SW Michigan Real Estate Community Voice

    In Part 2 of my blog on NAR’s (National Association of Realtors) Discrimination in Real Estate, I am proud to announce that I have received my (AHWD At Home With Diversity® designation through the National Association of Realtors. I have  attended the seminar that  covered an in-depth discussion on Diversity, One America Principals and the Fair Housing Act.  The most important thing I took from the discussion was the meaning of diversity.  I am going to start with the meaning of Diversity. “Diversity means to consider all people as unique and recognize, understand, and appreciate their individual differences and multiple perspectives without judgment. Diversity is often associated with race and ethnicity, but we are diverse in a wide variety of ways, and dimensions of diversity also include “gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies.” If you missed Part 1 please...

  NAR ( National Association of Realtors®) Training to Tackle Discrimination in Real Estate       This is Part 1 in my series on how The National Association of Realtors® (Nars ) is trying to handle discrimination in the real estate industry.    I am passing on the information about what NAR’s is trying to do and how I am responding. The National Association of Realtors® is America's largest trade association, with more than 1.4 million members that are involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. They are the #1 industry leader in support of the fair housing act. At the end of 2020 The National Association of Realtors® announced a new interactive trainin g platform designed to help combat discrimination in America's real estate market.The National Association of Realtors® has on going anti-discrimination training and backs efforts that encourage diversity, fight racial bias and build more inclusive communities. Ple...

  With summer here we need to be more careful about how we transfer our watercraft, trailers etc. from one water source to another. Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) is one of eight types of milfoil aquatic plants found in Michigan that is not native to Michigan. EWM has been in the US since the 1960’s. This invasive water plant grows quickly and forms a thick mat or canopy below the water and on top of the water. EWM kills off native plants, hinders fish, waterfowl and affects the water quality. The plants spread by floating on the water or attaching themselves to boats, motors, trailers, water crafts, bait buckets and fishing equipment. The EWM causes problems for boaters, swimmers and fishermen. Lake organizations and local areas can effectively treat milfoil with selected chemicals early in the summer before plants flower. Some ponds and lakes find hand pulling and removing the milfoil from the water a simple and effective control method for small areas. Harvesting, raking or screen...

The Great Lakes Burn Camp is a non profit organization located in Western Michigan. Their mission is to help burn survivors interact in a normal atmosphere with other burn survivors. The camp has survivors from ages 6-17 that help each other heal, grow and bond with each other. They are  financially dependent on fundraisers and donations . Some of the fundraisers include: motorcycle runs, sport tournaments, charity balls and chili cook offs. Check out their camp brochure . Niles is having a motorcycle run “Burn Run” on June 25,26,27. If you are interested in helping or want more information check out their website . If you think that someone you know could use this information please send it on. I have more safety tips and special non profit blogs on my Val Cares web page. Valerie Bomberger ABR, AHWD Re/Max Harbor Country. 

The Burn Run is a fantastic motorcycle weekend located in Niles , Michigan each year in July to benefit The Great Lakes Burn Camp . The motorcycle run was started in 2001 to help raise money for children who have been affected by fire. The weekend includes live music, food vendors, downtown stores and merchandise vendors. The Nile firefighters and community invite everyone to come and support a great cause. If you are not a bike rider do not worry. Come and enjoy a great weekend. If you are interested in helping or want more information check out their website . This year the ride is going to be June 25,26,27 2021.  If you think that someone you know could use this information please send it on. I have more safety tips and special non profit blogs on my Val Cares web page. Valerie Bomberger ABR, AHWD Re/Max Harbor Country.

  I have gathered some information on Recreational Water Illness that might help you understand where the problem comes from and how to avoid getting ill. Around the country there is a health concern about Recreational Water Illness. The Centers for Disease Control states that all bodies of water contain microorganisms, no matter how clean a lake or river may look. Contaminants include heavy rainfall, animal feces and agricultural runoff. Most Recreational water illnesses are germs spread by swallowing or having contact with contaminated water in lakes and rivers etc. Around the country Public Health Departments have implemented health campaigns to get individuals to take preventive steps to minimize health risks for themselves and their children. Recommended steps to help prevent Recreational Water Illness It is important to avoid both getting water in your mouth and swallowing water Avoid swimming in water that appears, cloudy or smells Avoid swimming after a heavy rain Do not fe...

Summer is just around the corner. I know you and your boat are just waiting to have fun. Make this summer’s boating fun a safe one by keeping these boating and personal watercraft safety tips in mind: Don’t overload, observe weight limits Always wear a life jacket Know the waters you are navigating. Always carry a map Report accidents immediately Boating and alcohol do not mix Use your lights at sunset, before sunrise and when foggy Littering is illegal No harassing water birds Take a boat safety class I have more safety tips and special non profit blogs on my Val Cares web page. Valerie Bomberger ABR, AHWD Re/Max Harbor Country.

  Home Safety 101 - Cooking Cooking brings family and friends together, provides an outlet for creativity and can be relaxing. But did you know that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries? The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has put together a list of safety tips.  By following a few safety tips you can prevent these fires. “Cook with Caution”  • Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.  • Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.  • If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.  • Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop. If you have a small (grease) cooki...

  Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has a great flyer for you to download on Smoke Alarms that covers all this information on it.  SAFETY TIPS  Install smoke alarms in every bedroom. They should also be outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement. Large homes may need extra smoke alarms. • It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound. Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working. Current alarms on the market employ different types of technology including multi-sensing, which could include smoke and carbon monoxide combined. Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate fal...

Most of the U.S. is at risk for winter storms, which can cause dangerous and sometimes life-threatening conditions. Blinding wind-driven snow, extreme cold, icy road conditions, downed trees and power lines can all wreak havoc on our daily schedules. Home fires occur more in the winter than in any other season, and heating equipment is involved in one of every six reported home fires, and one in every five home fire deaths. Know what to do before, during and after a storm. This will help keep you and your family safe from a winter fire. Safety Tips Test all smoke alarms. Do this at least once a month. This way you will know they are working. Install carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Test the alarms. Plan two ways out of the home in case of an emergency. Clear driveway and front walk of ice and snow. This will provide easy access to your home. Make sure your house number can be seen from the street. If you need help, firefighters will be able to find you. Be ready in case the power g...