WestWords - October 2024

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I AM WEST USA

9 WAYS TO MARKET FOR HALLOWEEN FROM WEST USA MARKETING

DUSTIN OLIVE

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...

I have done over 80 real estate transactions in the last 40 years. 42 of them have been with Dustin. I have worked with him on both residential and commercial properties for both investment and personal use. He is by far the most competent REALTOR® I have ever known, and his ethics and integrity are beyond reproach. I highly recommend him without reservation.

I have worked with Dustin over the last six years during the purchase and sale of multiple properties while he has evolved in his practice. From the very beginning I felt like I was in the right hands as a first time home buyer. Dustin has a calm and focused demeanor. He is a great listener and communicator. I always appreciate working with anyone in any field that front loads you with information, prepares you for the process and keeps you in the loop with real-time updates without you asking. He has a strong understanding of the market, strategy, and is extremely professional in his dealings with all stakeholders. He has integrity in and outside of the business and truly looks out for his clients best interests. During my home purchases and sales I was making some of the most important decisions of my life. It felt great working with someone that I could trust. I will forever be grateful for Dustin's expertise. It is with my utmost honor to recommend Dustin for anyone's real estate needs. Not only is Dustin a master at his craft, he elevates the professional circle and community around him. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of Agent of the Year!

Dustin is easily the hardest working REALTOR® you’ll find. His dedication to his customers is obvious through his timely and thorough communication, thoughtful insight, and relentless pursuit to ensure that every question and concern is addressed with the utmost diligence and attention to detail. Dustin’s exceptional level of care removed all the stress from my home selling transaction, even through the navigation of confusing and time consuming corporate relocation protocols.

BROKER BLOG FROM DEAN BECKER

REAL ESTATE IN THE NEW WORLD

In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate, change is constant. While the industry changes, one factor remains critical to success: consistency. Regardless of technological advances or market trends, the agents who consistently apply certain behaviors succeed long-term.

Here’s why consistency is essential in today’s world:

CONSISTENCY BUILDS TRUST

Trust is the cornerstone of any successful real estate career. Buyers and sellers want to work with someone they can rely on, and that trust isn’t built through sporadic efforts. It’s established through regular, dependable interactions that demonstrate commitment and professionalism.

For agents, this means being consistent in how you communicate with clients, follow up on leads, and maintain your online presence. Every interaction, no matter how small, contributes to building trust. Clients are more likely to work with and refer agents who consistently show they are reliable and dedicated.

CONSISTENCY FUELS GROWTH IN A CHANGING MARKET

Real estate is not a sprint but a marathon. Growth comes from sustained effort over time, especially in an unpredictable market. Agents who are consistent in prospecting, lead generation, and development are better prepared to succeed, regardless of market conditions. One common mistake I see is agents becoming complacent after a successful period. They stop the consistent habits that initially brought them success, leading to slower business later. On the other hand, agents who maintain a steady rhythm of activity, even during slower times, are better positioned to keep growing.

CONSISTENCY IS KEY TO PERSONAL BRANDING

In today’s digital world, your personal brand is vital. Buyers and sellers don’t just choose agents; they choose experts and advisors. To stand out, you must consistently present

yourself as a knowledgeable, reliable professional. Whether on social media, in emails, or face-to-face, your branding should consistently reflect your values and expertise. Inconsistent messaging can confuse potential clients and weaken your brand. By maintaining a cohesive personal brand across all platforms, you build stronger client relationships and attract more business.

CONSISTENCY IN PROFESSIONAL

DEVELOPMENT

The real estate industry is constantly evolving, and agents who commit to continuous learning are more likely to succeed. Consistent professional development—whether through training sessions, keeping up with regulations, or improving skills—keeps you competitive.

As a broker, I’ve seen agents who invest in consistent learning outperform those who don’t. Success in real estate requires staying up-to-date and constantly improving, even when it’s not mandatory.

CONSISTENCY THROUGH ACCOUNTABILITY

Finally, accountability is crucial for maintaining consistency. It’s easy to get distracted or lose focus, so finding ways to hold yourself accountable is essential. This could be through a mentor, peer, or tracking your own progress.

Consistency doesn’t happen by accident; it’s intentional. By setting goals and holding yourself accountable to them, you’re more likely to stay on track and achieve longterm success.

In today’s real estate world, consistency isn’t optional—it’s essential. Those who commit to steady, intentional efforts will build trust, grow their business, and maintain success in any market condition. Stay consistent, stay accountable, and success will follow.

9 WAYS TO MARKET FOR HALLOWEEN

Halloween is a great time for real estate agents to get creative, engage with their community, and stand out. Here are some ways to market your business during the spooky season:

1. HOST A HAUNTED OPEN HOUSE

6. CREATE A “BEST HALLOWEEN NEIGHBORHOODS” GUIDE

Transform one of your listings with tasteful Halloween decor and host a fun, themed open house. Offer seasonal treats and activities for kids to create a family-friendly atmosphere that keeps potential buyers interested.

2. SHARE A HALLOWEEN STAGING GUIDE

Create content with tips on decorating homes for Halloween without scaring off buyers. Emphasize tasteful, festive touches that enhance a home’s appeal during the fall season.

Highlight the best neighborhoods for trick-ortreating or Halloween block parties in a blog or social media post. This positions you as a local expert and draws attention to homes in those areas.

7. RUN HALLOWEEN-THEMED ADS

3.

ENGAGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Boost your social media with interactive Halloween posts. Try a “Guess the Price of This Haunted House” game, a "Best Decorated House" contest, or fun Halloween trivia. These can drive engagement and increase visibility.

Design eye-catching digital ads using Halloween imagery and fun taglines like “Don’t Be Spooked by the Market!” These ads grab attention and make your listings stand out.

8. HALLOWEEN POP-BYS

Drop off small Halloween-themed gifts like candy or pumpkin carving kits to prospective or past clients. It’s a simple, fun way to remind them of your services.

9. CREATE A THEMED VIRTUAL TOUR

4. SPONSOR LOCAL HALLOWEEN EVENTS

Sponsor or participate in community events like trick-or-treating or haunted hayrides. Set up a booth with branded giveaways, or host a neighborhood Halloween tour of your listings.

5. SEND HALLOWEEN-THEMED CLIENT GIFTS

Stay top-of-mind with past clients by sending festive treats like pumpkin-scented candles or personalized trick-or-treat bags. Small, thoughtful gifts help maintain client relationships and encourage referrals.

Stage a property with Halloween decor and offer a virtual tour with a festive twist. This will engage buyers and create buzz around your listings.

Halloween offers unique opportunities to market your real estate business in fun and memorable ways. Whether through themed events, social media posts, or creative gifts, these strategies will help you connect with your community and grow your brand.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REPLACE

A GARAGE DOOR? A GARAGE

A new garage door can enhance your home’s curb appeal; however, a garage door replacement can be costly.

Many homeowners are asking, “How much does it cost to replace a garage door?” The answer to this question varies depending on the type and style of door you buy, whether you need to repair or replace the hardware that allows the door to open and close smoothly, and whether you need to resize the doorway or reframe the exterior.

Let’s look at the main variables in garage door replacement costs so that you can budget for this important home improvement project.

WHAT DOES A GARAGE DOOR REPLACEMENT COST?

According to Forbes, the average garage door installation cost is about $1,200. Garage door prices range in cost depending on:

• Garage door size

• The materials that the garage door is made of

• The workmanship involved in crafting and installing the garage doors

• Local labor costs in your area

• Prep work that must be done before new door installation

Additionally, garage door costs will vary significantly if you are replacing an entire garage door or if you’re just in need of a garage door panel replacement.

PRO TIP: If you live in a community with a homeowner’s association, you may be required to install a specific kind of garage door to comply with the bylaws. It’s wise to check with your homeowner’s association before undertaking a garage door replacement project.

HOW DO DIFFERENT STYLES AND MATERIALS AFFECT GARAGE DOOR INSTALLATION COSTS?

You can choose from several types and styles of garage doors that best fit the look of your home and fit your budget. Here are the most common options:

• Swing-up or tilt-up doors. These doors are one solid piece that swings up from the floor and pulls into the ceiling:

• Swing-out doors. These doors open outwards from the center, much like a gate.

• Roll-up or sectional doors. Roll-up doors may be the most popular type of garage door. They open from the bottom and slide into a track along the ceiling.

• Sliding doors. These doors open to the side by sliding along a track.

More expensive styles include carriage doors, French doors, and walk-through doors, while roll-ups and tilt-ups are typically less costly.

Garage doors can be single-layer, or they can have multiple layers with insulation inside. Single-layer doors are the cheapest, but they’re also the least durable and offer the least amount of insulation against the elements. Insulated garage door costs— including double- and triple-layer doors—are more expensive to buy and install. Still, they’ll typically last longer and can provide much more insulation, which is a key consideration based on your location’s climate. If your garage is detached, insulation may not be a concern for you. But if your garage is attached to your home, a well-insulated garage door can help reduce energy costs and potentially save you money on your utility bills.

PRO TIP: If you need a garage door replacement with insulation, look for its R-value—the higher the R-value, the better the insulation. A typical attached garage needs a door with an R-value of 12 or higher.

The materials that are used can also significantly impact your overall garage door replacement cost:

• WOOD. The most expensive doors are custom-made, topgrade wooden doors made of redwood, hemlock, cedar, or mahogany. For example, a single, fully loaded, high-end, 10-foot-wide wooden garage door can cost up to $10,000. Fully loaded doors often include features like windows, shatterproof glass, trim and panels, and multiple colors.

• WOOD COMPOSITE. Garage door prices get less expensive when options include wood composite. Wood composite garage door, which can be painted to fit the style of your home, can run between $750 and $6,000.

• VINYL. Vinyl garage doors resist denting and look good on most homes. They can cost between $300 and $2,000.

• STEEL. Steel garage doors are cheaper, though they dent easily and need the most insulation to regulate the temperature inside a garage. Homeowners can get a steel garage door for as little as $500.

Other features that may increase your door price include pinch resistance, which can keep you or your children from getting fingers and other extremities caught in the door, and tamper resistance, which can help prevent break-ins.

TODD MENARD'S MARKET STATS

SEPTEMBER 2024

MARKET STATISTICS

WEST USA CARES DO ? WHAT DOES

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.

CAUSE MARKETING ? WHAT IS LETS TALK ABOUT CARES!

Cause marketing is the partnership between a business and a charitable organization to promote a cause while generating profits. For real estate agents, this strategy can be powerful, building brand awareness and strengthening community connections. By aligning with causes that matter locally, agents show social responsibility, signaling to clients that they care about more than just transactions.

In a relationship-driven business, this helps build trust and goodwill. Clients are more likely to choose agents who share their values and actively support the community. Furthermore, cause marketing helps agents stand out in a competitive market, enhancing loyalty by demonstrating a commitment to making a positive impact.

Ultimately, cause marketing allows real estate agents to connect with clients on a deeper level, establishing trust and longterm success through meaningful community involvement.

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OCTOBER 2024

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SPONSORS

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