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Magazine About CBS4 NEWS MAGAZINE
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The CBS4 Magazine is printed and distributed targeting South Florida’s most affluent residents in the region. The CBS4 Magazine delivers award winning journalism you won’t find anywhere else! Our content focuses on local business and community news which include: Health, Real Estate, Consumer News, Automotive and Entertainment. REAL. LOCAL. NEWS. DELIVERED!
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SPORTS Jim Berry jberry@wfor.cbs.com Mike Cugno mcugno@cbs.com Leo Gomez gomezl@wfor.cbs.com
6 Nov-Dec 2015 | cbsmiami.com
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CBS4 INVESTIGATES Jim DeFede jdefede@wfor.cbs.com Michele Gillen mgillen@cbs.com Jasmine Kripalani jkripalani@cbs.com David Sutta dsutta@cbs.com
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executive producer, special projects & investigations Cari Hernandez chernandez@cbs.com
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ayne
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ANCHORS Cynthia Demos cdemos@cbs.com Rick Folbaum rfolbaum@cbs.com Walter Makaula wmakaula@cbs.com Eliott Rodriguez erodriguez@cbs.com Marybel Rodriguez marybel.rodriguez@wfor.cbs.com Irika Sargent isargent@cbs.com Rudabeh Shahbazi rshahbazi@cbs.com
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NEWS DIRECTOR Liz Roldan lroldan@cbs.com
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South Miami
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Editorial team
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Eureka Dr
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Contents Nov-Dec 2015
FEATURE 12 Rudabeh Shahbazi: A Global Perspective 20 Virtual Reality Used To Sell Real Vacations, Real Estate Health
pg.24
24 Breathe 28 New Procedure Freezes Fat Away 45 Dental Hygiene life
pg.46
50 Shattered Showers 54 Windshield Projection Real estate
pg.68
70 Will the New Mortgage Disclosure Laws Delay Your Home Purchase? 80 10 Essential Supplies for DIY Movers Home
pg.84
92 Water Filter Buying Guide 112 5 Ways to Decorate Your Deck Auto
pg.130
134 Inspect That Used Car Before Buying 36 Catered to Your Skin
DNA Testing Offered For Personalized Skin Care Treatments
138 Understanding Tire Warranties
Work in Paradise Workers Take Their Tech To Paradise For ‘Workations’
A
growing number of workers are taking their tech and heading to paradise for something called a “workation.” When Vanessa Van Edwards and her husband set out to travel the world, they didn’t have to leave their careers behind. “We literally had our entire office in our computer, on Skype, and with our phone,” said Edwards. It’s not all work and not all vacation. Experts said “workations” like the trip Edwards took are growing in popularity and the benefits go beyond fun. “We were able to network with people and industries we had never thought we’d be able to. And even if it’s the same work, the different atmosphere inspires you. It’s, it’s a way to really recharge your life, recharge your work,” said Edwards. “Workation retreats” are popping up in locations around the world. “What’s allowing more people to do workations is the new work flexibility. So bosses, teams are much more open to working with a virtual person,” said Edwards. Co-working and co-living sites like the Surf Office offer travelers office space and the ability to meet new people all while enjoying the local surroundings. “They run yoga workshops. They do wine tastings. They do sort of group communal dinners. Already in the short time I’ve been here, I’ve actually made a lot of very interesting connections and I’m hoping to kind of forge new business relationships,” said Surf Office visitor Ruper Clage. “I feel like I can be more productive in a workation. You have a lot more creativity and
freedom and mental space to, to be able to produce,” said Surf Office visitor Desiree Tavera. A workation isn’t just for independent workers or individual employees. Some companies are getting in on the trend and taking their employees on a group workation. Zen Payroll CEO Joshua Reeves said staying and working together in a beautiful setting is a great way to build community. “Sometimes just literally changing environment can create a big impact in terms of helping someone think about what they’re doing differently,” said Reeves. A recent survey found 75 percent of employees rank workplace flexibility as their top benefit. Dan Schawbel, founder of workplacetrends. com, said the workation is one way to give employees the flexibility they seek. “The workation is becoming increasingly popular because employees know that they’re getting less and less personal time but they want more and more flexibility. It’s one way employers are coping with this,” said Schawbel. For those considering taking an extended workation, Edwards suggests starting small, with a weeklong trip, to get a sense of logistics on the road and when you’re away, make the most of the local environment. “Go to networking events. Try a meetup you’ve never done before. Do a dance class. Do a cooking class. It gets you out of your daily routine. That’s what workations are all about,” said Edwards. Edwards said dealing with different time zones can be a challenge of a workation since 9 a.m. where your office might be in the middle of the night during your travels. Others point out that in order to succeed at a workation, you have to have good selfdiscipline since you’re managing your own schedule.
“We were able to network with people and industries we had never thought we’d be able to. And even if it’s the same work, the different atmosphere inspires you. It’s, it’s a way to really recharge your life, recharge your work.” Vanessa Van Edwards
FEATURE cbsmiami.com | Nov-Dec 2015 11
Rudabeh Shahbazi A Global
Perspective
W
hile other college students were enjoying spring break by the ocean, Rudabeh Shahbazi’s feet were in the desert sand instead. She chose to forgo beach volleyball and club-hopping to instead report on the Iraqi refugee crisis in Jordan and Syria. It strikes us that this intelligent and unassuming woman might just be the female version of “the most interesting man in the world.” But our suggestion to that effect is met with an immediate, yet polite, dismissal, “Aw, thank you,” she says with a self-conscious chuckle, “I’m really NOT that fascinating.” We respectfully disagree. Born in Germany to a Canadian mother and an Iranian father, it was perhaps inevitable that Rudabeh would adopt a global perspective at a very young age. Like so many other first-generation Americans in South Florida, she is the child of immigrants. When the Iranian revolution began, her mother left with just one suitcase. Her father later followed, and when Rudabeh was only three years old, the family moved to the U.S. Her parents both worked at Harvard before settling in rural Oregon, where Rudabeh grew up. Every summer as a child, Rudabeh would travel to Iran with her archeologist father, who has since passed away. They would visit extended family, and she would learn about the ancient city of Persepolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site of which her father was once the director. She would accompany him on archeological digs and got to experience the restoration of Cyrus the Great’s tomb. But most of all, she remembers it as a special time spent with her dad. “We would go out walking at night in the moonlight in Persepolis, just the two of us, and he could tell me about ancient Persian kings and queens who had lived there.” From an early age, Rudabeh’s parents instilled in her the importance of education. It’s something in which she believes very strongly, and it’s what motivated her to get involved with the non-profit organization School on Wheels. Founded by a retired schoolteacher in Los Angeles, the program strives to support, mentor and enrich the education of homeless children. The students were there for many different reasons. Some were escaping domestic violence. Others had parents dealing with substance issues. Still others had just fallen on hard times. As an SOW volunteer, Rudabeh tutored children of all ages. “For these kids, it was a safe haven,” she says. “The ones I worked with all lived in homeless shelters, but a lot of others lived in cars or motels. They didn’t have any kind of stability. It was a place for them to go and be artistic and get caught up on homework, and to learn about things they were interested in. It was a place where adults would engage and do the coursework with them and read to them and get them prepped for school. Your odds are so diminished when you’re pulled out of school and you’re getting shuffled from place to place.” Rudabeh still marvels at the impact the tutors had on their students. “They just made such a difference in these kids’ lives,” she says. “For a lot of them, it was the only adult they had who actually cared about them and followed up with them and wanted to see their education through. And I think that’s really important – even for adults in the workplace – I think it’s really important just to
FEATURE cbsmiami.com | Nov-Dec 2015 13
have someone who believes in you. For me, that’s the biggest motivator.” The children and families she met through SOW left a lasting impression on Rudabeh. “They all impacted me in some way,” she says. And amidst the gut-wrenching glimpses of dysfunction and despair, Rudabeh would occasionally see a glimmer of hope and potential in those young faces. “There was one family with three little brothers just a few years apart. They were so sharp and had such a good work ethic, and they were so interested and curious about the world. For kids like them, I really believe that education is the key to developing the skills they need in order to turn the corner and be successful.” After graduating from Pepperdine University with her undergraduate degree in journalism, Rudabeh had the opportunity to work on the documentary film “King Leopold’s Ghost.” Based on the book by the same name, it chronicles exploitation and genocide in Colonial Africa. She now calls the filmmakers friends. “The two women I worked for are still really, really dear to me to this day,” Rudabeh says. “It was probably my first experience working with very strong women who were independent, smart and curious, and who were really good at what they did. They took me in and mentored me in a way that a lot of people unfortunately don’t in this business. So that had a big impact on me.” When Rudabeh decided to further her formal education through post-graduate work, she chose the University of California at Berkeley. “I loved that they had a focus on interna-
tional journalism,” she says. “My professors were huge inspirations to me even before I went there, so it was kind of a dream come true to be able to learn from them one-onone. I love the history of UC Berkeley and the impact on the world that people there make all the time. All of the professors, all of the staff there, are constantly turning out investigative pieces and breaking stories with thoughtful, thorough journalism.” But her priorities necessarily shifted when her father became seriously ill halfway through her post graduate work, and
she declined an internship opportunity at a Cairo newspaper to instead spend time with Dad. Not once has she regretted that decision. “That was a really tough time of my life” she says, “but I’m very grateful that I got to spend a little time with my father.” As fate would have it, the change of internship plans landed her at a local TV station. There, she worked on long-form investigative pieces. “I never expected to be in TV news, but I fell in love with it,” she says. “I fell in love
with the breaking stories, and the immediacy and excitement of it, and how every day is different. It was just so fast-paced, and I love that. I think it’s an exciting career; you have the opportunity to learn new things every single day,” Rudabeh says. ”You’re working with interesting people who are great storytellers. You get to tell other people’s stories. You get to make an impact in the community.” And she began making an impact very early on. In her second year of graduate school, Rudabeh pitched her professors a
Masters’ thesis project on the Iraqi refugees pouring into Jordan and Syria. They all turned it down. Instead of choosing another subject for her thesis, she “made it happen anyway.” “I contacted a newspaper reporter there and she led me in the right direction,” Rudabeh says. “I just packed up with a camera and went. “I booked cheap little hotel rooms and went to Jordan. I rode on a turnip truck from the airport to the hotel.” Still, the ever-modest Rudabeh minimizes the monumental task of documenting the
exodus of more than 50,000 Iraqis a month across the borders to Jordan. “It wasn’t like I had to look far and do a lot of digging,” Rudabeh says, “you just had to be there to tell the story.” And tell the stories she did – venturing into refugees’ homes (in one case, a crumbling storage closet where a disabled woman lived) to hear their stories of devastation and loss. The most difficult part, she says, was when the Iraqis would beg her to take them back with her to the U.S. Rudabeh says. “It’s always heartbreaking so see people without a home, but it’s also a very complicated issue. When there are such big numbers of them, it’s a very difficult problem to solve. It takes resources, and it puts a strain on infrastructure and the economy. They need education and healthcare and everything else. I don’t really know what the solution is.” As a journalist, Rudabeh is unaccustomed to speaking about how a story affected her personally, so she paused when asked, then said, “You look at things in a different way. You don’t see issues as black and white. You recognize that every issue has a human face. There are people behind the numbers and people behind the stories. When you actually see the people, I think it changes your perspective a little bit. It shapes your world and your viewpoint in a different way, and it helps you look at every situation in a different way.” In the year following her work in Jordan, Rudabeh assisted a classmate in documenting the plight of the Hmong exiles still living in the jungles of Laos and Thailand. She was deeply touched by the people they met. FEATURE cbsmiami.com | Nov-Dec 2015 15
“We slept in little huts with chickens in the room,” she says, “but they were so generous to us. They took us in. They hardly had anything to offer, but what they did have, they offered it to us. It’s a different perspective on what you actually need. When you see these people and they have joy in their lives, everything is relative -material things and spiritual things, all of it is relative. You should be grateful for everything you have. You don’t really need that much.” Back home, after receiving her Master’s degree, Rudabeh was an education reporter at KEPR-TV in Pasco, Washington before joining KNXV-TV in Phoenix. There, she received a regional EMMY Award for her coverage of a stranded community waiting for aid after a storm that paralyzed Arizona. She was also nominated for a political EMMY for her continuous coverage of Arizona’s controversial immigration law, and for a team coverage EMMY. She provided extensive live coverage of the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson that left six people dead and more than a dozen wounded, and she was the only journalist to interview self-help guru James Ray after a deadly sweat lodge ceremony in Sedona. Rudabeh went on to become a reporter and fill-in anchor at KABC-TV in Los Angeles, where she covered a wide range of national stories, including wildfires, shootings at LAX and Santa Monica College and the Asiana plane crash in San Francisco, as well as the Academy Awards in Hollywood. While in Southern California, she also investigated illegal foreclosures and interviewed numerous celebrities. Rudabeh’s advice to young journalists who aspire to follow in her footsteps: “You have to be willing to pay your dues. You have to be willing to move all over the country and to not spend holidays with your family. Those are all sacrifices that I think you have to be prepared for and willing to make in order to grow and to make it in the business.” Beyond that, she says, “You have to be a strong writer. I think that’s probably the most important thing. You have to have the fundamentals down behind the scenes. I would say don’t focus on being polished on camera, as much as developing the journalism skills you need. You have to be re-
sourceful and you have to be able to get out of your comfort zone.” It’s a bit difficult to determine where on earth the limits to Rudabeh’s comfort zone might be found. She accumulates passport stamps faster than a caffeine junkie racks up Starbucks Rewards points. When asked how many countries she’s visited, it took her some time to count. When she finished, the answer was 37 countries on five continents. In addition to her work in Jordan and Laos, Rudabeh studied abroad in Costa
Rica and the United Kingdom as an undergraduate. As a tourist, she has visited Vietnam, Cambodia, Paris, Greece, Mexico and Brazil, among others. Notwithstanding her globe-trotting experience, she still has a lengthy destination wish list, with the African continent at the very top. “I love exploring new cultures,” Rudabeh says. “I love seeing the beautiful places, meeting interesting people, eating exotic food. When everything familiar to you is gone, being out of your element helps you FEATURE cbsmiami.com | Nov-Dec 2015 17
Photo by Ginelle Lago, GMN Artistic
“I never expected to be in TV news, but I fell in love with it. I fell in love with the breaking stories, and the immediacy and excitement of it, and how every day is different. It was just so fast-paced, and I love that. I think it’s an exciting career; you have the opportunity to learn new things every single day. You’re working with interesting people who are great storytellers. You get to tell other people’s stories. You get to make an impact in the community.”
understand yourself better and appreciate what you have. And of course, traveling broadens your horizons and gives you depth and perspective.” But here at home in South Florida, she appreciates the simple pleasures: Savoring a cafecito and croissant at a dog-friendly sidewalk café in Brickell or South Beach with her Shih Tzu mix rescue dog, Lila or enjoying a morning yoga session before heading to work at CBS4, where she coanchors the 5:00 and 11:00 p.m. newscasts. Her co-anchor, Rick Folbaum, describes Rudabeh as exuding positive energy and
Rudabeh Shahbazi
enthusiasm. “She is also extremely smart,” he says, “and she’s quick on her feet, which comes in handy when we’re covering breaking news. But most important, and what I think South Floridians will respond to most, is her genuine warmth. She’s authentic, very down-to-earth and quick to laugh. I couldn’t be more excited to share the anchor desk with her.” Since joining CBS4 last summer Rick says Rudabeh has made an immediate impact in the newsroom. “She speaks up on stories she’s passionate about and gets her hands dirty during the process of putting
our newscasts together. She’s not someone who’s going to just show up, hit the makeup room and then read off the teleprompter. Rudabeh has years of quality broadcast journalism experience, and she puts that to work for her, and us, every day.” When asked about her future goals, Rudabeh is characteristically philosophic, “There is such a big, vast world out there, it makes me more curious,” she says. “The more I know, the more I see, the more I want to see and the more I feel I need to see.” A global perspective indeed. One thing is for certain: We’ll be watching.■ FEATURE cbsmiami.com | Nov-Dec 2015 19
Virtual Reality Used To Sell Real Vacations, Real Estate David Sutta dsutta@cbs.com
T
hey are calling it the next version of websites – virtual reality. If they are right, you will be buying everything from vacations to real estate virtually. Dan Riordan has a lot to smile about these days. “We’ve already written contracts on a third of the building,” he told CBS4’s David Sutta. Riordan, who is the sales director for Turnberry’s Ocean Club, said he’s been moving four million dollar oceanfront condos with ease thanks in part to some pretty cool technology. A wall of televisions in his office resembles a
video game. On the screen, however, is no game. It’s a 54 story building which won’t even break ground until next year. But potential buyers can see it now – virtually. Riordan explains “We don’t want to wait until 2018 when the building is finished for people to say ‘Oh wow, that’s cool’. We want them to say that now,” said Riordan. Gonzalo Navarro grabs a game controller to demonstrate how it works. “If I want to look up I just hit this,” explained Navarro as he pushed buttons and the screens updated instantly. By using the controller, Navarro can take a virtual walk through the lobby, tour the 70-thousand square foot Sky Club, check out the amenities and even swim in the pool. “Doors are opening for us and now we are going to go outside and you are going to be able to see what happens on the exterior. How far we are from the beach? How big is the pool,” he told Sutta. Navarro’s company ARX is behind the technology. “You basically have designed a video game,” said Sutta. “Actually it’s a video game engine, but without the shooting part,” he replied. Or car racing, or football. And it’s very real, especially when you try it with a virtual reality headset. Sutta put one on and started in the lobby. “Everywhere I look, it’s as if I am there in the building,” he said. “I look up I see the chandelier and the details in the ceiling. I look left there are couches and furniture.
I step out to the pool. Everything is scaled exactly as it would look. It’s very real. I actually start to get dizzy.” Navarro said that’s pretty normal. “It gets a little dizzy because it’s real. And your mind tells you there is something wrong because you are moving but you are not moving,” said Navarro. It takes ARX about three to six months to build a virtual project like this and there is no shortage of work. Real estate companies are now lining up to build virtual models, because it’s very effective. “You can tell them something a thousand times but if you can show them something, well a picture is worth a thousand words right,” said Riordan. Could this be the future of real estate sales centers? Is it possible we are going to be taking virtual tours in our own homes? Navarro said it’s just a matter of time, perhaps just a couple of years out. “This is going to be a step further. It’s going to be like the next website. You project yourself into the project. You walk around. You like it and then you come to the sales center and close the deal,” he said. And while it’s real estate today, the applications for virtual reality could be endless. “Imagine when my kids can say we are going to go on a field trip to Rome tomorrow. And they are in school and they just plug the things in and they go ‘Okay, this is the Roman Colosseum and you can see the guys there playing’. It will be so exciting for them. And even for tourism. If you can’t go to Paris, now you can, virtually,” Navarro said.
“We don’t want to wait until 2018 when the building is finished for people to say ‘Oh wow, that’s cool’. We want them to say that now” Dan Riordan FEATURE cbsmiami.com | Nov-Dec 2015 21
Helping a Family in Need is Just a Click Away
F
or the past 23 years, Neighbors 4 Neighbors has connected those in need with those who can help, and your support has been critical to our success. Because of you, last year’s Adopt a Family 4 the Holidays program helped 3,537 people. Here’s the breakdown: 1,237 children and 677 adults were matched with caring adopters. An additional 259 people, not eligible for “adoption” were served through gift cards, and 1,364 toys were collected and distributed. In total, Neighbors 4 Neighbors, and you, served 3,537 people through Adopt a Family 4 the Holidays. More families than ever are being submitted for help by our nonprofit partners, and their stories will touch your heart. As a registered adopter you can browse family profiles, and select based on location, nonprofit provider, or number of family members. Best of all, you get to meet the family you are helping, and share the joy. Join our partners Publix Super Market Charities and Baptist Health Primary Care and visit our site www. aaf.neighbors4neighbors.org and see for yourself how rewarding our unique program is. In a post survey, most adopters tell us it is the highlight of their holiday. And many Adopters return year
after year to find a new family to assist. Can’t do the “Adopt” thing? We need gift cards to serve large families, and those not able to have a one on one experience. Operation Elf provides a $25 Publix gift card for each family member, as well as a $25 gift card to a retailer for each child under 18. Although human kindness is our greatest asset, we depend on monetary donations to purchase gift cards and provide emergency assistance. Your financial contribution, in
any amount, enable us to continue providing hope and a hand up to those in need this holiday season. Neighbors 4 Neighbors is a 501©3 nonprofit organization, and your contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law. You may make a secure credit card donation by going to our website at www.neighbors4neighbors.org You may also mail a check to: Neighbors 4 Neighbors, 8900 NW 18 Terrace, Doral FL 33172.
Neighbors 4 Neighbors is generously supported by the Herbert Hoover Foundation and The Children’s Services Council of Broward County.
FEATURE cbsmiami.com | Nov-Dec 2015 23
health
Breathe... Less-Invasive Sinus Surgery Provides Quick Relief For Patients
C
David Sutta • dsutta@cbs.com
hronic sinusitis is one of the most common reasons people head to the doctor. Traditionally, surgical options have been a last resort due to the painful side effects—but now that’s changing. A new approach has patients breathing freely almost immediately. Breathing easy is something Lori Whalen of Plymouth, Massachusetts forgot how to do. “I had a great deal of pain and pressure here and there and all through my head,” said Whalen. Like one out of seven Americans, Whalen had chronic sinusitis. That’s when the sinus tissue is so inflamed that fluids don’t drain and can become infected. “Just a constant malaise for two months, just feeling horrible, and then finally a fever of 102, after 7 days I waited and I went to the doctor and she said, ‘we need to get this taken care of,’” said Whalen. That led Whalen to Dr. Anit Patel, an ENT specialist at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Plymouth. He is now doing a less-invasive method of sinus surgery. “It’s a big difference and traditionally with sinus surgery, you are removing a lot of tissue and bone and these days we don’t do that,” Dr. Patel said. Instead, with a slender probe and a video monitor, he can avoid any incisions and still open the passage ways by removing diseased tissue. Then he implants a device called propel. A company video shows how, after the sinuses are cleared, the device springs open while emitting a localized steroid over several weeks which slowly dissolves while keeping inflammation down. “That steroid is only local, as opposed to taking a steroid by mouth which can have side effects throughout the entire body,” Dr. Patel said. Recovery from the procedure is a big improvement from traditional surgery. “Traditionally you are out of work for 2-3 weeks, you have those large packs that come out of your nose, you have black eyes,” Dr. Patel said. Patients can usually go back to work the next day. Whalen said she had no pain at all—and went through spring with barely a sniffle. “I was the most pain free thing, like I said, dental appointments, cleanings are worse,” Whalen said.
HEALTH cbsmiami.com | Nov-Dec 2015 25
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New Procedure Freezes Fat Away Vanessa Borge • vborge@cbs.com
Y
ou’re told you have to sweat your fat away. Well a new device is letting patients freeze their fat away instead. It’s called CoolSculpting. When Crystal Guerra looked in the mirror all she saw were those extra pounds she couldn’t drop. “My biggest problem area was probably my stomach, my tummy, because I had that bulge,” said Guerra. And like many people those last five to ten pounds were the hardest to lose. “It’s hard to tone up and get rid of those trouble areas no matter how much you work out,” said Guerra. But then she heard about a new procedure called CoolSculpting. It has a gel patch that clamps on to the skin and freezes the fat cells
beneath. “Basically the fat comes in direct contact with this cooling plate which drops down to a cool enough temperature that freezes your fat cells without freezing anything else,” said Tanya Patron, a physician’s assistant for Miami Plastic Surgery. She says those frozen fat cells die and are then flushed away by the body over the next few months. But there is a strict criteria for patients. “It’s not meant for patients that are overweight or obese. It’s for healthy patients that are about ten to fifteen pounds of where they want to be,” said Patron. The procedure is quick. “I came in in the morning, I had my hour session and from there I went straight to work,” said Guerra.
Because there is no surgery and patients are seeing impressive results, they keep coming back for more. “Once I saw those results I wanted to do my arms and my thighs,” said Guerra. There are cosmetic surgery providers that do not offer CoolSculpting, because they claim it is ineffective compared to traditional liposuction. Patron agrees that in some cases liposuction might be a better option. “It can start at $750 to $900 depending on the applicator so if you are treating a left and right side that can be $1500 and then we recommend two sessions so that can really start to add up,” said Patron. “At that point it might be time to have a conversation with your physician to see if you are a better candidate for liposuction.” Some medical experts believe CoolSculpt-
ing may harm the liver. Dr. Roberto Viel, a cosmetic surgeon from the London Centre for Aesthetic Surgery, was quoted in the British newspaper The Daily Mail as saying: “…the liver could become overloaded and body could struggle, causing lethargy. I wouldn’t advise someone with liver problems to have a treatment like this.” Currently, because it’s a relatively new procedure, there is a lack of research into its long-term effects. But CoolSculpting is approved by the FDA. And remember you still have to put in the work even after the procedure. “This is not a solution for the rest of your life. You do still need to go to the gym and you do still need to eat healthy so it doesn’t come back,” said Guerra. HEALTH cbsmiami.com | Nov-Dec 2015 29
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nsert a balloon into your stomach, start to lose weight. Those are the basics of a new procedure you can only get from a University of Miami doctor. That doctor recently spoke with CBS4. “The FDA finally approved a balloon that we can place in the stomach to help jump start a patient’s weight loss,” said Dr. Nestor de la Cruz-Munoz, chief bariatric surgeon at University of Miami Health System. The procedure, called ORBERA, is a middle ground for patients who want to lose weight without surgery but need more help than just a nutrition and exercise plan. De la Cruz-Munoz is the only physician in Florida approved to do the procedure. He said it’s a good option for people who need to lose 20 to 40 pounds. “It’s a very low risk procedure, easily placed, people won’t miss time at work and they will be able to get back to their lives right away,” said de la Cruz-Munoz. With the non-surgical technique, the doctor will place the balloon in the stomach during an endoscopy. “The space of the balloon fills part of the stomach and makes the patient feel as if they are partially full,” he said. He said the balloon also helps slow the emptying of food from the stomach which could make you feel full longer. The balloon stays in for up to six months, and is part of a twostep plan. “And then they work with us, with our nutritionists and with our therapists, to make sure they are doing the right things to make these weight loss outcomes go long term,” said de la CruzMunoz. “So I think this is a huge step forward for the people of Florida.”
It’s a very low risk procedure, easily placed, people won’t miss time at work and they will be able to get back to their lives right away.” Dr. Nestor de la Cruz-Munoz
HEALTH cbsmiami.com | Nov-Dec 2015 33
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DNA Testing Offered For Personalized Skin Care Treatments Rudabeh Shahbazi • rshahbazi@cbs.com
A
s more people want to find out what’s going on inside their bodies, doctors are offering patients a way to personalize their skin care and it involves taking a look at an individual’s DNA. When Beverly Galloway decided to work on her skin care regimen, she wanted a plan that was tailored just for her so she tried Skinshift. “They took the swab. They sent it off to the lab and said you know we’ll be in touch in several weeks when we get all the results back,” said Galloway. She tried a simple cheek swab to learn more about her skin and the specific skin care areas she should focus on. The idea behind the testing? “We’re looking at something called single nucleotide polymorphisms. They’re the differences in one person’s body’s function versus the other,” said Integrative Health Physician Dr. Ruthie Harper. Harper founded one of the major companies using DNA analysis for skin care. She says the DNA report can provide a deeper look at the strengths and weaknesses of an individual’s skin.The test she uses looks at the genetics behind five different factors: collagen formation, antioxidant protection, sun protection, glycation protection, and sensitivity control. “And that report is going to tell you specific information about high, medium and low priority areas of skin health and beauty so that you can make specific skin care decisions. The goal was to get faster results, better results, more cost effectively with, with less trial and error,” said Harper. Dermatologist Dr. Sejal Shah also offers DNA testing to her patients. She believes personalization is the future of healthcare. “Skin care customization is kind of where we’re going and the DNA test just takes that to a whole other level. It just gives you a sort of guideline as to how you should be tailoring your skin care,” said Shah. Not everyone is convinced DNA testing, which can range from $99 to $400 and up, is the key to fighting wrinkles, dark spots and more, at least right now. “Rest assured that there is more similarities in our DNA than there are differences and most of the products that you have available now will do just great for you even if you don’t know your own specific DNA,” said Dr. Doris Day who is the Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Center. Shah acknowledged that as understanding of DNA gets better, the technology will improve but, she said, that’s not a reason to skip the test altogether. “That’s what you can use right now as a guideline. It’s not to say that in 10 or 15 years we won’t have more information and things will be better, but that’s just how medicine and technology changes,” said Shah. Galloway is on board. She says she’s changed her skin care routine since learning her results, and she’s already seen improvement in her skin tone and texture. “It just feels healthier, which is important to me,” said Galloway. Doctors point out that, of course, the environment plays a big role in your skin health. For example, Dr. Shah said everyone should wear sunscreen and if you’re in an environment with more pollution, you’ll want to use products that provide antioxidant protection, even if a DNA test didn’t identify that as a priority area. HEALTH cbsmiami.com | Nov-Dec 2015 37
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Little Pink Pill FDA Approves ‘Female Viagra’ & Could Hit Shelves Soon
Oralia Ortega oortega@cbs.com
T
he Food and Drug Adminstration has approved a drug to help women’s libidos. Although Flibanserin – known as the little pink pill – may be months away from being made available to women with low libido, it’s got people on Lincoln Road talking. “I think it’s good,” said Caterine Gomez. “I mean, if men get a benefit out of it, women will also.” “I think anything that increases somebody’s sexual performance or enhances it is good,” said Darryl Grandison. “If men have the option to use something, I think it’s great that women have the option to use it as well,” said Amanda Fawcett. Advocates say Flibanserin boosts desire in women with low sex drive. While opponents say low libido in women is often not a medical problem and the drug’s benefits do not outweigh its side effects. “This drug can cause sudden unconsciousness. It can cause nausea and sedation and excessive sleepiness,” said PharmedOut Director Adriane Fugh-Berman. The little pink pill was originally tested as an anti-depressant. Unlike Viagra, this drug does not treat physical symptoms of sexual dysfunction – instead it affects the mind. This was the FDA’s third time considering Flibanserin in five years. In June, an FDA Advisory Panel voted to recommend approving the drug if the manufacturer took steps to limit the risks involved. The drug will carry a boxed warning to highlight the potential side effects. The FDA said that’s because of a potentially serious interaction with alcohol. The pill will only be available through certified health care professionals and certified pharmacies.
HEALTH cbsmiami.com | Nov-Dec 2015 41
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A
House Republican has proposed the creation of a program that would offer financial help to dentists who practice in underserved areas. The bill filed by Rep. Travis Cummings, of Orange Park, will be considered during the 2016 legislative session. It comes after years of discussion about a lack of dentists in some low-income parts of the state. Cummings’ bill would lead to the creation of “dental care access accounts,” which would include state and local funds. Dentists who agree to practice in underserved areas could use money from the accounts for such expenses as repayment of dental-school student loans and investment in dental-office facilities and equipment. “The Legislature recognizes that maintaining good oral health is integral to overall health status and that the good health of residents of this state is an important contributing factor in economic development,” the bill says. “Better health, including better oral health, enables workers to be more productive, reduces the burden of health care costs, and improves the cognitive development of children.”
Proposal Would Help Dentists In Underserved Areas
HEALTH cbsmiami.com | Nov-Dec 2015 45
Life
Would you like to donate Growing Trend of ‘Checkout Charities’ Has Customers Feeling the Pressure
F
Eliott Rodriguez erodriguez@cbs.com
rom the supermarket to the drug store, are you being ambushed at the checkout counter by cashiers wanting you to donate to charity? Some say this act is exhausting their good will, and others want to know what happens to all that money. “Would you like to round up 31 cents to go to charity?” a cashier might ask a customer. It’s a question you may be getting more and more at checkout counters.
Shopper Gabby Jimenez says she gives because she thinks she’s doing a good deed. “It’s a great way to show the community that you’re giving back,” Jimenez said. But shopper Eric Berrios has a different opinion. “It’s like a little pressure,” he said. It’s not a new concept, but “checkout charity” is a growing one. Dozens of big name retailers collected nearly $400 million last year on behalf of a variety of charities. But are shoppers guilted into it, or glad to be handing over the cash? That’s the question one charity consultant posed to more than 3,000 people in a recent survey. “They feel good about the charity they have given to at the register and about the retailer that has asked them to give,” said Brittany Hill with the Good Scout Group. The Good Scout Group, which conducted the survey, says 55 percent of shoppers say they don’t mind being asked to donate at the counter because it’s easy and affordable. But, a significant amount — 45 percent — say they dislike being asked to donate at the
register and do it only because they feel pressured. “So in other words, if they do not give, they feel guilty about it,” Hill said. Charity Watch, a charity watchdog organization, says stores generally don’t take a cut of checkout campaigns. However, in some cases, the charities may pay the retailer a monthly fee for making the collections. If you’re hesitant about giving, experts say simply explain that you want to learn more about the cause first — or, say you already donate to a charity of your choice. “If they don’t want to give, the donations are completely voluntary,” said Walmart manager Kevin Perry, who adds they never pass judgement. “Hopefully they never feel pressure, but hopefully they want to give to the communities they’re in.” JCPenney says it tries to make it a little easier on customers by asking them to “round up” their bill to the nearest dollar. “Our typical round up donation is about 44 cents,” said Jamal Thomas with JCPenney. “But you know that number seems small but it actually adds up in the long run.” LIFE cbsmiami.com | Nov-Dec 2015 47
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Exploding Glass Doors A Growing Problem David Sutta • dsutta@cbs.com
routine, nighttime, shower ended with an emergency room visit for a 9-year-old boy after his glass shower door suddenly shattered. It’s a problem that appears to be happening more frequently around the country but there are things that can be done to protect yourself. Glass shower doors are spontaneously exploding and causing injuries. Oliver Kwilinski, just 9-years-old was the latest victim. “I was shaking it was really scary.” he said. Kwilinski was hit by sharp glass while showering before bedtime last month. He says it was all a surprise. He didn’t hit the glass or bang into it. “It just exploded,” he said. The glass shower door spontaneously shattered, lacerating his arm and cutting his leg. “It kinda came down like rain,” he recalled. Amy Kwilinski, his mother, was terrified. “I heard what I thought was a bomb or, the explosion was so loud that I ran upstairs and was expecting maybe an airplane through my roof, or a tree falling on my house. Something, I know I was yelling all the way up the stairs, ‘what happened? What happened? What happened,’” she said. Amy rushed in to find the bathroom covered in glass. She rushed her son to the hospital. Thankfully he’s going to be fine. What happened to the shower door? Mark Meshulum, a professional shower door installer, knew exactly what happened. “I hear about it on a regular basis. People send me e-mails and pictures. It happens pretty much every day,” Meshulum said. He says this all has to do with tempered glass. “Tempered glass is the number one product that is used for shower doors. It is considered to be a safety glass because when it breaks it breaks into tiny little pieces. Safety glass – that if broken is supposed to shatter into tiny pieces to avoid injuries,” he explained. The problem is to make tempered glass, the
glass itself is put under an enormous amount of pressure. One wrong move, Mark likens it to a balloon. “It’s exactly like a balloon. It catastrophically breaks. It just doesn’t break in that area. The entire piece of glass will break in an instant,” Meshulum said. A lot of people are getting hurt. Earlier this month, a 7-year old needed staples on her head and stitches on her leg. “I looked up at her head and it was just gushing blood,” the mother said. Mark agreed to examine the Kwilinski’s remaining shower door. He was not impressed with the quality of glass or metal components. But he says the bigger problem is an industry problem. “There are no industry standards,” he said. The number of reports of glass shower doors breaking has increased. Three years ago, during a 12-month period, there were six glass shower door complaints made to the Consumer Product Safety Commission but during the most recent 12 months there were 58. So what should you do if you have one of these showers? Meshulum says, “Ask for a safety film that’s good for shower doors and have it installed on the side away from the water so that the water doesn’t make it come unstuck.” This way, if the glass explodes, it stays together. As for the Kwilinskis, they are avoiding glass for now. “There needs to be either a safer shower door or I can’t have them in our house. We don’t want another glass door in our house. We just put up a shower curtain and we are not going to install any more glass doors ever until we see they are safe to install,” Amy said. Mark says the number of complaints filed is small, compared to the number of glass doors that actually break. He warns applying the protective film should be done by a professional and the film needs to extend underneath any metal hardware.
LIFE cbsmiami.com | Nov-Dec 2015 51
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Vanessa Borge • vborge@cbs.com
ne of the first things we learn when learning to drive is to always “keep your eyes on the road.” These days drivers have more options than ever before to have information projected in their line of sight. When private pilot Jerry Greenfield first saw a head-up display, it was in a flight simulator. “You see the flight instruments, you’ll see your airspeed,” said Greenfield who is very interested in the technology. Today, a growing number of automakers are building similar displays into vehicles which project things like speed or navigation onto the windshield or into the driver’s field of vision. It’s the type of feature Greenfield would like to see in his next car. “I like the idea of being able to look straight ahead and see all the information I need without having to look away from the road,” said Greenfield. Ron Montoya of edmunds.com has test driven vehicles with the technology built-in. He feels these types of displays make a drive safer. “If you think about it, when you look at your speed gauges or your navigation screen you are taking your eyes off the road, even if it’s only for a brief moment,” Montoya said. Some companies are developing displays designed for use in any vehicle. They’ll include additional functionality that would allow drivers to do things like receive and respond to text messages, or post to social media all while
keeping their eyes on the road. “The technology seems promising and it seems to sort of integrate a couple of smart phone features which we’re not really getting from the factory systems,” said Montoya. Jacob Nelson, the director of Traffic Safety Advocacy for the American Automobile Association (AAA), feels more testing is needed to study the impact head-up displays have on driver distraction. One concern is the amount of information included in the display. “The risk though is that if we are projecting information on the windshield or in the forward driving environment that isn’t integral to the core task of driving, then we’re overloading the driver,” said Nelson. Montoya has some advice for car buyers considering purchasing a vehicle with a head-up display. “Test it out for yourself and see if you want to make that decision and get that system,” said Montoya. As for Greenfield, he says next time he’s in the market for a new car, it’s a feature he’ll be on the lookout for. “If you’re going to drive safely, keeping your eyes on the road is obviously the most important thing,” said Greenfield. Right now head-up displays are built into a small number of car models. But, experts point out that often technology appears first in high end models and as it gains popularity and prices come down it spreads to more popular models.
LIFE cbsmiami.com | Nov-Dec 2015 55
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f you have paid a medical bill recently, there’s a good chance you paid too much. It’s a concept Jeremy Winetraub now understands well. While still recovering from hernia surgery, he got hit with a $20,000 bill from the hospital. “It was horrifying,” he said. Jeremy’s doctor was in his insurance company’s network, what he didn’t know was the hospital was not. They were looking for Winetraub to cover the costs his insurance company would not. “We pay a lot for insurance and then to have a $20,000 bill. We were losing sleep over it,” he said. Stories like Winetraub’s are becoming increasingly common as the world of medical billing gets more complicated. That’s why Rebecca Palm founded CoPatient, a company which helps patients reduce their bills. “We typically find opportunities
for them [patients] to save money on about 75% – 80% of the bills that people submit to us,” she said. There are all kinds of reasons for those surprise bills and it’s not always the out-of-network issue. Sometimes, according to Palm, the bills are just plain wrong. “Errors in medical bills are incredibly common,” she said. The first step to catching mistakes is to make sure you have all the information. Palm pointed out bills for hospital stays tend to be vague, with few details accompanying the total amount due. Hospitals will gladly print out a detailed, itemized bill if you ask. Some of the most common errors in those bills include: duplicate charges, charges for tests that were never performed and inaccurate operating room fees. To avoid an issue like Winetraub had, patients should always try
to make sure providers and facilities are in your plan’s network, but in emergency situations, that’s not always practical. So if you do get hit with those out-of-network fees, Palm insists those fees are negotiable. “It’s a little bit of a made up number that is kind of artificially inflated to be higher than what any actual insurance plan is going to reimburse for that service,” she said. Winetraub negotiated with the hospital and they forgave the entire $20,000 bill. He is grateful, but believes the system needs to be fixed. “It seemed like a weird sort of game that I didn’t know the rules for,” he said. State and federal insurance mandates have resulted in health plans with much higher out-of-pocket costs. That means the stakes are that much higher and catching an error could save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars. LIFE cbsmiami.com | Nov-Dec 2015 57
GOURMET HOME COOKING BY CHEF SCOTT WISE
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Kuro taste of the town
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By Lisa Petrillo • lpetrillo@wfor.cbs.com
hether you’re trying out one of the many fun cocktails, sampling the expertly hand-crafted sushi or enjoying Executive Chef Alex Becker’s heartier and impressive dishes, the all new Kuro at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood has it all. This elegant, beachy, sexy space that’s seats 250 is all about combining Vegas-style fun with a creatively designed Japanese style menu. “We really want it to speak to people to come in here and have fun. The food we make is exciting, the dining room should say the same thing so we have a consistent thing going on for guests,” said Becker. Chef Becker was busy prepares his Koji lamb with broccolini, blueberry jus and his special cauliflower puree as I took a quick taste from the pot on the stove. This puree looks like mashed potatoes but it’s much better, it has real flavor, Walk around the kitchen and there’s a lot going on. Pounds of fresh tuna and other fish had just arrived, all quickly prepped for that night’s dinner service. Chef Becker works hands on with his staff of chefs to create a menu that’s makes a memory. “We push ourselves, we push each other and we ask a lot of staff. Heart and soul goes into everything we do,” Becker said.
My first tasting dish was the roasted lamb with cauliflower puree, blueberry jus and brocollini. “The meat is super tender, it has just the right amount of salt on it and then the blueberry jus sauce on top is a sweet touch,” I said, after tasting. And let’s not forget the cocktail, called Hachi made from Japanese bourbon, mushrooms and other magical ingredients. I gave it a small sip. It was warm, and smooth and went down easy. Next a funky dish. It’s Corn Tempura with a special homemade dipping sauce. I gave it try: The corn and sweet onions together works perfectly. This is great appetizer or side dish. Next, Hokkaido Scallop Sashimi with yuzu jelly, young ginger and edible flowers. I found this dish to be so delicate so smooth, so fresh. It’s such an elegant dish. “Tiny bites of pure perfection,” is how I would describe it. And finally, a dessert of all desserts! Japanese Zabaione. It’s local fruits like dragon fruit, peaches, blueberries and apricots. Then tiny ginger cookies, tapioca pearls and ginger gummies. It was a bowl full of fun and flavor. Kuro is opened 6 days a week, Tuesday through Sunday, dinner only. For more info visit www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com LIFE cbsmiami.com | Nov-Dec 2015 59
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Online Poker Players Beware Of Scam
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nline poker players beware. There may be someone at your table looking at your cards, but they’re not standing behind you. It’s a warning everyone needs to hear, even if they’re not the one playing. That’s because there’s a new computer virus making the rounds, and it’s giving cheaters an unfair advantage. Security experts say hundreds of players have been duped into the scam on websites like “Poker Stars” and “Full Tilt Poker.” After the virus is installed onto your computer, it downloads poker-related programs. It then takes screenshots of the infected players’ cards and sends it to hackers. They then join online tables where their victims are playing and end up stealing their money. The scam is concerning for professional players. “Hopefully this is going to be rectified somehow, so that we can continue doing what we love for a living and hopefully poker will be around for a very long time,” said Maria Ho, Professional Poker Player. Despite federal and state bans, millions still find ways to gamble online, typically on websites based outside of the country. Security experts advise you keep your anti-virus software up-to-date and remove any suspicious files.
LIFE cbsmiami.com | Nov-Dec 2015 63
Dade Students Take On
Hurricane Preps
I
Vanessa Borge • vborge@cbs.com
t’s a been ten years since the last major hurricane hit south Florida but it’s important to always stay prepared because it only takes one. South Florida students are ready if a storm does come our way thanks to a natural disaster simulation. Fictional Hurricane Carlos was closing in on South Florida. It’s a category 3 with winds topping 130 miles per hour. Don’t worry! It’s all made-up. It’s an interactive way to prepare the South Florida seventh graders from Shenandoah Middle School on what it would be like if a major hurricane hit. Much more goes into preparing for a storm than buying water and filling up gas tanks. And that’s what the students learned recently at the Department of Emergency Management. “Are folks going to have to be evacuated? That is certainly a concern. Storm surge. What’s the strength of the wind? How much rain?” said Erik Salna from the International Hurricane Research Center. The students formed their own local government and as a group decided how to deal with the made-up scenarios. “It’s really helping us with team work and how to depend on other people when we all need help,” said student Yoslynn Perez. During the simulation, a fake fire broke out in a high school designated as a storm shelter and 1,000 people were waiting to be relocated. Yoslynn and her group were in charge of transportation. “Right now we are trying to figure out how many cars do we need and vans do we need to transport the people in the shelter,” said Yoslynn. Victor Morales was part of the animal rescue operation. “The animals that escaped. We are to capture them and make sure they are not hurt and return them to their owners,” said Morales. The hope is that one day the students will be the leaders we turn to in the future if there is a storm. “When they realize the significance of the roles that organizations play in our community, it opens their eyes to think hmm maybe I want to do that too,” Salna said. Hurricane season ends November 30th. We are still in the thick of it, so you should stay just as prepared as the students are.
LIFE cbsmiami.com | Nov-Dec 2015 65
Simply
i
Blacc
YORDANKA CORDON
n the ever growing pursuit to create a boutique that stands out among the many found in this city, Stephanie Farah, owner of Blacc Boutique, strives to bring something a little different that will set her apart from the rest. With an eclectic taste in style, Farah traveled to New York and Los Angeles to purchase her inventory for Blacc’s grand opening. At first glance it may look like your typical boutique, but once inside you quickly realize the distinctive style that comprises Blacc. “When it comes to clothes I love to mix things up, so I don’t really follow the rules,” said Farah. Farah graduated with a degree in Fashion Merchandizing from Miami International University of Art & Design. “I can’t draw, but I know how to buy,” said Farah. Since a young age, she had this dream of opening her own boutique, and her dream became a reality a few days before her 25 birthday. Having worked in boutiques throughout her early years, not only did she learn how it worked, but also what it
Stephanie Farah, owner of Blacc Boutique
took to run a successful one. “Costumer service is what is all about,” said Farah. “You need to have good communication with your costumers, and we have created great relationships with ours.” One main aspect of Blacc that sets it apart from the rest of the boutiques in the area, is the range of sizes it carries. Ranging from extra-small to 3x, it caters to many who don’t really think of boutiques as an option when shopping for
something cute and trendy. Dolls and Divas is what Farah calls it. “What I get for my Dolls I try and get for my Divas,” said Farah. “ I don’t want someone to walk in here and feel discouraged or uncomfortable because the reality is that boutique sizes don’t run true to size.” Farah goes out of her way to find the right fit for her boutique by attending vendor shows and scouting for articles of clothing that help piece together the style she has envisioned. Boutiques are also known to be highpriced stores, but that doesn’t mean that she will break your bank account. This self-conscious young woman relates to all those young high school and college students and remembers being once a student herself. “I won’t dent your wallet, if it looks like is $20, then that’s what I will price it at,” said Farah. “ I didn’t do this for the money; I did it because I love it. I will not price anything over $100.” Farah hopes to continue with Blacc’s tradition and open a couple more stores in the future. After all, just like the ever sought out little-black-dress, black is a color that could be worn with anything, and what better way to remember Blacc then to simply think of black.
business spotlight | Nov-Dec 2015 67
5
real estate
Things You Need to Know Before You Finance a New Home
Unless you have a suitcase full of cash, chances are you’ll need a mortgage loan to help buy your dream home.
I
Content provided by zillow.com
f you plan to buy a home with financing, you may feel overwhelmed by everything you need to learn about the process. Here are five key points to get you started.
Understand the full cost of owning a home There are four main categories of a homeowner’s monthly housing payment — principal, interest, taxes and insurance (P.I.T.I.). Principal and interest comprise your monthly mortgage payment. The principal pays down your loan balance monthly, and the interest pays your fee for borrowing the money. Use an amortization calculator to see the principal-versusinterest breakdown over time. Taxes refer to property taxes assessed by the county you live in, and average 1.2 percent of your home’s value each year. Homeowners insurance is required when you have a mortgage, and you pay it to an insurance company of your choosing. Insurance typically costs $700 to $1,200 per year for a single family home. In addition to P.I.T.I., if you live in a planned unit development (PUD) or condo, you’ll have homeowners association dues, which cover common area amenities, ongoing upkeep, and reserves for future maintenance. These monthly dues range from $100 to over $1,000. If you don’t live in a PUD or condo, you should construct your own savings plan for future maintenance.
Examine your credit history now A strong credit report is critical for getting the best mortgages with
the lowest rates. Lenders want reliable on-time payment history, as well as credit depth. Your report will be more appealing to lenders if you have a significant amount of credit. If you need to obtain more credit, note that your credit score can drop 5-15 points when you first open a new account, then will rise again when you’ve established good payment history, so it’s best to open new accounts a few months before applying for a mortgage. Federal law entitles you to a free credit report every year, but these reports only show account history, and don’t include scores. Get your credit score, and take steps to improve it, if necessary.
Match mortgage products to your budget & timeline You can calculate how much you can afford to spend on a home with inputs you already know: income, monthly non-housing debt, and savings for down payment. Next, you need to think about how long you’re going to be in a particular home so you can target the right loan product. If your income isn’t going to grow over time, you will probably be in the home longer term, so you’ll want a loan with a payment that won’t change, like a 30-year fixed. Or maybe you expect your income to increase sharply within five years and you’re going to upgrade homes within that time, so you’ll want a five-year ARM, which has a much lower rate. If you don’t have a 20-percent down payment, you can buy with as little as 3 percent down using FHA, VA, Fannie Mae, or Freddie
Mac low-down programs, but you’ll have mortgage insurance on top of your monthly P.I.T.I. Estimate your mortgage insurance with a mortgage calculator.
Get pre-approved in advance If you do all your home financing research without getting pre-approved, you could be disappointed when it comes time to find a home. Home shopping is competitive, and most sellers require your offer to be submitted with a lender preapproval letter to prove you’re all ready with your financing.
Know what lenders will require When you’re ready to get preapproved, remember that lenders will closely examine all aspects of your life. They’ll ask for full name, address, date of birth, social security number, and ages of children. They’ll also review your credit report, employment history, pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, divorce and any other legal settlements, and full financials for any businesses you own. A lender will give you a checklist outlining exactly what documents they need. Follow this checklist exactly. If they only ask for your last two pay stubs, don’t send three. If they only ask for federal tax returns, don’t send state. Also, be prepared to write short letters to explain past inquiries on your credit report, past addresses, and name changes. Now that you’ve got an overview, you can dive deeper into home financing topics, then find a lender in your area to partner with you through the process.
REAL ESTATE | Nov-Dec 2015 69
Will the New Mortgage Disclosure Laws Delay Your Home Purchase?
Beginning October 3, new documents will add time to the closing process. Here’s the one thing you need to know so you can write offers that will close faster than competing buyers.
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Content provided by zillow.com
eginning October 3, 2015, home buyers applying for a mortgage will receive new rate and fee quote forms from lenders. These federally required consumer disclosures, which go by the name TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosures (or TRID), will make it easier for you to understand rate and fee quotes from lenders. However, they will also slow down your home-buying process. Lenders must not only deliver these new rate and fee disclosures to you twice during the home loans process — after application and before closing — but also must comply with disclosure timing rules in the beginning and end of the loan process. Speed wins when writing home purchase offers, and this extra time can mean the difference between a seller accepting and rejecting your offer. Here’s how to optimize your timing so you can write offers that will close faster than competing buyers.
Closing disclosure and timing rules
Loan estimate disclosure and timing rules
What is the fastest timing for the new disclosure process?
The first new disclosure is called the Loan Estimate. This document clearly shows your rate quote, loan term, line-item fees, and cash needed to close. Before the lender can collect fees for critical next steps in the loan process — like ordering an appraisal, which your loan can’t close without — the lender must also obtain your intent to proceed based on the quoted terms. The Loan Estimate must be given to you within three days of applying for a mortgage. The federal agency that made and enforces the TRID rules — the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) — allows for mail or electronic delivery of the Loan Estimate. If you applied with a lender who’s using mail delivery late on a Wednesday, they would mail your Loan Estimate and intent-to-proceed disclosures Thursday, you might get it Saturday, and they couldn’t collect fees and order your appraisal until they received your consent Monday, which is already day six into the process. If you applied with a lender who’s using electronic delivery late on a Wednesday, they could deliver your Loan Estimate and intent-to-proceed disclosures for you to consent to online that evening, and they could collect fees and order appraisal that same evening — all on the first day of the process.
The second new disclosure, called the Closing Disclosure, looks almost exactly the same as the Loan Estimate, which makes it easy for buyers to review the closing terms and compare them to the originally quoted terms. It also provides further clarity on closing costs by showing which line item costs are paid by buyer, seller, and third parties. The lender must provide this document to you at least three days before closing. The new CFPB disclosure rules don’t allow Sundays and holidays to count in this three-day waiting period, and day one is the day after you get the Closing Disclosure. For example, if a lender sent your Closing Disclosure on a Wednesday, the three-day waiting period is Thursday, Friday, Saturday. Then they can fund your loan and close your home purchase on Monday, which is day six from the time you received the disclosure.
Prior to October 3, 2015, you could fund the same day you got final disclosures, and real estate agents are accustomed to writing purchase contracts based on this old timing. As of October 3, your agent and lender must coordinate closely when writing purchase contracts to make sure your agent accounts for these new TRID timelines to write the fastest contract possible. • Shortest timeline post-application: If your lender is mailing disclosures, the CFPB’s new TRID rules add about six days in the beginning of the process from application to appraisal order. If your lender is using electronic disclosures, they can go from application to appraisal order in one day. • Shortest timeline pre-closing: All lenders must comply with the three-day waiting period after the Closing Disclosure is ready. But as the example above illustrates, the pre-closing waiting period is actually more than three days. So here’s the key to making sure your mortgage process goes as quickly and smoothly as possible: When you find a lender in your current home shopping journey, ask them about their process for the new TRID rules, and have them clarify closing timelines for your real estate agent before you write any offers.
REAL ESTATE | Nov-Dec 2015 71
Recently Sold Content provided by zillow.com
9220 SW 70th St, Miami, FL 33173 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 1980 Sold: 9/28/2015 for
$560,500
T
Size (sq. ft.)
beds
baths
3,238 4
3
astefully remodeled open floor plan, centered around a massive gourmet kitchen featuring stainless appliances and quartz counter tops. Beautifully landscaped with lush plants surrounding the property. Large pool and patio area that is perfect for entertaining and BBQs. Master bedroom features large walk in closet and en suite master bath with double vanity sinks and glass shower. 2 car attached garage. Brand new AC and ducts. Smart home integrated.
3 Grove Isle Dr # C208, Miami, FL 33133 CONDO | Built in: 1981 Sold: 9/30/2015 for
$625,000
P
Size (sq. ft.)
1,642
beds
baths
2 2
rice reduced! Enjoy island living at exclusive Grove Isle with this beautifully remodeled unit. Open kitchen, impact windows and sliding glass doors, marble floors, custom built-ins. The upgrades are endless! Resort lifestyle at Grove Isle with ample amenities including: 3 pools, tennis courts, bay side jogging path, security, gym, and so much more!
Recently Sold Content provided by zillow.com
14903 SW 74th Pl, Palmetto Bay, FL 33158 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 1971 Sold: 10/5/2015 for
$767,000
B
Size (sq. ft.)
beds
baths
3,585 4
3
eautiful, upgraded pool home in the heart of Palmetto Bay! Impact Doors and Windows, Imported marble floors, custom closets, automated blinds, water-softener & purifier, new kitchen & baths, Heated/ Screened pool, impeccably maintained home! Fruit trees are aplenty on this large lot! Seller request shoes be removed prior to entry.
3635 Justison Rd, Coconut Grove, FL 33133 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 1945 Sold: 10/7/2015 for
$845,000
R
Size (sq. ft.)
beds
baths
1,900 3
2
are South Grove 12,775 sf corner lot. Many options here. Sunny and charming 3/2. Move in now, renovate,or custom build.Lot fenced with electric gate.Quiet street within walking distance to schools,parks,and Coconut Grove’s finest restaurants.
REAL ESTATE | Nov-Dec 2015 73
Recently Sold Content provided by zillow.com
7504 SW 178th Ter, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 1979 Sold: 9/30/2015 for
$860,000
M
Size (sq. ft.)
beds
4,439 5
baths
4
odern Architectural tri-level home located in Palmetto Bay, steps from Old Cutler Rd. Complete renovation in 2012. Master Bedroom suite located on top level w/wood floors, huge walk-in-closet and balcony. All cabinets, interior doors and Millwork are solid wood. Wood Kitchen w/Quartz countertops and Thermador appliances. LED Lighting throughout. Resort-like heated pool w/tanning ledge, spa, waterfalls and iLink system. Control all lighting, pool, equip, sprinklers, and more via iPhone or iPad.
1260 Mariola Ct, Coral Gables, FL 33134 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 1957 Sold: 10/23/2015 for
$1,446,054
C
Size (sq. ft.)
beds
baths
3,551 4 3
ontemporary home on very desired picture perfect street! Across from Biltmore golf course. Oversized 18,000 sq ft lot on quiet Mariola Ct. 2010 remodel, new master bath w/ large walk in closet, impact windows & doors generator that powers entire house, mosquito system. Great open floor plan w/ views to the pool & professionally landscaped patio. Perfect for Entertaining! House Was Recently Measured 3551 sq ft House was initially remodeled by renowned Architect Charles Pawley & landscaped by Frank Bilbao
Recently Sold Content provided by zillow.com
2515 Alhambra Cir, Coral Gables, FL 33134 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 2006 Sold: 9/30/2015 for
$2,500,000
M
Size (sq. ft.)
5,474
beds
baths
5 5.5
ajestic home on historic and prestigious Alhambra Circle. Built in 2006 featuring 6BR/6.5BA, elegant and quality high-end features coupled with soring ceilings throughout. Spacious living areas, formal living and dining rooms, library, gourmet eat-in kitchen, marble and wood floors throughout, and hurricane impact glass. Beautiful & covered patio area facing heated pool on a large exquisitely landscaped gated lot.
5830 SW 94th St, PINECREST, FL 33156 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 2002 Sold: 10/6/2015 for
$3,125,000
E
Size (sq. ft.)
beds
baths
6,751 6 7.5
ntertainer’s dream at this Peter Gallo designed NE Pinecrest tropical paradise. Situated on 1 acre w/ manicured lawn & lush foliage complimenting an inviting pool & enormous covered patio. The property features coral rock bathing grottos, koi ponds, tiki huts, and hot tub. Home has many distinct architectural details & exudes a warm charm. Soaring ceilings, oversized master w/ office, 5 ensuite bedrooms, mrble & wd flrs, impct win/drs, Formal LR & DR, 2 FR, Chef’s gourmet gas kit, 3 car garage, generator.
REAL ESTATE | Nov-Dec 2015 75
Rent?
Buy!
It’s Harder Than Ever to Afford the Monthly Rent While rents are less affordable than ever, monthly mortgage payments are still within reach of people making the median income in most places. Content provided by zillow.com
I
t’s getting harder for people to afford rents, but paying a mortgage is still more affordable on a monthly basis than it was in the years before the housing crisis. Zillow’s newest affordability report found that rents hit their least-affordable point to date in the second quarter of 2015. U.S. renters can now expect to spend 30.2 percent of their monthly income on rent payments. In certain markets, the problem is even worse. Renters in high demand markets like Los Angeles, San Jose, Miami and San Francisco can expect to spend more than 40 percent of their monthly income on rent — up over 10 percentage points from historical norms. Meanwhile, mortgages continue to be affordable for many. Buyers now should expect to spend 15.1 percent of their income on a mortgage payment. In the years before the real estate bubble and burst, borrowers could expect to spend around 21.3 percent of their monthly income on a mortgage payment.
Even if mortgage rates go up to six percent, buyers in most metros can still expect to spend less than 30 percent of their income on mortgage payments, according to Zillow’s quarterly report. With mortgages being more affordable than rents, it’s a good time to buy — as long as you can afford a down payment, said Zillow Chief Economist Dr. Svenja Gudell. “There are good reasons to rent temporarily — when you move to a new city, for example — but from an affordability perspective, rents are crazy right now,” Gudell said. “If you can possibly come up with a down payment, then it’s a good time to buy a home and start putting your money toward a mortgage.” However, saving for a down payment can be difficult when rents are unaffordable. Some overdrawn renters are skimping on health care, let alone saving to buy a home. For more information on rental and mortgage affordability, check out Zillow Research. REAL ESTATE | Nov-Dec 2015 77
Fall
How to Stage Your Home for
Follow these tips to show prospective buyers a home for all seasons. Content provided by zillow.com
Showings
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by NATALIE WISE
taging a home is like vacuuming before company arrives: You might not notice it when it’s done well, but you definitely notice when it isn’t. Fall’s biggest buyers are millennials with a sharp eye for detail and empty nesters looking to have some space to themselves, so it makes even more sense to set your home up to show well to these demograph-
ics. Since autumn is an especially homey time of year, it’s easy to add a bit of cozy comfort while keeping your place shipshape for showings.
Set the scene Do as much purging and packing as you can before beginning home showings. Store packed possessions out of sight in the garage or at a storage facility. Of course, furniture can stay, as long as it’s neutral and doesn’t take up too much room. It may seem counterintuitive, but pulling furniture away from the walls can make a room seem bigger, which is ideal. A few small touches are not remiss. A folded throw on the back of a chair is welcoming, as are a tasteful cluster of candles on the coffee table or a selection of nicelooking magazines.
Put a shine on it Once you’ve de-cluttered, a good oldfashioned deep clean is the number one way to make a house shine. Don’t forget
the “hidden” spaces that buyers may check, such as under-sink cabinets, closets and storage areas. It’s easy to become oblivious to things you see (and smell) every day, so hiring someone to come clean may be worth the investment if you’re short on time. Clear kitchen counters completely, except for perhaps a bowl of fresh apples or pears and a candle with a simple scent such as vanilla. Don’t forget the outside, too: Replace burnt-out bulbs on garage lights, sweep cobwebs, and power-wash siding or decks if necessary. A simple fall wreath and new welcome mat are effective and inexpensive improvements.
Let them in Potential buyers want to be able to see themselves living in the home they’re touring, so safely stowing away your family photographs and mementos will easily free up visual space for their mind’s eye. Hanging mirrors instead will bring light and life
to the space, making it look larger as well. Natural light is paramount to most buyers, so remove or open blinds and heavy curtains to keep rooms airy and bright. Inexpensive sheers on all of the windows will instantly lift visual weight from the interior. Fall days can turn gloomy, though, so be sure to have warm interior lighting ready to go if you need it.
Show purpose Setting up spaces in a neutral and intentional way will also help potential buyers design their own ideal life in the house. If you’ve turned the dining room into a catch-all station, it’s time to let that dining room table be seen again. If there is an office space, keep it as streamlined as possible. Millennials will want to see a clean office space where they can envision telecommuting. While these tips may be inconvenient or expensive in the short term, they can pay off in higher sale prices and less time on the market. And since the bulk of packing and moving work will be done already, you’ll be able to smoothly transition once your home sells.
REAL ESTATE | Nov-Dec 2015 79
10
Essential Supplies for DIY Movers
Content provided by zillow.com
Sure you’ll need boxes, but add in these other must-haves and you’ll be moving like a pro
M By Natalie Wise
oving can be a stressful time, especially if you’re taking the DIY route. Aside from the day-of essentials — coffee and donuts for you and your crew — you’ll want to gather these 10 must-have supplies ahead of time to make packing (and unpacking!) as smooth as possible. Most of these items can be ordered online or picked up at a local storage company, rental company or hardware store. 1. Boxes: Heavy-duty, wardrobe & specialty When you’re doing all the heavy lifting yourself, it can be tempting to scrimp on boxes and ask for used ones from local stores. This is a time-consuming process, and you’re likely to get odd-shaped boxes or produce boxes without lids. While some hand-me-down boxes are fine, you’ll also want to invest in new heavy-duty boxes built for moving. Don’t forget to pick up specialty boxes for mirrors and artwork, and wardrobe boxes with hanging racks to make putting your closet back in order a snap. 2. Packing tape Next, you’ll need packing tape, and lots of it. Packing tape can be expensive, but price indicates quality. Cheap tape is often flimsy and sticks to itself, requiring you to use more of it. Heavy-duty tape is a one-strip operation on the bottom and top of the box. Buy in bulk to get the best deal and avoid last-minute tape runs for expensive single rolls. 3. Moving blankets These can be standard blue moving blankets or just ones that are on their way out anyway and that you won’t mind getting a few grease strains or tears. These are mostly to protect furniture from jostling and so you can stack boxes or more furniture on top. If you’re packing a car or pickup truck, blankets are also useful for lining the trunk or bed so you don’t leave stains or scratches. Moving blankets also can be taped around bannisters to avoid damaging them on moving day. The more blankets you have on hand the better, so ask friends or family if you need more, or hit up a thrift store. 4. Stretch plastic wrap A roll of mover’s stretch plastic wrap that seals to itself can be a miracle-worker on moving day. Use it to bundle boxes together, keep plastic bins closed, hold rugs rolled, keep cabinet doors in place and so much more. The plastic wrap sticks only to itself and leaves no residue, so it’s a mover’s best friend.
5. Bubble wrap Of course, bubble wrap is a must-have for any move and is particularly useful for keeping delicate plates and bowls secure inside boxes. Use small bubbles for more delicate items and larger bubbles for larger items. With bubble wrap and the next two items on this list, all of your fragile items will be well-protected. 6. Packing paper Packing paper is a different animal than standard tissue paper or even brown paper used for mailing. This is a thin, flexible paper that is unbeatable for filling in boxes to keep items from shifting. You can use it much like bubble wrap for less-fragile items. The rule of thumb for moving is that nothing should move inside a box, so stuff packing paper to your heart’s content — or at least until nothing is rattling around anymore. 7. Paper towels Paper towels are another essential tool to keep within arm’s reach during your move. Not only are they useful for spills and cleanup, but they also can be a packing tool. Stuffing paper towels inside fragile vases or mugs will help keep them protected. Place a paper towel between dishes when stacking to prevent scuffs and dings. The best part: You can collect all of the paper towels when you get to your new place and use them for cleaning. 8. Carpet protection Most DIY movers won’t think of this one, but mover’s carpet protection film is a good investment. This is a different film than the stretch moving wrap and it won’t shift or drag on carpet or stairs. With the constant going in and out, carpet is sure to take a beating. If you add in a muddy, wet or snowy moving day, carpet protection is essential. 9. Easy moving sliders and/or a dolly When you’re moving by yourself, those little disks that you place under furniture to move it across the floor without lifting can be a major back-saver. There are specific sliders for carpet and hard surfaces, so one set of each should make moving much easier. If you can borrow a dolly, this is an unbeatable combination. You’ll be able to make fewer trips and save yourself a lot of struggle. 10. Utility knives A few high-quality utility knives within arms’ reach are a necessity. Brightly colored knives will be easy to find amidst the (hopefully organized) chaos.
REAL ESTATE | Nov-Dec 2015 81
Home Away from Home: Moving and Putting Down Roots Across the Country Content provided by zillow.com
M By Erika Riggs
oving is daunting. Moving across a state or the country is downright intimidating. Yet in an increasingly mobile society, more and more people pack up to move thousands of miles away. Moving as an adventure So how do you handle it? Think of it as an adventure, advises Lindsy Read. Last year, Read moved from Tacoma, WA to Nashville, TN with her husband and their toddler son. “It took 4 days of driving about 10 hours a day with a three-year-old,” Read said. “He did really well; he thought it was an adventure.” Read and her husband made it an adventure, stopping whenever the urge struck, and using the HotelTonight app to grab lastminute hotel deals. Pare it down Read’s other big tip for moving? Simplify. The couple chose to drive out with a single rental van, packing only what Read thought was essential: a family, a kitchen table a
friend made, decorations that reminded her of home, and anything her grandfather built. “If it’s not sentimental, then don’t bring it,” she said. She also flew out six weeks prior to moving to find a place and determine what could go in her new home. “I knew what furniture to bring, what we needed to sell and give away,” she explained. “If you know where you’re going to be moving, have a plan about where the furniture is going to go.” Like Read, Natalie Ensor recently moved out to Nashville, making the trek from Southern California with her two children and husband. And like Read, Ensor recommends paring down everything. “Technically, you’re paying for everything you move,” she said. “Be intentional about the pieces you bring. “ Embrace a new place When Ensor moved to Music City, she didn’t know anyone, and she knew that the transition could be difficult. She tackled the problem by immersing herself the moment she moved. “I take my kids with me everywhere I
go,” Ensor said. “They’ve built relationships with the staff of restaurants we go to, and the librarians at the library. Taking them out and exposing them to the city helps them embrace the idea that this is where we live now — this is our community.” Both Read and Ensor looked to social media to connect them to other mothers and other people with similar interests. “Instagram has been the best way to find places around town,” said Read. “Nashville Food Fan is an account we follow, and it’s great about posting new restaurants to try.” Read said she’s been bold about making connections. “I met a mom at a restaurant, and our kids connected and played [together],” Read said. “Later that day, we saw her again at a park and I told her ‘I think we should be friends.’ So we exchanged phone numbers and have hung out several times since.” Of course, it’s ultimately how you view the move. “There are things that aren’t here that were in California, but there are things here that aren’t in California,” said Ensor. “[Nashville] is not worse or bad, it’s just different.” REAL ESTATE | Nov-Dec 2015 83
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Dealing with Ants represent a large portion of the insect kingdom. Outdoors they assist in the decomposition of organic matter and help control many insect pests. But indoors, ants quickly become a nuisance. This guide answers common ant questions and includes a glossary of common prevention methods.
Preventing Ants Here are some things you can do to reduce your chances of an ant infestation. • Keep trees and shrubs from touching your house. These provide a ready avenue for ants to access the home. • Remove logs and stumps. They are an irresistible housing source. • Fix moisture sources in and around the house. • Seal openings (wiring, plumbing) that allow access from the outside. Applying a bead of caulk or foam sealant is an efficient method of protection. • Keep gutters and downspouts free of leaves. • Clean kitchens after cooking and eating. Cleaning also removes the pheromone trail left by foraging worker ants. • Don’t leave food out. An ant’s idea of a food source is different than humans.
A mere crumb can be a feast, so look closely. Indoor and Outdoor Ant Control Commercial Ant Baits These are designed to attract foraging ants. When the bait is taken back to the nest, it becomes contaminated. Baits only work if the area they are placed in is clean. Otherwise the ants will continue to feed on “real” food. Sprays Sprays provide an immediate knockdown and can help deal with the infestation until the nest or source is eliminated. Dusts, Powders and Granules When placed in direct pathways, they are absorbed by ants and brought back to the nests for direct treatment of colonies. Some of these products can be
used outdoors as barriers as well. When dealing with ants, the sure-fire way to eliminate them is to find the nest. Queens lay eggs constantly, providing a steady supply of fresh ants. Getting rid of the nest and the queen should solve your problem. To locate a nest, place a dab of jelly or peanut butter out where you’ve seen the ants. Watch the ants, (most are more active at night) and see where they go. It’s likely that they are leaving the house for a nest outdoors. Treat the perimeter of the house to keep them out or treat the nest itself. The area along the foundation is relatively protected from the elements and a good place for ants to nest. Ants Outdoors Ants on landscape plants or houseplants often coincide with the presence of aphids. Check houseplants for ants
before bringing them indoors. Anthills in the lawn can be treated with ant-specific pesticides. Some choose to apply boiling water to anthills. While boiling water is a good remedy, it takes a lot of water to kill a good-sized anthill and it kills everything it touches, including grass. If your problem is carpenter ants, control is a little different. Carpenter or wood-boring ants will be detected by the presence of frass. Frass is a deposit of sawdust and other tiny debris left near the nest. Carpenter ants prefer moist wood (which may also indicate a moisture problem). They do not respond well to baits. Find the nest and apply the appropriate insecticide. When using pesticides, make sure you choose and use them wisely. Read the label to see if the product is restricted to indoor or outdoor use. Follow all
manufacturer’s instructions. Flying Ants v. Termites The presence of termites can be serious. Learn to identify termites and find a professional pest control remedy if necessary. • Ants have a constricted or narrow waist. Termites have a broader, almost undetectable waist. • Both have 2 sets of wings. Ants have longer wings in front than in back. Termite wings are the same size. • Ant antennae are bent. Termite antennae are straight. Fire Ants Fire ants can be very harmful as they disrupt cultivated agricultural areas and endanger livestock. Their mounds interfere with turfgrass maintenance. They are also the most notable and notorious
stinging ant, therefore posing a direct human threat. When disturbed, swarming fire ants bite and sting repeatedly and in numbers. These stings at best are quite painful. Children, older adults and those with severe allergic reactions may be at mortal risk. For treatment, find a product specifically for fire ants and apply as directed. If your infestation is severe, contact a licensed pesticide applicator or you local Cooperative Extension Office for help. It’s quite tempting to “stir up” a mound before applying treatment. But remember that ants are more likely to accept the treatment when it is applied quietly. If fire ants are sufficiently disturbed you will certainly instigate their aggressive behavior. Additionally, their natural response is to move the colony (only to reappear elsewhere on your lawn). HOME | Nov-Dec 2015 85
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Is your utility closet more of a futility closet? There’s an easy fix: Make it a catchall closet that neatly stores a variety of items. Content provided by lowes.com
Tools and Hardware Save a trip to the garage by keeping your most frequently used DIY items within easy reach. Mount 1/2-inch, 1-inch, and 1-1/2-inch pipe straps on the wall to hold tools, and store nails and screws in jars on a shelf. Buildable Boxes Make your own closet organizer by building simple wooden cubbies. Use compartments in different versions of the same basic box to store items in attractive bins and baskets. Helpful Hangers Suspend a dowel from the underside of a shelf or cubby with eye screws. Then use S-hooks to hang anything. Drawer-pull Hangers To hang oversize items, mount cabinet knobs on the side of a cubby. These hangers were made from painted wooden knobs. Pet Supplies Storage Include a spot to store food, litter, and other pet supplies. A clear plastic bin on the floor is a good solution for dry food. Store it beneath a cubby that holds canned food, treats, toys, and a leash. Clean Up Cleaning Supplies When spills happen -- or company’s coming -- be ready to act quickly with a well-stocked cleaning kit. Use a metal pail to hold the essentials.
HOME | Nov-Dec 2015 89
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Types of Water Contaminants Your water may, or may not, suffer from any of these contaminants. If you’re concerned about the quality of your water, have it tested by an independent laboratory. The filtration system you need for your home depends upon the quality of your water supply. Water filters do require some maintenance. Cartridges should be changed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Buying Guide Many people are looking to bottled water as an alternative to tap water. A variety of home water filters allow you get freshly filtered water straight from the tap. They’re easy to install and maintain, and may be just what you need to improve the quality of your family’s water. Content provided by lowes.com
Taste- and Odor-Causing Contaminants: If your water smells or tastes bad, there’s little doubt that you would benefit from a water filter. Municipal water often smells of chlorine, which is used to treat the water. Well water, which is dependent upon many local conditions affecting the water supply, also may smell bad. Water filters often treat these conditions by using granular activated carbon (GAC), a substance that absorbs contaminants that would otherwise cause offensive tastes and odors. Filters that use GAC may cause cloudy water for the first couple of weeks after a filter change. This is a harmless condition caused by the release of air from the GAC and can be reduced by running the water for several seconds before each use until the air is flushed out. Rust and Sediment: You may notice visible particles in your water. For example, sediment can collect in the bottom of your dishwasher or commode. Larger particles may collect behind the screens of your faucet aerator. Smaller particles may collect at the bottom of a glass of water that sits for a time. Rust and sediment are easily collected by particulate filters. Whole-house particulate filters are easy to install. They not only protect your drinking water, but also appliances, such as dishwashers and ice makers. Water filters aren’t effective against clear water iron, which can leave red stains in tubs and toilets. To treat this substance, a water softener is required. Bacteria / Parasites: If your house relies on a well, your water is more likely to be contaminated by bacteria and parasites. Many bacteria and parasites occur naturally in clear water supplies. Others are the result of water-supply contamination by sewage and wastes. Some bacteria and parasites affect the taste and smell of the water, but others don’t. Cysts, such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia, are particu-
larly hearty parasites and have been known to contaminate even chlorinated municipal water supplies. They can cause illness and are a serious hazard to the young, elderly or those with immune deficiencies. Water filters are available with various filter cartridges, which are effective against many of these contaminants. Lead: Houses built before 1986 may have pipes joined with lead solder. Your municipal water system also may be composed of components that contain or are soldered with lead. If you’re concerned about the possibility of lead in your water supply, have your water tested by an independent laboratory. Lead contained in water is tasteless and odorless, but should be avoided as much as possible. It can be removed from your drinking and cooking water by installing a lead filter directly under the sink in your kitchen. This filter placement assures that even if you have lead in the pipes of your home, it’ll be removed from your drinking water. Types of Home Water Filters There are several types of water filtration systems available. Homeowners should be able to install the units described in this article simply by following the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Choose the system that meets your needs based upon the contaminants you’re trying to remove. Be aware that although the countertop and faucet-mounted filters are easiest to install initially, they’re more bulky and less convenient than the hidden undersink filter. They’re also less versatile if you’re attempting to filter contaminants other than tastes, smells and lead. Whole-House Filters: Whole-house filters are available and easy to install. They’re placed in the main water line entering your home and are designed to remove sediment and rust particles from all of the water entering your home. They can also benefit the other types of water filters by acting as a particulate prefilter. Undersink Filters: Different varieties of undersink filters are available and should be chosen depending upon your home’s individual needs. Some of these filters remove bad tastes and odors only. Others also may remove lead, bacteria and sediment or any combination of the four. These units may have multiple cartridges, each designed to filter a particular type
of contaminant. Undersink filters are convenient because, once installed, you don’t even know they are there. Turn on the water and filtered water comes straight from the faucet. They’re also efficient because they allow you to filter only the water going to a specific faucet, thereby reducing the demands on the filter cartridges. You don’t need to filter your bath water to remove a chlorine taste, for example, but you may want to remove it from your drinking water. Undersink filters are also helpful if your plumbing is joined with lead solder. By being in line immediately before the faucet, undersink filters provide maximum filtration protection. Faucet-Mounted Filters: These filters connect directly to the faucet and require no plumbing connections. Some models are designed simply to remove bad tastes and odors, while more sophisticated units now have leadand cyst-filtering capabilities. These filters are small and very easy to install and remove. Also, they filter the water at the point of use. But they are a highly visible attachment to your faucet. Compared to more expensive and versatile undersink filters, they provide limited filtration. Countertop or Canisters Filters: These are the simplest water filters available. They’re countertop appliances, like toasters, and can filter drinking water for different contaminants. Unlike undersink filters, their use isn’t transparent. Some of these filters must remain on your counter. Others require connection to your spigot and some require that water be poured through them, much like a drip coffee maker.
HOME | Nov-Dec 2015 93
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Test a Toilet for Leaks Content provided by lowes.com
Identify Toilet Leaks Your toilet gets a lot of use, so normal wear-andtear results in a lot of maintenance. One of the biggest bathroom issues is a toilet that keeps running after you flush it or runs by itself without being flushed. If left untreated, this problem can run up your water bill, so you should fix this problem as soon as possible. A new toilet nay be required, but test it first. There may be a simpler fix. These problems are typically rooted in the fill tank. The first issue could be the water level. If the water level is above the overflow pipe, then the fill valve or ballcock isn’t working properly or is set to the wrong height. Make sure that the water level is adjusted to the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s usually stamped inside the tank. If the internal diaphragm seal is worn, replace it. Some fill valves cannot be required and the entire fill valve must be replaced. Be sure to check the flapper. If the flapper is leaking, it will keep triggering the fill valve to refill the tank. To see if the flapper is leaking, here is a simple test: Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank. Let it sit for 25 minutes. If the color leaks into the toilet bowl, then there’s a leak. Before you replace it, first check the flapper to see if sediment or debris has built up around it. If not, replace it. This is typically a lot cheaper and easier to replace than the fill valve.
Use this simple test to determine if your toilet flapper is leaking and needs to be replaced
HOME | Nov-Dec 2015 97
Care for Windows & Doors Protecting the frames of your windows and doors is just as important as cleaning the glass. These suggestions help you protect and extend the life of your windows and patio doors. Content provided by lowes.com
Quick Tips for Window and Door Care • Vacuum soil and debris from the sill or track prior to washing. • Use a mixture of mild dish-soap and water to clean window and door frames. Rinse thoroughly with a soft, absorbent cloth. • Use a small bottle brush to clean weep holes if you suspect they’re blocked, and keep the windowsill or track area clean of soil or debris to encourage proper draining. Caution: Never use abrasive or caustic soaps, cleaners or solvents as these may damage the finish of your windows and doors. Special Considerations for Low-E and Other Glass It’s easy and very important to properly care for window glass systems today. Insulated glass systems and those with low-emissive (Low-E) or other heat-deterrent additives can be damaged or lose their effectiveness through improper care. • If possible, avoid washing windows in direct sunlight. • Use a mixture of mild dish-soap and water to clean the glass. • Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft, absorbent cloth to avoid spotting. • Remove the screens and wash them with a soft brush on a flat surface with mild dishsoap and water. Rinse, wipe dry and reinstall. Tips: • Never use petroleum-based solvents or chemicals on the glass, as these may damage the insulating glass seal or component parts of the window. • Never use a high-pressure spray to wash the windows, as it may damage the insulating glass seal. • Never use sharp instruments or abrasive
pads to clean the glass. • Never attach anything to the glass, such as masking tape, as heat or the sun may bake the adhesive into the glass. Smooth and Easy Door and Window Operation Window and patio door sashes require occasional lubrication to ensure smooth and easy operation. Make sure that the lubrication won’t damage the material used to build the window or door. • Occasionally lubricate all moving parts,
including rollers and tracks. Don’t use silicone spray on plastic parts, as it may damage them. Use furniture polish spray instead. • Periodically check the weather stripping around all window and door sashes, and make sure that it seals around the entire perimeter. • Keep the track area clean on sliding windows and patio doors. • Keep the patio door roller adjusted to the proper height to ensure easy operation. Check the corners of the sliding door for a hole that gives you access to the roller adjustment screw. It may be covered with a plug
that can be removed for adjustment and then replaced. • After adjusting the rollers, you may have to adjust the lock strike plate. You can adjust most lock strike plates by loosening the screws, moving the plate and tightening the screws. Allow for a limited amount of play between the strike plate and the latch lock. • Check the corners of the screen for access to the roller adjustment screw. Most rolling screens can be adjusted the same way as patio doors.
Interior Window Condensation Condensation on the glass surface of a window occurs when high-interior moisture content meets low temperatures on the glass. This is a natural occurrence and a sign that excessive moisture is present in the home. Don’t be concerned about minor condensation, or fogging, that appears on the lower corners of windows. However, the lower the outside window temperature and the higher the interior humidity, the more condensation can occur. Continued or heavy condensation on windows means there’s a lot of humidity
inside. This can lead to interior damage and to other health-related concerns. To reduce excess humidity: • Ventilate the interior of your home by opening windows and doors periodically so interior moisture can escape. • Use exhaust fans more frequently and for a longer period, particularly when showering. • Use ceiling fans to circulate the air. • Install a dehumidifier. • Open attic or basement crawl-space louvers. • Vent the clothes dryer and all gas burners to the outside. HOME | Nov-Dec 2015 101
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Tomato Varieties: What Type of Tomato Should I Grow?
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Delightful Diversity What type of tomatoes should you grow? Whether you opt for compact plants or sprawling vines, stagger your crops by planting early- and late-fruiting plants for one delicious, tomato-packed season. Experiment! Grow bite-size gems (cherry, grape, or currant) or big, beefy slicers for the epitome of fresh fruit. Choose from time-tested heirlooms with disease tolerance to patio varieties that grow well in containers -- some of the newest, most diminutive plants can produce a summer-long display in a hanging basket.
a delicious a n d ies, there’s c olor variet fu l mato opt f to io n ay o for arr e ver y g ar d en .
Garden Variety When selecting varieties for this year’s garden, consider how you will use the fruit. Do you long to eat sweet handfuls of cherry tomatoes right off the vine or simply sliced and sprinkled with salt? If you prefer, revel in the goodness of firm-flesh paste tomatoes -- perfect for cooking, canning, and freezing. Try heirlooms for luscious, fine-as-wine flavors as well as unusual colors and shapes. Whatever your preference, harvest any ripe tomato when it is fully colored, and enjoy it as soon as possible at its peak of flavor. Pick and Choose Your choice of tomato plants also depends on how much sunny garden space you have. Tomatoes like 6 to 8 hours of sun. Keep these tips in mind when choosing plants. Indeterminate varieties (they bear fruit throughout the season) reach up to 12 feet and need sturdy cages or other supports. Determinate tomatoes (they bear their fruit all at once) are compact, bushy plants that reach 1 to 4 feet, are ideal for potted gardens, and need little more than a stake to remain upright. Mix it up. If space isn’t an issue, consider planting a combination of indeterminate and determinate varieties for a summer-long harvest. Tomatoes need about 2 - 3 feet of space between plants.
Tomato Growing Tips Tomatoes are easy to grow. And the homegrown taste makes the effort worthwhile. Follow these tips for a successful harvest: 1. Choose a site with plenty of sunlight (at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day) and well-drained soil. 2. Enrich the soil with compost. It helps hold soil moisture and boosts nutrients and beneficial microbes. Add crushed eggshells -the calcium helps fruit develop properly. 3. Wait to plant until after the date of your last average spring frost, so a late-spring cold snap doesn’t sneak up and kill your plants. 4. Space them out so plants have room to reach their full size. Good air circulation between plants will help cut down on disease. 5. Remove the bottom leaves and bury two-thirds of the stem. The buried stem will give some support to unwieldy plants with a heavy-duty cage anchored with stakes. Foliage and fruit will receive more sunlight and be less prone to disease. 6. Dish up nutrients by scratching a balanced, slow-release fertilizer into the soil around the plant. This will aid growth and fruit production. 7. Spread a mulch of straw, compost, or shredded leaves to conserve moisture and keep the soil from cracking in the hot sun. Form a basin with the mulch to collect water. 8. Water your plants in the morning so plants are fortified for the heat of the day and so that foliage can dry off before nightfall. Even better: Water at the base of plants with a soaker hose or drip irrigation system.
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5 Ways to Decorate Your Deck
Dressing up an empty deck is easy. You just need some great plants. Here are 5 ways you can deck out your deck with flowers and foliage.
Tip 1: Group containers for big effect. Container gardening is so easy—but just one container can feel kind of lonely. Plant multiples of the same container or group varying sizes to perk up your patio with color. Pack containers with showy, easy-care annuals such as petunias, bacopa, and sweet potato vine—these and other annuals offer lush foliage and flowers all summer long. Other colorful container picks include: • Lantana—an easy-care flower that doesn’t require lots of water.
• Hibiscus—a tropical with large showy flowers. • Scaevola—also called fan flower—a heat tolerant, cascading plant. • Group containers - tall, medium and small ones, to make a stunning deck focal point. Tip 2: Create a color theme. Choose flower colors that complement your house, deck or outdoor furniture. For a hot palette choose flowers such as red verbena, orange marigolds, and yellow sunflowers. If you want to create a more subdued look, plant with
cooler colors such as blue salvia, white bacopa, and gray-leafed licorice plant. Tip 3: Go low maintenance. Spend more time relaxing or entertaining on your patio—pick plants that need little care. For example, succulents don’t require a lot of water, have few pests and diseases, and look great all the time. Succulents offer texture and color. Plants include: • Sedums—low growing and colorful options • Sempervivens—tightly clumped hens and
chicks • Echeverias—which offer fleshy and colorful leaves With such easy-care plantings, you can spend more time enjoying the outdoors and less time fussing over your flowers. Tip 4: Plant for privacy. Create a secluded haven on your deck by planting small trees in containers to block the view of neighbors. Try these: • Evergreen trees such as arborvitae, cy-
press or juniper. • Flowering standards such as roses: Knock Out is an especially disease resistant rose. • Tree-form versions of popular shrubs such as lantana and hibiscus. Tip 5: Attract butterflies to your deck. Pack window boxes, railing planters and containers with butterfly favorites such as butterfly bush, zinnias, and verbena. It’s a guaranteed way to have live entertainment outside your door—while giving nature a boost, too. HOME | Nov-Dec 2015 113
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Care for Live
Greenery
Decorate your home for the holidays with live greenery. Our care guide shows you how to maintain it for beauty that lasts throughout the holiday season. Content provided by lowes.com
Fresh Picks Deck the halls, walls, tables and more with live greenery this holiday season. Whether you purchase it or cut it from your own backyard, keep it fresh. For outdoors, think about decorative garlands dotted with holly, container trees, fragrant wreaths, or planters and baskets brimming with holiday cheer. Indoors, use evergreens that dry out more slowly: Pine is a long-lasting choice with excellent needle retention. White pine has long, softer needles, while Virginia pine has short, coarse needles. The distinction could influence where you’ll use your fresh cuttings. Cedar fills your home with a wonderful fragrance. However, small male cones can release messy pollen into your home. The remedy is simply to spray the cones with lacquer or acrylic before bringing the greenery indoors. Fir has short flat needles and also carries a wonderful scent. Because it is more accepting of hot and dry conditions, it makes a wonderful choice for indoor use. Good to Know: When shopping, look for vibrant color and flexible stems – these are signs of freshness. Keep it Fresh Before you hang greenery, trim the ends and soak the unadorned garlands in water overnight. This helps prevent premature drying and needle loss. Let it air dry completely before placing it on your mantel, railing or other woodwork. Once your greenery is in place, spritz it daily with water, avoiding pieces placed in direct sunlight. Sunlight magnified through water droplets could cause burn marks and discolorations on your décor. Caution: Dry evergreens become a fire hazard. Check needles often by bending them - they should be flexible and not break. If they break, remove the dry sections and replace with fresh greenery. Commercial fire retardant sprays may also be used on the greenery to help prevent fires. Placement Step 1: Use fresh garland to showcase your family’s stockings along the stair railing. It’s especially lovely when accented with oversized ornaments. Step 2: Stack fir and pine cuttings on the mantel, then accent the greenery with fresh berries, allowing the berries and greenery to drape over the ends of the mantel. Add extra color by dangling pinecones from the display with brightly colored ribbon. Caution: Many evergreen plants have poisonous parts, such as berries. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Step 3: A fresh dose of ingenuity transforms tin cans and crimped duct caps into a festive centerpiece brimming with trimmings! Step 4: Put a small fresh tree in a bucket and adorn it with ornaments you already have on hand. Step 5: Freeze evergreen cuttings into these clever luminaries for holiday décor that glows and glistens. Step 6: Add holiday cheer to unexpected places in your home. Tie garland(s) above or on a headboard, add fragrant greenery to bathroom mirrors or tie a pine bough onto a retro sled for wintery front porch or fireside décor. HOME | Nov-Dec 2015 119
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Fans help reduce your energy bills and keep the air in your home feeling fresh and comfortable. Different types of fans serve different functions.
Why Fans are a Good Idea There’s more to heating and cooling your home than setting the thermostat. Well-placed fans can work with (or in place of) your furnace and air conditioner to move air and maintain a comfortable room temperature. Find the right fan for your home. Ceiling Fans Although a ceiling fan doesn’t actually lower the temperature in a room, it does generate a breeze that makes you feel cooler. And that means you don’t have to use as much air conditioning in the summer. Use ceiling fans in the winter to help save energy, too. Put the fan on a low speed and set the reversing switch for upward airflow. This pushes naturally rising warm air from the ceiling back down into the room. Window Fans Window fans cool your home by pulling cool outside air in or pushing hot air out, depending on which way the fans are facing. Fans work best in windows that face the prevailing wind or are directly opposite. A reversible fan let you adjust to changes in the wind direction without having to turn the fan around. By placing two fans — one blowing in, one blowing out — in windows on opposite sides of a room, you can create cross-ventilation that moves air and makes you feel cooler. You can apply the same technique between levels in a two-story home: Direct fans to blow air out through upper-level windows while fans in lower-level windows pull cool air in. You’ll need to try different setups to see which ones produce the best airflow. Portable Fans Where it’s not possible or practical to put fans in windows, portable fans placed on the floor near windows or doorways can help circulate air within a room or between rooms. These include box fans, stand fans, and desk fans. Fans with features such as multiple speeds, adjustable heights, and oscillation provide flexibility in directing airflow. Tower Fans The tower fan’s cylindrical air-moving mechanism saves space, and provides just as much air flow as other fans. These fans also offer remote control, variable speeds and oscillation options.
Misting Fans Misting fans combine airflow with moisture for a complete cooling experience. Indoor/outdoor, stationary and handheld battery-operated models are available. High Velocity Fans High velocity fans are built large to cover large areas with ease. Air movers refer to a specific group of fans for heavy-duty air circulation and fast drying. Usually these are for industrial or commercial use where rapid drying is required. Attic and Whole House Fans If your home has an unfinished attic, it gets really hot up there in the summer. Roof vents allow some of this hot air to escape, and good insulation keeps the heat from seeping down into your home’s living areas. But an attic fan can move even more hot air out of your attic. Attic fans are designed to draw cooler outside air in through vents in the soffits or gables and push hot air outside. Most are hard-wired, but solar-powered models are available, too. Many attic fans are equipped with thermostats, so they turn on and off automatically according to the attic temperature. If you’re really serious about using fans to reduce your cooling costs, consider installing a whole-house fan. It works on the same principle as an attic fan, but is a much more powerful unit that pulls cool air in from open windows throughout the home and pushes hot air out through vents in the attic and roof. Normally mounted on the highest ceiling in the home, a whole-house fan can often replace air conditioning for much or all of the cooling season in moderate climates. A whole-house fan is most effective in the evening and early morning hours when outside air is coolest. Exhaust Fans In addition to fans that move air throughout your home, more targeted fans remove odors and moisture from smaller areas. In the kitchen, an exhaust fan or hood in the cooking area gets rid of smoke and grease. In the bath, an exhaust fan removes moist air generated by bathing and showering. HOME | Nov-Dec 2015 125
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Auto
All-New 2016 Fiat 500X Named Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS
T
content provided by media.chrysler.com
he Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently named the all-new 2016 Fiat 500X small crossover a 2015 Top Safety Pick+, its highest rating. IIHS testing simulates: • a side impact with a large SUV or pickup truck • a moderate-offset frontal impact • a small-offset frontal impact • roof-crush consistent with a rollover • a rear collision capable of inducing whiplash In each test, the all-new Fiat 500X recorded the highest possible score of “good.” Bolstering these results is the availability of Forward Collision WarningPlus. Only vehicles equipped with such driver-assist technology may qualify for Top Safety Pick+ designation. “With the all-new 500X, we help make it possible not only for customers to arrive safely at their destinations, but to do so with style,” says Timothy Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge,
SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America. The chic crossover, which starts at $20,000, blends Italian design flair with engaging driving dynamics that are synonymous with the FIAT brand. More significantly, it incorporates extensive use of high-strength steel, which is engineered to manage crash energy and to help minimize cabin intrusion in event of a collision. The Fiat 500X further benefits from seven air bags that come as standard equipment. These include seat-mounted side pelvic-thorax air bags and fulllength side-curtain air bags. Elevating the 500X to Top Safety Pick+ status is a unique sensor-fusion strategy that is the hallmark of Forward Collision Warning-Plus. Available in the Easy trim level and upward, a 500X equipped with the feature starts at $28,600. Forward Collision Warning-Plus combines camera and radar technologies and when both agree that a frontal collision is imminent, the system activates.
Activation begins with audible and visual warnings. If the driver does not respond, brake application occurs autonomously to slow the vehicle before impact. “Delivering such features for less than $30,000 in a vehicle segment not known for such sophistication is clear evidence of our commitment to the democratization of advanced safety technology,” says Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President – Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance. Additional driver-assist technologies are among the more than 70 available safety and security features (see attached PDF) that make the all-new 500X stand out in its segment. Among these are: LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus, which leverages the vehicle’s electronic power steering (EPS) to alert the driver with steering-wheel torque inputs that also accommodate course correction Hill-Start Assist, which helps hold a vehicle on an incline if the driver’s foot is momentarily removed from the brake pedal AUTO | Nov-Dec 2015 131
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Inspect That Used Car Before Buying Where To Go and What To Have Checked
N
Content provided by edmunds.com
o piece of car buying advice is more often ignored than this: Have a mechanic inspect a used car before you buy it. Why do buyers plunk down thousands of dollars on a car with little more than an around-the-block test-drive and a glance under the hood? Three reasons deter car buyers from taking this vital step: • Most consumers don’t know that good used car inspections are readily available. • Many car buyers don’t want to pay the extra money for an inspection. • Some people anticipate a hassle prying the car away from a dealer or private party. With a little planning, the inspection process can be as fast (and as revealing) as a hidden-camera exposé. If the inspection report is clean, you can buy with confidence. If it unearths ugly problems, you can back away or negotiate a lower price in line with the cost of repairs. Most sellers will let you take the car for an inspection or agree to have a mobile inspection performed at their home. If the seller hesitates, you might want to consider the words of BuffaloScoop.com’s automotive
editor and former America’s Car Show host Tom Torbjornsen: “You have to wonder what they’re hiding.” The Vital Pre-Purchase Inspection Experts agree that used cars must be inspected before the final negotiation for purchase. The ordinary car buyer, even if mechanically savvy, really can’t do it justice. “A stem-to-stern inspection, if it’s been done right, can tell you if you’re about to buy a great used car or step into a nasty set of problems,” Torbjornsen said. Torbjornsen recommended having the inspection performed by a mechanic with whom you’ve built a relationship. The car should also have a test-drive over a predetermined route that includes hills, bumps and potholes to pick up suspension problems and reveal engine performance issues. Using a third-party inspector builds the “trust factor,” said Jim Yates, president and CEO of Alliance Inspection Management (AiM), which bills itself as the premier new and pre-owned vehicle inspection partnership in North America. “There is so much information on the Web about every type of car,” Yates said. “But what about that specific [Chevrolet] Malibu?
Someone has to verify not just what’s wrong with the car, but also what’s right with it.” He added that a seller can also proactively have a car inspected and volunteer to provide the results of a condition report. “If you are the seller, does it enhance the sale to attach a condition report?” he asked. “I think it does.” What It Costs, What It Covers Nearly all auto service facilities, from chain repair stores to dealerships to independent garages, offer some type of pre-purchase inspection. We found that the going price is about $100, roughly the cost of an hour’s labor for a mechanic. Most repair facilities will give a quick description of the number of points in the inspection and how it is conducted. In most cases, however, the findings of inspections are not guaranteed. “One of the biggest problems in privateparty transactions is setting expectations,” Yates said. “With a good inspection, you know what you are getting.” Automotive experts agree that a good inspection serves several functions: • Verifies the equipment, or options, on the car. • Confirms the condition level of the car. • Reveals hidden problems with the body, frame or engine.
• Finds engine codes that can reveal engine problems. • Builds confidence in the value of the vehicle. Many major problems that can be spotted by a good inspector include: Frame damage: If the frame shows damage, it indicates the car has been in a serious accident. Unless it has been repaired correctly, the car’s wheels might not track properly, causing the vehicle to pull to one side and eventually leading to tire damage. Poor previous repair work: This could range from sloppy bodywork to improper installation of modifications. Smoker’s car: If a car is being purchased remotely, via eBay for example, the seller could disguise the fact that someone has smoked in the car. Smoke gets into the vehicle’s headliner and upholstery, and it is impossible to remove the smell. Flood-damaged car: A vehicle history report can red-flag a flood-damaged car unless its title has been falsified. If that’s the case, then it’s important for an inspector to check for signs of water damage. Mobile or Garage Inspection? Many people will be faced with the choice
of having a mobile inspector look at a car or taking the vehicle to a local mechanic. While it’s most important to get a qualified inspection, each method offers its advantages and disadvantages. A mobile inspection is fast and convenient. The inspector comes to your home or office and performs the inspection on-site. The inspector prints out a report on the spot and gives it to the buyer or seller. Inspectors also photograph any damage and take shots of the vehicle from different angles. Inspections done by your local mechanic, or the service department of a dealership specializing in that brand of car, are performed with more specialized equipment. Primarily, the inspector can put the car up on a lift and examine the underside of the car for fluid leaks. Test-Driving the Inspection Process We thought it would be interesting to get an inspection for an Edmunds.com test car, a 2005 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI, to see what was uncovered. We took the car to Long Beach Autohaus and paid $108 for an inspection that lasted about an hour and a half. We watched as the mechanic, Mac, combed over the car and explained the points he was checking.
Mac’s inspection found a minor oil leak but he chased it to its origin and determined it was not severe. He also said our car needed tires and a brake fluid flush and would soon be due for an expensive timing belt change. “It’s a good, clean used car,” Mac told us at the conclusion of the report. “But the price seems a little high given that you will need work on it soon.” Alliance Inspection Management (AiM) inspector Andy Gutierrez inspected our Jetta in a parking structure. Although he didn’t have a lift, he conducted a six-point frame inspection to make sure the car hadn’t been in a serious accident. His report included detailed photos of various scrapes and scratches, which would be very useful if we were buying the car remotely. Additionally, he pointed out areas in the right rear-quarter panel that had been repaired by a paintless dent remover. Final Thoughts While no inspection is guaranteed to find every flaw in a used car, a trained eye can help you avoid serious problems. Given the fact that thousands of dollars are at stake, an hour of your time and a hundred dollars is good insurance against the unknown. AUTO | Nov-Dec 2015 135
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Understanding Tire Warranties
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5 Things That Will Void Your Coverage
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ires are among the most important replacement parts that we purchase for our vehicles. We expect them to last for years — or at least as long as their advertised life. But tires occasionally wear out prematurely. Road debris causes flats. A spare tire is the short-term solution, of course. But then the tire has to be repaired or replaced, and it’s good to know if there’s a warranty in place to defray the costs. Road hazards, tire defects and mechanical wear are some of the things that can cause a flat or premature wear. Most tires come with warranties that can protect consumers from having to pay full price on a new tire. Tire Life Most tiremakers have determined that the usable life of a tire is either six years from the date of purchase or when there’s just 2/32nds of an inch of tread left. While there’s no federal law regulating tire wear, Ron Margadonna, senior technical marketing manager for Michelin tires, says that the 2/32nds measurement has been adopted by most states. This measurement is difficult to visualize without a reference point, but there are at least two indicators that a tire is nearing the end of its life. Tires sold in North America are required to have tread-wear indicators, which are found in the tire tread’s grooves. The wear indicators look like small bars of tread that run perpendicular to the groove. If the wear of the tire has reached these indicators, it’s time for a new tire. Another measure is the penny method. Put a penny in the groove of the tire, upside down and with Lincoln’s head facing you. The distance from the top of Lincoln’s head to the edge of the coin is about 2/32nds of an inch. So if the top of Lincoln’s head is showing, you’ll need to replace the tire. A similar method involves using Washington’s head on a quarter to measure 4/32nds of an inch, but this is a safety indicator, not a way to support a claim that a tire has worn out prematurely. Tread-Life Warranties Every tire manufacturer offers tread-life warranties. Nearly every tire has a mileage estimate (the exceptions being some high-performance tires, track/competition tires and most winter tires). The tread-life estimate is based on the type of tire and the number of miles that can be expected under normal driving conditions, Margadonna says. For example, high-performance tires found on a sports car are softer and have a lower mileage estimate than the harder tires typically found on economy cars. If a tire has worn out evenly across the tread well before
its estimated mileage limit, it may qualify for replacement under the tread-life warranty. You must show proof of purchase and proof that the tires were rotated properly at the recommended intervals. In this situation, the manufacturer prorates the cost of the new tire based on the percentage of remaining tread on the old tire and the price of the replacement tire. Margadonna says this prorating method is similar to how companies reimburse owners under car battery warranties. He uses the example of a tire with an 80,000-mile warranty and a person who was only able to get 70,000 miles of life out of it. “You haven’t reached the mileage threshold that we think you should have reached, so we owe you 10,000 miles,” he says. Even so, Tirerack.com notes that consumers have to go on driving with potentially compromised tire performance or safety before they can make a warranty claim: Manufacturers won’t consider replacement until the tires are worn down to the 2/32nds tread-wear indicators. Some notable exceptions to tread-life warranties are winter tires and split-size fitments. Michelin is one of the only manufacturers to have a tread-life warranty on winter tires. Owners must remove the tires during the off-season to ensure proper usage and keep the warranty in good standing. “We want them to be on in the fall, around October 1, and off in the spring, around April 1,” says Margadonna. “If not, we reserve the right to void that warranty claim.” Some sports cars have different-size tires that cannot be rotated using the traditional method. In split-size fitments like this, rear tires get half the mileage warranty of the front tires. That’s because the rear tires wear out almost twice as fast as the fronts, Margadonna says. Road Hazard Warranties Tire stores typically offer these warranties, which come into play if you get a flat tire. If the tire can be repaired, the repair is covered for the duration of the warranty. If the tire can’t be repaired, the company will prorate the remaining mileage toward the purchase of a new tire. Some companies even throw in free tire rotations for the duration of the warranty. Road hazard warranty prices vary, based on the tire and the vendor, but on average, they range from $10-$20 per tire. Edmunds editors have mixed feelings about them. Some have put them to use, while others feel that they are a waste of money. The warranties are a major source of profit for tire shops, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t have value to
AUTO | Nov-Dec 2015 139
drivers. These warranties are essentially insurance policies. If you’re considering whether to buy a road hazard warranty, think about how many times you’ve had a nail or a puncture in your tire in the last few years. Was the amount you spent on repair or replacement enough to justify the warranty? Do you drive in an area where there is a lot of debris on the road? Or are you just the kind of person who feels better when you buy the extended warranty on a product? If your answer to any of those questions is a yes, these warranties might be worth your money. Some manufacturers, including Continental, Dunlop and Kumho, offer road hazard warranties on their tires. It’s typically limited to one year of coverage. Workmanship and Materials Warranty The workmanship and materials warranty protects the consumer from any defects in the manufacturing or materials used in the tire. Most manufacturers offer this coverage for the life of the tire. “Workmanship and materials means that we stand behind the product, should you run into some issue,” says Margadonna. Some of the problems that would be covered include severe cracking in the sidewall or the loss of a block of tread. “If there was something wrong with the tire that we were at fault for, as a manufacturer, we stand behind our product,” says Margadonna. If a workmanship or manufacturing failure comes up within the first 2/32nds of an inch of tread, most manufacturers will replace the tire free of charge. Anything after that will usually be prorated. Manufacturer Special Warranty A manufacturer’s special warranty typically takes the form of a 30-day promotional trial. This is the best time to determine whether the tires you just bought are right for you. Consumers are eligible for a full refund or credit toward the purchase of another tire if they are not satisfied with their tires for any reason. Bridgestone, General Tire, Michelin and Yokohama are just a few of the manufacturers that offer these trial programs. In March 2011, Michelin launched its “Michelin Promise Plan,” which Margadonna says is unique in the industry. This warranty program has three components: a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, a limited mileage warranty and flattire changing assistance. The flat-tire changing assistance makes the program stand out from its competitors. If a customer experiences a flat tire and does not know how to change it, or just does not want to do it himself, he can call a toll-free number and roadside
assistance will install the spare free of charge. If the customer has no spare, Michelin will arrange for a tow to the nearest Michelin-approved repair center for up to 150 miles. Uniformity Warranty The uniformity warranty is one that a driver might never encounter. This warranty covers excessive vibration or ride disturbance caused by a tire. For most companies, the buyer has to notify the company within the first 2/32nds of an inch of tire tread. A problem like that would be “instantaneous” and very obvious to a driver, Margadonna says. “So we tend not to cover ride issues well into the life of the tire.” In most circumstances, a uniformity problem would be covered under the 30-day manufacturer’s special warranty, but the uniformity clause is there to protect the consumer against problems that happen past that. What Voids Your Warranty? Just as you can void your car’s warranty, you can void your tire’s warranty, too. The big one to watch out for is improper maintenance. If the tire manufacturer does not see proof that the tires were inflated, rotated and aligned properly, chances are your warranty claim will be denied. Other warranty killers include vandalism, racing, off-roading and damage from snow chains. Inflate, Rotate, Evaluate With any warranty, the manufacturer expects you to do your part to maintain the product to its standards. The Bridgestone tire manual, for example, tells consumers to do these three things to ensure long tire life: • Keep your tires inflated to the recommended tire pressure to ensure even wear. • Rotate the tires based on the manufacturer’s recommendation or every 5,000 miles, keeping a record of the service. • Inspect your tires periodically, looking for any bumps or inconsistent wear patterns. Don’t Cut Corners on Safety These warranties may seem like too much to keep track of, but if you take a few basic precautions, you’ll not only reduce the chances of a tire wearing out prematurely, but also be fully prepared for a claim. Hang onto your purchase receipt and keep a record of all tire rotations and alignments. Keep in mind that it is better to miss out on a warranty claim than to run the tire to the end of its tread life and compromise your safety. AUTO | Nov-Dec 2015 141
Doral Lincoln We Care Luis Somoano, president of Doral Lincoln
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YORDANKA CORDON
ince acquiring Doral Lincoln, Luis Somoano, increased its sales from 12 cars a month to an average of 250 – 260 between new and preowned vehicles. What is the formula for this you ask? Well, according to Somoano, it’s the level of costumer service the dealership offers. “We take care of the costumer the right way,” said Somoano. “My door is always open.” Somoano immersed himself into the car industry at an early age. He started out as a salesperson in 1984 and moved up the ladder to a manager position and eventually to owning his own car wholesale business. He mainly concentrated on high-end cars such as, Mercedez and BMW. So when he set out to find a location in where he could sell
“We have a high percentage of returning costumers and referrals, and I like to think it’s because of the level of professionalism and care we carry out here at the dealer.” Luis Somoano
new and pre-owned vehicles, Doral Lincoln was a fit. “This dealership was in bad shape, so I saw an opportunity to make it better and took the chance,” said Somoano. “The face of Lincoln is not what it used to be. Once associated with the grandpas in the family, has now changed and its demographics is much younger.” In addition to his expertise in this industry, Somoano takes a hands-on approach when it comes to handling all matters related to the business. He personally sees all emails and letters that are sent in regarding any complaint that may arise. Doral Lincoln is in constant growth when it comes to developing the costumer care relationship. Keeping the costumer satisfied is a dealership’s greatest asset and Somoano is well aware of it. Investing in special training for his employees, is just one of the ways in which he maximizes the potential growth of Doral Lincoln. “We are 100 percent guided by costumer perception,” said Somoano. With the ever-growing access to the Inter-
net and all aspects of social media, along with costumer reviews, it is now easier than it ever was to research and obtain all types of educational information before going to purchase or lease a car. “Maintaining a good reputation is key in growing your business, as well as maintaining fair market prices,” said Somoano. “We have a high percentage of returning costumers and referrals, and I like to think it’s because of the level of professionalism and care we carry out here at the dealer.” Of course there is the occasional costumer that cannot be satisfied, but even though it is a low percentage, Somoano still invests the time and resources to try and accommodate him or her. “This has been my type of business all of my adult life. I always say to my sales staff and everyone I meet, you do what you do because you like it. You do it the right way and you give it 100 percent,” said Somoano. “The best thing you can accomplish is being happy in all that you do, and that will give you the capacity to make all those around you happy.”
business spotlight | Nov-Dec 2015 143
90
Years
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of Chrysler Brand Celebrated With Anniversary Edition Models
hrysler was founded in 1925 by Walter P. Chrysler, and it was his commitment to the public that Chrysler would deliver consumers a product with quality, beauty, speed, comfort, style and power, all at a low price. And for the past 90 years, this has been the Chrysler brand’s mission. Today’s Chrysler brand is the modern expression of this vision. Chrysler stands for quality, for design, for craftsmanship, for performance, for efficiency, for innovation and technology – all at a very attainable price. 2015 is the Chrysler brand’s 90th year and to celebrate, the brand is producing limited-edition 90th Anniversary models that offer more standard equipment and value for customers. “Ninety years ago, Walter P. Chrysler laid the foundation for a philosophy that still works today – craftsmanship, beautiful design, innovation and technology, all at an affordable price,” said Al Gardner – President and CEO Chrysler Brand, FCA US LLC. “Those traits still resonate today in both the products – the Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan, 300 full-size sedan and Town & Country minivan – and with consumers. Chrysler brand sales are up almost 20 percent this year, which is a great foundation for the brand heading into the next 90 years.”
144 Nov-Dec 2015 | AUTO
content provided by media.chrysler.com
Chrysler 200 90th Anniversary Edition Available in the third quarter, the 2016 Chrysler 200 Limited model will be available with a 90th Anniversary Package. The special-edition package reflects the tenets of the Chrysler brand – a car that is packed with features that customers value, at a price they appreciate. In addition to the standard features on the 2016 Chrysler 200 Limited model, including highway fuel economy of up to 36 miles per gallon, the 90th Anniversary Package adds: 8.4-in. touchscreen radio with Uconnect Access and SiriusXM Radio, a power sunroof, the Convenience Group (one-year SiriusXM Radio, body-color power heated mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power fourway driver lumbar adjust, power eight-way driver seat and sun visors with illuminating vanity mirrors), front floor mats with the Chrysler Anniversary logo and a unique Chrysler Anniversary screen logo on the 8.4inch touchscreen. Chrysler 300 90th Anniversary Edition The 2016 Chrysler 300 90th Anniversary Edition builds on the 300 Limited – the nameplate’s most appointed entry model ever – adding even more technology with the innovative Uconnect 8.4AN with the segment’s largest 8.4-inch touchscreen display, 3-D GPS navigation, AM/FM/HD radio, SiriusXM Radio, Bluetooth, UConnect
Access, plus SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link. The package also includes the segment’s largest dual-pane sunroof and HomeLink universal transceiver. And, to make sure this Chrysler 300 is unique, commemorative 90th Anniversary Edition appointments include a startup splash screen logo and premium floor mats with embroidered logo. In addition to its 292-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with class-exclusive TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers a segment-leading 31 mpg on the highway, the 2016 Chrysler 300 90th Anniversary Edition is available with the segment’s most technologically advanced AWD system – enabling even more all-weather capability with maximum real-world fuel efficiency thanks to its segment-exclusive active transfer case and front-axle-disconnect system. Chrysler Town & Country 90th Anniversary Edition Not to be outdone, the 2016 Town & Country Anniversary Edition builds on the Touring-L model, adding a power sunroof, bright door handles, heated first- and second-row seats, heated steering wheel and Keyless Enter ‘n Go as standard equipment. This limited-edition model also features an “Anniversary Edition” logo on the radio splash screen and floor mats.
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