Archive for September 2009

Anyone can be a victim of identity theft

Anyone can be a victim of identity theft.
It can happen in minutes, and take years for the fallout to stop.
More and more people from every walk of life are victimized each day. The results can be overwhelming; a loss of time and money spent by victims trying to put their lives and finances back in order.
Pre-Paid Legal's Identity Theft Shieldsm is an affordable solution to combat a growing crime that knows no boundaries.
Click on a tab below to learn what you can do about identity theft and how Pre-Paid Legal's Identity Theft Shieldsm can help.
https://www.lonnieppl.info/
What do you do if you discover that you are an identity theft victim?
We are all at risk:
· Do you hand your credit card to restaurant servers?
· Do you receive mail at your home?
· Do you shop on the Internet?
· Do you shred all discarded personal mail?
What if it happens to you:
· How many phone calls must you make?
· What agencies do you call?
· How much money will be lost?
Click on a tab below to learn what you can do about identity theft and how Pre-Paid Legal's Identity Theft Shieldsm can help.
·
https://www.lonnieppl.info/

New FHA Guideline on Condo's

Effective October 1, 2009, FHA is implementing new condo guidelines that could devastate the values in condo developments. FHA is one of the primary sources of financing for condo developments, especially those with a large number of units that are priced within FHA loan limits. Because many of the homeowners in condo developments had zero to very low down payments, the foreclosure rate has increased, causing huge losses to FHA. When insurers, such as FHA experience huge losses, they write new regulations to limit those losses in the future.
The new lending guidelines are going to be so tough, fewer developments will qualify for FHA financing, which will significantly limit the buyer pool.
Until now, most condo developments could apply to FHA for an approved status, therefore making FHA financing available in that development. In addition, in developments that were not approved, spot approvals were sometimes available for individual units. (The lender applied for an approval for the unit you wanted to buy, in spite of the development not being approved).
Following are the new guidelines: (This is not pretty, so prepare yourself)1. There will be NO more spot approvals.2. All development not considered primarily residential are out. For instance, a development with more than 25% of the total floor area dedicated to commercial business use is out.3. Noise issues is a new concern, so any development within 1,000 feet of a highway, freeway, or heavily travelled road, 3,000 feet of a railroad, 1 mile of an airport, or 5 miles of a military airfield will become ineligible for approval.4. If the property has an obstructed view , or is located within 2000 feet of any facility handling or storing explosive or fire prone materials, it is not insurable - we're not talking just fireworks factories here. A gas station 2 blocks away can disqualify this development.5. Any property located within 3000 feet of a dump, landfill, or
superfund site, is ineligible.6. No more than 10% of the properties can be owned by a single investor, including builders or developers who are renting out or have not yet sold vacant units. For 2-3 unit developments, no one can own more than one unit.7. No more than 15% of the homeowners can be more than 30 days late on their homeowner dues.8. For new developments, at least 50% of the units must be sold prior to applying for FHA approval (valid presales include those with purchase agreement and lender validation of an approved loan in process)9. A minimum of 50% of the units must be owner occupied or sold to owners who intend to occupy as their principal residence.10. Projects in designated wetland and flood zones will not qualify.11. All current condominium project approvals will be invalid (with the exception of projects approved on or after October 1, 2008) and projects must be re-approved under the new options available. Going forward, all projects will require recertification every two years.
Heres why these changes will likely hurt condo values:1. Obtaining the approval from FHA is a very time intensive and expensive process. Many condo developments are not currently approved because of the time and expense. Imagine how many fewer projects will be approved if the homeowner association has to re-apply every two years, beginning this October.2. Many condo projects are very close to major transportation, deliberately. Condo owners are often looking for ease of transport, and that is often a factor in choosing a development.3. Many existing developments will be excluded from insurability simply because of the arrearage rule, due to the current economy. 4. What happens to a development that was built in a great location, but a gas station is now just a couple blocks away (flammable materials?) Condo owners cannot control what businesses are approved once the development is already there.5. A decrease in the buyer pool will hurt re-sales. Conforming loans require better credit, and larger down payments. What can you do if you are a condo owner?
The first thing I would do is call a meeting of the homeowners association and try to figure out if your development will qualify for FHA financing based on the above new rules. If it will, I would definitely be taking steps to get your development FHA insured (unless it was certified after October 1, 2008).
If your development was FHA approved, and no longer will be, I would be contacting the FHA, your congressional representatives, etc. I think you need to get pro-active to keep these new rules from being implemented as they are.
If you are a home buyer, and thinking about buying a condo, should you wait to see what happens? I can’t advise you to do that, but it is probably time to do some soul searching before you make that investment.
There is always a chance that some of these rules will change prior to October 1, 2009, especially if the outcry from the public, and those directly affected, are loud enough. Outcry is the only tool we have available to us right now, so make your voices heard.

I Pull Out All The Stops To Sell Your Home
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
Email:
snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.
Oh, By The Way. . . . . I AM NEVER TOO BUSY FOR REFERRALS.

There Are Defects In Every Home

We'd all like to buy the perfect home. Unfortunately, it doesn't exist. Even new homes have defects. That's why it's important to have any home you buy inspected by qualified professionals-even if it's brand new. You'll undoubtedly discover defects during your inspections. In fact, you should hope that any significant defects are uncovered before you remove your inspection contingency from the purchase contract. It's far worse to be surprised after closing by unanticipated repair expenses.
Armed with a complete assessment of the current condition of the property, you can make an informed decision about whether to purchase the property in its present condition. Or, you may want to renegotiate the terms of your contract with the seller. If defects are incurable, you may want to withdraw from the contract altogether. Your purchase contract should set guidelines for how inspection defects are to be handled. For example, the seller may have had a "termite" inspection completed before marketing the property. If so, the contract might specify which party-buyer or seller-will pay for the required corrective work. Not all inspection contingencies are the same. Some specify that the buyers have the unilateral right to approve or disapprove inspections. In this case, if the buyers disapprove the inspections, the contract may be cancelable at the buyer's option.

HouseHunting Tips
What To Consider
House Hunting Tip: Even if your contract allows you to withdraw due to inspections, carefully consider before electing this option. You will already have spent considerable time, effort and money finding and inspecting the property. If the defects are correctable, it's usually worthwhile to try negotiating an agreement with the sellers rather than starting the process over again. Some inspection contingencies provide for buyers to give the sellers the opportunity to correct defects, rather than just walk away from the deal. In this case, the terms of the contract often become subject to further negotiation. Before asking a seller for inspection-related concessions, make a list of the significant defects that you discovered during your inspections. Then find out how much it will cost to repair these defects. When you make your request, put it in writing and include a copy of your cost accounting list along with the reports and estimates on which you're basing your request.
You may find that the seller is not willing to negotiating over items that were disclosed to you before you made an offer to purchase the property. It still may be worthwhile to point out that the cost of the previously disclosed items in addition to the newly discovered defects alter the amount you can reasonably pay for the property. Sellers are wise to consider any reasonable proposal from a well-qualified buyer. If the inspection- related defects are significant, they are likely to be a concern to other buyers. Depending on the law in your state regarding seller disclosures, you may have to provide copies of the buyer's reports to future buyers who are interested in the property. There are several ways in which sellers can participate in buyers' repair requests. They can have the work done by closing, if time permits. Often contractors will accept payment at closing. Or they can credit money to buyers as long as the credit is called a credit for buyers' nonrecurring closing costs. Lenders usually limit the amount of such a credit to 3 percent of the purchase price or equal to the actual amount of the nonrecurring closing costs, whichever is less.

I Pull Out All The Stops To Sell Your Home
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
Email:
snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.
Oh, By The Way. . . . . I AM NEVER TOO BUSY FOR REFERRALS.

Six Things NOT to Do to an Electrocution Victim

If you are with someone who is electrocuted, here is what NOT to do, according to the National Institutes of Health:
· DO NOT touch the victim with your bare hands if the person is still in contact with the source of electricity.
· DO NOT remove dead skin or break blisters if the person is burned.
· DO NOT apply ice, butter, ointments, medications, fluffy cotton dressings, or adhesive bandages to a burn.
· DO NOT touch the skin of someone who is being electrocuted.
· DO NOT get within 20 feet of someone who is being electrocuted by high-voltage electrical current until the power is turned off.
· DO NOT move a victim of electrical injury unless there is immediate danger.

Lets all be safe.
Thank you.

Electrocution Danger Points Cont.

. Electrical outlets
Most electrical outlets are located in areas of the home that children can easily reach. Close to 4,000 injuries associated with electrical outlets are treated in U.S. emergency rooms every year, says the CPSC, and about one-third of these occur when kids looking to explore insert metal objects like keys and hairpins into the outlets.Since you can't move your outlets away from your kids, it's imperative to cover your outlets with the Sliding Decora Outlet Cover (for outlet covers requiring two screws, as in most newer homes) or the Standard Sliding Outlet Cover (for outlet covers requiring only one screw in the middle, as in most older homes.)If you routinely have kids in your home, check out these simple, inexpensive but ingenious outlet covers by clicking on either link above! These easy-to-install outlet covers are spring activated, so they automatically cover outlets when any plug is removed. This means kids can't insert objects or fingers into the outlets at any time!It's important to only insert appropriate plugs into electrical outlets (any other object poses an electrocution danger) and use caution when you do, such as being careful not to touch the metal prongs when inserting the plug.

. Electric appliances.
We become so accustomed to using electric appliances in our daily lives that it's easy to become careless with their use. This is often when electrocution can occur. Even touching an electric appliance like a hair dryer with wet hands can cause a shock. Here are some other safety tips to keep safe around electric appliances:

· Don't use electric appliances near water or while touching faucets or water pipes.
· Don't use appliances that have worn plugs or cracked wires.
· Don't attempt to fix electrical appliances on your own, even if it appears simple.
· Unplug appliances when they're not in use.

Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
Email: snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Oh, By The Way. . . . . I AM NEVER TOO BUSY FOR REFERRALS.

Electrocution - Top Danger Points and How to Avoid Them

When you think of things that are strong conductors of electricity, power lines, wires and metals likely come to mind. Surprisingly, the human body can also be an excellent electricity conductor, and when electric currents hit the body several types of injuries may occur.The body may go into cardiac arrest because of the electricity's effect on the heart; muscle, nerves and tissue can be damaged due to the current; or thermal burns can occur if the body contacts an electrical source.The severity of the injuries depends on a variety of factors (the voltage of electricity, the person's state of health, how the current travels through the body and how quickly medical help is received), but, according to the National Institutes of Health, some 1,000 people die in the United States each year because of electric shock.Fortunately, you and your loved ones can dramatically reduce the risks if you are aware of top electrocution threats in and around your home and take the simple measures to prevent them:


1. Extension cords.
These handy tools can cause electrical burns and shock if they're not used carefully. Cords that have exposed wires should never be used, as kids and pets can (and will) chew on them if they can get them. In fact, electrical burns to the mouth account for half of the extension-cord-related injuries to young children, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).Even an intact extension cord poses a risk. For instance, in one case a 15- month- old girl put an extension cord in her mouth and suffered electrical burns that required surgery.
To reduce the risks, keep extension cords out of reach of kids and pets, and always purchase cords that have the UL and OSHA labels on them (these cords have been subjected to strict tests to ensure they meet certain safety standards). Further, use common sense measures to be sure the cords are in good shape, including:
· Inspect them regularly for signs of wear and tear.
· Replace old extension cords that are cracked or frayed.
· Only use exterior extension cords for outside use.
· Don't overload cords or sockets.
· Pull the plug, not the cord, when disconnecting it from the socket
· Only use extension cords when they're absolutely necessary, and try not to use them for long- term purposes.
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
Email:
snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.
Oh, By The Way. . . . . I AM NEVER TOO BUSY FOR REFERRALS.

Electricity Safty

Electricity is a wonderful part of our lives, clearly enabling us to do so many of the things we take for granted. Food preparation, entertainment, communication, and so much more are all dependent upon the delivery of electricity. And yet, coming into direct contact with electrical current can severely injure you. In some cases, it can even kill you. Here are some things you can do to keep safe. Some of what we suggest may seem obvious, but we include it here because we believe it's impossible to over emphasize the importance of safety.
· Downed Power Lines
Your power company wants to know about any outages or power lines that are down. Please call them immediately if you experience or see a problem. You can call them 24 hours a day and they'll send emergency crews out to make repairs.
· Inside a Car Touched by a Power Line
Fallen power lines can be extremely dangerous. Never touch a downed power line or anyone who's in contact with it, and stay away from a vehicle if a power line is touching it. If a power line touches your vehicle, stay inside and warn others to stay away and have them call the power company. If you MUST get out of the vehicle for safety reasons, jump clear. Do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
· Electric Lines and Trees
Trees are certainly beautiful and enhance our neighborhoods. However, trees planted in the utility right of way must be tended to so that electric service can be maintained on behalf of all of our citizens. If your tree encroaches into the utility right of way, it becomes your responsibility to keep it trimmed; otherwise, the City will clear those trees that have not been maintained and threaten the electric service. Trees that grow into or near the power lines which go to your house are also your responsibility and are only trimmed by the City when they threaten continuity of electric service. To trim near power lines safely: · Call you power company if there is any question as to whether or not a tree is contacting the electric wires before trimming it. They can move power lines away from trees so that they may be trimmed safely. Call them a couple of days in advance of trimming so that they can coordinate with you. Never hire unqualified tree trimmers or do the work yourself when trees are contacting high voltage electric wires. Never cut tree limbs that are touching power lines or that could fall into them.
· Electrical Lines and Flying Objects
Don't let metallic balloons or kites get away. Balloons and kites with shiny, metallic surfaces or strings can be very dangerous if they come into contact with electrical lines. As Benjamin Franklin discovered, they're excellent conductors of electricity, and, if they get tangled in the line, they can cause a short circuit. This can melt an electrical wire and cause it to fall, resulting in a power outage and possibly severe injury or even death. Fly kites safely. Kites and electrical lines can be a potentially deadly match. Use common sense when flying a kite; always use dry string, wood, and paper and never use wire or any metallic material. Don't fly your kite in the rain and never try to retrieve your kite if it gets caught in a power line. Call the power company.
· Going Underground
Call before you dig. You need to find out if there are lines in the ground before you dig for any reason, such as planting trees and bushes or installing fences and posts. If you fail to call you could end up in JAIL or worse.
· Safety Indoors
Be just as careful with electricity indoors as out. In fact, odds are you and your family are more likely to come into contact with electricity inside your home, so take precautions. · Cover all your electrical outlets and wall switches with cover plates. · Put plastic safety caps in all unused wall outlets to prevent children from pushing objects into the outlet openings. · Know when your wiring needs attention. Power company employees will check equipment when an electrical problem such as flickering lights is reported. If they are unable to find a problem on their end, then the wiring in your house may need to be repaired. Find a licensed professional to check your home's electric panel, circuit breakers, fuses, and internal wiring. · Do not use damaged or brittle electrical cords. They can cause shorts, shocks, or fires and should be replaced. · To avoid damage, remove cords from outlets by pulling the plug, not the cord itself. Never attach a cord to any surface with nails or staples, which can break the insulation. Also, kinking, twisting, binding, or walking on cords can harm them. · Never remove the third prong from a three-pronged plug. The third prong has been included to safely ground your electrical appliance. Most power tools and major appliances have three-prong plugs for safety. If you don't have three-hole outlets, adapters are available at your local hardware store. · Protect yourself from shock with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI's). These special outlets can help prevent serious injury by detecting electrical faults and shutting off electricity to the outlet when necessary
· Safety Outdoors
Undoubtedly, first and foremost, stay clear of all power lines, especially those on the ground. Consider a downed wire to be "live" with electrical current going through it. Take these easy steps to keep yourself from coming into contact with overhead lines: · When you're using equipment outside, look up to make sure that the equipment isn't going to collide with the lines. · Do not try to remove anything caught in power lines, not even an animal. Instead, call your power company. · Be especially careful when you're doing any jobs that require you to use tools which might extend up over your head. · Keep electrical equipment on your property clear of all obstacles such as trees and bushes.

I hope you have found this information helpful. Thank you.

Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
Email: snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.
Oh, By The Way. . . . . I AM NEVER TOO BUSY FOR REFERRALS.