Sharron Thomas & Nancy Borecky

This comes to us from the California Association of Realtors.

Experts have reached a consensus and recommend consumers avoid these varieties of plastics–identified by a triangle and number on the bottom of most containers–for the following reasons:

• #3 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) commonly contains di-2-ehtylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), an endocrine disruptor and probable human carcinogen, as a softener.
• #6 Polystyrene (PS) may leach styrene, a possible endocrine disruptor and human carcinogen, into water and food.
• #7 Polycarbonate contains the hormone disruptor bisphenol-A, which can leach out as bottles age, are heated, or exposed to acidic solutions. Unfortunately, #7 is used in most baby bottles and five-gallon water jugs and in many reusable sports bottles.

*Source: http://www.thegreenguide.com/

In celebration of the new Animal Rescue: Adopt a Shelter Pet stamps, the Postal Service™, together with Ellen DeGeneres and Halo: Purely for Pets, is giving shelter pets around the country a First-Class Meal.

During the launch of the stamps, Halo will be donating a million meals to animal shelters around the country. 

Beginning April 30 you can purchase the stamps at your local post office.  You can also pre-order the stamps online.

For all of the particulars click on this link: 

http://www.stampstotherescue.com/

RCS will be hosting a benefit to support local foster children & youth on Sat., 4/24/10.  A flyer is attached with all of the pertinent information.  This is a very worthwhile event and a very fun one to boot.  It will be held at the beautiful Barra of Mendocino Winery.  If you are interested in obtaining tickets you can contact Nancy Borecky at 707-467-3630.  Please call by Tues. 4/20 to insure availability.RCS fund raiser

Brought to you by the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

NO MORE STATE TAX ON FORGIVEN DEBT

“Qualified principal residence” indebtedness is defined as debt incurred in acquiring, constructing, or substantially improving a principal residence.  It includes both first and second trust deeds.  It also includes a refinance loan to the extent the funds were used to payoff a previous loan that would have qualified.

The tax breaks apply to debts discharged from 2009 through 2012.  Californians who have already filed their 2009 tax returns may claim the exemption by filing a Form 540X amendment.
 
Taxpayers who do not qualify for the above exemptions (e.g., second home or rental property) may nevertheless be exempt under other provisions.  Most notably, taxpayers who are bankrupt are exempt from debt relief income tax.  Also, taxpayers who are insolvent are exempt from debt relief income tax to the extent their current liabilities exceed current assets.

For more information about mortgage forgiveness tax consequences, go to California Franchise Tax Board’s Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Extended webpage and the Internal Revenue Service’s Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act and Debt Cancellation webpage.  The full text of Senate Bill 401 is available at www.leginfo.ca.gov.

Energy-efficient homes can lower fuel bills, improve indoor air quality and comfort, reduce construction material costs, lower ongoing maintenance and operational costs, and reduce water usage. An environmentally friendly home will probably have:

1. Effective insulation – to ensure even temperatures throughout the home
2. Energy efficient windows – to help keep heat in during winter and out during summer
3. Tight construction and ducts – to reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, and noise and to improve indoor comfort and air quality
4. Efficient heating and cooling systems – to improve home comfort and use less energy
5. Efficient products – such as light fixtures and appliances with an energy-efficiency designation.

Thanks to the California Association of Realtors Green Tip of the Week for this useful information I did not know! 

“Next time you’re in the post office, ask the postal clerk for an envelope to recycle your cell phones, PDAs, MP3 players, ink jet cartridges, digital cameras, and small electronics. The post office provides this free service, and all you have to do is peel the label of this 6-inch by 5.5-inch envelope and drop in your mail box.”

This is a pretty easy way to go green, but think of the impact if we all did it!

 The Human Race is a nationwide community fundraising event for non-profit organizations. The Mendocino County Race features a 3k and 5K run and walk around Mendocino College. Organizations and businesses recruit walkers/ runners/pledge gatherers to raise funds. Participating non-profit organizations receive up to 80% of monies collected and the Volunteer Network receives the remaining percentage to coordinate and stage the event.

On May 8, Realty World Selzer Realty will be participating as a team in the event.  This year our team has elected to support the Humane Society For Inland Mendocino County and the Boys & Girls Club with our donations and pledges.  We would love to have you join us either in body or spirit!  Please give either Nancy or Sharron a call to find out how you can participate.