By Sean Colón
At this year’s New Construction Forum, one of the most powerful takeaways came from a discussion between builders and agents: partnerships accelerate outcomes. As Zillow leaders and top builders emphasized, when agents are treated as strategic partners instead of just transaction facilitators, homes move faster and reputations grow stronger. For Arizona Realtors working in one of the most competitive housing markets in the country, this is a lesson worth taking seriously.
The Case for Partnership in Arizona Real Estate
Arizona’s housing market has remained dynamic in 2025. According to the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service (ARMLS), the Phoenix metro closed more than 6,800 home sales in July alone, with new construction accounting for nearly 20% of all transactions. Yet even with strong demand, builders are facing challenges: affordability concerns, fluctuating mortgage rates, and buyer skepticism about new construction quality.
This is where Realtors become indispensable. As the Forum highlighted, builders who collaborate with agents don’t just sell homes faster — they create a more seamless experience for buyers. Programs like M/I Homes’ Select Agent initiative, which rewards and educates top agent partners, are proving that alignment between builders and Realtors builds trust and strengthens long-term sales pipelines.
As the panel put it, “Strong partnerships aren’t about transactions — they’re about creating alignment, building trust and turning agents into an extension of your sales and marketing engine.”
Why Arizona Realtors Should Position Themselves as Builder Allies
For Realtors, this insight should be a wake-up call. In a competitive market like Phoenix, Scottsdale, or the East Valley, builders are searching for agents who bring value beyond the basics. That means:
Real-time market feedback: Advising builders on pricing strategies and buyer preferences.
Finish and design input: Helping align builder upgrades with buyer demand (e.g., energy-efficient features or flexible office spaces).
Brand extension: Acting as a trusted face of the builder’s sales team while representing the buyer’s needs.
When Realtors step into this role, they don’t just close a deal — they create a long-term pipeline of referrals, repeat clients, and builder loyalty.
A New Model for Success
Accompanying your buyer to a model home can take the mystery out of the new construction home-buying process.
Arizona buyers are savvy and often skeptical. According to the Zillow Consumer Housing Trends Report 2024, 82% of buyers consider new construction, but 39% ultimately purchase resale homes due to cost, location, or uncertainty. By building stronger alliances with builders, Realtors can help address those hesitations head-on.
Imagine walking a client into a new construction home and being able to confidently say, “I work directly with this builder. I know the quality, the financing options, and the long-term value.” That kind of trust can be the difference between a buyer walking away or signing on the dotted line.
Bringing It All Together
For Realtors in Arizona, the takeaway is clear: partnerships with builders aren’t optional anymore — they’re essential. Builders who embrace agents as allies gain speed, reputation, and stronger absorption rates. Agents who embrace builders gain influence, repeat business, and the chance to stand out in a crowded market.
And in a state where curb appeal is increasingly defined by screen appeal, the ability to present a builder’s product with high-quality real estate photography and immersive visuals is the final piece of the puzzle. As buyer expectations rise, the right photography can elevate both the Realtor’s and the builder’s brand, turning digital first impressions into real-world offers.
If you’re ready to strengthen your edge in the Arizona real estate market, I’d love to help showcase your listings with professional photography that amplifies both builder partnerships and buyer trust. You can contact me through my website
By the way, I help realtors improve their online and social media presence by providing beautiful photos of their listings. That is why I’ve created this FREE HOME PREP LIST for your clients to help your listings look their best. Feel free to share.to learn more.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you think? Have you worked with builders who treated you as a true partner — and did it change the outcome of the sale? Share your experiences in the comments below.