¿Es su casa saludable y segura para sus hijos?

Es esencial que tome medidas preventivas para proteger a sus hijos contra lesiones no intencionales en su hogar. Cada año mueren más niños de lesiones evitables que de todas las enfermedades infantiles combinadas.

Tomando las precauciones y acciones apropiadas usted puede ayudar a prevenir quemaduras, cortes, caídas, envenenamientos, ahogos, asfixia y otras lesiones graves.

Utilice estas cuatro listas de verificación y asegúrese de que su hogar sea saludable y seguro para sus hijos:

En el dormitorio

Instale alarmas de humo afuera de los dormitorios y en cada planta de su casa.
Pruebe las alarmas de humo por lo menos una vez al mes y cámbieles las pilas por lo menos una vez al año.

Practique rutas de escape de incendio e identifique un lugar de encuentro afuera de su casa.

Ponga a su bebé a dormir de espalda, en una cuna, sin almohadones ni otro tipo de cobijas blandas.

Use una cuna que cumpla las normas nacionales de seguridad, con un colchón de un tamaño apropiado para la cuna.

Nunca use una frazada eléctrica en la cama o la cuna de un bebé o un niño.

Mantenga juguetes pequeños, globos y pelotas pequeñas lejos de los niños pequeños.
Verifique para qué edad ha sido diseñado cada juguete. Asegúrese de que los baúles para guardar juguetes tengan tapas con dispositivos de sostén de seguridad.

Para prevenir la estrangulación, utilice cordones de seguridad para subir y bajar las persianas y también evite dejar piolas o cordones en los juguetes y los chupetes de los niños.

Instale alarmas de monóxido de carbono (CO) afuera de los dormitorios, para impedir el envenenamiento con CO.
En el baño

Para prevenir envenenamientos, guarde bajo llave todos los remedios y las vitaminas, incluso los que vienen en contenedores a prueba de niños.
Tenga a mano jarabe de ipecacuana , pero úselo solamente cuando se lo remiende un centro de control de venenos o un médico.

Nunca deje a un niño pequeño solo en el baño, especialmente en una bañera.
Antes de bañar a un niño, siempre pruebe el agua con su muñeca o codo, para asegurarse de que no esté demasiado caliente.

Para prevenir quemaduras, regule el termostato del calentador de agua a 120º F e instale dispositivos que prevengan quemaduras.
Asegúrese de que las bañeras y las duchas estén equipadas con superficies no resbaladizas y con barras para sostenerse.
Guarde los aparatos eléctricos, como secadores de cabello y barras para enrular el cabello, fuera del alcance de los niños y lejos del agua.
En la cocina

Guarde los cuchillos, las bolsas de plástico, los encendedores y los fósforos en un lugar al cual los niños no tengan acceso.
Evite incendios y quemaduras no dejando comida cocinándose sin su atención, poniendo las manijas de las cacerolas hacia atrás de la cocina, y no dejando líquidos y comidas calientes cerca de bordes de mesas y mesadas.

Asegúrese de que usted y sus hijos sepan el procedimiento de DETENERSE, TIRARSE AL PISO Y GIRAR, en el caso de que sus ropas se prendan fuego.
Guarde los aparatos electrodomésticos desenchufados y con sus cables atados. Reemplace cualquier cable que esté deteriorado.
Ate o asegure a sus hijos cuando los coloque en sillas altas, hamacas u otros dispositivos para niños.

No dé a niños pequeños comidas duras, redondas, que puedan quedárseles atascadas en sus gargantas, como caramelos duros, nueces, uvas, pochoclo, zanahorias o pasas de uva.

Evite quemaduras manteniendo a los niños lejos de canillas de agua caliente o de enfriadores de agua potable.
En todas las áreas habitables

Para prevenir ataques de asma, elimine fuentes de moho, polvo e insectos, como las cucarachas. Si tiene una mascota, manténgala limpia (y también el lugar donde ésta duerme), y no permita que la mascota se suba a los muebles.

Si fuma, evite hacerlo adentro de su casa, especialmente, alrededor de niños.
Asegúrese de las calderas, los hogares, las estufas a leña, los calentadores de habitaciones, y cualquier electrodoméstico de gas, venteen apropiadamente, y haga inspeccionarlos anualmente.

Utilice puertas de seguridad para bloquear el paso a escaleras (y otras áreas peligrosas), tapas de seguridad para cubrir los enchufes eléctricos, y trabas de seguridad para impedir la abertura de cajones y puertas de aparadores.

Mantenga a los niños, y cualquier mueble en el que puedan treparse, lejos de las ventanas.

Instale protecciones de ventanas (en ventanas que no se utilicen como salidas de emergencia en caso de incendio).

Para prevenir caídas, mantenga bien iluminados los corredores y las escaleras y coloque una base no deslizante debajo de las alfombras.

Guarde los agentes de limpieza, los pesticidas y otras substancias potencialmente peligrosas en sus contenedores originales, con sus etiquetas intactas, fuera del alcance de los niños.

Si tiene armas o rifles en su casa, guarde a éstas y las municiones en contenedores separados, cerrados con llave, fuera del alcance de los niños.
Aprenda Primeros Auxilios y Resucitación Cardiopulmonar.

Mantenga una lista actualizada de números telefónicos de emergencia, incluyendo su centro local de control de envenenamientos, su médico de familia y la sala de emergencias del hospital, al lado de cada teléfono que tenga en su casa.

Asegúrese de que su familia sepa qué hacer durante una catástrofe natural.

En el caso de un terremoto, tírese al piso y protéjase debajo de algo que sea fuerte; durante un tornado, protéjase en el sótano de su casa o en un cuarto interno que no tenga ventanas, y durante un huracán, manténgase lejos de las ventanas.

También tenga a mano suministros de comida, linternas y agua potable.

PROGRAMA ALTERNATIVAS DE EJECUCIÓN HIPOTECARIA HOME AFFORDABLE (HAFA)

Compilado de Makinghomeaffordable.com

Es posible que muchos propietarios de vivienda crean que ya no pueden hacer los pagos de su vivienda, pero deseen evitar los efectos negativos de una ejecución hipotecaria.

El Programa Alternativas de Ejecución Hipotecaria Home Affordable (Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program, HAFA) ofrece a los propietarios de vivienda, a sus administradores hipotecarios y a los inversionistas un incentivo para llevar a cabo una venta corta (o una venta en descubierto) o una escritura en lugar de la ejecución hipotecaria. Con estas opciones disponibles conforme al HAFA, un propietario de vivienda deja su vivienda para poder realizar una transición a una vivienda más económica y aliviar la deuda hipotecaria que tiene.

Estas opciones se encuentran disponibles para propietarios de vivienda que: 1. no califiquen para una modificación de prueba de la hipoteca en virtud del Programa Making Home Affordable; 2. no completen exitosamente el período de prueba para su modificación; 3. no realicen, al menos, dos pagos consecutivos durante su período de modificación; o 4. soliciten una venta corta o una escritura en lugar de la ejecución hipotecaria.
Venta Corta o Venta en Descubierto
En una venta corta o una venta en descubierto, el administrador permite que el propietario de vivienda incluya la propiedad hipotecada en el listado de propiedades para la venta y que la venda, a sabiendas de que las ganancias netas de la venta pueden ser menores que la suma total adeudada en la hipoteca de primer grado.

Escritura en lugar de ejecución hipotecaria
Por lo general, si el deudor realiza un esfuerzo de buena fe por vender la propiedad pero no lo logra, un administrador puede considerar la posibilidad de una escritura en lugar de la ejecución hipotecaria. Con una escritura en lugar de una ejecución hipotecaria, el deudor transfiere voluntariamente la titularidad de la propiedad al administrador, siempre que el título esté libre de hipotecas, gravámenes y cargos.

El Programa HAFA optimiza ambas opciones para que le resulte más fácil a un propietario de vivienda trabajar junto con su administrador. En virtud del programa, un propietario de vivienda puede recibir $3,000 como ayuda para costos de reubicación.

Los administradores hipotecarios y los inversionistas definen sus propias pautas conforme a los requisitos federales para determinar cómo implementar el programa. Para obtener más información sobre sus opciones, comuníquese con su administrador hipotecario. Si usted tiene preguntas sobre el programa o si desea recibir orientación sobre cómo estas opciones pueden tener un impacto en su situación personal, le recomendamos que hable con un consejero de vivienda aprobado por el Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano (Housing and Urban Development, HUD) en forma gratuita. Para recibir asistencia en español a fin de ubicar un consejero de vivienda en su área, llame a la línea de información para propietarios de vivienda HOPE™, al 1-888-995-HOPE (4673).

Programa Making Home Affordable y otras opciones para conservar su vivienda
Los administradores hipotecarios que participan en el Programa Making Home Affordable deben evaluar a los propietarios de vivienda para una Modificación Home Affordable antes de evaluarlos para otras opciones. Si usted solicita una modificación a su administrador hipotecario y se determina que es elegible, ingresará en un plan de período de prueba.

Si se determina que usted no es elegible para una Modificación Home Affordable, su administrador hipotecario le evaluará para otras alternativas que se ofrecen para que usted conserve su vivienda, como sus propios programas de modificación o una indulgencia por incumplimiento.

Un consejero de vivienda aprobado por el HUD puede trabajar con usted en forma gratuita para ayudarle a comprender sus opciones. Para recibir asistencia en español a fin de ubicar un consejero de vivienda en su área, llame a la línea de información para propietarios de vivienda HOPE™, al 1-888-995-HOPE (4673).

The Benefits of AdWords by Google

Because AdWords offers precise targeting and measurability, as well as tremendous reach, it's possible to achieve a high ROI on a large scale. Let's take a closer look at each of these factors:

Relevance

One of the biggest benefits AdWords offers is the ability to precisely target ads to users based on their interest, as well as a number of other factors like location, language, and demographic. The result is that the user sees highly relevant ads, which they are more likely to click on. And because ads on search engines show only in response to a user's query, the user is also more likely to be further along in the buying cycle, and more likely to be ready to convert.

Return on Investment (ROI)

Online advertising is thoroughly measurable, making it easy to tell whether or not you're meeting your advertising goals. Every user's click is tied to a particular ad, keyword, and search query, all of which you can track and decide to improve whenever you like. If you spot a trend, you can create, modify, or delete keywords, ads, and campaign targeting selections within seconds. This allows you to be more responsive and more in control when it comes to improving your ROI.

Reach

Every day, Internet users conduct millions of searches on Google. When you use Google AdWords, you have the opportunity to capture any segment of that broad worldwide audience that's actively looking for products, services, information, and websites. By giving your products or services a presence during relevant user searches, you're ensuring that you're visible in a crucial point in the customer's buying cycle -- when the user is actively searching for what you're offering.

¿Qué Es Un Short Sale?

Un Short Sale ocurre cuando la compañía financiera que está sirviendo tu hipoteca acepta que vendas tu propiedad por menos de lo que debes al banco, por ejemplo: Usted debe en su hipoteca $100,000.00, necesitas vender la propiedad, pero el valor de las casas alrededor de la suya no se venden por más de $95,000.00 entonces tu asesor de bienes raíces negocia con el banco para que ellos acepten menos dinero de lo que se debe en realidad cuando se efectúe la venta de la propiedad.

Esto no siempre se puede realizar, es por eso que se recomienda que primero se logre un acuerdo con la entidad financiera antes de aceptar una oferta y de esta forma saber cuánto dinero el banco está dispuesto a perder. Tenga presente que el banco puede pedirle que pague la diferencia por separado o vender algo que tenga de valor. Nunca haga este proceso solo y siempre trate de tener un experto a su lado.

Para informarte mas sobre el short sale, visite EviteelForeclosureAmerica.com

O contáctenos por teléfono llamando totalmente gratis a 888-934-9779, Recuerde, su llamada siempre se mantendrá confidencial.

Bill Arce
Asesor de Bienes Raíces

Tax Credit Extended For Active Duty Military

U.S. military personnel who are out of the country for 90 days (since 2008) may have an extra year to get the tax credit, up to $8,000, for buying a home.

The active-duty rule is not new. It’s part of the current tax credit law, though its use is limited. The qualification must be for “official extended duty outside the United States for at least 90 days after 2008 and before May 1, 2010.” Should that be the case, the homebuyer has an extra year to buy a home. He or she has until April 30, 2011, to secure a binding contract, and until June 30, 2011 to close on the home.

Other conditions such as a maximum $8,000 for first-time buyers and $6,500 for move-up buyers still apply. For advice in any specific case, consult a qualified tax advisor. The applicable IRS publication is posted online.

Understanding the Government's Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP)

Post By: www.homeloanlearningcenter.com

HAMP is a modification program with very specific requirements. It was introduced by the Obama administration to help prevent avoidable foreclosures. HAMP is one tool of many available to help borrowers who are in danger of losing their homes.

As you read through the information on this page, keep in mind that loan modifications are complicated things. The company that is modifying your loan is obligated to verify, to the best of its ability, that you will be able to make your payments moving forward. They do not want to foreclose on your property. No one wins when that happens.

Through the first eight months of 2009, the mortgage industry helped avoid 2.1 million foreclosures, and through October 31, 2009, servicers extended more than 919,965 HAMP mortgage modification offers and have initiated more than 650,994 trial modifications (a three-month period in which a borrower makes on-time payments on a modified mortgage before the modification can become permanent).

If you are truly facing financial hardship, there may be help available. Be aware, however, that not everyone qualifies for a mortgage modification. As you go through the process, try to be as cooperative and patient as possible. Keep in contact with your counselor or servicer and don't be afraid to ask questions. You will be asked to provide numerous documents and fill out many forms. Be honest and realistic about your situation so you don't find yourself facing foreclosure again in the future.

What to expect from the HAMP process

Under the guidelines established by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, your servicer will need the following from you in order to evaluate you for a HAMP modification:

First, you will need to give an explanation of your financial hardship and the reason you cannot or believe you may soon not be able to make your mortgage payment. The government has given examples of acceptable hardships:

a. Reduction in or loss of income that is needed to pay the mortgage.
b. Change in household financial circumstances.
c. Recent or upcoming increase in your monthly mortgage payment.
d. An unavoidable increase in other expenses.
e. A lack of cash reserves to maintain payment on the mortgage and cover basic living expenses at the same time. (This can include cash savings, money market funds, stocks or bonds, but not retirement accounts.)
f. Excessive monthly debt payments and over-extensions with credit cards. For example, you have been using credit cards, a home equity loan or other credit to make your mortgage payment.
g. Other reasons for hardship detailed by the borrower.

The first step is to contact your "servicer," which is the company you send your mortgage payments to. The HAMP program requires your servicer to collect the following information from you:

1. Your current monthly household income from all sources including salary or wages, tips, bonuses, alimony, retirement benefits, unemployment benefits or public assistance. Be sure to know when your unemployment or other benefits are scheduled to expire. It is important that you have evidence that unemployment benefits will continue for at least nine months. If applicable, borrowers should also provide documentation of other income including social security, disability, death benefits, pension or public assistance such as letters, insurance policies or statements and should be able to show the frequency and duration of the benefits. Borrower must also provide the two most recent bank statements showing receipt of such payments.
2. Two most recent pay stubs from your current employer showing year-to-date earnings.
3. IRS Form 4506T signed and dated by each borrower.
4. If you are self-employed, your most recent quarterly or year-to-date profit / loss statement.
5. In certain cases, signed copies of your most recent federal tax return. (If you have filed electronically, print a copy and have all parties sign the hard copy.)
6. Household expenses, including but not limited to second mortgages, revolving debt, car payments, alimony / child support and homeowners’ association (HOA) and / or condominium fees, if applicable.
7. Your hazard and flood insurance premiums, as applicable.
8. Your real estate / property taxes. This information is often available online from your county, city or other tax jurisdiction’s web page.
9. Household assets, including but not limited to amounts in checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), stocks and bonds.

If you are current or less than 60 days delinquent with your mortgage payments but believe you are at risk of "imminent default" and want to discuss a loan modification, you will be subject to a more thorough review of your household finances. You are likely to be asked to provide documentation of all household income and household expenses.

More information on the Home Affordable Modification Program can be found at www.makinghomeaffordable.gov.

Other considerations

Stay in contact with your servicer and/or mortgage counselor at all times. Notify them of any change in your circumstances, including new employment or problems with making payments under any modification plan.

Be patient, cooperative and honest, and keep your commitment on any modification agreement.

A HAMP modification is not the only loss mitigation tool available. If you do not qualify for HAMP, ask your servicer about other "workout" alternatives, including postponements of regular payments (called forbearance), repayment plans, non-HAMP modifications and other options.

Only work with reputable servicers and counselors. There are a lot of fraudsters out there looking for targets. For some hints, download our guide to Avoiding Foreclosure Rescue Scams.

Prevent Damage from Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants damage wood by hollowing it out for nesting. Unlike termites, wood damaged by carpenter ants does not contain mud-like debris. Instead, carpenter ant nests have a smooth, sandpapered appearance. Carpenter ants typically establish colonies in a moist environment, but will nest in dry wood. Moist areas around windows, leaky roof and chimneys, bathtubs and sinks, and exterior areas that are in contact with soil are a prime breeding ground.

Control carpenter ants by destroying their nests, and eliminating conditions that encourage colonies to nest. Often, ants found inside the home may actually nest outdoors. Old stumps, untreated landscaping timber, and dead or dying trees are common nesting grounds. Before the ants move indoors as colonies expand, remove potential nesting areas near the house.

Routine household maintenance will go a long way in preventing carpenter ant infestation. Follow these tips to reduce the likelihood of infestation:

-Ants are attracted to moist wood. Repair roof and plumbing leaks, leaky chimney flashing, overflowing gutters and all other water infiltration problems to avoid creating a tempting nesting area.

-Trim trees and bushes that touch a home's roofing and siding.

Continue Reading on BobVila.com >

Celebrating Green Earth 2010

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. While back in 1970 being green may have seemed like a radical idea, in today’s day many embraced the idea of green and homeowners are no exception.

I want to share with you some simple ideas that will help you turn GREEN.

Recycle. Paper, cardboard, plastic, cans are the most common recyclables. Check with your municipality for acceptable items and whether curbside or drop-off service is available. Also check how you can recycle at work, usually we spend more time working that at home.

Adjust your thermostat. Turn down the thermostat in the winter (72) and up in the summer (78). Install a programmable thermostat to adjust temps easily, especially while you are away from home.

Reduce electricity draw. Unplug cell phone, camera and other chargers when not in use. Turn off unused lights. Install timers to automatically turn light off.

Cut out disposables. Instead of paper towels, switch to reusable, washable cloths. Give cloth napkins a try to replace paper napkins.

Upgrade appliances. Look for Energy Star-rated appliances when replacing or remodeling to save energy and on utility costs. Take advantage of rebates and tax credit incentives while they last.

Go Green & Pass It On, Especially to Children!

WAR ON POVERTY-FLORIDA HOSTS HOMEBUYING CLINIC ON SATURDAY APRIL 17th IN JACKSONVILLE

WAR ON POVERTY-FLORIDA HOSTS HOMEBUYING CLINIC ON SATURDAY APRIL 17th
Clinic designed to educate potential home-buyers on the process to becoming a homeowner


On Saturday April 17th from 10:00am - 2:00pm, the War on Poverty-Florida will host a HomeBuying Clinic for local residents interested in learning more about the home-buying process.

The FREE workshop is designed to provide a basic overview of the home buying process, availability of local home buying programs and resources with the goal in preparing participants in the pursuit of home-ownership.

What does a Realtor do? How will I know I am ready to purchase a home? What is required by the bank?

Representatives from NEFAR, CitiMortgage, Grace & Truth CDC, Florida Department of Financial Services, and Northeast Florida Community Action Agency will answer these questions and more as they cover topics such as "Becoming a Homeowner", "Thinking Like a Lender", "Trusting Your Realtor" and "Understanding Homeowners Insurance".

The event is free and pre-registration is suggested. Call 766-7275 to register. Learn more about the War on Poverty-Florida at www.waronpoverty.org.


--
Tonisha Gaines
Marketing & Development Coordinator
War on Poverty-Florida
5196-A Norwood Avenue
Jacksonville, FL 32208
(904) 766-7275 office
tgaines@waronpoverty.org

2010 JACKSONVILLE FAIR HOUSING AWARENESS SYMPOSIUM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Ben Pennymon, (904) 630-3426, benp@coj.net

JACKSONVILLE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION HOSTS
2010 FAIR HOUSING AWARENESS SYMPOSIUM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 13, 2010 – The City of Jacksonville’s Human Rights Commission will host the eighth annual Fair Housing Awareness Symposium on Saturday, April 24. The event will include workshops with speakers providing information on a variety of topics related to housing as well as a vendor exhibition designed to align attendees with resources to aid them in exercising their housing rights.

WHEN: Saturday, April 24
8-9 a.m. Registration and welcome session
9-11:45 a.m. Vendor exhibition/workshops
Noon-2 p.m. Awards luncheon

WHERE: Crowne Plaza Riverfront Hotel
1201 Riverplace Blvd.

This free event offers an opportunity for Jacksonville residents to learn practical information about acquiring and keeping a home, predatory lending, credit, fair housing and disability rights, and other housing related topics.

These topic areas will be covered during informational workshops. Some of the workshops include First-time Homebuyers; Fair Housing and Disability Rights; Real Estate is the Value Real; Facing the Worst: Strategies, Alternatives and Options; Fair Housing vs. Landlord Tenant Disputes: Knowing the Difference; Predatory Lending; and more.

Local housing assistance organizations will also be on-hand at a vendor exhibition providing fair housing information. Participating organizations include Advocacy Center for Person’s with Disabilities, Association of Housing Counselors and Agencies, City of Jacksonville Disabled Services, Family Foundations, Grace and Truth Community Development Corporation, Three Rivers Legal Services, Home Depot, Sunshine State Health Plan and other local community-based organizations and housing partners.

In addition, awards will be given at the luncheon to individuals and organizations for their work on, and dedication to fair housing. Award recipients include:
Accessible Housing Award, Northwest Jacksonville Community Development Corporation
Good Neighbor Award, Ronald Johnson
Seniors’ Choice Award, Eula Mayes
Faith Based Award, Grace and Truth CDC
Best Practices Award, The Cathedral Foundation of Jacksonville
Communication Award, GrapeVine Newspaper

The 2010 Fair Housing Awareness Symposium is free and open to the public; however, registration is required. To register, call (904) 630-1212 x3020 or e-mail JHRCRSVP@coj.net.

This event is made possible through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) acquired by the City of Jacksonville Housing and Neighborhoods Department, Jacksonville Human Rights Commission and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

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Fish Pond Management Seminar

For Jacksonville Residents:


Do you want to know how to control algae in your pond, stock and manage fish populations, as well as, learn about the USDA resources available for pond construction? If so, attend a pond management seminar on Tuesday, April 20th at 6:00 pm. There is a registration fee of $5.00 to cover light refreshments and workshop materials. Pre-registration is required to Becky Davidson at (904) 387-8850.

This program is presented by the UF/IFAS Extension Office in association with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Duval Soil and Water Conservation District.