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The Batson Team
HomeSmart
http://www.alandjeanbatson.com
 
Jean Batson
602-228-0756
Jean@AlandJeanBatson.com

Al Batson
602-680-2791
Al@AlandJeanBatson.com
Quick quiz

Each month I'll give you a new question.

Just reply to this email for the answer.

Who really invented champagne? Hint: it's probably not who you think!

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Ask the Agent
What Is a Loss History Report?

When you prepare to buy a home, the seller is required to provide a five-year history, if any, of any insurance claims for losses have been filed against that home. Fortunately, the insurance industry has a system for documenting the history of losses associated with residential property. Claims become part of "loss history reports" that typically go to the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (C.L.U.E.), a national database that assists home insurers in underwriting insurance policies. If you're the seller, you will need to order that from your insurance agent; then provide it to your Realtor. Even if you've never had a claim, it has to be provided to the Buyer. We then, provide it to the Buyer. Of course, anything shown should also be documented on your property disclosures.

C.L.U.E. reports document the types and amounts of losses and the status of any claims covering the past five years.

We are here to cover every angle that will help ensure your home-buying success. The loss history report is one of the most important tools to make that happen.
Kitchen Tips
  • How to Clean Your Cookie Sheets:  Sprinkle baking soda all over the pan, then hydrogen peroxide, and then add more baking soda.  Leave it to do its magic for 2 hours.

            http://healthyworldlifesltyle.com/2020/05/27/how-to-clean-your-cookie-sheets/

  • If you’re making something that splatters, instead of using a large fry pan, why not use a deep full-sized pot - it catches the splatter. That avoids messy clean-ups.
  • Making meatloaf or meat balls?  If you don't have bread crumbs, try using crushed Ritz crackers, cornflakes or onion-flavored potato chips.  To crush, measure the amount you want, place in Ziplock bag and roll with a rolling pin or pound with a meat tenderizer.
  • Buying fresh corn-on-the-cob?  To tell if it is fresh, prick the top kernels with your fingernail.  If the juice looks milky, it will be sweet and fresh.
  • Buying an Avocado? If the avocado yields to firm gentle pressure you know it's ripe and ready-to-eat. Ripe, ready to eat avocados may have a darker color but color can vary so it is best to go by feel as well as color. It will feel lightly soft but it will not "mushy" to the touch. Ripe fruit is perfect for that day.
  • How to cut your avocado into chunks?  Cut in half, remove pit, slice and remove with a spoon. A picture is worth a thousand words.
Life's Purpose

I heard this on a radio show the other day when a person was saying she had no purpose in life. The moderator asked if she’d like to hear the definition; to which she replied, "yes."

           "The definition of having purpose in life

                 is to live your life to benefit others."
 

That is so nicely said.  Always, but especially now, give someone a smile - get in touch with a family member, friend or neighbor just to see how they're doing. Don't forget those living alone. And Seniors who might need a hand. 

(Irony: I just wrote the above about staying in touch when our phone rang. It was our 106 year old friend in Florida, Captain Robbie Roberts.  He was checking up on US...via FACETIME.  He always amazes us.  He said that due to COVID19, his 106th birthday party was cancelled - so he'll have to wait until next April when he turns 107 for a proper celebration!  That is the epitomy of positive thinking. 

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What's Different in Showing Property Today?

            During COVID19, all real estate related businesses are considered "essential".  People still need to move.  That includes Realtors, Escrow/Title companies, Home Inspections, Moving Companies etc. Right now, inventory is low as are interest rates (as low as under 3% for qualified buyers). We are regulated by the NAR (National Association of Realtors)as far as guidelines to adhere to. 

            Many processes remain the same, Buyers often look on social media websites when searching for a home.  Buyers do a lot of looking and eliminating properties online before they’re ready to narrow it down to a few to actually visit in person with their Realtor.

            When viewing a property with the Realtor, here are a few basics – nothing complicated, of course, and mandated in most states anyway when in the public.

  1. Nobody should enter a home or meet with anyone if they’re sick,have a temperature,  tested positive or have been exposed to COVID19.
  2. Everyone is required to wear a mask and gloves upon entering a property. No exceptions
  3. It is easier if children do not come along because it can be difficult to keep some of them from touching surfaces/items in the home.  If they do come, one parent at a time can view the home.
  4. The Realtor will drive separately, meeting the Buyers at the home. Once the home is accessed by the Realtor, they will have you come inside.
  5. The Realtor will open any closets or cabinets for you – then wipe them down with a sanitizer.

     These are very easy protocols to adhere to for everyone’s safety.  Most procedures remain the same as far as making offers and escrow procedures. 
     Sellers appreciate these precautions and thank you for your cooperation – for safety purposes.

                                    Together, we can do this and stay safe.  

And as a side note, we're often asked about the market . That is never just one right answer.- it depends on price, condition and location.  The market is quite brisk.  Homes under $400,000 sell in a day or two as a rule. Often with multiple offers. Inventory is low and demand is high at that price point.

As asking prices increase, the demographics of affordability decrease so sales generally will take longer. An extraordinary home, well-priced in the $400,000-$600,000 range will sell but will likely take longer than the lower priced areas.
  

Just one more thing about properties, especially older ones.  Other than being up-dated (flooring, kitchen and baths), a buyer's first questions will be about the age and condition of the roof and the HVAC system.  If either are at end-of-life, it could be an issue so - price accordingly (and say so!).

Aviano of Desert Ridge Single-Story

Desert Ridge Aviano – new listing.   MLS# 6105742

            If you or anyone you know is looking for a lovely home in the Desert Ridge area (Aviano of Desert Ridge), check out this link.  It is a one-story, two car garage, 3 bedroom, 2 full bath home with high-end finishes, a fabulous floor plan (2341 square feet) with a Great Room, open concept. This one is IT!!  Priced at $589,900.  If you’re not familiar with Aviano, for $183.00 month HOA FEE (plus $37.00/month Desert Ridge Community Association) you get everything you could dream of….Heated pool and spa, Tennis & Basketball courts, Playground, Parks, Bike & Walking Trails, BBQ’s, Fitness center AND activities and clubs for all ages. All within walking distance of this beautiful home.  Aviano is located close to Desert Ridge Marketplace, High Street, Mayo Clinic and an abundance of shops, restaurants and medical facilities.  Even COSTCO is within 10 minutes!  Just a few minutes to Hwy. 101 and 51 so easy access to almost anywhere. This home is perfect for a newborn to 100 years of age.Take a look at this link:  

                           

                                      https://bit.ly/3ffjJ9J

 



Call us for more information:  602-680-2791 or email us.

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DON'T BE SCAMMED

We got a call this morning; sounded like a very sophisticated man.  The recording said "Our records show you have purchased a service agreement on your computer.  We are going out of business so would like to send you a REFUND. We'll need some information to process it."  Then you’re instructed to provide them information to get YOUR REFUND. All of your personal information.
THERE IS NO REFUND!  IT SOUNDS SO REAL. If ever a refund was due you, it would never be handled by a phone call.  DON’T FALL FOR IT.

Thank you.
Ole Salad (sort of)
     We were looking for a salad to go with Ole Chicken recently - something different.  We found one online but of course, we tinkered with it.  It really turned out well - we used it as a side-salad but you could make it as an entree salad by just adding some grilled or roasted chicken....or Chorizo...or - whatever you like!

Dressing:  (make ahead so the flavors can blend)

 

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Juice from a couple of limes (1/3rd cup)

½ tsp Tabasco sauce

½ tsp. sea salt

1/8 tsp black pepper

 

Salad:

1 large head of Romaine Lettuce, rinsed, chopped and dried

1 cup Cherry tomatoes/halved

1 avocado, diced (see KITCHEN TIPS ABOVE)

½ small onion thinly sliced

½ cup canned corn

½ cup Feta Cheese

Cilantro to taste

Optional – diced Cucumber, Snap peas or anything you’d like to add

 

Assemble when you’re ready to serve.


Corn bread is a delicious addition to the meal.

A lovely thought
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Every Little Bit Helps: Stimulating the Economy
In times of great hardship, it's easy to forget that all the darkness in the world cannot put out the light of a single candle. There are still effective and everyday actions that you can take to support friends, family members, and local businesses as we collectively navigate the choppy waters of recession and recovery. Take note of these positive tips from financial experts and entrepreneurs to stimulate the economy; every little bit helps!

Buy small. According to the US Small Business Administration, there are 30.2 million small businesses in the US, making up a staggering 99.9% of all businesses in the country. Avoid big companies and take the extra time to check in with local vendors. They are very likely to have online or pickup options.

Order takeout. Don't feel guilty about enjoying your favorite weekly treat. Your patronage of local eateries helps keep the restaurant industry thriving!

Pay your taxes. While not the most pleasant of undertakings, here's a reminder that the simple act of paying your taxes is a significant part of a healthy economy.

Keep your rent or mortgage current.  Don't misunderstand that you can postpone paying as long as you can - some people think RENT is forgiven. It is not. You've heard that during shelter-in-place, landlords can't put you out on the street. If you've still got your job, its business as usual. Landlords have to keep current on their mortgage, taxes, insurance and utilities. If they don't get rent,  they may not be able to keep that roof over your head.

Foster education. If you are able to do so, donate to educational organizations and charities. Financial strategist Michelle Loretta believes one of the best ways you can help individuals increase their earning power and ability to spend is by investing in their education. You can directly contribute to educational scholarship funds and grants.
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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