Arizona REALTORS® Voices

In this episode of Arizona REALTORS® Voices, we sit down with 30-year title and escrow expert Tiffannie Hobgood to pull back the curtain on what happens between contract and closing. Tiffannie has served as president of both the Arizona State Escrow Association and the American Escrow Association, and she's spent her career explaining exactly the kind of details that make or break a smooth transaction. They cover the real difference between title and escrow, the biggest misconceptions agents have about what escrow officers do all day, the most common reasons deals get delayed right before closing, and the Arizona-specific quirks — community property, disclaimer deeds, table closings — that trip up out-of-state buyers and even seasoned agents. She also shares the single strangest title issue of her career, and where she thinks AI actually fits into the future of title and escrow work. Let’s Connect:Have a question? Visit the Arizona Association of REALTORS® at aaronline.com. Join the community for further support and updates on industry changes by following Arizona REALTORS® on social media.Read the weekly newsletter, The Voice, for timely housing insights delivered to your inbox.The Arizona REALTORS® Voices podcast provides general information and community guidance but is not a substitute for independent legal counsel or professional business brokerage strategies.

In this episode of Arizona Realtors Voices, we sit down with Todd Menard, Chief Operating Officer at West USA Realty and a licensed Arizona real estate broker since 1995, to unpack what's really driving the state's residential market in mid-2026. Todd has tracked Arizona market statistics since 2008 and brings that long lens to a conversation covering inventory, affordability, buyer and seller behavior, interest rate psychology, and what agents need to do differently now that they're contractually obligated to buyers.Whether you're working directly with clients or just want sharper market fluency, this episode breaks down the data — and the mindset — behind a healthy real estate business in Arizona.Let’s Connect:Have a question? Visit the Arizona Association of Realtors at aaronline.com. Join the community for further support and updates on industry changes by following Arizona REALTORS® on social media.Read the weekly newsletter, The Voice, for timely housing insights delivered to your inbox.The Arizona Realtors Voices podcast provides general information and community guidance but is not a substitute for independent legal counsel or professional business brokerage strategies.

In this episode, we discuss the real drivers behind the state's affordability crisis with Glenn Farley, Director of Policy and Research for the Arizona chapter of the Common Sense Institute (CSI). With deep experience analyzing public data and state-level economics, Glenn shares insights and stories that resonate with realtors facing the daily complexities of real estate dynamics. They explore the findings of CSI's recent report, Booked or Blamed?, the psychological and financial toll of regulatory uncertainty on the housing market, and the emerging trends in local permitting that are shaping the industry. These shared experiences not only reflect individual professional struggles but also highlight broader patterns in the Arizona real estate market, showing that evidence-based support is a relatable and necessary tool for success.Whether you're a REALTOR®, policymaker, or simply interested in Arizona's housing market, this episode offers a data-driven look at one of the industry's most debated topics. Tune in to separate fact from fiction, gain valuable insights into the state's housing challenges, and discover why evidence-based research is essential for shaping informed conversations and effective housing policy. Let’s Connect: Have a question? Visit the Arizona Association of Realtors at aaronline.com. Join the community for further support and updates on industry changes by following Arizona REALTORS® on social media.Read the weekly newsletter, The Voice, for timely housing insights delivered to your inbox.The Arizona Realtors Voices podcast provides general information and community guidance but is not a substitute for independent legal counsel or professional business brokerage strategies.

In this episode, we discuss the profound impact of community involvement with guest Kim Clifton, co-founder of Tierra Antigua Realty and the Tierra Antigua Hope Foundation. As a recipient of the National Association of REALTORS® 2025 Good Neighbor Award, Kim shares insights and stories that resonate with REALTORS® balancing daily business with a passion for giving back. Find out how the foundation lowers foster care placement rates by keeping families together, the psychological rewards of hands-on volunteering, and how prospecting daily naturally intersects with supporting a worthy cause.Inspired by leaders like Kim Clifton and the work of the Tierra Antigua Hope Foundation, REALTOR® Volunteer Days (May 30 – June 7) are a reminder that even small acts of service can create lasting impact. Whether you organize a project, donate essential items, or volunteer your time, this is an opportunity for REALTORS® across Arizona to come together, strengthen their communities, and show what it truly means to be a Good Neighbor. Let’s Connect:Read the weekly newsletter, The Voice, for timely updates and market reports delivered to your inbox.To learn more about Kim's charity, donate, or see how you can get involved, visit https://tierraantiguahopefoundation.org/ To see how you can get involved with NAR Volunteer Days (May 30th – June 7th), visit https://www.nar.realtor/realtors-are-good-neighbors/2026-realtor-volunteer-daysThe Arizona Realtors Voices podcast provides general information and community guidance but is not a substitute for independent legal counsel or professional business brokerage strategies.

It's hard to keep track of the shifting real estate landscape. This episode breaks down two key areas: Fair Housing advocacy and the tangible Member Benefits provided by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) to help agents thrive in a complex 2026 market.Alexia Smokler, Director of Fair Housing Policy and Programs at NAR, joins us to discuss:The 2026 Landscape: The impact of significant staffing cuts at HUD and the Department of Justice, and how NAR is "carrying the flag" in their absence.Educational Flagships: Insights into Fairhaven, an online simulation used by nearly 60,000 REALTORS® in 2025, and Bias Override, a course dedicated to identifying implicit bias.2026 NAR Fair Housing priorities including Heirs Property & "Tangled Title": How NAR is working to prevent the loss of generational wealth.Rhonny Barragan, VP of Strategic Alliances at NAR, highlights:How to maximize your membership ROI by treating NAR as your first stop for business purchases.Deep Tech Discounts: Exclusive savings on hardware from partners like Dell (up to 10% off) and HP (up to 40% off public pricing).Essential Tools: High-usage benefits including DocuSign and the REALTOR® Health Insurance solutions.🔗 National Association of REALTORS® Fair Housing 🔗 Arizona REALTORS® F.A.I.R. Certification🔗 National Association of REALTORS® Member Benefits

On this episode of Arizona REALTORS® Voices Tim Beaubien, Arizona REALTORS® Senior Director of Government Affairs, joins us for an in-depth preview of the 2026 legislative session. He breaks down the association's top priorities at the Capitol, ranging from inventory shortages and private property rights to the critical nuances of water policy and construction defect laws. This conversation highlights how the Arizona REALTORS® acts as the primary voice protecting the interests of both real estate professionals and the clients they serve.In this episode we learn:Why the current "slim majority" of the Republican-led legislature and a Democratic governor results in a small percentage of introduced bills actually being signed into law.The strategy behind addressing housing supply shortages by streamlining zoning and permitting processes to allow for third-party reviews and faster construction.The push to increase deed fraud penalties from a misdemeanor to a felony to better disincentivize sophisticated criminals.A compromise for short-term rentals that includes occupancy caps and a more functional "strike" system to rein in bad actors without infringing on property rights.How the rising cost of homeowners insurance is impacting monthly payments and the effort to provide more oversight on modeling organizations that set pricing.The role of the RAPAC trustees in interviewing candidates to determine who the REALTOR® Party Champions are for the upcoming 2026 elections.Let’s Connect:Visit aaronline.com and search "VOICE at the Capitol" for more details on legislative efforts.Register for the 2026 Arizona REALTORS® Spring Conference (April 15-16) at Gila River Resort - Wild Horse Pass for real-life REALTOR® connection and a legislative update from Tim Beaubien: https://arizonaar.swoogo.com/springconf26/

The relationship between real-time data and a REALTOR®'s success is essential for navigating today’s nuanced housing market. Many professionals struggle with the noise of national headlines, which often fails to capture the unique, pocket-to-pocket shifts happening right here in Arizona. From the impact of seasonality on luxury sales to the surge of new construction incentives in the West Valley, understanding local trends is a common factor in staying competitive. Despite the pressure of a changing market, agents have the right to access clear, daily-updated insights to protect their business and better advise their clients.In this episode, Scott Drucker discusses the current state of Arizona real estate with Tina Tambour, Senior Housing Analyst at the Cromford Report. With over 30 years of industry experience, Tina shares insights on why "real estate is local" and how to identify the subtle transition from a buyer’s market toward more balanced territory. They explore the reality of "market share" versus property value drops and the emerging trends in affordability that are shaping the industry for 2026. These shared experiences not only reflect individual professional struggles but also highlight broader patterns in the Arizona market, showing that accurate data is a relatable and necessary tool for success.Let’s Connect:Sign up for daily residential market insights at cromfordreport.comAccess monthly reports by congressional district and the RPR platform at aaronline.comRegister for the 2026 Arizona REALTORS® Spring Conference (April 15-16) at Gila River Resort - Wild Horse Pass for real-life REALTOR® connection and market updates: https://arizonaar.swoogo.com/springconf26/

The relationship between real estate professionals and legal guidance is essential for navigating today’s complex and fast-paced market. Many brokers struggle with the pressure of real-time transactions, often reflecting on how quickly industry changes and contract nuances can create significant hurdles. Shifting market trends, such as changes in seller compensation and new Commissioner Rules, are common factors that play a role in complicating these professional dynamics. Despite these challenges, brokers have the right to access expert advice to protect their business and clients. The stress of potential litigation is compounded by the need for immediate answers, leaving many professionals seeking a reliable resource to guide them through difficult situations.In this episode, CEO Scott Drucker discusses the invaluable benefits of the Arizona REALTORS® Legal Hotline with lead attorney Rick Mack. With over 23 years of experience on the hotline, Rick shares insights and stories that resonate with REALTORS® facing the daily complexities of real estate law. They explore the most common legal questions received, the psychological and financial toll of staying compliant, and the emerging trends that are shaping the industry. These shared experiences not only reflect individual professional struggles but also highlight broader patterns in the Arizona real estate market, showing that legal support is a relatable and necessary tool for success.Let’s Connect:Read the weekly newsletter, The Voice, for timely Hotline Q&As delivered to your inbox.Not receiving The Voice? Email [email protected] Arizona REALTORS® Voices podcast and Legal Hotline provide general information and real-time guidance but are not a substitute for independent legal counsel and do not create an attorney-client relationship.Mixing, editing, and show notes provided by Next Day Podcast.

Join us for the final Arizona REALTORS® Voices Podcast of the year as we recap 2025 with Past President Sindy Ready and look ahead to 2026 with President Lisa Paffrath. Together, they reflect on key moments from the past year, share insights from members, highlight advocacy successes, and discuss what’s next for Arizona REALTORS®. 

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Fallos, mortgage consultant with Reasy Financial and U.S. Army veteran, to break down the VA loan program and what REALTORS® need to know. Tom covers common misconceptions, recent changes from the VA Home Loan Reform Act of 2025, how VA appraisals work, and how agents can better support veteran buyers.If you'd like to work with Tom, please see his contact info below:📞Cell: 602-488-2779📞Office: 623-352-8910📧 Email: [email protected]

If you’re a REALTOR®, you may already be familiar with RPR (REALTORS® Property Resource) and you might even use it with every client. What other database lets you pull market reports, explore neighborhood insights, access flood mapping and turn it all into client-ready reports? On this episode of the Arizona REALTORS® Voices podcast, 2025 President Elect Lisa Paffrath chats with Liz Gunski from RPR.Liz breaks down how to leverage Next-Gen Reports, how RPR supports commercial REALTORS®, and the upcoming AI features designed to eliminate busy work, all to help you stand out as a real-estate professional.Check out everything RPR has to offer >> https://www.narrpr.com/

Arizona REALTOR® Kristine Vowles recounts her story of bravely surviving an attack after showing a property. Too often, real estate professionals are targeted, making this REALTOR® Safety Month the perfect time to revisit your safety protocols.In the years since, Kristine has worked tirelessly to heal, achieve remarkable career milestones, and advocate for safety on behalf of herself, her team, and all REALTORS®. Her story is a powerful reminder of the risks agents face and the importance of proactive measures, whether it’s using the buddy system, meeting new clients at the office, or ensuring someone always knows your schedule.Discover the safety apps Kristine recommends, along with other tools to help keep REALTORS® safe, here.

 Tim Beaubien, Senior Director of Government Affairs, sits down with Arizona REALTORS® Head of Political Strategy, Tom Farley, to break down the biggest wins and toughest challenges REALTORS® faced at the Capitol in 2025. From defeating HB 2003 to short-term rentals and tackling water and wildfire issues, this recap covers it all.  Plus, a preview on what could be on the horizon in 2026, from institutional investors to deed fraud and more. We're here to be Your Voice at the Capitol. 👉 Interested in joining the Key Contact Program?  Learn more here. 👉 Stay informed with our Legislative Updates here.

Two seasoned Arizona REALTORS® share how specializing in niche real estate markets helped them stand out and build thriving businesses by going deep instead of broad right from the start.Michelle Shelton and Al Anderson break down the power of lifestyle-focused real estate through their niches: horse properties and golf communities. They share actionable advice on identifying and reaching your niche audience so you can consistently work with your ideal clients (whether they're beginner equestrians or Canadian snowbirds). If you're a new agent or a REALTOR® looking to specialize, you won't want to miss this.

Industry veteran Sherry Chris stops by Arizona REALTORS® to joins us to talk about her role as special advisor to NAR CEO Nykia Wright and how she’s strengthening relationships between NAR and brokerages nationwide. From embracing change to rebuilding trust and supporting brokers post-settlement, Sherry shares honest insights and a hopeful outlook for the future of real estate. Tune in to hear what she had to say!

Real estate professionals face unique challenges, from unpredictable markets to emotional labor and the constant pressure to perform. These stressors can take a toll on even the most experienced agents. In this episode, we sit down with Arizona REALTORS® Member Debra E-Leon and Ignacio Leon, certified Mental Health First Aiders and founders of the Xan You Matter Foundation, to explore why mental wellness is not just personal but professional.They share their journey following the loss of their son Xan, the importance of seeking help, and how they’ve turned grief into advocacy and education. From identifying the signs of burnout and depression to practical ways to build resilience and community support, this conversation is for anyone who's ever felt overwhelmed in their career.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Xan You Matter FoundationMental Health & RE PresentationRising Form the Ashes (Ignacio's Book)Mental Health First Aid TrainingCrisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 9889 Ways to Foster a Sense of Stability for You AgentsDISCLAIMER: The content of this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please seek support from a qualified healthcare provider or call 988 for immediate help.

Curious about the latest trends in Arizona's Housing market? In this week's Arizona REALTORS® Voices Episode, seasoned broker Todd Menard, breaks down:Buyer BehaviorInventory TrendsInterest Rate RealitiesWhy Local Data MattersGet the monthly Arizona Housing Reports from Arizona REALTORS® here.

Tim Beaubien, the Arizona REALTORS® Senior Director of Government  Affairs is our guest on the podcast to share the initiatives on the line for 2025 regarding:Water AvailabilityHousing Supply, Affordability, and Rental TaxInsurance ConcernsShort-Term Rentalsand what's being done about Deed FraudLearn more about the Arizona REALTORS® Legislative and Political Affairs department here.

The best prepared real estate practitioners with the highest standards need their technology to be working for them all the time. As a FREE Member Benefit, we equip our REALTORS® with technical support whenever and wherever they need it through the Tech Helpline! On this episode of the Arizona REALTORS® Voices podcast we’re speaking with two of their incredible support agents, Jessica Smith and Karl Johnson. They have seen it all and they are equipped with the patience to guide you through any technical issue that may arise be it a printer problem, email server woe, social media login issues, connecting the Wi-Fi to your refrigerator, and more!Listen as they share some fun problem solving stories while they explain all the things they happily help our members with when it comes to all things digital. By the end of this episode, you will have the Tech Helpline on speed dial!Access the Tech Helpline >> https://ww2.realestateis.com/lp/techhelpline/arizona

For this episode of the Arizona REALTORS® Voices podcast, we're speaking with Arizona REALTORS® Line Officers, 2024 President, Shelley Ostrowski and 2025 President, Sindy Ready. Get a glimpse of what is coming up for Arizona REALTORS® in 2025 and listen in as we reflect on a monumental 2024!

For our November gratitude episode of the Arizona REALTORS® Voices podcast we're speaking with Arizona Housing Fund Founder, Howard Epstein, and Designated Broker, Michele Williamson, about how our REALTORS® can get involved and give back with the Arizona Housing Fund. The Arizona Housing Fund raises money to help our state get equity grant funding to the nonprofit agencies that build and operate permanent affordable supportive housing, so more units can be constructed to meet the growing needs of our communities in Arizona and reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness.How do they do it? Through an Escrow Donation program and lease application programs. In addition to traditional directed donations from individuals, families, foundations and government, revenue is generated through these voluntary donations programs.There are all types of people in our community who need access to affordable supportive housing such as:Disabled, Elderly, Youth and Veterans.Working Families and Low Wage Workers.Mentally Ill, Addicted and People in Crisis.People Escaping Violence/Abuse.Want to know how you can help?!Our REALTORS® can be a part of the solution simply by utilizing the ESCROW DONATION FORMS available in the Arizona REALTORS® Forms Library!Learn more about the Arizona Housing Fund here: https://arizonahousingfund.org/Stay up to date with the Arizona Housing Fund on social media here: https://www.instagram.com/arizonahousingfund/

This episode of The Arizona REALTORS® Voices podcast we're speaking with Abbie Fink, President of HMA Public Relations, to share the strategy behind our the Arizona Association of REALTORS® “Hire a REALTOR®” consumer ad campaign that’s been disseminated across social, print, radio and more! This campaign is geared to help consumers understand the incredible value of working with a REALTOR®.You can learn more here: https://www.hireazrealtors.com/

This month on The Arizona REALTORS® Voices podcast we're speaking with Sandy Fabritz, a renowned subject matter expert and trusted leader in Arizona water policy, to keep our members informed about the state of water supply in Arizona. Learn about water rights, water acquisition, conservation, water supply sustainability and the 100-year supply strategy from Sandy in this episode!September is REALTOR® Safety Month so we invited 2022 Arizona REALTORS® President, Gary Nelson to discuss best REALTOR® Safety practices. Access more REALTOR Safety resources here: https://www.nar.realtor/safety

On this episode of Arizona REALTORS® Voices were speaking with AAR staff members Jan Steward, Director of Risk Management and Aaron Green, General Counsel to discuss what you need to know when it comes to the 18 new and revised forms available to Arizona REALTORS® on August 1, 2024.We also have guest Tom Farley, Former AAR CEO and current Managing Partner at Cornerstone Public Affairs, to recap the highs and lows of the 2024 Legislative Session. The most up to date information regarding new and revised forms can be found here: https://www.aaronline.com/arizonabestpractices/

We’re speaking on the revised Real Estate Agency Disclosure and Election form otherwise known as the READE Form with designated Brokers, Barry Kramer and Jeff Murray alongside our Arizona REALTORS® General Counsel, Aaron Green. Listen for tips on when to present the READE form to clients, how the READE form will help you grow your business, and notations on changes you need to be aware of.

Welcome to Arizona REALTORS Voices, a monthly podcast by the Arizona Association of REALTORS dedicated to equipping REALTORS and Real Estate professionals with the news, tools, and stories to better serve your clients and communities.Today we're talking with Phil  Sexton, a REALTOR® and public speaker. Phil has been a featured speaker at Inman Conferences, National Association of REALTORS® Conferences, Arizona REALTORS® Conferences, and recently as moderator for the 2023 Arizona REALTORS® Trends Summit focusing on A.I. in Real Estate.Phil has plenty to share when it comes to experimenting and utilizing A.I. tools in real estate. Listen to hear his recommendations on specific tools and thoughts on how REALTORS® can work smarter with A.I.

In the inaugural episode of Arizona REALTORS® Voices we sat down with two Arizona Association of REALTORS® leaders to discuss the past, present, and future of Arizona real estate.   Eric Gibbs served as our 2023 Arizona REALTORS® President. He is a Navy Veteran and has been held as a highly regarded leader in the real estate industry in Tucson, Arizona over the last 14 years. As a Broker since 2019, his mission has been to provide top-notch leadership, training, education, and skill to the Tucson market… while having some fun! Eric has volunteered on the state association’s four primary committees, has been a member of the Board of Directors and serves on the National Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors, Governance Game Changer Presidential Advisory Group, and the Commitment to Excellence Committee. Shelley Ostrowski is our newly installed 2024 Arizona REALTORS® President. She has been in real estate for 28 years and is the Designated Broker hailing from Yuma. She specializes in residential resale, REO and Military Relocation and serves on her local association Board of Directors and teaches orientation to the new agents. Shelley has also served on the Arizona REALTORS® Legislative and Political Affairs Committee as Chairperson, and as a member of the Professional Standards committee. For the National Association of REALTORS® she serves on the RAPAC Participation Council.  Together they share insight and excitement for what's ahead for our members!