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| 4th of July |
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This year will be unlike any other in our lives with most firework displays, and events cancelled BUT even though we can’t celebrate in the traditional way, we can honor the day.  Here are a few facts that you may or may not know about Declaration Day. Trivia anyone?
- America declared their independence from Britain on July 4, 1776 HOWEVER, the official vote took place two days before even though the "Declaration" was published in the newspapers on July 4th.
- Only two men actually signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th; the remaining 54 delegates signed over the course of the month. The first signers were Charles Thompson and the infamous, John Hancock.
- There is something written on the back of the Declaration of Independence (no – not a treasure map in invisible ink) It says "Original Declaration of Independence dates 4th July 1776" Nobody knows who wrote it but it is believed it was added as a label during the Revolutionary War when parchment was often rolled up for transport.
- The average age of the signers was 45; of the 56 signers the youngest signers, Thomas Lynch Jr. and Edward Rutledge of South Carolina, were only 26. However, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania was the oldest signer at 70 years old.
- It was written on a "laptop." Okay – not what you’re thinking, obviously. Thomas Jefferson drafted it on a writing desk that fit over his lap. At the time it was called a "laptop." See, what goes around…comes around.
- Americans spend over $1 Billion on fireworks each year; about 10% of which are set off professionally. Thus, the estimated nearly 13,000 firework-related emergency room visits across the country.
- Who designed the 50-star flag? In 1958 a history teacher in Ohio assigned his students the task of designing a flag to incorporate two additional stars to include Hawaii and Alaska. Robert G. (Bob) Heft, 16 designed a flag that earned him a B- in class. Unhappy with his grade, he challenged his teacher to give him an "A" if his design was selected. He submitted it to President Dwight D. Eisenhower [along with hundreds of others]. He used $2.87 worth of blue cloth and iron-on materials and his mother’s Singer sewing machine. Of all the submissions, his was the only one with a stitched sample. In 1960, his design became the official US Flag – the one we proudly display and salute as citizens of this great country. Oh, he got his "A." Want to read more: https://www.mlive.com/opinion/saginaw/2009/12/column_hats_off_to_saginaw_fla.html
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| What is Alternative Real Estate? |
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We are often asked about alternative companies for selling your property. Our intention is not to criticize any company or method; just present some thoughts for your consideration. Obviously, you can decide what is best for your circumstance. Let’s start from the Buyer’s point-of-view only
- Since the seller normally pays the BUYERS'S Realtor’s commission, it costs the Buyer nothing to get the expertise of their Realtor. So why would buyers go anywhere else because their own Realtor will closely monitor comparable market analysis, showings, arrange for home inspections, put you in touch with a viable mortgage lender if you don’t have one, handle the request to the seller for repairs by negotiating, provide data to the appraiser, follow your escrow through for you; making sure you’re protected in every way. Realtors are there for you when you need them.
- Remember the difference between an "Agent" and a "Realtor" from a recent newsletter? An agent is a licensed real estate person who can be an employee of a broker (not earning a commission necessarily) but is not a member of any Board of Realtors. A "Realtor" is a licensed agent whose license is held by a broker as an independent contractor (we pay all of our own costs for materials, signs, flyers, membership dues, lock boxes etc.) SO TO CALL YOURSELF A "REALTOR, YOU MUST BE A MEMBER OF A LOCAL BOARD OF REALTORS. A broker oversees everything we do to be sure we’re handling everything properly.
- On average commissions are 6% divided 3% to the listing agent + Broker and 3% to the Buyer's agent and Broker) for a total of 6%. As with any occupation, most are hard-working, ethical and reliable with a goal of doing a good job for you; but some are not. A successful closing for the client is our goal. This is a service industry. In our case, we offer to reduce the commission if we happen to obtain both the buyer and the seller.
There are many companies who say they will sell your home in a certain amount of time for the
 asking price or much more saving the seller thousands of dollars. We don’t know all of the answers as to how such claims can be made but here are observations based on experience and research.
- Some claim the" seller never pays 6% in commission." They may quote a flat feel (such as $1,500). Does that fee cover everything the seller really ends up paying? That might eliminate Realtors from presenting offers unless the seller agrees to pay them. How does such a company pay for staff/rent etc. at that rate on such a small flat fee? Some do say in the fine print that it "does not include buyer’s agent fee." Who is "assisting" you? How much personal help do you get? Are they available all the time or during "business hours." Do you get assistance in showing how to declutter and stage for sale?
- If a buyer sees a listing online that is not in the multiple listing service (but they have a Realtor they want to handle the sale), doesn’t the seller end up paying for the buyer’s agent/Realtor if they want that offer anyway?
- Some discount companies do not place their listings on the multiple listing service; counting on the fact than many people shop for a home on the internet…which they absolutely do. However, a big percent of those people who find a property of interest online will send it to their Realtor to check out and/or to show or write a contract. Algorithms certainly can determine what type of buyer will search for your property but does that bring them to your listing? If so, how?
- If your home is not on the multiple listing service, you don’t have the protection of the SUPRA lockbox (which registers every Realtor accessing the property). And/or do you want strangers coming to your home? You must be a member of the Board of Realtors to purchase the SUPRA LOCKBOX.
- Some promise you’ll have a buyer in 3-days at thousands of dollars above traditional sales. That makes us wonder (unless they’re buying the property to resell) how could you know that? In 3-days? At thousands above listing?
- There are a couple of well-known companies who will purchase your home for a closing within a couple of weeks. If you absolutely had to leave the property and/or needed to get out from under the obligation of ownership immediately, this could be a viable option. Or perhaps you have found a house you absolutely want to move forward with (without contingencies), this could be viable for that circumstance as well. The company makes an offer sight unseen (in our experience lower than the seller would normally take) but…the sale is completed with cash in-hand to the seller so that can be worth it to the seller. If repairs are necessary, and usually are, the seller can do them or leave them for the company to handle but the costs will be deducted from the proceeds. They charge the seller’s (usually between 6-12%) to handle the transaction. Those companies then turn around and put those homes back on the market for sale after prepping it (repairs/upgrades if needed). These companies,of course, have to cover their costs to market your property once you'd been paid. Most have restrictions on properties they WON’T purchase, such as location, lot-sizes over ½ acre, distressed/REO, tenant-occupied, age of home, no leased-solar and maximum price (some around $500,000). There are two good companies we trust doing this if this meets your criteria. You may not save money but the relief of having your home sold within a couple of weeks could be worth a lot if time is of the essence.
If you have any questions on this, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll do our best to clarify. Basically what we're advising is ASK ALL THE RIGHT QUESTIONS, READ ALL OF THE FINE PRINT before making a decision.
The National Board of Realtors, Arizona Board of Realtors and our local boards (we belong to two) have come together with best practices for Realtors during COVID19. Properties are selling! There’s a shortage of listings currently. Obviously, location and price range has a great deal to do with the market.
We’re ready to help you. Vacation plans for the year have been cancelled so we’ll be right here. |
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| Want to Sell Your Home Fast? Get Our Free TIPS |
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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 our free TIPS, We wrote one both
for Buyers and Sellers
Just call or email us to send it right out to you.
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| A friend's analysis regarding masks |
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A friend and client from out-of-state said this so beautifully about the mask issue [which are
uncomfortable but…]
"Whether it's a restaurant, Home Depot, or the grocery store, we think we owe it to the people who are going to work there every day, to do our part to protect them (and us) from unwanted germs. I appreciate the clerk at the supermarket who goes to work instead of collecting unemployment and I am happy to do my part to make sure all are safe. We hate that this courtesy has been turned into a political statement - we just want to be cautious!"
Keep in touch with the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/open-america/contact-tracing/index.html?linkId=91283040
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| Something to think about! |
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What’s the secret to a happy relationship? Based on life experience - ours!
So simple – the basic GOLDEN RULE…treat your mate (partner, friend, relative, client, co-workers) as you’d like to be treated. Works like a charm. And laugh.
Life is much easier when you can enjoy each other and treat each other with respect and kindness and have fun at the same time.
What do these words have in common?
Banana
Dresser
Grammar
Potato
Revive
Uneven
Voodoo
Assess
See below for the answer but first, give it some thought.
By the way - if you have any real estate needs or questions, we hope you'll contact us:
Al@AlandJean Batson.com or [email protected]
602-680-2791 602-228-0756
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| The Answer as to What Those Words have in Common!!! |
| If you take the first letter of each word and put it on the end...it spells the same thing backwards! (Another trivia question) |
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| Share This Newsletter |
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If you find this newsletter helpful or interesting, share it with those you care about.
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| 6 Hygge Decor Tips to Bring More Calm to Your Home |
When it comes to home comforts, the Danish have it down! Using the principles of hygge, the concept of valuing warmth, coziness, and togetherness, Danes infuse their decor with the good feeling that arises from an aesthetically pleasing and well-curated environment. Take a leaf out of their book and use these decor tips to get the Hygge flowing at home.
1) Avoid loud color schemes. Instead, create a calm space with a monochrome or delicately balanced palette: think earth tones and soft hues. A neutral color palette takes the focus away from the walls and allows the room and its comfy contents to do the talking.
2) Balance your harmonious colors with texture. A mixture of materials and patterns adds character to the minimalism whilst adhering to the color palette. Use warm, natural textiles like wood, leather, and wool.
3) To be able to truly embrace the Hygge lifestyle and make space for coziness, a mess-free canvas is crucial. Try decluttering your living area and investing in smart storage solutions like cord hubs, ottoman storage boxes, and hidden shelves behind headboards.
4) Once you've cleared your space, create comfort by decorating with fluffy pillows, layers of blankets, and candles. Perhaps there's a nook or a window bench you can transform into a space for relaxing with a cup of coffee or tea and a good book.
5) Candles are to Hygge as water is to swimming. Transform ordinary evenings into candle-lit memories with the soft glow of candles. It's a kinder form of light perfect for relaxing and spending quality time with loved ones. Today, it is safer to use the flameless candles; safer and cleaner but with the same effect.
6) Explore the simple pleasures of daily rituals in your surroundings, and set aside time for self-care and relaxation every day to instill Hygge within. Relax.... |
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| 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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Something to think about when you need help or someone to solve a crime. This was sent to us as a quick point written by a Policeman
