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The other day I was reading about some commercial insurance company that is using more than the usual means for evaluating property. I found it interesting that they were doing things we as agents have to deal with, and sometimes resolve. When we find mold or mildew in a home, depending on the quantity and locations of it, will have the area tested. Most times things are killed off with bleach, but at times they can cause serious health concerns. Appraisers usually measure a home, take photos... Read Full Post

I am reminded as I see front page articles of major institutions how risk is fundamental to success. I am also reminded that without risk the odds of success are greatly diminished. As stock brokerage companies and banks had created the MBS ( mortgage backed securities) and the SIV’s, they were taking risk, and for a time, being handsomely rewarded. The lure of a new”drug” was a panacea for the ever higher and higher stock market mentality. Like the tech stock collapse in the late 90’... Read Full Post

Some good things come if you wait. Yes we were told that often and wondered, how long. Well as a senior you can live high on the hog at Aegis of Aptos, a senior care facility. This place is nicely appointed, and is managed by Diane Savard, the executive director. Aegis is the type of place that one can now get, if you are on a fixed income below $28,450, a lovely room for only $3,000 per month. This is full room and board. Additional care, if necessary, is extra. Normally a room would cost ab... Read Full Post

Santa Cruz, water when you want it…but a transcontinental water pipeline? Santa Cruz has just started the pilot desalinization plant to provide water when you want it. So many places have had water problems in the past few years. In 2007, Georgia was gripped in a devastating drought. The Georgia drought was unexpected and seemingly unprecedented, leading to threats of lawsuits. These cycles of too much rain or water and not enough, have plagued mankind for millenniums; even Noah had the pro... Read Full Post

Condominium Homeowners Associations and common Interest Developments are affected by SB 528 One of the new bills that went into effect this year in California ( SB 528) affects common interest developments ( CID’s) and the homeowners associations’ meetings. CIDs range in size from 4 to 27,000 units. These developments include condominiums, planned unit developments ( PUD’s), community apartment projects, and housing cooperatives. There are more than 41,000 CIDs in the state, which make ... Read Full Post

The lovely San Lorenzo Valley, which is at the northern end of Santa Cruz County has gotten a page in the AAA's March 2008 magazine. The magazine, which gives drivers helpful automotive information on things to be concerned of, as well as things to do, has some interesting articles of places off the beaten path. Just as millions of people flock to Santa Cruz and Capitola from the bay area and beyond, we locals go to others back yards for enjoyment as well. The old grass is greener on the othe... Read Full Post

The City of Santa Cruz Water Department is about to have a grand opening of their joint project for a desalinaization plant on the west side of Santa Cruz. This project has been in the works with the Soquel Creek Water Department to provide water supplies to meet growing needs and to supply water during drought years. After a year of testing the facility, the two water agencies will join in constructing a permanent $40-50 million desalination plant expected to be built by 2012. While the pres... Read Full Post

"Proposals for a taxpayer-funded government intervention in the U.S. housing market would essentially reward people for taking excessive risks, U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said on Monday." The above seems to iterate what the administration thinks of a government ( that's you and me the tax payer )bail out. Frankly, I kind of agree in part. People made stupid speculative decisions and so did banks. We all make mistakes, and like most things in life, pay a price to learn. The banks sh... Read Full Post

Unwanted Loan Solicitations…. You’re next, but here's how to avoid them. In this day and age one would think ones' privacy would be taken for granted when applying for a loan. Not only do you bare you soul, you also have your credit report run by the 3 national credit reporting agencies. From the resulting FICO you will have a numerical rating that will help banks and mortgage brokers determine your quality score. There are a number of a factors used in determining your creditworthiness, ... Read Full Post

A gift in hindsight to Santa Cruz County Seniors Locally a woman has bequeathed money to the Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department. This gift from the estate of Margaret W Nielsen was for the benefit of senior residents of Santa Cruz County. Ms Nielsen left funds in the amount of $75,000 for the improvement of the Simpkins Family Swim Center. The swim center is located behind the Shoreline Middle School buildings, in the Live Oak area of Santa Cruz, Ca.. The well regarded swim center pro... Read Full Post