Red, White & Blue Picnic and Fireworks
Saturday, July 4th, 2009
5:00pm-10:00pm
San Ramon Central Park
Presented by Shapell Homes
The City of San Ramon’s Red, White & Blue Picnic & Fireworks is scheduled for Saturday, July 4th in San Ramon's Central Park located at 12501 Alcosta Blvd from 5pm - 10pm. Enjoy our beautiful park setting with a family picnic and music from KKIQ radio being broadcast for your listening enjoyment. There will be a spectacular fireworks display synchronized to music at 9:30 p.m. For those of you not in Central Park, the accompanying music for the fireworks can be heard on KKIQ radio, 101.7.
Everyone is encouraged to bring a picnic to the park, enjoy time with family and friends and celebrate the birthday of our great nation. Please note that there will not be any food booths or live entertainment on-site this year. Plan to bring your food and non-alcoholic beverages with you. Please be kind to your pets and leave them secure at home.
The charge for parking in lots surrounding Central Park will be $10 per car. Handicapped parking will be located in the Community Center lot off of Alcosta Blvd. Residents are encouraged to go green and carpool and walk to the park to help the environment.
From the 680 Freeway exit at Bollinger Canyon and head east to Central Park.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Tips for Improving Memory
Have you ever been introduced to someone, only to forget her name two seconds after you shake her hand?
Don't worry. This is NOT evidence that you're losing your mind. Turns out, it's actually an extremely common occurrence for many people. The good news is there is plenty of research on the subject and there are a number of simple, practical steps you can take to improve your memory now and long into the future.
With that in mind, here are a couple of great tips for proactively strengthening your memory:
Tip #1: Neurobic Exercise
You know all about the wonderful effects aerobic exercise has on the heart, but have you heard of neurobic exercise for the brain?
According to Lawrence Katz, co-author of Keep Your Brain Alive: 83 Neurobic Exercises, the best exercise for the brain is to force it to form "new patterns of association" or new pathways. In other words, challenge your brain every day. take it off autopilot and make it relearn or create new associations with the most routine activities of your day.
Katz's book offers numerous examples of small changes you can make to activate your brain, including: brushing your teeth with the other hand; taking an alternative route to work; moving your wastebasket to the other side of your desk; closing your eyes while putting your key in and unlocking the front door; and changing where you and your family members sit at the dinner table.
So if you feel like your memory might be starting to slip a bit, try some of these simple neurobic exercises today!
Tip #2: Mnemonic Drilling
There are actually three steps or stages of memorization: acquisition, consolidation, and retrieval. That means, once we acquire new information, like someone's name for instance, the way in which we consolidate that data will directly affect how well we're able to retrieve it from memory.
Whether you're a visual or auditory type of learner, there are many mnemonic devices that can help you to better organize or consolidate the new information that you need to recall.
Here's an example of simple steps that might help:
First, associate the data you want to remember with common images. For instance, let's say you meet someone named Jennifer Green. Imagine Jennifer playing golf, or picture her wearing all green clothes, or imagine her face painted completely green.
Second, think of associations you can use to help you remember this person. For instance, link Jennifer to the quality that best fits her personality (use alliteration and rhymes whenever possible): Jolly Jennifer Green.
Finally, connect sound to your memory by saying the name aloud.
Do this regularly and, before you know it, you'll never forget anyone's name again!
Info from MMG Weekley
Don't worry. This is NOT evidence that you're losing your mind. Turns out, it's actually an extremely common occurrence for many people. The good news is there is plenty of research on the subject and there are a number of simple, practical steps you can take to improve your memory now and long into the future.
With that in mind, here are a couple of great tips for proactively strengthening your memory:
Tip #1: Neurobic Exercise
You know all about the wonderful effects aerobic exercise has on the heart, but have you heard of neurobic exercise for the brain?
According to Lawrence Katz, co-author of Keep Your Brain Alive: 83 Neurobic Exercises, the best exercise for the brain is to force it to form "new patterns of association" or new pathways. In other words, challenge your brain every day. take it off autopilot and make it relearn or create new associations with the most routine activities of your day.
Katz's book offers numerous examples of small changes you can make to activate your brain, including: brushing your teeth with the other hand; taking an alternative route to work; moving your wastebasket to the other side of your desk; closing your eyes while putting your key in and unlocking the front door; and changing where you and your family members sit at the dinner table.
So if you feel like your memory might be starting to slip a bit, try some of these simple neurobic exercises today!
Tip #2: Mnemonic Drilling
There are actually three steps or stages of memorization: acquisition, consolidation, and retrieval. That means, once we acquire new information, like someone's name for instance, the way in which we consolidate that data will directly affect how well we're able to retrieve it from memory.
Whether you're a visual or auditory type of learner, there are many mnemonic devices that can help you to better organize or consolidate the new information that you need to recall.
Here's an example of simple steps that might help:
First, associate the data you want to remember with common images. For instance, let's say you meet someone named Jennifer Green. Imagine Jennifer playing golf, or picture her wearing all green clothes, or imagine her face painted completely green.
Second, think of associations you can use to help you remember this person. For instance, link Jennifer to the quality that best fits her personality (use alliteration and rhymes whenever possible): Jolly Jennifer Green.
Finally, connect sound to your memory by saying the name aloud.
Do this regularly and, before you know it, you'll never forget anyone's name again!
Info from MMG Weekley
Monday, May 18, 2009
What's New in Washington DC
Bay East Goes to Washington D.C.: With the federal government deeply involved in trying to jump-start the real estate market, the timing could not have been better to take our concerns to Washington D.C. A team of Bay East REALTORS® including President Pat Huffman, President-Elect Pam Winterbauer and treasurer Otto Catrina joined federal political coordinators Dorothy Jackson and Kevin Brown as REALTORS® from across the country descended on the nation's capitol as part of NAR's mid-year meeting.
Our visit to Capitol Hill was welcomed by elected officials and their staff looking for ideas to help housing and the economy. The Bay East team was ready to provide the REALTOR® perspective. On Wednesday, May 13, they met with staff members from Congress members Barbara Lee and Pete Stark. On Thursday, they met personally with Congressman Jerry McNerney. Our message focused on federal policies that impact home purchase financing; energy efficiency; commercial lending and health care reform.
Home Purchase Financing: Our team urged the East Bay congressional delegation to make the 2008 conforming loan limits permanent, extend the $8,000 Federal Tax Credit and make it available to all home buyers.
Energy Efficiency: We explained why proposed federal legislation that would require an energy audit at the point-of-sale would not accomplish the goal of making homes more energy efficient. Instead, we're supporting another bill that offers incentives to homeowners to make energy efficiency improvements.
Commercial Real Estate Financing: While the nation has been dealing with the fallout from sub-prime mortgages and ARMs resetting, commercial real estate financing also is at risk. Specifically, many loans for commercial real estate are based on very short terms and the lack of available credit means limited refinancing options. The Bay East team explained that the short, three-year term of the Term Asset-backed Securities Loans that help secure commercial mortgage-backed securities need to be extended.
Health Care Reform: The REALTOR® position on health care issues is to make sure small businesses and independent contractors are included in federal plans for making health care available and affordable.
All of the elected officals and staff we met with were receptive to our concerns and issues. NAR's lobbying team in Washigton D.C. welcomed our participation in their daily activies and encouraged REALTORS at the local level to help make sure Congress is aware that we're paying attention.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
No Job? Can' Refinance? How to Talk to Your Bank
As unemployment rises in many states, more homeowners are finding it difficult to pay their mortgage each month. Although most unemployed homeowners do not qualify for refinancing, as they do not meet the minimum qualifying requirements such as proof of income, there are steps they can take to improve their chances of a successful refinance.
KEEP THIS IN MIND
• The first, and probably most important step in the refinance process, is to find out which company services the loan. The loan servicer may or not may not be the company where the mortgage payment is sent each month. This step is crucial, because the loan servicer is generally the one that can modify the loan. If the loan servicer is not able to provide assistance, the owner of the mortgage may be able to help.
• Once a homeowner realizes he or she may no longer be able to pay the mortgage, the homeowner should contact the “loss mitigation department” of the lender. The “loss mitigation department” is where the refinance and/or loan modification process begins.
• After discussing options with the loss mitigation department, homeowners should write a
forbearance letter, also known as a postponement of payment letter. This letter is sent to the
servicer or lender and details the homeowner’s current financial situation and hardship.
• Many government agencies and nonprofit organizations provide free services to homeowners and will serve as an intermediary between the lender/servicer and the homeowner. Some companies charge fees for the same services. Housing analysts caution homeowners to conduct research and due diligence prior to paying a company for loan modification and/or refinance assistance.
To read the full story, please click here: http://www.cnbc.com/id/29595747
Article compliments of California Association of REALTORS
KEEP THIS IN MIND
• The first, and probably most important step in the refinance process, is to find out which company services the loan. The loan servicer may or not may not be the company where the mortgage payment is sent each month. This step is crucial, because the loan servicer is generally the one that can modify the loan. If the loan servicer is not able to provide assistance, the owner of the mortgage may be able to help.
• Once a homeowner realizes he or she may no longer be able to pay the mortgage, the homeowner should contact the “loss mitigation department” of the lender. The “loss mitigation department” is where the refinance and/or loan modification process begins.
• After discussing options with the loss mitigation department, homeowners should write a
forbearance letter, also known as a postponement of payment letter. This letter is sent to the
servicer or lender and details the homeowner’s current financial situation and hardship.
• Many government agencies and nonprofit organizations provide free services to homeowners and will serve as an intermediary between the lender/servicer and the homeowner. Some companies charge fees for the same services. Housing analysts caution homeowners to conduct research and due diligence prior to paying a company for loan modification and/or refinance assistance.
To read the full story, please click here: http://www.cnbc.com/id/29595747
Article compliments of California Association of REALTORS
Monday, March 9, 2009
Spring Forward Began March 8
Daylight Saving Time (DST) began on Sunday, March 8, 2009. The way we refer to time zones also changes. For example, Eastern Standard Time (EST) becomes Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
But remember, some areas of the United States don’t use DST, such as Arizona, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands and American Samoa. More Sun…
Daylight Saving Time Runs Longer
In case you hadn’t noticed over the last two years, DST now begins earlier and runs longer. The extra time that we enjoy is actually the result of the Energy Policy Act, which President Bush signed into law in 2005 and went into effect in 2007. The Act changed the start date of DST to the second Sunday in March — three weeks earlier. It also moved the end date out one week to the first Sunday in November.
Benefits of Daylight Saving Time
Despite some concerns, Americans overwhelmingly like Daylight Saving Time. There is simply more sunlight in the evenings to enjoy the outdoors and get things done. Plus, additional hours of daylight can help save energy on a national scale — as much as 100,000 barrels of oil per day according to some estimates.
And brighter is safer. Studies have shown that the DST shift reduces traffic accidents. Additionally, a study by the US Law Enforcement Administration also determined that crime is consistently lower during DST, with violent crimes down as much as 10% to 13%. For many crimes, like mugging, darkness is a factor — so more light in the evening hours reduces these types of crimes.
Cons of Daylight Saving Time
Not everyone benefits from DST. For example, many farmers say that DST has a negative impact on their livestock’s natural schedules. The airline industry also reports that it costs millions of dollars to adjust time schedules — and even then, airlines report numerous problems with international flight connections during the transition time since DST isn’t followed uniformly worldwide.
Finally, since many electronic devices and computer programs are set to adjust to DST based on the old dates, they may not change automatically on March 8. So, you’ll want to double-check all of your devices and confirm that the time is correct.
Compliments of Cherry Creek Mortgage
But remember, some areas of the United States don’t use DST, such as Arizona, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands and American Samoa. More Sun…
Daylight Saving Time Runs Longer
In case you hadn’t noticed over the last two years, DST now begins earlier and runs longer. The extra time that we enjoy is actually the result of the Energy Policy Act, which President Bush signed into law in 2005 and went into effect in 2007. The Act changed the start date of DST to the second Sunday in March — three weeks earlier. It also moved the end date out one week to the first Sunday in November.
Benefits of Daylight Saving Time
Despite some concerns, Americans overwhelmingly like Daylight Saving Time. There is simply more sunlight in the evenings to enjoy the outdoors and get things done. Plus, additional hours of daylight can help save energy on a national scale — as much as 100,000 barrels of oil per day according to some estimates.
And brighter is safer. Studies have shown that the DST shift reduces traffic accidents. Additionally, a study by the US Law Enforcement Administration also determined that crime is consistently lower during DST, with violent crimes down as much as 10% to 13%. For many crimes, like mugging, darkness is a factor — so more light in the evening hours reduces these types of crimes.
Cons of Daylight Saving Time
Not everyone benefits from DST. For example, many farmers say that DST has a negative impact on their livestock’s natural schedules. The airline industry also reports that it costs millions of dollars to adjust time schedules — and even then, airlines report numerous problems with international flight connections during the transition time since DST isn’t followed uniformly worldwide.
Finally, since many electronic devices and computer programs are set to adjust to DST based on the old dates, they may not change automatically on March 8. So, you’ll want to double-check all of your devices and confirm that the time is correct.
Compliments of Cherry Creek Mortgage
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