'Televator" Makes Attic Access Easy

Luggage, Holiday Decorations, High School Year Books, Baby Beds packed long ago...for most of us, the list of boxes and items we save for future use quickly stack up and block access to items we need today. What to do? Simply look up. Not to heavens, but to all that space above our heads...the attic.

If you have determined that the attic is safe for storage, but you haven't determined how to get there safely and conveniently, the telescoping attic ladder named Televator may be the answer.

Unlike traditional folding access stairs, the Televator requires little effort to use and less room to open and set up. It's unique design makes it an excellent choice for the small closets and hallways where attic access is usually located. If you have a hole in your ceiling, the unit is easy to install, even for do-it-yourselfers. Televator is completely assembled and the only tools required for installation are a drill and a wrench for putting in the lag bolts.

The Televator can handle up to 250 lbs and the 8 foot model retails for around $199. The Televator may be just the answer for storing seldom used items right over your head. For more information or to locate a dealer visit http://www.wernerladder.com/

Rising Foreclosures Cause Widespread Pain

News that home foreclosures are rising is not a surprise to those that follow the headlines. New studies estimate that 1.1 million families will lose their home over the next 2 years. The brunt of the pain will be felt by those left homeless, with tax problems and ruined credit, but the after shock will be felt by all of us.

Why? Because lenders are not in the real estate business. They must dump these non-performing assets as soon as possible. As they foreclose and take possession of all this property, they will slash asking prices as an incentive to move the inventory. Translation: Lending requirements will continue to tighten, making borrowing harder for everyone and we will all feel the effects of further downward price pressure.

Who is at the most risk of foreclosure?? Anyone who closed on an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) in 2004-2006 with a low initial "teaser" rate has a 1-in-3 chance of losing their home. If you got a subprime ARM during that period, with a higher than average interest rate, your chances are at 1-in-8.

Where are the most foreclosures taking place? For the most part, area's with the highest rate of foreclosure are the same ones who experienced a great deal of speculation and unsustainable price increases.

Here's a rundown on the metro areas with the highest rate of foreclosure filings:

Stockton, Calif. (1 in 88 households)
Merced, Calif. (1 in 100 households)
Modesto, Calif. (1 in 118 households)
Las Vegas
Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif.
Vallejo-Fairfield, Calif.
Sacramento, Calif.
Denver, Colo.
Detroit, Mich.
Miami, Fla.