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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
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October 2020

October 12:  To our Canadian friends – Happy Canadian Thanksgiving

October 12:  Columbus Day - a U.S. holiday that commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492. For many, the holiday is a way of both honoring Columbus' achievements and celebrating Italian American heritage.  It's part of our history.

October 31: Happy Halloween – trick or treating might have a different look this year so check your local area for more information on Trick or Treating and other celebrations
.

Don’t forget – (not in Arizona or Hawaii) – November 1 at 2:00 a.m. - clocks are turned back one hour. We'll remind you in November!

                        What's Happening?  Helpful Tips

The first two items came from Farm Bureau Insurance - click and learn!

1)  DISPOSING OF YOUR ELECTRONICS

https://www.fbfs.com/learning-center/how-to-dispose-of-electronics-to-protect-your-information

2)  TAKING A HOME INVENTORY FOR INSURANCE PURPOSES:

https://www.fbfs.com/learning-center/tips-to-inventory-your-home

3)     SEWER LINE INSURANCE? – we’ve run across a few situations you might find interesting. The practice of "scoping" the sewer drains leading from the house has become an interesting addition to the process of home inspections. The photo came from a beautifully maintained older home where the scope revealed a serious issue with roots overtaking the pipes. It was a shock!  A friend of ours had a similar situation in her home - it was built in 1997.
     In another situation, the Buyer’s home inspector hired Camera Inspection Pros to do a scope on an older home. What the camera revealed saved the buyer from making a very costly mistake because the scope showed enormous potential issues which would have caused severe back-ups of sewage into the property at some point.  Needless to say, the Buyer decided not to purchase that property. The Seller was provided all of the inspection information.
     That means the Seller was notified thus that knowledge requires the owner to disclose that information to any future potential buyer.  So sewer pipes can be a major issue. Likely as not, the Seller had no idea what was lurking under the house...but once you know, you must disclose. If you're interested, click on the link below to read more about who needs a scope. It's not just for homes "of a certain age."

Bob Nau of Nau Inspections www.nauinspections.com, is a very thorough home inspector. For scoping he recommends:  Jason Tasch of Camera Inspection Pro https://camerainspectionpros.com


That being said – check with your City Water Department. Many of them offer a sewer line insurance program which could save the homeowner thousands of dollars down the road.

Want to Sell Your Home Fast? Get My Free Guide

Preparing your home for sale can make the difference between getting the price you want - or ending up disappointed.

Discover some easy things you can do by requesting my free guide, "50 Tips to Prepare Your Home for a Speedy, Top-Price Sale."

Just call me and I'll send it right out to you.

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Part II/What information Your Executor Should Have

Last month we brought up the importance of making sure at least one person knows your wishes and information. Our friend lost her young son and had a challenging time trying to find his assets and information in order to handle the many issues of death. A dozen items everyone needs to  have on hand for the next of kin – a gift from you to them.
     Case in point that worked for my family - every so often in my adult years, my Dad would give me a sealed envelope to keep in a safe place...just in case. He warned me NOT TO OPEN IT.  Good thing I didn't because he'd replace it with updated information every few years and would know if I'd betrayed that trust. He felt safe knowing that if something happened to him/them, I'd have the information needed.   We've done the same thing except it's in the "Cloud" so we can allow access to certain documents and replace as needed.

 

1.  Bank accounts (where/# of accounts), including checking and savings or CDs.

 

2.  A spreadsheet or list of passwords because most of us keep our "life" online. VERY IMPORTANT!

 

3.  Investment accounts including contact information for manager of accounts. Remember, you'll need a Death Certificate for most institutions.

 

4.  Information on your real estate.. If you have a mortgage, your survivors would need information on who the lender is when the payments are due, how/when to pay property taxes and your Deed.  And, of course, keys. (alarm code if needed)

 

5.  Naturally, your wishes should be in writing (Will/Trust/Living Will, Power of Attorney) and cremation/burial information. 

 

6.  A list of people who should be contacted; their email or phone if something happens to you.

 

7.   Insurance. A list of the agent and company of any life, vehicle, property insurance as well as Health, Medicare and Supplemental insurance.

 

8.  Retirement accounts,  pensions, 

 

9.  Social Security number, what account it is deposited into, etc.

 

10. Information on any vehicles or toys that have value and or licensing involved. Note: if you're a married couple, it is easier to sell if the title is "John Doe OR Jane Doe."

 

11.  Distribution of personal items.   Indicate disposition of furnishings, that hasn’t been predetermined.  And jewelry is specified as to who gets it and what gets sold. What happens to vehicles? Real estate?  Specify who should sell your home.

12.  Make sure your Executor has keys (or knows where they are) for your home, vehicles, safety deposit boxes etc.  

 

 

Wondering What’s Happening in Your Neighborhood?
How has the price of your home changed in today's market? How much are other homes in your neighborhood selling for? Do I need a house inspection? These are all critical questions that shouldn't be overlooked when thinking about buying or selling your home.

Whether you're curious about prices in your area, whether it's an excellent time to sell, or just need an expert to answer your questions, Al and Jean can give you the tools and offer guidance through the entire buying or selling process.

Let Al and Jean know how they can help by simply calling or emailing to set up a time to connect. They won't waste your time -  just give you the honest facts about your home, its value and what's happening in your neighborhood.  REPLY HERE!
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Spooky Deviled Eggs
Who doesn't love deviled eggs?  I make them but couldn't tell you the recipe because it's just the way I've always done it...but here's a fun version 

SPOOKY DEVILED EGGS:

  • To cook the hard-boiled eggs, add them to a pot and cover with cold water by at least two inches.
  • Bring to a full rolling boil for one minute, turn the heat down to low, cover and let sit for 15 minutes.

6 hard-boiled eggs (cooled and halved; scoop yolks into a bowl and add remaining ingredients.)
3-4 tablespoons of mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
12 large pitted black olives 

  • Depending on how smooth you like your filling, you can use a fork, small masher or hand blender. (I always add a light touch of sweet relish - and extra mayo - then use a hand mixer to make them smooth and easy to put into the eggs)
  • Taste and add salt and pepper to your liking. You can also add the remaining tablespoon of mayonnaise, if desired.
  • Fill the egg whites with the deviled egg filling. You want a small mound on top of the egg to mimic the "body" of the spider, but not too much. About a Tablespoon per each egg-half.

How to make Deviled Egg Spiders

  • To prep the olives, cut six in half and set aside. Cut the other six in half, trim both ends off (just the very end) and cut into four slices or half-moon shapes.
  • When all of the eggs are filled, place an olive half right in the center and four olive slices around each edge.
  • You can "hook" the olive slices on the edge by pressing one end down into the filling and cupping it around the edge of the egg to give that spider-leg look.

You’ll want to assemble and serve these on something that holds the eggs in place, or make sure the bottom of the egg is very dry. Otherwise, they will slip and slide all around  - you want them to stay put!

I always use a deviled egg dish; if you don't have one,, the Dollar store sells them.
Getting Away During Covid

A SLICE OF AMERICANA:

            Recently we found a great Airbnb, The Coronado House in Prescott.  It was time for a little change of scenery and heat index.   Its an easy drive; 2 hours or less, with lots of open space between Phoenix and Prescott. [By the way, don't pronounce the town as 'PRESS-COT': the locals will jump all over you - the correct pronunciation is "PRESS-KIT."]

           It was wonderful getting away for a few days – we never turned the TV on once. Not one annoying commercial to endure...only a few more weeks of that!  The quiet was heavenly. As we sat on the porch one evening – a deer strolled right in front of us without a glance in our direction.  This house was only a mile or so from Courthouse Square so we didn't expect wild life.  Prescott is such a great respite from life.

          The Courthouse Square in the middle of town reminds you of the square in the old movie "Back to the Future."  The courthouse, built in 1916, is surrounded on all four sides by lawns where you see locals and tourists having a picnic, chatting with friends or reading a book.  On our last night in town (a Thursday), our Indiana pals (Susie & Gerry), who summer in Prescott, suggested we get a "Kevin Bacon pizza" [incredible I might add] at Bill’s Pizza, then take our canvas chairs to picnic on the courthouse lawn so we could properly "social distance."  It turns out that the originally scheduled 4th of July patriotic performance had been postponed so the Central Arizona Concert Band performed that evening unexpectedly.  The crowds gathered as the music started…. Marches, Armed Forces salutes and other patriotic music filled the night air.  And when John Phillip Sousa’s Stars and Stripes and the Star-Spangled Banner were played, there was a wonderful display of patriotism.  People were standing, hand-over-heart respecting our flag and country.  It was like the old America we grew up with.  It was refreshing.

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     It's soon going to be time to check your tire pressure
         

        Our Ace Mechanic reminds us all to get the pressure checked in our tires.  As the temperatures begin to cool, the air pressure in your tires may fall below the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.  Most tire stores will check your tire pressure if you ask them.

        You couldn’t plan this photo if you paid Hollywood to do it – this little guy was actually checking out Al’s tires one morning when we went out to the car – which reminded him to tell you that it’s the time of year to check your tire pressure..  We can’t make this stuff up! You can imagine our surprise - we had to get a shot of Al's pal.  Maybe Geico sent him!

                                                                                     
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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