Giving back to the community!

I have always been taught to be there for others and show compassion when people or animals are in need.  It's also a part of my nature to be a caretaker and look out for others that struggle to look out for themselves.  That's why I have always tried to reach out to the community in any way that I can. 

I was a volunteer with the VacaValley Kiwanis club for 2 years in 2007/2008.  One of those years I was the Key Club liason for Vacaville High School.  I also volunteered my time with Central Lab Rescue assisting them with adoption days and transporting labs to/from foster homes. 

My most proud accomplishment was becoming a big sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the North Bay.  I was matched with my "little" Brittny in April of 2008.  We were matched for 3 years and she is a very big part of my life & always will be.  I am an only child and this was something I had wanted to do since I was in high school.  I feel very grateful that BBBS was able to match me with such a wonderful young lady right here in Solano County.  Both of our lives are forever changed for the experience BBBS gave us!  If you have ever thought about becoming a "big", this program is an amazing opportunity and there are so many "littles" in need.  Please visit the BBBS Northbay website today!

In my real estate career, giving back is just as important.  After my first year or two selling homes I decided I wanted a way to make a difference by making a $50 donation in my clients name after close of escrow.  I give my clients the option from one of 3 charities that are near and dear to my heart for many reasons.  Those charities are:

-Shriner's Hospitals for Children  
-Solano County SPCA
-Susan G. Komen Foundation

I am grateful for my health & the opportunities I have been provided in my life from my family and friends.  This is my way of giving back to those that for whatever the reason may not have had those opportunities or have been dealt a bad hand over the years (four legged critters included.)  Please visit the websites above for more information about these wonderful organizations!

Be prepared & install a carbon monoxide detector in your home

Are you currently selling your home or planning to list your home in the near future?  With the new carbon monoxide detector law in effect, it is important to be proactive in installing the detector prior to entering into escrow to avoid hold ups with the loan or added costs for re-inspection.  Appraisers are now required to note if a carbon monoxide detector has been installed or not.

FYI....New HUD changes effective Immediately....please take note of the new requirements regarding Carbon Monoxide Detectors!!!

California Properties: Effective July 1, 2011, all California properties (purchases, refinances and on all loan programs) require a Carbon Monoxide Detector.

Since we do not want the borrowers to have to pay for a re-inspection fee ($150-$165) for the installation of a $45.00 detector, if the appraisers did not indicate if a detector is present, the Underwriter will condition for the borrower(s) to provide evidence of the installation of the detector (copy of the receipt for purchasing the detector and photo of the installed detector is sufficient).

We will not require a 1004D until August 1st to allow time for our AMC’s and borrowers to become compliant with this new California ordinance.

Please make sure all of your properties are equipped with a carbon monoxide Detector, and please make sure that this is pointed out to the appraiser at the time of inspection....

Information provided by Deanna Shimboff of Downtown Lending Group
http://www.downtownlendinggroup.com/
DRE LIC# 01848060

NMLS LIC # 230201

Carbon monoxide detectors required in all single family homes* as of July 1, 2011

In May 2010, the state of California enacted a law requiring home owners to install carbon monoxide detectors in their homes. According to the California Air Resources Board, 30 to 40 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning. The senate bill, also known as the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act, states that those deaths were avoidable. According to the bill, the California law will help prevent further deaths and increase awareness.

Timeline
Although the bill was signed into law in 2010, California residents must have carbon monoxide detectors in their homes as of July 1, 2011. This timeline applies only to single-family homes that have appliances that burn fossil fuels or homes that have attached garages or fireplaces. For all other types of housing, such as apartments and hotels, detectors should be in place as of January 1, 2013. Types of fossil fuels include wood, gas and oil.

Detector
According to the senate bill, the detector must sound an audible warning once carbon monoxide is detected. It also must be powered by a battery, or if it is plugged in, have a battery for a backup. The detector also must be certified by national testing labs, such as the Underwriters Laboratories. The packaging on the carbon monoxide detector will state this. If the CO detector is also a smoke detector, it must still meet the above standards and must sound an alarm that is different than the smoke alarm. Carbon monoxide detectors typically can be purchased for about $20 and up.

Exemptions
Although the law targets units that are occupied by humans, the law exempts state and local government property, as well as property owned by the University of California Regents. The law requires local jurisdictions to comply; however, they may amend their current ordinances to fall more in line with the law.

Fines
California law states that anyone who does not comply with the law may face a $200 fine. However, residents will receive a notice of 30 days to correct any violations before they will be fined.


Read more: California Law on Carbon Monoxide Detector Requirements
eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_6674598_california-carbon-monoxide-detector-requirements.html#ixzz1RpbDFrCV