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Showing posts with label Jean Powers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jean Powers. Show all posts
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Friday, August 1, 2008
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Today I received an email from a friend on the Jeopardy question in which all 3 contestants incorrectly answered regarding the men who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I decided to research the information on the guards as it was quite interesting to me. Not only did I find the questions and answers on these fabulous men but I also found a YouTube piece on the subject which got to my heart! I hope you enjoy this information. I did!!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Do You Know About the Federal Housing Bill?
How Does Federal Housing Bill Affect You?
On June 26, 2008, the Senate passed a housing bill that will offer up to $300 billion in loans for troubled hsomeowners and establish a government rescue plan for mortgage finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
The President will roll over once again - but this time to the benefit of the economy and the consumer. At first, Bush said he would veto the bill, but after consulting with his "advisers" he will concede this coming week and sign the bill into law.
The bill will take effect October 1st, 2008.
What does all of this mean to you, the consumer?
For Distressed Home Owners
Some folks may be able to cancel their old mortgages with high interest rates and replace them with new fixed-rate loans lasting at least 30 years...with some caveats:
1) New loans would be no more than 90 percent of what the borrower's property is worth currently;
2) Loan must have originated on or before January 1, 2008;
3) The loan must be on the borrower's primary residence;
4) Income verification is required, which might be an issue for subprime borrowers who did not have to disclose their income to receive their current loan;5) Your housing payment has to be at least 31 percent of your monthly household income;
6) You cannot take out a home equity loan for at least five years;
7) Appreciation made on the home within five years goes back to the government;
8) Fifty percent of any appreciation after five years must go to the government.
For Home Buyers
1) Conforming loan limits increased permanently to $625,000 (great for California!)
2) The bill includes a tax refund for first-time home buyers worth up to 10% of a home's purchase price but no more than $7,500 (The refund, however, serves more as an interest-free loan, since it would have to be paid back over 15 years in equal installments. )
3) The bill eliminates a program that has allowed sellers to provide down payment assistance.
For Veterans
1) Lenders will have to wait nine months, not 90 days, before beginning foreclosure proceeding on homes owned by someone returning from the military.
2) Lenders will have to wait a year before raising interest rates on a mortgage held by someone returning from military service.
I will continue to learn more about this legislation. If you have any questions, or if I can help you in any way, please call or e-mail me...I am here to help!
On June 26, 2008, the Senate passed a housing bill that will offer up to $300 billion in loans for troubled hsomeowners and establish a government rescue plan for mortgage finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
The President will roll over once again - but this time to the benefit of the economy and the consumer. At first, Bush said he would veto the bill, but after consulting with his "advisers" he will concede this coming week and sign the bill into law.
The bill will take effect October 1st, 2008.
What does all of this mean to you, the consumer?
For Distressed Home Owners
Some folks may be able to cancel their old mortgages with high interest rates and replace them with new fixed-rate loans lasting at least 30 years...with some caveats:
1) New loans would be no more than 90 percent of what the borrower's property is worth currently;
2) Loan must have originated on or before January 1, 2008;
3) The loan must be on the borrower's primary residence;
4) Income verification is required, which might be an issue for subprime borrowers who did not have to disclose their income to receive their current loan;5) Your housing payment has to be at least 31 percent of your monthly household income;
6) You cannot take out a home equity loan for at least five years;
7) Appreciation made on the home within five years goes back to the government;
8) Fifty percent of any appreciation after five years must go to the government.
For Home Buyers
1) Conforming loan limits increased permanently to $625,000 (great for California!)
2) The bill includes a tax refund for first-time home buyers worth up to 10% of a home's purchase price but no more than $7,500 (The refund, however, serves more as an interest-free loan, since it would have to be paid back over 15 years in equal installments. )
3) The bill eliminates a program that has allowed sellers to provide down payment assistance.
For Veterans
1) Lenders will have to wait nine months, not 90 days, before beginning foreclosure proceeding on homes owned by someone returning from the military.
2) Lenders will have to wait a year before raising interest rates on a mortgage held by someone returning from military service.
I will continue to learn more about this legislation. If you have any questions, or if I can help you in any way, please call or e-mail me...I am here to help!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
This is Interesting Information!
I have been researching information on alternative products that work for a variety of reasons!
Did You Know That?
1. Drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately -- without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional "pain relievers."
2. Did you know that Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns?
3. Before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints. They'll clear up your stuffed nose.
4. Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix 1 Tablespoon of horseradish in 1cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as massage oil, for instant relief for aching muscles.
5. Sore throat? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honeyand take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria, also try gargling with warm salt water.
6. Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer. Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly -- even though the product has never been advertised for this use. (Note:Alka-Seltzer PlusCold Medicine is not the same and contains aspirin, which can cause stomach bleeding if you have ulcers.)
7. Honey remedy for skin blemishes... Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.
8. Listerine therapy for toenail fungus... Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.
9. Easy eyeglass protection... To prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening, apply a small drop of Maybelline Crystal Clear nail polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them.
10 Coca-Cola cure for rust... Forget those expensive rust removers. Just saturate an abrasive sponge with Coca Cola and scrub the rust stain. The phosphoric acid in the coke is what gets the job done.
11. Cleaning liquid that doubles as bug killer... If menacing bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you can't find the insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409. Insects drop to the ground instantly.
12. Smart splinter remover... just pour a drop of Elmer's Glue-All over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.
13. Hunt's tomato paste boil cure.... cover the boil with Hunt's tomato paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.14. Balm for broken blisters... To disinfect a broken blister, dab on a few drops of Listerine .. a powerful antiseptic.
15. Heinz vinegar to heal bruises... Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and speeds up the healing process.
16. Kills fleas instantly. Dawn dish washing liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog's bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations. Goodbye fleas.
17. Rainy day cure for dog odor... Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh.
18. Eliminate ear mites... All it takes is a few drops of Wesson corn oil in your cat's ear. Massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat's skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing.
19. Quaker Oats for fast pain relief.... It's not for breakfast anymore! Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain.
20. Get rid of Ants by spreading Baby Powder around the areas ants like to invade.
Did You Know That?
1. Drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately -- without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional "pain relievers."
2. Did you know that Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns?
3. Before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints. They'll clear up your stuffed nose.
4. Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix 1 Tablespoon of horseradish in 1cup of olive oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as massage oil, for instant relief for aching muscles.
5. Sore throat? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honeyand take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria, also try gargling with warm salt water.
6. Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer. Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly -- even though the product has never been advertised for this use. (Note:Alka-Seltzer PlusCold Medicine is not the same and contains aspirin, which can cause stomach bleeding if you have ulcers.)
7. Honey remedy for skin blemishes... Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.
8. Listerine therapy for toenail fungus... Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.
9. Easy eyeglass protection... To prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening, apply a small drop of Maybelline Crystal Clear nail polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them.
10 Coca-Cola cure for rust... Forget those expensive rust removers. Just saturate an abrasive sponge with Coca Cola and scrub the rust stain. The phosphoric acid in the coke is what gets the job done.
11. Cleaning liquid that doubles as bug killer... If menacing bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you can't find the insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409. Insects drop to the ground instantly.
12. Smart splinter remover... just pour a drop of Elmer's Glue-All over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.
13. Hunt's tomato paste boil cure.... cover the boil with Hunt's tomato paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.14. Balm for broken blisters... To disinfect a broken blister, dab on a few drops of Listerine .. a powerful antiseptic.
15. Heinz vinegar to heal bruises... Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and speeds up the healing process.
16. Kills fleas instantly. Dawn dish washing liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog's bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations. Goodbye fleas.
17. Rainy day cure for dog odor... Next time your dog comes in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh.
18. Eliminate ear mites... All it takes is a few drops of Wesson corn oil in your cat's ear. Massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat's skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing.
19. Quaker Oats for fast pain relief.... It's not for breakfast anymore! Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain.
20. Get rid of Ants by spreading Baby Powder around the areas ants like to invade.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Californians Can Afford to Purchase a New Home!
Group says more Californians can afford to buy their first home
By ALEX VEIGA, AP Business Writer
(02-19) 12:13 PST Los Angeles (AP) --
Frustrated California renters take heed: A trade group says it's getting easier for people to afford their first home.
With home prices in a downward spiral in many once-booming areas, the percentage of California households that can afford to finance an entry-level home increased in the last three months of 2007 compared to the same period a year earlier, the California Association of Realtors said Tuesday.
The trade group for real estate agents calculates affordability based on the minimum household income required to make a 10 percent downpayment and secure an adjustable interest rate loan at 6.21 percent.
Some 33 percent of the households in the state met those guidelines in the fourth quarter — up from 25 percent in the same three months of 2006, the association said.
Buyers needed to earn $82,200 to afford financing of $411,170, the typical statewide price for an entry-level home during the quarter, the trade association estimated.
The monthly payment for such a purchase, including taxes and insurance, was $2,740, the association said.
An entry-level home was defined as one priced at about 85 percent of the median home price in an area.
The most affordable area of the state during the quarter was the desert north of Los Angeles, where some 54 percent of households met the association's $43,800 annual income threshold to finance an entry-level home priced at $218,880.
Sacramento County was next, with 53 percent of households within the income range needed to afford a home priced at $252,920.
The least affordable area was the Central Coast region of Monterey, where only 20 percent of households earned the $118,200 needed to finance an entry-level home at $591,200.
In Los Angeles County, 27 percent of households earned the $86,700 a year needed to buy a home priced at $433,200.
Some 46 percent of households in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, which have been hit particularly hard by rising foreclosures and falling home values, earned $57,600 a year, enough to finance a $287,330 home, the association said.
In the San Francisco Bay area, meanwhile, only 23 percent of households reported income of at least $132,300, the minimum to purchase a home priced at $660,660.
Compliments of:
California Association of Realtors: www.car.org
By ALEX VEIGA, AP Business Writer
(02-19) 12:13 PST Los Angeles (AP) --
Frustrated California renters take heed: A trade group says it's getting easier for people to afford their first home.
With home prices in a downward spiral in many once-booming areas, the percentage of California households that can afford to finance an entry-level home increased in the last three months of 2007 compared to the same period a year earlier, the California Association of Realtors said Tuesday.
The trade group for real estate agents calculates affordability based on the minimum household income required to make a 10 percent downpayment and secure an adjustable interest rate loan at 6.21 percent.
Some 33 percent of the households in the state met those guidelines in the fourth quarter — up from 25 percent in the same three months of 2006, the association said.
Buyers needed to earn $82,200 to afford financing of $411,170, the typical statewide price for an entry-level home during the quarter, the trade association estimated.
The monthly payment for such a purchase, including taxes and insurance, was $2,740, the association said.
An entry-level home was defined as one priced at about 85 percent of the median home price in an area.
The most affordable area of the state during the quarter was the desert north of Los Angeles, where some 54 percent of households met the association's $43,800 annual income threshold to finance an entry-level home priced at $218,880.
Sacramento County was next, with 53 percent of households within the income range needed to afford a home priced at $252,920.
The least affordable area was the Central Coast region of Monterey, where only 20 percent of households earned the $118,200 needed to finance an entry-level home at $591,200.
In Los Angeles County, 27 percent of households earned the $86,700 a year needed to buy a home priced at $433,200.
Some 46 percent of households in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, which have been hit particularly hard by rising foreclosures and falling home values, earned $57,600 a year, enough to finance a $287,330 home, the association said.
In the San Francisco Bay area, meanwhile, only 23 percent of households reported income of at least $132,300, the minimum to purchase a home priced at $660,660.
Compliments of:
California Association of Realtors: www.car.org
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