Richard Harless is the Managing Partner of AZ Flat Fee and affiliated companies such as CA Flat Fee Listings, Inc. With high expectations of himself, Richard began a career in real estate with the goal of making an impact on the market place and delivering exceptional customer service. He has always felt that typical real estate commissions are exorbitant and unnecessary, so when the opportunity to acquire AZ Flat Fee came along, he jumped at the opportunity. After redefining internal systems and customer experience flows, he expanded the A+ Better Business Bureau rated company with full service for a low flat fee from Phoenix to Tucson and then into Southern California with future expansions right around the corner.
As an Arizona native, Richard has deep roots in the Phoenix valley. Growing up closely connected with his family and church, he has a strong connection to serving others and volunteering at places like St Vincent de Paul and Midwest Food Bank. After high school, Richard attended the W.P. Carey school of Business at ASU and then completed his Master’s Degree in Business Administration at Grand Canyon University with an emphasis in Servant Leadership.
He then began a career as a local Firefighter where he was able to serve his local community as a first responder and paramedic. These same ideals led to many opportunities to work on state wide and local legislative changes as well as city policy for over a decade, primarily to support Firefighters.
Starting in the investment side of real estate shortly after the 2008 Market Crash, Richard acquired his first rental home and began learning the value of evaluating short and long term real estate investing. As Richard continued to become more involved with real estate, he became a licensed Realtor and began serving clients throughout the greater Phoenix Metro area. Leaning into his natural style, he later found himself as the Chair of Gentry Cares, a charitable committee designed to connect real estate agents with the community in a positive and productive manner through selfless service.
This great committee was able to impact many local organizations such as Feed My Starving Children, Sharing Down Syndrome, and Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
Having grown his own real estate team with success, Richard was excited to move over to AZ Flat Fee and continue growing and serving through real estate. Giving back to the local community has remained a strong value for Richard and he continues to partner with partners and affiliated businesses to make an impact. Charity Title Agency is one such company Richard continues to work with to do just that. This last year Charity Title Agency was able to donate to a handful of different local non profit organizations such as Ryan House, Waste Not, and Maggie’s Place to name a few.
Unable to sit still, Richard loves working on projects around the “farm” with his wife and two children… and two dogs, three ducks, four goats, six chickens, and whatever stray animal that happens to get rescued.
Richard says home made pizza night is their current family favorite as well as their annual beach trip each summer. Richard also loves watching and supporting his kids in their sports and activities and generally being goofy with his family.
Competition drives him, from a stint with triathlons to years of competitive powerlifting to current day pickleball. It’s no surprise he is excited to rank again in the top standings for Real Producers, most recently at number 34 of the top 300.
Richard intends to “work happily ever after” as he truly enjoys growing business and serving others. He and his wife plan to follow the kids as they grow and move, supporting new and diverse environments and experiences.