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News from your real estate consultant for life | |

|Visit me at barbarak |

Inside This Issue

• Home Safety Tips

• Want To Save $5 A Week?

• No Foolin’ – That’s The Law!

• Ageing in Place – An Introduction

• Some Stress-Filled Statistics

• What Is A “Serving” Of Fruit Juice?

• Think Before You Click

• Rose Festival Event Schedule

ARE YOUR COLLEAGUES INTERESTED IN WORLD-CLASS SERVICE? SEE FLYER INSIDE!

|HOMEWISE WITH BARBARA |

|News To Help You Save Time And Money June 2007 |

What’s going on in

Your Neighborhood ?



Dear Dad…

Dad, you’re someone to look up to no matter how tall I’ve grown.

– Author Unknown

Dad didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.

– Clarence Budington Kelland

When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years.

– Mark Twain

My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: He believed in me. – Jim Valvano

A father carries pictures where his money used to be.

– Author Unknown

There’s something like a line of gold thread running through a man’s words when he talks to his daughter, and gradually over the years it gets to be long enough for you to pick up in your hands and weave into a cloth that feels like love itself.

– John Gregory Brown

My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, “You’re tearing up the grass.” “We’re not raising grass,” Dad would reply. “We’re raising boys.”

– Harmon Killebrew

Let’s honor fathers, grandfathers, husbands, brothers, sons – and all men who answer to the name “Dad.”

Home Safety Tips

June is National Safety Month and a great time to take these steps to make your home safer:

✓ Place a fire extinguisher in your kitchen and on every floor of your home.

✓ Install battery-powered smoke alarms including in all of your bedrooms. Check your local building codes to make sure you have the right kind of smoke detector and enough of them for the size and layout of your home.

✓ Install a CO (Carbon Monoxide) detector in your home.

✓ Use changing your clocks for Daylight Saving Time as a reminder to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors, and to check your fire extinguisher gauges to verify they’re still full.

✓ Have a well-stocked first aid kit where everyone can find it. Your first aid kit should include activated charcoal (use only if instructed by a poison control center), adhesive tape, antiseptic ointment, adhesive bandages, triangular bandage, blanket, cold pack, disposable gloves, gauze pads, roller gauze, hand cleaner, plastic bags, scissors, tweezers, and a small flashlight with extra batteries.

✓ If you have children, or if children come to visit, put plastic covers in your electric outlets so they can’t stick objects into them and risk getting shocked.

✓ Have a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) electrical outlet installed in your kitchen, bathroom and around any other water source. These electric outlets can prevent electrocutions, electric shocks and some electric fires.

✓ Keep all electronics a safe distance from the sink, bathtub and shower in your bathroom as well as the sink in the kitchen.

✓ Investigate any water stains or cracks that appear on your ceilings – they could be signs of a serious water leak, either in your roof or in your water pipes. If not taken care of, the ceiling may eventually weaken and fall. If the problem is serious, call a professional.

Do You Want To Find Other Local Businesses That Give Outstanding Customer Service?

Request a free copy of my service directory. All of the businesses listed in it have a proven track record for providing the outstanding customer service you deserve.

Home Safety Tour

Take a tour around your home looking in and around everything such as old appliances. Look for fraying wires or overloaded electrical outlets that could be fire hazards. See if there are any pieces of furniture that have sharp edges that could hurt someone.

If you’re having visitors over, especially visitors with young children, prior to their visit is a great time to take the safety tour. Think about what kids might get into, especially down at their level. You’ll definitely feel more comfortable knowing your home is safe for you and your guests.

– Adapted from

Want To Save $5 A Week?

If you want to save $5 a week, adopting any one of these tips is a great way to start. When you’re saving, you have to pay attention to the small stuff:

• Instead of going to a restaurant, organize a lunch swap. One day you make and bring lunch for a coworker. The next day, she does the same for you.

• Shop at the Grocery Outlet! Look for bargains… Example: I love German or Italian Prosciutto - same brand is $3.00 less at the Grocery Outlet compared to Fred Meyers!

• Always use your own bank’s ATM – avoid those fees.

• Keep the Change! I don’t pay with exact change – I pay with bills and keep the change and throw it in a big Watercooler… We usually get one trip a year out of this easy way to save!!

• Walk or ride your bike to the Grocery store for that quick errand! At the current gas prices, you’ll save $5.00 really fast and get free exercise (save the money for the gym too! (

No Foolin’ – That’s The Law!

Do you ever find yourself thinking there are just too many laws? Well, there are more laws out there than you think – laws that were put on the books and then forgotten. So says the Wacky Laws homepage, which presents the following authentic (“although mistakes are made”) laws for your entertainment. A note to law students: Don’t use this as a source!

Welcome New Clients

Here are some of the new clients who became members of my “Real Estate Family” this past month. I’d like to welcome you and wish you all the best!

Mike Kaiser from Oregon

(referred by Mary Hamilton)

Hanna Baker from Medford

I love giving recognition to my new friends and my wonderful existing clients who are kind enough to refer their friends and relatives to me. Call me to find out about my referral donation program!

In Marshalltown, Iowa, it’s illegal for horses to eat fire hydrants.

In Alabama, it’s illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while operating a motor vehicle.

In Texas, “When two trains meet each other at a railroad crossing, each shall come to a full stop, and neither shall proceed until the other has gone.”

In Florida, the law states that if an elephant is tied to a parking meter, it must pay the same fees as a car.

May Quiz Answer

Question: Cinco de Mayo, May 5th, is the anniversary of what important event in Mexico’s history?

Answer: The Battle of Puebla (1862)

Source:

Congratulations to Jill Brown.

Your name was selected at random from all of the correct quiz entries and you’ll receive A surprise filled Pinata!

Watch for your name in a coming month!

In Utah, state law prohibits fishing from horseback.

In Seattle, Washington, it’s illegal to carry a concealed weapon that’s longer than six feet.

In Rochester, Michigan, the law states that anyone appearing in public in a bathing suit must have it inspected by a police officer.

In Wyoming, it’s against the law to take a picture of a rabbit in the months of January, February, March or April.

In Sterling, Colorado, it’s unlawful to allow a pet cat to run loose without a taillight.

:

Aging In Place

by Patrick J. Roden

So, Barbara has found the home of your dreams, or, maybe she is helping you downsize to something more manageable: Whichever is the case, have you considered strategies for living there as long as you choose? Most people don’t, and yet according to an AARP survey 86 percent of Americans over 50 plan on staying in their homes for the rest of their lives. This is called “aging in place.”

For successful aging in place to happen you need to make the future a part of your current philosophy. Aging in place is more than living in an environment of choice as one gets older. It means "home," a place for functional and emotional needs to be met. A foundation where family histories are created and memories inspired from shared experiences. It contains a lifetime of meaningful objects which support identity and delight the senses. It's also community and the daily intangibles you've come to love. It is where you live.

Let’s face it we are all aging. Why not be savvy and plan your living environment to accommodate changing needs? Many people consider the purchase of a home without thinking about their futures. This is called “Peter-Pan housing,” for people who think they are never going to get old. I’ve got news for you, if you are lucky, you will get old.

. With some 76 million baby boomers demanding to stay independent in their homes the trend is spurring the fastest growing segment in the remodeling industry, targeting the “aging in place” crowd. The goal is to stay in their homes comfortably, safely, and independently, regardless of physical changes.

The National Association of Home Builders offers a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) program where builders and interior designers learn the principles of Universal Design. Universal design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. These products are now aesthetically beautiful, non-stigmatizing, and will increase the value of your home as the age wave continues.

The meaning of “home” and Place attachment are fundamental human values. With a little planning ahead and some creativity, you can successfully experience aging in place too. After all there’s no place like home.

(Stay tuned for the date and time for Aging in Place Week in Portland)

Aging In Place/Universal Design

Floor Plan: Main living on a single story with a full bath

Hallways: Minimum of 36 inches wide

Entry: At least one no-step entry with a shelter & flush threshold

Doors & Faucets: Levered handles

Counters: Adjustable for varied heights

Appliances: Front loading and raised washing/dryers to 12-15 inches above the floor

Bathroom: Braces in the walls/60 inch turning radius/curb-less shower/raised toilet

Electric: Outlets 48 inches from the floor/rocker switches

Flooring: Smooth non-glare, slip-resistant/low density carpet

If you would like more information on this topic, send me an e-mail and I will send you a list of books, web pages and resources!

Some Stress-Filled Statistics

Summertime is almost here, and that means it’s time to make vacation plans. Right?

Well, perhaps not – if you’re a U.S. worker.

According to surveys done by , and other sources, people in the United States receive the fewest vacation days per year on average, compared with other developed countries:

U.S. – 14 days

Australia – 17 days

Canada – 19 days

Great Britain – 24 days

Germany – 27 days

France – 29 days

And what do we do with our vacation days?

Nearly one-third of us don’t use all our vacation days. On average, we leave at least four days of vacation unclaimed annually; approximately 574 million days of vacation went unused in 2006.

For those of us who are taking vacation time, about one-third will be away only five days or less, while one in 10 of us limit ourselves to weekend getaways. Once we’re on vacation, one in four of us works – checking and responding to email, taking and returning phone calls, seeking out Internet cafés and tapping away on our laptops. Then there’s the segment that plans a vacation but postpones or cancels it due to work, and the group that simply doesn’t take vacation at all.

See An Interesting Home?

No need to wonder about the price. No need to call a high-pressure sales agent who will just make you feel obligated. My computers can send you the information quickly and easily for any house, listed or sold, anywhere in town.

Just ask me! It’s all part of my free, no-obligation HomeFinder Service.

Leave the address on my voicemail, anytime, 24 hours a day, and I’ll fax, mail or email all the information on that listing within 24 hours.

Call 503-320-3523

“Vacations strengthen family bonds, create favorite memories and reduce stress,” says Kirsten Srinivasan in U.S. Business Review. “They offer a chance to recharge, reflect, and fight burnout.

“Our country’s work ethic is a beautiful thing,” she concludes, “but so is vacation.”

My advice to you:

Don’t live to work – work to live!

Now… plan a trip. Even a short one.

What Is A “Serving” Of Fruit Juice?

Nutritionists say that juice can be a great way to get many of the vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals we need. However, if you’re looking to boost your fiber intake and watching your calorie intake, juice might not be your best option. Why? Because you’re not going to get fiber from your juice, and you’ll still be hungry when you’re done drinking it. Experts recommend that only one or two servings of fruit a day should come from juice; instead, they recommended eating whole fruits. Consumers also need to be careful when consuming juices, because many are actually “cocktails” or may be called “juice beverages,” which means they’re not 100% juice. Also, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research, one serving of 100% fruit juice is six ounces, though many labels refer to a serving as eight ounces instead of six.

Think Before You Click

Some spam emails – mortgage refinancing, for instance – can seem tempting to check out, but you’re probably better off not succumbing when it comes to electronic advertising that sounds too good to be true.

Some Internet ads seem to be just what you’re looking for. But be careful, says MSNBC’s Bob Sullivan in the Red Tape Chronicles blog. Three years ago Sullivan intentionally answered spam ads for cheap mortgage loans to see what would happen. He’s still getting calls from answering those ads. (He knows because he used a specific alias only for this purpose.) Sullivan points out that one small lapse in judgment can mean years of unwanted solicitation, so – think before you click.

Just Get Going!

Mike Litman, co-author of the bestselling book Conversations with Millionaires, says there was a six- or seven-year period in his life when he had lots of great ideas – but he never did anything about them. He never followed through on anything.

Litman says he was 27 years old and very scattered. Even his own parents, he says, had their doubts about his future.

So what finally changed his life? Litman says it was throwing out the principle of waiting until everything was perfect before taking action. Instead, he says, he began following the “You don’t have to get it right, you just have to get going” principle.

Litman says this was the beginning of a great period of personal, professional and financial growth for him, and encourages people to ask this simple question: “What action step have I been putting off – because I’ve waited for it to be perfect – that I could start today?”

And then, of course, go do it.

Quotes

A setback is a set-up for a comeback.

– Mary Kay Ash

The fewer the facts, the stronger the opinion.

– Arnold H. Glasow

To succeed in life you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone.

– Reba McEntire

HELP ME HELP YOU

Providing world-class service to all of you is my goal. In order to do so, I believe that nurturing a relationship of trust and depth is important. It would really help me to learn more about you in order to support you and continually honor your needs. I love giving recognition to my friends and clients in a personal way. Moreover, wouldn’t it be great if I could send referrals your way? Many of you have talents or run businesses that can benefit my “Real Estate Family” – let’s share and network! Share as much or little information as you want - Send me your details by the end of June and you’ll be entered in another fun prize drawing! Your information will not be sold to anyone. Thank you!

Mail to: Barbara Kongsbak, Coldwell Banker, 19753 S Hwy 213, Oregon City, OR 97045

Name________________________________ Date______________________

Home Adress_________________________________________________________________

Home Phone___________________ Cell ____________________

Home Fax________________________________E-mail________________________________

Names of Client & Spouse/Partner Birthdate Wedding Anniversary

___________________________ __________ (if applicable)

___________________________ __________ ____________

Children` Birthdate Age

___________________________ ___________ ____________

___________________________ ___________ ____________

___________________________ ___________ ____________

Family Pets and Their Names______________________________________________________

Clubs or Service Groups__________________________________________________________

Favorite Local or National Charity__________________________________________________

Hobbies or Interests of Family Members_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Three Favorite Restaurants_______________________________________________________

Favorite Foods_________________________________________________________________

Favorite Sweets/Chocolates/ /Snacks________________________________________________

Favorite Beverages

Non-alcoholic__________________Coffee________________Tea_________________

Alcoholic/Red Wine_____________White Wine______________Other_____________

Activities You Enjoy (circle or highlight)

Automotive Work Fine Arts/Antiques Movies Sweepstakes

Bible/Devotional Fishing Nation’s Heritage Swimming

Bicycling Flying Needlework/Knitting Tennis

Bowling Foreign Travel Outdoor Gardening Theater/Performing

Cable TV Golf Personal Computers TV/Sports

Camping/Hiking Gourmet Cooking Photography VCR Recording

Capital/Moneymaking Grandchildren Physical Fitness Veteran’s Programs

Career Activities Health Foods/Vitamins Power Boating Volunteer Work

Children Home Video Games RE Investments Walking

Coins & Stamps Home Workshop RVs Water Skiing

Collectibles House Plants Sailing Wildlife/Environment

Crafts Household Pets Self-Improvement Wines

Crossword Puzzles Hunting/Shooting Sewing _________________

Cultural Arts Jogging Snow Skiing _________________

Fashion/Clothing Motorcycles Stocks/Bonds _________________

Music (circle or highlight) Reading (circle or highlight)

Blues Folk Rock ‘n’ Roll Action Investment Sci-Fi

Big Band Jazz Top 40 Business Mystery Self-Help

Classical Meditation ____________ Fiction Nonfiction ___________

Country Motown ____________ History Romance ___________

Favorite Artist/Author/Musician___________________________________________________

Do you own a business or have a special talent you would like others to know about?

______________________________________________________________________________

Do you have website I can share with others who might require your services?

Anything else you’d like me to know about you/your family?

This newsletter is intended for entertainment purposes only. Credit is given to the authors of various articles that are reprinted when the original author is known. Any omission of credit to an author is purely unintentional and should not be construed as plagiarism or literary theft.

Copyright 2007 Barbara Kongsbak, Coldwell Banker BSSP. Not intended to solicit currently listed properties. This information is solely advisory, and should not be substituted for medical, legal, financial or tax advice. Any and all decisions and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a qualified physician, attorney, financial advisor and/or CPA. We cannot be held responsible for actions you may take without proper medical, financial, legal or tax advice.

HOMEWISE WITH BARBARA

Place

Stamp

Here

Barbara Kongsbak

19753 S Hwy 213

Oregon City, OR 97045



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Sunday, June 17: Happy Father’s Day!

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