WestWords - October 2022

WESTWORDS OCTOBER 2022

I AM WEST USA

RACHEL LOFTUS

MANAGEMENT FROM A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW WITH BROKER BOB

ARE HOME WARRANTIES

WORTH IT?

5 TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR REAL ESTATE NEWSLETTER

PRE-APPROVAL+ WITH GREG LIRA

LOOKING BACK

ON PAST CASINO NIGHTS

2016 - 80'S THEME

OCTOBER

CALENDAR Jerome Grand Hotel, Jerome AZ

I AM

I AM RACHEL LOFTUS I AM HONEST I AM PERSONABLE I AM RELIABLE I AM DETAIL-ORIENTED I AM PROFESSIONAL I AM WEST USA

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING Honestly Rachel, you are the REALTOR® that people wish they could have to work and help them in their house shopping. We feel very fortunate to have had you in our home searching process. Anyone reading this will learn that Rachel Loftus is a REALTOR® that truly works effectively for you in your home search process. Very hands on with the customer and diligent in working for you.

Rachel Loftus is a very detail-oriented, reliable and knowledgeable professional who found a great property for me. I have known Rachel for many years and would refer her to any of my acquaintances or friends who are in the process of purchasing a home.

I am just overwhelmed and feel there are not enough good words to describe how blessed I feel about my experience with you Rachel! I never in a lifetime thought there would be such caring and thoughtful realtors.

Thank you for answering every call, every text, every email, every question and for making calls for me. Oh, I can just keep going on, but thank you especially for all the support and all your kindness towards me and my son! It felt like home already once I walked in and all thanks to you! May God bless you and your family always!

BROKER BLOG WITH BOB STEPHENS MANAGEMENT FROM A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW I read a book some time ago, called "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell, published about the year 2000. Sub-title, How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference.

It provided a thought in the build-up of the company that I work for now on my 34th year. As time went by, I helped in the build up and success in this company that became successful and known nationally.

It is owned and operated by a family which was guided by the owner and his daughter to start with and then enveloped all of the other family members into roles in the growth of the company.

I am writing this which may have to be amended somewhat, since I do not have the numbers exact, but generally I will say that the business has grown at least by double or triple, since it was turned over to one of the sons of the owners.

He has never sold real estate so perhaps he sees issues and problems differently than other members of the family that do! The original founders hired a very respected Associate Broker from another company to help guide them to growth. Also, a grand­ daughters husband entered the fold and is now the executive vice president - also a non-experienced real estate salesperson.

So, there are now, at the top, 2 people who have never sold real estate and one that has.

Their visions are most certainly different, than those that previously guided the development of the company.

As they dealt with real estate agents employed here, they felt the need to hire, for instance, a graphic artist. I felt that this was a very good enhancement to the abilities of the firm to grow. Then, because social media became a large part of marketing, they hired an expert in this field. Advertising is controlled by the Arizona Department of Real Estate per statutes put into law by legislators of the State of Arizona. NOW We have a Manager of Culture & Development which is unheard of by me even though Culture is a very strong point here and was seen as needing control and development and I agree with that point. Yep - Old dog seeing new tricks and very good ones at that! AND, we are now where we have never been before as far as being the only place to be associated with for agents to work from and not ever want to re-associate with anyone else. I wonder what next year will bring with all the new ideas that are in effect by talented people from a different direction and thoughts.

QUESTIONS, CONTACT: Managing Broker, Bob Stephens | 602-942-4200

5 TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR

REAL ESTATE NEWSLETERS BY: WISE AGENT For a Real Estate business, monthly newsletters are a fantastic way 5. USE VIDEO to stay top-of-mind with past clients in your database. One of the Another valuable tool that you can take advantage of is easiest ways to get your name and face in front of your contacts on a sending a video. You can send it in your newsletter and make regular basis is by sending a monthly newsletter. it more personalized. Research has shown that the simple addition of video in your email can increase click-through Lets go over 5 tips that you can use to get the most out of your rates by as much as 200-300%. newsletters for your marketing strategy: Making a video doesn't have to be difficult to do! By 1. USE YOUR VOICE committing to making only one video per month, it will help Real Estate monthly newsletters should vary from agent to boost your open click rates! agent and allow your readers to really hear YOUR voice. In other Here are some examples that your videos can be about: words, think about the value that you can bring to your readers, and what value they can only get from you. As a rule, monthly 1. Listing video- A listing video is an amazing tool to market a newsletters shouldn’t be only about selling. Even though this new listing. You are able to give a virtual tour of the house seems contradictory when we’ve already said they help grow your and showcase recent renovations. You can even simply show business, it's true. off your favorite things about the property or the location.

2. DRIVES TRAFFIC TO YOUR WEBSITE Add a link to your website into your real estate monthly newsletter to drive traffic there. Meanwhile, this ultimately gives recipients a reason to check out your listings. This is an easy way to get eyes on your recently sold properties and your listings on the market.

3. SHOWCASES YOUR RESOURCES If you are sending out real estate monthly newsletters to prospects, this is your opportunity to showcase your real estate knowledge. Why should you be their agent? Show them that you are an expert in all things real estate.

Include relevant articles and newsworthy items in the newsletter.

This is a great chance to give a prospect insight into why you are the right agent for the job. In addition to that, you can also feature a list of your featured listings. This will give prospects a taste of what properties you have to offer.

4. CONSISTENCY IS KEY To sum up, our final advice is to stay consistent with your newsletters! Wise Agent creates monthly newsletters available for you to edit on the 21st of each month. You can set a reminder for the 22nd to go in, personalize it, and get it ready for sending out.

This will create a reliable and stable part of your email marketing strategy with little effort from you.

2. Tell clients what you have to offer. When making a video about your value as an agent you want to come across as comfortable. The process of buying or selling a home is difficult, so you want to build trust and assure potential leads that you can get the job done. Keep in mind these people will be relying on you to facilitate one of the biggest transactions of their lifetime. Showing off your personality can put them at ease!

3. Spotlighting a local event. A good way to keep your clients engaged is spotlight an event happening locally for the month or a local business with great service. This will show that you are an expert in the neighborhood! Show clients that you aren’t only sales-orientated and build your reputation as not only an agent but an educator as well.

When you give something of value in your newsletters, your readers will look forward to receiving them!

Making a newsletter can be a time consuming and overwhelming task for a busy agent. Luckily for Wise Agent members, Wise Agent does a majority of the work for you with our monthly newsletters.

It’s created for you each month, in English and Spanish, that way if you’re busy, you can send it as it is. However, It's just as easy for users to personalize it and make it their own!

You can Register for a free trial with Wise Agent at www.wiseagent.com/WUSACRM

ARE HOME WARRANTIES

WORTH IT?

BY BREANNA CASTRO

As a homeowner, you always want to make sure your home is protected and running smoothly. Things like having homeowner’s insurance, making sure your carbon monoxide and fire alarms have fresh batteries, and creating a fire safety plan are just some of the ways to do that. However, home warranty protection is important, too. In fact, you’re 28 times more likely to use home warranty services than your homeowner’s insurance—because unlike insurance, a home warranty covers the things you use every day.

A home warranty plan can help reduce repair and replacement costs when your covered home systems and appliances break down—so you can spend more on fun things like beautiful landscaping or a DIY bathroom renovation. Home warranties are worth it because they can help take the worry out of the homeowner equation. Let’s take a closer look at why you need a home warranty.

DO I NEED A HOME WARRANTY? If you have just purchased a home and are asking yourself, “Should I get a home warranty?”, then you should review the home inspection report to see if there are any red flags. If your inspector noted that some appliances or home systems might have future issues or that they’re older models, you might want to investigate exactly how much buying new ones would cost. For example, it can typically cost up to $3,800 to repair or replace your A/C system. Because the major parts of A/C units are covered in all three OneGuard home service plans, if a covered breakdown occurs, you will simply pay the Trade Service Call Fee to have your unit repaired or replaced, subject to the coverage limitations and exclusions in your plan.

A home warranty is a great choice for new homeowners who potentially had to forego an inspection due to the competitive real estate market.

It is also helpful for homeowners who want to avoid expensive, out-of-pocket costs or have older

home systems and appliances that are more prone to breakdowns. OneGuard offer protection of your home’s major systems and appliances that you rely on daily to keep your home running smoothly. We help provide peace of mind and protect your budget.

Next, find out if there are existing warranties on your appliances and systems, and if there are, learn exactly what they cover. Sometimes appliance warranties only cover defects, which means you would be responsible for the cost to repair or replace your items when they break down. This is another instance in which a home warranty can help.

DO HOME WARRANTIES WORK? Now that you know a home warranty is needed for your household, you may be wondering, “Do home warranties work?”

This is where the importance of the company you choose is essential. OneGuard is transparent about our home warranty coverage. Our plans cover your selected home systems and appliances (plus home services), and we offer optional add-on coverage to meet the needs of your individual household. We’re here to help protect your budget and sanity when items in your home inevitably break down.

• We offer unknown pre-existing conditions coverage • We cover items without maintenance records or that were improperly installed or repaired.

• We have a 30-day workmanship guarantee.

So, are home warranties worth it? The short answer is yes! Your household, budget, and peace of mind will benefit from purchasing a home warranty. If you have any Home Warranty needs, please reach out to your OneGuard Team.

Shelley Carr | 623-201-2594 | shelley.carr@oneguardhw.com Bre Castro | 623-500-3825 | breanna.castro@oneguardhw.com Pamela Balin | 602-499-5544 | pamela.balin@oneguardhw.com

Pre-Approval+

You don’t have a company be a leader in their industry for over 30 years by accident. Academy Mortgage has prevailed through even the toughest of markets and routinely comes out of economic downturns stronger than ever because we regularly do what’s best for the buyers.

Our commitment to bettering the homebuying process has led to continued success for both our buyers and our company.

At Academy Mortgage, we are always looking for ways to help our buyers get into their dream homes. It is that drive to provide the best possible customer experience that ultimately leads to never being satisfied with the mortgage process and always looking for ways to improve it. We will continue to be a leader in the industry by expanding our product portfolio and furthering our programs to ensure that no one’s homebuying situation is too unique or challenging for us to work with.

Having new programs like Pre-Approval+ is the next step in our goal of making the homebuying process as quick and painless as it can be. Pre-approvals are great, but they are not always as secured as we would like them to be. Landmines can blow up a deal at the last minute, leaving buyers left to scramble in order to salvage their deal. Pre-Approval+ is our answer to that.

What is a Pre-Approval+? Simply put, it is adding underwriting to the pre-approval,

ultimately making the offer only contingent on the property. This allows us to close with certainty, precision, and speed. In fact, here in Arizona, we are so confident in our new product that if a seller chooses an Academy Mortgage buyer and we cannot provide an on-time close, we will give the seller $2500. On top of the $2500, for every day we are late, we will provide the seller an additional $100 up to another $2500 for a total of $5000 cash to the seller. We want to prove how effective our new Pre-Approval+ process is, and we are willing to put our money where our mouth is to show it.

Academy is more than a mortgage company—our best product, and what we strive for most, is the smile on someone’s face when we help get them into their dream home. We truly believe that the homebuying process does not have to be full of hoops to jump through and that everyone deserves equal housing opportunities. We will continue to develop new programs, diversify our product portfolio, and improve upon our processes to ensure that we can make the shared dream of homeownership a reality for many more to come.

This offer is invalid if the seller in any way, whether willfully or negligently directly or indirectly, delays the closing. Including but not limited to; delaying appraisal of the property or delaying inspection items. This offer is invalid if the borrower, name herein, in any way, whether willfully or negligently, directly or indirectly materially impacts their credit profile. Including but not limited to; actions that will negatively impact their credit score, debt to income ratio or employment.

Academy Mortgage is not responsible for delays third party delays which will invalidate this offer. Third party delays included but are not limited to, appraisers scheduling, appraisal inspection, title delays including scheduling delays, survey delays or acts of God. Changes in contract terms or closing dates invalidate this offer. This offer will be invalid by any unforeseen circumstances related to all parties and third parties to the transaction that may delay or cancel the closing. This does not include manufactured homes or condos. Requires a minimum of 15 business days to close. | Equal Housing Lender | Corp NMLS #3113 Corp State Lic: BK-0904081 Offer expires 12/31/22.

Greg Lira

LOAN OFFICER | NMLS #1218277

D: (480) 304-4208 C: (602) 451-2167

greg.lira@academymortgage.com academymortgage.com/greglira 15333 North Pima Road, Suite #100 Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Corp NMLS #3113 | Equal Housing Lender AZ #LO-0929110 | MAC823-1482833

CASINO

NIGHT

LOOKING BACK THROUGH THE YEARS

BACK TO 2016

80'S THEME "The West USA Christmas parties are like a family reunion to me! I’ve been with West USA Realty for 30 years and it’s so great to get together with everyone and celebrate the holidays.

The planning committee always plans the best parties and I always look KIM FROST forward to attending! Can’t wait to see WEST USA AGENT you all real soon."

TICKETS $45 PER TICKET ON SALE DECEMBER 10, 2022 | 4:30PM - 10:00PM

INCLUDES: DINNER, 2 DRINK TICKETS AND $100 IN CASINO VOUCHERS

WESTUSARSVP.COM

M O N DAY

T U E S DAY

03 9:00am - 10:00am / Webinar West USA Weekly Webinar 10:30am - 12:00pm @ NPhx Office West USA Agent Orientation 2:00pm - 2:30pm / Webinar Don’t Do Dat w/Broker Bob Stephens

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

10

10:30am - 11:30am @ Arrowhead Office ARMLS Training 2:00pm - 2:30pm / Webinar Don’t Do Dat w/Broker Bob Stephens

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

17

2:00pm - 2:30pm / Webinar Don’t Do Dat w/Broker Bob Stephens

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

24

9:00am - 4:00pm / Zoom ProStart Training Session 1 - Day 1/3 2:00pm - 2:30pm / Webinar Don’t Do Dat w/Broker Bob Stephens

W E D N E S DAY

04

9:00am - 11:00am @ Chandler Office Take Flight - Week 1 9:00am - 3:00pm @ NPhx Office REACT - Day 1 3:30pm - 4:00pm @ Arrowhead Office Arrowhead Accountability Group 3:30pm - 4:30pm @ Surprise Office Ready, Plan, Action 5:00pm - 6:30pm @ Tukee’s Ahwatukee Happy Hour

11

9:00am - 11:00am @ Chandler Office Take Flight - Week 1 9:00am - 12:00pm @ Mesa Office Agency & Industry Related Issues (3Hrs Agency Law) 9:00am - 12:00pm @ Palm Valley CC Understanding the Appraisal Process for the Real Estate Agent (3Hrs General) 10:00am - 11:00am @ Goodyear Office Goodyear Office Meeting 10:00am - 1:00pm @ Surprise Office Business Planning Workshop 1:00pm - 4:00pm @ Chandler Office The Code of Ethics (3Hrs Commissioner Standards) 3:30pm - 4:00pm @ Arrowhead Office Arrowhead Accountability Group 3:30pm - 4:30pm @ Surprise Office Ready, Plan, Action

18 9:00am - 11:00am @ Chandler Office Take Flight - Week 1 9:30am - 11:00am @ Kierland Office BPOs and Valuations: A Second Income Stream for REALTORS® 10:00am - 11:00am @ NPhx Office Economic Development & Housing Market Update 10:00am - 12:00pm @ Palm Valley CC Goodyear Essential Learning 3:30pm - 4:30pm @ Surprise Office Ready, Plan, Action 3:30pm - 4:00pm @ Arrowhead Office Arrowhead Accountability Group 4:30pm - 6:30pm @ Revolu Modern Taqueria Arrowhead Happy Hour

25 9:00am - 11:00am @ Chandler Office Take Flight - Week 1 9:00am - 4:00pm / Zoom ProStart Training Session 1 - Day 2/3 10:00am - 1:00pm @ Palm Valley CC FREE LIVE CE CLASS - High Fiduciary Representation (3Hrs Fair Housing) 3:30pm - 4:00pm @ Arrowhead Office Arrowhead Accountability Group 3:30pm - 4:30pm @ Surprise Office Ready, Plan, Action

05 9:00am - 12:00pm / Zoom FREE REMOTE CE CLASS Master the AAR Listing Contracts (3Hrs Contract Law) 9:00am - 3:00pm @ NPhx Office REACT - Day 2 10:00am - 11:30am @ Surprise Office Surprise Office Meeting

12

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

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

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

19

10:00am - 11:30am @ Chandler Office Chandler Office Meeting 10:00am - 11:30am @ Surprise Office Surprise Office Meeting

26

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

9:00am - 4:00pm / Zoom ProStart Training Session 1 - Day 3/3 5:00pm - 5:00pm @ NPhx Office Trunk or Treat

31 9:00am - 10:00am / Webinar West USA Weekly Webinar 9:00am - 4:00pm / Zoom ProStart Training Session 2 - Day 1/4 2:00pm - 2:30pm / Webinar Don’t Do Dat w/Broker Bob Stephens 5:00pm - 5:00pm @ Goodyear Office Trunk or Treat

SPONSORS

OCTOBER 2022

T H U R S DAY

F R I DAY

06

1:00pm - 3:00pm @ Chandler Office Chandler Fall Pop-By 9:00am - 12:00pm @ Chandler Office FREE LIVE CE CLASS Disclosure and the Law (3Hrs Disclosure Law) 9:00am - 3:00pm @ NPhx Office REACT - Day 3 10:00am - 11:30pm @ Arrowhead Office Arrowhead Office Meeting

13

10:00am - 11:00am @ Chandler Office Brunch & Learn - Appraisals

10:00am - 11:00am / Zoom Team Leader Mastermind

07

10:00am - 12:00pm @ Arrowhead Office Headshots!

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

14

10:30am - 11:30am @ Ahwatukee Office Ahwatukee Office Meeting 2:00pm - 3:00pm @ Arrowhead Office Autumn Bake Off

20

10:30am - 11:30am @Ahwatukee Office ARMLS Training - Subscriptions and Portals

21

4:30pm - 7:00pm @ The Wigwam Goodyear Social Hour 5:00pm - 7:00pm @ TBD Chandler Happy Hour

27

10:00am - 11:00am / Zoom Broker Roundtable 10:00am - 11:00am @ NPhx Office North Phoenix Office Meeting 10:00am - 1:00pm @ Kierland Office FREE LIVE CE CLASS - Intro to Divorce Real Estate (3Hrs Legal Issues) 1:00pm - 4:00pm @ Chandler Office Chandler Office Halloween Chili Cook-Off/Costume Contest/Potluck

28

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