I AM WEST USA LAUREN
FROM BROKER DEAN BECKER
UCCESS IN E: THE POWER SOFT SKILLS UNLOCKING S REAL ESTAT OF STRONG
FROM KEITH FLYNN
FROM KEITH FLYNN SUCCESS REAL ESTATE: OF STRONG
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
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!
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:
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.
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.
7. UNWILLINGNESS TO DISCLOSE INFORMATION: Sellers who are reluctant to provide essential property information or disclose past problems may be hiding something significant.
8. NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: Buyers should investigate the neighborhood thoroughly. High crime rates, declining property values, or excessive noise can be major red flags.
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.
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 real estate agents who can help identify and address potential red flags. Due diligence, thorough research, and clear communication can go a long way in avoiding real estate pitfalls.
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:
1. COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Effective communication skills are crucial in the real estate industry, as you need to communicate clearly and effectively with clients, colleagues, and other professionals involved in the transaction. This includes active listening, verbal and written communication, and the ability to explain complex information in simple terms.
2. NEGOTIATION SKILLS: Negotiation is a critical aspect of the real estate industry. As an agent, you need to be able to negotiate effectively on behalf of your clients to ensure they get the best deal possible. This includes understanding the needs and motivations 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.
4. TIME MANAGEMENT: Time management skills are crucial for real estate agents, as you often have to manage multiple clients and transactions simultaneously. This requires strong organizational skills, the ability to prioritize tasks effectively, and the ability to manage your time efficiently.
5. ADAPTABILITY: The real estate industry is constantly changing, and as an agent, you need to adapt quickly to new situations and challenges. This includes being flexible and open-minded, being willing to learn and embrace new technologies, and adjusting your strategies as needed to achieve your goals.
QUESTIONS, CONTACT: Keith Flynn | keith@westusarealty.com
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?
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.
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.
Don’t let a faulty garage door opener ruin your day. We’re here to help. With an American Home Shield home warranty, garage door opener repair or replacement costs, including installation, are covered. Just give us a call or go online to place a service request, and we’ll send a qualified contractor to your door to assess the issue.
Remember—although garage door repair and replacement aren’t covered, when your garage door opener isn’t working properly, rely on American Home Shield to get it up and running again. Our trusted network of Pros will have you in and out of your garage again!
IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY TO START SHOPPING!
Backpack
Lunchbox
Binders
Notebooks
Folders
Loose-leaf Paper
Pencils Pens
Highlighters
Erasers
Pencil Sharpener
Ruler
Scissors
Glue Sticks
Markers
Colored Pencils
Crayons
Calculator
Index Cards
Sticky Notes
Planner/Organizer
Stapler and Staples
Paper Clips
Binder Clips
Construction Paper
Safety Scissors
Primary Composition Books
Washable Markers
Dry Erase Markers and Eraser
Activity Books
Graphing Calculator
Protractor
Scientific Calculator
USB Flash Drive
Locker Organizer
College-Ruled Notebooks
Subject Dividers for Binders
Personal Hygiene Products
Earbuds/Headphones
Chargers for Electronic Devices
Mouse and Mouse Pad
Portable Charger
Mini Whiteboard and Markers
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