WestWords - September 2023

WESTWORDS

I AM WEST USA MARCY NUNES

TOP REASONS TO APPRECIATE YOUR HOME WARRANTY PLAN

AUGUST MARKET STATS RECOGNIZING POTENTIAL DEED FRAUD FROM DUANE FOUTS

5 TIPS TO PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY & SECURITY ON SOCIAL MEDIA

HOLIDAY PARTY TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

SEPTEMBER CALENDAR

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Marcy is one of the very best. She showed endless patience and energy as she met with us and showed us home after home. She was extremely knowledgeable about the area we were interested in, and as our ideas of what we wanted changed, she was always able to come up with a house that was spot on. She advised us wisely about swimming pools, leased solar, termites, gated or not gated. In the end, with Marcy’s fantastic help, we were able to find a house we truly love. Not only is Marcy a great house finder, she is also a skilled house closer. She worked tirelessly to negotiate the contract, referred us to a top-notch mortgage advisor, and arranged an appraisal and home inspection–all which were completed smoothly and on time. We highly recommend Marcy if you are buying or selling a home. I can’t imagine anyone doing a better job or being more professional.

Our experience with Marcy was exceptional. Marcy showed knowledge of local market conditions and made well-informed recommendations.

Once we found our home, Marcy guided us fluidly through the purchase process and was an advocate for us throughout. Even when a hiccup at title would have caused the house to close late, Marcy was able to rally each functional area and get our close on time. If you’re looking for a quality partner for your home buying experience, go with Marcy!

Marcy is amazing! Not only is she super knowledge and well educated on what she is doing, she is extremely detail oriented and thorough. I trusted Marcy with my first-time home buying experience and was not disappointed. She exceeded all expectations in the process. Marcy also works with an amazing lender and title company who are just as genuine and readily available to help throughout the process. Marcy assisted me in buying my home while I was living across the country and didn’t skip a beat on what I needed to do and how. She really made my experience effortless and painless and provided me with amazing guidance along the way. She’s the best of the best!

BROKER BLOG FROM DUANE FOUTS

RECOGNIZING POTENTIAL DEED FRAUD

It is essential for real estate agents to be vigilant against potential threat of deed fraud. Deed fraud poses a significant risk to property owners and the integrity of the industry. Being able to recognize the warning signs of this crime is crucial in protecting clients and maintaining the trust of the community. In this aricle, we will explore what Arizona real estate agents can do to identify potential deed fraud and take preventive measures.

EDUCATE THEMSELVES AND CLIENTS

The first step in recognizing potential deed fraud is to educate oneself and clients about the crime. Real estate agents should be aware of the common tactics used by fraudsters and the red flags that may indicate suspicious activity. By educating clients about the risks and preventive measures, agents can create a partnership with homeowners to protect their properties.

VERIFY SELLER IDENTITY AND OWNERSHIP

Before proceeding with any real estate transaction, real estate agents should diligently verify the identity and ownership status of the seller. Request official identification documents and cross-reference them with property records. Be cautious of sellers who are hesitant to meet in person or communicate solely through email or text, as this could be a potential indicator of fraudulent activity.

SCRUTINIZE PROPERTY DETAILS

Real estate agents should pay close attention to property details, such as occupancy status and ownership history. Properties that are non-owneroccupied, vacant, or have lien-free ownership should raise a red flag. Additionally, discrepancies between the seller's address and the property's address or tax mailing address warrant further investigation.

MONITOR FOR UNUSUAL SALES TRANSACTIONS

Agents should be alert to any sale transactions that seem suspicious or unconventional. If a seller insists on an immediate, below-market price cash sale, it could be a tactic to expedite the fraudulent transfer. Furthermore, agents should be cautious if the seller requests using their

own remote notary or demands the sale proceeds to be wired to an unfamiliar account.

STAY INFORMED ABOUT LOCAL TRENDS

Keeping up to date with local real estate trends and news is essential for real estate agents. Awareness of current fraud cases in the area can provide valuable insights into the methods employed by fraudsters. By staying informed, agents can be better prepared to recognize potential deed fraud and take appropriate precautions.

UTILIZE ALTA RESOURCES

The American Land Title Association (ALTA) offers valuable resources to combat deed fraud. Real estate agents can access their "Red Flags" and precautions information, which provides insights into common fraudulent activities and preventive measures. By leveraging these resources, agents can better protect themselves and their clients from falling victim to deed fraud.

REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY PROMPTLY

If real estate agents suspect any fraudulent activity, they must act promptly and report it to the appropriate authorities. This may include local law enforcement, the county recorder's office, or the Arizona Attorney General's office. Quick reporting can help prevent further harm and facilitate investigations to bring the criminals to justice.

As Arizona's real estate market continues to flourish, real estate agents must remain vigilant against potential deed fraud. Recognizing the red flags and implementing preventive measures is crucial in safeguarding clients and the industry's reputation. By educating themselves and clients about the risks, verifying seller identity and property details, and staying informed about local trends, real estate agents can play a vital role in combating deed fraud. Additionally, utilizing resources like those provided by ALTA and reporting suspicious activities promptly will contribute to creating a safer real estate environment for everyone involved.

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5 TIPS TO PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY & SECURITY ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Avoid Quizzes, Games, and Surveys on social media sites. These innocuous little posts urging people to reminisce about specific topics, such as “What was your first job?” or “What was your first car?” are designed for you to inadvertently give way the answer to “secret questions” that can be used to unlock access to a host of your online identities and accounts.

Don’t Enable Auto Login. If someone gets access to your phone or computer make sure they can’ automatically access your social sites. Make sure your computer’s browser “remember” your login and password aren’t set.

Use Password Management Software. There are a number of password manager software available that help you store and organize passwords. This enables you to log in with just one main password that then allows you to access all your accounts.

Beware of Clicking on Links. Even if sent from your friends, think twice. Hackers love social platforms because you are more likely to click on something from your friends. Use a website URL scanner like www.scanurl.net to make sure it’s a safe link.

Be Selective Accepting Friends. Are they really who they say they are? Do you really know their profile is real and not fake? The safest option is to only accept friend and client requests from people you know in the real world. Also, block accounts when you determine them to be fake.

TOP REASONS TO APPRECIATE YOUR HOME WARRANTY PLAN

Life gets busy and hectic. Here's a look at the major reasons to appreciate your home warranty plan coverage.

We lead busy and hectic lives, but an American Home Shield home warranty plan can make things easier by providing crucial budget protection. For American Home Shield members, a home warranty with us is better because it includes member-exclusive pricing on home maintenance services, as well as a variety of home services — from tech installation and setup to pre-season HVAC tune-ups, and more. Our plans work harder to give you peace of mind while protecting your budget.

If you need a home appliance or system repaired, finding someone to do the work is easy with American Home Shield. You can spend less time watching do-it-yourself videos on YouTube and making trips to the hardware store. And, you can save more of your hard-earned money for other things, like home improvements.

Here are just a few reasons to be thankful for the benefits of a home warranty plan.

BUDGET PROTECTION

In times like these, you need to do everything you can to protect your savings and finances.

So, if there’s only one reason to be thankful for your home warranty plan, it’s the budget protection it provides. Home repairs and appliance replacements tend to be expensive — even a cheap repair or replacement can cost a few hundred dollars — and you never know when you’re going to need one. Even in the best of economic times, it can be hard to budget for these unexpected expenses.

An American Home Shield home warranty plan helps you control the cost of home repairs and replacements and makes it easy to fit these costs into your budget. We’re also transparent with our coverage limitations and deductibles.

What does a home service plan cover? The answer is most of the costs of repairing and replacing covered home systems and appliances. Your American Home Shield home warranty plan can defray thousands and save you from spending your entire savings on a home repair at a time when you need to hang on to every dollar.

ACCESS TO RELIABLE SERVICE PROFESSIONALS

If you’ve ever tried to hire a service professional on your own, you know how difficult it can be. Just finding someone who has time to come out and give you a quote can be hard, not to mention getting quotes from multiple service professionals and then vetting them by checking licenses, references, reviews, and portfolios.

When you buy a home warranty plan from American Home Shield, we’ll take care of all that for you. With just one phone call or one visit to your online member portal, you can arrange for service from a trusted local professional. We work with local service professionals, so you can get the service you need and still support a local tradesperson.

MORE TIME FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY

At times like these, when you’re working from home, helping kids with school, and caring for relatives, a home service plan can provide peace of mind and protection. If something breaks down around the house, it causes worry about paying to fix it or you end up spending your precious free time figuring out how to fix it yourself. You can easily spend days or weeks looking for a service professional. Placing a service request with American Home Shield will give you more time to spend with those most important to you and protect your budget.

Your home is your sanctuary, where you relax and spend time with your loved ones. You deserve to keep your home just the way you like it, with everything in good working order. American Home Shield can help.

TODD MENARD'S REAL ESTATE MARKET STATS

AUGUST 2023

NEW HOME INVENTORY VS. ARMLS RESALE

3:00pm / Zoom

REACT - Day 1 10:00am - 11:30pm @ Surprise O ce Surprise O ce Meeting

10:30am - 21:00pm / Zoom

West USA Agent Orientation

3:30pm - 4:30pm @ Arrowhead O ce Arrowhead Accountability Group

3:30pm - 4:30pm @ Goodyear O ce Goodyear Accountability Group

SEPTEMBER 2023

10:00am - 11:00am

Google Business Profiles

3:30pm - 4:30pm @ Arrowhead O ce

Arrowhead Accountability Group

3:30pm - 4:30pm @ Goodyear O ce

Goodyear Accountability Group

9:00am - 12:00pm / Zoom

FREE REMOTE CE CLASSHigh Fiduciary Representation (3Hrs Fair Housing)

9:00am - 3:00pm / Zoom

REACT - Day 2

11:00am - 12:00pm @ Chandler O ce

Escrow Essentials: Wire Fraud Scenarios and Prevention

11:30am - 12:30pm @ Scottsdale O ce Lunch & Learn: Reno Loans

9:00am - 12:00pm @ Chandler O ce

LIVE CE CLASS: To Be or Not To Be Paid, That is the Question (3Hrs Contract Law)

9:00am - 12:00pm / Zoom

REACT - Day 3

10:00am - 11:00am / Zoom

iFound Agent - Ask the Pro Workshop

10:00am - 11:30am @ Arrowhead O ce

Arrowhead O ce Meeting

4:30pm - 6:30pm @ Loco Patron

Scottsdale Happy Hour

9:00am - 12:00pm @ Chandler O ce

LIVE CE CLASS: Understanding New Construction (3Hrs Disclosure)

9:00am - 4:00pm / Zoom

ProStart Session 1 - 3 Days

10:00am - 11:00am / Zoom

iFound Agent - Ask the Pro Workshop

10:30am - 11:30am @ Ahwatukee O ce Ahwatukee O ce Meeting

10:00am - 11:00am / Zoom

Coaching Essential Learning

9:00am - 11:00am @ All O ces

Company-Wide Open House

9:00am - 12:00pm / Zoom

FREE REMOTE CE CLASS - Secrets to Unprecedented Growth and Referrals (3Hrs RE Legal Issues)

9:00am - 12:00pm @ Chandler O ce

LIVE CE CLASS: 1031 Exchange (3Hrs Legal Issues)

10:00am - 11:00am @ Mesa O ce Mesa O ce Meeting

1:00pm - 2:30pm @ Scottsdale O ce 4 Weeks of Greatness: 7 Levels of

SPONSORS

10:00am - 11:00am / Zoom

iFound Agent - Ask the Pro Workshop

10:00am - 11:00am @ Scottsdale O ce

LIVE CE CLASS: Mortgage Finance Knowledge for Agents (3Hrs General)

10:30am - 11:30am @ North PHX O ce

North Phoenix O ce Meeting

9:00am - 4:00pm / Zoom

ProStart Session 2 - 4 Days