WestWords - July 2024

WESTWORDS JULY 2024

I AM WEST USA

JANIE KWIATKOWSKI BOOSTING VISIBILITY STRATEGIES FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS FROM BROKER DEAN BECKER

IMPORTANCE OF DESIGN BASICS WHEN CREATING LISTING FLYERS FROM HAILEY HURLOCK

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HVAC REPLACEMENT & REPAIR FROM AMERICAN HOME SHIELD

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MARKET STATS

WHIRL-A-WISH WEST USA CARES

JULY

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I AM

JANIE KWI AT KOWS K I WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...

I wanted to take this opportunity to share that I have worked in the real estate administrative industry for over 23 years and have had the pleasure of knowing Janie K. For all those years. When the time came for me to sell my condo in Tempe, out of 100’s of REALTORS® that I know, I choose Janie K as my REALTOR®. She is honest, always had my best interest at heart, she worked tirelessly to get my condo listed and sold. I am so grateful to have had an agent that’s second to none.

Janie's commitment to her clients is over the top. She worked with us for over a two-and-a-half-year period to find the perfect home. We had a very particular set of must haves which made searching very challenging, but Janie was there for us every step of the way. She brings her 40+ years of experience to the table in every interaction with her clients. We also used her to list our previous home and she went above and beyond to earn us top dollar even with the home being a more unique home which required finding the right buyer which she did. We have loved working with Janie and would HIGHLY recommend her in the future to anyone looking for an experienced and caring REALTOR®.

Janie made the purchase of our first home feel like a walk in the park. She was always available and worked with us when our work schedules got crazy. I will recommend Janie to anyone looking to buy or sell. She’s wonderful to work with! Janie is an AMAZING REALTOR® always on top of things and gets the deal closed. I would recommend her to anyone! Thank you Janie for making this stress free.

KNOWLEDGEABLE • DETERMINED • EXPERIENCED • PERSONABLE • CARING

10 MONTHS

BROKER BLOG FROM DEAN BECKER BOOSTING VISIBILITY: STRATEGIES FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS In a competitive market, increasing visibility is crucial for agents aiming to attract clients and grow their business.

Here are several effective strategies to enhance visibility and establish a strong presence in the real estate industry: 1. LEVERAGE SOCIAL MEDIA Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter are powerful tools for increasing visibility. Agents should regularly post engaging content, including property listings, market updates, client testimonials, and home buying tips. Utilizing features like Instagram Stories and Facebook Live for virtual tours can also captivate potential clients.

5. UTILIZE ONLINE ADVERTISING Investing in online advertising, such as Google Ads and social media ads, can effectively reach a targeted audience. Pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns and sponsored posts can promote specific listings or services, driving traffic to the agent’s website and generating leads.

6. PUBLISH QUALITY CONTENT Creating and sharing high-quality content positions an agent as a knowledgeable and trusted expert. Writing blog posts, producing video content, and contributing articles to industry publications can attract and engage a wider audience. Content should be informative, relevant, and tailored to address common questions and 2. CREATE A PROFESSIONAL WEBSITE concerns of potential clients.

A well-designed, user-friendly website acts as a central hub for an agent's online presence. The website should 7. OPTIMIZE LISTINGS ON REAL ESTATE PLATFORMS feature current listings, detailed service descriptions, Ensuring that property listings are detailed, accurate, client testimonials, and a blog with informative articles. and visually appealing on real estate platforms like Implementing SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Zillow, Realtor.com, and MLS can enhance visibility. strategies will help the website rank higher in search High-quality photos, virtual tours, and compelling engine results, attracting more visitors. descriptions can make listings stand out and attract more inquiries.

3. ENGAGE IN COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Participating in local events and community activities can significantly boost an agent's visibility. Sponsoring local sports teams, attending neighborhood festivals, and volunteering for community projects not only enhance the agent’s profile but also build trust and rapport with potential clients.

8. REQUEST AND SHOWCASE CLIENT TESTIMONIALS Positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied clients are powerful tools for building credibility and attracting new business. Agents should request reviews from clients and prominently display them on their website, social media profiles, and other marketing materials.

4. NETWORK WITH INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS Building relationships with other industry professionals, such as mortgage brokers, home inspectors, and real estate attorneys, can lead to valuable referrals.

Attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and participating in networking groups can broaden an agent's circle and increase visibility.

By implementing these strategies, real estate agents can significantly increase their visibility, attract a broader audience, and build a strong, recognizable brand in the competitive real estate market. Consistent effort and a multifaceted approach are key to achieving sustained visibility and business growth.

QUESTIONS, CONTACT:

Managing Broker, Dean Becker | 602.942.4200

IMPORTANCE OF DESIGN BASICS WHEN CREATING LISTING FLYERS

BY HAILEY HURLOCK In the competitive world of real estate, effective communication and strong visual appeal are paramount. Listing flyers are a primary tool for REALTOR®s to attract potential buyers and renters. The principles of graphic design play a crucial role in making these flyers not only eye-catching but also effective in conveying the essential information. Here’s why understanding and applying basic graphic design principles is essential for REALTOR®s.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS MATTER In real estate, first impressions can make or break a deal. A well-designed flyer can captivate a prospective buyer's attention within seconds. Utilizing graphic design principles such as contrast, balance, and alignment ensures that your flyer stands out. Contrast, for example, can be used to highlight the most important features of the property, making them easily noticeable.

A balanced design prevents the flyer from appearing cluttered, ensuring that the information is easy to digest.

ENHANCING READABILITY Clarity and readability are vital in listing flyers. REALTOR®s must ensure that potential buyers can quickly and easily find the information they need. The principles of typography, including font choice, size, and spacing, are critical here. Choosing the right fonts and appropriately sizing and spacing the text enhances readability. The use of hierarchy in text design helps in guiding the reader’s eye through the flyer in a logical manner, ensuring that the most important details are noticed first.

BUILDING TRUST AND PROFESSIONALISM A professionally designed flyer conveys a sense of trust and credibility. Consistency in design, achieved through the use of a cohesive color scheme, consistent fonts, and aligned elements, reflects the REALTOR®’s professionalism. This consistency also aids in brand recognition, which is particularly important for REALTOR®s looking to build a strong market presence. Highquality visuals, such as professional photographs and welldesigned icons or graphics, further enhance the flyer’s appeal and the REALTOR®’s image.

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION Graphic design is not just about making things look good; it's about effective communication. Realtors need to communicate key information such as property features, price, location, and

contact details. The principles of proximity and alignment help in organizing this information logically, making it easy for the reader to follow. Visual hierarchy ensures that the most critical information stands out, guiding the reader’s attention in the desired order.

STAYING AHEAD IN THE MARKET In a saturated market, standing out is crucial. REALTOR®s who leverage the principles of graphic design in their listing flyers gain a competitive edge. A well-designed flyer not only attracts more attention but also conveys the message that the REALTOR® is detail-oriented and committed to providing quality service. This perception can significantly influence a buyer’s decision to choose one property over another.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION For REALTOR®s, understanding and applying basic graphic design principles can be straightforward. There are numerous tools and resources available, from design software like Adobe Express and Canva to online tutorials. Even a basic understanding of design principles can dramatically improve the quality of listing flyers.

In conclusion, the principles of graphic design are indispensable for REALTOR®s when creating listing flyers. They ensure that the flyers are visually appealing, readable, professional, and effective in communicating key information. By investing time in learning and applying these principles, REALTOR®s can significantly enhance their marketing efforts, attract more potential buyers, and ultimately close more deals.

DON'T FORGET TO INCLUDE THESE THREE LOGOS ON ALL LISTING FLYERS & MARKETING MATERIALS!

BEFORE PRINTING OR POSTING, SEND A PROOF TO ADVERTISING@WESTUSA.COM

PART 1

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HVAC REPLACEMENT & REPAIR Many homeowners rely on their HVAC system year-round, especially during the summer and winter months. The thought of it breaking down and having to replace it can be nerve-racking, especially during a hot or cold spell. If you have a unit that is becoming undependable, or if you need an HVAC repair or HVAC replacement right now, you’re in the right place.

We’ll dive into all the things you need to know about HVAC replacement, from cost ranges to insights that can help you determine if a replacement is necessary.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REPLACE AN HVAC SYSTEM? The potential cost to repair or replace your HVAC unit can range up to $6,000* for an individual unit and up to $34,000** for a whole new system if you don't have a home warranty.

If it looks like you need an entirely new HVAC unit, it’s a pretty sure bet you’ll be spending thousands. Some factors that influence your overall HVAC system costs include:

• The type and size of the unit you need • The type of fuel required for the unit • Whether you need additional HVAC repairs, replacements, or additions (such as ductwork) • The energy efficiency of the unit

HVAC service costs are one of the priciest when it comes to heating units or A/C replacements. Expect about a third of the price of installing a new unit to go to labor.

Depending on where you live, you may be able to save on HVAC installation costs in the winter, when fewer people are having air conditioners installed (or in the summer for heating units).

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU SHOULD REPLACE YOUR HVAC SYSTEM? It may be obvious that it’s time to replace your HVAC system. Your unit may be making unnatural sounds or has needed several repairs over the past couple of years. Or maybe it’s not so obvious: Your energy bills may be costing more than they usually do this time of year, or you’re finding yourself constantly adjusting the thermostat.

This can be frustrating when trying to stay cool during a heat wave or warm during the winter.

Even if you perform regular DIY HVAC inspections, it’s not always easy to know when exactly your HVAC system needs an upgrade.

There are some common signs that it’s time for an HVAC replacement, or at the very least, an HVAC tune-up: • Weak airflow from the vents • Grinding, squealing, grating, or other weird sounds • Blowing warm air instead of cool or cool air instead of hot air • Moisture where it shouldn’t be, either from a leak in the outdoor unit or increased humidity in the ductwork • Smelly ductwork. Mildew or mold smells are common if the ductwork is getting moist, but burning smells are also a warning signal that your A/C or heating unit could be malfunctioning.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR HVAC?

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR HVAC FILTER?

In terms of a typical HVAC life span, ENERGY STAR recommends that homeowners replace HVAC systems every 10 to 15 years.

That’s typically how long it takes for major components in modern systems to show wear to the point where it’s more cost-effective to replace them. And when you’re staring at that big HVAC replacement bill, remember that newer systems are more efficient, so at least your power bill should be lower.

Generally, HVAC filters should be replaced anywhere from every 30 days to every six months, depending on the type of filter. The frequency of your HVAC filter replacement also depends on the air quality where you live, if you have pets, and the size of your home.

*Repair/Replacement costs ranges are the twentieth and eightieth percentile of U.S. costs as reported in A Study of Homeowners’ Appliance and Home Systems Service Experiences, a nationwide survey of homeowners conducted in 2023 by ClearVantage for American Home Shield. Further reproduction or use is expressly prohibited. **Sourced from Forbes.com Article "How much Does a New HVAC System Cost in 2024?"

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

TODD MENARD'S MARKET STATS JUNE 2024

MARKET STATISTICS

W EST U SA CA R ES PR ES EN TS

Whirl - A - Wish

®

PROCEEDS FROM THE MONEY DONATED WILL BENEFIT WEST USA CARES & OUR PROGRAMS!

WHY DONATE TO OUR WHIRL-A-WISH®?

West USA Cares is a community outreach initiative with the goal of making a difference through humanitarian and philanthropic assistance in the communities we serve. Through awareness, exposure and hard working Real Estate Professionals, West USA Cares lends a helping hand of support to communities, charitable organizations, families and individuals.

MONTHLY GIVE BACK

This program contributes to our mission to support our agents and their passion to give back to their communities. Agents can apply for their local charity of passion to be nominated to receive a monetary donation. Each month, one of those local charities is selected for the donation. Amazing partnerships have been established between many charities throughout our communities.

AGENTS IN ACTION We love to see our agents doing amazing things in the community and our agents in action highlights these extraordinary things. Agents can nominate any agent and they are featured in the monthly newsletter, West Words.

R.E.D. FRIDAY SUPPORTER West USA Cares has been a proud supporter of the R.E.D. Friday’s platform since 2013.

It stands for Remember Everyone Deployed and we wear red every Friday to show support and recognition to those deployed as well as their family here waiting for their return. We want them all to know we are here and thinking of them.

COMMUNITY IMPACT Our community impact is thanks to our agents doing big things in their community.

These are through drives, volunteering and bringing awareness to charities all around.

ENA This program is the most meaningful as it allows us to support our own agents in time of need. 50% of all income that comes into West USA Cares is placed in this account. Agents can apply for assistance when they have an unexpected emergency. Many agents and families have been able to get financial help at a time when it was needed most and we were able to step in to take some of the burden off.

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

T U E S DAY

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W E D N E S DAY

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10:00am - 12:00pm @ Surprise Office Surprise Office Meeting

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

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9:00am - 12:00pm / Zoom FREE REMOTE CE CLASS: Duties to Clients and Customers (3Hrs Commissioner Standards)

JULY 2024

T H U R S DAY ALL OFFICES CLOSED INDEPENDENCE DAY

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ALL OFFICES CLOSED INDEPENDENCE DAY

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3:30am - 4:30pm @ Goodyear Office Goodyear Office Accountability

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

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3:30am - 4:30pm @ Goodyear Office Goodyear Office Accountability

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

10:00am - 1:00pm @ North PHX Office FREE LIVE CE CLASS: Fiduciary as a Real Estate Investment Advisor (3Hrs Agency Law)

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

11:00am - 12:00pm @Scottsdale Office Learn the Way with VA - Lunch & Learn 4:30pm - 6:30pm @ TBD Arrowhead Happy Hour

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

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3:30am - 4:30pm @ Goodyear Office Goodyear Office Accountability

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10:00am - 1:00pm @ Scottsdale Office FREE LIVE CE CLASS: To Be Or Not To Be Paid, That is the Question (3Hrs Contract Law)

9:00am - 12:00pm / Zoom FREE REMOTE CE CLASS: Master the AAR Listing Contracts (3Hrs Contract Law)

2:00pm - 4:00pm @ Arrowhead Office Transaction Desk & Dashboard Training

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

5:00pm - 7:00pm @ Fat Willy’s Chandler Happy Hour

2:30pm - 4:00pm @ Surprise Office Fairway Marketing Workshop 4:30pm - 6:30pm @ TBD Surprise Happy Hour

22 9:00am - 10:00am / Webinar West USA Weekly Podcast 3:30am - 4:30pm @ Goodyear Office Goodyear Office Accountability

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10:00am - 1:00pm @ Surprise Office FREE LIVE CE CLASS: Mastering the AAR Residential Purchase Contract (3Hrs Contract Law)

9:00am - 12:00pm / Zoom FREE REMOTE CE CLASS: Agency and Industry Related Issues (3Hrs Agency Law)

10:00am - 11:00am @ Chandler Office Agent Insights with Cynthia & Justin

10:00am - 11:00am @ Goodyear Office Goodyear Monthly Coaches Meeting 2:00pm - 3:00pm @ Goodyear Office Goodyear Monthly TC Huddle

29 9:00am - 10:00am / Webinar West USA Weekly Podcast 3:30am - 4:30pm @ Goodyear Office Goodyear Office Accountability

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9:00am - 12:00pm @ Chandler Office FREE LIVE CE CLASS: Clauses and Addendums: When and How to Use Them (3Hrs Contract Law) 10:30am - 11:30am @ Stapley Center Mesa Office Meeting 5:00pm - 6:30pm @ TBD Mesa Happy Hour

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