Why You Should Hire a REDS-AZ Realtor®
Selling Your Home During a Divorce? Why Specialized Arizona Divorce Real Estate Training Matters.
When you're going through a divorce, you probably wouldn't hire an attorney who doesn't practice family law. So why would you hire a real estate agent who doesn't specialize in divorce real estate?
Selling a home during a divorce is not the same as selling a home under ordinary circumstances.
There are often two sellers with very different opinions, priorities, and financial needs. One may want to sell immediately, collect their share of the equity, and move on with their life. The other may want to hold out for the highest possible price. Sometimes, one party doesn't want to sell at all.
Add the emotions of divorce, disagreements over repairs, mortgage payments, property values, and the distribution of proceeds, and what should be a straightforward real estate transaction can become complicated very quickly.
That's why I created the REDS-AZ designation: Real Estate Divorce Specialist – Arizona.
What Is a REDS-AZ Realtor?
A REDS-AZ Realtor is a real estate professional who has completed specialized training focused on selling marital property during an Arizona divorce.
I developed this training program based on my personal experience with divorce, my real estate career specializing in divorce transactions since 2013, my work as a Real Estate Special Commissioner in Arizona Family Court, and my training in mediation and conflict resolution.
Unlike programs developed in other states, my program focuses specifically on Arizona real estate practices, family court procedures, Rule 69 agreements, divorce decrees, and court orders.
Why does that matter?
Because Arizona has its own laws, contracts, court procedures, and requirements. What works in California, Colorado, or Tennessee may not be applicable to an Arizona divorce.
A REDS-AZ Realtor is trained to recognize how these legal documents and circumstances can affect the listing, marketing, sale, closing, and distribution of proceeds.
They are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice. However, they understand when real estate issues intersect with the divorce proceedings and when clarification from attorneys or the court may be necessary.
Why I Created the REDS-AZ Designation
My journey into divorce real estate began with my own divorce.
I experienced a contentious divorce and attempted to sell my marital home using a Realtor who did not understand the complexities involved. Ultimately, the property had to be sold through a court-appointed Real Estate Special Commissioner.
It was an unpleasant and frustrating experience, but it taught me something important.
Divorcing homeowners need more than someone who knows how to put a sign in the yard, take photographs, and negotiate a contract.
They need someone who understands the circumstances surrounding the divorce, knows how to work with two parties who may not agree, and can help navigate the additional obstacles that arise.
When I entered real estate in 2013, I made divorce real estate my specialty.
Since then, I've worked with divorcing homeowners, family law attorneys, and the courts, helping people navigate the sale of marital property.
I created the REDS-AZ training program to share what I've learned with other Arizona Realtors so that more divorcing homeowners can benefit from knowledgeable, compassionate, and professional representation.
Seven Reasons to Hire a REDS-AZ Realtor
1. They Understand That Divorce Changes the Real Estate Transaction
Divorce can affect nearly every aspect of selling a home.
Who has the authority to sign the listing agreement? Who is responsible for mortgage payments? Who pays for repairs? What happens if one spouse refuses to cooperate? How are the proceeds divided?
The answers may be found in a Rule 69 agreement, divorce decree, or subsequent court order.
A REDS-AZ Realtor is trained to identify these issues, communicate with the parties and their attorneys, and help keep the transaction moving in accordance with applicable agreements and court orders.
2. They Understand the Importance of Proper Pricing
Determining the value of a marital home is especially important when two parties are dividing their assets.
A REDS-AZ Realtor evaluates the property using comparable sales, current market conditions, the home's condition, and other factors that influence market value.
They also understand that a divorcing couple may have competing priorities regarding the listing price and timing of the sale.
Their responsibility is to provide objective market information so the parties can make informed decisions.
3. They Are Trained in Communication and Conflict Resolution
One of the greatest challenges in divorce real estate is communication.
Sometimes the parties cannot agree on the simplest matters. Other times, they may refuse to communicate with each other altogether.
A REDS-AZ Realtor is trained to serve as a conduit of communication between the parties.
That means helping both homeowners receive the same information, understand their options, and work toward mutually acceptable decisions.
The goal is not to take sides. The goal is to get the home sold.
4. They Follow Higher Professional Standards
The REDS-AZ training emphasizes standards designed to protect the interests of divorcing homeowners.
These include:
- No dual agency representing both the sellers and the buyer.
- Maintaining impartiality between the divorcing homeowners.
- Conducting arm's-length transactions without a personal financial interest in purchasing the property.
- Providing transparency in communications, offers, and negotiations.
- Using appropriate market exposure rather than pursuing off-market sales without necessary approvals.
- Respecting the parties' agreements and applicable court orders.
When a transaction may be reviewed by attorneys or a judge, documentation, transparency, and professionalism become especially important.
5. They Understand That the Divorce Decree Matters at Closing
One of the most overlooked aspects of divorce real estate is what happens when the property closes.
The divorce decree may require a 50/50 division of proceeds, but it may also contain reimbursements, offsets, judgments, or other financial obligations.
For example, one party may be entitled to reimbursement for mortgage payments, repairs, or other expenses. There may also be court-ordered payments that must be addressed from one party's share of the proceeds.
These matters can become complicated, especially when the title company needs clarification before distributing funds.
A REDS-AZ Realtor is trained to recognize these issues early, coordinate with the title company and attorneys, and help prevent avoidable delays.
The Realtor does not interpret the decree as an attorney or determine disputed legal entitlements. Those matters belong to the attorneys and the court.
6. They Help Avoid Costly Mistakes and Delays
Divorce real estate transactions can encounter obstacles that are uncommon in traditional sales.
A spouse may refuse to sign documents. Repairs may be disputed. The parties may disagree over an offer. A court hearing may be necessary before the transaction can proceed.
An experienced divorce real estate specialist understands the importance of anticipating these issues rather than waiting until the closing date to discover them.
The objective is to resolve disagreements whenever possible and identify matters requiring legal or court intervention before they jeopardize the transaction.
7. They Understand the Emotional Side of Selling the Marital Home
I know firsthand that selling the marital home during a divorce can be emotionally difficult.
For many people, the house represents years of memories, family experiences, and financial security.
Selling it may feel like another loss during an already painful time.
A REDS-AZ Realtor is trained to approach these situations with compassion, empathy, patience, and professionalism.
We understand that people may be angry, frightened, frustrated, or simply overwhelmed.
Our role is to educate, guide, and support them through the real estate transaction without becoming involved in the personal conflict.
Sometimes, getting the home sold is one of the final steps toward closing a difficult chapter and moving forward.
Does a REDS-AZ Designation Qualify a Realtor to Be a Real Estate Special Commissioner?
Not automatically.
A Real Estate Special Commissioner is appointed by the court and operates under the authority granted by the court's order.
Completing the REDS-AZ training does not, by itself, qualify an agent for a court appointment or give that agent the authority to act as a Real Estate Special Commissioner.
Court-appointed work requires additional experience, qualifications, and an understanding of the responsibilities associated with the appointment.
Attorneys and clients should interview potential candidates, review their experience and qualifications, and make sure they understand Arizona Family Court procedures before recommending someone for appointment.
A Message to Family Law Attorneys
Your clients hired you because you specialize in family law.
You understand the legal complexities of divorce, property division, support obligations, and the court system.
Shouldn't the Realtor handling one of your clients' largest financial assets have specialized training, too?
An experienced REDS-AZ Realtor can be a valuable part of the professional team, helping clients comply with the real estate provisions of their agreements and orders while communicating effectively with the attorneys and title company.
The goal is to reduce unnecessary conflict, minimize delays, and help your clients complete the sale and move forward.
The Bottom Line
Divorce is complicated enough. Selling the marital home shouldn't make it harder.
Hiring a REDS-AZ Realtor means working with someone who has received specialized training in the unique challenges of Arizona divorce real estate.
Someone who understands the importance of communication, neutrality, transparency, and compliance with court orders.
Someone who recognizes that this isn't just another real estate transaction.
It's an important financial and emotional transition for two people who are trying to move forward with their lives.
And that's why I believe specialized training matters.
Chris Carter Kent, REDS-AZ
Real Estate Special Commissioner | Mediator Associate Broker, Compass
480-388-0662 [email protected] ChrisCarterKent.com
