Allen Batson

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(602) 680-2791
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Jean's November 2020 Newsletter

Posted On: November 4th, 2020 4:33PM

 

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The Batson Team
HomeSmart
http://www.alandjeanbatson.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jean Batson
602-228-0756
[email protected]

Al Batson
602-680-2791
[email protected]
 
 
 
 

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Mickey Mouse's public debut in November 1928 was in which film?

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November Dates to Remember:

1st         Clocks (EXCEPT Hawaii or Arizona) are TURNED-back by one hour. 
(Fall back)
 

3rd       Election Day – National Election. VOTE  No matter which side you’re on or which side wins – let’s respect the outcome and stay peaceful and kind to each other. 

11th      Veterans Day – a day to thank those who have served our country…fly your flag proudly. 

26th      THANKSGIVING – thanks to the Pilgrims, this wonderful holiday resplendent with the turkey feast.

 

With Thanksgiving ahead, many of us will be unable to be with family or friends so hang onto the memories of previous Thanksgiving holidays. Whatever you do, our blessings to you for a wonderful holiday.

Al and Jean

 

Al's Corner

FURNACE TUNE-UP:  In Arizona it’s hard to think about furnace tune-ups since we are just now seeing temperatures in the 60-70'’s at night. However, it is still wise to have your heating equipment checked for a tune-up. As with many things, the key to a long and healthy life is maintenance. Many of you in cooler climates may have already seen frost on the ground so you know winter is coming. Now is the time to make plans for the winter season which will be upon us before we know it. Here are some things to consider doing:

  • Have your furnace tuned up to ensure it's working safely at its full potential
  • If you use natural gas, get your tank topped off
  • If you use heating oil, get your tank topped off

And don’t forget to change your air filters at least quarterly.

If you live in "cold country," start thinking about putting the storm windows in place before it gets icy and slick.


While you’re doing that, in Arizona we’ll be opening the doors and windows to let the lovely fresh-air in.  From November to May, we often don’t use either a furnace or air-conditioning.  But we do give our air-conditioning units a hefty work-out all summer long.

Wishing you and yours a safe and comfortable winter season.   Al

Buying your first home is a big step, and one that is likely to impact your financial future for years to come.

Make it easier by requesting our free tips, "How First-Timers Can Make a Wise Buy."

Just reply to this email and I'll send it right out to you.

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KNOCK!  What Is That?

News Bulletin:  HomeSmart offers KNOCK!

We’re honored as HomeSmart agents (since 2010) to be able to offer our clients a new program only offered by a handful of real estate companies.  We’ve just gone through training to be certified in order to offer this program to our clients. It won’t fit everyone but certainly a lot of people are concerned about finding a home vs. listing theirs first.  Sort of a "Which comes first; the chicken or the egg?"

The name of it the program is KNOCK – what makes this program so unique is that it is based on a problem many people face when they have a home they must sell in order to purchase their next property. Sellers don’t want to take a contingent offer, especially now that there are so few homes available and so many buyers ready to buy. Buyers can feel frustrated in their efforts to purchase a new property because many properties sell very quickly. In the past, people would jump through hoops for a "Bridge Loan" which usually was costly as well. ENTER KNOCK!  

Here’s the basic premise – if you’re interested, please contact us so we can explain it and assist you.

  • The FIRST step for all buyers (unless a cash offer) is to meet with a lender for pre-approval {which is a requirement with an offer to purchase]. In this program, KNOCK is the lender.  The owner must qualify for a loan and have equity in their current property.
  • Buy NOW – Sell LATER.  Knock is the mortgage company. Once the Buyer has that Pre-Qualification, they find and purchase their next home.  A nice, clean offer with NO CONTINGENCIES relating to your current property.
  • Your new purchase is a standard conventional loan through KNOCK at competitive rates with other mortgage companies. No other lender does this specific program.
  • Once you’ve purchased your new home and moved out, we then list your home.  You’re happily situated in your new home, so your original home is sold vacant.  You never have to worry about showing your home because…you’ve moved on.
  • If you need itKNOCK will advance funds [from your equity at 0% interest] to use as a 10% down for the purchase, up to $25,000 towards preparing your existing home for sale (repairs etc.) and advance 6-months of mortgage payments on the original home. If you take advantage of any of these offers, there is no out-of-pocket expense up-front because it will be paid off through escrow when your original home closes. 
  • What does it cost?  KNOCK charges a 1.25% fee BUT NO ORIGINATION fee on the new loan. Often a lender charges 1% or more for loan origination. That minimizes the cost.
  • Finally, that 1.25% fee isn’t paid off until the close of escrow on your original home so it shows up as a closing cost.

We’re very pleased to be a part of this new program…and to share it with you.
____________________________________________________________________________

       INVESTORS - Do You Need A Property Management Company?

Another new Affiliate to help you, if needed – Due to the liability involved in managing rental properties, we are not able to do that as a HomeSmart agent.  However, if you’re thinking of buying (or already own) an investment property, you may have an interest in hiring someone to manage it/them to be sure everything is handled professionally. And you don't have to deal with repairs, collections etc.  HomeSmart just sponsored a ZOOM meeting with Kayla Nelson of Service Star.  480-426-9696.  They will find and screen tenants, do quarterly inspections/repairs on the property, collect rents, keep records etc..  When a new tenant comes in, they will do a detailed video of the condition of the property in the walk-through, make notations of serial numbers on appliances, note the normal wear & tear of the home, making sure air filters are regularly changed and repairs are done etc.   If you need a property management service, you might want to call this company to get pricing and further information.

 

 

Wondering What’s Happening in
Your Neighborhood?
How has the price of your home changed in today's market? 

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, we can give you the tools and offer guidance through the entire buying or selling process.

Let us know how we can help by simply calling or emailing to set up a time to connect. I won't waste your time - we'll just give you the honest facts about your home, its value and what's happening in your neighborhood.
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Cheesy Cauliflower Broccoli Soup

Fall has arrived, so here's an easy recipe for a deliciously comforting soup to enjoy as the weather starts to cool down.  Easy and tasty. Nothing beats a great cup of soup!

 
 

Serves 4 
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 large carrots, julienned
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose or gluten-free flour
• 3 1/2 cups vegetarian or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup half and half or whole milk
• 3 cups cauliflower florets, finely chopped 
• 3-4 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS: 

 

In a large pot, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic, onion and carrots. Sauté until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

Stir in flour to coat vegetables, then slowly stir in broth. Add milk, cauliflower, broccoli, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Bring it to a simmer. Cook until broccoli and cauliflower are tender, 10-15 minutes. Stir in cheese and reduce heat to low.

Pour 3 cups of soup into blender and carefully blend until smooth. Return blended soup to pot and stir to combine. 

Serve with extra shredded cheddar on top, if desired.

Real Estate 2020

2020 is a year for the history books – one of every possible unimaginable situation has occurred.  When the pandemic hit in late February/early March – life stopped as did many businesses.  We said at the time that we thought by the end of the summer, real estate would come back due to pent-up demand, lower interest rates and lifestyle changes that would blow everything wide open. The latter comes from the many workers who will continue to work from home so they’re buying larger homes to accommodate their "new normal" lifestyle.. 

  • Inventory has been low – potential sellers didn’t want people in their homes during the first few months – but safety measures were put in place by the NAR (National Association of Realtors).
  • Real estate photography became more video-oriented to show the floor plan flow better so more viewing was done on-line until it was time to make an offer.  Then people were willing to wear gloves, masks and even booties to actually see the property they like.  Some homes were purchased sight-unseen.
  • Interest rates are lower than ever which also gives people the inspiration to refinance or move.
  • Buyers can expect fewer properties for sale due to low inventory thus with "supply and demand," home prices have increased.  Assuming right-pricing (will appraise at value), buyers are not winning their bid on homes if they offer under the asking price,
  • Buyers always have a dream list of what they want in a home; today, you might have to adjust the dream due to the higher prices and lower inventory of homes. 
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                    Do you love writing - just for fun?   
           Our virtual writing group would welcome you.

    If you’re someone who loves to write, join a small virtual writing group – just for fun. I’m in one looking for a couple more people.  It doesn’t matter where you live because it’s on-line on Tuesday’s (AZ time) at 2:00 p.m. for an hour. The leader gives us prompts/topics, sets a clock; we write whatever pops into our head. No rules-no criticism-just have fun.   Hemingway it isn't - but off-the-top-of-your head FUN, Yes.  Here's a sample:

Prompt:   SWEATER WEATHER/or FAVORITE SWEATER.  (10-minutes to write)

      Ah, sweater-weather! All summer long, when sweltering in the 110-degree temperature, I fondly think about the season ahead, Autumn, when sweaters come out from the plastic storage bin under the bed. Summer is over and at this age, I prefer to cover up.   I remember when I had arms that didn’t flap in the wind or were covered with weird "things."  Those memories are replaced by realities so sleeves are my "thing."

 

      Autumn, my favorite season, begins with the cooler evenings where we can enjoy being outside - either on our patio or social distancing/outdoor dining. There is nothing like the cozy feeling of putting your favorite sweater on.  Mine is a 20+ year old white Boucle sweater I bought at CURVES so long ago…It zips up the front with a bit of a raised collar so it covers the back of my neck…that spot that you don’t want to feel the night chill.

 

That sweater hasn’t been seen in public in years by people I know – it’s just too – well, old.  It still washes up brilliantly Clorox-white but is a bit stretched out in areas. But then, so am I!  I’ve never taken a road trip or vacation without that sweater folded up in my tote bag - not since the day I bought it.  It’s saved me from shivering on many airline flights where the air is cold enough to be mistaken for a meat locker.  Or its been rolled up and put in my backpack for walks or adventures. I’ve rolled it, folded it and wadded it up – it always looks the same. Sometimes before it is cool enough for warmer clothes, I’ll wrap myself up in it, curl up in the chair next to Al and watch TV at night.  It feels so familiarly cozy.  I never had a BLANKIE as a child, but my old, white sweater is my version on the opposite end of childhood.

 

If anything ever happened to that sweater, I’m quite certain psychological help would be needed.  It’s been my friend and companion, protecting me and making me feel warm and cozy for so long.  I’ll treasure it until it falls into shreds.

FOREVER ON THANKSGIVING DAY, THE HEART WILL FIND THE PATHWAY HOME…Wilber D. Nesbit

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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