Patty Manzi’s Tri-Valley Real Estate Blog

Here’s an earth friendly recipe for an all purpose cleaner.

Dissolve 4 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 quart of warm water and apply with a sponge or spray bottle. Rinse with water. It can be used to clean and deodorize kitchen and bathroom surfaces!

Here are a few new ideas to try while getting through your spring cleaning!

1. Dusting with a paintbrush can be an effective way to get into those hard to reach cracks & crevices, etc.

2. Kids smelly shoes? Here’s a solution. Put some tea leaves into a pair of stockings and stuff each into a shoe. Leave for a day or two and the smell vanishes.

3. Treat stubborn bathtub stains with a paste made from cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide. By the time the paste dries, the stain should be gone.

4. To remove sticky residue/glue, try one of these: mayonnaise, peanut butter, nail polish remover, “Goo Gone”, or any oil.

5. Erasers will remove black heel marks on floors and Artgum erasers will clean bone colored shoes.

Spring is on its way here in Pleasanton! Winter is loosening its cold grip, wildflowers are beginning to bloom and sunshine is peeking into windows. It’s time to brighten up, rearrange furniture and welcome the return of warmer weather. A few hours of old-fashioned spring cleaning can refresh and revitalize your home and your spirit!

Where to Start?

• Move furniture and vacuum under it.

• Wash windows inside and out.

• Repair or replace torn screens.

• Bring out warm-weather clothing; clean and store heavy winter wear.

• Inspect, clean and repair outdoor furniture.

• Clean out the garage to create space for sporting goods, camping equipment and garden tools.

• Clear away dead foliage and weeds to make room for new growth.

• Check interior, exterior and grounds for any needed seasonal maintenance.

• Have cooling systems inspected so they are ready for action.

• Schedule a garage or yard sale to dispose of unwanted items and turn your trash into cash!

• Clean gutters and downspouts and inspect for proper drainage.

• Wash house exterior to remove dirt and mildew.

• Clean and replace air filters.

• Reprogram thermostat settings for warmer temperatures.

• Check pool and spa equipment.

• Clean and seal wood decks and fences.

Here in the Pleasanton Real Estate market a lot of people are in a very sticky predicament.  They have lost their home to foreclosure, short-sale, bankruptcy, or a combination of those scenarios.  They are now faced with a dilemma of not only trying to find a home to rent, but trying to do that with a very messed up credit.  Some of the problems on the credit report could range from late payments, to collections, to unpaid credit cards,unpaid mortages and more. 

Typically when a person completes an application to rent a home they pay a ’screening fee’ and authorize the landlord or a property management company to run a credit check.  Some management companies also check for previous rental history (eviction) and criminal background as well.  But, just because someone has less than stellar credit does not mean they will not be accepted as a renter.  It really depends on the circumstances. 

If a credit report shows that a person has a long history of consistently being late in paying all of  their bills, are over extended on their credit lines,  has multiple unpaid accounts or collections, and barely makes enough income to cover their rent, they will probably not be an acceptable rental candidate.  On the other hand if the credit report shows a strong consistent payment history on most of their debts, unpaid or late items can be attributed to an isolated time frame during which a foreclosure or job loss occurred, the person can show verification of income, and they can show their income to be 2 to 3 times the amount of their rent, then they are in a better position to be considered an acceptable candidate. 

Keep in mind it is up to the discretion of the landlord or property manager to make the final decision, but most of the time landlords or managers are willing to work with prospective tenants on these issues.  It is always best to be open and honest about these potential credit issues before the rental application is submitted.  Explaining the situation to the landlord/manager and having the discussion up front can help the prospective tenant determine their options before they get too far along in the application process. 

In some cases the landlord or manager could require additional security deposits, but the deposits are limited to the amounts allowable by law (in California that amount is 2 times the monthly rent).

Did you know that every rose color carries its own meaning? Take a look at the list below to see the significance of some of their various hues in your Valentine’s Day life.

Red roses are classic and a popular choice since their message is an unmistakable expression of love. The color red symbolizes enduring romantic love and passion.

Pink roses symbolize joy or thankfulness and are employed to express your gratitude towards your beloved for loving you. They are also expressions of gentility, happiness and appreciation.

White roses signify innocence and girlhood. They also symbolize impeccable love, silence, reverence and humility.

Coral roses are an ideal choice for the more passionate as they reveal desire and passion.

Orange roses speak of desire, fascination and enthusiasm. They are good choices to hint your interest in going ahead with a new relationship.

Yellow roses are not for romantic purposes. They signify ’congratulations,’ joy, gladness and delight, caring, ’Welcome back,’ and ’remember me’. They can also suggest jealousy.

Lilac or Lavender roses say love at first sight.

Peach roses portray feelings of gratitude, admiration, sociability, success and friendship.