Carpet or Hardwood?

Source:  houselogic
Courtesy of the National Association of REALTORS®

Your heart (and feet) say carpet, but your head says hardwood. Here are 5 good reasons to go with your heart.
Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/home-improvement/carpet-or-hardwood/#ixzz1we8BbJCe

SAFETY TIPS FOR WHEN THE TEMPS ARE HIGH

Perhaps it's the educator in me, or maybe it's the former first aid instructor and rescue squad volunteer, but today this REALTOR® is changing gears to share some important information with all who are facing extremely high temps right now.
   
During these days of extremely high temperatures, stay inside as much as you can, stay hydrated, dress in light colored and lightweight clothing, and don't overexert yourself or your pet.  Walk your pet in the cooler morning hours and be sure to check the ground temperature by touch to see if it's too hot for Fido's feet.  Remember to take water for both of you.

Those of us who live in the desert are used to 3-digit temperatures, but we, too, need a reminder about how to recognize the symptoms of heat-related health emergencies - heat cramps (heat stress), heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.

Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition for both humans and pets and recognizing the signs can mean the difference between life and death.   Please read the following articles to learn how to recognize heat-related health emergencies and know what to do when they happen.

Be safe and be cool!  

HEATSTROKE

Information Source:  Mayo Clinic

Heatstroke is caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures or by doing physical activity in hot weather. You are considered to have heatstroke when your body temperature reaches 104 F (40 C) or higher. High humidity, certain health problems and some medications increase your risk of heatstroke. So does being a young child or older adult.

Heatstroke is the progression of two worsening heat-related conditions. When your body overheats, you first may develop heat cramps. If you don't cool down, you may progress to symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as heavy sweating, nausea, lightheadedness and feeling faint. 

Heatstroke occurs if your body temperature continues to rise. At this point, emergency treatment is needed. In a period of hours, untreated heatstroke can cause damage to your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. These injuries get worse the longer treatment is delayed, increasing your risk of serious complications or death. 

Heatstroke symptoms include:

• High body temperature. A body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher is the main sign of heatstroke.
• A lack of sweating. In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, your skin will feel hot and dry to the touch. However, in heatstroke brought on by strenuous exercise, your skin may feel moist.
• Nausea and vomiting. You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit.
• Flushed skin. Your skin may turn red as your body temperature increases.
• Rapid breathing. Your breathing may become rapid and shallow.
• Racing heart rate. Your pulse may significantly increase because heat stress places a tremendous burden on your heart to help cool your body.
• Headache. You may experience a throbbing headache.
• Confusion. You may have seizures, hallucinate, or have difficulty speaking or understanding what others are saying.
• Unconsciousness. You may pass out or fall into a state of deep unconsciousness (coma).
• Muscle cramps or weakness. Your muscles may feel tender or cramped in the early stages of heatstroke, but may later go rigid or limp.

Heatstroke follows two less serious heat-related conditions:

• Heat cramps. Heat cramps are caused by initial exposure to high temperatures or physical exertion. Signs and symptoms of heat cramps usually include excess sweating, fatigue, thirst and cramps, usually in the stomach, arms or legs. This condition is common in very hot weather or with moderate to heavy physical activity. You can usually treat heat cramps by drinking water or fluids containing electrolytes (Gatorade or other sports drinks), resting and getting to a cool spot, like a shaded or air-conditioned area.

• Heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion occurs when you don't act on the signs and symptoms of heat cramps and your condition worsens. Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include a headache, dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea, skin that feels cool and moist, and muscle cramps. Often with heat exhaustion, you can treat the condition yourself by following the same measures used to treat heat cramps, such as drinking cool, nonalcoholic beverages, getting into an air-conditioned area or taking a cool shower. If your symptoms persist, seek medical attention immediately.

When to see a doctor
If you think a person may be experiencing heatstroke, seek immediate medical help. 

Call 911 or your local emergency services number.

Take immediate action to cool the overheated person while waiting for emergency treatment.

• Help the person move to a shaded location and remove excess clothing.
• Place ice packs or cold, wet towels on the person's head, neck, armpits and groin.
• Mist the person with water while a fan is blowing on him or her.

Heatstroke can occur in these ways:

• Exposure to a hot environment. In a type of heatstroke called nonexertional heatstroke, your condition is caused by a hot environment that leads to a rise in body temperature, without strenuous physical activity. This type of heatstroke typically occurs in hot, humid weather, especially for prolonged periods. It occurs most often in older adults and in people with chronic illness.

• Strenuous activity. In a type of heatstroke called exertional heatstroke, your condition is caused by an increase in body temperature brought on by physical activity in hot weather. Anyone exercising or working in hot weather can get exertional heatstroke, but it's most likely to occur if you're not accustomed to high temperatures.

In either type of heatstroke, your condition can be brought on by:

• Wearing excess clothing that prevents your sweat from evaporating easily and cooling your body
• Drinking alcohol, which can affect your body's ability to regulate your temperature
• Becoming dehydrated, because you're not drinking enough water to replenish fluids you lose through perspiration

For additional information, follow these links:
Risk Factors
Complications

HEATSTROKE IN DOGS

Source: Doctors Foster and Smith
PetEducation.com

Heatstroke occurs when normal body mechanisms cannot keep the body's temperature in a safe range. Animals do not have efficient cooling systems (like humans who sweat) and get overheated easily. A dog with moderate heatstroke (body temperature from 104º to 106ºF) can recover within an hour if given prompt first aid and veterinary care (normal body temperature is 100-102.5°F). Severe heatstroke (body temperature over 106ºF) can be deadly and immediate veterinary assistance is needed. 

Signs
A dog suffering from heatstroke will display several signs:

• Rapid panting
• Bright red tongue
• Red or pale gums
• Thick, sticky saliva
• Depression
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Vomiting - sometimes with blood
• Diarrhea
• Shock
• Coma

What You Should Do
Remove the dog from the hot area immediately. Prior to taking him to your veterinarian, lower his temperature by wetting him thoroughly with cool water (for very small dogs, use lukewarm water), then increase air movement around him with a fan. 

CAUTION: Using very cold water can actually be counterproductive. Cooling too quickly and especially allowing his body temperature to become too low can cause other life-threatening medical conditions. The rectal temperature should be checked every 5 minutes. Once the body temperature is 103ºF, the cooling measures should be stopped and the dog should be dried thoroughly and covered so he does not continue to lose heat. Even if the dog appears to be recovering, take him to your veterinarian as soon as possible. He should still be examined since he may be dehydrated or have other complications.
Allow free access to water or a children's rehydrating solution if the dog can drink on his own. Do not try to force-feed cold water; the dog may inhale it or choke.

What Your Veterinarian Will Do
Your veterinarian will lower your dog's body temperature to a safe range (if you have not already) and continually monitor his temperature. Your dog will be given fluids, and possibly oxygen. He will be monitored for shock, respiratory distress, kidney failure, heart abnormalities, and other complications, and treated accordingly. Blood samples may be taken before and during the treatment. The clotting time of the blood will be monitored, since clotting problems are a common complication.

Aftercare
Dogs with moderate heatstroke often recover without complicating health problems. Severe heatstroke can cause organ damage that might need ongoing care such as a special diet prescribed by your veterinarian. Dogs who suffer from heatstroke once increase their risk for getting it again and steps must be taken to prevent it on hot, humid days.

Prevention
Any pet that cannot cool himself off is at risk for heatstroke. Following these guidelines can help prevent serious problems.

• Keep pets with predisposing conditions like heart disease, obesity, older age, or breathing problems cool and in the shade. Even normal activity for these pets can be harmful.
• Provide access to water at all times.
• Do not leave your pet in a hot parked car even if you're in the shade or will only be gone a short time. The temperature inside a parked car can quickly reach up to140 degrees.
• Make sure outside dogs have access to shade.
• On a hot day, restrict exercise and don't take your dog jogging with you. Too much exercise when the weather is very hot can be dangerous.
• Do not muzzle your dog.
• Avoid places like the beach and especially concrete or asphalt areas where heat is reflected and there is no access to shade.
• Wetting down your dog with cool water or allowing him to swim can help maintain a normal body temperature.
• Move your dog to a cool area of the house. Air conditioning is one of the best ways to keep a dog cool, but is not always dependable. To provide a cooler environment, freeze water in soda bottles, or place ice and a small amount of water in several resealable food storage bags, then wrap them in a towel or tube sock. Place them on the floor for the dog to lay on.

  

Happy 4th of July!

Short Sale Assistance for Military Families

Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/the KCM Blog  
Posted: 02 Jul 2012 04:00 AM PDT

Military families have just been given help to sell their homes when forced to move because of their service. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders often require quick moves and can create hardship for military homeowners who are underwater on their mortgages and therefore cannot sell their home without taking a loss. Homeowners who receive (PCS) orders now will be eligible to sell their homes in a short sale even if they are current on their mortgage. Previously, many service members felt their only option was either to maintain financial obligations on two residences or to default on their mortgage.

Under the new policy, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will not pursue a deficiency judgment or any cash contribution or promissory note from members of the military with a change in duty station for any property purchased on or before June 30, 2012.

Edward J. DeMarco, Acting Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) explained:

“It is in everyone’s interest for the men and women serving in our armed forces to focus on the important job they are doing defending our country, rather than worry about the maintenance and leasing of a property in another jurisdiction.”

The full news release with eligibility requirements can be found here.

Scottsdale Home Prices Climb in May

Source:  The Arizona Republic | azcentral.com
Jun. 30, 2012 08:22 AM

Scottsdale's median home price in May of $411,654 jumped 19 percent, the largest year-over-year increase since the market collapsed five years ago.

The latest monthly report from the Arizona State University Center for Real Estate Theory and Practice showed price increases for four of six Northeast Valley communities, from 10 percent in Fountain Hills to 15.6 percent in Carefree and 36.7 percent in Cave Creek.

Paradise Valley's median home price of $965,000 declined 12 percent, while Rio Verde's dropped 11.6 percent to $274,000.

Scottsdale's average price per square foot of $194.22 for single-family home was up 13 percent from May 2011.

Scottsdale's median condominium price of $170,000 increased 29 percent over a year ago.