Yes, you read that correctly. For the next few days you will have the opportunity to send a FREE Father's Day card on me. There is still time to get the card in the mail, but you better not delay.
Send me an email at nicetouchmarketing@gmail.com and I will walk you through the process of sending a card.
So, I encourage you to spend a few minutes and send a Father's Day card to your Father, Grandfather, Father-in-Law, Husband or even your favorite mentor. Heck, you can even send one to me. I'm a father.
Enjoy and Happy Father's Day!!
Oh, this is also a great referral marketing system. I use it in my mortgage business for Thank You cards, Closings... anytime I want to send a personal card.
I ran across another great article from the National Care Planning Council, of which I am a member. As our population ages, more and more seniors will require assistance in the home, and modifications of their homes. This provides challenges for the kids, and opportunities for senior service providers. The article below gives some great advice.
In addition, accessing the equity of their home with a Reverse Mortgage can help the seniors stay in their home longer by providing the funds to pay for senior friendly remodels, or for in-home care.
Generally, elderly parents want to remain living in their own home. However, remaining in the home becomes a concern when children see their parents slowing down, perhaps even having trouble with handling stairs and doing general daily activities. Yet, with parents' mental and physical health currently not creating problems, there seems to be no imminent need to search out support services or other accommodations for aging parents.
This is now the time to evaluate the home to make it safe and secure for your loved ones -- now and in the near future -- in anticipation of aging disabilities that may occur. Help and support are available. The nation as a whole is more aware of elderly needs and services and products are becoming available at an outstanding pace.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states,
"Employment of personal and home care aides is projected to grow by 51 percent between 2006 and 2016, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The expected growth is due, in large part, to the projected rise in the number of elderly people, an age group that often has mounting health problems and that needs some assistance with daily activities." Bureau of labor Statistics-Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition
This growing need for aides and services also encompasses
home remodeling services -- making a home more serviceable to the elderly;
safety alert systems and technology;
motion sensors to monitor movement;
telehealth services -- using home-based computer systems for the doctors office or a nurse to monitor vital signs and
even a pill dispenser that notifies when it is time to take medication.
Where do you begin to make sure your elderly family member is safe and managing well in his or her home? ....... (View the complete article)
New guidelines were issued today for the monetizing of the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit that was announced by HUD and then delayed by HUD. The primary change is that the money cannot be applied toward the 3.5% down payment. It can be used for a larger down payment or applied toward closing costs. We'll provide more details soon.
The recent increase of the national loan limit for Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) is barely a month old and already lenders see it as a game-changer.
The federally insured HECM limit climbed to $625,500 from $417,000 on Feb. 17, when President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law. The higher loan limit, which stays in effect until yearend, follows by less than four months an increase of the loan limit to $417,000; previously, the loan limit varied by county and maxed out at $362,790.
The financial crisis has accentuated the value of the higher limit. With so many seniors reeling from diminishing investments, weakened home values, and scant availability of consumer credit, many reverse mortgage originators say the HECM increase offers a valuable option to cash-strapped seniors.
"This increase is going to help a lot of people after that triple whammy," said Michael Branson, chief executive of All-Reverse Mortgage Co., Garden Grove, Calif. "Many people come to use saying 'if I sell right now I'll lose my shirt.' A reverse mortgage can be the only alternative to a fire sale of the property."
The interest in higher-limit HECMS is coming from the more affluent end of the marketplace, lenders said. Many wealthy consumers are finding their investment portfolios depleted, making them cash-poor, yet still house-rich. This is especially true for seniors living in coastal states, like California, Massachusetts, New York, or Washington, where housing prices are historically higher.
"There's a lot more interest in [HECM] coming from people with homes in the million-dollar range," said Maggie O'Connell, broker for Reverse Mortgage Store of Livermore, Calif.
Michael Odden, vice president and reverse mortgage product manager for M&I Bank in Milwaukee, Wisc., said the old HECM loan limits below $370,000 hamstrung the affluent market.
"A lot of people around here retire to their lake house, which can be worth $500,000 or more," Odden said. "The new limit really opens this market up."
In fact, the higher loan limit is filling an even more pronounced void, and that is the one left by the evaporation of proprietary and jumbo products. With the capital markets still in shambles, most originators sell almost nothing but HECMs. Odden said M&I Bank's reverse mortgage business is "north of 95% in HECMs."
If you need help with a reverse mortgage in the Portland Oregon area, visit www.pdx-mortgage.com.
WASHINGTON — A study released by The National Council on the Aging (NCOA) shows that reverse mortgages can be used by over 13 million Americans to pay for long-term care expenses at home, allowing many to remain independent and in their homes longer.
“The study shows that reverse mortgages have significant potential to help many seniors pay for help at home or to make home modifications. It also points to the need for strong consumer safeguards and lower transaction costs if these loans are to appeal to the millions of older Americans who could potentially benefit,” said NCOA president and CEO James Firman.
According to the study, there are some 9.8 million elder households (aged 62 and older) that are dealing with an impairment that can make it hard to live at home. In total, these households could access as much as $695 billion through reverse mortgages. For individuals, the extra cash could go a long way to help with family caregiving and other long-term care expenses. For example, a borrower aged 75 years old with a home worth $100,000 could receive a reverse mortgage loan that could pay them $500 a month for almost 12 years.
“This is an important study that, for the first time, shows that elderly homeowners, many with chronic conditions, can use reverse mortgages to pay for care at home,” said Jim Knickman, vice president for Research at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. “We hope that these findings will prompt new thinking into how the nation addresses the challenge of financing long-term care.”
Reverse mortgages are loans that allow homeowners aged 62 and over to convert home equity into cash while living at home for as long as they want. Borrowers continue to own their homes, and do not need to make any monthly payments. Instead, they can choose to receive the funds as a lump sum, line of credit, or as monthly payments (for up to life). The loan comes due only when the last borrower moves out, dies or sells the home.
The “Use Your Home to Stay at Home: Expanding the Use of Reverse Mortgages to Pay for Long Term Care” report, funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, also shows how reverse mortgages can alleviate financial pressure not only for individuals and families, but also for state Medicaid programs and the federal government. Increasing the market for reverse mortgages could save Medicaid $3.3 billion (with a four percent take up rate) annually by 2010.
“Many seniors and their families can benefit from effective ways to pay for the long term care services they need, in the setting they prefer,” said Dr. Mark McClellan, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “NCOA’s report shows that reverse mortgages can provide real help in financing long term care needs.”
However, there are several obstacles to their growth for this purpose. For example, the NCOA study shows that while two-thirds (67 percent) of older homeowners today have heard of a reverse mortgage, only 9 percent indicate that they are likely to use this financing option to pay for assistance at home. Many worry that they risk impoverishment, or won’t be able to leave a legacy to their children if they tap home equity. The cost of these loans, and current Medicaid policies on how reverse mortgages affect eligibility for long-term care benefits, also appear to be barriers.
“We need expanded public education, and additional work to explore how to reduce the cost of tapping home equity, to strengthen consumer protections, and promote innovation,” said Barbara Stucki, PhD, project manager for NCOA’s Use Your Home to Stay at Home project. “Overcoming these obstacles will mean that reverse mortgages can play an important role in helping many older Americans pay for the supportive services they need to continue to live at home safely and comfortably.”
According to Firman, NCOA will continue to play a leadership role in promoting the appropriate use of reverse mortgages to help pay for long term care at home.
Founded in 1950, The National Council on the Aging is a national network of organizations and individuals dedicated to improving the health and independence of older persons; and increasing their continuing contributions to communities, society, and future generations.; For more information on NCOA, visit www.ncoa.org.
Reverse Mortgages for Long-Term Care “Use Your Home to Stay at Home”™
Started in September 2003 by The National Council on the Aging (NCOA), the “Use Your Home to Stay at Home” project has developed a national blueprint for encouraging the use of reverse mortgages to help older Americans pay for long-term care services at home. Reverse mortgages are a special type of loan that allows people age 62 and older to convert equity in their home into cash while they continue to live at home for as long as they want.
Long-Term Care Costs and Home Equity
Currently, the costs of long-term care are primarily paid out of pocket by consumers or by Medicaid, the federal/state program designed to pay costs of health care for low-income individuals. In 2000, our nation spent $135 billion a year on long-term care for those age 65 and older, with the amount likely to double in next 30 years. Most of those dollars pay for care in skilled nursing facilities.
Recent studies show that older Americans, including those who have serious health problems and need long-term care, want to live at home rather than in an institution. Most elders (82 percent of those age 62 and older) own their homes and 74 percent of those own them free and clear. With over $2 trillion tied up in home equity, this financial resource has the potential to dramatically increase the ability of seniors to pay for long-term care at home. Reverse mortgages can free up needed cash while enabling seniors to continue to own their home.
Of the nearly 28 million American households age 62 and older, NCOA has found that almost half (48 percent), or about 13.2 million, are good candidates for a reverse mortgage. The amount that these older households could receive from a reverse mortgage is substantial – on average $72,128. These funds can go a long way to pay for help at home and for retrofitting the home to make it safer and more comfortable. For some, they could be used to purchase long-term care insurance if they qualify. In total, an estimated $953 billion could be available from reverse mortgages for immediate long-term care needs and to promote aging in place.
For many older families, home equity is their single, biggest financial asset. Unlocking these substantial resources can help empower “house rich, cash poor” seniors by giving them additional resources to purchase the services they feel best suit their needs. The use of private funds from reverse mortgages can also strengthen community long-term care programs and reduce the burden on state Medicaid budgets.
Funders
The “Use Your Home to Stay at Home”™ project is funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the federal agency that operates Medicare and Medicaid, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Program Management James P. Firman, Ed. D., NCOA president and CEO Jay Greenberg, Sc.D, executive vice president Barbara Stucki, Ph.D., project manager Headquarters The National Council on the Aging 300 D Street SW Suite 801 Washington, DC 20024 (202) 479-1200 (202) 479-0735 About NCOA
Founded in 1950, The National Council on the Aging is a national voluntary network of organizations and individuals dedicated to improving the health and independence of older persons; increasing their continuing contributions to communities, society, and future generations. NCOA is a national voice and powerful advocate for public policies, societal attitudes, and business practices that promote vital aging. NCOA is an innovator, developing new knowledge, testing creative ideas, and translating research into effective programs and services that help community service organizations serve seniors in hundreds of communities. And, NCOA is an activator, turning creative ideas into programs and services that help community services organizations serve seniors in hundreds of communities. For more information on NCOA, visit www.ncoa.org.
An article by Robert Stall MD indicates that as our parents age, a role reversal takes place. While they used to look out for our best interests, because they knew better, a time will come when they need us to look out for their best interests. Liken it to your own kids if you have any.
When they are first born they need us for complete support. AS they age they are able to take on more responsibility and decision making. At a certain point, they are on their own and can make decisions, for better or worse, for themselves. As we age, the reverse happens.
The following article gives good advice to help us understand and deal with these changes.
Helping Your Older Parents Stay Happy and Healthy by Robert Stall MD, Geriatrician
If you're fortunate enough to have one or both parents still living, you may have noticed a role reversal taking place in your relationship. Remember the days when Mom shuttled you to the doctor whenever you were sick? Now, it may be you who's driving her to her medical appointments. Perhaps you've become even more involved in managing her healthcare needs - serving as her healthcare proxy, moving her into your home to care for her, or even having to select a nursing home for her to live in.
Whatever the case, it's natural to feel challenged - and, yes, intimidated - in the role you've undertaken. But if you stay positive and proactive, you'll be in a great position to advocate for your parents' optimal care. And, really, what better way is there to say "Thank You" for all they've done for you over the years?
The following six recommendations will help you understand what may be happening to your parents as they age - and what you can do to help.
1. Stay vigilant to sudden changes. Typically, sudden changes arise from sudden problems. Your elderly father who becomes confused one week but was alert and oriented the week before, or becomes unsteady walking and starts falling, is likely experiencing an acute problem - an infection, medication side effect, or perhaps, a heart attack or stroke.
If you pay attention to your parent's baseline health and behavior, you'll be alert to sudden, and subtle, fluctuations. Being attuned to what's "normal" for your parent is critical in advocating for his care. By informing his physician of these changes, you help ensure that he receives a proper diagnosis and timely treatment - especially important in acute conditions.
2. Investigate the source of gradual decline. Several years ago, I met an elderly woman living in a nursing home. Her family, assuming she had dementia, had moved her there after she had gradually stopped speaking.
After performing a brief procedure on her, I asked how she was doing. "I'm OK," she replied.
A miracle? Not exactly. I'd removed bullet-sized pieces of wax from her ears. She'd stopped speaking because her ears were too plugged to hear.
A host of conditions can cause gradual decline. Before jumping to the conclusion - as many people do - that Alzheimer's disease is the culprit, recognize that your parent may be experiencing an altogether different problem: a vitamin B12 deficiency, an underactive thyroid, Parkinson's disease or depression, to name a few.
When discussing your parent's decline with her physician, make sure the two of you consider all the possibilities. To prepare for the appointment, make notes detailing how her decline has manifested itself - loss of appetite, a failing short-term memory and so forth - and how long you've noticed these changes. That way, you won't leave anything out. To help you, I've created a free checklist that either you or your parent can complete at seniorselfassessment.com - make sure you print or email the "Test Result Details" at the bottom of the page to analyze your responses and give you advice based on your answers.
3. Know thy parent's medicine cabinet. Familiarize yourself with the medications your parent takes: what each one is for and how often he takes them. Make sure you notify each doctor your parent visits of all the medicine he takes, including over-the-counter products. Ask what side effects you might observe from each medication and whether it's potentially dangerous if your parent takes them together. You also want to tell the doctor whether your parent drinks alcohol or caffeinated drinks and whether he smokes, as these substances can affect some medications' efficacy and safety. To recognize which medications might cause the symptoms your parent experiences, check out drugscanmakeyousick.com .
4. Discourage ageist attitudes. Simply put, ageism is prejudice against the elderly. It exists in many forms but can be particularly damaging to an older person's self-esteem when it assumes that all of her woes are age-related. Here are a couple of ways of expressing ageism to an elderly parent:
"What do you expect at your age?" "You're not getting any younger."
If you're ever tempted to utter something similar, remind yourself that by chalking up everything that ails her to her age, you sell your parent short. If she's depressed, it may have nothing to do with the fact that she's 80 and everything to do with a biological predisposition to depression. And remember that right-knee pain in a 90 year-old can't be just from age if there's no problem with her left knee. (More about Dr. Stall and a more in-depth article on the attitude of society towards medical care for the elderly can be found at http://www.longtermcarelink.net/eldercare/medical_care_issues.htm )
5. Address not just symptoms-but emotions, too. There is disease and then there is "dis-ease" - that is, a lack of ease, security or well-being. "Dis-ease" can manifest itself as myriad emotions in an elderly person: fear, grief, boredom, embarrassment and sadness among them. The fact is, these emotions can be every bit as debilitating as disease.
Take the case of a parent who's incontinent. Too embarrassed to socialize, she cuts herself off from friends. Without companionship, she becomes lonely. Instead of allowing her to become a hermit, discuss with her doctor how to address the incontinence. Together, you can consider different solutions that will ease her embarrassment and reinvigorate her social life.
6. Strive to maximize your parent's quality of life. No matter our age, we all want to enjoy life to the fullest and have the capability to do the things we want to. Improving the enjoyment of life and a patient's functional ability are the cardinal goals of geriatric care. But you don't need a medical diploma on your wall to help your parent achieve either of those goals.
Being there to solve a problem or provide company are tremendously worthwhile services you can provide - no expertise required. Remember, as your parent gets older, his quality of life becomes more important to him than how much longer he lives. And he doesn't necessarily need medications or surgery to ensure that he's living the latter part of his life to the fullest.
If he enjoys books but has difficulty reading regular-sized type, check out sight-saving titles at the library. If he's grieving the loss of his best buddy, introduce him to new acquaintances at the senior center. If he's living in a nursing home, bring your kids there to share a meal with him.
Sometimes, it's the small gestures that have the most profound impact. As the child of an elderly parent, you are uniquely positioned to deliver these life-changing gifts.
Dr. Robert Stall is a geriatrician practicing in Tonawanda, New York and a clinical associate professor at the University of Buffalo's School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He serves as medical director and attending physician at Beechwood Homes in Getzville and Blocher Homes in Williamsville. To learn more about senior care issues, visit his website at stallgeriatrics.com or call 716-213-4345. For information on a new program offering balance assessment and fall prevention tips, call 716-213-0772.
I spoke with several people this week whom I had sent cards to. One was a Realtor who I sent a Birthday Card with his picture on it and another a Realtor who is quiting smoking. Both of them were surprised, touched and curious about how I did it.
The first one I pulled his picture off the Internet and placed it on the cover of the card. I also sent a gift box of goodies. He was touched and we will get together next week to go over the system. The card cost me $.93.
The second one I just found a pre-made card, similar to what I would have done if I was at the grocery store or mall. She was touched as it spoke to a felt need. She also is very impressed with the system. This card cost $.62.
These were sent from the comfort of my home and delivered within 2 days to their postal address.
Click here to see why a Heart-Felt Card is better than an email or e-card.
If you would like to learn how you can make people feel better let me know.
I received an announcement today from the USDA indicating that the changes that we have been hearing about regarding the income qualification levels for the USDA Guaranteed Rural Home Loan are in deed fact. As of 4/20/2009, the USDA will change the income tiers. This will open up an already great program to even more Oregon and Washington borrowers, as well as the rest of the nation.
As an example, currently a single person would qualify based on significantly less income than a family of 4. Now, the two borrowers would qualify at the same income tier.
Here's the bulk of the email update:
Income Limit Modification
As a result of a direct final rule published in the Federal Register, income limits will change effective April 20, 2009. The existing income limit structure will be revised for the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP). Instead of eligible adjusted income limits based on households ranging from 1-8 persons, a two tier income structuring consisting of a 1 - 4 member household and a 5 - 8 member household will replace the 1 - 8 person structure. The present add on limits for larger households will remain the same.
The USDA Guaranteed Rural Home Loan is only available for purchases of homes in Rural areas, and many small towns located near larger cities.
As an example, in Oregon, Sherwood, Newberg, and Canby qualify, but Grants Pass, Medford and McMinnville do not.
Call or email me if you have questions regarding this great program, or just visit my website to learn more about this home or to view a few USDA qualified homes.
WASHINGTON, April 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Council on Aging (NCOA) has officially been named by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as one of five national counseling intermediaries for seniors interested in a reverse mortgage.
A reverse mortgage allows homeowners age 62 and older to convert a portion of their home equity into cash while they continue to live at home for as long as they want. Anyone considering a reverse mortgage must first receive counseling from an HUD-approved agency before they can apply for this type of loan.
"In this difficult economic climate, many older Americans are turning to their homes as a source of funds," said James P. Firman, NCOA president and CEO. "It is especially important that they and their families understand what a reverse mortgage entails as they consider this financial option."
NCOA offers telephonic counseling to clients nationwide through its Reverse Mortgage Counseling Services (RMCS) network. The network consists of exam-qualified counselors from nine senior service agencies, including Area Agencies on Aging and Aging and Disability Resource Centers, in eight states (CA, MT, MN, LA, IN, OH, MD, NV). RMCS counselors also offer face-to-face counseling in their local areas.
The toll-free number for the NCOA counseling network is 800-510-0301. Seniors can call this number to schedule a counseling session that will educate them about cost and features of a reverse mortgage. RMCS counselors also review the challenges of living at home, and help homeowners find benefits programs they may qualify for through NCOA's BenefitsCheckUp(R). The fee for counseling is $125. NCOA waives this fee for seniors who are facing financial challenges such as foreclosure, and for those with modest incomes (under $20,000 for single homeowners, and under $30,000 for couples).
"What makes NCOA's reverse mortgage counseling network unique is that our counselors have a deep understanding of the broad range of issues and options that older people face when they are considering whether this loan is the right choice for them. The new toll-free number and official HUD status expand NCOA's service in improving consumer knowledge about reverse mortgages, especially for those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged," Firman added.
In 2007, about 82 percent of the households headed by people age 65 to 74 were homeowners, as were almost 78 percent of those age 75 and older. The proportion of seniors with some type of home loan has grown to 32 percent in 2007. For a current fact sheet on reverse mortgages, visit the news room at www.NCOA.org.
The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for older Americans -- especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged -- and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently and remain active in their communities. For more information, visit www.ncoa.org.
What is a Reverse Mortgage and how does it work? A reverse mortgage allows homeowners age 62 and older to convert a portion of their home equity into cash while they continue to live at home for as long as they want.
Two types of reverse mortgage loans are available: • Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) - loans offered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that are insured by the FHA. HECM borrowers must receive counseling from an independent, HUD-approved counseling agency before taking out this loan. • Proprietary reverse mortgages - designed for seniors with high value homes.
Unlike conventional mortgages, there are no income or credit requirements. Borrowers do not need to make payments as long as they continue to live in the home, but as the homeowner, they are still responsible for paying property taxes, hazard insurance, and maintaining the home. The money borrowers receive is tax-free, and can be used for any purpose. Borrowers can receive payments in various ways, such as fixed monthly payments or a lump sum.
Older Americans and Home Equity • In 2007, about 82 percent of the households headed by people age 65 to 74 were homeowners, as were almost 78 percent of those age 75 and older. • The proportion of seniors with some type of home loan has grown from 23 percent in 1999 to 32 percent in 2007. Most of these loans are conventional mortgages or home equity loans. • The annual number of reverse mortgage loans has risen from about 6,600 loans in 2000 to over 112,000 loans in fiscal year 2008. • Reverse mortgage borrowers represent about 1 percent of the mortgage market.
Recent Federal Legislative Changes The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 includes several ways to make it safer and less costly for seniors to take out a reverse mortgage. Under the new law: • The amount a senior can borrow was increased to $625,500 nationally. • The origination fee is reduced to 2 percent of the first $200,000 borrowed and 1 percent for any amount after that. The minimum origination fee is $2,500 and cannot exceed $6,000. • Lenders cannot require borrowers to buy other financial products (such as annuities or insurance) as a condition for a reverse mortgage.
NCOA's Role NCOA is working with policymakers and the aging community to make the reverse mortgage market work better for vulnerable seniors, and to help older homeowners understand their options and risks so they do not lose the home equity they have spent a lifetime to accumulate.
NCOA became a HUD HECM Counseling Intermediary in 2007, and created a counseling network -- Reverse Mortgage Counseling Services -- as a pilot project to encourage social services agencies to offer reverse mortgage counseling . NCOA was added to the national roster of reverse mortgage counseling intermediaries in 2009. We are now expanding this service to further improve consumer education for seniors.
NCOA is a member of the National Housing Counseling Association (NHCA). NHCA's mission is to improve the quality and transparency of reverse mortgage counseling.
If you have any questions, or need help with a Reverse Mortgage in the Portland, Oregon area, visit me at www.pdx-mortgage.com.
In a study by Nalgene, Portland OR is rated as America's 3rd least wasteful city. In a study of America's 25 largest cities, we did pretty well. We finished below San Francisco and New York, and one above Seattle. Last on the list is Atlanta.
This isn't much of a surprise to us as we are generally ahead of the curb in many ways. What is surprising is that New York beats us and that we don't use more rain barrels. Might be we wouldn't know what to do with THAT much water...
Way to go Portland!!!
Portland's high rankings:
Using reusable containers in place of single-serve bottles of water/soda or other beverages - 1st
Using reusable containers in place of disposable food storage items - 1st
Buying bulk food to avoid extra packaging - 1st
Not buying bottled water - 1st
Shopping at local markets that carry locally grown food - 1st
Using a reusable grocery bag - 1st
Buying second-hand clothing, electronics and furniture - 1st
Throwing out less than two bags of trash each week - 2nd
Saving leftover meals and food to eat again - 2nd
Low rankings:
Limiting showers to less than 5 minutes - 14th
Reusing Ziploc bags and tin foil - 15th
Using rain barrels - 12th
Overall
78% of Portland residents consider themselves to be "eco-conscious"
88% plan on being more environmentally conscious in the next year
57% of Portland residents think their city is on the right track to becoming more environmentally responsible
Relevant news and information about issues relating to Oregon and Southern Washington mortgages and real estate.
I am not an attorney or a Realtor and these views should not be considered as legal advice.
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Yes, you read that correctly. For the next few days you will have the opportunity to send a FREE Father's Day card on me. There is still time to get the card in the mail, but you better not delay.
I spoke with several people this week whom I had sent cards to. One was a Realtor who I sent a Birthday Card with his picture on it and another a Realtor who is quiting smoking. Both of them were surprised, touched and curious about how I did it.
;)
;)
