Allen Batson

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Jean's October 2018 Newsletter

Posted On: October 5th, 2018 3:38PM

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 What's inside this edition:
  • Featured Home - Single-story home in Sun City Grand
  • What Will Happen to Your Home?
  • Along the Same Lines of Preparedness (is your paperwork in order?)
  • Our October recipe - of course Pumpkin is involved!
  • Al's tips

October 8/Monday - COLUMBUS DAY (banks and post offices are closed) to commemorate the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492.

October 8/Monday - Desert Ridge Ladies Night Out at the Modern Margarita on High Street

October 28/Sunday - first of the year - now weekly FARMER'S MARKET on High Street in Desert Ridge. 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

October 31/Wednesday - Happy Halloween - so get ready for those little goblins.  Be extra cautious when driving.

WARNING: New scam - do not respond to calls inviting you to see a new Customer Service Center in Chandler to get free Southwest Airline tickets.  HANG UP!  Do not engage.

Thank you so much for the referrals - they warm our heart.

Al and Jean
 
Featured Home: 18602 N. Salerno Court (Sun City Grand) in Surprise $230,000
 

Sun City Grand single-story, 2 bedrooms, 1.75 baths, 1184 square foot home by Del Webb:

Whether you’re seeking a new year-around or winter home, or an investment in an active-seniors community, this one is for you.  It’s located in Surprise, AZ (right here in Maricopa County) in a community called SUN CITY GRAND in the Patagonia community. This home is adjacent to a wonderful walking path on a quiet cul de sac. The exterior has just been painted and a new Air-Conditioner has recently been installed. Direct access from the 2-car garage into the laundry room (appliances included).  Great room concept! Good storage. The kitchen features oak cabinetry, a pantry and includes all of the appliances. The kitchen and dining areas overlook the back yard with block wall fencing for privacy – with a 20’ x 10’ covered patio for relaxing or dining out.  Easy maintenance desert landscaping front and back. Sun City Grand comes with spectacular amenities from golf to pools to clubs and every activity you can think of.

Check it yourself on this link:

https://tinyurl.com/y78qewzz

.

 
 
What Will Happen to Your Home?
 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL!

Most young people don’t think about legal documents – but no matter what your age, it is very important to have essential directives giving your loved ones your preferences in case something happens.  Everyone... of every AGE... who owns anything at all...needs to be prepared to help the person who will be handling your affairs.

We are by no means giving legal advice, merely giving some suggestions for your own research.  Go to an attorney who specializes in Wills & Trusts or check out Legal Zoom for an inexpensive solution if your life isn’t complicated (single, no children, minimal assets). Perhaps a hand-written Will is legal in your state - ask.

No matter your age, be certain you have:

  •  A Will or a Trust
  • Durable Power of Attorney (authorizing who can make financial and other decisions should you be unable to do so in your own behalf.
  • Living Will – your directive to a hospital/doctor should you be in an emergency situation.  Your choice may be DNR (do not resuscitate) if there is no hope for quality of life. Your family should know your preferences.
  • Health Care Power of Attorney: Who do you want to make medical decisions for you if you can’t speak for yourself? Spell it out.

There are alternatives for you to research if you own real estate. 

  • A Beneficiary Deed: Per USLEGAL.com, "A beneficiary deed is a type of real property deed used to transfer property. By signing and recording a beneficiary deed, an owner of an interest in real property may cause the owner's interest in the real property to be conveyed to people or entities on the owner's death. The interest in real property conveyed by a beneficiary deed does not take effect until the death of the owner, at which time that interest transfers automatically by law to the designated grantee(s) named in the beneficiary deed. A beneficiary deed takes the property out of the probate process as ownership is transferred upon death and no longer part of the decedent's estate that might go through probate or pass under a will."
  • Joint Tenancy With Right of Survivorship (JTWROS): "JTWROS is one version of co-tenancy that gives co-owners the right of survivorship. This means that if one owner of the property dies, his ownership stake will pass to the surviving owners. This avoids probate, which is the legal process where a person's Will is proven in court and accepted to be a valid legal document." Ask your Attorney for advice if more than one other person, other than a spouse, is involved.
  • Personally, we have our assets in a family Trust which avoids the Probate process. The surviving Trustee distributes assets according to the stated instructions in the Trust. By the way, our Financial Advisor pointed out that Rollover IRA’s cannot be put in a Trust so be sure you keep your beneficiary wishes current.

 
Along The Same Lines of Preparedness:

No matter what your assets or health or age – be sure a family member has a copy of the above referenced documents but there are many other pieces of information a trusted family member or friend needs to have. Don’t put it off – do it now.  It’s an act of kindness for whomever will one day be handling your affairs.

We are not trying to sound like the Grim Reaper but rather to remind our friends and family as to the importance of organizing your life so your chosen representative won't be blindsided if they need to take over.

Often older folks appear to be doing fine but are they paying their bills? Do they maintain their home?  Should they be driving?  Sometimes the child needs to become the parent.  We’ve told the kids to take our keys away or suggest moving into a retirement place if the time comes where we don’t understand the need.  That sort of decision could be difficult to assess for yourself. We both gently guided our mothers into the necessary next step and both loved independent living without having to cook or grocery shop.  They both made friends and participated in activities making their last few years enjoyable instead of lonely. By the time Assisted Living was the next step, they were already comfortable in their surroundings.

So in addition to the above....

If something happened to you, has this been done?

  1. Have you prepared a list of friends/family to be notified if you become ill or pass?
  2. Do you have a designated emergency contact - someone who has all of your information and knows your wishes?
  3. Does that person have a list of your doctors/medical records?
  4. Does someone have a key and/or alarm code to your home?  Note: we suggest you purchase a "contractor’s lock box" at your local hardware store holding a house key (on a fence or water pipe)– then let your chosen person know how to access your home. Not only handy if you accidentally are locked out but it provides emergency access if needed.
  5. If you’re a couple, are your vehicles in both names? We have both names and the word ‘OR’ so either one of us can sell them if necessary.  If not, it can make selling one much more difficult.
  6. SUPER IMPORTANT – our life history (from banking to investments to addresses and more) is on our computer.  Are your passwords in a safe place so your family can access your computer if you’re unable to do so?  We save ours in a commercial-grade CLOUD that our son (Trustee) can access if need be.Or keep it in a safe or safety deposit box but be sure you do this.
  7. Also, as we get older, ask if anyone wants any of your treasurers. If so, label and list them now to avoid conflict later. If not, write down any specific requests you have.  They can sell the rest.


We felt it important to share these thoughts because we've witnessed too many situations where no information was readily available to those needing it.  OK, we'll stop preaching now.


 
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?

Respond to this newsletter to ask about the area you're interested in - no cost or obligation.  We just like to help.

 
Moving? Make Yourself at Home Anywhere
 
Moving to a new home, a new city, or a new country can be exciting, but it can also be challenging. In the midst of unfamiliar surroundings, newcomers may find it difficult to get plugged in to the area. Fortunately, there are a few tried and true steps you can take to help yourself feel at home after a move. Try these tips.

Tap your hobbies. Look for local communities built around something you enjoy. Are you a runner? Seek out a running club. Do you love making crafts? There's probably a local crafting group. From stamp collecting to scuba diving, your favorite hobby can help you connect with like-minded individuals and form connections in your new locale.

Use an app. If you know about a move in advance, you can use social media and other apps to find out about the people and places near your new home. Look for restaurants you might want to try, parks you'd like to visit, and unique shops you might enjoy. Get recommendations from locals. Armed with online research, you may feel like you already know your new home far before moving day arrives. 

Find current connections. Are you a member of any organizations? Use alumni associations, professional affiliations, or service groups to help you connect. As with hobby groups, other members of these societies are potential sources of information, referrals, and friendship. 

Say yes. One of the fastest ways to get plugged in to your new neighborhood is to make a habit of saying yes. If you get invited to do something, don't turn down the invitation. If you've never tried salsa dancing before, don't say no because it's outside your comfort zone. Be willing to try new things. Look for unique opportunities and seize them. You might be surprised at how many new enjoyable activities, people, and places you discover!

Ask your agent. As experts in their local markets, real estate agents are another great source of information. For the inside scoop on transportation, events, and other helpful tips, make use of this valuable resource.
 
 
 
The Batson Team HomeSmart
Jean Batson
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home Smart
 
 
 
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Quick Quiz
 
Each month I'll give you a new question.

Just reply to this email for the answer.

What do sapphire, opal and topaz have in common?
 

Sandy's Pumpkin Pie Cake
 
Perfect for Fall.Serves 16
Again, a super easy recipe that is great at home or to take to an event.



  1 box Yellow Cake Mix (don't add in till later)
  1 Large can Pumpkin
  3 eggs
  1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. Salt
  1 can Evaporated Milk
  1 cup chopped nuts
1-1/2 sticks butter, melted
 
Directions
 
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Grease 9 x 13 pan
  3. Blend together Pumpkin, Evaporated Milk, eggs, sugar, spices.
  4. Spread into pan
  5. Sprinkle cake mix over top
  6. Sprinkle nuts on top
  7. Drizzle melted butter on top
  8. Bake for 50 minutes
  9. Cut into squares to serve
  10. Top with Whipped Cream
 

AL'S TIPS:

Never drive in the rain with cruise control.

While you may believe that driving at a consistent speed in the rain will increase your safety, driving with cruise control when the roads are wet is actually more dangerous. According to The National Safety Commission (TNSC), cruise control may cause your car’s tires to lose contact with the pavement and hydro-plane, even at speeds as low as 35 mph.

During heavy rain, TNSC recommends that you take your foot off the gas pedal to slow down your car. Unless you have anti-lock brakes, you should never apply the brakes until your car’s speed is reduced. Because cruise control can only be disabled when you apply your brakes, it is best to turn it off before the roads are wet to avoid a potentially dangerous situation.

 

Tire Pressure.

Be consistent in checking your tire pressure. As the temperature cools, your tire pressure may go down below optimal levels

 

Travel With Extra Power.

When traveling,  many hotels are sorely lacking in outlets so how can you charge your computer/tablet, iPad, IPods, cell phones.  Always bring a battery pack or multi-socket extension cord with you.
 
 
 
   
 
 
  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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