WORDS
KELLY WILSON-PRIOR
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...
We had a great experience working with Kelly! We recently moved our family from the East Coast to Arizona, and we had to do the entire process virtually. We were also working on a tight timeline, so we knew we needed a REALTOR® who was responsive and on top of things. Kelly was that and more for us, and made the long-distance process as smooth as it could be. We appreciated her friendliness and professionalism, and felt confident in her guiding us through the long-distance process. Thank you, Kelly!
Kelly is great at her job, she really makes you feel like family instead of clients especially when it was our first time buying a house. She works great with first time home buyers and made the process of buying our first home for me and my wife. She never at all made the process feel rushed or pushed us to buy a house. Kelly made this process nice, easy, and knowledgeable. She took the time to explain to us the different type of loans there are and the benefits for each of them. We ended up going with a FHA loan and she explained to us why it was more beneficial for us especially since we were looking to getting a new build. I would definitely be going back to her when it comes to buying my second home.
Kelly was a true professional, and I couldn't have asked for a better REALTOR®. Kind, courteous, and always available when I had questions. I was moving from out of state, and Kelly helped me purchase a home in Sunland Springs in Mesa AZ. Everything from the showing to the inspection was done virtually. Kelly felt like a friend who was my eyes and ears on the ground since I was unable to be there in person. I had no doubts that I would love the house when I finally showed up. I do, in fact, love the house, and I couldn't have done it without Kelly.
BROKER BLOG FROM DEAN BECKER
HOW TO STAY AHEAD DURING THE HOLIDAYS
The holiday season is a unique time in the real estate industry. While many people are focused on celebrations, travel, and spending time with loved ones, the market doesn’t stop. In fact, for proactive real estate agents, the holidays offer a great opportunity to stand out from the competition and build momentum for the coming year. Here are some strategies to help agents stay ahead during the holiday season.
DON’T
GO INTO HIBERNATION
One of the biggest mistakes agents make during the holidays is stepping back from their business entirely. While it's essential to take time for yourself and recharge, this is not the time to completely disengage from your work. Many agents will take extended breaks, which leaves more room for those who stay active to make an impression. Buyers and sellers who are serious about their next move often continue their search during the holidays, and they need agents who are available and responsive.
While your workload might naturally lighten, you can still be productive by focusing on lead nurturing, keeping in touch with past clients, or working on personal development and business planning for the next year. Consider sending personalized messages to your sphere of influence, wishing them happy holidays, and subtly reminding them that you’re available to assist with any real estate needs, even during this time.
TAKE
ADVANTAGE OF LESS COMPETITION
With many agents on vacation or scaling back their work, competition in the market decreases significantly during the holidays. This is a fantastic opportunity to capture attention from motivated buyers and sellers. If you continue to market properties, engage in showings, and maintain a consistent presence, you may find less crowded open houses, more oneon-one time with serious clients, and increased visibility online.
Use this downtime to refine your marketing strategy. You can tweak your social media presence, create new content, or even host virtual events to showcase listings. Highlight the unique benefits of buying or selling during the holidays, such as less competition for buyers and potential tax benefits for sellers. Position yourself as the go-to expert for those looking to make a move during this season.
LEVERAGE HOLIDAY CHEER TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS
The holidays are all about connection and goodwill, making it the perfect time to deepen relationships with your clients and network. Take advantage of the festive season by reaching out to past clients with personalized messages, holiday cards, or small gifts. A thoughtful gesture can keep you top of mind for referrals and repeat business.
You can also host a client appreciation event, even if it’s virtual, or invite your top clients to coffee or lunch. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show that you value them, all while keeping your business active.
Furthermore, this is an excellent time to give back to your community. Partner with local charities or participate in holiday drives. Not only does this demonstrate your commitment to the community, but it also creates an opportunity for you to network with other professionals and locals.
PREPARE FOR THE NEW YEAR
The slower pace of the holidays can be a gift in disguise. Use this time to prepare for the year ahead. Review your past year's performance, set new goals, and fine-tune your business plan. The holiday season is a great time to update your website, refresh your marketing materials, and research new technologies or tools that can improve your efficiency.
Consider taking additional training or certifications that will give you an edge in the market. Attend real estate seminars, read books, or complete online courses that can boost your knowledge and skills. When the market picks up again in January, you’ll be prepared to hit the ground running with fresh energy and new strategies.
The holiday season doesn't have to be a lull in your real estate business. By staying active, engaging with your network, and preparing for the future, you can turn this time into an opportunity for growth. Keep in mind that while others might slow down, those who remain focused and proactive can gain a competitive advantage and start 2025 ahead of the curve.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is the perfect time for real estate agents to connect with clients and keep their brand top of mind. While many businesses slow down during the holidays, savvy agents can use the season to build relationships and grow their business. Here are some practical marketing strategies for Thanksgiving.
Express Gratitude
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, making it the perfect time to thank your clients. Send personalized "Thank You" cards or emails, or consider a small gift like a local gift card. A thoughtful gesture can leave a lasting impression and encourage future referrals.
Run a Holiday Giveaway
Engage your audience by hosting a Thanksgiving-themed giveaway or social media contest. Offer a prize like a gift basket or donation to a charity. This creates buzz around your brand and keeps clients interacting with you in a fun, festive way.
Create Thanksgiving-Themed Content
Share seasonal content like blog posts, videos, or social media updates. Highlight home décor tips, recipes, or even a Thanksgiving-themed virtual tour of a property. This adds value and showcases your personality and expertise.
Give Back to the Community
Participating in or sponsoring local Thanksgiving events, such as food drives or charity runs, aligns your brand with goodwill. Promote your involvement to show your commitment to the community while networking with locals.
Send a Thanksgiving Email
A well-timed Thanksgiving email campaign can express gratitude while subtly reminding clients of your services. Keep it warm and personal, with a festive design and a brief update on the market or any year-end opportunities.
Highlight Market Benefits
Educate your clients on the advantages of buying or selling during the holidays, such as less competition and motivated sellers. Use your blog or social media to position yourself as an expert who can help them make the most of the season. Thanksgiving is a time to nurture relationships and stay visible in your community. By focusing on gratitude, engagement, and thoughtful outreach, you can keep your real estate business active while fostering loyalty and generating leads into the new year.
HEATING TUNE-UP?
HEATING TUNE-UP?
When summer’s winding down and cool temperatures are right around the corner, homeowners stop thinking about backyard barbecues and start thinking about the indoors. The change in seasons means it’s time to start thinking about additional home maintenance tasks before the temperature drops.
When there’s a chill in the air, the last thing you want to deal with is a broken heating system. One of the most important things you can do to help keep your home comfortable in the cold months is to schedule a preseason HVAC tune-up.
American Home Shield® is here to answer tune-up questions so you understand the benefits.
HOW OFTEN DOES AN HVAC SYSTEM NEED A TUNE-UP?
You should ideally get two pre-season tune-ups a year - one in the spring for your air conditioner so you can ensure it's ready for the hot, summer months ahead and another in the fall to prepare for the winter.
Put a reminder on the calendar at the end of summer or the beginning of fall to book your heating system tuneup—and make sure to schedule it in advance. Fall is a very busy season for this service, and no one wants to be without heat when the temps drop. In between tune-ups, we also recommend changing your air filters every 1-2 months to prevent major HVAC issues and to ensure good indoor air quality.
WHY DOES MY HEATER NEED A TUNE-UP?
According to research by ClearVantage, the typical cost to repair or replace a furnace or heating unit is $120 to $6,000*—without a home warranty plan from American Home Shield®. Nobody wants to deal with an expense like that if they can avoid it.
Basic preventive maintenance, like a heating tune-up, can help extend the life of your unit, ensuring you don’t have to replace it before it’s necessary—but that’s just one advantage of a pre-season tune-up service.
BENEFITS OF A HEATER TUNE-UP
For a minimal cost, a heater tune-up provides several repair and maintenance benefits:
• Lower utility bills. You can lower your electric and gas bills by ensuring your heating system is performing as efficiently as possible. Heating costs can account for a large portion of these bills in the fall and winter, and a tune-up will help ensure your unit uses energy efficiently.
• Better airflow and air quality in your home. An annual tune-up service will help maintain proper airflow throughout your home. If problems with your unit restrict the airflow into your house, air won’t distribute evenly, and your home won’t heat consistently. Technicians will also check your filters, which will help improve air quality.
• Enhanced safety. A heating unit that isn’t regularly serviced can develop leaks in the heat exchanger. These leaks are caused by cracks due to a lack of maintenance and airflow issues, which can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide levels in your home. Additionally, technicians will check burners for proper operation and combustion.
• Fewer major breakdowns and expensive repairs. A broken heating unit can be a real emergency when temperatures are at or below freezing. Getting your heater serviced reduces the risk of serious problems occurring throughout the season. Tune-ups can help to diagnose minor issues that could turn into serious, expensive problems down the road.
BOTTOM LINE: A heater tune-up can save a substantial amount of cash in the long run, just like adjusting your thermostat to save money.
AI IN REAL ESTATE MARKETING
Holidays FOR THE
KEITH FLYNN
Digital Marketing Director keith@westusarealty.com
AI is being used in real estate marketing for a variety of applications, including design and plan, construction, and promotion and sales. AI can streamline property searches, make price predictions, analyze markets, automate property management, and enhance the overall efficiency of buying and selling properties. Here are some ways you can use ChatGPT to help your business during the holiday season.
ENGAGING HOLIDAY- THEMED SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
12 DAYS OF REAL ESTATE:
This popular campaign format uses daily posts to keep your audience engaged. ChatGPT can help you create a “12 Days of Real Estate” series, where you share tips, fun real estate facts, or festive property features each day. For example, “Write a catchy Instagram caption for Day 1 of a holiday real estate campaign featuring cozy fireplaces.”
INTERACTIVE POLLS & QUIZZES:
Holiday “This or That” polls (like “Fireplace or Hot Tub?”) or quizzes (“What type of holiday homeowner are you?”) are easy for followers to engage with. Ask ChatGPT to generate ideas or wording for these interactive posts.
HOLIDAY-THEMED CLIENT EMAIL CAMPAIGNS
SEASONAL LISTINGS & TIPS: ChatGPT can help you create festive, timely emails highlighting holiday-friendly listings and seasonal home maintenance tips. For example, you might prompt ChatGPT with, “Draft an email about holiday-ready listings and winter home prep tips for real estate clients.”
COMMUNITY HOLIDAY GUIDE: Send clients a curated email with a list of local holiday events, like “Top Spots for Holiday Lights in [Your Area]” or “Must-Visit Holiday Markets.” ChatGPT can help craft engaging descriptions for each event.
FESTIVE CLIENT APPRECIATION & FOLLOW-UP MESSAGES
PERSONALIZED HOLIDAY GREETINGS: Show clients you care by sending them a personalized holiday message. ChatGPT can help create a warm, genuine greeting, like a Thanksgiving or New Year’s note expressing gratitude or offering assistance with future real estate goals.
SUPER PROMPTS
• I’m a real estate agent preparing a holidaythemed email campaign to send to my clients and prospects. Write a warm, engaging email that includes the following elements:
• An introductory greeting that reflects the holiday season (e.g., Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year).
• A personalized message thanking them for their trust or support this past year.
HOLIDAY REFERRAL REQUESTS: Include a gentle, holidaythemed request for referrals in your appreciation messages. Ask ChatGPT to phrase this request naturally, such as, “Write a holiday message thanking past clients for their trust and asking for referrals in the coming year.”
• An invitation to check out some of my holidayready property listings, especially homes with cozy features like fireplaces, open kitchens, and spacious living rooms perfect for gatherings.
• Suggestions for local holiday events or seasonal activities happening in [City or Neighborhood], such as light displays, holiday markets, or community gatherings.
• An optional section offering tips on home prep for winter or holiday decorating ideas.
• Close with a friendly reminder that I’m here to help them with any real estate needs in the new year and include a subtle ask for referrals if they know anyone looking to buy or sell.
• Please make the tone warm, cheerful, and personal. Format the email to be easy to read, with short paragraphs or bullet points when relevant.
BELL RINGING
This holiday season, we have a wonderful opportunity to give back to our community and support those in need by participating in the Salvation Army’s annual Bell Ringing. This year, you can join us in spreading holiday cheer and making a difference in a fun impactful way!
We invite you to find a convenient location near you to ring the bell and promote your business while helping a great cause. You can dress up, play music, and hand out candy canes. It’s a perfect way to showcase your commitment to the community, connect with locals, and bring some holiday spirit to the season.
Let’s come together to support The Salvation Army and make a positive impact. If you’re interested in participating, please click the link below and follow the directions to get signed up.
Cause marketing connects businesses with charities to support causes and grow profits. For real estate agents, it builds brand trust and community ties by showing social responsibility. This approach helps agents stand out, fostering client loyalty and longterm success through meaningful involvement. HERE ARE A FEW IDEAS TO MAKE A LASTING IMPRESSION!
DRESS UP HAND OUT CANDY CANES SET UP YOUR SIGNS
INVITE YOUR DATABASE TO COME OUT & SEE YOU PLAY MUSIC PROMOTE YOUR LISTINGS BRING THE KIDS MOST IMPORTANT.. HAVE FUN!
Sign up online as an INDIVIDUAL RINGER or do a VIRTUAL BELL RINGING event for your clients! www.registertoring.com
9:00am - 10:00am / Webinar West USA Weekly Podcast
10:30am - 12:00pm / Zoom West USA Agent Orientation
ALL OFFICES CLOSED - Veteran’s Day
9:00am - 3:00pm / Zoom REACT
10:00am - 11:30am @ Surprise O ce Surprise O ce Meeting
10:00am - 1:00pm - Scottsdale O ce
LIVE CE CLASS: Seller Representation - Your Fiduciary Duties (3Hrs Disclosure)
9:00am - 3:00pm / Zoom REACT
9:00am - 12:00pm / Zoom
FREE REMOTE CE CLASS: Duties to Clients and Customers (3Hrs Commissioner Standards)
1:00pm - 4:00pm @ Scottsdale O ce
LIVE CE CLASS: 1031 Exchange for Commercial Agents (3Hrs Legal Issues)
NOVEMBER 2024
2:00pm - 4:00pm @ North PHX O ce Monthly Meet Up
9:00am - 10:00am / Webinar
West USA Weekly Podcast
9:00am - 12:00pm @ Surprise O ce
LIVE CE CLASS: Deed Fraud, Firewise & AZ Water (3Hrs General)
10:00am - 12:00pm @ Palm Valley CC Goodyear O ce Meeting
11:00am - 1:00pm @ Mesa O ce
Two Class Event: Smart Video w/ Your Smart Phone & Voice Marketing
1:00pm - 4:00pm @ Chandler O ce
LIVE CE CLASS: General Finance for REALTORS® (3Hrs General)
1:00pm - 2:00pm / Zoom Broker Roundtable
9:00am - 12:00pm @ Chandler O ce
LIVE CE CLASS: Rules of the Jungle (3Hrs Commissioner Standards)
10:00am - 12:00pm @ Scottsdale O ce Business Planning for 2025
9:00am - 12:00pm / Zoom
FREE REMOTE CE CLASS: High Fiduciary Representation (3Hrs Fair Housing)
10:00am - 11:30am @ Scottsdale O ce Scottsdale O ce Meeting
4:30pm - 6:30pm @ TBD Arrowhead Happy Hour
9:00am - 3:00pm / Zoom REACT
10:00am - 11:00am @ Arrowhead O ce Arrowhead O ce Meeting
12:30pm - 1:00pm @ North PHX O ce Short Sales... Who? What? When? How?!
2:00pm - 4:00pm @ Scottsdale O ce Probate, Power of Attorney, Deeds, and Trusts
10:00am - 11:30am @ Ahwatukee O ce Ahwatukee O ce Meeting
1:00pm - 4:00pm @ Scottsdale O ce
LIVE CE CLASS: Facts & Fiction: Contract Writing in Today’s Market (3Hrs Contract Law) 4:30pm - 6:30pm @ State 48 Surprise Happy Hour
10:00am - 11:00am / Zoom Coaching Essentials
9:00am - 10:00am / Webinar West USA Weekly Podcast
9:00am - 4:00pm / Zoom
ProStart Session 2 (4 Days)
10:00am - 11:00am @ Chandler O ce Agent Insights with Cynthia & Justin
9:00am - 12:00pm / Zoom
FREE REMOTE CE CLASS: Agency and Industry Related Issues (3Hrs Agency Law)
10:00am - 11:00am @ Chandler O ce Chandler O ce Meeting
11:30am - 1:30pm @ Scottsdale O ce Scottsdale Thanksgiving Potluck
12:00pm - 2:00pm @ Goodyear O ce Goodyear Family Fall Potluck
10:30am - 11:30am @ Mesa O ce Mesa O ce Meeting
10:00am - 1:00pm @ Scottsdale O ce LIVE CE CLASS: The Power of Credit and Maximizing Your Credit Score (3Hrs Legal)
SPONSORS
ALL OFFICES CLOSEDThanksgiving Day
ALL OFFICES CLOSED - Day After Thanksgiving
