A broker is real estate agent that has passed the state license requirements to receive a broker’s license. A normal agent is a considered a Sales Person by definition of the Arizona State Law. We’ll refer to a sales person as an agent in this article. Once an agent obtains their license, they must join a local association to receive access to the MLS and the electronic key to open properties. Once they join a local association, their given the title, Realtor. In the southeast valley of Arizona, we have the South East Valley Association of Realtors. Any members of this group, are able to use the title, Realtor. A Broker can also be a Realtor. A Broker is a higher designation of a sales person. It’s equivalent to a salesperson having an associates degree and broker having a bachelors degree. That many not be the best metaphor but the difference of experience by state definition says the following:
You must have at least 3 years of actual experience as a salesperson or broker during the 5 years preceding your application. Each broker who employed you in the previous 5 year period must complete a Broker Candidate Experience Verification Form (LI-226) (included in the informational brochure). Submit the completed forms to the Department to establish the date through which your experience is valid (your “valid through” date)If applying for a real estate broker’s license, you must complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education and pass the examination at a Department approved real estate school, college or university. The completed Certification Questionnaire and disclosure and documentation concerning your background are required Each active-status designated* broker must attend a broker management clinic once every Continuing Education period (every 24 months).* A self-employed broker is a designated broker pursuant to A.R.S. § 32-2101(20).** See A.R.S. § 32-2136(C).
To clarify, there are two types of Brokers. Associate Brokers and Designated Brokers. Designated Brokers are in charge of supervising Associate Brokers and Sales Persons to a Real Estate Company. Each Real Estate company is required to have a Designated Broker. Only one Designated Broker can be assigned per company. Any agent that has a broker license that is not a designated broker is considered an associate broker. An associate broker if they choose, can start their own real estate company but are considered Associate Brokers as long as they are under the supervision of a Designated Broker.
The average time to find a renter should not exceed 2 weeks in the East Valley. This is fact when it comes to single family homes; however, if you own a condo, this could go from 2 weeks to 4 months depending on the type of Condo you have available.
Arizona offers owners a chance to become lenders as they offer financing for buyers. Buyers looking for 
Short sales take anywhere from 8-12 weeks from start to finish. The process can be very long not always as easy as the listing agent might say it is. The fact is, there are many items that must be completed by the owner for the lender to start a short sale file. First the owner must complete a short sale packet and mail it into the lender with financial statements proving the owners cannot afford the property. Next they must List the property with an agent. 
Many of our clients are looking at homes in this price range. Some our experienced with buying these and others are buying as their first investment property. What you need to be aware of to win bids on these homes is what the lender likes in a contract. Lenders prefer no inspection period or waiving your inspection period, cash offers and a quick close. A quick close is considered less than 3 weeks. Waiving your inspection period helps, because the lender knows you’re buying the property as is condition and will not even consider backing out of the transaction if something is wrong with the property. 401k funds may also be used to buy properties, but lenders prefer to see liquid cash. Cash that can be used to close on a property within weeks not months.
Resident of Phoenix Area for over 10 years, I know the Valley of the sun! I have over 5 years in real estate and over 4 years in mortgage financing. Rest assured, I can help you find a home. Whether you're buying or selling, I'm always on the ball and are prompt to answer questions either by phone or email. Please email or call me if you have any questions. My mobile is 480.297.2008 