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SA Realty Watch Group
Keller Williams Realty
210-232-2310 Cell
http://www.sarealtywatchgroup.com
randy@sarealtywatch.com
License # 525639
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William Shatner was born on March 22 of which year?

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Ask the Agent
What Is a Contingency Fee?

When a specific task is performed by a real estate agent in a sales transaction, the payment that the agent receives for completing that task is a contingency fee. Also referred to as a commission, the fee received is usually a percentage of the sale price. If there are two different agents consummating the sale (one representing the seller and one representing the buyer), then the two agents will share the commission.

The contingency fee or commission agreement must be in writing and will spell out the duties that must be successfully performed in order for a fee to be paid. In other words, the payment of a commission is "contingent" upon the agent(s) assisting in the successful close of the sale. If a home does not sell despite the money and time spent on marketing efforts by the agent, no contingency fee will be required to be paid by the seller.
To FSBO or Not to FSBO, That Is a Good Question
When it's time to sell your home, will you be the one who puts up the For Sale sign? The idea of putting up a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) sign will probably be a consideration with the hope of avoiding the majority of the 6–10% selling costs that come with having a real estate agent list your home.

With an FSBO, prepare to take on all of the duties and liabilities that you otherwise would be paying an agent to assume. You will have to find access to comps to accurately price your home, and you will need to be aware of the legal aspects of a home sale. Be sure to check your state's laws for selling your home and determine if there are any regulations you must additionally comply with as an FSBO. Any omissions may be costly and litigious.

If you are an inexperienced seller and choose to market your home and take on the challenges of a For Sale By Owner, you will quickly appreciate the skills that a real estate professional brings to the table. FSBO listings usually have a hard time targeting the right buyers and are often underpriced and less attractive.

Working with a real estate agent will help you avoid these common problems, assure a successful sale, and still realize a profitable outcome. Our team is here to list and market your home for you so your next home sale will be as stress-free as possible. Call or email us, and let's put you in the best possible position when you sell your home.
Thinking of Buying a Home? Get My Free Guide

Buying a home is a complex process with many factors to consider.

Prepare for the decisions you'll need to make along the way by requesting my free report, "10 Easy Steps to Buying a Home."

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

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Defying Convention: The Story of Josephine Baker
On International Women's Day this March 8, we collectively honor the wonderful women in our lives as well as the fierce females who have shaped history. One such exemplary feminine figure is the multitalented Josephine Baker, the American-born French entertainer known for defying convention and leading a lavish lifestyle. But behind the glitz and glamour of her showbiz career lies the fascinating storied life of a woman truly ahead of her time.

Born in St. Louis in 1906, Baker overcame poverty, life on the streets, and two early unsuitable marriages to become the "highest-paid girl in vaudeville." After an opportunity to tour Paris, she transformed herself from ingenue to all-singing, all-dancing diva.

However, it wasn't long before war blazed through Europe and Baker was recruited into the Deuxième Bureau, France's military intelligence agency. Her busy touring schedule provided the perfect cover for her wartime activities as a spy for the French Resistance, which included smuggling information in invisible ink on sheet music.

After the war, Baker returned home to the States to champion civil rights causes. During her tireless campaigning, she formed an adoptive family comprised of children of different ethnicities she dubbed the "Rainbow Tribe" and became the only official female speaker at the historic 1963 March on Washington.

Over a decade later, the formidable icon passed away after a rousing retrospective revue in Paris, fulfilling her own prophetic words: "I shall dance all my life. I would like to die, breathless and spent, at the end of a dance."
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? Do I need a house inspection? 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 calling or emailing to set up a time to connect. I won't waste your time - I'll just give you the honest facts about your home, its value, and what's happening in your neighborhood.
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Quick Corned Beef Hash
Why not give a nod to St. Patrick's Day with this delicious and easy breakfast recipe? Enjoy with scrambled eggs or add a fried egg on top.

Serves 4
Ingredients
• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground pepper
• 2 cups cooked corned beef, shredded
• 2 tablespoons water
• parsley to garnish

Melt butter in a large iron skillet over medium heat.

Add onions, potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper and cook for 5–6 minutes until potatoes start to brown.

Add corned beef along with 2 tablespoons of water and mix well.

Cover and steam the meat for 1–2 minutes.

Serve with eggs and garnish with parsley if desired.
What to Consider When Hiring a Remodeling Contractor
With the great weather and sense of newness spring brings, it is a great time to prepare for and start remodeling projects. Whether you are upgrading, updating, or customizing your home, hiring the right contractor will be the key to the success of your project.

A great starting place would be a contractor referral from a friend or family member. Even if a contractor comes to you with good recommendations, it is advised to check their references, licenses, and insurance. You still should get at least three estimates and a firsthand look at the contractors' past work to help assure a good pick. Inquire if the contractor will be doing all of the work or if he or she will be using subcontractors as well.

Once you have selected a contractor, carefully scrutinize the details of the written agreement for the work to be performed. Make sure that every aspect of the project is spelled out, and see how any changes will be handled. The types of materials to be used should be listed and should meet your specifications. The commencement date and estimated finish date must be included with language addressing what your recourse is if the project is not completed per the contract. It is equally important to be indemnified in the event the work doesn't meet building codes.

The payment schedule should include only a small-percentage up-front cost in the event the work doesn't get completed. The final payment should be due at completion if the work is done to your satisfaction.

When considering a remodel or improvements, be sure to consult with us to ensure your upgrades are in alignment with your neighborhood, target buyers, and trends to consider when selling your home. Reach out with your questions about remodeling. We are happy to help and can also refer you to contractors.
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Spring Clean Your Digital Life with These 5 Steps
Spring is universally acknowledged as a time of renewal, with many making the most of the revitalizing seasonal current to clean up and declutter. But did you know that this spring cleaning energy can extend to your digital workspace too? Get rid of your often-forgotten cyberclutter with these five helpful steps.

Step 1: Review your online and social media accounts. Start by deleting any accounts you no longer use and remove any old information, such as saved credit cards or old documents.

Step 2: To reduce risk from malware and viruses, update the apps and operating systems on all Internet-connected devices. Delete any unused apps and any linked account information as you go.

Step 3: Digging deep into your phone and computer is next up. Go through the dreaded downloads folder, your desktop, and your hard drive and get rid of any files you no longer need. What does remain should be organized into folders so it's easy to find.

Step 4: Get your logins locked down. Make sure you use passwords, passcodes, and fingerprint or facial recognition software for all of your devices and enable authentication tools such as two-factor authentication, especially for your email and online banking. After you've done this, go through and update the passwords for online accounts and update your privacy settings to keep your cybersecurity in top shape.

Step 5: Back it up. Make a complete backup of important files. You could copy data to a secure cloud platform, another computer, or an external hard drive. Just be sure you're able to restore your files from your chosen backup method, as a backup you can't use isn't very helpful indeed!
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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