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Holidays in May

  • May 6 – Nurse’s Day – thank a nurse (Thank you Jacqui Nau Lewis, our granddaughter who has been an RN for one year)
  • May 7 – Teacher’s Day – an opportunity to thank a teacher who has made a difference - we all have at least one!
  • May 12 – Mother’s Day – dear to our hearts
  • May 27 – Memorial Day – a day to fly our flags in memory of those who died serving the USA in the armed services.

May – Celiac Disease Month:

     We mention this because our daughter suffers from it (amongst several other ailments) so it is close to our hearts. And we have friends with Celiac and/or issues with gluten.
     Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder that can occur in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. It is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide. Two and one-half million Americans are undiagnosed and at risk for long-term health complications. There are various levels of severity with Celiac.
     In this current anti-gluten environment, many restaurants have jumped on the band wagon offering Gluten Free (GF) products.  To those who have Celiac Disease, even a bread crumb can make them sick.  Be aware that for foods to truly be GF, they must be prepared in a completely GF environment.  As an example, cutting up vegetables on a cutting board where bread has been sliced can cause serious side effects to a Celiac patient. Few restaurants really have a designated section of their kitchen to prepare gluten free meals, so be very careful.  Those with Celiac know how critical proper preparation in a safe environment is when a restaurant prepares meals advertised as GF.  To someone who chooses to eat GF, the ramifications may not be severe if a slice of GF bread is placed on a breadboard to prepare a sandwich, but to those with severe Celiac issues, it can trigger a very unpleasant situation. 

Gluten is primarily found in any wheat product but can also be found in processed meats, canned and refined foods, beer (barley), frozen foods and so much more....read every label before consuming anything that might contain a wheat product or gluten.

How to pick a good watermelon
 
This information came from one of my dear high school pals.  Al loves watermelon so now we really know what to look for. Not the look I was expecting!

 Using a handheld cellphone while driving is now illegal in Arizona


Finally – as of April 22, 2019 the State of Arizona has passed a new law that prohibits operating a motor vehicle while holding or supporting (with any part of the person’s body) a smartphone or other portable wireless device, or writing, sending or reading any text-based communication on a wireless device unless it is voice-based and/or hands-free.

Governor Doug Ducey signed a bill making it illegal to talk or text on a handheld cellphone while driving in the state. As he signed the new law, behind Ducey stood the families of victims killed by distracted drivers, including the family of Salt River tribal police Officer Clayton Townsend, who was struck and killed by a distracted driver in January. Ducey credited the families' advocacy as the reason why the bill made it through the state Legislature this year.

The law, which took effect immediately, prohibits drivers from talking, texting, typing or browsing social-media sites on their phone, unless they are using the device in a hands-free mode.  There is a warning period until Jan. 1, 2021. After that, drivers will be ticketed and fined.

PUT THE PHONE DOWN – DON’T TAKE A CHANCE – NO MESSAGE IS WORTH RISKING A LIFE!


 
Is there a shortage of homes available to Buyers?

While it is true that millennials have achieved milestones like getting married, having kids, and buying homes later in life than their parents and grandparents did, they are not solely to blame for today’s housing market trends. Freddie Mac’s Insight Report explored the impact of the Silent and Baby Boomer Generations on the housing market.

Question: If millennials are unable to find a home to buy at a young age like their predecessors, then who is living in those homes?

The answer: In some cases, Seniors born after 1931 are staying in their homes longer than previous generations, instead choosing to "age in place."

Freddie Mac discovered "this trend accounts for about 1.6 million houses held back from the market through 2018, representing about one year’s typical supply of new construction, or more than half of the current shortfall of 2.5 million housing units estimated in December’s Insight. Older Americans sometimes prefer to age in place because they are satisfied with their communities, their homes, and their quality of life."

According to the National Association of Realtors, inventory of homes for sale is currently at a 3.5-month supply, which means that nationally we are in a seller’s market. A ‘normal’ housing market requires 6-7 months inventory, a level we have not achieved since August 2012.

"The most important fundamental in today’s housing market is the lack of houses for sale. This shortage has been identified as an important barrier to young adults buying their first homes."

If you are one of the Seniors who desires to retire in the same area you’ve always lived, you’re not alone; but ask yourself the important questions. Will your current house fit your needs throughout retirement?  Is the climate conducive to enjoy your retirement? Are you living where you want to live (i.e. close to family or a community you prefer?)

After the kids have left the nest, many Seniors rethink where they want to live. Two-story homes that served well over the years may now be more difficult to navigate.  We moved into a single story in 2004 because it was too difficult for Al’s mother (our only surviving parent) to climb the stairs when she came for part of the winter.  A single-story is easy on us but also people visiting. Another huge factor in downsizing is that bigger homes are more costly to maintain, heat and cool.  For those who choose a condominium, they’re also free from caring for pools, yards and all exterior maintenance. 

We can attest to the fact that single story homes are in short demand; especially if the buyer does not want a pool. Here in Arizona, probably more homes have a pool than not. To narrow that availability even more, if they want something specific like a golf course view or 3-car garage, the challenge becomes even greater. The demand is higher and the availability lower for single-story homes.

Al and I moved to a condo (almost 1900 sq. ft) almost four years ago and love the lock & leave aspect of it.  We don’t have to worry about a breeze dropping flowers into our pool, clogging up the filter…weeds in our yard or a branch down if we have a (rare) wind or rain storm dropping branches in the driveway. It’s all taken care of by our HOA – for the same amount we used to spend for a pool service, landscaping, pest control and so forth. It's a personal choice.


 
Wondering How Much Your Home Is Worth?
 
How has the price of your home changed in today's market? How much are other homes in your neighborhood selling for?

If you're wondering what's happening to prices in your area, or you're thinking about selling your house, we'll be able to help. Just let us know what you need.

 
6 Must-Haves to Set the Stage for a Quick Sale
 
Is your home ready to welcome potential buyers? To create the best appeal (and fetch the best price), it is helpful to stage your home. Home staging refers to preparing your space to make it appealing to the highest number of buyers, with the goal of selling the home quickly and profitably.

While each house offers unique appeal, a few staging tips are helpful for nearly any home. To roll out the red carpet for your potential buyers, include the following must-have items.

Plants: Greenery makes a room feel warm and inviting. Use floor plants, tabletop plants or shelf plants to bring life to the corners of the room.

Candles: These provide a nice touch, but be sure to choose unscented or lightly scented. You don't want to overwhelm visitors - some people are allergic to strong scents.  There are lovely battery-operated candles. Use candles sparingly.

Flowers: Add color and cheer to your yard and your interior with in-season blooms.

Throw pillows: Adding these to your beds, chairs and/or couches can provide a nice finishing touch to your décor that makes the space more appealing.

Towels: Coordinated linens in the bathroom create a clean, crisp, and luxurious atmosphere. Make sure towels are hung neatly and are in good condition. A brand-new hand towel can provide a nice touch.

Artwork: Neutral artwork on the walls is preferable to family portraits. Remember, the goal is to make your space appealing to as many buyers as possible. This means depersonalizing so they can envision themselves in your space instead of you.
Thank you to Ruth Batson and Ruth MacLeod - for giving us life, love and support. 
Ruth Batson - loving mother to Al and Cliff Batson - a teacher who changed the lives of so many with her love and encouragement.  Joined the Angels 4/26/2011
Ruth MacLeod - loving mother to Dave & Jean (MacLeod) Batson -  she faced the challenge of a Down Syndrome child in an era where it was so misunderstood. She faced every challenge in life with love and compassion. Joined the Angels 7/19/1992
Both were wonderful mothers, wives, grandmothers...and both were terrific mothers-in-law. We miss you and will always treasure the memories we have of you and the examples you set for us.
The Batson Team HomeSmart
Jean Batson
Home Smart
Beware of New Scam

The latest scam (on top of all the scams saying they’re from Microsoft, or the IRS threatening you to pay due to back taxes) is one from a person claiming to be an officer of the Court saying you missed your Jury Duty and thus must pay a penalty fine or you will be arrested.  Don’t fall for it.  If you’re needed for Jury Duty, you’ll only receive communication by mail. 


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Quick Quiz
 
Each month I'll give you a new question.

Just reply to this email for the answer.

Who is considered to be the "Father of Computers" for his creation of the first mechanical computer?
 

Almond Rice Pilaf
Al is a "rice guy" - ok and a nice guy.  He'll usually choose rice over potatoes in a restaurant.
Serves 6 as a side dish
1 stick butter
2 cups long grain rice
1 cup sliced, fresh mushrooms
1 tsp.Italian seasoning*
*(or your choice using basil, thyme, oregano and whatever you like)
3/4 cup chopped green onions
2-2/3 cups chicken broth or stock
3/4 cup sliced almonds
PRE-HEAT OVEN TO 325 DEGREES
Directions

Lightly grease a shallow 2-quart baking dish.

Melt butter in medium skillet over medium heat.

Stir in everything EXCEPT BROTH AND ALMONDS

Cook, stirring until onions/mushrooms are tender (about 5 minutes)

Spoon mixture into your baking dish; add broth and almonds (stir in)

Bake covered for an hour a 325 degrees.  Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.


Ask Al & Jean: This Month's Question
What if the seller doesn't accept my offer?

First, it's important to realize that this is common. In many cases, sellers don't accept the offer given to them by the potential buyer. Instead, they make a counter offer.

This is likely what will happen when you make an offer on a home. If this occurs, your offer has not been rejected. It has simply been countered. The seller will typically ask for a higher price than you originally offered and may request an alteration of other terms on the contract as well.

When a counter-offer is made, you will work with your real estate agent to review the offer and decide if you want to accept it or make another counter-offer.

It is normal for negotiations to go back and forth several times before all parties come to a final agreement on terms. This could happen in a matter of minutes, but it often takes up to several hours or days.
This newsletter and any information contained herein are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial or medical advice. The publisher takes great efforts to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this newsletter. However, we will not be responsible at any time for any errors or omissions or any damages, howsoever caused, that result from its use. Seek competent professional advice and/or legal counsel with respect to any matter discussed or published in this newsletter. This newsletter is not intended to solicit properties currently for sale.
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