La Jolla Real Estate Blog: Laxson Realty l La Jolla Real Estate

Moving With Pets

Moving to a new home can be stressful on your pets, but there are many things you can do to make the process as painless as possible. Experts at The Pet Realty Network in Naples, Fla., offer these helpful tips for easing the transition and keeping pets safe during the move.

1. Update your pet's tag. Make sure your pet is wearing a sturdy collar with an identification tag that is labeled with your current contact information. The tag should include your destination location, telephone number, and cell phone number so that you can be reached immediately during the move.

2. Ask for veterinary records. If you're moving far enough away that you'll need a new vet, you should ask for a current copy of your pet's vaccinations. You also can ask for your pet's medical history to give to your new vet, although that can normally be faxed directly to the new medical-care provider upon request. Depending on your destination, your pet may need additional vaccinations, medications, and health certificates. Have your current vet's phone number handy in case of an emergency, or in case your new vet would like more information about your pet.

3. Keep medications and food on hand. Keep at least one week's worth of food and medication with you in case of an emergency. Vets can't write a prescription without a prior doctor/patient relationship, which can cause delays if you need medication right away. You may want to ask for an extra prescription refill before you move. The same preparation should be taken with special therapeutic foods - purchase an extra supply in case you can't find the food right away in your new area.

4. Seclude your pet from chaos. Pets can feel vulnerable on moving day. Keep them in a safe, quiet, well-ventilated place, such as the bathroom, on moving day with a "Do Not Disturb! Pets Inside!" sign posted on the door. There are many light, collapsible travel crates on the market if you choose to buy one. However, make sure your pet is familiar with the new crate before moving day by gradually introducing him or her to the crate before your trip. Be sure the crate is well-ventilated and sturdy enough for stress-chewers; otherwise, a nervous pet could escape.

5. Prepare a first aid kit. First aid is not a substitute for emergency veterinary care, but being prepared and knowing basic first aid could save your pet's life. A few recommended supplies: Your veterinarian's phone number, gauze to wrap wounds or to muzzle your pet, adhesive tape for bandages, non-stick bandages, towels, and hydrogen peroxide (3 percent). You can use a door, board, blanket or floor mat as an emergency stretcher and a soft cloth, rope, necktie, leash, or nylon stocking for an emergency muzzle.

6. Play it safe in the car. It's best to travel with your dog in a crate; second-best is to use a restraining harness. When it comes to cats, it's always best for their safety and yours to use a well-ventilated carrier in the car. Secure the crate or carrier with a seat belt and provide your pet with familiar toys. Never keep your pet in the open bed of a truck or the storage area of a moving van. In any season, a pet left alone in a parked vehicle is vulnerable to injury and theft. If you'll be using overnight lodging, plan ahead by searching for pet-friendly hotels. Have plenty of kitty litter and plastic bags on hand, and keep your pet on its regular diet and eating schedule.

7. Get ready for takeoff. When traveling by air,check with the airline about any pet requirements or restrictions to be sure you've prepared your pet for a safe trip. Some airlines will allow pets in the cabin, depending on the animal's size, but you'll need to purchase a special airline crate that fits under the seat in front of you. Give yourself plenty of time to work out any arrangements necessary including consulting with your veterinarian and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. If traveling is stressful for your pet, consult your veterinarian about ways that might lessen the stress of travel.

8. Find a new veterinary clinic and emergency hospital. Before you move, ask your vet to recommend a doctor in your new locale. Talk to other pet owners when visiting the new community, and call the state veterinary medical association (VMA) for veterinarians in your location. When choosing a new veterinary hospital, ask for an impromptu tour; kennels should be kept clean at all times, not just when a client's expected. You may also want to schedule an appointment to meet the vets. Now ask yourself: Are the receptionists, doctors, technicians, and assistants friendly, professional and knowledgeable? Are the office hours and location convenient? Does the clinic offer emergency or specialty services or boarding? If the hospital doesn't meet your criteria, keep looking until you're assured that your pet will receive the best possible care.

9. Prep your new home for pets. Pets may be frightened and confused in new surroundings. Upon your arrival at your new home, immediately set out all the familiar and necessary things your pet will need: food, water, medications, bed, litter box, toys, etc. Pack these items in a handy spot so they can be unpacked right away. Keep all external windows and doors closed when your pet is unsupervised, and be cautious of narrow gaps behind or between appliances where nervous pets may try to hide. If your old home is nearby, your pet may try to find a way back there. To be safe, give the new home owners or your former neighbors your phone number and a photo of your pet, and ask them to contact you if your pet is found nearby.

10. Learn more about your new area. Once you find a new veterinarian, ask if there are any local health concerns such as heartworm or Lyme disease, or any vaccinations or medications your pet may require. Also, be aware of any unique laws. For example, there are restrictive breed laws in some cities. Homeowner associations also may have restrictions - perhaps requiring that all dogs are kept on leashes. If you will be moving to a new country, carry an updated rabies vaccination and health certificate. It is very important to contact the Agriculture Department or embassy of the country or state to which you're traveling to obtain specific information on special documents, quarantine, or costs to bring the animal into the country.

Source: The Pet Realty Network

This has been Reprinted from REALTOR® magazine (REALTOR.org/realtormag http://www.realtor.org/realtormag) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Click to "LIKE" me on facebook:

Karin Smith - Realtor

Looking forward to working with you!
-Karin :)

  www.PropertyPromenade.com
Your Source for Slidell and New Orleans, La. Real Estate
PropertyPromenade.com is a courtesy of Karin Smith - Listing Agent / Selling Agent

Karin Smith - REALTOR
ABEK Real Estate
820 Oak Harbor Blvd.
Slidell, La. 70458
USA

Cell: 985-707-7624
Email:ksmith.realestate@gmail.com

 

Here's a handy list of 10 things you can do to kill your chances of getting a loan today.

1. The house just needs too much work.
This applies to REO's, foreclosures, and short sales... sure they're good deal, but the financing can be rough.  Any broken windows, bad appliances, leaking roof, water damage, obvious mold, health or safety issues, structural problems and of course any liens.

2. Low Appraisal
Appraisal used to be a "rubber stamp"... those days are long gone and best forgotten.  Today, appraisers are trying hard to "prove up" your purchase price... and standards have become tougher (good!).  If the appraiser can't, in good faith, shore up your purchase price... they're just not gonna.  Re-negotiations (post appraisal) are becoming much more common.

3. Borrower has too much debt.
Back in the day, large debt/income ratios were given a "blind eye"... no more.  35-40% debt ratios are the top end... the guidelines have become very tight... and if your buyer does qualify... make sure they don't make any large purchases just prior to closing, as many lenders are pulling credit just before closing... and if something has changed.... weee doggies, lookout!

4. Buyer is self-employed.
Lenders today are looking for 2 years of tax returns for those who are self employed.  And they look at you cross-eyed if your income is declining.  Real income will not be used (such as a Waiter who doesn't report all his tips)... they're going to be based on the income shown on your tax return.

5. Borrower has just started being paid by commission only.
In an effort to save money, some companies have switched their long term employees to commission.  Lenders will not count commissions unless they can show a history of at least 2 years.

6. Your tax return doesn't match your IRS transcript.
Oh, this is a fun one.  Used to be that you submitted a printout of your tax return, and the lenders just "believed" you.  Sometimes they would pull a copy of the return for their files, but only after closing.  Today, they are pulling transcripts prior to closing, and if they don't match up.. .(in other words, you "doctored" your printout)... that's fraud, and the deal is off, the loan is dead.  (And keep in mind that lying on a mortgage application is a federal offense, punishable by time in your local penitentiary!!)

7. You can't get PMI.
Again, PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) used to be a "given"... no more.  There are only two or three PMI companies nationwide, and they are picky, picky, picky.  It is possible, today, to be approved for your loan, and yet denied PMI.  Your credit needs to be good... you need to have low debt, and the better your down-payment, the happier they are.

8. The condominium has issues.
Lenders are looking closer and closer at condo budgets, reserves and their general financial health.  They're concerned about any pending litigation, and upcoming special assessments.  Lenders have recently been pushing condo boards to increase their Fidelity bond... enough to cover at least 3 months of residents not paying their assessments.  And they're taking a hard look at any owners (other than the developer) who owns more than 10% of the units.

9. You haven't allowed enough time for your loan processing.
All of these tighter guidelines are causing long approval times.  The loan papers are often only good for 90 days or so... and if you get to that deadline, and have to rework the papers, that could cause a delay.  If you're purchasing a HUD property... a delay could cost you the property entirely.  Allow plenty of time for short-sale approvals, and even for standard mortgages.  Realtors need to be hands-on with the lender and loan officers.

10. You don't have all the necessary financial paperwork.
Lenders are looking for more documentation than ever.  They want to see Bank Statements, verification of large deposits or gifts, earnest money and rent checks.  They may ask for letters of explanation on credit inquiries, missed or late payments, income fluctuations.  Make sure to have all your ducks in a row.

ALAN MAY, Realtor®
Specializing in Evanston Real Estate and North Shore Real Estate
-------------------------------
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, 2929 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201
847.425.3779      Cell: 847.924.3313      Email: Almay@aol.com

Evanston Real Estate & North Shore Real Estate

The following items are essential tools but this list is by no means exhaustive.

1. Plunger
A clogged sink or toilet is one of the most disturbing
problems that you will face. With a plunger on hand,
however, you can usually remedy these troubling plumbing
issues relatively quickly. It is best to have two plungers --
one for the sink and one for the toilet.

2. Combination Wrench Set
One end of a combination wrench set is open and the other
end is a closed loop. Nuts and bolts are manufactured in
standard and metric sizes and because both varieties are
widely used, so you'll need both sets of wrenches. For the most control and leverage,
always pull the wrench toward you, instead of pushing on it. Also, avoid over-tightening.

3. Slip-Joint Pliers
Use slip-joint pliers to grab hold of a nail, a nut, a bolt, and
much more. These types of pliers are versatile because of
the jaws, which feature both flat and curved areas for
gripping many types of objects. There is also a built-in slipjoint,
which allows the user to quickly adjust the jaw size to
suit most tasks.

4. Adjustable Wrench
Adjustable wrenches are somewhat awkward to use and
can damage a bolt or nut if they are not handled properly. However, adjustable
wrenches are ideal for situations where you need two wrenches of the same size.
Screw the jaws all the way closed to avoid damaging the bolt or nut.

5. Caulking Gun
Caulking is the process of sealing up cracks and
gaps in various structures and certain types of
piping. Caulking can provide noise mitigation
and thermal insulation, and control water
penetration. Caulk should be applied only to areas

6. Flashlight
None of the tools in this list is of any use if you
cannot visually inspect the situation. The problem,
and solution, are apparent only with a good
flashlight. A traditional two-battery flashlight is usually sufficient, as larger flashlights
may be too unwieldy.

7. Tape Measure
Measuring house projects requires a tape measure, not a ruler or a yardstick. Tape
measures come in many lengths, although 25 feet is best. Measure everything at least
twice to ensure accuracy.

8. Hacksaw
These are great for cutting metal objects such as pipes, bolts and brackets. Hacksaws
look thin and flimsy, but they'll easily cut through even the
hardest of metals. Blades are replaceable, so focus
your purchase on a quality hacksaw frame.

9. Torpedo Level
Only a level can be used to determine if something, such as
a shelf, appliance or picture, is correctly oriented. The
torpedo-style level is unique because it not only shows when
an object is perfectly horizontal or vertical, but it also has a
gauge that shows when an object is at a 45-degree angle.
The bubble in viewfinder must be exactly in the middle, not
merely close.

10. Safety Glasses / Goggles
For all tasks involving a hammer or a power tool, you should
always wear safety glasses or goggles. They should also be
worn while you mix chemicals.

11. Claw Hammer
A good hammer is one of the most important tools you can own. Use it to drive and
remove nails, to pry wood loose from the house, and in combination with other tools.
They come in a variety of sizes, although a 16-ounce hammer is the best all-purpose
choice.

12. Screwdriver Set
It is best to have four screwdrivers: a small and large version of both a flat-head and a
Phillips- head screwdriver. Electrical screwdrivers are sometimes convenient, but
they're no substitute. Manual screwdrivers can reach into more places and they are
less likely to damage the screw.

13. Wire Cutters
Wire cutters are pliers designed to cut wires and small nails. The "side-cutting" (unlike
the stronger "end-cutting" style) style is handy, but not strong enough to cut small nails.

14. Respirator / Safety Mask
While paints and other coatings have become less toxic (and lead-free) over time, most
still contain dangerous chemicals, which is why you should wear a mask to avoid
accidentally getting them in your lungs. A mask should also be worn when working in
dusty or dirty environments. Disposable masks usually come in packs of 10 and should
be thrown away after use. Full and half-face respirators can be used to prevent the
inhalation of very fine particles that ordinary facemasks will not not stop.

10. Duct Tape This tape is extremely strong and adaptable. Originally, it was widely used to make
temporary repairs to many types of military equipment. Today, it's one of the key items
specified for home emergency kits because it is water-resistant and extremely sticky.
In summary, the above is a list of tools that every homeowner should have

Homeless Prevention at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton CA

A recent joint effort between The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced earlier this week their program Veterans Homelessness Prevention Demonstration Program (VHPDP) to help prevent Veteran homelessness. The agencies combined will be investing $15 million dollars to be disbursed among 5 communities near military bases.

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton here in San Diego will be one of the communities to be a recipient of these funds. Camp Pendleton is set to receive $2 million dollars. In addition, the VA Medical Center in San Diego will receive $1 million dollars for Veteran medical care.

The VHPDP is targeted to assist those Veterans and their families as they return from Iraq and Afghanistan. Many Veterans returning home from war face challenging transitions to readjust and adapt back into society in a difficult economic time.

The program will offer grants to those eligible Veterans for housing, medical care, job training and employment services. By providing assistance in these areas the agencies are hoping with early intervention it will help decrease the tragic number of Veteran homelessness.

The VA will determine the eligible Veterans and recommend proper medical services that may be needed. HUD will then provide housing assistance in the way of security deposits, rental assistance, utility payments and will manage the cases. There will also be services available in the community to assist in child care and family services.

There are so many challenges that our Veterans face when returning from war. Not only financially, but also psychologically. The lifestyle change from one extreme to another can be devastating to our Veterans and their families. All parties involved suffer from loss, the stress of survival and confusion. As a mom of an Army soldier who served 18 months in Iraq, I understand only a portion of the struggles.

Homelessness, substance abuse and suicide among our Veterans are at staggering numbers. It is imperative that we take care of our men and women who have bravely fought for our freedom. I hope with the Veterans Homelessness Prevention Demonstration Program the assistance soldiers receive can make an impact on Veteran homelessness.

Thank you Veterans for your service to our country.

Making the Home of Your Dreams A Reality. As your Agent of Possibibility it is my intent to make your home buying or selling process a smooth one!

Please feel free to Subscribe to All Possibilities Throughout San Diego or contact me at 619-838-4408. 

                                                     

This is just the funniest video you have seen!     This deer and dog must really be having the time, and especially those who got the opportunity to see this!    Not an every day site!      I know my two kitties would not be doing this!     That deer does not act like a DEER!    Just absolutely hilarious!

(THANKS Charita for helping me!)

 

 Joan Cox, GRI,ABR,CRS, CNE,e-Pro      Denver Real Estate

A Denver Metropolitan Realtor       Search for Homes in Denver