The Owl Says...

Save a life

Schaumburg Home Inspector - Rick Maday (Owl Home Inspections, Inc.) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 09:34:49 -0500

With the change of seasons, it's nearly time to change the smoke alarm batteries. Well, the seasons and the fact that I was "advised" by the wife to start getting Christmas stuff out (UGH!). Holidays usually consist of using electricity in ways it wasn't meant to be.

Where is that special outlet thingy so I can plug in 72 strands of lights?
I swear I had 12 extension cords last year, how can i make due with 10?

I thought I'd share a tidbit from my inspection report concerning smoke alarms.

Smoke alarms

Smoke alarms save lives, we all know that. Sixty-five percent of home fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms at all or no smoke alarms that work. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out.

In order to save lives they need two things - power and a functioning sensor. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends replacement of smoke detectors every 10 years or sooner if they do not respond properly. (See all smoke detector safety tips from NFPA) Presumably, this is because the sensors will become less effective over time (they are mechanical and subject to failure).

It is beyond the scope of a home inspection to determine the age or sensor sensitivity of a smoke alarm. I recommend everyone change the smoke alarms at time of possession and at the interval recommended by the manufacturer. Smoke alarms are relatively inexpensive these days. Isin't that expense worth it to positively know that your smoke alarms are brand new? To me, it's much better than guessing how old they might be.

Some common smoke alarm tips:

Install smoke detectors in each bedroom and on each floor of the home (follow manufacturers instructions).
Interconnect smoke detectors so that when one sounds, they all sound.
Use both ionization smoke alarms and photoelectric smoke alarms (or a combination alarm)
Test alarms monthly by using the test button
Change batteries twice a year

For a full list of smoke alarm tips, as well as general fire safety tips see www.nfpa.org

Is Writing a Lost Art?

Schaumburg Home Inspector - Rick Maday (Owl Home Inspections, Inc.) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:56:08 -0500

My son just started second grade and all of the kids in his class are excited to learn to write in cursive. Never mind the fact that he is still trying to master printing - he can't wait to get started. The cursive begins after New Years, and we were informed that in third grade they are to write exclusively in cursive.

I haven't written anything in cursive in years - decades, maybe - and wonder if I'm ahead of my time or way behind. When I do write the old fashioned way (pen and paper) I always (and I rarely use the word always) print - signature excluded (and my signature is a big scribble - or so my wife says).

Seems to me that in this day of word processors, email and texting that the "art" of writing is fading fast. I am 99% certain that my son's first attempt at writing in cursive will be far better than any cursive I were to attempt,

My questions to you, my fellow Rainers are...

Do you write the old fashioned way (pen and paper)?
Do you write in cursive?
Do you print?
Does it matter?

If you print, like me, try writing something in cursive. Go ahead, right now - try it - I did (and now I am 100% certain that my son will write better in cursive than I do). Yes, it probably looks funny, but if you can't laugh at your own writing, what can you laugh at!

Is there anybody out there?

Schaumburg Home Inspector - Rick Maday (Owl Home Inspections, Inc.) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:23:01 -0500

With apologies to Pink Floyd.

Moment of silence, please.

Ok, I am AMAZED at how fast AR has grown. I have been "Active" for around a month and have seen the membership jump from 102,000ish to 109,401 in that time. I hope the continued growth has helped everyone meet new friends and grow their business.

At this moment there are 18,387 Rainers on now!

I have never seen that stat over 6,000!

WOW! WAY TO GO ACTIVE RAIN!

Is this idiot-proof?

Schaumburg Home Inspector - Rick Maday (Owl Home Inspections, Inc.) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:05:08 -0500

Sometimes, during the course of an inspection I see things that defy logic. Often it's homeowner "fixes" that make you scratch your head. On occasion it's a contractor who baffles me by their workmanship (or lack thereof). When looking at and reporting on some things, I will often refer to the manufacturer's installation instructions.

Some manufacturers have realized that people do not always read all of the instructions and will take extra steps to make sure that certain parts of the installation instructions are followed. Usually if you see a large warning label, it is safe to assume that this is something that is more prone to failure which could cause serious injury (and lawsuits). Some still, do not pay attention.

In this instance (pull-down attic stairs) the manufacturer clearly calls for a nail, yet the installer thought a screw would do. Now, I'm no rocket scientist or big city lawyer, but seems to me that the manufacturer has spent many hours and many dollars to verify that their installation instructions meet the safety requirements in order to protect the consumer (and keep them out of court).

Yet the installer knows better?

I don't know exactly why they specify a nail (I wasn't in on that meeting - darn!) - It most likely has something to do with the shear strength of a nail vs. a screw - but that's really immaterial. They went the extra step to try to "idiot-proof" this particular part of the installation, and apparently failed.

In today's society, where spilling hot coffee on yourself can get you big bucks, why wouldn't you just follow instructions?

Sometimes it's OK to stay up late. (Even on a school night)

Schaumburg Home Inspector - Rick Maday (Owl Home Inspections, Inc.) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 22:47:54 -0500

My 7 year old convinced my wife to stay up past his bedtime tonight (I needed no convincing).

He wanted to check the Cubs score and saw that Zambrano had a no hitter in the 7th inning.

The deal was, one hit and he was off to bed.

Luckily Zambrano completed the No-No.

What a thrill it was to watch the end of that game with my boy!

#1 on Google. I don't believe you (Part IV)

Schaumburg Home Inspector - Rick Maday (Owl Home Inspections, Inc.) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:58:04 -0500

In part III, I said that Google pays special attention to URLs and page titles. AR gives us some room to use this to our advantage. Your Blog Title (What you type in the title box) becomes part of the URL AND your page title.

Here is an example - A fellow inspector - I mean, Property Consultant (sorry Russel) - did a blog titled, "Need Help Paying your Mortgage?"

Before I show you how powerful titles can be, just think about how many businesses would like to ask people that exact question these days. Probably millions. Let's Google that phrase.

Just as I suspected - right near the top. (ok, you caught me - I looked before I decided to use that example)

Now, the actual blog post isn't about refinancing, loan or grant programs or anything of the sort but the power of his title got him to the top for that phrase.

I know some of you are thinking, "Who would actually do a search for that exact phrase?" Good question. The answer is probably no one. I used that as an example of the power of titles.

Here's another example:

I did a blog titled "Recalled Sony VAIO laptops". That may actually be a term someone searched for.

My blog entry comes up on page 3 for that phrase. Check it out.

I know, not such a good placement if I wanted to be the top dog for recalls. But, page three puts me in the top 30 or so of the thousands of web sites that were putting out that information. Think Sony, CPSC, Best Buy, Circuit City, Sam's Club, etc. All of them are much larger and dedicated to the tech industry in general. There are probably a ton of blogs about the recall too, but I beat 'em all (or most) simply because of my title.

So, now we know that a title is a very powerful thing. How can we use that to benefit our blog's SEO?

Simple, be sure your keywords are in your title.

Just to make it clear - Be sure your keywords are in your title.

AR is kind enough to start all of our blogs with "Real Estate Blog" as the first part of our blogs title. I do want to take a minute to make sure we're on the same page. I am referring now to individual blog posts, NOT your blog in general (which will have many posts). We should refer back to the list of keywords we made in part II. Since we have Real Estate in the title already (courtesy AR) we will want to add our other keywords (city/town anyone) along with Realtor or Real Estate Agent. Yes, put the words Real Estate in again, but not at the front of the title. Something like "Schaumburg Home for sale call your real estate agent today".

You also have to ask yourself an important question for each blog, "What is this blog supposed to do?"

Not all blogs should be designed to get to the top of Google. You can blog for a number of reasons; readership, points, fun, sharing experiences, asking questions, etc. Those blogs may also reach the first page of Google. If, however you want to design a blog to see it on page one of Google, you are dealing with a different animal that takes more work.

Keep your keywords in mind before you write your blog. You should include them early and often (kinda like voting in Chicago) in your post. There's a fine line between producing a good SEO blog and writing a blog that can actually be read. You don't want to end up with a post at the top of Google that simply says "Schaumburg Realtor" 298 times.

If you have a hard time deciding between using a keyword or not, I would generally go with what's easier to read.

I hope this helps, I'll have more ideas later - much work to do now!

Recalled Sony VAIO Laptop

Schaumburg Home Inspector - Rick Maday (Owl Home Inspections, Inc.) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:55:05 -0500

The CPSC released a recall today for certain Sony VAIO Laptops. Seems some of the internal wiring can short out and cause a burn hazzard. The recalled notebook computer models are the VAIO VGN-TZ100 series, VGN-TZ200 series, VGN-TZ300 series and VGN-TZ2000 series. Not all units are affected, so contact Sony if you have one of these models.

For the full report from CPSC, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08392.html

From sony's website: http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/news-item.pl?template_id=1&news_id=272

To get all recall notices direct to your email, sign up here

Spelling counts!

Schaumburg Home Inspector - Rick Maday (Owl Home Inspections, Inc.) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:04:29 -0500

I try to use spell check on all of my posts (I know, sometimes I forget). The AR spell checker, though, cracks me up.

Does anyone else find it funny that the AR spell checker has blog as a misspelling?

I mean, this is a site for blogs, right? I chuckle every time I see blog underlined.

Some options are: bog, log, blag, bloc, biog, bldg, blow, blob.

So, if you see me writting about my blob, I blame the spell checker!

I can't blog

Schaumburg Home Inspector - Rick Maday (Owl Home Inspections, Inc.) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:03:46 -0500

I haven't blogged in a week. Today I set aside an hour or so before firing up the grill to come up with some enlightening, informative and/or entertaining blog.

I've been sitting here for about 30 min. and I've got nothin'.

I started one blog (about efflorescence) - and got stuck after 2-3 sentences.

I started another (about coaching youth sports) and got all of five sentences out before I got stuck.

I need some help!

How do you come up with good blog topics?

What do you do when you get stuck?

I really like the format here and do have plenty to share. I am not one to be at a loss for words (usually), but when it comes to putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) I clam up like a... see, I don't even have a good simile for clamming up!

So, you blog pros, what can I do?

Don't panic, it's not that bad.

Schaumburg Home Inspector - Rick Maday (Owl Home Inspections, Inc.) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 01:48:05 -0500

Yes, that title could be about various real estate markets.

But, it also could be about something much more important.

The Presidential Election? Nope.

The state of the economy? Nope.

The Chicago Cubs? You bettcha!

Sorry if you're not a Cubs fan, you can probably skip the rest of this.

I was having a conversation with some other long-suffering Cubs fans about today's loss to the lowly Washington Nationals. We were alternating between, "This really could be the year" to "Here we go again, the free-fall started today". If you haven't been a Cubs fan for any length of time, you have no idea the pain we've been through and the heartache we've endured.

After leaving that situation without resolving if the glass was "half-full" or "the freaking Cubs just spilled the glass all over (again)!" - I sought council from someone who knows the Cubs inside and out. Someone who, every morning, reads the sports section to go over all the stats. Someone who can tell you almost anything you want to know about this year's Cubs team. DeRosa's HR total - check, Fukudome's batting average before his slump- check, Marmol's ERA before and after the All-Star break - check, Number of times D-Lee has grounded into double plays - that too. Someone who is starting second grade - my son.

Here's (roughly) what he said, (and yes, it all ran together like this) "Daddy, don't worry, it was one game. We'll win the next two, win the series, and be five and a half or six games ahead of the Brewers. The Rays may have the best record in baseball again, but who cares. We got Dempster and Harden the next two days and then we play the Pirates. The Cubs will make the playoffs, Daddy, and probably win the World Series. I hope they don't play the Angels, though."

Through all his positive energy, you know what stuck out in my mind?

"I hope they don't play the Angels, though."

Could it be that, even at 7, he already knows? What have I done to my son?

Have a great weekend!

Questions about houses?
Contact Rick Maday
Owl Home Inspections
A Home Inspection the Way it Should Be.

What do you want to know?

Schaumburg Home Inspector - Rick Maday (Owl Home Inspections, Inc.) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:01:36 -0500

I'm working on developing topics for agent meetings. I don't want it to be simply about me and my business - if you want that info, simply call me 847-254-5358 or visit my website www.owlhomeinspections.com .

I'm more concerned what you want to know. If you can provide some feedback, the next home inspector that speaks at your office may just have something fun and educational to say.

What would you be interested in?

What can I help you understand better?

Do you have questions about :

Inspection methods?
Inspection tools?
Reports?
Common defects?
Preparing for an inspection?
Things other than inspections?
Anything else?

Any and all feedback is welcome, even to say "don't bother" or "bring bagels". I'm here to help.

Questions about houses?
Contact Rick Maday
Owl Home Inspections
A Home Inspection the Way it Should Be.

Important choices...

Schaumburg Home Inspector - Rick Maday (Owl Home Inspections, Inc.) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:25:48 -0500

We have lots of CHOICES. We are not a one-size-fits-all society. Ironically, the "one-size-fits-all" label (common on baseball hats) has changed to "one-size-fits-most". My 7 year old and his huge melon may be the reason for the change, but I can't be sure.

Here are some everyday CHOICES that popped into my head:

Oil Change: 5W30, 10W30, 5W20, regular oil, synthetic oil, blended oil, perhaps just shaken or stirred?

Gym shoes: Tennis, basketball, walking, running, climbing, cross-training, jogging, marathon, hula-hooping?

Eggs: Large, extra large, jumbo, brown, green (with ham), farm raised hen, free-range hen, urban hen, suburban hen?

Ice cream: An entire concept was formed around choices. Is it still 31 flavors? Or more like 31,000 flavors?

Cars: What type of "package": Standard, performance, luxury, sport, off-road, on-road, semi-sport luxury cruising with off-road capabilities?

At the bar: Stoli, Smirnoff, Ketel One, Grey Goose, Van Gogh, Sterling, Absolut...and don't even get me started on the flavors. Hmmm, wonder if the ice cream people got into the vodka business too?

Cell phones (and plans): ...ok, you get the idea

Home Inspection: ???

Hmmm. One home inspection for everyone? Seems so 1975.

Many (most) home inspectors offer a single type of home inspection and expect that to fit everyone's wants or needs (one-size-fits-all). *Note I'm speaking strictly of home inspections not other services (radon, mold, termite, etc)

There are some (albeit few) inspectors who realize that not everyone needs or wants the same inspection, and offer multiple CHOICES for their clients. Keep this in mind the next time you are looking for a home inspector (or see a "one-size-fits-most" label) - ask about CHOICES

Questions about houses?
Contact Rick Maday
Owl Home Inspections
A Home Inspection the Way it Should Be.

Help Me... Help You

Schaumburg Home Inspector - Rick Maday (Owl Home Inspections, Inc.) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:25:05 -0500

I'm sure there are about 4,378 things you, as an agent, would rather do than attend a home inspection. (Doesn't the cat need a bath? Ooh, I need to catch up on C-SPAN). Even though I consider myself a personable and witty guy, a few hours watching and listening to me opine about the wonders of forced air heating, AFCIs or TPR valves will quickly become boring for almost anyone. Of course, if it's a house you're buying, you'd probably be a bit more interested, but I digress.

Please review this handy list of things to ensure the inspection will go off without unneeded delays.

Confirm that all utilities (water, electric and gas) are on, with gas pilot lights burning. This is especially true for any vacant/foreclosed homes. If we need to make a return trip because the water heater is not lit, our clients will probably be none too happy, you'll have to get an extension for the inspection contingency and you just may have to put off that root canal another day.

Be sure pets won't hinder the inspection. I love pets! As much as I love them, they should be removed from the premises. In a pinch, being secured outside is fine. That is, as long as Bruiser won't try to rip my leg off while I examine the exterior. Also, I would feel awful if Fluffy ran out the door during my inspection, so please, cats should be crated or removed. Heck, I'll even bring a kitty crate, if need be.

Replace burned out bulbs to avoid a "Light is inoperable" report that may suggest an electrical problem. If a light doesn't work, it will be noted in the report. I will recommend that the bulb be replaced first and if that doesn't do the trick, an electrician should be consulted. No body wants the expense or time of having an electrician come out, so please, check the light bulbs.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace dead batteries. Be sure that they are in the proper places. Smokes: In each bedroom and on each floor. CO: within 15 feet of all sleeping areas (at a minimum)

Clean or replace dirty HVAC air filters. They should fit securely. A clean filter isn't the only thing that I'll look for in a furnace. If, however, the filter looks like it was last changed when $3.00/gallon gas was expensive, the furnace probably hasn't been maintained as it should be.

Remove stored items, debris and wood from the exterior foundation. These may be cited as "conducive conditions" for wood destroying insects. This also includes trimming plants and shrubs back to one foot from the home. Vegetation in contact with the home is like providing a freeway for insects and moisture - and the home is exit ramp #1.

Remove items blocking access to HVAC equipment, electric service panels, water heaters, attics and crawl spaces. Any box may contain extra blankets, a rare vase that is a family heirloom or a rare vase that is a family heirloom wrapped up in extra blankets. Since I would feel awful if I damaged someone's irreplaceable item (and insurers would too) I don't move anything.

Trim tree limbs to 10' from the roof and shrubs from the house to allow access. This is not only a good idea so that your friendly neighborhood home inspector can see everything he needs to; it's also good for preventing damage to roofs and keeping varmints from sneaking into the attic.

Attend to broken or missing items like doorknobs, locks and latches; windowpanes, screens and locks; gutters, downspouts and chimney caps. Some of my inspection CHOICES include cosmetic items, some don't. A single damaged knob or screen may seem insignificant, but 10 or 12 that are damaged will certainly increase the cost to replace and add another item to negotiate.

So, before your clients have an inspection, please communicate with the appropriate party to have the above items taken care of. The cat bath can wait a couple more hours. ;)

Questions about houses?
Contact Rick Maday
Owl Home Inspections
A Home Inspection the Way it Should Be.

KA-BOOM!

Schaumburg Home Inspector - Rick Maday (Owl Home Inspections, Inc.) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 21:49:49 -0500

My clients know, I am quite the stickler for TPR valves and their proper drainage. This is an area I spend a good amount of time to educate the client and make sure they understand the purpose, function and maintenance of these valves. Some have said my findings in this area are "nit-picky".

What do you think?

The pic is from a fellow inspector from an explosion in Arizona.
(Thanks, Dale!)

This is from a news article...

"While it's not officially confirmed what caused the explosion, video from NewsChopper 3 showed a water heater on the corner near a school yard a couple of blocks away from the house"

How 'bout some video?
(A controlled experiment of a water heater explosion)

Questions about houses?
Contact Rick Maday
Owl Home Inspections
A Home Inspection the Way it Should Be.

Light bulb broke? - Where's my HAZMAT suit?

Schaumburg Home Inspector - Rick Maday (Owl Home Inspections, Inc.) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 08:06:53 -0500

How many people does it take to change a CFL?

CFL's - those energy saving, forever (or so it seems) lasting, "green" light bulbs that are to save us loads and loads of energy. Yeah, you know 'em, you love 'em and you have 'em.

But what if they break? Or even (gasp!) burn out?

Well, because these little energy misers contain a bit of mercury the clean up (or disposal) isn't quite like your father's ligt bulb. No half of a potato to get the broken base from the fixture, nope. These require a bit more care.

If they burn out (and they eventually will) see http://earth911.org/ for a recycling center near you. These bulbs SHOULD NOT go out with the regular trash.

If they break - well now you've done it!

You don't really need a HAZMAT suit, but you do need to take some precautions. The EPA has guidelines for clean up on various materials - rugs, hard surfaces, bedding/clothing (throw it out!), etc. I won't bore you with all the specific details - you can see for your self at http://www.epa.gov/mercury/spills/index.htm#fluorescent. Let's suffice it to say that you'll not be picking anything up with your hands and you'll be setting up a 3 square block perimeter (or something like that).

But seriously folks, know that these are not your typical light bulbs and know that they need special care and precautions when they break or burn out.

***I re-posted this as I have had emails that others couldn't comment - although I did not check that box. I will delete the original

***Still having trouble with comments - sorry I'm at a loss. :(

Profit vs Price

Schaumburg Home Inspector - Rick Maday (Owl Home Inspections, Inc.) — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 11:01:13 -0500

While this is aimed at the mortgage industry (and perhaps agents) it is wholly applicable to home inspections. I hope you can see the similarities.

The following is the reblogged post from Tom Ninness:

SHORT TERM PROFITS VS. LONG TIME CLIENTS

In today's world, price is everything. Everyone seems to be looking for a bargain. Shopping the grocery stores for the weekly deals: hunting down the gas station with the lowest price, or waiting for retail stores to put merchandise on sale or clearance. Everyone wants a bargain. But is shopping for a bargain always the best strategy? For sales professionals, bargain shoppers will not guarantee long term business prospects. Although it is essential to be competitive, it is more important to be trust worthy, service oriented and conscience of the specific needs of the client.

For the mortgage and real estate professional as well as most sales professionals, losing a sale means not only commissions lost in the present, but the opportunity for future business and referrals. Building a referral based business focuses you as the best person for the job. Undercutting price to ‘get the deal' may work for awhile, but without substance behind it, business will soon dry up. Negotiating a price for the sake of a sale without consideration of profit will soon leave you with no income.

Referrals are the only way to sustain business for the long term. Sometimes negotiating a price will preserve the sale, and that may be prudent if the client has the potential to be a solid referral source or possibilities of future business. When you lose the sale, you lose the opportunity of future business and referrals.

If the majority of your clients are a result of a referral, you have already been pre-sold as an expert and a have a high level of credibility. You have the responsibility of establishing trust by asking the prospect probing questions. Know your products well and know your competitor's products. If negotiating price becomes an issue you are prepared to position yourself as a top authority, with a commitment to small details. That can be the difference between saving and closing the deal at a respectable profit and losing it entirely because of price alone. Although internet shopping for lenders has become popular as of late, it is the classic example of price isn't everything. One study shows only 16% of loans through internet lenders closes at the quoted price with the quoted rates and will close on time. Your clients place a lot of trust in you and what you represent. Always, under promise and over deliver!

Be a problem solver. This is the reason they are hiring you.....they have a problem and are you the right solution. By asking questions, building rapport and caring about the customer's needs will establish that you are concerned more about the client and not about the commission.

Develop rapport, listen to the client, understand their needs and execute your services better and faster than anyone else. Every appointment needs prep time; make sure you are as prepared as possible for each and every client.

Be readily accessible for the client during the process. Explain the best ways the client may communicate with you and ask the most convenient way and how frequent the client would like to be communicated with. Keeping even the smallest commitments will slowly build trust.

Sometimes it becomes absolutely necessary to negotiate price. Move cautiously. Jumping to your lowest price leaves no latitude for discussion. Clients who are merely ‘shopping for price' will pin you to a price point with no guarantee of commitment. When you are up against price, by negotiating and meeting halfway with the client's price, gives you have a better than 50-50 chance in getting the business.

Building your business through referrals keeps a steady stream of reliable income. Negotiate price only when necessary. Remain professional in every aspect, respect the client's needs and concerns, build trust and communication, and be mindful of the small details. Your clients want someone they can trust and feel confident in referring others as well as the best price.

Tom Ninness is Vice President/Regional Production Manager for Cherry Creek Mortgage in Denver, CO. He is also the President of Summit Champions, Inc. and creator of the "The 90 Day Journey to Your Sales Success", a powerful 90 day action plan for the sales professional. To learn more about The Journey and Summit Champions, go to www.90dayjourney.com, www.summitchampions.com or contact Tom at tomninness@summitchampions.com Office: 720-221-4396.

Gold medals recalled due to lead?

Schaumburg Home Inspector - Rick Maday (Owl Home Inspections, Inc.) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 10:57:58 -0500

Today China is on center stage as hosts of the Olympics.

Woo hoo! (guess sarcasm doesn't come across well in print)

Why China?

The only things I know about China are:

Kung-Po Chicken is a bit spicy (and really good!).
Using chopsticks takes a lot of practice.
There's lots of smog
There's lots of lead.
China likes to share (the smog and lead, that is)

The smog will be shared with all of the athletes that are going there. The lead, though, they have to ship out.

It was not to long ago that toys were being recalled left and right for elevated lead content, remember?

I recall (no pun intended) going through my son's things looking for the "Made in China" stamp and comparing those items to various news reports and distributors lists to see if they were leaded or unleaded. Luckily, the items that were tainted were things he had grown out of (Thomas the Train). It was a pretty hectic time trying to keep up with it all, nonetheless.

Until I found a quick and easy solution.

The CPSC.

Our good ole watchdogs were sending all the information available to everyone who asked. So, I asked.

Currently, I get a couple emails a week. Each email usually has one or two recalls, but I have seen up to six in one email. If you'd like to get the scoop see http://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx . You can select what types of recalls you want to receive (children's items, sporting goods, household products, etc).

It's pretty simple (and free) to sign up. I also forward the emails I get (all recall info) to clients and anyone who asks. Rick's Recall Notices .

Wonder if the Gold Medals have too much lead? I guess we'll know soon enough!