WestWords - April 2023

WESTWORDS

I AM WEST USA

RACHEL NALLY

WAYS TO AVOID HOME BUYER'S REMORSE

MARCH MARKET

STATS VACANT LAND FRAUD FROM AAR PUBLICATION

HOW YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS CAN BENEFIT FROM LISTENING TO REAL ESTATE PODCASTS

AGENT IN ACTION

LEE COURTNEY

APRIL CALENDAR

Turquoise, State Gemstone of Arizona

I AM DEPENDABLE

I AM WARM-HEARTED

I AM INNOVATIVE

I AM FLEXIBLE

I AM DEVOTED

I AM WEST USA

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Rachel is fantastic property manager and an incredible real estate agent. We benefited big time from her knowledge, wisdom, advice, amazing negotiation skills as she has got us the 2 houses we really wanted during a period of multiple offers – and all without adding more to the offers or breaking the bank. As a property manager you can trust Rachel to keep you informed on what is happening at your house, provide sound recommendations and options when problems arise, follow your choice in the solution and you can make sure things are getting done. We have received only great feedback from our tenants in terms of handling their issues as well – she has a great talent to ensure both sides are getting what they need and at a level needed. She gives us great peace of mind that our homes and investments are well taken care of by a trustworthy professional who is also an amazing person to work with.

We have worked with Rachel Nally for many years now, both to assist us in purchasing rental properties and managing them. Rachel is quick to understand what kind of properties we need, price range, and tenant selection. She is also very knowledgeable about the market. Rachel is always available and responds to us promptly. She is especially good at interfacing with the HOA’s for our properties and dealing with tenant issues. Rachel is proactive on suggested repairs, but always mindful of the cost and effect on revenue. She is professional and kind. I am so thankful to have her on our team!

We’re so thankful we had Rachel on our side when we purchased a home then sold a home last year in a crazy seller’s market. She is responsive, professional, creative, patient and extremely knowledgeable. I would recommend her to anyone and she will be our first call if we decide to move again.

I AM RACHEL NALLY

VACANT LAND FRAUD BROKER BLOG FROM AAR PUBLICATION

Attempts to commit deed fraud are becoming more pervasive in Arizona. More specifically, there has been a recent surge in fraudsters impersonating owners of vacant land and contacting real estate licensees to put the land on the market to sell. Typically, in this scenario, fraudsters are well versed in their knowledge of the property as the internet and public records provide a fair amount of detail. And, because online transactions are not abnormal these days, an agent may not think twice about being contacted by a purported seller who does not live in the local area. However, because real estate licensees are the first line of defense to this type of fraud, it’s helpful for agents to be aware of this scheme so that they may adopt preventative practices.

RED FLAGS:

• Unencumbered, vacant land

• Vacant parcels owned by the same owner for several years

• Non-local owners

• Low sales price

• The seller claims to be out of the country for an urgent but believable reason (usually something dealing with family)

• The seller needs to sell fast – story may pull at the heart strings

• The seller cannot meet the agent in person or connect with the agent via video conferencing

• The seller will only communicate via email and will not provide a mailing address

• The seller uses a power of attorney, or has documents purportedly acknowledged in the state or country they live in.

PREVENTATIVE PRACTICES:

1. Be extremely careful with emails from out-ofcountry sellers rushing to close the transaction

2. Ask the seller who referred them or how they found you

3. Ask to speak with the seller via Zoom, Skype or another video conferencing platform

4. Ask the seller questions about the property such as when and how they came to acquire it, and what their plans were for the vacant parcel to see if the seller knows the property’s history

5. Request a copy of the seller’s identification

6. Check the county assessor’s website for the current owner’s address, and consider performing an internet search to compare information provided to you by the purported owner against what you discover online

7. Check the treasurer’s website, and review the history of tax payments to see if you can determine who the payor has been, and their mailing address

8. Perform a notary search and contact the Embassy or Consulate, if applicable, to confirm whether the notary works there

9. Listen to your gut. If you see suspicious activity, contact your local authorities and the Arizona Attorney General’s office.

This article is of a general nature and reflects only the opinion of the author at the time it was drafted. It is not intended as definitive legal advice, and you should not act upon it without seeking independent legal counsel.

Overall,

real estate requirements

HOW YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS CAN BENEFIT FROM LISTENING TO REAL ESTATE PODCASTS

BY WISE AGENT

As a real estate agent, staying up-to-date with the latest trends, techniques, and tips can significantly help your business. With the constantly evolving nature of real estate, it is imperative to find new ways to sharpen your skills and knowledge. One excellent resource you should consider adding to your routine is listening to real estate podcasts. In recent years, the popularity of podcasts has exploded, allowing individuals to hear informative and engaging content from industry leaders on their own terms.

Here are some reasons why you, as a real estate agent, should consider listening to a real estate podcast:

1. Stay Informed – Real estate podcasts are an excellent source of information that you can use to keep yourself up-to-date with industry trends, real estate news, and market analysis. This information can help you gain insight into the latest real estate trends, competition, and market movements, enabling you to make informed decisions about your business.

2. Learn From Experts – Real estate podcasts provide the opportunity to learn from experienced real estate professionals who have faced the same challenges that you may encounter in this industry. By listening to their stories and experiences, you can gain insights and learn new tactics that can help you excel in your business.

3. Save Time – Listening to a podcast is a flexible way to consume information as it can be accessed anytime, anywhere, and on any device. You can listen to them while commuting, exercising, or completing other tasks, making it a great way to maximize your time.

4. Connect With Other Professionals – Many real estate podcasts have a community element and provide a platform for real estate agents to interact and network with other professionals in the industry. This can be

At Wise Agent, we launched our podcast ‘Becoming a Wise Agent’ in December 2022, intending to provide valuable insights and practical advice for real estate professionals. The podcast is hosted by our Chief Operating Officer Eleni Sommerschield who is joined by rotating special guests from the real estate industry.

In the first three months of ‘Becoming a Wise Agent,’ we have released episodes covering topics like time management with a CRM, networking, social media, and email marketing strategies for your real estate business. Our guests so far have been REALTORS®, real estate coaches, loan originators, and other industry professionals.

‘Becoming a Wise Agent’ is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major streaming platforms. We are particularly excited that our listeners are not only based in the US and Canada but that we have also reached a global audience with listeners from all over the world.

Since we host our podcast episodes as live Zoom webinars first, we also provide agents with an excellent opportunity to network with other industry professionals as part of our webinars. With our podcast, we hope to share actionable takeaways to help our audience succeed with their business. In summary, listening to a real estate podcast can significantly benefit you as a real estate agent. It can help you to stay informed, learn from experienced professionals, save time, and connect with peers in the industry. So, be sure to incorporate a real estate podcast - like ‘Becoming a Wise Agent’ - into your daily routine and watch your business grow!

WAYS TO AVOID HOME BUYER'S REMORSE - PART 1

BY DEREK RILEY

When your clients are entering the real estate market, buying a house can be a great way for them to grow their net worth and invest in their future. With the rapid rise of rent costs showing no signs of slowing down, it may be a good idea for them to purchase a home before the interest rates get even higher.

When jumping into a booming housing market, it’s easy for your clients to get caught up in the adrenaline rush of bidding wars, especially when the home in mind is priced right. Putting offers in during a tight market makes it easy to max out their budget and end up with a home that they either don’t like or ends up costing them more money than they had imagined. How do you help your clients avoid home buyer’s remorse? It might seem like common sense, but sometimes it helps to go back to the basics.

1. DON’T SKIP THE HOUSE INSPECTION

In a seller’s market, often home inspections are avoided to beat other offers and speed up the home sale process. However, foregoing an inspection can pave the way for buyer’s regret house woes. In fact, many homeowners who took this step during the pandemic and purchased houses sight unseen are now regretting it.

Sometimes getting a home inspection just isn’t doable—we get it. If this is the situation, make sure your clients have enough money on hand to fix any issues that may be uncovered once they move in. A home warranty is always a great idea to fill in the gaps to repair or replace items in the home without having to empty the emergency funds. Did you know that 33% of home buyers can’t afford a $1,000 emergency out of pocket expense? It also costs an average of $4,886 to care for a singlefamily home each year.

2. ALWAYS VIEW THE HOUSE IN PERSON

Ten years ago, this concept would seem like a no-brainer: Who is going to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars into something they haven’t seen with their own two eyes? Nowadays, modern technology like video chatting and Zoom may make it feel less risky.

While virtual tours are convenient, especially if your clients are

3. DON’T LOOK AT HOUSES AT THE TOP OF YOUR BUDGET

Perusing real estate apps is a great pastime for all of us, even if we’re not in the market for a new home. It’s fun to look at photos of seaside mansions and mountain escapes, dreaming of living in one after hitting the lottery. Once your clients start looking seriously, they should set filters to avoid seeing something they can’t afford. This may save some heartbreak and help them avoid house buyer’s remorse. Looking at houses at the top or over their budget will accomplish one of two things:

• Your clients will either buy a house they’ll grow to resent because it eats all of their paycheck, or

• All the houses in their price range will look small and unattractive in comparison.

They are much better off setting the filters on the real estate apps at a lower price than their budget and telling you, their real estate professional, that they don’t want to go over a certain amount. It will help ensure they don’t regret buying a house they can’t afford.

4. WRITE DOWN THEIR DEALBREAKERS

When house hunting, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. After seeing house after house, your client may become impatient and decide to settle on a few things. However, if they let too many must-haves go, they may experience buyer’s remorse house anxiety. To avoid this, have them make a written list of the dealbreakers during your buyer’s consultation. Here are some things to consider:

• Budget

• Work commute

• School district

• Number of bedrooms

• The size of the backyard

• Basements, garages & attics

• Architectural style

• Feasibility of future remodels

Have them prioritize the items on their list so that when you are viewing a home with them, you can reference the list and remember which items are most important to them.

Derek Riley, Market Manager Cell: 480-286-1996 • Email: derek.riley@ahs.com

TODD MENARD’S REAL ESTATE MARKET STATS MARCH 2023

NEW HOME INVENTORY VS. ARMLS RESALE

LEE COURTNEY

If you would like to nominate an agent that is doing great things in the community or making a difference, please fill out the nomination form on the Mywestusa.com website under the downloads tab and the Cares button.

Our Agent in Action for March 2023 is Lee Courtney out of the Scottsdale office. Lee was chosen for her volunteer efforts with American Cancer Society. When asked about her “why” Lee responded, “Regarding the American Cancer Society I began my work with them in 2011 as a volunteer after learning my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.

I Co-Chaired their Gala Picnic Under the Stars in 2013 and became their Phoenix Metro Board Chair in 2014 and served until 2018. I also joined their gala Training task force and served on that committee from 2014-2018 also. The Game Changer award is a tremendous honor especially receiving that amongst so many notable community leaders including: Vince Kozar president of the Phoenix Mercury, Lamont Yoder AZ Division president of Banner Health, Dave Dexter CEO of Sonora Quest Laboratories and Larry Fitzgerald just to name a few.” American Cancer Society is only one of Lee’s passion.

Lee added, “My second charity is the American Heart Association. My grandfather passed away from complications of heart disease and I knew this was another cause I wanted to be involved with. In 2017 I joined the committee for the Phoenix Heart Ball. During my time with AHA, I have co-chaired many committees with in the ball and this year I am the Vice Chairman of the 2023 Phoenix Heart Ball serving alongside Charlene Berge-Blum our Chairman and Natalie Gaylord Vice Chairman, I am very excited. Each year they select One Chairman and she selects two vice chairman."

Lee's third charity is Trends Charitable Fund. Lee stated, "I was awarded as a Trendsetter in 2015 and I joined the Trends Charitable Fund board of directors in 2019. I have served as their Treasurer from 2019 to present. I love to work alongside a very passionate group of community minded ladies and it is an honor to help with the gala planning and budgeting as we recognize ten new Trendsetters each year from the philanthropic community.”

A West USA Realty Agent in Action at her best!

Thank you for everything you do, Lee!!

WEST USA CARES ANNUAL Heart Fundraiser

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO DONATED

APRIL 2023

8:30am

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West USA Agent Orientation

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