ADVICE FOR PET OWNERS: 10 Common Foods That are Toxic to Pets!

We don’t feed our dog human food, well, not much.  Our little silkie

does like beef jerky and potato chips!  But in researching how

 many common food items are extremely toxic

is really surprising.  I knew about chocolate and leftover bones but

not the rest of the list.  Macadamia nuts, really!

 

 

We had a dog that loved grapes…..gee, we did not know they

weren't good for her.  I also had a friend in California

who lived next to an avocado grove. Her dog would gorge himself

on ripe avocados………..and then he had kidney failure.

 

Be aware if your cat likes to eat leaves, many of the common

spring flowers and holiday blooms are toxic to animals.

 

So read the list, educate yourself and try to resist those imploring

glances.   We will, too.

 

10 Common Toxic Foods for Pets

Grapes & raisins

Chocolate

Onions, onion powder, chives, & garlic

Yeast dough

Avocado

Leftover bones

Foods with high salt or fat content

Sugarless candies

Macadamia Nuts

Alcohol, Coffee

 

17 Most Common Poisonous Plants 

1. Lilies
2. Marijuana
3. Sago Palm
4. Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
5. Azalea/Rhododendron
6. Oleander
7. Castor Bean
8. Cyclamen
9. Kalanchoe
10. Yew
11. Amaryllis
12. Autumn Crocus
13. Chrysanthemum
14. English Ivy
15. Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily)
16. Pothos
17. Schefflera

 

What do you do if your pet ate something poisonous?

If your animal is having seizures or losing consciousness, bring

 him/her to your veterinarian or emergency vet center.

If your pet is not showing symptoms, but ingested something

potentially toxic, call the ASPCA hotline at (888) 426-4435.

 Have the following information available: the species, breed,

age, sex, weight, and information about the product exposure.

It is best to have the package of the product available for reference.

 

 

 

 

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 The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan.  Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

 We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

                               

            Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

                          Contact Terry   616-292-7263

 

                              OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

SOUTHERN MARYLAND WATERFRONT: Bayfront Home For Sale W/Pier & Guest House in St. Mary's County - $595,000!

BAYFRONT HOME FOR SALE WITH PIER & GUEST HOUSE IN ST. MARY'S COUNTY

Location:  St. Mary's County

Lot Size:  1.08 Acres

Body of Water:  Chesapeake Bay

Boat Dock:  Pier

List Price:  $595,000

Wonderful, light & open beach house on the Chesapeake Bay!  Home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths with spacious sunroom w/roof deck above.  Livingroom/diningroom on the waterside has a stone fireplace wall, lots of glass to enjoy the view.  All hardwood & ceramic tile, updated baths, new cedar-shake look vinyl siding, 40 year arch shingle roof.  Situated on a 1.08 acre lot.  Great pier!  Awesome views!  Cottage/land across road is included & is rented at $750 month.

For additional information or to schedule a viewing appointment, contact Rita Minion or Chris Minion.

 

Southern Maryland Is A Great Place To Visit...... An Even Better Place To Live! 

 

Discover Southern Maryland.....where relaxation is a lifestyle, not a vacation.

We consider Southern Maryland an excellent place to reside and would love to share with you our enthusiasm for the many neighborhoods that encompass it.  Our local expertise & extensive real estate experience will benefit you whether you are serious about buying or selling a waterfront property in Southern Maryland.

We Specialize in a Variety of Properties:  Waterfront Properties, Vacation Homes, Second Homes & Relocation Services.

If you are looking for year round living on the water or a vacation home, please contact us to help you with your search for a waterfront property in CALVERT COUNTY or ST. MARY'S COUNTY, to include the Solomons, Lusby, Saint Leonard, Port Republic, Broomes Island, Prince Frederick, Dowell, Lexington Park, California, Hollywood, Great Mills, Leonardtown, Piney Point, Huntingtown, Chesapeake Beach, North Beach, Mechanicsville & surrounding areas.

Visit our websites & take advantage of the many features offered to you, Search MLS Listings, View Our Listings, View Waterfront Listings, Get Local Information & Calendar of Events, Get Buying & Selling Information & Tips.  Mortgage Information, Home Value Request & more.

Feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss how we can best assist you with your real estate needs.

We are happy to be of service and we welcome your inquiries!

Rita Minion & Chris Minion

Your Southern Maryland Waterfront Connection

(410)-326-9198 - Direct

(410)-610-2591 - Mobile

Email Us

View Waterfront Listings In St. Mary's County

Southern Maryland Real Estate

Search For Waterfront Homes In Southern Maryland  

Southern Maryland Living Blog

Southern Maryland Blog

 

TIPS FOR HOME SELLERS: Create An Exterior Sanctuary To Gain An Advantage When Selling!

In today’s competitive housing market, sellers can create an exterior sanctuary to gain an advantage when selling. With consumers maintaining a tight grip on their purses, many are looking for ways to make their home environment more attractive and enjoyable. And with the warm summer months just ahead, appealing to American’s love of outdoor spaces can significantly increase a home’s charm.

 

Creating or updating areas for privacy, entertainment, play, or gardening will have an almost universal appeal, and it just may create the competitive edge needed to generate a sale. Much of the work is not necessarily expensive, with many projects requiring little more than a couple of weekend’s labor. And with the dramatic increase in vegetable gardening due to the recession as well as a concern for food safety, home sellers have a great opportunity to appeal to those with an interest in growing their own food.

 

Of course, it’s not as simple as buying some play equipment or a new barbecue grill. For the greatest “bang for the buck” such projects should be well-planned and executed, and should be designed to appeal to a wide audience.

 

I’ve listed a few simple projects that are both inexpensive and attractive:

● Expanded deck or patio

● Pergolas, trellises, or garden gates

● Fire pits or chiminea

● Koi pond or other water feature

● Separate cooking and entertainment areas

● Low maintenance planting beds with colorful native plants

● Distinctive seating and dining areas with temporary or permanent shading

● Well-maintained herb and vegetable garden

 

Those whose homes justify the extra expense might consider:

● An outdoor fireplace

● Built in grill and counter space

● Outdoor appliances

 

Sellers who would like to try this technique must remember to make the area appealing from inside the home as well and to place the most attractive areas where they are readily visible from as many interior vantage points as possible. With a little effort an average yard can be transformed into an outdoor retreat, separating a home from its competition; and it just might be the advantage to take a home from “For Sale” to “Sold.”

 

The Housing Guru: The one source for all your housing questions

ADVICE FOR HOMEBUYERS: How to File for Your First Time Home Buyer & Repeat Buyer Tax Credit

Here are some instructions on how to file for your Frisco TX First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit. It not only apply to Frisco TX homes, but for taxpayers that qualify.

1. You must use Form 1040 to claim your credit on Line 67 of the 2009 return.
    You must use the paper version, not electronic version of your return. You can use an electronic software to prepare the returns but not e-file them via IRS. The IRS does not have a website that allows you to upload your supporting documents.
    You must use the Form 1040, not Form 1040-EZ or 1040-A.

2. You must include Form 5405 - First Time Homebuyer Credit and Repayment of Credit. Include your filed 2009 Tax Return.

3. You must include your Settlement Statement (HUD-1) to proof your Frisco TX home purchase applicable between the correct dates.
    The HUD-1 Settlement statement must include signatures of all parties (buyers and sellers), property address, purchase price and settlement date.

4. If you filed for your 2009 Tax Return, you can amend it via Form 1040-X. Under Item (C), you want to explain that you purchase your home under the First Time Homebuyer Credit and Repayment of Credit.
    While you file Form 1040-X, you want to seek the advice of a tax professional to include other tax deductible items on the Settlement Statement.

5. For repeat buyers who qualify for $6,500 tax credit, you must lived in the same principle residence for at least 5-consecutive years during the 8-year period ending the purchase date of the new home.
You do not need to sell your "old" home to qualify. You must purchase after November 6th 2009 to receive this credit.
    Some supporting documents which will help with proving your 5-year consecutive homeownership, include:
    - Past 5 years of your Form 1098 (Mortgage Interest statements)
    - Property tax records if it showed your homeownership during the 5-year period
    - Homeowner's insurance records
    You do not need to show proof of all these documents but a combination of these records.

The IRS expects to process these First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit and Repayment of Credit in approximately 6-8 weeks. An amended return will take approximately 12-16 weeks for processing.

 

 

Related Articles:

 

• When to File For Your Frisco TX First Time Home Buyer $8,000 Tax Credit
• FAQs of Frisco TX First Time Home Buyers $8,000 Tax Credit
• New & Improved First Time Home Buyer $8,000 Tax Credit to include Repeat Buyers $6,500 Tax Credit
• Effects of the First Time Home Buyers $8,000 Tax Credit in the greater Frisco TX areas

 

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Contact:

Loreena Yeo
Realtor®/ Broker of 3:16 team REALTY
(214) 783-2210
loreena@loreenayeo.com

 

Super-serving Plano, Plano, Dallas, McKinney, Allen, Little Elm, Prosper, Celina, Richardson, Dallas M-Streets, Dallas White Rock Lake area communities and other surrounding areas.

 

 

Copyright © 2010 by Loreena Yeo (3:16 team REALTY).
Originally Posted on How to File for Your Frisco TX First Time Home Buyer and Repeat Buyer Tax Credit

SOUTHERN MARYLAND WATERFRONT REAL ESTATE: Beachfront Home For Sale On St. Clement's Bay With Pier - $589,000!

WATERFRONT HOME FOR SALE ON ST. CLEMENTS BAY IN ST. MARY'S COUNTY

Location:  Coltons Point

County:  St. Mary's

Body of Water:  St. Clements Bay

Boat Dock:  Pier with 4'+ MLW

Style:  Contemporary

Year Built:  1992

List Price:  $589,000

This beachfront home is amazing!  Home offers 3 bedrooms and 2 baths & HUGE open floor plan.  Home is only used on weekends and owner's say all furniture & boat can convey with full price offer!  Private deck off master bedroom has a gorgeous view of the beach & St. Clements Island.  All around windowed family room leads to massive deck.  Pier with water, electric & boat lift.  Detached 2 story garage is plumbed wi/shower & can be made into a cottage/guest house.

Perfect for a weekend getaway or year round living!

Convenient to shopping, restaurants. hospital, recreational activities.  Easy commute to DC/VA, Baltimore & Annapolis areas. 

For additional information or to schedule a viewing appointment, contact Rita Minion or Chris Minion.

Southern Maryland Is A Great Place To Visit...... An Even Better Place To Live! 

 

Discover Southern Maryland.....where relaxation is a lifestyle, not a vacation.

We consider Southern Maryland an excellent place to reside and would love to share with you our enthusiasm for the many neighborhoods that encompass it.  Our local expertise & extensive real estate experience will benefit you whether you are serious about buying or selling a waterfront property in Southern Maryland.

We Specialize in a Variety of Properties:  Waterfront Properties, Vacation Homes, Second Homes & Relocation Services.

If you are looking for year round living on the water or a vacation home, please contact us to help you with your search for a waterfront property in CALVERT COUNTY or ST. MARY'S COUNTY, to include the Solomons, Lusby, Saint Leonard, Port Republic, Broomes Island, Prince Frederick, Dowell, Lexington Park, California, Hollywood, Great Mills, Leonardtown, Piney Point, Huntingtown, Chesapeake Beach, North Beach, Mechanicsville & surrounding areas.

Visit our websites & take advantage of the many features offered to you, Search MLS Listings, View Our Listings, View Waterfront Listings, Get Local Information & Calendar of Events, Get Buying & Selling Information & Tips.  Mortgage Information, Home Value Request & more.

Feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss how we can best assist you with your real estate needs.

We are happy to be of service and we welcome your inquiries!

Rita Minion & Chris Minion

Your Southern Maryland Waterfront Connection

(410)-326-9198 - Direct

(410)-610-2591 - Mobile

Email Us

View Waterfront Listings In Calvert County

Southern Maryland Real Estate

Search For Waterfront Homes In Southern Maryland  

Southern Maryland Living Blog

Southern Maryland Blog

 

San Francisco East Bay - Please help - dog in need of home due to owner illness

If anyone can help foster or adopt this sweet six year old dog please let us know.  See below for the story of why she is in need of a home.  Her family cannot find a no-kill shelter.

Please help me find a home! My mom lost her home, her job and her other best friend already. She's taken good care of and loved me very much for six years, but she's living with relatives in an apartment that won't allow dogs over 20lbs. I'm a good girl, I'm not as old as I look cause my muzzle has always been gray. I'm afraid my mom's heart will break if I don't find somewhere to live... she's had a rough year, but seeing me put down when I'm so full of life and love would be one of the hardest things ever. We've been looking for a no-kill shelter, but with so many families losing homes in California, we haven't had any luck. If you know someone who lives in the San Francisco Bay area who could love a silly girl like me, please let my mom, KC, know. You can email her on Yahoo. Her address is kc.coburn, you know the rest. Please forward this message to your email list, too. Maybe it will reach someone who needs me as much as I need them. Thanks! Serena

KC Coburn
kimberleycoburn@yahoo.com

HOME SAFETY ADVICE: Where To Find Gas Leaks.

The one home inspection item that consistently causes home buyers to 'freak out' more than anything else is a gas leak. Gas explosions like the ones that recently happened in Edina and Saint Paul are probably the main causes of all the paranoia about natural gas.  Believe it or not, small gas leaks are actually quite common at old houses, and they're usually simple for a plumber to fix.  Today I'll share the most common locations for gas leaks, and I'll share my home inspection techniques for finding gas leaks in old Minneapolis and Saint Paul homes.

The most common place for me to find gas leaks is at gas valves.  Older style gas valves that aren't allowed any more today are often referred to as lube valves or plug valves.

 

These valves are easily identified by a nut or spring on the valve, across from the handle; newer gas valves don't have these.  I would estimate that I find leaks at about one out of every five of these valves.  Gate valves, which should only be used for water, are also common offenders.

The repair is always simple - replace the the valve.  In Minneapolis, if the appliance being served by an improper valve is replaced, the valve must be replaced at the same time.

The second most common location for gas leaks is at unions.  A gas union is a fitting that provides a disconnection point for a gas appliance.  If the union doesn't get tightened enough, it will definitely leak.  Notice the bubbles in the union below?  That's a small gas leak.

Flare fittings are the last common offender.  Here in Minnesota, soft copper gas tubing is allowed just about anywhere, but it takes a little more skill to properly install soft copper than other types of gas piping.  For a flare fitting, copper tubing gets flared out at the end and connected with a flare nut.  If this connection gets bent or isn't tight enough, it will leak.

  

To find these gas leaks, I mostly rely on my nose.  If there's a gas leak, I can almost always smell it.  To pinpoint the location of a gas leak, I use a combustible gas detector.  If I see any suspicious work or I run across old or improper gas valves, I just go right to my gas detector, and I quickly check the fittings.

I truly believe that my nose is just as accurate as my gas detector, but I look a little silly running my nose along gas pipes to find leaks.  That's why I use a tool.  If I find a leak with my combustible gas detector, I confirm the leak by using a gas leak detection solution; it's just an expensive blue liquid that does about the same thing that dish soap would - it bubbles if there's a leak.  To make it easier for the repair person coming in behind me, I also mark the location of the leak with orange electrical tape, and I write "Gas Leak" on the tape, along with an arrow showing exactly where the leak is.

I've heard stories about appliance connectors leaking, but I've never found one that leaked. Next week I'll talk about defects with appliance connector installations.

RELATED POST: Natural Gas Leaks

Reuben Saltzman, Structure Tech Home Inspections - Email - Minneapolis Home Inspections

                  

HOME STAGING TIPS: An EASY solution to block an undesirable view or for privacy.

Here's an Easy Solution to block an undesirable view or to add privacy for any window. 

 

This 10 lite, sliding pocket door was installed between a new master bathroom remodel and the master bedroom.  This style was selected to give the homeowner more light into the bath and a less closed-in feeling.

However, the clear lites provided no privacy for whomever was in the bathroom.  Also, the master bedroom had large windows in the front of the house and people on the street could look directly into the bathroom, if the shutters were open. 

SOLUTION: Spray on frosting. Here's the simple process.

1) Remove the door and do the work in a non-windy location.  (This can be done in-place for a non-removable window, just carefully mask the surroundings off first.)

2) Use blue painter's tape to block out what you want to remain clear.  Mask off the door from overspray. 

3) I selected plant leaves from the clients yard, placed them on the lites and then lightly sprayed.

Use a light touch with this spray and then do a second coat if needed. 

Cost: under $10.

Results: Added privacy with light.   

We could have used a chemical etching compound to permanently "frost" the windows but elected to go with the spray because it can be removed with a razor blade, if changes are ever wanted. 

This can also be done on any glass object: glasses, vases, mirrors. 

  *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

 

Dream Interior Redesign & Staging by Ginger Foust is a full service Professional Staging and ReDesign company.

Locally serving the Californiafoothill and mountain communities of Oakhurst, North Fork, Coarsegold, Ahwahnee, Bass Lake, Wawona and Mariposa. Also servicing areas of Fresno and Clovis, California

Providing Virtual and Conceptual Staging Worldwide.

Click here to see a short slideshow with examples of our work. 

 Visit our website at http://www.dreamredesigns.com for more information or call 559-877-2442.

SOUTHERN MARYLAND WATERFRONT REAL ESTATE: Just Reduced! Creekfront Home For Sale With Pier On Mill Creek - $469,900!

Advice For Real Estate Investors: Home Flip . . . or Flop?? Common Mistakes To Avoid When Selling A House For Profit!

Home Flip . . . or Flop?? Common mistakes to Avoid when selling a House for profit!

Spring is on the horizon, and with it, it seems like there is a lot more hope in many real estate markets. Here in Calgary, new home starts have nearly tripled compared to this same time last year! That is certainly good news.

With the general consensus being that perhaps the market has seen its bottom, with a slow rise in prices expected, it is a more promising scenario for home flippers to get back at buying and selling real estate for profit.

However, the house flipping industry has seen its share of casualties! If you are contemplating fixing up a house with the intent to sell it for a profit, be on guard against the following common mistakes:

1) Selecting the Wrong Property

Rule #1 for real estate isn't location, location, location for nothing! You might get a better "deal" upfront on a property that has been difficult to sell -- and the seller is now desperate -- but be careful you won't be in the same boat later on. This includes poor location, overall quirkiness, unusual floor plan for the area, or anything that is not easily fixed and would prevent the majority of people from wanting to buy it. Not sure? Consult a professional first.

2) Falling in Love

Getting emotionally involved with the house is one of the most common mistakes amateur home flippers make. Never lose sight of the fact that this is a business deal, pure and simple. Don't make decisions based on what you'd like to see or you'd like to have in the home. If you won't get at least double your money back on that tile or appliance decision, don't put it in!

3) Underestimating the Time Value of Money

The longer you hang onto that property, the more it eats away at your profit. Many home flippers decide that they are going to do some work themselves to "save" on costs (been there, done that!). BIG mistake. Unless you are expertly proficient at the task, hire a professional to do it. They will do a better job, have fewer delays, get it done faster, and won't create additional problems. (Anyone know what I'm talking about?!)

4) Over Renovating

This is a combination of #2 and #3 above. Your goal is to sell that property quickly, for the maximum profit possible. You are not creating your own dream home. If the maximum profit is attainable with only paint and new carpet, don't replace the kitchen and bathrooms. Sure you it would look nicer and you might be able to sell it for more, but if your return on investment is lowered . . . and the job starts taking a whole lot longer . .  you are making less money on the venture.

You're better off to sell it with less done to it, and re-invest that money into your next project.

5) Pricing to Cover your Costs

When it's all said and done, the property is only worth what it's worth. Regardless of the decisions you made, how much you spent, or how much your carrying costs have added up to, you cannot sell the property for more than its fair market value. Listing high will just take longer to wear you down to that fair market price -- increasing your carrying costs more and putting you further into debt.

And once a property has sat for more than a month or two, buyers start to think they can low-ball an offer because they figure you'll be a more desperate seller (and you are, aren't you?). That is, if they'll even look at the overpriced listing in the first place. Many won't.

Instead, follow the first 4 rules as best you can, and then just sell it. If you aren't going to make as much money as you had hoped, chalk it up to a lesson learned . . . and move on. No buyer is going to overpay because you made poor decisions along the way.

6) Not Budgeting for Professionally Marketing the Home

Lastly, in order to have your best chances at a quick sale (remember, time is money), don't forget to get the professionals to help you do this task, as well!

Since your flip is likely to be vacant, get it professionally staged. Home staging will help give those empty rooms scale and purpose; help tell a lifestyle story which also helps create an emotional connection; and will help distract the buyer's eye from any minor flaws left in the property (don't hide . . . distract!).

A professional Real Estate Agent will help you get maximum exposure for your property, and give buyers peace of mind about entering into a deal with you. They will also be able to advise you appropriately, preventing other costly mistakes in the negotiating and closing phases of the deal.

 

Home flipping is a great way to earn a decent income, and can be a lot of fun. Having been there myself, though, I can say that it's not as easy as it looks on TV, kids! If there is a mantra for house flipping, it should be education, education, education! Know what you're getting into.

Happy Flipping!

 

 

Deena Cottingham

GreenApple Staging & Images
Serving Calgary and Okotoks, Alberta

©GreenApple Staging & Images, 2010
All information is copyrighted and may not be used, borrowed or copied without written permission.