Summer Survival Time...School is Out

Laundry tips: A summer stain survival guide


(ARA) - Warm weather means open windows, barbecues and time spent outdoors. It also means more hours in the laundry room trying to remove all the stains and grime left as remnants of a great summer day.



The key to success is knowing how to treat different types of stains, according to Kimberly Nies, home economist for LG Electronics USA. Certain stains may require pre-treatment in cold water, others hot. Some need bleach alternative, others need nothing but a rinse, she says.



From removing grass, mustard and grease stains to reducing  

summer allergens, Nies suggests some laundry tips for dealing with some of the worst stains that summer can throw at you - just be sure to always check the care label first:



1. Quick stain removal

A laundry trend that is growing quickly is the use of steam in clothes washers and dryers. Once you pretreat a stain, using steam is a great way to finish the job because steam particles are smaller, hotter and more active for a powerful cleaning, but they are also gentle on clothing.  For example, the most advanced steam washers, like those with TrueSteam technology from LG use real steam to deeply penetrate fabrics for great cleaning results.  As an added bonus, these washers are ENERGY STAR rated, so you know you're saving in energy usage, and supporting more beautiful summer days in the future.



2. Grease and oil

From grilling and eating delicious yet greasy burgers, to oiling your lawn mower or hedge clippers, drips and smears on summer clothing are bound to happen. For grease stains, soak in cold water. Rub fabric against itself to dislodge the stain. If stains are old, scrape off crusted material and soak in cold water with detergent. Launder in warm water with detergent. Don't use hot water to soak or wash items with protein stains such as blood, dairy products, baby food, or even mud as it may set these types of stains.  



3. Colorful liquids and sauces

Few things are more refreshing than sipping your favorite beverage on a hot day, but these drinks are often bright or deep in color. If you find yourself with a stain from a soft drink, fruit juice or wine, rinse first in cold water. This also applies to mustard and berry stains. For fresh stains, wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric with your favorite detergent. For older stains, use detergent with bleach or bleach alternative. Avoid using any type of bar soap on tannin stains, which include alcoholic beverages, coffee, berries, juice and soda - it makes them harder to remove.



4. Summer allergens

Warm weather spreads allergens that can leave your family with sniffles and sneezes. For these, be sure to look for washers, like several washer and dryers from LG, that are certified "asthma & allergy friendly" by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).  These models have special cycles equipped to effectively reduce common household allergens like dust mites and pet dander.



5. Waxy substances

Throwing a summer soiree? Stains from candle wax, chewing gum, crayon and lipstick are complex because they generally involve two components: oil/wax and dye/pigment. The best way to tackle these types of stains is to remove the oily portion first and then the dye portion. For stains that are waxy, scrape and treat with a dry-cleaning solution first, then rub with detergent and scrub the stain under hot water. For most other combination stains, rub detergent into stain, then wash in the hottest water possible for fabric with a detergent that has bleach or bleach alternative.  



6. Dry clean only

Getting stains on dry clean only items can be worrisome. Always check the care label first and if the item is dry clean only, blot the excess stain and take to the cleaners within 24 to 48 hours.



If you're still having trouble with summer stains, consider these additional strategies:

* If using a pretreating liquid, allow to sit on the stain for five minutes so the chemistry will have a chance to soak in.

* For deep-set stains and soils, presoak the entire garment in water with detergent for 30 minutes.

* For extra-dirty clothes, consider a prewash cycle.

New Zip Code

NEW ZIP CODE, 75033, ANNOUNCED FOR PART OF FRISCO (May 17, 2011) Effective July 1, 2011, more than 10,000 Frisco households and 400 businesses will use a new, five-digit ZIP Code, 75033.

The area impacted is bordered by Main Street, State Highway 289 (Preston Road), F.M. 423 andU.S. Highway 380. Businesses and customers living on the north side of Main Street (even numbered addresses) will use the new ZIP Code, 75033. Those on the south side of Main Street (odd numbered addresses) will continue to use 75034. Businesses and customers on F.M. 423 -- between Main Street and Eldorado Parkway -- will also use ZIP Code 75033. No changes are being made to the 75035 ZIP Code at this time.

Customers within the boundaries should notify any mailers or correspondents of their new five-digit ZIP Code. The Post Office can provide a postcard for you to use to notify your magazine and newspaper suppliers.

Do NOT submit a ‘Change of Address Request’ to the Postal Service. Impacted postal customers may still use all of their existing stationery and mailing supplies; however, when reordering those materials, customers should use the new ZIP code, 75033. The United States Postal Service will ensure delivery of mail with the ‘old’ ZIP Code for a period of one year to allow customers to make the transition to the 75033 ZIP Code.

New ZIP Codes are assigned when present ZIP Codes are insufficient for existing mail volume or operational requirements. The U.S.P.O. reports when new ZIP Codes are accepted and used, it saves time and money which is passed on to customers.

Source: City of Frisco

The Art of Frisco

There are many places around Frisco to enjoy the beautiful art. Take the visual time to enjoy.

Source:
http://www.ci.frisco.tx.us/projectsPrograms/publicart/Pages/default.aspx

Rotating Outages

Feb. 2, 2011, Austin -- The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has instructed utilities to begin rotating outages to compensate for a generation shortage due to numerous plant trips that occurred because of the extreme weather.

Rotating outages are controlled, temporary interruptions of electric service, typically lasting 10-45 minutes per neighborhood. The locations and durations are determined by the local utilities. Critical need customers such as hospitals and nursing homes are generally not included.

It is not known at this time how long the need for rotating outages will last. Consumers and businesses are urged to reduce their electricity use to the lowest level possible, including these steps:

* Limit electricity usage to only that consumption which isabsolutely necessary. Turn off all unnecessary lights, appliances, and electronic equipment.

* Businesses should minimize the use of electric lighting andelectricity-consuming equipment as much as possible.

* Large consumers of electricity should consider shutting down or reducing non-essential production processes.

Courtesy of the City of Frisco

"Quiet Zones" in Frisco

(January 3, 2011) The City of Frisco has completed the process to
establish a railroad ‘quiet zone,’ which will take effect at five railroad
crossings in the city beginning Wednesday, January 5. The ‘quiet zone’
designation means train engineers will no longer sound a train’s horn when
approaching the following street-level crossings, except in the case of an
emergency:
• Southbound Dallas Parkway
• Northbound Dallas Parkway
• Frisco Square Boulevard
• Main Street
• All Stars Avenue

“Some of Frisco’s neighborhoods developed around rail lines that have been
operating for decades,” said Brian Moen, Assistant Director of Engineering
Services/Transportation. “Unless a crossing is designated as a ‘quiet
zone,’ federal law requires train engineers to sound the horn 15 to 20
seconds prior to reaching a crossing. The ‘quiet zone’ designation will
stop most of the unwanted train noise for these residents.”

The City of Frisco has been working since 2007 with the help of Burlington
Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF) to make intersection improvements and
upgrades at the railroad crossings that would meet the Federal Railroad
Administration’s (FRA) Train Horn Rule design and certification
requirements. To meet FRA standards, the city had to make sure each
crossing had certain supplemental safety measures in place including
gates, flashing lights and median barriers.

“Once the quiet zone is in effect, motorists still need to follow the
same safety rules they have always followed at railroad crossings,” said
Moen. “Trains are approaching these crossings when the gates are down
even though the horns can no longer be heard. You should never attempt to
go around or under an active railroad gate.”

In addition, warning signs indicating there is no train horn will be
installed on January 4 before the ‘quiet zone’ takes effect. Train
engineers may still sound the horn to provide warning to animals, vehicle
operators, trespassers or crews on other trains in an emergency situation.

During the first few weeks of the quiet zone, it is possible that
residents will occasionally hear the train horn sounded at these
crossings. It can take time for all of the train engineers to receive
information that a quiet zone has been established. If residents continue
to hear the horn after the first few weeks, they can notify the City of
Frisco Engineering Department at 972-292-5400.

Courtesy of City of Frisco

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-HGTV Looking for Makeover Candidates

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-HGTV Looking for Makeover Candidates

Courtesy of Realtor.org

Protect Your Fence...Winterizing is Important

Why winterizing your fence is an important part of home maintenance


(ARA) - Winter rain and storms take a toll on metal gate hardware. Inexpensive gravity latches function fine when new. However, as soon as rust sets in or gates fall out of alignment, these latches no longer close without manual assistance.



A well-maintained fence can protect your home and possessions, prevent young children and pets from venturing out of your yard without your knowledge, and keep unwelcome intruders out.



A fence that has been allowed to deteriorate, particularly if the gate no longer closes and latches securely, is a liability. It won't provide constant reminders that repairs are needed, like a leaking roof, but it still needs to be fixed. You could be subjected to a lawsuit if someone enters your property, even without your permission, and is injured. A well-maintained fence surrounding your property can reduce that liability.



Professional fencing contractors can be consulted for minor repairs, as well as new or replacement fencing, but there are many "do-it-yourself" steps homeowners can take to preserve the appearance as well as extend the useful life of their fences.



For wood fencing:

* Protect against dry rot. If it's already invaded the wood, pry or cut the damaged section out, scrub the remaining fence with mild detergent or diluted bleach and replace the section you removed with the same type of wood that was used in the original fence. Then, prime and paint or stain the entire fence.



For metal fencing:

* Powder-coated aluminum needs little maintenance, but if the coating has worn off in areas, it will need to be sealed and repainted before winter weather causes the metal to rust.



* Steel or wrought iron fencing needs to be repainted when it rusts. Use a stiff metal brush to remove rust, wash thoroughly, then prime and paint with a rust-proof paint.



Gates and gate hardware are the only moveable parts on a fence system, so they're subject to the most wear and tear. Rust and gate misalignment are the most common problems that prevent latches from engaging properly. If the gate does not latch each time it's closed, the entire fence is ineffective.



Selecting the right gate hardware can prevent most of these problems. An investment in quality when buying new, or when replacing defective or old hardware, can mean that little or no maintenance needs to be done to the gate. Gate hinges and latches by D&D Technologies, made of strong engineering polymers and stainless steel that will not rust, are adjustable during and after installation to easily correct for gate alignment issues in seconds.



It takes just a few minutes to update your gates so they close automatically after opening (self-closing) and the gate latch engages without manual effort (self-latching), improving the security and overall look of your fence. Most D&D latches feature built-in key locks, which eliminate the hassle and extra cost of a separate padlock or pull-string. The company's hinges have a built-in self-closing spring that is tension adjustable for different gate weights with a twist of a screwdriver.





The gate is the only part of the fence that is used daily. Ensuring that your fences and gates are functioning properly and are protected from rust is an essential part of maintaining your property.

Foreclosure Probing

WASHINGTON – Officials in 50 states and the District of Columbia have launched a joint investigation into allegations that mortgage companies mishandled documents and broke laws in foreclosing on hundreds of thousands of homeowners.

The states' attorneys general and bank regulators will examine whether mortgage company employees made false statements or prepared documents improperly.

Read full story at http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101013/ap_on_bi_ge/us_foreclosures_states

Source:Associated Press

Fannie Mae Offers a Break to Service People

Fannie Mae says it will reduce or suspend mortgage payments for up to six months for military families if they are unable to pay because of the injury or death of a service member.

Military members or surviving spouses should contact their mortgage company or call this special military phone number: (877) MIL-4566.

Source: The Associate Press (09/27/2010)

Taking a Second Look

I think this is a good decision for the banks. What do you think?

Banks to Review Rejected Loans
Some banks are launching a “second look program” to review loans that have been denied in order to identify circumstances that might persuade underwriters to reverse their decisions.

The Financial Services Roundtable, a trade group of 100 financial companies, including Bank of America Corp., J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., and U.S. Bancorp. Bankers say these programs are starting to loosen the logjams that have made it so hard for both home buyers and small businesses to get loans.

"I don't think of it as being looser. I think of it as making good judgments," says Stephen D. Steinour, chairman, president and CEO of Huntington Bancshares Inc.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, Ruth Simon (09/23/2010)

Are you Still on the Fence about Buying a New Home?

10 Reasons to Buy a Home

Now is a great time to buy. And, what's more, tomorrow will be a great time to own, because the fundamental strength of homeownership hasn't changed.

1. You can get a good deal. Prices are down 30 percent on average. They're at a level that makes sense for people's income.

2. Mortgages are cheap. At 4.3 percent on average for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, your costs to own are down by a fifth from two years ago.

3. You can save on taxes. When you add up the deductions for mortgage interest and others, the cost of owning can drop below renting for a comparable place.

4. It'll be yours. The one benefit to owning that never changes is that you can paint your walls orange if you want (generally speaking; there might be some community restrictions). How many landlords will let you do that?

5. You can get a better home. In some markets, it's simply the case that the nicest places are for-sale homes and condos.

6. It offers some inflation protection. Historically, appreciation over time outpaces inflation.

7. It's risk capital. If the economy picks up, you stand to benefit from that, even if you're goal is just to have a nice place to live.

8. It's forced savings. A part of your payment each month goes to equity.

9. There is a lot to choose from. There are some 4 million homes available today, about a year's supply. Now's the time to find something you like and get it.

10. Sooner or later the market will clear. The U.S. is expected to grow by another 100 million people in 40 years. They have to live somewhere. Demand will eventually outpace supply.

Source: Wall Street Journal, Brett Arends (9/16/10)

Football!! Football!!! Football!!!

“Are you ready for some football?!!!”

As a valued subscriber to the City of Frisco News and Information service, the City of Frisco, Hunt Sports Group and the Southland Conference would like to offer you this exclusive presale opportunity! Purchase your tickets to the NCAA Division I Football Championship before tickets go on sale to the general public on September 13. This championship game will be held Friday, January 7 at 6 p.m. at Pizza Hut Park. To take advantage of the exclusive presale offer, please enter the link below in your brower.

http://tinyurl.com/D1FBchamp-Presale

Source:City of Frisco

They threw Fair Housing out Door

HUD Charges Couple With Fair Housing Violation

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has charged a Chicago couple and two real estate practitioners with violating the Fair Housing Act by refusing to sell a home listed for $1.799 million to an African American couple because of their race.

HUD alleges that owners Daniel and Adrienne Sabbia and real estate associate Jeffrey Lowe stalled negotiations then took the property off the market after receiving a $1.7 million offer from radio personality and comedian George Willborn and his wife Peytyn Willborn, a businesswoman.

The charge alleges that the Willborns submitted the highest offer the sellers had received in the two years the property was on the market, but the Sabbias failed to sign the sales contract. Real estate practitioner Jeffrey Lowe told HUD investigators that Daniel Sabbia expressed a preference not to sell his home to an African-American.

The charge also names the Lowe Group Chicago Inc. and Prudential Rubloff Properties.

Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (08/10/2010)

~The actions that still exist these days. In this economy these sellers wanted to be picky. When you sell something, you let it go....it doesn't belong to you anymore.~

Five Surprising Reasons to Buy a Home Now + Bonus

I must say this is a great post from forsalebyowner.com, step #6 would be to hire an agent to represent you. (Seller or Buyer Agent).

1. Low mortgage rates serve as an equity shock absorber. When buyers borrow at today's record-low rates, they start building equity as soon as they close. That means they can absorb a few ups and downs as the still-recovering housing market gains traction.

2. Houses are in move-in condition. Home owners have continued to spend on maintenance and repair, according to the Harvard Joint Center on Housing. As these houses enter the market, they are in marked contrast to tattered foreclosures.

3. Terrific houses are coming on the market. Foreclosures are finally starting to clear the system, and they are being replaced by some very attractive properties.

4. Appraisal regulations are finally aligned with market realities. Fannie Mae has adjusted its appraisal guidelines, giving appraisers more flexibility to set values that reflect the current market.

5. Plenty of programs. Many programs that encourage middle-class families to buy homes continue to exist, despite market downturns. Buyers who qualify can get a big boost by combining one of these programs with today's low mortgage rates.

Source: ForSaleByOwner.com (07/29/2010)

Are You Ready for Some Football??

What NFL team do you see playing in the superbowl at the new Cowboys stadium?

I'm happy as long as the Dallas Cowboys are playing.

Yes, I'm keeping it that simple.

HUD and VA to Prevent Homeless Vets

To prevent homelessness among veterans, especially those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs will jointly invest $15 million for housing assistance in five communities near military installations.

These installations will each receive $2 million: MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa; Camp Pendleton in San Diego; Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas; Fort Drum in Watertown, N.Y.; and Joint Base Lewis-McChord near Tacoma, Wash. In addition, VA medical centers in the following areas will each receive $1 million: Tampa, San Diego, Dallas, Syracuse, N.Y., and American Lake in Washington.

HUD will provide rental assistance, including security deposits, utility payments, and case management. The VA will offer healthcare.

Source: HUD and VA Offices of Public Affairs (07/22/2010)

Buyers Should Shop for the Best Rate

Anyone shopping for a new mortgage these days should shop around, says Cameron Findlay, chief economist for LendingTree.

Although mortgage rates look astoundingly low, the spread between what the bank receives and what it pays investors has actually increased, giving banks more room to negotiate.

Applicants with good credit scores should aggressively seek the best rates they can find by comparison shopping, starting with the bank they usually do business with.

Source: The New York Times, Jennifer Saranow Schultz (07/17/2010)

Tips to Keep Cool and Save Energy

It's Cool to Save Energy


*Shades, curtains, trees. Keeping direct sunlight out of your house will keep temperatures down. Plant trees for shade, or use curtains or shades in the summer, especially on west- and south-facing windows. If you plant trees, make sure they're not evergreen: You want the leaves to fall off in the winter to help with heating.

*Filters. Check and change (if they're disposable) or clean (if they're permanent) your air-conditioning filters at least once a month. Also periodically clean the coils on both the outside and inside A/C units as well. These steps are simple, can reduce your power bill by 10%, and will prevent the No. 1 cause of service calls. And while you're cleaning coils, might as well pull the refrigerator out and vacuum those coils too.

*A/C ducts. Do you close the vents in rooms that you're not using? Well, don't. Closing more than 10% of your vents can create an air pressure imbalance that will reduce your air conditioner's efficiency. So if you've got central air, let it flow.

*Light bulbs. Unless you've been living in a cave, you already know that CFLs use less electricity and last much longer than conventional bulbs. They also produce a lot less heat. And now you can get them in virtually any shade and configuration. If you haven't seen them lately, look again. Read more about it at the Energy Star website.

*Ceiling fans. A fan will allow you to set your thermostat at 78 degrees and make it feel like 72 degrees. They're cheap at the local home-improvement warehouse, and can be easily installed by those with moderate skills. Energy Star-certified ceiling fans do even better, moving air up to 20% more efficiently than conventional models. And if you get a light kit, get one with compact fluorescent light bulbs. They produce 70% less heat. Note: Ceiling fans make the air feel cooler on your skin, but they don't actually lower the temperature. Which means that if you're not in the room, it's not doing anything. Turn it off.

*Experiment with your thermostat. Try raising your setting a degree or two and see if you notice. If you don't have a programmable thermostat, check them out, especially if you're the type to forget to dial up the temp when you leave for work. And when you're home.

*When it's hottest, be cool. When it's the hottest part of the summer day, don't run appliances that create heat. The hot part of the day is the time for iced tea and TV.

*Turn it off. According to the EPA, TVs that aren't even turned on cost the average American household $5 a year. Plug your TVs, cable boxes, DVD players, video games, etc., into a power strip and use the power strip as an on/off switch.


Yes, these seem like a no brainer to most people. There are some that don't even think about the simple things of changing your AC filter.

Let's Cool off people.

Courtesy of Smart Spending

3 Things Condo Buyers Should Know

Now could be a great time for home buyers to find a great deal on a condominium.

Here are three things that potential buyers of condos should consider:

1. Is this condo likely to fall further in price? Part of the answer is in falling or rising local inventory – even if sales have picked up recently.

2. Is this a fair price? Condo prices are more volatile than single-family homes. One big consideration is whether buyers in this particular complex are likely to be able to qualify for a mortgage. If the complex has too many renters, for instance, the Federal Housing Administration won’t approve loans to buy units.

3. Is the condo association in good fiscal shape? Are they maintaining the grounds and the amenities as well as staying on top of needed structural improvements?

Source: Money Magazine, Beth Braverman (06/29/2010)

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Tax Credit Extension Passes; Senate OKs Flood Bill

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Tax Credit Extension Passes; Senate OKs Flood Bill