Activities for the 4th of July
Tag: santana
Happy Fourth of July
Safety Tips for the Fourth of July
The Fourth of July is one of the most popular holidays in the United States and is ubiquitous with BBQ gatherings, parades, and of course, fireworks. As you prepare for this year’s Fourth of July celebrations, here are some safety tips for the Fourth of July to help keep you and your loved ones safe:
Most folks, most of the time, have not and will not experience these (admittedly) scary statistics. Fourth of July should be a fun time spent with family and friends in celebration of our nation’s birth, rather than feeling worried or stressed about possible accidents. However, knowledge is power, so keeping the following in mind can help you better plan your activities in a way that prevents mishaps.
FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS STATISTICS
- 3 states ban all consumer fireworks (Delaware, Massachusetts, and New Jersey)
- 67% of all annual fireworks injuries take place within a month of July 4th
- On average, 800 people go to the emergency room with fireworks-related injuries
- 400 people are killed in Fourth of July car crashes each year
An estimated 19,500 fires started by fireworks were reported to local fire departments in the US during 2018. These fires caused five civilian deaths, 46 civilian injuries, and $105 million in direct property damage.
(See NFPA Research for all statistics.)
SAFETY TIPS FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY:
SPARKLERS AND FIREWORKS
- Always supervise young children and don’t allow them to handle lighters.
- Do not point fireworks at yourself or others.
- Never attempt to relight a “dud”.
- Keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby
- Never light fireworks near homes, garages, buildings, or structures that could catch fire.
GRILL SAFETY TIPS
- Clean your grill and check gas tank hose lines for propane grills.
- Always follow manufacturer recommendations.
- Keep your grill at least 10-feet away from structures and deck railings.
- Never leave a lit grill unattended.
- Be prepared to extinguish grease fires using baking soda (not water!) or a fire extinguisher or bucket of sand for all other fires.
POOL SAFETY TIPS
- Clean your pool and make sure chemicals are at proper levels, and circulation and filtration systems are in recommended working order.
- Designate a lifeguard and never leave children unattended.
- Create and enforce pool rules.
- Become certified in CPR.
- Have a phone nearby for emergencies
ENTERTAINMENT SAFETY TIPS
- Drink responsibly.
- Watch out for the safety of your guests.
- Beware of hidden insects.
- Follow local fireworks laws.
(Check out these tips for getting your home Fourth-of-July ready)
And now that you’ve brushed up on staying safe, don’t forget to have a fun-filled Fourth of July weekend!
Why Is It so Important to Be Pre-Approved in the Homebuying Process?
You may have heard that pre-approval is a great first step in the homebuying process. But why is it so important? When looking for a home, the temptation to fall in love with a house that’s outside your budget is very real. So, before you start shopping around, it’s helpful to know your price range, what you’re comfortable within a monthly mortgage payment, and ultimately how much money you can borrow for your loan. Pre-approval from a lender is the only way to do this.
According to a recent survey from realtor.com, many buyers are making the mistake of skipping the pre-approval step in the homebuying process:
“Of over 2,000 active home shoppers who plan to purchase a home in the next 12 months, only 52% obtained a pre-approval letter before beginning their home search, which means nearly half of home buyers are missing this crucial piece of paperwork.”
This paperwork (the pre-approval letter) shows sellers you’re a qualified buyer, something that can really help you stand out from the crowd in the current ultra-competitive market.
How competitive is today’s market? Extremely – especially among buyers.
With limited inventory, there are many more buyers than sellers right now, and that’s fueling the competition. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes are receiving an average of 2.9 offers for sellers to negotiate, so bidding wars are heating up.
Pre-approval shows homeowners you’re a serious buyer. It helps you stand out from the crowd if you get into a multiple-offer scenario, and these days, it’s likely. When a seller knows you’re qualified to buy the home, you’re in a better position to potentially win the bidding war and land the home of your dreams.
Danielle Hale, Chief Economist for realtor.com notes:
“For ‘a buyer in a competitive market, it’s typically essential to have pre-approval done in order to submit an offer, so getting it done before you even look at homes is a smart move that will enable a buyer to move fast to put an offer in on the right home.’”
In addition, today’s housing market is also changing from moment to moment. Interest rates are low, prices are going up, and lending institutions are regularly updating their standards. You’re going to need guidance to navigate these waters, so it’s important to have a team of professionals (a loan officer and a real estate agent) making sure you take the right steps along the way and can show your qualifications as a buyer at the time you find a home to purchase.
Bottom Line
In a competitive market with low inventory, a pre-approval letter is a game-changing piece of the homebuying process. If you’re ready to buy this year, reach out to a local real estate professional (who can also connect you with a trusted lender) before you start searching for a home.
How to Keep Your Dog Calm During the 4th of July
Unsplash/Jennifer Chen.
How to help your pet through this fun but noisy holidaySUNSET – July 2, 2020
Unless you’ve been living under a rock (or in a doomsday shelter) you might have noticed that both illegal and “safe and sane” fireworks have been at an all-time high this month. And if you have a pet, you know that the loud booms have been especially unsettling for our furry friends.
To dogs, consistent loud noises and bright, flashing lights can cause a lot of distress, making the 4th of July (and the weeks before and after) one of the biggest times of the year for pet stress.
First, it’s important to recognize the many ways dogs can show signs of stress and anxiety. These signs can include: heavy panting, drooling, pacing, hiding, or trying to escape, trembling, potty accidents, wide eyes, and whining or barking. Pay attention to your dog and learn to recognize these signs or any other abnormal behavior.More Videos From SunsetHow to Pack an Emergency KitBe ready for any disaster with a pre-packed emergency kit.Volume 0%00:0501:11
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to help your dog overcome their fireworks-related anxiety. Here are some of the best tips I’ve tried with my easily spooked pup that seem to help.
Keep Your Dog(s) Inside During the Fireworks
This is a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people take their pets with them to enjoy a fireworks show. Not only is it scary for dogs to be out in the open or in a car with loud noises all around them, but it can also cause them to react in fear and run away. Keep in mind that fireworks may be enjoyable for humans, but they can be traumatizing for pets. If there is no other option, be sure to keep your dog’s tag and collar on at all times, and make sure your dog is chipped. This will make it infinitely easier to track down your pup should the unthinkable happen.
Get Plenty of Exercise
Tiring your dog out is a great way to ensure they sleep through the fireworks finale, which will give you all the freedom in the world to enjoy the show without worrying about your pet. An extra-long hike or ball-chasing session should do the trick, but make sure your dog is physically fit for the extra workout or it could lead to other long-term health issues.
Try Calming Treats
It’s important to do your research and consult your vet before giving your dog any calming treats or CBD tinctures. We’ve tried and loved NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid Dog Soft Chews, which are chock-full of natural and active ingredients (vitamin B1, L-tryptophan, and melatonin) that promote calm and restfulness. We give our 70-pound dog four chews about 30 minutes before any high-stress event, coupled with reassuring petting and his security blanket, and it really makes a difference. While it’s tempting to give an anxious pet treats daily, check with your vet as even OTC treatments can cause digestive issues.
NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid for Dogs, from $12 Buy Now
A note on CBD for dogs:
While many dog owners have reported success using CBD oil to treat anxiety, there is currently no scientific data on how using CBD oil affects dogs. Because CBD products are not yet regulated, meaning consistency and purity are not always validated, check with your vet for the proper dosage for your pet’s breed and size.
Try Soothing Sounds
If it’s bedtime and both you and your pup are having trouble dozing off, try a white noise machine, fan, or even the TV. The soothing and familiar sounds can help drown out some of the noise outside and re-runs might help you fall asleep more easily than an exciting new show. However, if the booms from the fireworks are too loud to drown with a fan or TV, turn up the music.
SNOOZ White Noise Sound Machine, from $79.99 Buy Now
A 2002 study found that music with a tempo of 50-60 beats per minute can greatly relax dogs, which means it’s time to make some classical, reggae, and soft rock mixes on Spotify for your pup. You can also purchase a device specifically geared towards dogs like the RelaxoPet Subliminal Sound Calming Aid.
RelaxoPet PRO Relaxation Trainer, $89.90 Buy Now
Create a Zen Spot
Chances are your dog runs and hides, tail in between legs when he hears a loud noise. By giving your dog the choice to leave a situation, you increase their confidence in dealing with uncertain or stressful moments. When choosing a “safe space” for your dog, look for a spot that is quiet, easily accessible, close enough that you can check on them, temperature-controlled, and big enough for your dog to stretch out as he/she needs. Be sure to provide water and any other comforting objects your dog enjoys, such as a security blanket (we like the ones from PetFusion) or safe chew toys. If your dog is feeling extra jumpy, check out the Thundershirt Anxiety Jacket, which is designed to apply gentle, constant pressure to calm anxiety, fear, and over-excitement.
Thundershirt Classic Dog Anxiety Jacket, from $39.95 Buy Now
PetFusion Premium Pet Blanket, $17.99 Buy Now
Have a happy, safe, and stress-free Fourth of July!
to see original article click here
Non-Institutional Lender Definition & Website to check status Inbox
Definition: A Non-Institutional Lender, sometimes referred to as a “hard money” lender (“NIL”) is defined as: ANY party acting as a lender, except (a) any bank, savings and loan association, savings institution, credit union, trust company or national banking association, acting for its own account or in a fiduciary capacity, (b) any insurance company, pension and/or annuity company, (c) any government, public employees’ pension or retirement system or any other government agency supervising the investment of public funds, or (d) a seller acting as lender (sometimes referred to as a “carryback lender”). The criteria for an institutional lender is as follows; If a lender holds a CFL or CRMLA license, it is “institutional”. If anything other than the 2, they are considered NIL. It is best to check the lender’s name on the California Department of Business Oversight’s website https://dbo.ca.gov as a first step to check licensing status.
Lecciones de baile por internet para niños durante la cuarentena
El programa es una serie web interactiva de 10 lecciones de baile sin la necesidad de un compañero
El baile es una de las actividades más sociales que existen, pero en esta época de distanciamiento por el Covid-19, una organización de Los Ángeles ha preparado unas lecciones de baile en línea para niños y jóvenes que se pueden realizar sin necesidad de tener una pareja.
Conga Kids, una organización sin fines de lucro que fomenta el bienestar social y emocional a través del baile en pareja en las escuelas del Condado de Los Ángeles, ha modificado su programa para apoyar a los estudiantes que tienen que quedarse en casa.
Durante el resto del año escolar, Conga Kids impartirá el programa Social Dance for Social Distancing (“Baile Social para el Distanciamiento Social”), lecciones en línea que no sólo serán para los 10,000 estudiantes de quinto y sexto grado en más de 100 escuelas en 12 distritos escolares en todo el Condado de L.A., sino también para los jóvenes de todo el país.
“Respondimos rápidamente a la crisis del Covid-19 creando contenido ‘dentro de casa’, literalmente en las salas y los patios traseros de nuestros artistas docentes, para difundirlo en los distritos escolares y así llegar a una población más amplia de niños, padres y educadores”, expresó Brad Gluckstein, Fundador y Presidente de Conga Kids.
Como su enfoque principal, Conga Kids enseña cinco bailes de pareja: Salsa, Merengue, Swing, Tango y Foxtrot como parte del currículo escolar. Este nuevo programa es una serie web interactiva de 10 lecciones de baile sin la necesidad de un compañero de baile. El plan de estudios en línea será modificado para incluir ritmos africanos, Hip Hop, Cha Cha Cha y otros bailes divertidos y activos. Las lecciones incluirán datos históricos, así como músicos y actuaciones en vivo.
Disponible a partir del martes 21 de abril para los estudiantes actuales de Conga Kids, las lecciones en línea de 40 minutos incluirán diversos tutoriales de baile de gran energía, actividades basadas culturalmente y emocionalmente en las artes, lecciones breves sobre historia, geografía, música y más. Para proporcionar igualdad de acceso en el sur de California y en todo el país a quienes no han participado antes en el programa, Conga Kids presentará contenido gratis en su página de YouTube durante todo el mes de mayo.
Viendo hacia el próximo año escolar 2020-2021, Conga Kids también desarrollará e implementará un plan de estudios alternativo de baile «sin contacto» y ya cuenta con el compromiso de muchos distritos escolares. A través de técnicas progresivas, Conga Kids transformará la magia de su programa de baile en pareja en un formato nuevo y emocionante, mientras proporcionará acceso equitativo al arte del baile. EC
Para más información, visite www.congakids.org
Your Guide to a 100% Home Virtual Sale!
Yes, it’s possible to sell your home safely right now, 100% virtually. 1 in 4 home purchases was done sight unseen in April because buyers are still looking and are comfortable buying if you’ve got the right technology and smart marketing available. If you are ready to sell today, I can help. Message me if you have any questions on how to get started!
Comidas gratis para niños que no van a clases por el COVID-19
Varios sitios en California ofrecen comidas gratis debido al cierre de escuelas, para que los estudiantes tengan acceso a alimentos nutritivos
Un gran número de familias en California dependen de las escuelas a las que asisten sus hijos para que estos reciban al menos un alimento completo, pero con las escuelas cerradas a causa del coronavirus, este beneficio también ha sido suspendido.
Afortunadamente, hay sitios escolares con comidas gratuitas para niños en todo el estado. El Consejo de Productos Lácteos de California, en colaboración con la Junta de Procesadores de Leche de California y el Senador Estatal de California Dr. Richard Pan, creó un sitio web donde las familias pueden encontrar una lista de lugares con comidas gratuitas disponibles, proporcionadas a través del servicio de comidas escolares.
“Durante estos tiempos difíciles, millones de niños y sus familias que viven en comunidades de California necesitarán apoyo y acceso a alimentos nutritivos”, comentó Shannan Young, Directora del Programa de Acceso a Alimentos de Dairy Council of California.
Vea aquí un video sobre la campaña
La página informativa Sitios de Comidas Escolares que Ofrecen Comidas Gratis para Niños en Todo California, está destinada a servir como un recurso de referencia para encontrar ubicaciones actualizadas de servicios de alimentos en todo California. Considerado un servicio esencial, los servicios de nutrición escolar permanecerán abiertos incluso con órdenes de no salir y permanecer en casa.
“Los niños son el corazón de las familias y nuestra población más vulnerable”, dijo Steve James, Director Ejecutivo de la Junta de Procesadores de Leche de California. “Al transmitir la información sobre la disponibilidad de comidas escolares gratuitas y nutritivas en todo California, podemos mitigar la incertidumbre que las familias pueden sentir y ayudar a garantizar que ningún niño se quede sin ser alimentado”.
“Asegurar que todos los niños tengan acceso a comida es una alta prioridad”, expresó el Dr. Richard Pan, Senador del Estado representando el área de Sacramento. “Ningún niño debe de irse a dormir con hambre. A través de la colaboración con socios comprometidos con mejorar la salud de los niños y las comunidades de California, podemos trabajar para dar a los niños acceso a alimentos nutritivos durante este tiempo desafiante”. EC
ver articulo original aqui.
Sí, es posible comprar una casa de forma segura ahora, 100% virtualmente. Con bajas tasas hipotecarias y solo vendedores serios en el mercado en este momento, en realidad es un buen momento para comprar si está listo. ¡Envíame un mensaje si tienes alguna pregunta!
What If I Need to Sell My Home Now? What Can I Do?
Every day that passes, people have a need to buy and sell homes. That doesn’t stop during the current pandemic. If you’ve had a major life change recently, whether with your job or your family situation, you may be in a position where you need to sell your home – and fast. While you probably feel like timing with the current pandemic isn’t on your side, making a move is still possible. Rest assured, with technology at your side and fewer sellers on the market in most areas, you can list your house and make it happen safely and effectively, especially when following the current COVID-19 guidelines set forth by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
You may have a new baby, a new employment situation, a parent who moved in with you, you just built a home that’s finally ready to move into, or some other major part of your life that has changed in recent weeks. Buyers have those needs too, so rest assured that someone is likely looking for a home just like yours.
According to the NAR Flash Survey: Economic Pulse taken April 5 – 6, real estate agents indicate, not surprisingly, that there’s a noticeable decline in current homebuyer interest. That said, 10% of agents said in the same survey that they saw no change or even an increase in buyer activity. So, while buyer interest is low compared to normal spring markets, there are still buyers in the market. Don’t forget, you only need one buyer – the right one for your home.
Here’s the other thing – people are spending a lot of time on the Internet right now, given the stay-at-home orders implemented across the country. Buyers are actively looking at homes for sale online. Some of them are reaching out to real estate professionals for virtual tours and getting ready to make offers too. Homes are being sold in many markets.
There Is Less Competition Right Now
The same survey indicates that 56% of NAR members said sellers are removing their homes from the market right now. This can definitely work in your favor. If other sellers are removing their listings, your home has a better chance of rising to the top of a buyer’s search list and being seen. Keep in mind, listings will pick up again soon, as 57% of the respondents note that sellers are only planning to delay the process by a couple of months. If you need to sell right now, don’t wait for the competition to get back into the market again.
This year, delayed listings from the typically busy spring season will push into the summer months, so more competition will be coming to the market as the pandemic passes. Getting ahead of that wave now might be your biggest opportunity.
Your Trusted Real Estate Advisor Can Help
Real estate agents are working hard every single day under untraditional circumstances, utilizing technology to help both buyers and sellers who need to continue with their plans. We’re using virtual tours to show homes currently on the market, staying connected with the buyers and sellers through video chats, and leveraging resources to complete transactions electronically. We’re making sure the families we support remain safe and can keep their real estate needs on track, especially as life is changing so rapidly.
Bottom Line
Homes are still being bought and sold in the midst of this pandemic. If you need to sell your house and would like to know the current status in your local market, contact a local real estate professional to create a safe and effective plan that works for you and your family.
ORANGE COUNTY TRENDS 