should I look for in an real estate agent?
5
Look for someone who asks more questions than they answer, communicates in the way you prefer (text, call, email), has real reviews from real clients, and is honest about trade-offs rather than just telling you what you want to hear. Interviewing two or three agents before you pick is totally normal and I encourage it!
Can I buy a house in Arizona from out of state?
Yes, and it's something I help clients with often — especially folks relocating from California, Washington, and the Midwest. A typical remote-buyer flow is video walkthroughs of each property, an in-person inspection with someone I trust, remote notary for most signatures, and either one trip out for a final walkthrough or a trusted proxy. It works well when communication is clear and expectations are set early. If you're thinking about moving here, I'm happy to send a relocation guide and hop on a call.
How much earnest money do I need to buy a home in Arizona?
7
Most Arizona buyers put down 1% of the purchase price in earnest money, though anywhere from $1,000 to 3% is common depending on price point and how competitive the offer needs to be. Earnest money goes into escrow when your offer is accepted and applies to your down payment or closing costs at closing. It's refundable under several contingencies (inspection, appraisal, financing) within the contract timelines — I'll walk you through exactly how that protection works before you write an offer.
How much does it cost to sell a house in Arizona in 2026?
8
Most sellers in Arizona pay between 7% and 9% of the sale price in total closing costs. That typically breaks down into agent commissions (roughly 5-6%, often split between the listing and buyer agent), title and escrow fees (around 1%), and transfer and recording fees. On a $500,000 home, that's usually $35,000-$45,000 — though the exact number depends on how the deal is structured. I always walk clients through a full net-sheet before we list so there are no surprises at the closing table.
How long does it take to close on a house in Arizona?
9
Most Arizona home sales close in 30 to 45 days from accepted offer to keys. Cash deals can move faster — 10 to 14 days is common — because there's no lender underwriting or appraisal. Financed deals need that full window to handle inspections, the appraisal, loan approval, and title work. If a quick close matters to you (new-job relocation, coordinating with another sale), we plan the timeline around that from day one.
What's the best time of year to sell a home in Arizona?
10
Spring is historically the strongest selling season in Arizona — roughly late February through May — when buyers are most active and inventory moves fastest. Fall (September and October) is a strong second window. Summer is quieter because of the heat and vacations, and the holidays slow things further. That said, the 'right' time has as much to do with your life as with the market. I'd rather help you sell at the moment that fits your actual situation than chase a calendar optimum.
Is Phoenix, AZ a good place to buy a home in 2026?
11
Phoenix continues to be one of the strongest long-term real estate markets in Arizona. It consistently ranks in national 'best places to live' lists thanks to its schools, safety, and new-home inventory. Prices have stabilized after the rapid appreciation of 2021-2022, and the current environment rewards buyers who can be patient and intentional. Whether it's the right time for you comes down to your timeline, your financing, and what you're trying to build — happy to talk through that on a call.
What are the best neighborhoods in Gilbert for families?
12
Many Gilbert neighborhoods — especially the master-planned communities like Power Ranch, Seville, Val Vista Lakes, and Morrison Ranch — have HOAs with monthly or quarterly dues. Dues typically run $60-$250 per month depending on amenities (pools, fitness centers, lakes, parks). HOAs cover common-area maintenance and enforce community standards (paint colors, landscaping, short-term rentals). Before writing an offer I'll pull the HOA's CC&Rs and recent financials so you know exactly what you'd be signing up for.
What are property taxes like in Pheonix, AZ?
13
Property taxes in Phoenix are relatively low compared to the national average. Most homeowners see effective tax rates of around 0.55-0.65% of assessed value annually, which is significantly lower than states like Texas or Illinois. On a $500,000 home, that's usually in the $2,700-$3,300 per year range. Exact taxes vary by school district and any community facilities districts in your specific neighborhood — I can pull exact numbers for any address you're considering.
Do I need a home inspection in Arizona?
14
Inspections aren't legally required in Arizona, but I recommend them on every transaction, and most lenders require at least a basic one. A standard general inspection runs $350-$550 and covers structure, roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and major systems. Depending on the property I'll often recommend add-ons: termite (almost always), pool, sewer scope on older homes, and roof specialist if the roof is near end of life. Waiving the inspection to win a bid is almost never worth it.
What should I know about HOAs in Gilbert neighborhoods?
15
Gilbert has a deep bench of family-friendly neighborhoods, and the right one depends on school preference, commute, and lifestyle. Power Ranch, Seville, Val Vista Lakes, and Morrison Ranch are four of the most consistently-loved master-planned communities — each with strong schools, lots of parks and amenities, and active neighborhood cultures. Adora Trails, Cooley Station, and the Heritage District also come up often, especially for buyers who want a different feel. The best fit usually becomes clear after one or two tours.