WestWords - February 2026

WESTWORDS FEBRUARY 2026

I AM WEST USA

ASHLEY SCHMIDT MOMENTUM, HEART, AND THE YEAR AHEAD FEBRUARY CALENDAR

I AM

BROKER BLOG FROM DEAN BECKER MOMENTUM, HEART, AND THE YEAR AHEAD

ASH LE Y S C HM I DT

February is a short month with a big heartbeat–and at West USA Realty, we’re carrying that energy into everything we do.

As Arizona’s #1 overall company on Forbes’ “Best-in-State Companies” list, we’re entering 2026 with clear focus: empower agents, delight clients, and serve our communities with heart.

Here’s what’s shaping the month ahead and how you can make February your momentum month.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...

It was a pleasure working with Ashley. She was with us in our home-buying journey every step of the way. She was very flexible and responded quickly no matter what time of the day it was, weekdays through weekends. Ashley was in touch not just with us but with the lender, broker and sellers agent.

She’s an amazing agent, negotiator and an awesome person. We have and would again recommend Ashley as an agent to anyone looking to buy a home.

Market Pulse: What We’re Seeing Now Buyer activity typically builds from February through late spring, and early signals across the Valley show renewed urgency from well-qualified clients who sat out portions of last year. Inventory remains neighborhood-specific, so lean on micro-market data when advising sellers–days on market have narrowed for homes priced and presented correctly, while over-ambitious listings still lag. Tight, transparent pricing strategies and crisp listing launches (staging, pro photos, showing instructions, and clear offer windows) are winning consistently.

Relationship Season: Love Your Database Valentine’s week is your excuse to show appreciation without a sales pitch. Three quick wins:

Ashley is fantastic!! We purchased our first home with her and she was a dream to work with. She’s very knowledgeable and was readily available to answer any questions.

The whole process was a breeze!!

EXPERIENCED • TRUSTWORHY • DETAIL-ORIENTED • APPROACHABLE • CLIENT-FOCUSED

1.

Five-Minute Thank-You Calls: Reach out to VIP past clients and referral partners–no script, just gratitude.

2.

“Home Love” Checks: Offer a quick equity update or vendor list refresh (roofing, landscaping, HVAC, cleaning).

3.

Review Drive: Ask happy clients for a Google review and add the testimonial to your listing presentations.

Compliance Corner: Do the Little Things Right Clean files are faster files. Ensure buyer-broker agreements are signed and stored, cross-check your AAR forms are the latest versions, and document verbal conversations with brief written summaries. Loop in your managing broker on unusual terms early–five minutes now can save you five hours later.

6 MONTHS

SEE WHAT WE HAVE PLANNED FOR 2026!

Coaching & Skill-Building

This month’s training cadence is all about practical application: •

Listing Launch Playbook: Packaging, timelines, showing cadences, and open house safety.

•

Offer Structuring in a Split Market: Appraisal gap language, seller concessions, and flexible close strategies.

•

Social Media in 20 Minutes a Day: Batch content, captions that convert, and high-trust reels.

If you’ve considered stepping into leadership, our coaching program is actively onboarding experienced agents who want to mentor–share your wisdom, expand your influence, and help the next generation win the right way.

Technology Tip: Two-Step Speed Combine your CRM’s smart lists with a weekly “Two-Step” routine: •

Scan: Filter for clients with life-event triggers (anniversaries, rate drops, new kids, new jobs).

•

Serve: Send one personalized text or voice memo that solves one specific problem. Consistency, not complexity, drives conversions.

Community & Culture Our 40th anniversary year is rich with milestones. Watch your inbox for event updates, volunteer opportunities, and ways to highlight client wins across our statewide channels. From luxury and new construction to commercial and property management, our divisions are collaborating tightly–reach across offices to expand your reach.

Final Word February rewards the pros who pair warmth with workmanship.

Pick one skill to sharpen, one relationship to nurture, and one listing to launch with excellence. We’re here–brokers, managers, staff, and a statewide network–to help you do your best work.

Here’s to a month of momentum, meaningful connections, and closings that feel as good as they look. Keep leading with heart.

WESTUSA40.COM

FEBRUARY

2026

M O N DAY 9:00am - 10:00am / Webinar West USA Weekly Podcast

T U E S DAY

02

9:00am - 2:30pm / Zoom REACT

W E D N E S DAY

03

9:00am - 2:30pm / Zoom REACT

04

9:00am - 12:00pm / Zoom FREE REMOTE CE CLASS: High-Class Fiduciary Representation (3Hrs Fair Housing)

10:30am - 12:00pm / Zoom West USA Agent Orientation

T H U R S DAY 9:00am - 2:30pm / Zoom REACT

F R I DAY

05

06

10:00am - 12:00pm @ Chandler Set Sail Course: 7-Week Training Series (Build a Strong Foundation)

10:00am - 12:00pm @ Scottsdale AI for Realtors

9:00am - 10:00am / Webinar West USA Weekly Podcast

09

10

10:00am - 11:00am @ Goodyear Goodyear Office Meeting

11:00am - 12:00pm @ Arrowhead Transaction Desk & Dashboard Assistance

10:00am - 11:30pm @ Scottsdale Scottsdale Office Meeting

3:00pm - 4:00pm @ Arrowhead Transaction Desk & Dashboard Assistance

16

ALL OFFICES CLOSED - Presidents Day

11

9:00am - 12:00pm / Zoom FREE REMOTE CE CLASS: Secrets to Unprecedented Growth and Referrals (3Hrs RE Legal Issues)

17 9:00am - 4:00pm / Zoom ProStart Session 1 10:00am - 12:00pm @ Surprise Surprise Office Meeting 1:00pm - 4:00pm @ Scottsdale FREE LIVE CE CLASS: Know Your Forms: The Residential Purchase Contract (3Hrs Contract Law)

23

12

10:00am - 12:00pm @ Chandler Set Sail Course: 7-Week Training Series (Goals & Business Planning) 10:30am - 11:30am @ Ahwatukee Ahwatukee Office Meeting 10:00am - 1:00pm @ Scottsdale LIVE CE CLASS: Don’t Get Burned

by Solar (3 Hrs Disclosure)

18 9:00am - 12:00pm / Zoom FREE REMOTE CE CLASS: Arizona Water, Deed Fraud, and Firewise (3Hrs General) 9:00am - 4:00pm / Zoom ProStart Session 1 10:00am - 11:00am @ Chandler Chandler Office Meeting

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19 9:00am - 4:00pm / Zoom ProStart Session 1

10:00am - 11:00am @ Arrowhead Arrowhead Office Meeting 10:00am - 12:00pm @ Chandler Set Sail Course: 7-Week Training Series (Relational Sales)

25

26

9:00am - 2:00pm American Red Cross Blood Drive

9:00am - 3:30pm @ Scottsdale Broker in Office with Claudia Ewen

9:00am - 4:00pm / Zoom ProStart Session 2

9:00am - 4:00pm / Zoom ProStart Session 2

9:00am - 4:00pm / Zoom ProStart Session 2

9:00am - 12:00pm / Zoom FREE REMOTE CE CLASS: Caveat Emptor Let the Buyer Beware (3Hrs Disclosure Law)

10:00am - 12:00pm @ Chandler Set Sail Course: 7-Week Training Series (Effective Open Houses)

9:00am - 4:00pm / Zoom ProStart Session 2 10:30am - 11:30am @ Mesa Mesa Office Meeting

SPONSORS

20

10:00am - 11:00am @ Goodyear Morning Brew, Coffee and Collaboration

9:00am - 10:00am / Webinar West USA Weekly Podcast

11:30am - 12:30pm @ North PHX Coaches Corner

13

10:30am - 11:30am @ North PHX North Phoenix Office Meeting

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