"Amanda's Law", carbon monoxis detectors now mandatory...

"Amanda's Law" became effective February 22, 2010, it requires carbon monoxide detectors in every one and two family property and apartments in a multiple dwelling, as well as all condominium and cooperative apartmetns only where the dwelling unit has appliances, devices or systems that may emit carbon monoxide or has an attached garage. Your real estate professional must make you aware of this new law and advise you of your options.

The law is named for Amanda Hansen, 16, of West Seneca, who was found unconscious at a friend's house in January 2009. Officials later determined she had been exposed to lethal levels of carbon monoxide in the home's basement, where she and her friend were having a sleepover. She later died at South Buffalo Mercy Hospital.

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often mistaken for the flu and can include dizziness, fatigue, weakness, throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, irregular breathing, sleepiness and confusion. By the time people realize there is a problem, they are often too sick or too disoriented to get out of the house and get help.

New York State Fire Administrator Floyd A. Madison, states that carbon monoxide poisoning is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in the United States. “More than 2,100 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning every year and over 10,000 people are injured, including, on average, 100 New Yorkers.”

If you don't already have one, please get yourself a carbon monoxide detector, it could save the lives of you and your family.

Summer Bucket List

Quick... with 2 weeks left (unofficially) to the summer, what would you like to do that you haven't done all summer? Something you have been meaning to do, but haven't had the time? Something you want to do, but haven't had the motivation to plan? Let's here your Summer Bucket List...

Mine, is of course to spend more time with my family, but I managed to get a few adventures in... Do tell.

30 and 15-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgages Continue to Inch Downward

Freddie Mac this week released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey , and for yet another week, the fixed-rate mortgages reached another low, while the 5-year adjustable rate remained tied at its low for this survey. 

30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.42 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending August 19, 2010, down from last week when it averaged 4.44 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 5.12 percent.

15-year FRM this week averaged a record low of 3.90 percent with an average 0.6 point, down from last week when it averaged 3.92 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 4.56 percent.
This week marks the ninth straight week in the Primary Mortgage Market Survey that 30-year-fixed mortgage rates have met or set a new record low.

The Consumer Price Index indicates that current inflation is very low.  The last time price growth was this low was the year ending January 1966.  But this is also a sign that the economy is trying to right itself.

And what this all means to you… it’s a great time to buy a home.

"Taste of Rochester" This Weekend!

Taste of Rochester kicks off this weekend!   Some of Rochester's favorite restaurants will be on hand downtown for everyone to sample their wares. Taste of Rochester is a chance to check out the best dishes and drinks from hundreds of local restaurants all in one place.


For those of you needing to get downtown for other reasons, just be aware East Main Street between Saint Paul and State Streets will be closed starting at 9 a.m. Thursday morning.  The actual event starts Friday at 12 p.m. and runs through the weekend.  Admission is free before 6:30pm, and $5 after. You must buy tickets for food and beverage tastings, different items are worth different numbers of tickets.  Ticket prices are $5 for 4 tickets, $10 for 8, $20 for 16.







For more information visit www.tasteofrochester.net.  Mangia!

What to do About Neighborly Disputes...

It may be difficult to reach amicable decisions when it comes to neighborly disputes, and that can lead to an uncomfortable or even hostile living environment.

When you share a property line with another individual, there may come a time when you will be involved in joint decisions. Should your fence be replaced? Who is responsible for the cracking sidewalk? And can you cut down that overgrown vegetation obstructing your view?

Here are some of the most common causes of neighbor disputes, and how to handle them in a "neighborly" way.
1. Trees: In general terms, you are allowed to trim branches that overhang onto your property line, but no more. The actual tree owner is whoever's property contains the trunk of the tree. If you damage or destroy a tree that is not your own, you are liable for damages that may well exceed the value of the tree. If there is danger of a tree falling on a structure on your property, then you may have recourse through local and city ordinances.

2. Fences: An ugly fence is an eye-sore to be sure, but as a homeowner you have no recourse against ugly (unless your HOA has specific fencing specifications).

A fence that is in disrepair, however, is the responsibility of both you and your neighbor. According to legal experts at nolo.com, "Unless the property owners agree otherwise, fences on a boundary line belong to both owners when both are using the fence. Both owners are responsible for keeping the fence in good repair, and neither may remove it without the other's permission. ."

3. Noise Disturbances: Nearly every town has a noise ordinance, which generally outlines the reasonable times and decibel levels at which a resident may make "noise." If you are having a recurrent issue with a neighbor, it may be best to allow local authorities to enforce their own ordinance.

When an issue arises, take it upon yourself to talk to your neighbor one on one. Approach the situation gingerly. Be conscious that for every viewpoint of your own, there are 10 other, and equally valid, points.
Try not to broach a subject when you are angry or emotional. Matters of property are not ones to discuss while heated.  Listen carefully to your neighbors opinion on the issue. And then express yours as calmly and clearly as possible. Be willing to make a compromise, as well as to offer concessions to a neighbor.

If a calm and direct approach does not work, then you will need to hand off this issue to the appropriate authorities. Your first stop is your local Homeowners Association. If no HOA is over your jurisdiction, then local city officials may be able to help, depending on the issue.

Your final course of action is legal. This may, of course, break an already stressed relationship, so you must be prepared for a strained environment if you do so.  If a legal decision is rendered that is not in your favor, be sure to accept it and to move on. There is no need for harassment or childish behavior.