Blogging with Carla - Lorain County, OHIO REALTOR

Doberman: My Seren turned 11

Carla Harbert - RE/MAX Pros (www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com) — Sun, 04 May 2008 22:58:09 -0500

I am the proud owner of 2 beautiful doberman's, Seren & Xena. Seren just celebrated a birthday, so I wanted to post a pic of my baby. You can see that her youthful figure is going (gained a few pounds here & there), more white hair coming in, but she truly is aging gracefully, in spite of several fatty tumors that have recently appeared. Our vet tells us it is nothing to worry about - but she is like one of my children. Tumors are scary.

Happy Birthday, Seren!!

Here is Seren in her prime! almost 6 years old!

Here is Xena ( 1 year younger than Seren). As you see, she doesn't like Seren's birthday presents. In fact, Xena doesn't like anything near her toy basket. (since it has all her chew toys). It's so funny to watch her antics. She's really a very gentle, loving dobie who thinks she is a Lap Dog!

Grafton Firemen's Festival on May 22-26th, 2008

Carla Harbert - RE/MAX Pros (www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com) — Thu, 01 May 2008 22:13:54 -0500

Grafton Firemen's Festival on May 22-26th, 2008 at Willow Park, Grafton Ohio. Times are as follows: Thursday & Friday from 6 pm til 11 pm. Saturday & Sunday from 12 noon til midnight. Monday from noon til 8 pm. Come out & enjoy the festivities! There will be fun for everyone!!

For more information, call: 440-926-2075

Red Hatters Day on May 17th, 2008

Carla Harbert - RE/MAX Pros (www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com) — Thu, 01 May 2008 22:10:17 -0500

Red Hatters Day Special Event being held at Jamie's Flea Market (State Route 113, South Amherst) on May 17th, 2008 from 8 am til 4 pm. Red Hat Ladies Contest for the best hat and outfit along with a drawing for a red Victorian hat and hat stand.

For more information, call: 440-896-4402

Train Show in LaGrange, Ohio on May 3rd & 4th, 2008

Carla Harbert - RE/MAX Pros (www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com) — Thu, 01 May 2008 22:06:00 -0500

Train Show in LaGrange, Ohio on May 3rd & 4th at the Carlisle Visitor Center. Times: May 3rd (Saturday) 10 am til 4 pm and on May 4th (Sunday) from 12 noon til 4 pm.

View elaborate train layouts, then ride on the Carlisle & Black River Railroad small-gauge train.

For more information: 440-458-5121

Earth Day Celebrated at Cascade Park, Elyria on May 3rd, 2008

Carla Harbert - RE/MAX Pros (www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com) — Thu, 01 May 2008 21:59:38 -0500

Celebrate Earth Day on May 3rd, 2008 at the Cascade Park Nature Center in Elyria, Ohio. Time: 10 am til 2 pm. Free hands-on activities, displays, and even horse-drawn wagon rides! Fun-filled day, so bring the children. Something for everyone. What does Earth Day mean to you? What is the purpose of Earth Day? How did it start? Check this history link: http://earthday.envirolink.org/history.html

Visit: www.CityOfElyria.org for more information about the Earth Day Celebration at Cascade Park Nature Center in Elyria, or call: 440-326-1500.

Saftey Alert - A Powerful & Deadly Killer

Carla Harbert - RE/MAX Pros (www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com) — Thu, 01 May 2008 21:43:22 -0500

Thunder rumbles while the sky darkens...time to seek shelter from the powerful & deadly killer - Lightning! After living in Oklahoma (part of tornado alley) I have a deep respect in regards to storms, especially lightning. Lightning is a deadly natural phenomenon, very powerful. An actual lightning strike lasts less than half a second - delivering a punch of around 300 kilovolts. Researchers have posted recently, that only 20% of humans that have been struck by lightning actually become fatalities. The remaining 80% survive, with many suffering from deep burns, cardio-pulmonary injuries, even amputation of limbs.

Spring is alive in Ohio, where thunderstorms are very likely to be strong, with damaging wind, hail & deadly lightning. Try to find shelter if caught outside. Don't wait for the rain to begin - lightning strikes appear first. Ohio has been named by the National Atmospheric and Space Division (NASA), to be one of the worst states in the USA for lightning strike risk.

Would you like to read more about safety tips in regards to lightning & thunderstorms? Check out the National Lightning Safety Institute at: www.LightningSafety.com .

Lorain County - Eaton Township News - Dumpster Days

Carla Harbert - RE/MAX Pros (www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 23:24:27 -0500

Eaton Township News (for residents only);

Dumpster Days will be held May 2nd & May 3rd from 8am to 6 pm.

What is Dumpster Days? An event where residents can dispose of large trash items that aren't normally put out for the regular trash pick-up. A great way to clean up and trash out unwanted items of no use.

Limited types of waste accepted, such as: Appliances, furniture, roofing materials, newspapers, recyclable glass, recyclable plastic.

DO NOT BRING: tires, paintes, computer parts, household cleaners, lawn & garden products, used motor oil, explosives, firearms, fireworks, televisions, office electronics.

Next scheduled dumpster days will be: October 10th & 11th, 2008.

For more information regarding County Collection Days, call 1-800-449-5463

Scrap Tire Sites: Grafton Township Hall, Mon thru Friday from 8 am til 4 pm. (17109 Avon Belden Rd) ; North Ridgeville City Service Garage, Mon thru Friday from 7 am til 3 pm (35010 Bainbridge Rd); Elyria City Service Garage, Mon thru Friday from 8 am til 3 pm (851 Garden Street).

Used Motor Oil Sites (open all year): Advance Auto Parts on 1057 East Broad St, Elyria (4 gallons maximum per day); AutoZone on 103 Second Street, Elyria (4 gallons maximum per day); Grease Monkey on 325 Midway Blvd in Elyria (4 gallons per day or call in advance for permission to bring in up to 10 gallons).

1023 Archwood Ave, Lorain OH 44052

Carla Harbert - RE/MAX Pros (www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 01:08:58 -0500

Just Listed - 1023 Archwood Avenue in Lorain OH. Super Priced - Asking $125,000!

Traditional charm with many custom features - leaded glass windows, nature stone flooring in the basement, gorgeous hardwood flooring, updated kitchen & more! Just one block from Lakeview Park, Beach & Lake Erie. Very desirable area!

Bonus to Buyer: Seller willing to assist with closing costs!

It has Got to Be Here Somewhere?

Carla Harbert - RE/MAX Pros (www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:41:05 -0500

Yes, It has Got to be here Somewhere! I try to prepare my buyers for what is needed for a loan application, such as current payroll stubs, bank statements, income tax returns, etc. And there seems to be 2 types of buyer groups out there, those who have all of their important documents in one file, clearly labeled, organized, ready at a moment's notice when needed. And then we have the other type of buyer who just knows their important paperwork & documents are in a very "safe & secure" location, but just 'where' that particular location is right now, is anyone's guess. And this is what I hear: It has Got to Be here Somewhere....

So if you fall into this last buyer type grouping, thinking of purchasing a home...it might be a good idea to start that search for the needed documents now. If you can't locate certain documents, such as divorce decrees, bankruptcy papers, proof of medical collections paid, bank statements...think about where you could find them, or perhaps request a copy. You will make the loan process go much smoother if you are well prepared at the start.

So, don't be throwing away your payroll stubs, don't be shredding your bank statements, remember where you put those last 3 years tax returns along with W-2's, if you had a divorce - look for a copy of that divorce decree, been through a bankruptcy - look for your copy of the bankruptcy report showing what accounts were claimed & have a copy of the discharge paperwork, are you paying child support or receiving child support - documentation needed there as well.

If you would like a list of what items will be needed for a loan application or pre-approval, give me a call @ 440-309-5209 or e-mail at: info@CarlaHarbert.com . Lenders will not accept the excuse of "it's got to be here somewhere", you need it, and you need it now!

Lorain County - Good News! New Housing Developments Coming -

Carla Harbert - RE/MAX Pros (www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:04:44 -0500

Lorain County - good news! New Housing Developments in the Works! Although the number of new homes being built in the Lorain County area has been on the downward side since 2003, along with an overload of existing homes for sale...there is still room for new homes in our market - and I'm excited to announce plans were submitted to build approx 500 homes in northeast Eaton Township. The proposed development runs east to west from Reed to Hawke Roads, then north to south from Brokaw to Cooley Roads, all single family homes. I, myself, live in Eaton Township, which is made up of mostly rural properties, a great area to call "home". Major highways are just minutes away, such as the OhioTurnpike, Route 20, I-480 which is very convenient. I knew our quiet little area would take off and begin a growth spurt once the Super Walmart was completed just off Rt 57. Many laid off construction workers will be glad to hear of new construction coming. Good News for Lorain County!

Lorain - Ely Enterprises Moving to Lorain OH

Carla Harbert - RE/MAX Pros (www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:31:40 -0500

Great News in Lorain! Ely Enterprises is moving to Lorain. I was excited when my friend, Jane K @ a local title company emailed this news to me. Lorain County has been struggling with job losses, along with businesses closing or moving elsewhere - so it's great to get news of a company coming into our county.

According to an article written by Scot Allyn, for the Morning Journal in Lorain, he tells us that Ely Enterprises has outgrown its building in Cleveland & is moving to the former Lakeland Enterprises Building at 3809 Broadway, Lorain OH.

Ely Enterprises is a distributor of industrial recycling equipment, supplying new and refurbished equipment used in scrap yards & recycling centers. Currently Ely Enterprises employs approx 20 workers, anticipating adding more later down the road.

Welcome Ely Enterprises, Lorain County Needs YOU!

Grafton News: Midview Drama Students Perform Hello Dolly

Carla Harbert - RE/MAX Pros (www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 23:10:50 -0500

Grafton News: Midview Drama Students perform "Hello Dolly".

Midview Drama Students invite you to enjoy this musical.

Performance Times:

Thursday, April 17th, 2008 at 7 p.m.

Friday, April 18th, 2008 at 7 p.m.

Saturday, April 19th, 2008 at 7 p.m.

Talented Students need your support, so please stop by & enjoy a great show! Ticket Prices are $7 for adults & $5 for students. GO MIDVIEW!!

Tax Time - Elyria Post Office will remain open until 10 pm

Carla Harbert - RE/MAX Pros (www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:57:48 -0500

Tax Time! Elyria Post Office will remain open on April 15th until 10 pm.

Location: Elyria Post Office, 345 East Bridge Street, Elyria.

Don't be late! Remember, the IRS accepts the postmark on the envelope as "proof of timely filing". If you have letters or packages weighing over 13 ounces, personally hand this package/letter to a postal employee, making sure it has been collected & postmarked by the deadline, April 15th.

What ONE Tip would you share to a Newbie Blogger?

Carla Harbert - RE/MAX Pros (www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 21:37:28 -0500

Are you willing to share just ONE tip? I only ask this because I was there...back in late 2006, joining active rain...was able to partially fill out a profile..including a picture. Then I was stuck. I guess if I was to share one tip, I would tell anyone just joining, to go to the home page of activerain. Click on Getting Started and READ...then seriously think what you could write about yourself, about your business, and don't be afraid to jump in and post something. I am such a perfectionist, I procrastinated - didn't do anything (much) until March 2008, afraid of turning someone off, not wanting to come across like a know-it-all (which I am far from, experienced yes...but I think we will never know-it-all being in the real estate industry because it is always changing) and unsure what I really should post. After all, this is a public site...thousands of viewers are online here. This is far from any MSN Chatroom! I plan on helping anyone joining in the Lorain County Area of Ohio, if they are interested. It will be my way of giving back here on activerain.

So come on, I humbly ask of you, would you please reply back with ONE TIP, that I can pass onto my Lorain County OHIO activerainers, who want some tips & hints to get started. Thank you. -- Carla

Have you tried WU-YI TEA?

Carla Harbert - RE/MAX Pros (www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com) — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 12:28:35 -0500

WU-YI TEA - what scientists now call "The world's most powerful fat burner". Well, I can't say that has been true for me, but I am sold on this product for the other results. After making this tea my "start the morning" drink, and using it for months now. I must tell you that my blood pressure is great, 120 over 80 or better, my blood tests are great - with good levels, but the biggest thing I love about it and I DO give it 100% credit for, is my skin. It is very clear, radiant...in fact, all I use is a simple moisturizer (1x am & 1x pm) with a little mascara, that's it. I do not wear any other makeup. This is a recent pic - do I look like I am in my 50's? Anyway, I know in order to lose weight, I have to curb what goes into my mouth (lower portions), get back into my exercise routine, while keeping a positive attitude (because when I start to feel down - here comes the carton of ice cream, my nemisis). I just wondered if anyone else here, has tried WU-YI Tea. It's advertising said Ophrah uses it. Hmmm. But if you are, what have your results been on weight loss? Should I be drinking this more than 1x a day? Well, my scale is tipping high, gotta get the weight down. Thought about starting South Beach Diet? Any advice? Maybe I should learn how to use the "monster" in the basement - husband purchased this bowflex machine, looks complicated.

Does Time Management Work For You?

Carla Harbert - RE/MAX Pros (www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 01:38:56 -0500

There is no wrong or right answer, just a question I want to throw out into this active group of successful real estate agents within this online community of bloggers. Seriously, does time management work for you, keeping to a pretty close schedule? Or are you like me, with great intentions...but ending up with last minute appointments that turns your whole day outta whack? I schedule appointments even a week or so in advance, but believe me, it's never how my day turns out. It's a crazy business we are in.

Here is a today example: I begin my day logging into my outlook, checking emails while eating bites of breakfast. (I am always multi-tasking). Open up my scheduler, ah yes, listing appt at 2pm, ads due by 4pm, nothing pressing. Looks like I'll have time to do a grocery run before dark. Totally prepared with all docs & details for listing appt, hmm, what to do first...let's get ads out of the way. Phones are quiet, good timing to finish up that task. Things are qoing well but phone rings. Problem, lock box not working, agent can't get inside. Sellers are away, really needs this home sold, agent offers to come back IF I can get them inside (they will go on to next home & circle back). Yep, extra key, off I go, need this home sold & what the heck is wrong with lock box. On my way there, 15 min drive, another call - listing appt needs to be moved up from 2pm to 12 noon now. Ok, no problem, everything ready for that appt, just get to the home - yep, lockbox is stuck, won't open, but I replace it & let agent inside with her buyer - I leave, another phone call...salesman wanting to sell me a lead generation something, end call, another call, salesman wanting me to check out how he can put me on the 1st page of google - am I by the computer to show me how, no time for this. Oh no, starting to rain. I had wanted to retake a picture of one of the homes to update picture for ad since I was in the area. Next time. Phone call, another salesman, wants to give me an unbeatable offer of search terms to purchase - am I by a computer. Are you having days now where the majority of incoming calls are salesman, trying to sell us something? Which breaks my concentration at times. How about you? I get back to home office, check emails again, 2 incoming leads...good news there, pull files on homes asking about, call back these leads. Yes, one wants to see the home, but I want to schedule appt with a loan officer first, buyer fine with that. Anyway, not to bore you with all the rest of the days details, but I can't ever seem to follow a schedule! My days do NOT go as planned. BUT I love it. Yes, I love the craziness of my job, never boring, always something.

So is there a secret to time management and being able to follow some type of schedule that is not always being changed?

If so, would you please share your tips and words of wisdom?

Welcome Home Resale Shop has NEW LOCATION!

Carla Harbert - RE/MAX Pros (www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:17:49 -0500

OPENING: March 26th, 2008!! The Welcome Home Market Place

New Location: Located on Route 82, (just west of Circle K, near the intersection of Route 82 & Route 83), in Eaton Twp.

Hours of Operation: (please read - varies each day)

Wednesday 11 am to 6 pm,
Thursday 12 noon to 7 pm,
Friday 11 am to 6 pm,
Saturday 9 am to 5 pm,
Sunday 11 am to 4 pm.

Not only will the Welcome Home Resale Shop be at this location, you will find more vendors: S.G.& S. Military Surplus, Something Old/Something New, Tony's Corner, Sarge's Embroidery & More, Sweetsville LaBelle LaRouge, Little Shop of Chaos, Vicki's Attic Treasures & more!

Stop by! If you would like to be a vendor or make a tax-deductible donation of too-good-to-throw-away items, call Russ & Ginny at: 440-865-6994.

EVENT: Easter Egg Hunt in Elyria

Carla Harbert - RE/MAX Pros (www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:20:46 -0500

Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 22nd, 2008, for children in preschool thru 3rd Grade.

Where: East Recreation Center at 1101 Prospect Street in Elyria. The Easter Bunny will be there - making an appearance, so bring a basket to carry your eggs. Admission is FREE! Again, this is for children of preschool age thru 3rd grade.

For more information, call Elyria Parks & Recreation, Main Office at: 440-326-1500.

Housing Market in Elyria as of March 12th, 2008

Carla Harbert - RE/MAX Pros (www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 20:20:24 -0500

Elyria is a growing community in Lorain County, where housing is plentiful & very affordable - from historical properties to newly constructed modern homes, even condominiums and cluster homes. Currently, as of March 12th, 2008 - there are 607 homes listed for sale with area real estate companies (not counting for sale by owner properties). Prices start as low as $7,500 for a home, up to $629,000. Foreclosed, bank owned homes are very prevalent in the area as well. There are several advantages in buying a home today, such as attractive interest rates & loan programs of all shapes and sizes, from "no" downpayment plans to "low" downpayment plans, even government assisted loan programs. Buyers have a large surplus of inventory of homes to pick and choose from, including fixer-uppers to those that have been totally renovated - no work necessary. Average commute time (work) is approx 18.7 minutes, making Elyria a convenient suburb to live in, thanks to the major highways such as the Ohio Turnpike, I-90, Route 2, Route 20 to I-480. An easy commute to Hopkins International Airport or to downtown Cleveland. If you are in need of obtaining current/accurate information on your home's value, or thinking of buying in Lorain County, please call or e-mail me direct:Carla Harbert, RE/MAX PROS - agent direct: 440-309-5209 or toll free 877-737-0373. E-Mail: info@CarlaHarbert.com . You may also visit my website at http://www.LorainCountyHomeSales to view area reports, homes for sale, open houses & more. Thank you!

Go Green Festival - Saturday, March 29th, 2008

Carla Harbert - RE/MAX Pros (www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 19:22:16 -0500

GO GREEN Festival! Learn the benefits of healty living by going green! Saturday, March 29th, 2008 from 10 am til 7 pm. Where? Christian Community School (old Eaton School) at 35716 Royalton Rd (Route 82), Eaton Twp. Free Admission! For more information, contact JIM OSWALD at 440-777-8560 or visit this website: http://www.ccsgogreen.com . Recycling, Home Energy Conservation, Healthy Home & Food Choices. Meet several LOCAL businesses that care! Enjoy the Healthy Cafe and Chili Cookoff! Visits throughout the day from Cleveland's very own Professional Soccer Team! A Great Lorain County Event - in Eaton Twp. Check it OUT and Support our Community!! Discover "why" you should go green!

Don't forget: Turn in Toxic Items at the Festival. (paint cans, motor oil, batteries, cell phones, computer equipment, ink cartridges, propane cylinders at NO CHARGE, where these items can be recycled & put to good use!) Note: Tires are acceptable, for a small fee ($3 per tire).

Heart of Avon Antique Show - March 16th, 2008

Carla Harbert - RE/MAX Pros (www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:41:27 -0500

Exciting News in Avon! The Heart of Avon Antique Show will be happening this weekend: Sunday, March 16th, 2008 from 10 am til 5pm. Where? Avon Heritage School which is located at 35575 Detroit Rd, just east of Route 83 (across from Avon Commons). This event is sponsored by the shops of the French Creek Merchants' Associaiton. There will be an admission charge but parking is free. For more information, call 440-937-5204 or visit their website: http://www.FrenchCreekDistrict.org Let's support our community and merchants! Door Prizes and Refreshments, too! Don't miss this opportunity - Stop by!!

Grand Opening - -Welcome Vandemark Jewelers!

Carla Harbert - RE/MAX Pros (www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:13:02 -0500

Exciting News! Vandemark Jewelers will be having a Grand Opening Sale - starting Thursday, March 13th, 2008. Stop by their new location: 244 East Broad Street in Elyria (just east of Friendly's Restaurant, on the corner of Williams and East Broad Street). Let's support our Elyria Merchants - shop locally! Vandemark Jewelers also has a website: http://www.vandemarkjewelers.com or give them a call at: 440-322-1700.

OPEN HOUSE - Tuesday, April 15th from 4-6 pm

Carla Harbert - RE/MAX Pros (www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 13:22:08 -0500

Stop BY!! Open House on Tuesday, April 15th from 4 to 6 pm.

Address: 4260 Abbe Rd, in Sheffield Village OH 44054 (North of Rt 254 & South of French Creek)

Price has been IMPROVED - Now asking $132,500! Super Price on this well maintained 3 bedroom split-level in great location, close to I-90 & Major Highways, shopping is just a couple blocks away, including a fitness center, medical center, Sam's Club, even Regal Cinemas. Please stop by!! Hosted by: Carla Harbert, RE/MAX PROS. Agent Direct: 440-309-5209.

Do You Know How to Blog - or Want to Learn?

Carla Harbert - RE/MAX Pros (www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:24:10 -0500

Blogging made easy....well, sorta. I just finished an 8 week course called "No Blogger Left Behind", presented by: Joeann Fossland & Frances Flynn Thorsen. I can NOT brag enough in regards to this course, it was very informative with monies well spent (in my opinion). Technology is essential in the real estate profession, with always something new popping up to learn. Blogging can boost your business up a notch or two, at least that is what it has done for me! Thanks Fran & Joeann!!

Please check it out: http://NoBloggerLeftBehind.com another class is getting ready to take off! Many here on active rain have started a blog, then stopped, after finishing up the profile page, not knowing what to do next. At least, that is what I am seeing for those joining up on Active Rain from around my area. I was one of them a couple months ago, now I have the confidence to blog away. Am I perfect? NO, just a little more educated - and still learning daily.

Don't Fall Prey into Tax "phishing"

Carla Harbert - RE/MAX Pros (www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:46:05 -0500

Heed the Warning! Don't fall victim to "phishing" traps, where the internet criminal tries to steal your information by using the tax season to prey on unsuspecting consumers.

Please pass this information onto your friends, family & relatives. Internet Users need to be on guard, watching out for the new breed of scam artists online. There are unscrupulous scammers sending out e-mails that appear to be generated from the IRS, persuading you to give out important personal data. These false e-mails are very real looking, sophisticated - appearing to be very legitimate, sent by the IRS or the government. These scammers may even ask the consumer to go to a specific link, to update personal information, which is totally for one purpose only - to scam you, & take your identity!!

DO NOT FALL PREY TO THESE TACTICS!!

Always be suspicious to e-mails as a whole. The IRS does NOT generate e-mails to individuals, to initiate communication. IRS strictly uses REGULAR MAIL. If you receive any suspicious e-mails claiming to be from the IRS, please forward this e-mail IN ITS ENTIRETY to: phishing@irs.gov , in order for the IRS to shut down these fraudulent, totally bogus websites & scammers!

Remember, the IRS Websites all begin with the following website address: http://www.irs.gov . So use extreme caution & confirm that the website begins with the correct URL address. When it comes to any questionable e-mails, NEVER NEVER open the attachment!! Hackers use attachments to infect your computer, harming it, or to steal your personal information.

Government agencies and financial institutions have strict guidelines in place, (privacy policies), so as a result...they rarely ever would ask you to divulge & share personal information via e-mail.

Again, heed the warning & don't fall victim to these phishing traps!!