So you want to purchase, sell or lease your home in Surprise, Arizona and use a professional Realtor to insure fair and ethical treatment. Congratulations on your first correct decision! Now where do you go and how do you decide which agent to utilize? Let me suggest some criteria that might help you select the best person for you.

Does your potential Realtor really know Surprise? Are they a "secret agent" only visiting the community if they have a buyer? Do they "live" in the area or do they have a main office in the town which they rarely frequent? Many agents list homes in area's but really don't have first hand knowledge about the community, the amenities, schools and HOA information. Information that goes deeper than just the name of the schools or just handing you a package of Home Owner CCR's without knowledge of what they contain.

Is your agent involved in the community and do they know what is happening in the marketplace because of their contacts and service? Have they worked with property managers of HOA's and do they know what homes are selling and which are not because they are in the area. Anyone can get information from the ARMLS but the information obtained is basic about the home listed but almost nothing about the community or services offered.

Is your agent familiar with the new ordinances and/or laws that effect your ability to lease or rent your property. How about water issues that arise and could cost homeowners large increases in HOA dues?

Does the potential agent offer "full" service or do they buy and sell only, leaving you to find additional representation if you wish to lease or need property management services?

Information is the key to success so take your time and select the one that can give you the details through experience and first hand knowledge. What you don't know can hurt you!