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Fall is here!
 
ACTUALLY, it began September 23rd but in Arizona, it's harder to wrap our heads around it. October is the month we find our season changing to the magnificent weather we love.  What happens in October:

October 6 – June 21 every Sunday 10:00-1:30 Farmer’s Market on High Street (56th/Deer Valley) in Desert Ridge.

October 8 Yom Kippur for our Jewish friends

October 14 – Columbus Day - fly your flag

October 31 - Happy Halloween - watch out for those goblins


 
Short term rentals - what's the Scoop?
 

You’ve probably heard about the controversy relating to short-term rentals such as VRBO, Airbnb and other similar companies. It’s been controversial because owners of condos or homes say they deserve the right to make an income on their properties but there have been situations in neighborhoods about noisy parties, trashed units or bad behavior which impacted the neighbors. Thus the controversy.

The Arizona State Legislature has spoken with the recent passage of HB2672

1)    Short-term rentals are lawful in Arizona – local municipalities do not have the authority to restrict them.

2)    All short-term rental owners must obtain a transaction privilege tax license and list that number on all advertising.  Failure to comply will result in civil penalties

3)    The owner must provide the local town/city government their contact information so they can be notified if the city gets complaints about the property/tenants.

4)    The new law provides that the town or city shall notify the owner and the Department of Revenue, within 30 days, if any complaints are received that result in verified violations and civil penalties.

5)    Short-term rentals are prohibited from having "special events" at the property that require any kind of permit.  The purpose of that is to avoid impacting the neighborhoods with noise, traffic or general disruption of their ability to live quietly in their own homes.

Specific rules for tenants are not spelled out in the House Bill, however owners should certainly post rules and "Quiet Times."  Potential tenants need to know ahead of time what the house-rules are.  Some people don't think about behaving respectfully so it is the owner's job to spell out the details (smoking, pets, hours of quiet time to respect the neighbors and so forth).

Travelers often prefer an apartment/condo/home to a hotel so they can have extra bedrooms, a kitchen and basic living like being at home - but in their vacation setting.  Many people are willing to pay a premium in order to unpack where everything they need is there for their visit.  In Arizona, we have a great need for such rentals – all "winter" long (October – May).  Arizona is a haven for "snowbirds" who come for a few weeks-to a few months every year. Our season is quite long compared to summer resorts, which offers great financial opportunities for those who own this type of property. Spring training and other major events here are high-demand times for seasonal rentals.

Another positive about owning a vacation property is that you can share it with your family for vacations.  Often clients buy them to eventually move here but establish the property originally as a vacation rental; then switch it to a primary residence when the time comes.

As they say - real estate is about LOCATION-LOCATION-LOCATION. That's an important ingredient in any purchase but critical for vacation ownership.

Vacation rentals take effort on the owner’s part to tastefully furnish the home complete with furniture, towels, bedding, hangers, tissue, soap, a complete kitchen right down to the measuring spoons…and of course, cable TV/Internet. Just think what you’d want if you were walking into a rental ready to start your vacation.  We’ve been to some that have books/DVD’s, outdoor patio furniture and grill.

Don't forget that you need someone to clean it thoroughly and check to be sure everything is complete (nothing missing or broken). You need a good communication network with the tenant (deposits/access/rules/departure). There is so much more to deal with than having an annual-lease property that is unfurnished. But, vacation property has the potential  to be very profitable if the location is right and the property is managed well. If this type of ownership is of interest, please call us at 602-680-2791 or email us at Al@AlandJeanBatson.com or Jean@AlandJeanBatson.com


 
Robo-Calls and Scams

ROBO-CALLS:

We all get them WAY TOO OFTEN  – they’re annoying and potentially dangerous.  These people will say anything to scare you – for example

  • "This is the IRS – you are delinquent in back taxes and have not responded to requests to pay" -SCAM!  The IRS is never, ever going to call you.
  • "This is Microsoft calling – your computer has been taken over by a virus" – SCAM!!  Microsoft is never going to call you – they have no idea if your computer has a virus. There are millions of computers in the USA; they aren’t checking on YOURS.  They want you to give them access to your computer "to repair" it.  What they’re really doing is accessing all your files and data.  If you fall for that, they can hold you "hostage" for payment to free up your computer – too late, they’ve got what they want.  The payment to "free up your computer" is their bonus for scamming you.
  • "You have won (fill in the blank), press ONE to talk to the operator" SCAM!  If you win something…you first must enter so a big clue is, you haven’t entered anything.  If you fall for it, they want you to send money to cover "administrative costs" before they will send your so-called prize.  That’s their prize!  You don’t really get one.This is often associated with either a "lottery" or a vacation. 

Here are a few tips to follow:

  1. Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers.  Legitimate callers will leave you a message.
  2. Let unknown calls go to voicemail. 
  3. NEVER press a button – example "Press 1 to be removed from these calls."  It doesn’t – it tells the caller you might engage.
  4. Don’t engage in any conversation or speak with a live operator
  5. If someone calls and you answer – they ask, "Is this Jane Doe?"  Never say "Yes" because that word in your voice can be edited into an acceptance of a program or invoice. If you think it’s a legitimate call, respond, "Who is asking and what can we do for you?"  Or, hang up.  In our household, if someone asks for "Allen," it’s a sales or scam call.  Al doesn’t use his full name.  Or "Is Mr. Beston there?"   Hmmmm…. not our name!  Hang up.
  6. Of course, never give any personal information to anyone over the phone – the person on the other end can be anyone from anywhere.  If a person says they’re from a charity, tell them to mail you the information because you never give personal information over the phone. And never give out your address. You’ll probably never get anything from them because…it’s a SCAM.  These callers will tug at your heart strings saying they represent the police or fire department, abused children, a disease.  You never ever know who is on the other end of a call. There are many legitimate charities - but they don't generally call on the phone.

Report these phone numbers (and block them) to: ftc.gov/complaint.com

To learn more on fraud and scams, go to:  https://videos.aarp.org/category/videos/scams-fraud


 
Millennial's - What's Their Home Style Trend?
 

Surveys say:  When Realtors gathered data on what the Millennials are looking for when they’re ready to buy a home, it is similar to Boomers but perhaps for different reasons.  Millennials prefer:

  • Easy-care landscaping
  • Up-to-date kitchens, baths and appliances
  • They want properties that are move-in ready for the most part (there are always DIY people, of course) but if they can afford it - they don't want to contemplate a long list of repairs/replacements.
  • A formal dining room is not important - they're more casual in general
  • They’re more about easy-flow, open space for flexibility as opposed to a designed floor plan (i.e. living room – could be a media room;  a dining room might be an exercise area or office)
  • Carpeting – many Millennials love pets so carpeting is not generally preferred. Tile or wood is easy to clean, looks fresh and open and doesn’t absorb odors
  • Memorabilia/game rooms.Millennials don't want Grandma's treasues like the Boomer sometimes do so memorabilia is out - they’re more inclined to have a "digital space" where they have their huge TV’s, surround sound, computers for gaming and casual entertaining.

It’s interesting to note that we’re seeing a trend in this direction on the other end of the age spectrum as people downsize from their big homes.  Easy care inside and out and flexibility of space usage is popular so Boomers and Millennials are not all that different in some ways. 

Millennials are more inclined to research a home purchase thoroughly - and don't necessarily look at a purchase long-term as Boomers often do.  ...


 
A Big Tip of Our Hat to Zack Gottsagen
 

Many of us have a personal connection with a disability or handicap.  In my case, I grew up with a Down Syndrome brother, David. He was three years older than I.I know this isn't real estate related but in my heart, I have to share this touching story.

I just read an article about a young man from Florida, Zack Gottsagen, who beat all odds and is starring in a new movie with Dakota Johnson and Shia LaBoeuf called "The Peanut Butter Falcon."  His work on 2014’s Becoming Bulletproof, about actors with disabilities, caught the eyes of writers Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz, who were so impressed that they wrote a role for him in Peanut Butter Falcon.

The movie is about a lively 22-year-old man with Down Syndrome named Zak.  Zak lives in a nursing home because he has nobody to care for him -- but it doesn't stop him from dreaming. Breaking out to pursue his goal of becoming a pro wrestler, he gets help from a fisherman on the lam thus an unusual bond of friendship is born. And it's rated PG so every can enjoy the story.  Several friends have seen it and highly recommend it. 

When your formative years centered around a family disability, your eye catches everything relating to it.  Zack's mother fought for his rights to get training as an actor against all odds. The school had refused admission to him due to his condition. The family persevered and won. There aren’t enough tissues in Arizona to get me though watching this movie but I must.  As you know, those with Down Syndrome have a distinct look which reminds me so much of David (who passed away in 1996).  He loved movies (in those days you could take him to most of them) so it would please him to see someone like him up on the big screen.

Years ago, such a diagnosis was not understood nor accepted – people of all ages laughed, stared and taunted but gratefully, today there is so much more acceptance and understanding.  If I see a Down Syndrome person bagging at a grocery store, I’ll go out of my way to be in that line to offer a smile and a thank you.  I saw too much cruelty towards my brother as a child.  Generally, Down Syndrome folks are very sweet and mild mannered.  Hats off to the people who gave Zack this opportunity and to his family for supporting and encouraging him. No matter what "handicap" a person has, they have feelings just like everyone else so kindness is a great way to make they’re day. Well, anyone's!

THE BATSON TEAM
AL AND JEAN

AL: 602-680-2791
JEAN: 602-228-0756
www.AlandJeanBatson.com
True or False:

1)    Apples, not caffeine, are more efficient at waking you up in the morning. 

2)    Alfred Hitchcock did not have a bellybutton. 

3)    A pack-a-day smoker will lose approximately 2 teeth every 10 yrs. 

4)    People do not get sick from cold weather; it's from being indoors a lot more.

5)    When you sneeze, all bodily functions stop, even your heart! 

6)    Only 7 per cent of the population are lefties

Answers are below the recipe.

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

Just reply to this email for the answer.

What is the best-selling candy worldwide?
 

Easy Chicken-Parmesan Chicken
I found this in a magazine - it's a favorite now...you can makes this recipe as "chicken fingers" for an appetizer or cut larger for a meal portion. It's very quick to combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan in one Ziplock bag and the remaining ingredients in a flat pan (like a 9" baking pan)...then coat and bake. EASY!
 
4 large chicken breasts(cut into strips)
or into wider pieces
Directions: Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Combine the following ingredients in a gallon-size Ziplock bag:

  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Then combine the ingredients below in a flat baking dish.

  • ½ cup Mayonnaise
  • 1 TBS. Dijon mustard (or similar)
  • 1-1/2 tsp. chopped parsley (I used the dry)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp. black pepper
  • ¼ cup paprika
  • ¼ tsp. garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp. onion powder (I used onion flakes)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 425.

  • When you're ready to bake, take each chicken strip and coat.
  • First, dredge the chicken pieces in the mayonnaise mixture; then drop into the Ziplock bag with the parmesan/Panko - shake to cover.
  • Use a cookie sheet covered with foil, put a rack (spray with Pam) on top.This will make clean-up a snap.
  • Place the coated chicken pieces on the rack.
  • Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray and bake.(Yes, I really said that)
  • For the narrow strips, bake about 15-18 minutes until golden.
  • Larger pieces should stay in about 25 minutes.
These are absolutely delicious. Serve as an appetizer or a dinner.  We've served if with roasted potatoes and a green vegetables.It comes together in a jiffy!
(This one is for you, Connie!)

(T/False Quiz (all True)
_________________
Ask Al & Jean: This Month's Question
How do I know if a property is a right for me?

Today many people search the dozens of websites to look at homes they think they'd like. And that's a good thing.
   As your Realtors, we'll research the market for you to determine a fair price for the property using current "comps" (comparable properties) from the multiple listing service to see the price should be comparing floor plan, size, condition, and how up-to-date it is.
   We'll work together to analyze the size, location, and other features of the home to determine not only the right price by comparing the current asking price to other similar homes we'll also use this information to help you negotiate the best price possible for the home.
   And if we don't think the community is right for your needs- we'll share that. We recently had a young lady whose heart was set on a particular condo complex. We advised against it since the HOA didn't cover the exterior or the roof which could have led to major cost issues down the road.  We found a better condo situation nearby with much improved HOA coverage;
____________________________


We just got home from visiting our hometowns - Al is from Straughn, Indiana and I'm from Elmhurst, Illinois where we went to high school reunions. It was wonderful all around and thanks to everyone for being so great.  There's nothing like going back to see those familiar faces from our youth. (GO YORK!!!)
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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