Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Saturday, March 10, 2012
This Just In . . . Better Safe than Sorry
This is a tweet from QuakePrediction.com. I don't know how accurate they are but it's better to be safe than sorry. The tip on earthquake safety below may help you or someone you know. Please pass it on. Thanks to Tony for sending it my way.
5.5 to 6.0 earthquake is guaranteed to hit San Francisco or Los Angeles in the next 35 hours. Please prepare; http://www.quakeprediction.com/
"Triangle of Life": Without listening or reading, simply by looking at the following self-explanatory photos, you can learn more than in a thousand words about how to protect yourself during a major earthquake...
If you are inside a vehicle, come out and sit or lie down next to it. If something falls on the vehicle, it will leave an empty space along the sides. See below:
Where to Go During an Earthquake Remember that stuff about hiding under a table or standing in a doorway? Well, forget it! This is a real eye opener. It could save your life someday.
EXTRACT FROM DOUG COPP'S ARTICLE ON 'THE TRIANGLE OF LIFE'
My name is Doug Copp. I am the Rescue Chief and Disaster Manager of the American Rescue Team International (ARTI ), the world's most experienced rescue team. The information in this article will save lives in an earthquake.
I have crawled inside 875 collapsed buildings, worked with rescue teams from 60 countries, founded rescue teams in several countries, and I am a member of many rescue teams from many countries. I was the United Nations expert in Disaster Mitigation for two years, and have worked at every major disaster in the world since 1985, except for simultaneous disasters.
The first building I ever crawled inside of was a school in Mexico City during the 1985 earthquake. Every child was under its desk. Every child was crushed to the thickness of their bones. They could have survived by lying down next to their desks in the aisles. It was obscene -- unnecessary.
Simply stated, when buildings collapse, the weight of the ceilings falling upon the objects or furniture inside crushes these objects, leaving a space or void next to them - NOT under them. This space is what I call the 'triangle of life'. The larger the object, the stronger, the less it will compact. The less the object compacts, the larger the void, the greater the probability that the person who is using this void for safety will not be injured. The next time you watch collapsed buildings, on television, count the 'triangles' you see formed. They are everywhere. It is the most common shape, you will see, in a collapsed building.
TIPS FOR EARTHQUAKE SAFETY 1) Most everyone who simply 'ducks and covers' when building collapse are crushed to death. People who get under objects, like desks or cars, are crushed.
2) Cats, dogs and babies often naturally curl up in the fetal position. You should too in an earthquake. It is a natural safety/survival instinct. You can survive in a smaller void. Get next to an object, next to a sofa, next to a bed, next to a large bulky object that will compress slightly but leave a void next to it.
3) Wooden buildings are the safest type of construction to be in during an earthquake. Wood is flexible and moves with the force of the earthquake. If the wooden building does collapse, large survival voids are created. Also, the wooden building has less concentrated, crushing weight. Brick buildings will break into individual bricks. Bricks will cause many injuries but less squashed bodies than concrete slabs.
4) If you are in bed during the night and an earthquake occurs, simply roll off the bed. A safe void will exist around the bed. Hotels can achieve a much greater survival rate in earthquakes, simply by posting a sign on the back of the door of every room telling occupants to lie down on the floor, next to the bottom of the bed during an earthquake.
5) If an earthquake happens and you cannot easily escape by getting out the door or window, then lie down and curl up in the fetal position next to a sofa, or large chair.
6) Most everyone who gets under a doorway when buildings collapse is killed. How? If you stand under a doorway and the doorjamb falls forward or backward you will be crushed by the ceiling above. If the door jam falls sideways you will be cut in half by the doorway. In either case, you will be killed!
7) Never go to the stairs. The stairs have a different 'moment of frequency' (they swing separately from the main part of the building). The stairs and remainder of the building continuously bump into each other until structural failure of the stairs takes place. The people who get on stairs before they fail are chopped up by the stair treads - horribly mutilated. Even if the building doesn't collapse, stay away from the stairs. The stairs are a likely part of the building to be damaged. Even if the stairs are not collapsed by the earthquake, they may collapse later when overloaded by fleeing people. They should always be checked for safety, even when the rest of the building is not damaged.
8) Get near the outer walls of buildings or outside of them if possible - It is much better to be near the outside of the building rather than the interior. The farther inside you are from the outside perimeter of the building the greater the probability that your escape route will be blocked.
9) People inside of their vehicles are crushed when the road above falls in an earthquake and crushes their vehicles; which is exactly what happened with the slabs between the decks of the Nimitz Freeway. The victims of the San Francisco earthquake all stayed inside of their vehicles. They were all killed. They could have easily survived by getting out and sitting or lying next to their vehicles. Everyone killed would have survived if they had been able to get out of their cars and sit or lie next to them. All the crushed cars had voids 3 feet high next to them, except for the cars that had columns fall directly across them.
10) I discovered, while crawling inside of collapsed newspaper offices and other offices with a lot of paper, that paper does not compact. Large voids are found surrounding stacks of paper.
Spread the word and save someone's life...
The entire world is experiencing natural calamities so be prepared!
'We are but angels with one wing, it takes two to fly' In 1996 we made a film, which proved my survival methodology to be correct. The Turkish Federal Government, City of Istanbul, University of Istanbul Case Productions and ARTI cooperated to film this practical, scientific test. We collapsed a school and a home with 20 mannequins inside. Ten mannequins did 'duck and cover,' and ten mannequins I used in my 'triangle of life' survival method. After the simulated earthquake collapse we crawled through the rubble and entered the building to film and document the results. The film, in which I practiced my survival techniques under directly observable, scientific conditions , relevant to building collapse, showed there would have been zero percent survival for those doing duck and cover.
There would likely have been 100 percent survivability for people using my method of the 'triangle of life.' This film has been seen by millions of viewers on television in Turkey and the rest of Europe, and it was seen in the USA , Canada and Latin America on the TV program Real TV.
Source： 國際救援小組（ARTI）， 網址：http://www.amerrescue.org/
American Rescue Team International（ARTI）is said to be the World's most experienced rescue team and disaster management-mitigation organization.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
This just in . . .Celebrate Spring!
Spring is here! Yes, it's still chilly and a bit windy, but it's spring and the world is new. Take some time to enjoy the sunshine, get to know a neighbor, go for a walk, just have some fun in the sun! There's no place like Sacramento. Let's enjoy it.
Welcome new clients:
D. Jones, C.White
In the news:
Wall Street Journal: White House reduces FHA refi fees
By Nick Timirao
March 6, 2012
The Obama administration today announced another initiative to allow more homeowners to refinance, this time by dropping fees on federally insured mortgages that have prevented some borrowers from taking advantage of ultralow rates over the past year. The latest changes will reduce fees to refinance loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration through what’s known as a “streamline” refinance.
CNBC: Huge spike in repeat foreclosures
By Diana Olick
March 6, 2012
Thousands of foreclosures that were stuck in process due to delays over the so-called "Robo-signing" paperwork scandal are working their way through a revamped banking system and heading toward final bank repossession.
Here's a snap shot of what's happening in our area:
Sacramento County Market Stats: The average price per square foot: $109.00 which is down 6.7% from last year. The average sold price: $187,000.00 which is down 6.5% from last year.
Yolo County Market Stats: The average price per square foot is $137.00 up 7.4% from last year. The average sold price: $267,000.00 up 2.3% from last year.
Newly Listed:
5300 Aldorae Dr.,Fair Oaks, CA
Coming Soon:
1701 Armington Ave., Sacramento, CA
Tech Diva Tips - 15 Grammar Goofs that Make You Look Silly . . .
Like this infographic? Get more copywriting tips from Copyblogger.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
This Just In . . . Happy New Year!
Welcome new clients: E & C Payne, A. Tory, & The Macias Family
And congratulations to C.A. on the purchase of an investment property & to T.K. on the purchase of the a new home for the family and to M.T. on the short sale of an investment property. Each of these transactions were unique in their challenges but all had happy endings.
And a big thank you to Mark Teran and his team at Standford Mortgage & Mitzie Sambueno and her team at Prospect Mortgage for all their hard work in getting us to close.
In the news:
1. There's been a lot of talk lately about home prices inching up in the later part of the year. Thinking of buying? Its time to get off the fence. Let's talk. Call me at 916-410-4995.
2. Rate on 30-year mortgage down to record 3.88%
3. December Existing-Home Sales Show Uptrend
Here's a snap shot of what's happening in our area:
Sacramento County Market Stats: The average price per square foot: $109.00 which is down 6.7% from last year. The average sold price: $187,000.00 which is down 6.5% from last year.
Yolo County Market Stats: The average price per square foot is $137.00 up 7.4% from last year. The average sold price: $267,000.00 up 2.3% from last year.
Just Sold:
173 Limestone Dr., Vallejo, CA
600 William, West Sacramento, CA
7075 Demaret Dr, Sacramento, CA
Coming Soon:
5300 Aldorae Dr.,Fair Oaks, CA
YouTube Tip:
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Merry Christmas!
Christmas is what we make of it. Christmas is so much more than a few days off. Christmas is a time to reflect on the real reason for the season. Spend a little time with those you love and those who love you. Visit the sick or comfort the lonely.
With Christmas now just a few days away I wanted to share my Christmas wish for you and yours. May you discover and enjoy all the season represents; peace, joy and good will toward all. That's what Christmas is all about.
Merry Christmas! And thank you for being a part of my life.
Francine.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
This Just In . . . December 6, 2011
It's Time to Buy!
Thinking about buying a home? Now's the time. You can learn more about how to get started at our Homebuyer Club informational meeting next Wednseday, December 14. We will meet with Joy Upshire from Skywest Mortgage who will talk to us about a few of the downpayment assitance programs for 1st time buyers. Interested? R.S.V.P. here. Or call 916-631-1909 and leave your name, email and contact number.
Step/One Homebuyer Club informational meeting - Wednesday, December 14 at 6:00p - 9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Elk Grove, CA
A Simple Christmas
Christmas seems to have become so superficial. I remember the simple things like spending time with people who matter; friends, family and colleagues you enjoy. Where thought goes into the gifts given. And how you reflect on the reason for the season and do something for others from the heart; like visiting someone in a care home or bringing food to a family in need. What's your favorite simple Christmas memory? Don't have one? Create one today. Merry Christmas!
YouTube Video Tip of the Week:
Monday, November 7, 2011
This Just In . . . November 8, 2011
Welcome new friends & clients:
Dean & Stacy N.
Joe & Lynn C.
James & Renee W.
Thank You Veterans!
YouTube Tip of the Week:
Buyer & Seller Help:
Late October, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced important changes to the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) to help millions of underwater borrowers whose mortgages are backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The changes will allow borrowers who are current on their mortgage payments to save an average of $2,500 a year by refinancing their mortgages, regardless of what their homes are worth. The revamped HARP Program will also streamline the refinancing process, eliminating certain types of appraisals and underwriting requirements, and reducing or eliminating fees that prevented homeowners from refinancing in the past. The FHFA is working on details of the new rules, which should be finalized by Nov. 15. Banks may be able to start issuing refinanced loans by Dec. 1. We’ll continue to keep you updated on this issue. CAR.org
Click to launch the full edition in a new window
Got questions? Get Answers! 916-631-1909
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
This Just In . . . October 25, 2011
Reminder: Daylight Savings Time ends November 6. At 2:00a, set your clocks back one hour.
Welcome New Friends & Clients . . .
Marilyn H.
Huey H.
Asra R.
Greater Sacramento Regional News & Events
Did You Know . . .
Famous West Sacramento Residents
- Malcolm Floyd, NFL Wide Receiver
- Eugene Garin, contemporary seascape artist
- Burney Lamar, NASCAR driver
- Oleg Maskaev, former World Boxing Council heavyweight boxing champion of the world
- Anthony Portantino, CA State Assemblyman from La Canada Flintridge lives in a condo near the river when the legislature is in session
- Steve Sax, former LA Dodgers 2nd baseman
Tuesday YouTube Tip:
First Time Buyer? Get Started here:
Unless you plan to pay cash, you will need to get a loan to purchase your home or investment property. Having a good loan professional is key for making the right decision about which loan product best suits your need. Connect with your banker or call on one of these local lenders.
Having difficulties selling?
Selling a home in today's market can be stressful if you don't have the right information or the right tools. That's why it's so important to connect with a good real estate professional who will help guide you through the process. Need to sell and not sure what to do? Give me a call. If I'm unable to help I'll get you to someone who can. No matter what situation you find yourself (traditional, probate, short sale or foreclosure), it never too late to get help.
We want to hear from you!
Got an idea or tip you'd like to share? Post it here!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
This Just In . . . October 18, 2011
- Welcome New Friends & Clients . . .
Asra R.
- Greater Sacramento News
- Did You Know . . .
In 1850 and again in 1861, Sacramento citizens were faced with a completely flooded town. After the devastating 1850 flood, Sacramento experienced a cholera epidemic and a flu epidemic, which crippled the town for several years. In 1861, Governor Leland Stanford, who was inaugurated in early January 1861, had to attend his inauguration in a rowboat, which was not too far from his house in town on N street. The flood waters were so bad, the legend says, that when he returned to his house, he had to enter into it through the second floor window. From 1862 until the mid-1870s Sacramento raised the level of its downtown by building reinforced brick walls on its downtown streets, and filling the resulting street walls with dirt. Thus the previous first floors of buildings became the basements, with open space between the street and the building, previously the sidewalk, now at the basement level. Most property owners used screw jacks to raise their buildings to the new grade. The sidewalks were covered, initially by wooden sidewalks, then brick barrel vaults, and eventually replaced by concrete sidewalks. Over the years, many of these underground spaces have been filled or destroyed by subsequent development. However, it is still possible to view portions of the "Sacramento Underground".
Tuesday Tips:
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Monday, October 10, 2011
This Just In . . .
- Welcome New Friends & Clients . . .
Janis H.
Christine A.
- Greater Sacramento News
- RE FAQ #14 -
Why Some locations don't work for FHA loans
- Did You Know . . .
Sacramento is the oldest incorporated city in California, incorporated on February 27, 1850.
- Fran's YouTube Tip of the Week:
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Get Help Here . . .
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Lender Information:
Rates are unbelievably great!!! Prices this low and rates this low will not last forever. The hardest thing is that when prices go one direction for so long it’s hard for a consumer to believe that it will do anything different other than to continue on the same path. Do you remember when prices went up and up and up? Most everyone believed it would do nothing but that. We have the reverse scenario now and GUESS WHAT?….. I can’t say exactly when, but over time this unbelievably great market to buy WILL CHANGE! For those who can… let them know now is the time to take advantage of it. JUST MY OPINION!
In today’s current real estate market we understand that many big banks are not wanting to approve borrowers or simply conditioning these borrowers to no end. We have been fortunate enough to save a lot of transactions from falling apart, as well as create more opportunities for many borrowers and real estate agents. So we would like to share our new Second Chance Application with you. We also have a lot of experience with credit restoration; for example, in a situation where a borrower was not approved we have helped repair credit in less than one week allowing for loan approval.
Why rent, when you may be able to buy your own home . . . for only a bit more than you're paying each month in rent? |
See how much money you could be directing toward a growing investment, which you can use to turn even more dreams into a reality in the future.
Begin to enjoy the personal and practical benefits of being a homeowner. Get more information on the affordable loan programs that enable renters to become home owners. We can help you choose a home-financing program that fits your individual needs and budget.
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