About Kirk Shaw

Experienced Housing, Real Estate & Mortgage Guidance Through Life’s Important Transitions

My name is Kirk Shaw, and I bring more than 30 years of experience in real estate and mortgage lending to individuals, families, fiduciaries, and professional advisors throughout Maricopa County.

I am a Licensed Realtor with DeLex Realty and a Licensed Loan Consultant with Counsel Mortgage Group, LLC. That combination allows me to look at a property from more than one perspective — not simply whether it should be sold, but how the home fits into the individual’s or family’s broader circumstances.

Over the years, my work has increasingly focused on an important principle:

Understand the property. Understand the options. Then decide.

Sometimes the Goal Is to Stay at Home

For many older adults and individuals experiencing changing health or care needs, the first question isn’t, “How do I sell my house?”

It’s often:

“How can I stay in my home?”

For individuals receiving supportive or in-home care, I help families understand the housing and financial considerations that may affect their ability to remain at home.

That conversation may include reviewing current housing expenses, available home equity, an existing mortgage or HELOC, traditional financing, reverse mortgage options, accessibility improvements, and other property-related considerations.

The purpose is not to begin with a real estate or mortgage transaction. It is to begin with the individual.

What does the person want? What resources are available? What does the property look like financially? Can the home continue to meet the person’s needs? Are there options that could make remaining at home more manageable?

Sometimes the answer may be to stay exactly where they are. Sometimes home equity may help support care or necessary modifications. In other situations, transitioning to a different living arrangement may eventually make more sense.

The important thing is understanding the options before making the decision.

Helping Hospice Patients and Families Plan Ahead

When an individual enters hospice care, the family’s attention should understandably be focused on the person they love — not trying to suddenly become experts in real estate, mortgages, title or estate property.

Unfortunately, unanswered questions about the home can create additional uncertainty.

I work with hospice patients and their families to help them understand property-related issues earlier, when there may be more time to gather information and consider options without unnecessary pressure.

We may begin with some very basic questions:

How is the property titled? Is it held in a trust, jointly owned or solely owned? Is there a traditional mortgage or reverse mortgage? Who will have responsibility for the property? Does the family hope to keep the home? Could one family member eventually purchase the interests of others? Or is a future sale likely?

Not every question requires an immediate decision.

In many cases, simply understanding the situation and knowing what to expect can provide the family with valuable clarity.

My goal is to help address the property side thoughtfully and respectfully so families can spend more of their time focused on what matters most.

Supporting Personal Representatives, Trustees and Families After a Loss

When someone is named a Personal Representative or Trustee, they may suddenly become responsible for a home or other real property while also dealing with the loss of someone close to them.

The responsibility can be substantial.

Real estate decisions may affect beneficiaries, creditors and the overall administration of an estate or trust. Property value, condition, title, mortgages, liens, maintenance, improvements and timing can all become part of the decision-making process.

Through Estate & Probate Services Maricopa County, I provide property-focused guidance designed to help fiduciaries understand their options and make informed, well-documented decisions.

That may include property valuation guidance, real estate strategy, coordination of property-related services, evaluating whether improvements make financial sense, addressing existing mortgage or lien considerations, and preparing a property for sale when selling is ultimately the appropriate decision.

But again, not every inherited property needs to be sold.

An heir may want to retain the home. One beneficiary may want to purchase the interests of other beneficiaries. Financing may be needed. An existing mortgage may need to be evaluated. In other circumstances, selling the property and distributing the proceeds may be the best solution.

My real estate and mortgage background allows me to help families understand those different possibilities before choosing a direction.

More Than 30 Years of Real Estate and Mortgage Experience

My career has given me the opportunity to experience the housing industry from several different perspectives.

In addition to working directly with buyers and sellers, I spent many years in mortgage lending, including senior management positions in the wholesale mortgage industry. That background taught me to look beyond the surface of a real estate transaction and understand the financing, equity, credit and property considerations that can determine whether a particular solution is actually workable.

Today, that experience is especially valuable when working with older adults, hospice families, heirs and fiduciaries because their situations frequently don’t fit neatly into a traditional real estate transaction.

Sometimes the best solution involves real estate.
Sometimes it involves financing.
Sometimes it involves both.

And sometimes the best recommendation is simply to gather the information, understand the property and do nothing yet.

Working Alongside the Family’s Professional Advisors

Estate & Probate Services Maricopa County is not intended to replace the important work performed by attorneys, CPAs, financial advisors, fiduciaries, healthcare professionals or other advisors.

I believe the best outcomes occur when the appropriate professionals work together and stay within their respective areas of expertise.

When legal, tax or financial-planning questions arise, families should rely upon the appropriate licensed professional. My role is to provide experienced guidance regarding the property, real estate and mortgage considerations that may be part of the family’s situation.

When working with a Personal Representative or Trustee, I collaborate with the fiduciary and their legal counsel as appropriate so that property decisions support the overall estate or trust administration.

Why I Created Estate & Probate Services Maricopa County

I created Estate & Probate Services Maricopa County because I saw a gap between traditional real estate services and what families actually need when a home becomes part of a larger life transition.

That transition doesn’t necessarily begin after someone passes away.

It may begin when an older adult wants to remain at home but needs additional care.

It may continue when supportive or in-home care becomes necessary.

It may involve hospice and conversations about what will eventually happen to the property.

And later, responsibility for the home may pass to a surviving spouse, Trustee, Personal Representative or other family member.

At each stage, the questions may be different — but the property is often the common thread.

My goal is to be a resource families can turn to for clear information, thoughtful options, and experienced guidance without feeling pressured into a transaction.

Sometimes the right decision is to stay.
Sometimes the right decision is to prepare.
Sometimes the right decision is to sell.

What matters is having enough information to make that decision with confidence.

Understand the Property. Understand the Options. Then Decide.

About Renny Mitchell

Renny Mitchell has been a licensed Arizona Realtor® since 2011 and brings over four decades of experience as a Mortgage Loan Originator, having helped thousands of Arizona families successfully purchase or refinance their homes since 1982.

With a unique background in both real estate and lending, Renny provides valuable insight to clients navigating complex property decisions—particularly in situations involving trusts, probate, and life transitions. His ability to understand both the real estate and financial aspects of a transaction allows him to help clients move forward with clarity and confidence.

Renny holds the Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation, giving him specialized knowledge to assist clients aged 50+ and their families—often during important transitional periods.

A longtime resident of the Arcadia area and a graduate of Arcadia High School, Renny has deep roots in the community and extensive knowledge of the Arcadia and East Valley markets, including Mesa, Gilbert, and surrounding areas.

Known for his client-first approach, clear communication, and steady guidance, Renny is committed to making each transaction as smooth and straightforward as possible. Whether working with families, trustees, or individuals planning their next steps, he focuses on providing trusted advice and practical solutions.

 

About Diane Couchee

Welcome! Im Diane Couchee, an Arizona Realtor proudly serving the greater Phoenix area and surrounding communities since 2005. My approach is centered on helping clients make informed, confident real estate decisions through clear communication, market knowledge, and strategic guidance.

With experience navigating both strong and challenging markets, I provide insight into housing trends, real estate economics, and the factors that shape successful transactions. In addition to real estate sales, I am the President of a luxury custom home building company, giving me a unique perspective on construction, design, investment value, and long-term property potential.

I have been directly involved in the sale and management of multiple properties that were part of estates for individuals who passed away. My responsibilities have included coordinating with personal representatives, attorneys, and fiduciaries; preparing properties for market; overseeing repairs, remodels and cleanup; managing timelines tied to probate requirements; and ensuring that all real estate activities complied with legal and administrative obligations. This work has given me a strong command of the practical and procedural steps required to market, sell, and close estateowned real property.

In addition to assisting clients and family friends, I have personally managed the full liquidation of my parents estate. This included organizing financial and legal documentation, handling asset valuation, preparing and selling real property, and ensuring accurate distribution of proceeds. Navigating this process firsthand has given me a deep understanding of the emotional, logistical, and regulatory complexities families face during estate settlement.

My experience also includes a wide range of successful transactions, including residential new and resales, luxury properties, land and lot listings, short sales, REOs, seller financing, investor purchases, trust and probate sales, and property management. This combined experience allows me to approach estaterelated real estate with professionalism, sensitivity, and a high level of operational competence. Whether buying, selling, or investing, I am committed to helping clients navigate the process smoothly while protecting their best interests every step of the way.

I believe every client deserves professionalism, honesty, and personalized service. Technology, innovation, and targeted marketing are key components of my business strategy, allowing me to create strong exposure and results in a constantly evolving industry.

Effective communication, integrity, and trusted guidance are the foundation of the relationships I build with my clients and colleagues. Real estate is more than a transaction, its about creating opportunities, building wealth, and helping people move confidently into their next chapter.

 

About Lisa Giaquinta

Real Estate Advisor | Conflict Management Specialist | Probate Real Estate Resource

When families are navigating the loss of a loved one, the decisions surrounding property can feel overwhelming. Selling or managing a home during probate is rarely just a transaction — it is often a deeply personal process involving multiple family members, financial considerations, and emotional complexity.

Lisa Giaquinta brings a rare combination of professional real estate expertise, advanced conflict management training, and strategic analysis to help families move through these decisions with clarity and confidence.

As a licensed Realtor® with DeLex Realty, Lisa works closely with families, estate representatives, and attorneys when property becomes part of an estate. Her role is to provide thoughtful guidance, accurate market insight, and steady leadership throughout the process — ensuring that real estate decisions are made based on sound information rather than stress or uncertainty.

Lisa holds a Master of Science in Conflict Management, a Bachelor’s degree in Communication, and a Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Ethics from Kennesaw State University. Her academic training focused on negotiation, mediation, ethical decision-making, and organizational conflict assessment — skills that are particularly valuable when multiple stakeholders must come together to make important decisions regarding estate property.

Before entering real estate, Lisa spent years working in project management, corporate training, and organizational leadership, where she developed a reputation for helping people navigate complex situations and make thoughtful, well-informed decisions. That experience continues to shape her approach today.

Within the real estate profession, Lisa is known for her fiduciary-focused mindset and analytical approach to pricing and negotiations. She holds several advanced industry credentials, including:

• • SRES® – Seniors Real Estate Specialist
  • SFR® – Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource
  • PSA® – Pricing Strategy Advisor

These certifications strengthen her ability to evaluate market conditions, analyze property value, and help families determine the most appropriate course of action for estate real estate.

Through her collaboration with Estate & Probate Services Maricopa County, Lisa assists families with:

• • Property evaluation and market value analysis
  • Strategic planning for estate property decisions
  • Coordinating property preparation and vendor services
  • Negotiation and transaction management
  • Facilitating communication between stakeholders

Her goal is not simply to sell a property. It is to provide calm, knowledgeable guidance during one of life’s most challenging transitions.

Lisa believes that when emotions run high, thoughtful leadership and clear communication matter most. By combining professional real estate expertise with advanced training in negotiation and conflict resolution, she helps families move forward with clarity, professionalism, and peace of mind.

About Julianne Stevens

With years of hands-on real estate experience, I specialize in residential sales with a strong focus on estate and probate transactions, guiding clients through each step with clarity, strategy, and care. I take an intentional approach to every listing, advising on preparation, pricing properties precisely, and strategically timing when they hit the market, while generating demand through pre-market exposure before they go live on market. My execution is proven, including taking a property from the sign going into the ground to closing in just 24 days during the holiday season. Having experience with investment properties, I bring a high level of negotiation skill and a sharp eye for value, always focused on doing what’s best for my clients and helping them maximize the return on their investment.

About Tayler Hakalmazian

Tayler serves as Transaction Coordinator for Estate & Probate Services, Maricopa County, providing oversight, compliance management, and operational support throughout each transaction.

As a Designated Broker for DeLex Realty, Tayler is responsible for brokerage operations, agent supervision, transaction compliance, and multi-state regulatory management. Her leadership ensures that every file meets strict regulatory standards while maintaining efficiency and accuracy.

In the estate and probate space, attention to detail matters. Tayler supports each transaction with careful documentation review, timeline management, and coordination to help ensure a smooth and compliant process for clients, fiduciaries, and their legal counsel.