Homeowner Resources

At AZREIA, we believe real estate investing should be ethical, transparent, and respectful of homeowners. If you've been approached by an investor and aren’t sure what it means, this page offers free, trustworthy resources to help you understand your options and feel confident about whatever decision you make.

Who are Real Estate Investors?

Real estate investors, or Professional Homebuyers as we like to put it, play an important role in revitalizing neighborhoods, improving properties, and creating housing opportunities for others. Many Professional Homebuyers work to restore homes that have been neglected or are no longer a good fit for the current owner—helping communities thrive and providing valuable housing options for renters, buyers, and families in need. When a Professional Homebuyer reaches out, their goal is to find a solution that works for both sides.

AZREIA's Code of Ethics

At AZREIA, we believe that real estate home buying and selling should always be grounded in honesty, integrity, and respect for homeowners. That’s why we created our free Code of Ethics course—not just as a requirement for our members, but as a public commitment to doing business the right way. We encourage all Professional Homebuyers to take this course and hold themselves to the highest standards, because earning a homeowner’s trust starts with doing what’s right.

Read AZREIA's Code of Conduct & Ethics

The ownership and management of real estate is a highly regulated segment of the free enterprise system of the United State of America. As such, the members of the AZREIA must treat this enterprise with the utmost professionalism. AZREIA members desire to expand their knowledge of real estate investing and management. In order to pursue these ends in a legal and ethical manner, all members of AZREIA will be held to a higher standard of ethical behavior. This includes, but is not limited to the following list of behaviors:

AZREIA members will not intentionally misrepresent any material fact in their business dealings.
AZREIA members should keep themselves informed on matters affecting housing in their community, including local, state, and federal laws.
AZREIA members will create safe and sanitary housing.
AZREIA members will act as positive role models for the professions of real estate investing and housing providers when dealing with tenants, the public, the media, government officials, and all others.
AZREIA members agree to disclose any and all known information about any property that may adversely affect the property value or that may cause the buyer any present or future hardship.
AZREIA members will never market any property that they do not have legal control.
AZREIA members will always seek the counsel of professionals for any issue in which they are not well versed.
AZREIA members will be responsible to complete their own due diligence in all business dealings and will encourage others to do the same.

Take our Code of Ethics Course >

Laws that Protect Homeowners

Laws that protect homeowners exist to ensure fairness, transparency, and safety in real estate transactions—especially when dealing with complex or high-pressure situations. At AZREIA, we make it a priority to keep our members informed about these laws so they can operate responsibly and serve the community with integrity. By staying up to date, we help ensure homeowners are treated ethically and with respect throughout every step of the process. Check out some of the laws that exist current that protect your home:

Law #1 - Summary

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Law #2 - Summary

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Law #3 - Summary

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Reporting Investors

While AZREIA promotes ethical investing and holds our members to high standards, we understand that not all home buyers operate with the same integrity. We’re providing this link to the Arizona Department of Real Estate so that homeowners can report unethical or predatory behavior. Although we don’t represent every investor, we strongly believe in protecting the public and keeping those with bad intentions out of our industry.

If you, or someone you know, have/has been victimized by an investor or realtor and you feel they should be reported to the Arizona Department of Real Estate, click the button below.

I would like to file a report >

Finding a Trusted Homebuyer Professional

If you're looking for a trustworthy Professional Homebuyer to speak with, AZREIA is here to help. Fill out the form and a member of our team will connect you with a reputable, ethical professional who can guide you through your options with care and respect.

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Example Contract

To help you feel more confident when reviewing offers, we’ve provided an example of a typical purchase agreement used by real estate investors. This contract outlines the basic terms of a property sale, including price, timeline, and conditions. As a homeowner, reviewing this sample can help you understand what to expect, what to look out for, and what questions to ask before signing anything.

Click Here to Download the Contract >

Common Terms Used by Investors

Click Here to View the List

1. Cash Offer - An offer to buy your home without the need for a mortgage loan. This can speed up the closing process and reduce the chances of the sale falling through.

2. As-Is Condition - This means the investor is offering to buy your home without requiring you to make any repairs or improvements beforehand.

3. Assignment of Contract - Some investors may put your home under contract and then assign (or sell) that contract to another buyer. This is common in a strategy called "wholesaling."

4. Wholesaling - A method where an investor secures a property under contract at a certain price and then finds another buyer to purchase it at a slightly higher price, keeping the difference as profit.

5. ARV (After Repair Value) - The estimated value of the home after all repairs or renovations have been completed. Investors use this to decide what they can offer you while still making a profit.

6. Equity - The difference between what your home is worth and how much you still owe on it. If your home is worth $300,000 and you owe $200,000, you have $100,000 in equity.

7. Subject-To - A creative financing method where the investor takes over your existing mortgage payments without officially assuming the loan. The loan stays in your name, but the investor controls the property.

8. Escrow - A neutral third party that holds money and documents until all parts of the home sale are completed. Escrow ensures a fair and secure transaction for everyone involved.

9. Due Diligence - The period where the buyer (investor) inspects the home and confirms everything they need to know before finalizing the purchase.

10. Title Company - A company that ensures the legal ownership of the property is properly transferred, and that there are no unpaid debts or legal issues tied to the home.

Common Scams/Unethical Behavior

Unfortunately, not everyone who claims to be a real estate investor has honest intentions. Some individuals use deceptive tactics to take advantage of homeowners—especially those facing financial stress or unfamiliar with the process. Being informed about common scams can help you protect your home, your equity, and your future. Click here to learn more.

1. Equity Theft - A scammer offers to “help” you avoid foreclosure or financial trouble but tricks you into signing over the deed to your home, often for far less than it’s worth—or without your full understanding.

2. Bait-and-Switch Offers - The investor makes a verbal offer at one price, but when paperwork arrives, the terms have changed significantly. Always review documents carefully and never rely solely on verbal promises.

3. Pressure Tactics - Unethical investors may rush you to sign paperwork or discourage you from seeking legal advice, claiming the deal is “urgent” or “limited-time.” Any honest investor will give you time to think and ask questions.

4. Fake "Government" Programs - Scammers pose as part of official-sounding programs claiming to help with property tax relief, foreclosure rescue, or mortgage modification. They often ask for upfront fees or personal information.

5. Forged Documents - In rare cases, scammers may forge your signature or alter legal documents to gain control of your property without your knowledge. Always work with a verified title company and request copies of every document you sign.

6. "Too Good to Be True" Offers - If someone is offering you well above market value, no questions asked, or promises huge profits with zero risk, it’s a red flag. Get a second opinion and consult a real estate professional.

7. Vacant Land Scams - Scammers may try to buy or sell vacant land without proper verification, sometimes targeting heirs of inherited property or elderly landowners unaware of the value of their land.

AZREIA's Annual Donation Drive

Each November, AZREIA celebrates it's anniversary by hosting a donation drive for a cause in need within our community. Our Business Associates generously donate raffle prizes of at least a $350 value to encourage our members to raise money for the charity. Every donation goes towards raffle tickets that you will redeem at the November Here is a list of just some of our prizes you could win in this year's raffle!

1 raffle ticket = $20

5 raffle tickets = $90

10 raffle tickets = $175

15 raffle tickets = $250

20 raffle tickets = $300