Intentional Kindness

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”
~Mother Teresa

It never ceases to amaze me that people continue to need to be reminded to be civil, kind and caring. But they do – which means you probably need this reminder too. Today, challenge yourself in every interaction to be intentionally kind. While interacting with your families – i.e. look in your son’s eyes and say “Have I told you lately how glad I am that you’re my son?” While ordering your coffee at Starbucks – i.e. let that woman ahead of you in line who seems to be in such a rush. While in a meeting with your subordinate, find something about their contribution to compliment them on. Try it – the effort takes almost no additional time or effort but the impact will be priceless.

Oakhurst Tree Lighting Ceremony

The annual Oakhurst Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be this Saturday, December 5th at the world famous Talking Bear Corner. Hosted by CENTURY 21 Ditton Realty and sponsored by Sierra Telephone, participants may endulge in free hotdogs, hot apple cider and Christmas carols. The ceremony kicks off at 5pm.

Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended

Brought to you by the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Nov. 5, 2009Dear C.A.R. Members:More good news for consumers, our members, and the housing market recovery. Following the Senate’s favorable vote yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives just voted 403 to 12 to extend the home buyer tax credit, expanding the parameters to include existing homeowners and not just first-time buyers. As you may know, C.A.R. and our partners at NAR have worked for months urging Congress and the Senate to extend and expand this crucial piece of legislation. We expect President Obama to sign the legislation in short order.As it now stands, the federal tax credit will be extended through April 30, 2010, with a 60-day extension if a binding contract is in place prior to the deadline. First-time home buyers will continue to be eligible for a tax credit of up to $8,000, while existing homeowners will be eligible for a reduced credit of up to $6,500. To qualify for the $6,500 credit, existing homeowners must have lived in their current residences for at least five years. The bill also increases the qualifying income limits from $75,000 for single tax filers and $150,000 for joint filers to $125,000 and $225,000, respectively. The purchase price of the home is capped at $800,000 in both instances.Under additional provisions included in the bill, taxpayers can claim the credit on purchases completed in 2010 on their 2009 income tax returns. The legislation maintains the provision that home buyers do not have to repay the credit provided the home remains their primary residence for 36 months after purchase, and waives this requirement for active duty military personnel who move due to a military order.Nationwide, more than 1.4 million first-time home buyers were given the opportunity to become homeowners as a result of the Federal Tax Credit for First-time Home Buyers. We expect that number to increase dramatically in the months ahead with this new legislation in place. Thank you to our members who called, wrote, and e-mailed their congressional representatives and voiced their support for the home buyer tax credit. Your voices were heard – today’s vote is a direct result of your actions and involvement.

Sincerely,James Liptak2009 President
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Thought For The Day

"You overlook what is already 'here' as you chase after 'there'; you miss the 'sacred now' as you ponder your 'next step'; you forget to be grateful for what 'is' as you prey after 'more'. You search, struggle, and strive, but you never arrive because you can't get past the thought that something is missing."

~Robert Holden

In all our ceaseless yearning for things we believe are missing in our lives, it is a tragedy that what we truly miss are the immense gifts surrounding us RIGHT NOW. I do believe in taking action daily towards the goals we have set for ourselves, our associations and our communities. AND, the power to do so is derived from the realization of all the amazing good in our lives already. A child's smile, a co-worker's praise, a lovely sunrise or sunset, a new bloom on a plant, a favorite song, the list is endless. May your appreciation for these things be endless as well.

Is It Just Me?

Just days after hearing about the latest celebrity sex scandal the tight knit communities of Eastern Madera County have been rocked with their own. One of the most well known and prominent business men in the area surrendered himself to Fresno authorities on charges of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14. There is no question of whether or not he really did it, the evidence was caught on a hidden camera in the hotel room where the incident occurred. As I type this you can hear in the distance the sound of pitchforks being gathered and torches being lit. The lynch mob will have no mercy for this man.
So, is it just me, or is anyone questioning the mother's motives? Where is the lynch mob for her? If you read the discussion board on the Fresno Bee's website 99% of the comments posted are against this business man, but there are no concerns voiced against this 13 year old girls mother.
Now, I don't know about you, but when I was in my early teens my mother was as protective as a grizzly bear. I remember in particular (at the age of 14) not being allowed to attend my boyfriend's birthday party because I would be the only girl in attendance. I bucked and fought my mother throughout my teenage years and even into my early 20's. Looking back now I realize how difficult a job she had dealing with me. I, like many other teenagers, felt that I was grown up enough to handle myself. It's too bad that the 13 year old in question in this case didn't have my mother to deal with.
A mother's first and most primary job is to care for her young. What on earth was this mother thinking?
Uh huh, I think we all can figure that one out.....$$$$$$. She arranged an elaborate scheme to get this business man into a hotel room out of town, placed a hidden camera in his room and then sacrificed the physical and mental well being of her 13 year old daughter by placing her in the room with this man and allowing this inappropriate contact to occur. Then, she repeatedly blackmailed him and walked away with over $200,000.
This man will be punished accordingly by the courts and justice system. I can only hope that the mother will be dealt with in the same fashion.

What's Your Line?

Some thoughts about memorizing and using planned and practiced verbiage [“scripts.”]

Do we frequently talk to people who “know” their verbiage [scripts]? You bet!

Earlier today I was lying in bed planning my day when I began thinking about “planned scripts” and, really how I might already be trained as a checker at Von’s or Raley’s or any supermarket fro that matter!

Now as I approach the check stand I read the checkers name badge and I say:

“Hi Ann,
How are you today?
I found everything that I was looking for,
Oh, you are out of Gillette Trac 2 razor blades but then I’m good for a couple of days anyway,
Today I would like plastic bags.
Yes, I would like to purchase one additional reusable cloth bag and use the one I brought with me.
I would like to donate $1.00 of my change to “Beat Breast Cancer” or for whatever the cause Du jour’.
I did donate out front to the Salvation Army,
No, I am not going to take one of those cute “Supermarket kitty’s” home today but they sure are cute!
I noticed the “$5.00 Friday” special at the deli counter and I took advantage of it!
The “15% off Special” at the laundry is very much appreciated, especially on my “medium starched” shirts.
By the way, how much of a discount do I get on gasoline today?
How long is my discount valid?
How many gallons am I allowed to purchase at that discounted price?
May I fill more than one car if I can’t get the 180 gallons in one car gas tank?
Yes, it has really cooled off I guess summer is over but then it is always hot for the BIG Fresno Fair!
I think I’ll attend the horse races this year.
I had a great summer,
I did not spend a lot of time at the lake but
I did go out of town.
I was able to work out of town because I took my computer with me.
Real estate is unbelievable right now!
Do you know anybody who would like to buy or sell now or in the near future?
We close about one transaction every day.
The prices are lower than a couple of years ago, although
I notice that you have “thousands of lower prices everyday” here also!
Oh, no need to bag the milk Ann,
However I would like the steaks and chicken in separate plastic bags
And please “double bag” the bottles of wine, in paper bags of course.
Oh, and only one wine bottle to a “double bag” please but then you know that don’t you, sorry!
I noticed that I saved $5.87 by using my Von’s card,
And I saved $76.34 by using coupons, Thank you!
Thank you for the kitty food coupons, yes I notice that are “good for 5 days,”
I’ll not forget to retrieve my coins of the coin dispenser,
I will not require any help to my car, thanks for asking though.
See you next time Ann!”

I am out the door and on my way!

Super market checkers go through this spiel literally hundreds of time a day! They know their “lines”, heck you even know their lines!

I frequently drive through Carl’s Jr. in search of a “large iced tea” on a hot summer day.
Without fail, every, every, every time when I drive up to the speaker to order they say:

“HI! Thanks for stopping at Carl’s Jr.! Would you like a Teriyaki chicken sandwich, fries and GO BIG on that drink today?” Not once in a while, every time! I hate Teriyaki!

When you dine out and ask the waitress for a “doggie box” because you could not finish the 13 pound hamburger; as the waitress removes your plate what does she always ask??? You know, go ahead…say it:

“Did we leave any room for desert today?”

Duh! Even when she watched you pig out and knows you ought to have your stomach pumped just so you can to get to your car! But the point is that she asks every time, not just once in a while! Why? Because they do sell cheesecake, carrot or chocolate cake “to go” and these items are “huge mark up” items! (Huge markup = bigger profits =more money available to reinvest into their business or put into their saving account)

“The answers are in the questions” so they ask questions.

The supermarket checker asks, the waitresses ask, the drive through attendant asks, the car dealer asks. They are all trained to ask and to continue to ask questions to keep the sale going. They use these successful techniques on you and me everyday. If we use this technique with our clients we will keep our sales going as well. Not knowing what to say is no good and uncomfortable. Let’s learn the verbiage [scripts.] Soon these lines will roll right our tongues, our question asking techniques will be smooth, purposeful and successful! Take the time to learn the scripts!

Big Meadow Fire Update

Current Situation: Yesterday firefighters completed fireline near the Tamarack Flat Campground Road. Smoke conditions in Yosemite Valley, foothill communities and other areas of the park are improving significantly. Today firefighters will continue restoring roads, trails and fireline to their natural condition, mopping up hot spots, and removing hazard trees in order to open the roads as soon as possible.
Although road closures will remain in place through the Labor Day weekend, Yosemite Valley is open and accessible from Highway 140 via El Portal and Highway 41 from Wawona. In addition, visitors on the east side of the park can still access Tuolumne Meadows, Olmsted Point, and White Wolf via Highway 395 from Lee Vining. Hodgdon Meadow Campground remains open to visitors.

Special Announcements: The evacuation order for the community of Foresta will be lifted at 10:00 AM Friday, September 4, 2009. Residents and property owners with proof of residency or ownership will be allowed unrestricted access to private property and unburned areas in the immediate vicinity of Foresta.

If you are attending the Strawberry Festival at Camp Mather this weekend, please use the Evergreen Road. The Cherry Oil Road is closed through Monday due to traffic accessing fire camp at Drew Meadow.

Update on Big Meadow Fire

Courtesy of NPS and USFS:

Current Situation: Firefighters made significant progress yesterday on the northwest flank of the fire near Crane Flat. Burning operations were successful in stopping the forward progress of the fire along Tioga Road and towards Crane Flat Campground. Today, firefighters will continue to construct and hold the line near Tamarack Flat Campground Road. On the southern end of the fire, efforts are underway to return roads, trails and fire lines to their natural condition.

Special Announcements: The Big Oak Flat Road is closed to through traffic at the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station to the junction of the El Portal Road. In addition, the Tioga Road is closed to through traffic from White Wolf to the Crane Flat Gas Station. All road closures will remain in effect through Labor Day Weekend. Hodgdon Meadow Campground remains accessible to visitors. Visitors on the east side of the park can still access Tuolumne Meadows, Olmsted Point, and White Wolf.

If you are attending the Strawberry Festival at Camp Mather this weekend please use the Evergreen Road. The Cherry Oil Road is closed through Monday due to traffic accessing fire camp at Drew Meadow.

Fire Status
Fire Name: Big Meadow
Geographic Location: Foresta, CA
Acres Burned: 7,240 acres (11.3 square miles)
Start Date: 8/26/2009
Percent Contained: 70 percent
Expected Containment Date: September 10, 2009
Cause: Escaped Prescribed Fire
Injuries: 5, minor
Structures Threatened: 50 residences, 1 commercial,
25 outbuildings
Structures Destroyed: 0

Resources
Crews: 32
Engines: 94
Helicopters: 4
Air Tankers: 6
Dozers: 8
Water Tenders: 19

Total Personnel Assigned: 1,282
Estimated Cost: $10.8 million

Public Meeting: A fire update meeting is scheduled for 6:30pm tonight (September 3rd) at Tenaya Elementary School, 19177 Hwy 120 in Groveland.
Evacuations: The community of Foresta.
Road Closures: The Big Oak Flat Road from Crane Flat Gas Station to the intersection of El Portal Road and Big Oak Flat Road. The Tioga Road from Big Oak Flat Road to White Wolf. Road closure information is available by calling 209-372-0200.
Campground and Trail Closures: Tamarack and Crane Flat Campgrounds are closed. Trails closures include:
Old Big Oak Flat Trailhead to El Capitan, Rockslides to El Capitan, Tamarack Creek to El Capitan.

Fire Information: Fire information phone lines are staffed from 6am until 9pm. Phone numbers are:
209-372-0327 and 209-372-0669.

Cooperating Agencies: US Forest Service, Mariposa County Sheriff, Mariposa County Fire, CAL FIRE, CHP, American Red Cross, Delaware North Parks and Resort at Yosemite and PG&E.

Thoughts From A Dumped Dog

One week ago today my life was a mess. I don't remember all that happened but I must have done something really bad because my old masters abandoned me. I thought we were just going for a car ride. The next thing I knew I was alone in a strange neighborhood and my masters were nowhere in sight. I ran and ran for a long time trying to find them but they had disappeared. I got so hot and tired that I finally just lay down to take a nap. It never occurred to me that my napping spot was in the middle of the road. After all, I'm just a puppy, barely 3 months old (I think).
Anyway, I was laying there contemplating my next move when this nice lady pulled over in her car. When she got out and started talking to me I was really scared of her. I even barked and growled. But there was something so good about the way her voice sounded and the way she smelled that I finally crept up to her. I was so nervous that I lost control of my bladder. She didn't care. She picked me up off of the road and put me in her car. Her car was nice and cool and she kept using that soft voice and rubbing my ears. I settled right down.
We went to a lot of houses that morning but no one knew who I was. We visited the local veterinarian offices but they didn't know who I was either. She had to go to work so I got to meet a lot of really nice people. They even let me take a nap right there in the lobby.
Finally, the nice lady put me back in the car and said we were going to her house. On the way I got really sick to my tummy and vomited all over the nice lady's car. I thought she would really be mad but she just lifted me onto her lap and told me it was OK. When we got to her house I saw this big white dog in the yard. She was pretty scary at first but after a few minutes we made friends and started playing together. The nice lady told me her name was Bella. I got to play with Bella all day. I had so much fun!!
That evening I met the nice ladies husband. He patted my head and gave me dog cookies. I got my own bowl of food. When it was bedtime the nice lady and man brought me inside and let me sleep on a big, soft bed on the floor with Bella. I felt so safe and was so tired that I went right to sleep and never even felt like crying.
The next day the man and lady were very happy with me for not crying and not making any messes in the house. They let me play in the yard with Bella again while they went to work.
On Saturday they both stayed home with Bella and I and played in the yard with us. I was really getting attached to them.
On Sunday they were sitting by the pool together watching Bella and I run around the yard. They were having a really serious conversation, although I couldn't understand the words. I went over to the lady and looked into her eyes. She looked down at me, put her arm around my little body, pulled me close and said "Welcome home".
Now, the nice lady and man are my new mom and dad and Bella is my new big sister. I have a new collar (well, a hand-me-down from Bella, but it's new to me!!), have had my first shots and toe nail trim at Oakhurst Vet...even had my first real bath.
Mom says we have to work on the carsick thing. She also keeps telling me that I'm having my romeo parts removed. I don't know what that means but I guess I'll find out.
I really wish I could remember what bad thing I did so I could warn other animals not to do the same thing. It's really scary to be abandoned. I was lucky that my new mom found me. I know that other animals don't always end up with great people like I did.
To all of the Masters who read this, please don't dump your animals. If you can't take care of them anymore take them to a shelter or call the SPCA or Sierra Cares for help.

Another Summer is Drawing to a Close

Another summer in the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills is drawing to an end. The kids are already back to school, the rivers have stopped flowing, the hills are all golden and there seems to be a fragile quality to the sunlight.

Boat trailers are heading south instead of north. The streets in town are quiet after 6pm.

Despite low water levels in Bass Lake the summer season was another success. Most visitors appreciated the fact that there was more beach to enjoy. Although income for all businesses was down a bit, the overall opinion is that our economy is slowly crawling back out of the mire.

Just Spit it Out!!

Ok, back on my soap box.

The basis for all relationships, be it whether they are friend to friend, boss to employee, spouse to spouse, sibling to sibling, etc comes down to one thing.......communication. If you don't communicate, how do you expect the other person to know what you are thinking or feeling?

I have learned to talk to my husband and tell him what is going on. Not a huge stroke of genius here. I can't read his mind so I can't expect him to read mine. How on earth do buyers, sellers and agents expect each other to do the same? COMMUNICATE!! Put everything into words and then PUT IT IN WRITING. Do not assume anything in a real estate transaction. Remember what ASSUME means???

Ideal Scenario # 1
"Oh, by the way, I know the shelves are probably not going to stay. They are just rack shelves in the garage, not attached, but we really want them. Let's say in our purchase contract that we want the garage shelves to remain." Reply, "Hey, that saves us from moving them; but we would like some small compensation for them. Let's counter back that we want XX amount for the shelves, paid separate from escrow." "Agreed. Sign the counter offer and open escrow."

Real Scenario #1
Shelves are rack metal shelves, not attached to anything, considered by DRE definition as personal property. Listing states that all personal property will be removed prior to escrow closing. Purchase contract does not address shelves in garage. Listing agent makes deal with bankruptcy attorney to pay for weedeating and yard cleanup in exchange for shelves in garage. Listing agent contracts for yard cleanup, has work done and removes shelving from garage. Escrow closes, buyers take possession and immediately inquire as to the whereabouts of their garage shelves. Threaten to turn in listing agent to DRE, local board, etc. Listing agent patiently explains difference between real and personal property and points out that garage shelves were not addressed in purchase agreement. More threats follow. Listing agent, with no time to deal with DRE or Board complaints, agrees against his better judgement to return shelves. Now, listing agent is out $$ for yard cleanup with no compensation from bankruptcy attorney.

Bottom line, had the shelves been addressed in the purchase agreement or had the listing agent contacted the selling agent and explained the deal he made with the bankruptcy attorney, countless hours and needless stress would have been avoided by all parties.

Even if you feel you are being redundant in restating your intentions in a real estate deal, do it. Make sure EVERYTHING is spelled out in the listing agreement and the purchase contract. If you are unsure of something, get it RESOLVED PRIOR to the close of escrow.

And, as always, GET IT IN WRITING!!!!!

Top 10 and Holding

Century 21 Ditton Realty has maintained their top 10 position for the top 100 Century 21 companies in the Sierra Nevada for June 2009.

REALTORS® Scott Runtzel, John Bortz and Julie Gerken have been named in the top 100 Century 21 agents for the month of June 2009 for their outstanding sales productivity.

Happy 4th of July!!

Wishing everyone a wonderful and safe 4th of July weekend!!

Extreme Heat Expected This Weekend

A high pressure system has settled over most of California. This high pressure will cause temperatures throughout the state to skyrocket this weekend. The San Joaquin Valley is expecting temps to rise as high as 110. The Sierra Nevada's will not be much better with temperature in Yosemite Valley expected to reach as high as 104.

If you are planning any outdoor activities this weekend take extra precautions. Avoid strenuous activity, keep hydrated with plenty of water and use lots of sunscreen. Make sure outdoor pets have access to plenty of shade and water. Do not leave children unattended while playing outside.

Temperatures are likely to drop a bit the first part of next week but will remain unseasonably high throughout next weekend.

Bass Lake is Fine for 4th of July

Message from the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau:

June 24, 2009
Dear Partners in Tourism:
It has been brought to our attention that false information has and will be delivered to the public via Channel 47 News. 47 News has aired a (more at 5) story that is causing a great deal of concern about the 4th of July fireworks at Bass Lake and the closing of Bass Lake. They have stated that the health department is doing testing of the water to check the level of bacteria present, and that if there is a high level, the fireworks will be canceled and the lake shut down to swimmers. What they are not stating is that this is NORMAL testing and the story was not told in full. This is apparently channel 47's attempt at getting viewers to tune in at 5pm.
Please alert your front line people that Bass Lake is fine, there are no problems and the fireworks will go on as planned. We appreciate your continued support and wish all of you a safe and successful 4th of July weekend!

Avoid Email When It Matters

The age of non-communicating communication began many years ago with the introduction of the answering machine. We all placed calls we didn't want to and prayed for the machine to pick up so we wouldn't actually have to talk to the person. To this day we still "screen our calls". If you call my home in the evening chances are you'll get the machine.

The introduction of email was a blessing and a curse. You never have to actually speak with anyone anymore if you don't want to. Email, instant messaging, texting, Twittering, Blogging and online social pages (Facebook, Myspace, etc) have completely taken over. Who really ever uses their cell phones anymore to TALK???

Unfortunately, all of this instant and hassle free communication comes with a price. We lose touch with the personal side of friendships so easily. And the worst thing that happens; you send an email intended to be friendly, the recipient misunderstands your intention, and the #%$@ hits the fan.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE EMAIL. I love instant messaging. I love Facebook. I appreciate the fact that I can take my time, gathering my thoughts, typing in just the right words to get my point across, perhaps saving the draft to re-read before I actually send it or post it. However, when it is all "typed and done" the recipient cannot possibly hear the "tone behind the words".

Has this ever happened to you? You send an email to a friend, relative or acquaintance intended to be friendly. The email is received and completely misunderstood. Your friend interprets your email as a written attack instead of what it was intended to be: a simple statement of the facts. Maybe they are having a bad day, perhaps just had a fight with their significant other or boss. Whatever the reason, the damage is done. Had your communication taken place over the phone your friend would have heard the warm tone of your voice, the giggles and laughter underneath. Now that it is "typed and done" the damage is irreversible. The result, a scarred friendship that may never recover.

So, if you are communicating with someone who matters, do yourself a favor. Take a few of your valuable minutes and pick up the phone. Just hope that the person you are calling isn't "screening".

CENTURY 21 Ditton Realty Named in Top 10

CENTURY 21 Ditton Realty has been ranked in the top 10 real estate offices in the Sierra Nevada by CENTURY 21. Scott Runtzel and Julie Gerken have been named in the top 100 agents in the Sierra Nevada for their outstanding sales performance in May.

Other honorable mentions for their sales productivity in May include: Laurie Humphries, Alan Murray, Melissa Buller, Jessica Rubottom, Kandi Papike, Jacque Hohweiler, Janet Wheeler, Bob Watt and Theresa Williams.

Way to go!!

Free Household Hazardous Waste Event

California Integrated Waste Management will be holding a free hazardous waste event June 20th at Yosemite High School in Oakhurst from 9am to 1pm. This event is FREE for residents of Madera County.

Allowable items include: motor oil and filters, antifreeze, brake flued, battery grease, flourescent lamps and tubing, insect spray, weed killer, pool chemicals, pesticides, ammonia based cleaners, drain cleaners, aerosol cans, oven cleaners, spot removers, household batteries, wood preservatives, solvents, art supplies, paint remover, photographic chemicals, televisions, VCR's, computers and monitors, sharps and needles.

Quantities are limited to 15 gallons of liquids of 125 lbs of solids.

For more information on this free event contact (559) 675-7817.

Be Wary of Reverse Mortgages

Article courtesy of CNNMoney.com

U.S. regulator: Be wary of reverse mortgages

OCC's John Dugan says the loans aimed at older homeowners could target a vulnerable segment.
June 8, 2009: 1:27 PM ET

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- Reverse mortgages could be the next subprime mortgage product to experience rapid growth while taking advantage of a vulnerable segment of the population, top U.S. bank regulator John Dugan said Monday.

Dugan, who heads the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and supervises some of the nation's largest banks, said regulators are crafting guidelines to ensure that robust consumer protections are in place for reverse mortgages.

"While reverse mortgages can provide real benefits, they also have some of the same characteristics as the riskiest types of subprime mortgages -- and that should set off alarm bells," Dugan said in prepared remarks to an American Bankers Association conference.
Reverse mortgages are complicated loans targeted at homeowners who are at least 62 years old, and allow older Americans to live off the equity in their homes as they age.

In a reverse mortgage, the homeowner receives money from the lender, which does not have to be repaid as long as the borrower lives in the home.

Fannie Mae (FNM, Fortune 500), the largest provider of U.S. home mortgage funding, had about a 90% share of the reverse mortgage market at the end of 2008. Many large banks such as Bank of America (BAC, Fortune 500) and Wells Fargo (WFC, Fortune 500) are big providers of reverse mortgages.

The great majority of reverse mortgages are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and pose limited credit risk. But Dugan said a different class of reverse mortgages -- "proprietary" products -- offer less consumer protections.

Dugan said that as the elderly American population grows, there could be a significant pickup in demand for proprietary reverse mortgages, which he said bear significant similarities to the type of subprime products that helped fuel the housing boom and bust, resulting in a widespread credit crisis and recession.

"I believe the critical lesson here is the need to act early, before problems escalate," Dugan said.
He said regulators need to set more standards for proprietary reverse mortgages. Regulators also need to be vigilant about misleading marketing and need to crack down on any lenders who try to bundle a reverse mortgage with other financial products, such as an annuity or life insurance product, Dugan said.

If those actions are not enough, Dugan said "more definitive regulatory standards may need to be adopted, and the OCC is prepared to do that."

Stay the Course

Stay The Course by BJ Gallagher

Our journey of life is about progress, not perfection. It's not about doing one thing 100% better -it's a matter of doing 100 things, 1% better each day. Progress is evolutionary not revolutionary, and most days we measure our progress in inches, not miles. What matters most is showing up for your life whether you feel like it or not. Ask yourself, "What two or three little things can I do today that would move me forward?" You'll be amazed at how much distance you can cover by taking it in increments. The little things add up; the inches turn to miles; and we string together our efforts like so many pearls. Before long, look what you have -a whole strand!