WestWords - September 2024

WESTWORDS SEPTEMBER 2024

I AM WEST USA

TERI ARMIJO PRACTICE CHANGE

FAQ'S

FROM THE BROKER TEAM

MAXIMIZING THE

LIFECYCLE OF A LISTING ON SOCIAL MEDIA FROM KEITH FLYNN

CAN YOU BUY A

HOME WARRANTY AFTER CLOSING ON A HOUSE? FROM AMERICAN HOME SHIELD

AUGUST

MARKET STATS

LIGHTS OF HOPE FROM WEST USA CARES

SEPTEMBER CALENDAR

I AM

T E R I ARMI JO WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...

High character. Elite skill set. Terrific person with amazing attention to detail. This was our fourth home purchase and this transaction with Teri was by far our most professional, efficient, and value driven experience. I could write a novel about her impact on our lives. We are no longer in a transactional business relationship. We consider her family for life. She’s a special soul that we are so glad she came our way.

Teri is the best REALTOR® in the Scottsdale area. We were moving from Santa Fe in June 2020, and housing was scarce.

When we found something online, she would rush over to the house and take us on a virtual tour so we could be first in. After finding our dream property, (under our budget) she ensured our buying process was exceptional and handled all the details so closing was on time and without surprises. Teri also opened her network to us for home improvements and even helped me get my business started here in the valley. She is a true example of a “Go-Giver.”

I interviewed 3 REALTORS® before I chose Teri and her brother Fernando to sell our home. Because I had done some updating, I was taken aback when Teri suggested painting walls and new carpeting. Making these improvements added $200,000 to the listing price for a $25,000 investment. When the house sold for just slightly less than the asking price I was thrilled. Both were expert in explaining the pros and cons of various offers that were made. In addition, both Teri and Fernando went above and beyond expectations in selling the house. Teri bought and put together moving boxes, she packed closets, she used OfferUp to sell items for me, she swept floors, took out garbage and kept me from falling apart. I couldn't have had better REALTORS® and I'm so glad I chose them to sell my house.

RESOURCEFUL • TRUSTWORTHY • PERSUASIVE • PROACTIVE • STRATEGIC

19 YEARS

BROKER BLOG FROM THE BROKER TEAM

PRACTICE CHANGE FAQ'S 1. What must we do with our active “for sale/for rent” listings, not under contract?

VERY IMPORTANT: This must be completed ASAP. You must complete a new Residential Listing Agreement Exclusive Right to Sell that will be available August 1st, inserting the following language on line 292: This Listing Agreement supersedes and cancels the previous listing agreement dated _________ between Owner and West USA Realty.

2. What do we need to do with our active buyer clients?

After August 1st, all buyer clients must sign a written agreement BEFORE touring a property. You may use either the BUYER BROKER EXCLUSIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT or the BUYER BROKER AGREEMENT TO SHOW PROPERTY form.

3. What do we need to do with the prospective buyers we are sending for sale listings to review in hopes of gaining future business?

Nothing changes regarding prospective buyers until the buyer requests to tour a property or write an offer on a property. At that point, you will need to follow the steps in question 2.

See question 56 of the NAR FAQs. 4. What do we need to do with our past clients, if anything, that we are currently sending for sale and closed listings to review to keep them updated on their neighborhood market values?

Nothing changes regarding past clients until they request to tour a property or write an offer on a property. At that point, you will need to follow the steps in question 2.

5. If we meet a prospective buyer at an open house, what must we do before sending them listings to review? Should I have a buyer meeting and get them to sign a BBA before I can send them active listings to review?

It is not necessary to have a written agreement to send listings to prospective buyers using a drip campaign.

6. How do we handle unrepresented buyers who attend an open house we are hosting?

If you are representing the Seller exclusively, you can tour the property with an unrepresented buyer who attends an open house without getting a written agreement.

If you are a limited dual representative of the buyer who attends an open house, you must follow the steps in question 2 before touring the home with the buyer.

7. If an unrepresented buyer asks me to write an offer for them on my listing, can I do that? If so, how do I do that?

Yes, you can write an offer for an unrepresented buyer on your listing.

STEPS: 1. Complete the Unrepresented Buyer Disclosure form 2. Complete an Agency Disclosure and Election form with Line 49 checked 3. Prepare the offer using the terms that Buyer provides to you.

Do not advise or negotiate those terms with the Buyer when drafting the offer.

4. On the offer, page 10, section 8q, leave blank or write “UNREPRESENTED” 5. Once Buyer signs offer, present to Seller, counter offer if necessary 6. Contact Brokers if unsure how to proceed 8. If we want to send out marketing info (text messages, emails, postcards, Facebook ads, etc.) to a farm area, what must we do (and discuss timing) with these potential prospects?

Same answer as questions 2 & 3.

Remember all text messaging, emails or phone calls must comply with the Telephone Consumers Protection Act. Additional information is available at fcc.gov or https://telemarketing.donotcall.gov/ 9. Where can I find more information? https://www.aaronline.com/arizonabestpractices/ https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts/nar-settlement-faqs https://armls.com/settlement 10. Can I hint in the MLS remarks that the Seller is willing to pay buyer broker compensation?

Hinting, using coded language and/or replacing commission terms with analogs (cookies, bananas, etc.) is prohibited in any field, including remarks. Furthermore, indicating or signaling a seller is willing to make an offer of commission is not permitted.

Examples: • “Seller is prepared to offer bananas.”

• “Seller is Agent Friendly” • “Call Agent for BB” 11. Can a Buyer Broker rely on an offer of compensation on the MLS before the effective date of the local MLS policy changes?

NAR Says: “If the sales contract is executed before the MLS policy change, the buyer broker should be able to rely upon the offer of compensation even if closing occurs after the date of the policy change.”

But if a sales contract is not executed before the date the participant’s MLS implements the policy changes, the offer on an MLS will not be valid and buyers and buyer brokers may wish to protect themselves in writing with the listing broker or seller through a broker agreement or by including the offer of compensation in the sales contract.“

MAXIMIZING THE LIFECYCLE OF A LISTING ON SOCIAL MEDIA

BY KEITH FLYNN Social media has become an essential tool for real estate agents looking to connect with potential buyers, showcase properties, and build their personal brand. One of the most effective ways to leverage social media is by tapping into the lifecycle of a listing, from the moment it hits the market to when it finally closes.

Each stage of a listing's lifecycle offers unique opportunities to engage with your audience. For example, when a property is Newly Listed, you can create excitement and urgency by showcasing its best features. As it moves to For Sale and Now Showing, you can highlight open house dates, virtual tours, and even behind-the-scenes looks at the property. When the listing goes Under Contract, share updates that convey your success in closing deals, and once it's Just Sold, celebrate the achievement with your followers.

But while these posts are important, it's crucial to remember that your audience craves variety. Relying solely on listing updates can make your content feel repetitive and less engaging. That's why it's essential to mix it up with diverse content that keeps your followers interested and coming back for more.

Consider integrating posts that offer market insights, local community highlights, and personal stories that show your personality. For instance, sharing tips on the current real estate market, spotlighting local businesses, or posting about your day-to-day experiences can add depth to your social media presence. This not only keeps your content fresh but also helps build a stronger connection with your audience.

In the end, by thoughtfully using the lifecycle of a listing while ensuring a diverse content mix, you can keep your social media strategy robust and effective, making you the go-to agent for real estate needs.

QUESTIONS, CONTACT:

Keith Flynn

Director of Digital Media

602.942.4200

CAN YOU BUY A HOME WARRANTY

AFTER CL OSING ON A HOUSE? A home warranty can lessen the cost to repair or replace many of the systems and appliances you will rely on daily once you move into your new house. Learn about the pros and cons of home warranty plans, as well as purchasing a plan before or after closing.

Buying a home is never easy, but now the hard part is done: You’ve found your dream home, signed on the dotted lines, and have either moved in or are in the process of moving into your new home.

Now, after shelling out all that cash for a down payment and other moving expenses, you may be wary about spending more money.

We get it. Buying a house can be stressful, especially if you’re a firsttime buyer, and is a huge investment. But consider buying a home warranty after closing to save money as a new homeowner.

Wondering when to buy a home warranty? You can buy one at any time, but just remember that it's better to have a budget protection plan in place sooner rather than later. A home warranty helps you save money on inevitable repairs to those new (or old) home systems and appliances.

So, if you didn’t secure a home warranty when buying a house, you should get one now that you’re a homeowner. Here’s what to consider when purchasing one after closing.

WHAT A HOME WARRANTY DOES & DOES NOT COVER First, let's understand what a home warranty is not.

A home warranty is also different from homeowners’ insurance, which covers the structure of your home and the personal property within it against catastrophic loss due to things like fire, theft, or acts of nature.

So, what is a home warranty? Instead of covering the structure of your home or belongings against damage, loss, or theft, a home warranty offers budget protection to help you manage the cost of repairing or replacing covered home systems and appliances when they break down due to normal wear and tear. Your home warranty covers your major appliances, like your refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, or microwave, and your home systems, like HVAC, electrical, and plumbing, depending on your plan coverage.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A HOME WARRANTY Obtaining a home warranty after buying a house is probably one of the smartest investments you can make. Why? Because your homeowner’s insurance only covers what could happen (like a fire or flood). A home warranty, on the other hand, covers what will happen (like an appliance breakdown).

As much as we would all love to believe that a new-to-you home equals no future issues with its major appliances and systems, that’s just not realistic. There’s no way you can know what has happened in your home before you owned it. Have the previous homeowners kept up with their maintenance responsibilities? Did they make sure the work was done right, or did they wing it and cut corners to save a few bucks?

Additionally, you can’t always see the defects in your home’s systems and appliances by looking at them or even by testing them.

Repairing an appliance or home system that breaks down suddenly can wreck a carefully calculated budget. Even cheap home repairs can cost a few hundred dollars, and if you end up needing to replace an expensive home system or appliance, that could cost hundreds or even thousands.

If you get a home warranty after buying a house, you can rest assured that those covered breakdowns will be resolved.

Can you buy a home warranty after closing on your home? Of course! Your home can be covered by a warranty at any time, whether you’ve lived in it for a few months or several years. And your coverage options should remain the same, as well.

And if you want to add on pool and spa coverage, you can do that, too. American Home Shield offers several different plan add-ons designed to allow homeowners to customize their coverage. Guest units, septic systems, well pumps, and even electronics can be covered.

All you need to pay for most covered repairs or replacements is the Trade Service Call Fee, and we’ll cover the rest, subject to the limitations and exclusions of your plan. And there’s no limit on the number of claims you can file during your plan period.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A HOME WARRANTY Often, home service plans that are purchased before closing qualify for a lower rate. If you’re considering buying a home warranty after closing, that could mean that you may have to pay a slightly higher premium for the protection.

What’s more important, though: the peace of mind of having a plan in place and protecting your budget or being stuck with a hefty bill when a major appliance or system breaks down in your new home?

It’s important to consider the age of your home and what the inspection report pointed out. If you purchased a house with older appliances and systems, for example, buying a home warranty should be one of the first things to do after closing on a home.

WHAT NOT TO DO AFTER CLOSING ON A HOUSE If there’s one thing you shouldn’t do after closing on a house, it's to forego the home warranty. It’s right up there with not changing the locks. If the seller or your real estate agent didn’t purchase a home warranty plan for you during closing, you should plan to buy one immediately after you’ve purchased your home.

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

TODD MENARD'S MARKET STATS AUGUST 2024

MARKET STATISTICS

LIGHTS OF HOPE ACROSS AMERICA West USA Cares is sponsoring the Lights of Hope Across America event benefiting the American Cancer Society.

Sponsorship Opportunities

SEPTEMBER 2024

THE EVENT

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Each Light of Hope honors loved ones who have survived cancer and remembers those we’ve lost.

The displays in communities from coast to coast will send a clear and impactful message to lawmakers that fighting cancer must be a national priority – from increasing funding for lifesaving cancer research to ensuring that all Americans in all communities have access to quality, affordable cancer care.

State Premier Sponsor | $10,000

Up to 250 Lights of Hope bags to be personalized at the sponsors discretion Logo featured on four lawn signs to be displayed across your state Logo recognition as STATE section sponsor at the DC Hope Walk Recognition on ACS CAN STATE social media pages Opportunity for name recognition in local press release Recognition included in video compilation at DC hope walk and website Recognized as a Corporate Friend in ACS CAN’s Corporate Membership Program.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

Issue briefings with ACS CAN Senior Leadership Complimentary invitation to annual National Forum on the Future of Health Care in Washington, DC Receive ACS CAN’s monthly outreach e-newsletter Recognition in ACS CAN’s annual Advocacy Accomplishments report and on the ACS CAN website

5:45PM

Champion Sponsor | $5,000 Sponsorship Opportunities

DIGNITY HEALTH

Up to 200 Lights of Hope bags to be personalized at the sponsors

State discretionPremier Sponsor | $10,000

CANCER INSTITUTE

Up to 250 Lightson of Hope bagssigns to betopersonalized the sponsors Logo featured four lawn be displayedatacross your state discretion Logo Recognition on ACS CAN STATE social media pages Logo featured for on four signs to be displayed Opportunity namelawn recognition in local pressacross releaseyour state Logo recognition as STATE section sponsor the DC Hope Walk Opportunity to speak at local event, whereatapplicable Recognition CAN STATE socialin media pagesCorporate Recognizedon asACS a Corporate Sponsor ACS CAN’s Opportunity forProgram. name recognition in local press release Membership Recognition included video at DC hope walk and Issue briefings withinACS CANcompilation Senior Leadership website Receive ACS CAN’s monthly outreach e-newsletter Recognition in ACS CAN’sFriend annualinAdvocacy Accomplishments report Recognized as a Corporate ACS CAN’s Corporate and on the ACS CAN website.

Membership Program.

This event is very powerful and meaningful to all. Your support will help us light hope across America. We invite you to support the Lights of Hope event by donating or supporting in any way you can.

625 N 6TH ST PHOENIX, AZ 85004

WEAR A RED SHIRT TOSponsor SHOW Champion | $5,000 SUPPORT Issue briefings with ACS CAN Senior Leadership

Diamond Sponsor | $2,500 Complimentary invitation to annual National Forum on the Future of

Health Care in Washington, DC UpReceive to 150ACS Lights of Hope bags to be personalized CAN’s monthly outreach e-newsletter at the sponsors discretion Recognition in ACS CAN’s annual Advocacy Accomplishments report Logo onCAN twowebsite lawn signs to be displayed in your community and featured on the ACS

FOR MORE www.fightcancer.org/lights-hope-america INFO:

Logo Recognition on ACS CAN STATE social media pages Recognition in ACS CAN's annual Advocacy Accomplishments Report Up to 200 Lights Hoperecognition bags to be personalized the sponsors Opportunity forofname in local press at release discretion Logo featured on four lawn signs to be displayed across your state Logo Recognition on ACS CAN STATE social media pages Opportunity for name recognition in local press release Opportunity to speak at local event, where applicable

SEPTEMBER 2024

M O N DAY ALL OFFICES CLOSED Labor Day

T U E S DAY

02

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

W E D N E S DAY

03

10:00am - 11:30am @ Surprise Office Surprise Office Meeting 10:00am - 1:00pm @ Goodyear Office LIVE CE CLASS: Understaning New Construction (3Hrs Disclosure)

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

09

10 9:00am - 12:00pm @ Chandler Office FREE LIVE CE CLASS: Advanced Contract Writing (3Hrs Contract Law)

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

9:00am - 3:00pm / Zoom REACT 10:00am - 11:00am @ Goodyear Office Goodyear Office Meeting 1:00pm - 4:00pm @ Chandler Office LIVE CE CLASS: FHA & VA Loans: What Agents Need to Know (3Hrs Legal Issues)

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

16

23

T H U R S DAY

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

F R I DAY

05

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

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

11

9:00am - 12:00pm / Zoom FREE REMOTE CE CLASS: Duties to Clients and Customers (3Hrs Commissioner Standards) 10:00am - 11:30am @ Scottsdale Office Scottsdale Office Meeting

12

9:00am - 3:00pm / Zoom REACT 10:00am - 11:30am @ Ahwatukee Office Ahwatukee Office Meeting

06

2:00pm - 4:00pm @ North PHX Office Monthly Meet Up

10:00am - 11:00am / Zoom Coaching Essentials

13

10:00am - 12:00pm @ Arrowhead Office Leveraging ChatGPT for Real Estate: Super Prompts & Personas

4:30pm - 6:30pm @ BIG’s Arrowhead Happy Hour

18 9:00am - 12:00pm / Zoom FREE REMOTE CE CLASS: High Fiduciary Representation (3Hrs Fair Housing) 10:00am - 11:00am @ Goodyear Office Property Management Roundtable 10:00am - 11:00am @ Scottsdale Office The Net Sheet: The Vital Secret Weapon for Working with Sellers in the New World of Real Estate 10:00am - 11:00am @ Chandler Office Chandler Office Meeting 11:00am - 12:00pm @ Scottsdale Office Selling Based on Personality 4:30pm - 6:30pm @ State 48 Surprise Happy Hour

4:30pm - 6:30pm @ TBD Goodyear Happy Hour

19

24

25

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9:00am - 12:00pm / Zoom FREE REMOTE CE CLASS: Agency and Industry Related Issues (3Hrs Agency Law) 9:00am - 12:00pm @ Scottsdale Office LIVE CE CLASS: Buyer Representation: Building Trust (3Hrs Agency) 9:00am - 12:00pm @ Chandler Office LIVE CE CLASS: HOA Disclosure and SPDS (3Hrs Disclosure) 10:00am - 11:00am @ Goodyear Office Goodyear Monthly Coaches Meeting 10:30am - 11:30am @ Mesa Office Mesa Office Meeting 2:00pm - 3:00pm @ Goodyear Office Goodyear Monthly TC Huddle

9:00am - 10:30am @ Chandler Office Chandler Agent Panel 10:00am - 1:00pm @ Scottsdale Office FREE LIVE CE CLASS: Talk the Walk - How Communication Drives Execution (3Hrs General CE)

30 9:00am - 10:00am / Webinar West USA Weekly Podcast

SPONSORS

20

4:30pm - 6:30pm @ The Backyard Norsdale Happy Hour

10:00am - 1:00pm @ Surprise Office FREE LIVE CE CLASS: To Be Or Not To Be Paid, That is the Question (3Hrs Contract Law) 10:00am - 11:00am @ Chandler Office Agent Insights with Cynthia & Justin

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

10:00am - 11:30am @ Chandler Office ARMLS RapidStats Workshop 10:30am - 12:00pm @ Mesa Office Buyer Broker Agreement & ER Strategies

17

10:00am - 1:00pm @ Scottsdale Office FREE LIVE CE CLASS: Disclosure and the Law (3Hrs Disclosure Law) 12:00pm - 2:00pm @ Goodyear Office Goodyear Lunch & Learn

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

04

9:00am - 4:00pm / Zoom ProStart Session 2 (4 Days) 9:00am - 12:00pm / Zoom FREE REMOTE CE CLASS: To Be Or Not To Be Paid, That is the Question (3Hrs Contract Law)

SEPTEMBER 2024

10:30am - 11:30am @ North PHX Office North Phoenix Office Meeting 2:00pm - 3:30pm @Scottsdale Office Trusted Advisor University with the Cromford Report and Tina Tamboer

1:00pm - 2:00pm / Zoom Broker Round Table

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