Power of Caring

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/coldwell-banker-west-shell-foundation/story.aspx?guid=%7B0831BAEA-C9BA-46EB-B3B4-68C8F820FB43%7D&dist=hppr

http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20081023006434&newsLang=en

Home Safety

Cut the Cords on Risky Blinds
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is reminding parents to go cordless when it comes to window treatments in nurseries and children's rooms. Accordingto the CPSC, since 1990 more than 200 children have died as a result of accidental strangulation from cords on window coverings.
Here are some easy ways to improve window safety in your home:
1. Install locks on all windows, even those on ground level, and install side locks that limit how far a window can open.
2. Avoid long drapiers. If a child - particulary a toddler learning to walk - pulls on the fabric, it can bring down the heavy window hardware as well.
3. Look for styles of window treatments that lack cords, like Hunter Douglas' Heritage hardwood shutters.
4. Keep cribs away from windows as well as furniture that a toddler could climb on to reach a window.
5. Retrofit your home's existing blinds, pleated shades and drapery. Kits and tie-downs can be ordered for free through the Window Covering Safety Counsil (http://www.windowcoverings.org/ or 800-506-4636).

Sick of Junk Mail?

You can choose to stop receiving "prescreened" offers of credit by calling the consumer reporting agencies toll-free 1-888-567-8688; or write:
Experian, PO BOX 919, Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion, PO Box 97328, Jackson, MS 39288-7328
Equifax, PO Box 740123, Atlanta, GA 30374-0123

Should you later decide that you do wish to receive pre-approved offers, you may remove the prohibition on use of your credit report information by notifying the above agencies.

HUD APPROVED CONDO WEBSITE

Use this link to see if the condo you are listing or selling is HUD approved for FHA financing.

FHA Financing

Please see below for a list of conditions that must be met to obtain FHA financing:

• All windows must be operable. Any window painted shut, must have the paint removed and be able to operate in it's designed capacity. Older "rope" type windows must all open (and remain open) and close easily.
• There should be no chipped paint around any window or door.
• There can be no debris in the gutters. Gutters should also have down spouts that push water away from the house.
• There can be no evidence of rodents present on the property. Any damage must be taken care of well in advance of closing.
• There can be no broken glass or severely cracked windows on a property.
• If there is a drop-off of 36 inches or greater coming out of the property (entrance or exit doors, porch, deck etc.), there must be steps and at least 1 handrail. Depending on the width of the steps, two handrails may be required.
• All HVAC and water heating devices must be operable and in good condition.
• All roofing must have at least 2 years life remaining (as determined by an appraiser or roof inspector).
• There can be no damage to the roof or exposed wood. Some folks have blue tarps on their roofs from the recent wind storm. All tarps must be removed and any damage fixed prior to an appraisal.

Santa at the Movies

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