You are receiving this email because you are a client or you have agreed to receive messages from us. Click here to unsubscribe.
News You Can Use
SA Realty Watch Group
Option One Real Estate
210-232-2310 Cell
www.sarealtywatch.com
randy@sarealtywatch.com
License # 525639
Quick Quiz

Each month I'll give you a new question.

Just reply to this email for the answer.

In an average lifetime, how many times does a heart beat?

Reply to this email
Click here to see a web copy of this newsletter
Ask the Agent
What Is a Warranty Deed?

Since buying a home means there will be a legal exchange of ownership and property rights, there will need to be a deed to effect the transfer of ownership. The warranty deed is a legal document that designates the name of the rightful owner. It also states that the property is clear of any judgements, encumbrances, or liens. With a warranty deed, no third party can legally claim ownership of the property.

The deed is created during the closing process and is legally binding upon the parties who are transferring and receiving ownership. Warranty deeds can vary from state to state. An attorney or title officer can determine which is appropriate.

A general warranty deed is the most often used because of the degree of protection for the buyer. It guarantees full ownership of the property, inclusive of warranties, guarantees, and disclosures. It also comes with the right to sue the former owner for any defects and nondisclosures.

Buying a Home? Here Are 5 Tips for Negotiating

Before negotiating the purchase of a home, you have to look closely at the seller’s motivation and the current market conditions. Whether it’s a seller’s or buyer’s market, these tips should help you successfully negotiate a deal on a home.

1. Begin by knowing what you want in a home. Decide on what kind of property you want and create a detailed list of what amenities need to be part of your new home. This will narrow your search and help you negotiate to get what you want.

2. Get preapproved for a loan so you know your budget and can negotiate within your financial limits. Account for your cash funds so you can factor in projected closing costs, needed renovations, and other fees.

3. So you can make a reasonable offer on any properties of choice, first check out the real estate market to see what may fulfill your wants and stay within your budget. Get to know the sales history of comparable properties and the active competing inventory so you can substantiate any reasonable offer.

4. Find out the seller’s motivation for selling and how long the property has been on the market. The price will be easier to negotiate with this information.

5. Think of your negotiating as trying to close on a business deal. Refrain from letting your emotions get in the way of your decision-making so you can get the best result.

Please contact me so I can help prepare you to successfully negotiate on the purchase of your next home.

Are You a First-Time Buyer? Get My Free Guide

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 my free guide, "How First-Timers Can Make a Wise Buy."

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

Reply to this email
The Medieval Craftspeople Restoring Iconic Piece of History

In April 2019, the world looked on in horror as pictures were broadcast around the globe of the 800-year-old Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, one of the most iconic structures in European history, as it burned in a raging fire. It was devastating for the country of France; parts of this jewel in the crown of their cultural heritage was destroyed in a matter of minutes right in front of their eyes.

Parisians doubted whether their talismanic cathedral could ever be restored. The sophisticated architecture would require complex building techniques specific to medieval engineering; the special type of wood needed would supposedly take years to properly treat, and even just the knowledge of how to produce medieval ceiling beams had been lost to the sands of time.

And yet hope has emerged. The Guédelon project, based in France’s Burgundy region, has been training craftspeople in ancient building techniques for over 25 years. The project started as an "experimental archeology" pursuit, aiming to build a 13th-century castle from the ground up using the exact techniques, tools, and even clothes that would have been used in those ancient times. Master carpenters have perfected hewing beams by hand and delicately and meticulously building structures with perfect authenticity.

In a welcome turn for the nation of France, Guédelon’s craftspeople and educators are being enlisted for the Notre Dame restoration project. Not only will they work on the rebuild, but they will also be training other craftsmen and developing the tools required to faithfully restore Notre Dame to its grand former glory.

Let's Connect
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?

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

Let me know how I can help by simply giving my office a call at 210-232-2310 to set up a time to connect.
Reply to this email
Valentine's Jam Tarts
Makes 12
Ingredients

2 cups plain flour
1 tablespoon caster sugar
1 cup softened butter, cubed
1 medium egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup jam or marmalade of your choice
Salt

Sift flour into bowl with sugar. Add pinch of salt. Rub butter into flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Using a knife, mix yolk and 2–3 tbsp cold water into dough until wet enough to come together into a ball. Knead ball of dough briefly until smooth, then flatten to a disc. Wrap in cling wrap. Chill for 15 minutes.

Preheat oven to 390°F. Roll out pastry on lightly floured surface to a thickness of approximately 3/8 inch, then cut out 12 rounds with a 3-inch fluted cutter.

Place the rounds in a nonstick patty tin or muffin pan. Drop 1 tablespoon jam into each. Cut out little pastry hearts and place them on top. Bake for 10–12 minutes until pastry is cooked and jam bubbles. Remove tarts and cool on wire rack. For an extra treat, serve tarts in bowls on top of a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve.

Moving? Here's a Checklist to Help Get You Started

No matter how many times you’ve moved house or how near or far you’re moving, the actual moving process rarely becomes a walk in the park. If you go in unprepared, it can become much more stressful than it needs to be. With that in mind, here is a checklist to help make your move as smooth as possible.

Lose anything you don’t need while there’s time. A couple of months before the move is a good time to declutter and clear out the things you don’t really need. It will mean less energy wasted moving things that will eventually be discarded anyway as well as giving you fewer items to worry about transporting.

Think realistically about how you will move. If you don’t have a huge amount of stuff, you can save an expensive move by transporting it on your own. But be realistic about how feasible this is, and do plan ahead if you’re going to need movers after all, as they can book up or raise their prices nearer the time.

Get packed early. A month might seem very early to start packing, but in reality, it very often takes much longer than you expect, leaving you stressed and overwhelmed as the clock ticks down on the final days. Packing what you can as early as possible removes a whole lot of hassle later down the line and gives you breathing space.

Save essential items until last. Toiletries, cleaning items, pens, and tape should be some of the last things you pack, as you’ll definitely still need them right up to the day of your move. It’s also a good idea not to pack tools such as screwdrivers or Allen keys too early, as there could be some last-minute furniture you forgot to take apart.

If you’re feeling nervous about an upcoming house move, call us for some advice on how to make it stress-free.

Share This Newsletter

If you find this newsletter helpful or interesting, share it with those you care about.

Share on Facebook
Share this newsletter
Share on Twitter
How Nurturing Relationships Can Be Like Nurturing Plants

Life is better with friends and loved ones, whether it’s a social circle of close pals or, with Valentine’s Day upon us, that special someone. But it can be overwhelming keeping up all the different friendships you have with different types of people. If this sounds like you, consider treating your social circle like a beautiful plant you’re cultivating, focusing your attention at different times on the friends with the attributes you need in that moment.

The leaves: friends who let you be you. On days when you want to express yourself without fear of judgment, these are the friends you need. They know where you’re coming from, celebrate your uniqueness, and let you openly be the person you are, even if others question you.

The roots: friends who heal and bring you strength. These friends pick you up when you’re down, give you a shoulder to cry on when life gets too much, and come to your aid when you’re in need. They’ll help you find joy in dark places and hold you steady when you’re weathering a storm.

The flowers: friends who excite you and bring out your personality. We can all do with friends who bring playfulness to our lives, people who fill our worlds with laughter, silliness, and adventure. Friends like these will help to show you just how much life is worth living and ensure you make each day count.

The fruits: friends who bring out your creativity. No friendship group is complete without the people who help you to be creative and realize your potential. These are the pals who help you cultivate your ideas, achieve goals, and contribute actively to bettering the world around 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.
                                                                 

Email Marketing by ActiveCampaign