WestWords - June 2024

WESTWORDS JUNE 2024

I AM WEST USA

LAUREN SATO

BIGGEST REAL ESTATE RED FLAGS

FROM BROKER DEAN BECKER

SUCCESS IN UNLOCKING SUCCESS ESTATE: THE POWER REAL ESTATE: OF STRONG SOFT SKILLS FROM KEITH FLYNN

DOES A HOME WARRANTY COVER THE GARAGE DOOR AND OPENER? FROM AMERICAN HOME SHIELD

MAY

MARKET STATS

BACK-TO-SCHOOL WEST USA CARES

JUNE

CALENDAR

I AM

LAU REN SATO WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...

Lauren supervised the needed repairs with the attention to detail only a homeowner would provide. She was thoroughly professional in guiding me through the stages of the sale. She knows the business and the community. I rate her 5 star in every category and would most highly recommend her services.

I had the pleasure of working with Lauren to sell my Chandler AZ home.

As a resident of Minnesota, she was particularly helpful in assisting with details from afar, especially personal property, documents, price negotiation, etc. She went beyond expectations and I was extremely pleased with the outcome.

She is a consummate professional.

Responsive, professional, no games. Wish all transactions were this easy! Thank you!

HONEST • HARD WORKING • NON-DRAMATIC • ABOVE & BEYOND • COMPASSIONATE

5 YEARS

BROKER BLOG FROM DEAN BECKER BIGGEST REAL ESTATE RED FLAGS In the real estate industry, there are several red flags that buyers, sellers, and real estate agents should be aware of to avoid potential problems or scams. Here are some of the biggest red flags:

8. NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: Buyers should investigate the neighborhood thoroughly. High crime rates, declining property values, or excessive noise can be major red flags.

1. UNREALISTIC PRICING: A property listed at an unusually low price compared to similar properties in the area may indicate underlying issues or potential scams. On the other hand, a significantly overpriced property may signal an unrealistic or desperate seller.

9. MULTIPLE PRICE REDUCTIONS: A property that has undergone multiple price reductions over a short period may indicate a motivated seller, but it could also signal underlying issues or market unpopularity.

2. POOR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS: Visible signs of neglect, significant damages, or deferred maintenance can be red flags. These issues may indicate costly repairs or a lack of care for the property.

3. TITLE ISSUES: A clouded title or unresolved liens on the property can cause legal complications and hinder the smooth transfer of ownership.

4. INADEQUATE INSPECTION REPORTS: Buyers should be wary of properties with incomplete or unsatisfactory inspection reports. Hidden problems may surface later, leading to unexpected expenses.

5. HIGH-PRESSURE SALES TACTICS: Pushy or aggressive sales tactics from agents or sellers can be a sign of underlying issues or a desire to rush the buyer into a decision.

6. UNRESPONSIVE SELLERS OR AGENTS: Difficulty reaching the seller or the seller's agent for important inquiries can be a warning sign of potential communication issues throughout the process.

10. UNREALISTIC PROMISES: Be cautious of agents or developers who make unrealistic promises or guarantees regarding property value appreciation or investment returns.

11. LACK OF PROPER DOCUMENTATION: Missing or incomplete paperwork can lead to legal complications or difficulties in securing financing.

12. FORCED URGENCY: Be wary of sellers or agents who create a false sense of urgency to pressure buyers into making quick decisions without due diligence.

13. UNPROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR: Unprofessional conduct from agents or other parties involved in the transaction may be an indicator of potential problems down the line.

14. FORECLOSURE OR SHORT SALE PROPERTIES: While not inherently problematic, distressed properties can come with additional complexities, so buyers and sellers should approach such transactions with caution.

It's crucial for both buyers and sellers to work with reputable and experienced 7. UNWILLINGNESS TO DISCLOSE INFORMATION: real estate agents who can help identify Sellers who are reluctant to provide essential property and address potential red flags. Due information or disclose past problems may be hiding diligence, thorough research, and clear something significant. communication can go a long way in avoiding real estate pitfalls.

QUESTIONS, CONTACT:

Managing Broker, Dean Becker | 602.942.4200

UNLOCKING SUCCESS IN REAL ESTATE: THE POWER OF STRONG SOFT SKILLS

BY KEITH FLYNN As a real estate agent, having strong, soft skills is just as important as having knowledge of the real estate market and the transaction process. Soft skills refer to personal attributes enabling someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with others. Real estate agents need to be able to build relationships with clients, understand their needs and wants, negotiate contracts, and close deals. All of these require excellent soft skills.

In addition, the real estate industry can be highly competitive, and differentiating oneself through exceptional soft skills can help an agent stand out. Real estate transactions can also be complex and emotional, and having strong, soft skills can help an agent navigate those challenges and help clients feel more comfortable throughout the process. In summary, as a real estate agent, having excellent soft skills can significantly impact your success and satisfaction in the industry. Here are five essential soft skills to have as a real estate agent:

4. TIME MANAGEMENT: Time management 1. COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Effective skills are crucial for real estate agents, as you communication skills are crucial in the real often have to manage multiple clients and estate industry, as you need to communicate clearly and effectively with clients, colleagues, transactions simultaneously. This requires strong organizational skills, the ability to and other professionals involved in the prioritize tasks effectively, and the ability to transaction. This includes active listening, manage your time efficiently. verbal and written communication, and the ability to explain complex information in 5. ADAPTABILITY: The real estate industry is simple terms. constantly changing, and as an agent, you need to adapt quickly to new situations and 2. NEGOTIATION SKILLS: Negotiation is a challenges. This includes being flexible and critical aspect of the real estate industry. As open-minded, being willing to learn and an agent, you need to be able to negotiate embrace new technologies, and adjusting effectively on behalf of your clients to ensure they get the best deal possible. This includes your strategies as needed to achieve understanding the needs and motivations your goals. of both parties involved and finding creative solutions to meet everyone's needs.

3. CUSTOMER SERVICE: Providing excellent customer service is essential in building and maintaining client relationships. This includes responding promptly to inquiries, being available and accessible, and going above and beyond to meet clients' needs.

QUESTIONS, CONTACT: Keith Flynn | keith@westusarealty.com

DOES A HOME WARRANTY COVER THE

GARA GE DOO R & OPE NER? If you have an American Home Shield home warranty, you know how convenient it is to have someone you can call for help when a covered appliance or home system breaks down. But, like many of our members, you probably have questions about what parts of your home are covered. For example, does a home warranty cover garage door repair or garage door spring replacement? Does a home warranty cover the garage door opener itself?

WHAT'S COVERED BY YOUR AMERICAN HOME SHIELD HOME WARRANTY? Like most home warranties, your American Home Shield home service plan does not cover garage doors, the tracks they run on, or the springs that work to raise and lower them. Because of that, it will not cover garage door or garage door spring repair and replacement costs.

However, all the parts and components of your garage door opener are covered.

Since the garage door opener is a home system, it is covered under all three of our home service plans, which provide coverage for up to 23 home systems and appliances that you use every day.

The average cost to repair a garage door opener is about $150200, plus parts, and the average cost to replace a garage door opener is between $300 and $500. Because our home service plans provide coverage for up to 23 major home systems and appliances, the cost to repair or replace a covered item, such as your garage door opener, is taken care of. Other home systems that are covered include your A/C, heating unit, electrical systems and accessories, plumbing systems and accessories, water heater, and more.

REPAIRING OR REPLACING YOUR GARAGE DOOR Because your garage door isn't covered by your American Home Shield plan, you'll need to repair or replace it if it breaks.

Homeowner’s insurance may cover garage door damage due to theft, storms, fire, or certain natural disasters. Here’s a breakdown of potential costs for garage door repairs or replacements to help you prepare.

GARAGE DOOR REPLACEMENT COSTS: • Basic single-size door (no insulation): $200 • Installation: $370 to $600 • Insulated, double-car, or wooden doors: Higher costs, up to $10,000

GARAGE DOOR SPRINGS: • Essential for raising/lowering the door • Dangerous to repair/replace yourself—always hire a professional • Average repair cost: $180 to $350 • Replacement cost: $200 to $300

If you're handy, some DIY garage door repairs can be a fulfilling weekend project.

HOW TO REPLACE THE GARAGE DOOR OPENER Don’t let a faulty garage door opener ruin your day. We’re here Remember—although garage door repair and replacement to help. With an American Home Shield home warranty, garage aren’t covered, when your garage door opener isn’t working door opener repair or replacement costs, including installation, properly, rely on American Home Shield to get it up and are covered. Just give us a call or go online to place a service running again. Our trusted network of Pros will have you in and request, and we’ll send a qualified contractor to your door to out of your garage again! assess the issue.

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

TODD MENARD'S MARKET STATS MAY 2024

MARKET STATISTICS

B A C K -T O - S C H O O L

SUPPLY DRIVE IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY TO START SHOPPING! GENERAL SUPPLIES Backpack

Highlighters

Crayons

Lunchbox

Erasers

Calculator

Binders

Pencil Sharpener

Index Cards

Notebooks

Ruler

Sticky Notes

Folders

Scissors

Planner/Organizer

Loose-leaf Paper

Glue Sticks

Stapler and Staples

Pencils

Markers

Paper Clips

Pens

Colored Pencils

Binder Clips

FOR YOUNGER STUDENTS Construction Paper

Washable Markers

Safety Scissors

Dry Erase Markers and Eraser

Primary Composition Books

Activity Books

FOR OLDER STUDENTS Graphing Calculator

Locker Organizer

Protractor

College-Ruled Notebooks

Scientific Calculator

Subject Dividers for Binders

USB Flash Drive

PERSONAL ITEMS Personal Hygiene Products

Mouse and Mouse Pad

Earbuds/Headphones

Portable Charger

Chargers for Electronic Devices

Mini Whiteboard and Markers

M O N DAY

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

T U E S DAY

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

9:00am - 3:00pm / Zoom REACT

W E D N E S DAY

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

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

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

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10:00am - 11:30am @ Scottsdale Office Mastermind Meeting with Great American Title 3:30am - 4:30pm @ Goodyear Office Goodyear Office Accountability

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

1:00pm - 4:00pm @ Chandler Office FREE LIVE CE CLASS: Homes with Solar Energy and AAR Contract Compliance (3Hrs Contract Law)

4:30pm - 6:30pm @ Headquarters Arrowhead Happy Hour

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9:00am - 4:00pm / Zoom ProStart Session 1 (3 Days)

11:00am - 1:00pm @ Scottsdale Office LUNCH & LEARN - How to Leverage Wise Agent to Grow your Business 12:00pm - 2:00pm @ Goodyear Office Goodyear Lunch & Learn

9:00am - 3:00pm / Zoom REACT

F R I DAY

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10:30am - 11:30am @ Arrowhead Office Arrowhead Office Meeting

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10:30am - 11:30am @ Ahwatukee Office Ahwatukee Office Meeting

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9:00am - 12:00pm / Zoom FREE REMOTE CE CLASS: Disclosure and the Law (3Hrs Disclosure Law) 9:00am - 4:00pm / Zoom ProStart Session 1 (3 Days)

10:00am - 11:30am / Zoom Coaching Essential Learning

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12:00pm - 2:00pm @ Arrowhead Office Arrowhead Luau Potluck 4:30pm - 6:30pm @ TBD Goodyear Happy Hour

10:00am - 11:00am @ Chandler Office Chandler Office Meeting 10:00am - 11:00am @ Goodyear Office Property Managers Roundtable 4:30pm - 6:30pm @ Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers Surprise Happy Hour

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

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

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

10:00am - 11:00am @ Chandler Office Agent Insights with Cynthia & Justin helping Your Escrow Officer Be More Efficient

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

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

9:00am - 4:00pm / Zoom ProStart Session 1 (3 Days)

T H U R S DAY

10:00am - 1:00pm @ Scottsdale Office FREE LIVE CE CLASS: Buyer Representation - Building Trust (3Hrs Agency Law)

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

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

9:00am - 3:00pm / Zoom REACT

9:00am - 12:00pm @ Mesa Office FREE LIVE CE CLASS: Agency and Industry Related Issues (3Hrs Agency Law)

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

10:00am - 11:00am @ Chandler Office East Valley PM Meet Up

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9:00am - 12:00pm / Zoom FREE REMOTE CE CLASS: To Be Or Not To Be Paid, Tha is the Question (3Hrs Contract Law)

JUNE 2024

10:00am - 1:00pm @ Goodyear Office Goodyear Lunch & Learn 10:00am - 1:00pm @ Surprise Office FREE LIVE CE CLASS: Disclosure and the Law (3Hrs Disclosure Law)

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

27 9:00am - 4:00pm / Zoom ProStart Session 2 (4 Days)

9:00am - 12:00pm @ Chandler Office FREE LIVE CE CLASS: Recent Court Decisions and You (3Hrs Agency Law)

10:00am - 1:00pm @ Scottsdale Office LIVE CE CLASS - Understanding Technology’s Influence on Modern Home Sellers (3Hrs Fair Housing)

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

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

10:30am - 11:30am @ Stapley Center Mesa Office Meeting 2:00pm - 3:00pm @ Goodyear Office Goodyear Monthly TC Huddle

SPONSORS

2:00pm - 3:00pm @ Scottsdale Office Trusted Advisor University with the Cromford Report and Tina Tamboer

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

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