| |
| |
|
| |
Welcome to November:
|
November 3rd (Sunday) – remember when you wake up that  day, everyone (except Arizona and Hawaii) will have set their clocks back an hour.
November 11th (Monday) – we honor our military who have given up so much to make sure we live in the land of the free…and the home of the brave.
November 28th (Thursday)– our favorite holiday of the year – THANKSGIVING. A day to share our traditional turkey dinner  including dressing/stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie and all of the trimmings with family and friends. At our table, we all share something we’re grateful for.
|
|
| |
| What are we grateful for - the people in our lives, and each other; that we get to live in this beautiful state and have our health so we can continue doing all of the things we love to do. We wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving. Be kind to each other. |
| Al and Jean |
| |
| Financial Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Home |
| |
A home purchase is likely one of the largest financial investments you'll make in your lifetime. It's important to get this one right. For the best financial outcomes, avoid the following mistakes.
Taking on too much: A good rule of thumb is to limit the cost of your house  payment (including taxes, insurance and any HOA fees) to 25 percent of your take-home pay.
The preapproval: Before you can make an offer in Arizona, - you must meet with a Lender who will provide guidelines for what you can realistically afford. He/She will provide a Prequalification Letter to attach with your Purchase Contract. This will assure the Seller that the Buyer is able to obtain financing. You will need to confidentially provide your information to the lender (income, debt, etc) so he/she can advise you as to what price range you should stay within. You don't want to be house poor but rather purchase at a price you can handle comfortably. [Note: your information is confidential - not shared with your Realtor or Escrow]
The down payment: The larger the down payment , the less interest you'll pay over time. If you have 20 % or more down payment, you can also avoid PMI payments which is a fee to cover insurance that protects lenders when a buyer has little equity in the home. And don't forget to include closing costs and moving expenses as you save up for your purchase. Closing costs average 1% (excluding lender fees).
Going it alone: An experienced agent helps you determine and negotiate the purchase price. Plus, the seller pays the agent's commission, so you get all the expertise at no cost to you. When you're ready to start your home search, just give us a call at 602-680-2791. |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| Looking for a One-story Home Near Paradise Valley Mall? |
| |
|
Look no further – 5001 E. Wethersfield Road, Scottsdale,AZ 85254 is one block north of Cactus. It’s 1823 square feet with 3-bedrooms and 1.75 baths No HOA fee! The owner is a caterer so the kitchen is well conceived with loads of storage, two wall ovens (electric/ convection), built-in microwave and lots of storage; plus an enormous walk-in pantry. As you enter, there is a spacious living/dining area. The owner uses the living area as her dining room because, as you can image, she cooks a lot. The roof was replaced in 2006; the Air-Conditioner in 2011. Priced at $420,000 Located within 10-15 minutes of MAYO…American Express…Desert Ridge Market Place – High Street…and only minutes from the Paradise Valley Mall with COSTCO, Dillards, May Co., See's, Oregano’s Restaurant (our favorite), Chompies and many others shops/restaurants in the area. Check this link: https://homesmart.com/real-estate-for-sale/hsaz001/homes/az/scottsdale/85254/azrmls-h/5991122/5001-e-wethersfield-rd,scottsdale,az-85254/index.html?referrer_aid=16692 |
|
| |
| Remodeling Kudos - from a Personal Viewpoint |
 |
|
As Realtors, we often are asked for referrals to qualified vendors. We love to hear from you if you’ve used a service that you’ve been happy with and have no qualms about recommending so we can pass that information on to others. Here are some we can highly recommend from personal experience. "BEFORE" TO THE RIGHT.
"AFTER" ON THE LEFT BELOW
Recently we decided to redo our Master Bath. We never use the tub (could we even get out if we did?)…so we decided to have it taken out; replacing it with one  big shower. We turned to Bob Nau [www.nauinspections.com] who, as a General Contractor is the person who completely remodeled our last home in 2012. Bob no longer does remodeling because he is now 100% a home inspector – an outstanding one, by the way.. Bob recommended LEADER BY DESIGN, a company owned by David and Michelle Prechtel. We had our project planned in our minds before calling them but they made suggestions that made it even better. They’re great to work with. You can reach them at 480-297-4050; or email Michelle to set up an appointment at [email protected] Their website is: https://www.leaderbydesign.com/
We had a wonderful experience with them; their pricing was fair; they were timely in performance and did magnificent work. The entire job took only 3 weeks from demolition to completion. A special kudo to the Plumber they sent: Jim Ryan of ADVANTAGE PLUMBING SERVICES was outstanding – and personable. Jim can handle every plumbing problem you can come with [Jim Ryan: 480-277-5291 or [email protected]
Before and after the project, Scott Johns and his son, Dillon Johns of ARROW REMODELING came to remove wallpaper that was here when we moved in 4 years ago…and at the end of construction, they came back to repair walls, repaint and replace wallpaper with a very subtle look in both the guest and master baths. They were recommended to us by a friend who was a Designer for Ethan Allen. [Thanks Sue!] Great recommendation. There aren’t too many people out there that just do walls. 602-390-0404 [email protected] They do both residential and commercial projects. They’re fun to have around, timely and experts in their field. https://arrowremodelingllc.com/
So, that's a wrap – thanks to these great people who made this big project a breeze |
|
| |
| What's the Plan for the Hayden/Loop 101/Scottsdale? |
| |
|
What’s the plan for Hayden/Loop 101/Scottsdale?
Located at the northwest corner of Loop 101 and Hayden Road in Scottsdale, Arizona, Cavasson is being meticulously designed to welcome the world’s finest organizations – elevating businesses and lifestyles – in what will become one of the region’s premiere business districts.
The project’s mix of uses will include approximately 1.8 million square feet of market leading commercial office space, 1,600 multifamily residences, hotels, retail, restaurants, services and amenities. The initial phase of the project will include several commercial office buildings, including a multi-story office building for Nationwide Insurance, multifamily apartments, a six-story parking structure, retail and restaurants, hotels, and significant infrastructure improvements. To read more about it, click here: https://www.cavasson.com/
|
|
| |
| Should It Stay or Should It Go with You? |
| |
Moving is an immense undertaking. Among the myriad tasks on your plate are decisions about what to take with you when you move. Remember, if it is "attached," it stays but what about all of those personal items.
These can be tough calls. Following are a few things that most homeowners are better off leaving behind when they move.
Household documents: Do you still have the manual for your refrigerator? Did the furnace you installed last year come with a ten-year warranty? If you have any documents that relate to structural components, utilities, or appliances that are staying with the home, leave these for the new owner. You won't need them anymore, but the new owners will find them very handy. We ask our clients to put all of those items in one place for the new buyer.
Heirlooms: If you have Grandma's Tiffany chandelier that must go with you; remove it before listing your home; replacing it with an appropriate fixture. Not only will it already be packed up to go; it will avoid any negotiations by a Buyer who falls in love with it. If it is never seen; problem solved.
Paint: Do you have a stash of old paint cans from previous renovations? Place the cans in a location where the new owners can easily access them and label them as to color and location.
Houseplants: If you're moving a long distance, try to find new homes for your houseplants rather than transport them to your new location. The conditions in a moving truck aren't conducive to plant life, and the plants are likely to get damaged or die during the move. Consider gifting your plants to your green-thumbed friends and neighbors or ask the Buyer if they're interested. |
| |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| The Batson Team HomeSmart |
 |
| |
Jean Batson
602-228-0756 |
| |
Al Batson
602-680-2791 |
| |
Home Smart
8388 E. Hartford
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
|
| |
| www.alandjeanbatson.com |
| |
| [email protected] |
| |
| [email protected] |
| |
 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| Thinking of Buying a Home? Get My Free Guide |
| |
| Buying or selling a home is a complex process. If you'd like our Tips for Buyers or Tips for Sellers, just let us know. |
| |
| Just email us and I'll send it right out to you. |
|
| Share This Newsletter |
| |
  |
| |
| Click here to forward this email to a friend |
| |
| Click here to see a web copy of this newsletter |
| |
|
| Quick Quiz |
| |
Each month I'll give you a new question.
Just reply to this email for the answer.
What game originated in India with pieces called infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariotry? |
| |
|
| Swedish Pancakes |
| |
|
As a little girl, I spent many overnights at my good friend’s house. Karen’s grandmother often made "Swedish Pancakes." Of course, she tossed in a handful of this and that so that recipe is tough to replicate [although her sister did give us a close recipe years later]. When the kids were little, Bisquick came out with their version, which is very close – and so easy to make. My family loves this for breakfast – or any time.
- 1-3/4 cups Bisquick
- 1-3/4 cups milk
- 3 eggs
- ½ stick butter (melted)
Directions: Beat together – the batter will be very thin. You can make them any size you want – one at a time. We usually make large ones. [Note: we prepare all the batter and freeze or refrigerate the leftover pancakes for later use- [wax paper in between each layer.]
Just warm briefly in the microwave,add butter and powdered sugar...you're ready for another great day!
- Heat your fry pan, add a little butter. You want your pan to be hot for a quick browning.
- When it bubbles, turn it over to a light golden brown.
- Pop out on a plate – slather with butter and sprinkle generously (to taste) with powdered sugar.
- Roll it up and serve – I usually top with a bit more butter/powdered sugar
- Note: Some versions include a jam inside or on top…Logonberry or?
These just melt in your mouth – they look more like a crepe than a pancake…so delicious.
|
| |
| |
| |
 |
|
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
