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Tired of looking at unkempt foreclosures in your area? Learn how to save your block without putting yourself or your property at risk.

An empty home has more issues than poor curb appeal. Kids may go exploring in and around these homes, risking injury. And as time passes, the properties also can attract wild animals and/or vandals — putting the whole neighborhood at risk.

"Virtually every city in America is touched by this problem," says Daniel Kildee, president of the Center for Community Progress, a nonprofit that partners with local governments to address abandoned property issues.

Things Homeowners Can Do

1. Work With Your Neighborhood Organization
   A collective voice, like that of a neighborhood organization, is louder and more effective than a single one, especially when it’s asking a local government or mortgage company to take action. “Neighborhood organizations promote a sense of community and get people talking to each other about what’s going on in the neighborhood,” says Kildee.
   
   The neighborhood crime watch concept is one model of a group focused on monitoring and maintaining vacant properties. Learn more about watch programs from the National Neighborhood Watch program.
    
2. Notice the Warning Signs
    
   • Neighbors are often the first to notice the subtle signs of a vacancy, such as:
   • Piles of mail and fliers
   • Overgrown grass and landscaping
   • Odd or unpleasant odors
   • Graffiti
   • Animals living under porches
   • Strangers hanging around
   • “It’s not a bad thing for neighbors to be nosy about these things,” says Kildee. “It’s going to have a negative effect on everyone if something isn’t done.”
3. Be Diligent About Protecting Your Home
   Neglected properties attract crime and are fire hazards. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 7% of residential fires are in vacant buildings. Protect your own home by keeping doors and vehicles locked, installing motion lights and making sure smoke alarms are in working order.
    
4. Determine the Owner of Record
   To ensure property maintenance, contact the person or agency responsible for the vacant home. If the property is up for sale, identify the owner or the real estate agent. Or, if it’s in foreclosure, call the mortgage company that holds the title.
   
   The city or county recorder or assessor will have records of property ownership. “It is important to identify vacant properties as soon as possible so they can be monitored,” says Kildee. “Sometimes the owner is going to be more vigilant if they know somebody is paying attention.
    
5. Call the Authorities
   If you see anything that seems suspicious or potentially dangerous, call the police. “Pay attention, and don’t be afraid to act,” says Kildee.
    
6. Know the Local Regulations
   Cities have public nuisance regulations and laws addressing property maintenance. Some require owners to register their vacant properties and pay an annual fee that can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. The fees help cover any government costs to care for a property, while encouraging the owner to rehabilitate or sell the property.
   
   “You’d think an empty building would require less public service, but it’s the opposite,” says Kildee. “Police and fire departments, as well as building code inspectors, are regularly called to vacant properties.” Brush up on local laws through your local government’s website or your elected city representative.
    
7. Do it Yourself … But Only as a Last Resort
   If a property owner or city won’t address maintenance issues such as mowing the lawn or clearing snow, your neighborhood organization may need to. “Do what you can through the owner or local government, but don’t wait for something bad to happen,” says Kildee.
   
   However, don’t take action until you have exhausted efforts to get the owner of record or the city to respond. Getting written permission from the owner is one way to protect yourself. “In extreme cases, some communities allow you to go to court to be appointed receiver of property just for maintenance,” says Kildee.

Union Plus offers special discounts on auto insurance from MetLife Auto & Home®.

Learn more about
Union Plus Auto and Home Insurance
 

While a sensitive topic, planning allows everyone involved to define the caregiving arrangement that works best for them, helping to reduce any undue stress or burden. Whether it’s you or a loved one planning for a caregiver, it’s helpful to understand different types of caregiving relationships, what caregivers can do, when one might be needed, and how to choose a caregiver.

Ready to Learn More?

Watch our Planning for a Caregiver module. It's quick and easy. Simply click the yellow button at the bottom of this page. The module will start playing as soon as you arrive on the site. Once you've listened to the introduction, click the arrow to the right of the screen to move through the three different topics:

• What is a caregiver?
• When will you need one?
• What are the characteristics of an ideal caregiver?

Tips

Once you've started the module, you can see captions, adjust volume and pause the module by using the controls at the top right of the screen. You can also select the transcript button to see all of the content from the module.

Check out the Planning for a Caregiver Module Now

Including pets in holiday festivities is becoming the norm as pet ownership rises, and Halloween is no exception. But beware of potential hazards this time of year may bring such as Halloween candy and costumes as they present opportunities for pets to enjoy non-traditional “treats” that could lead to unexpected vet bills.

Over the last three years, claims for pets ingesting toxic foods or foreign objects consistently ranked among the top 10 accident claims during the month of October. Accident claims due to toxic foods or foreign object ingestion increased 5% in October 2017 compared to the prior year, representing 19% of all accident claims during the month*.

Help reduce your pet’s risk by taking proper precautions this Halloween season:

• Keep Halloween treats away from pets. While chocolate is one of the most toxic to dogs and cats, candy containing xylitol, grapes, and raisins should also be kept out of reach. Make sure wrappers find their way into the trash, as these also present a risk to pets if ingested. 
• If dressing your pet up in a Halloween costume this year, be sure to inspect the costume for any small or loose pieces that might be easily chewed off and swallowed. Beware of these hazards on human costumes as well.
• Keep seasonal Halloween décor, like lights and candles, in out of reach areas for pets. Pets may want to play or chew on smaller objects or loose items, resulting in a potential choking hazard. 

If you know or suspect your pet has ingested a toxic food or foreign object, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Unexpected veterinary costs can be scary but having pet insurance can help take the fright out of those expensive veterinary bills. 

Accident plans are only $6/month for cats and $9/month for dogs (pricing varies in Washington). If you’d like to include illness coverage, there are comprehensive BestBenefit Accident and Illness plans available. 

Learn more about 
Union Plus Pet Insurance 

Driving an enormous truck in and out of the Arizona copper mines does not leave Frances “Frankie” Estep much time to deal with personal finances. That is why she was so grateful to find the supportive team at Union Plus when it came time for her to finally purchase her first home. 

“I am a member of International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Local 104,” the 63-year-old Estep says proudly. “I have found the Teamsters to be excellent at protecting and defending their members.”

When it came time for Estep to purchase her first home, she turned to the Union Plus Mortgage Program.

“My then union president told me to check out the Union Plus website,” Estep explains.

While she was working with Union Plus (and their financial partners at Wells Fargo), Estep decided to enter the “Spring into Renovation” Sweepstakes.

“Entering the ‘Spring into Renovation’ Sweepstakes was easy,” she says. “I just filled out a form on the Union Plus website.”

Estep won $2,000, which she plans to use to take a vacation and do some work on the backyard of her new home. These are not the only benefits she has garnered from her relationship with Union Plus, however. In fact, she recommends the organization to everyone.

“I always suggest Union Plus to everyone who is a union member,” Estep says.  “It's well worth looking into, and the mortgage program is awesome!”

The Union Plus Mortgage program, with financing available through Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, is available for all eligible union members. 

For qualifying members, special benefits include:

• A My Mortgage Gift^SM award from Wells Fargo after closing – $500 for buying a home, or $300 for refinancing a home – for use at participating retailers.¹ 
• Special hardship mortgage assistance from Union Plus in the event of income loss due to disability, unemployment or strike/lockout.²

For more information, visit unionplus.org/mortgage.

No one wants to come home to a disaster. Learn how you can reduce the risk of burglary, as well as fire and water damage, while you travel.

Before You Go

Before locking your doors and windows and hitting the road, there are several things you should do — and not do — to help keep your property and possessions safe. Here’s a helpful checklist:

Do

• Stop your mail service. Old newspapers and a bulging letterbox could tip off burglars that no one is home.
• Put your lights and television on a timer to cycle on and off. This helps create the illusion of an active household.
• Lock any valuables you don’t take with you, such as jewelry, in a safe or a safe-deposit box.
• To reduce the risk of a fire and save energy, unplug electronics and appliances that don’t need to be running.
• Shut off your main water supply to prevent leaks that could lead to damage.
• Arm your alarm system. If you don’t have an alarm, consider installing one — the investment could lower the cost of your homeowners insurance.

Do not

• Hide a spare key outside. If you must, be sure it’s hard to find.
• Lower your blinds. Instead leave them at their usual height and move visible valuables away from the window.
• Change your answering machine to let callers know you’re on vacation.
• Post your travel plans on social media. Learn more from MetLife Auto & Home® about protecting your home from social thieves.
• Leave your GPS in your vehicle at the airport. Someone could break into your car and get your home address.

While you’re away

You can feel confident your home is secure even if you’re miles away. Here’s how:

• Enlist the help of a neighbor, friend or family member: To help make your home look lived in, have them park in your driveway, take out the trash or mow the lawn.
• Talk to local authorities: If you let your local police know you’re out of town, they may drive by your house to check for signs of trouble.
• Use your smartphone: Download an app that allows you to link your smartphone to a webcam so you can watch your home from anywhere — even the beach.

As a union member, you have access to special discounts on auto insurance from MetLife Auto & Home®. We also offer a variety of other insurance policies including: home, renters, boat, motorcycle, recreational vehicle and more. To learn more about the program call 855-666-5797 and mention Union Plus discount code DJ7. For the most accurate comparisons, please have your current policies with you when you call.

Few pests are more irritating to our furry friends than fleas and ticks. Not only do these insects cause discomfort for our cats and dogs, but they can also cause a wide range of health problems. The best cure for fleas and ticks is prevention. Methods for preventing fleas and ticks include reducing exposure to environments fleas and ticks are known to thrive in, good pet hygiene, and preventative medications or treatments.

Flea and Tick Prevention Tips

Follow these flea and tick prevention steps to reduce the risk of your pet becoming infested:

• Regularly inspect your pet’s coat for fleas
• Comb pets regularly with a flea comb
• Wash all bedding once a week
• Keep your home clean and vacuum carpets frequently
• Use flea prevention products after consulting with your pet care professional

Flea and Tick Treatments

Luckily, there are also various types of safe flea and tick prevention products available. These come in different forms that can reduce the risk of infection and include:

• Shampoos
• Collars
• Sprays
• Oral medication in the form of pills or chews
• Ointments
• Topical insecticides

There are also sprays that can be used on bedding, carpet and around the house. Talk to your veterinarian to identify the best products for your pet and home.

So next time you are out adventuring with your furry family members, don’t get “ticked” off. With a little prevention, the right treatments, and a sharp eye fleas and ticks won’t stand a chance when it comes to your fur baby. Pet insurance can also help keep your pup or kitty flea and tick free with optional routine care coverage. Learn more about the discounted Union Plus Pet Insurance program to find the right plan for you and your pet!

More Pet-Related Articles

• Top Three Dog Heat Stroke Questions
• Pet Accidents Increase in Summer Months

Want more spending money and financial freedom? A cash-out refinance may be the right
choice. You can consolidate any high-interest debt into one new primary mortgage using the
equity you’ve built up in your home.

Fast Facts

What is equity, and how can it help me?

If the current value of your home is greater than your current mortgage balance, you have home equity. The more equity you have, the more money you may be able to get from a cash-out refinance.

Can a cash-out refinance lower my monthly debt payments?

Yes! You can make one low monthly payment instead of several and pay less overall every month.

What about closing costs?

It’s possible to add the costs associated with getting a new mortgage into the total refinance amount to avoid paying anything out of pocket at closing.

Cash-Out Refinance Advantages

Streamline Your Bills

With a cash-out refinance, you can pay off high-interest debt like credit card balances and student loans. By paying off your high-interest debts faster, you can improve your credit rating.

Stay at Home Longer

Planning on staying in your home? Use the cash for renovations that can add value to your home. Bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor decks – now is the time to do it.

Explore More Options

Want to pay for college tuition, add to your retirement fund or invest in a summer home? With a cash-out refinance, you get the freedom you need.

For more information about a cash-out refinance, visit unionplusmortgage.com or call 855 UNION 53 (855-864-6653).

With a knowledgeable home mortgage consultant by your side and these resources at your fingertips, you’ll have the support you need to navigate the home loan process. Enjoy all of these helpful features and more from Wells Fargo, the lender voted best digital mortgage experience.¹

Prepare and Plan with Interactive Tools

• Find details on loans and programs
• Watch videos to help you plan your home purchase, understand the mortgage process, and more
• Access specialized resources like My FirstHome^® — an interactive online program to help you prepare for successful homeownership

Compare Loan Options

Find the mortgage that’s right for you. Compare loan features, interest rates, monthly payments, closing costs, and more with our home loan comparison tool.

Track your Mortgage Application

With yourLoanTracker^SM, you can:

• See your loan status and upcoming tasks
• Upload documents
• Get text alerts when you reach key milestones²

To determine if a home loan is available with yourLoanTracker features, talk to a home mortgage consultant.

See all Your Accounts in One View

Wells Fargo Online^® provides you with the simplicity of managing your mortgage and other Wells Fargo accounts all in one place.

Your Mortgage On-the-Go

Quickly view your mortgage balance, make payments and more from your Wells Fargo Mobile^®app. Plus, receive free alerts about account activity that’s important to you.²

Personal Support by Your Side

Your local home mortgage consultant will help you navigate the mortgage process and keep you updated on what’s next.

And after closing on a loan through the Union Plus Mortgage program, you’ll be eligible for special benefits that include receiving a My Mortgage Gift^SM award from Wells Fargo – $500 for buying a home or $300 for refinancing your home – for use at participating retailers and access to mortgage assistance through Union Plus in times of hardship such as layoff, disability or strike.3 Additionally, qualifying union member veterans can also complete an application with Union Plus to receive a $1,000 Mortgage Veteran’s Grant within 90 days of closing on a new primary home purchase through the program. Terms and restrictions may apply. Keep in mind that parents and children of union members are also eligible for certain benefits.

Click here to learn more about the Union Plus Mortgage program, talk to a Union Plus Mortgage Specialist at 866-802-7307 or request a personal consultation.

Taff is a proud Union Plus Credit Cardholder. Recently, Taff took advantage of one of the benefits offered by Union Plus when he earned a $100 AT&T Smartphone Upgrade Rebate.

“Union Plus is endorsed by the AFL-CIO, and that’s most important to me,” Taff said. “I always try to use union-friendly companies.”

As a Union Plus Credit Cardholder, you may be eligible to receive a $100 rebate on an upgrade or new purchase of a smartphone, and if you switch to AT&T from another provider, you may be eligible for up to a $250 rebate when switching to AT&T (qualifying monthly data plan required).¹ 

Additionally, union members and retirees can save 15 percent on the monthly service charge of qualified wireless plans from AT&T through Union Plus.² (Requires valid proof of membership with an AFL-CIO member union by the account holder. Additional restrictions apply.) Visit unionplus.org/att for details.

"I highly recommend AT&T, and not only for cell service,” Taff said. “We’ve had AT&T landlines at my residence as long as I can remember, and AT&T cell service is second to none. I’m very happy with AT&T.”

Taff found the AT&T Smartphone Upgrade Rebate application process to be easy. He simply filled out the form and returned it to Union Plus.

“The person who received my application walked me through the process and made sure I had the correct identification number on my account,” Taff said. “Once that was squared away, there was no problem. I received my rebate in a very timely manner.”

Taff said he receives monthly email updates about Union Plus rebates, discounts and other benefits.

“When other union members ask about Union Plus, I always tell them that this is the credit card program your union supports,” Taff said. “There is a link to Union Plus on the union’s website, and all the benefits are explained there. I’ve always tried to support the union in everything I do.”

Stay connected with Union Plus and learn more about the more than 25 programs and discounts available for union members and their families. Follow Union Plus on Facebook or register to receive updates on Union Plus programs at unionplus.org.
 

Though he spends a great deal of time making sure that his fellow educators feel at home, Florida Education Association (FEA) staff member Dr. Kerr Fazzone waited a while before purchasing a home of his own. When he did, however, he knew just who to call.

“I found out about Union Plus from one of my colleagues,” Fazzone says of the Union Plus Mortgage Program. “I reached out immediately after we decided to begin actively looking for a home.”

Since that first phone call, Fazzone says the Union Plus service has been “impeccable.”
“Our loan officer made the entire process simple,” he recalls. “He found the best mortgage for us and helped us decide the best time to lock in the interest rate.” 

Fazzone notes that his Union Plus representative also walked him through every step of the process and remained in close contact with his realtor, insurance agent, and the title company.

Fazzone was so impressed, in fact, that he has already recommended the Union Plus Mortgage Program to others. 

“I work for the Florida Education Association,” Fazzone says, “which is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the AFL-CIO, and the National Education Association (NEA). I’m pleased with the experience of using the Union Plus program.”

“The union experience is unlike anything I have experienced before moving to Florida,” he maintains. “It is comforting to know that you belong to an organization that advocates for better working conditions for its members.”

Qualifying AFT members are eligible for special benefits for first-time homebuyers as well as:

• A $500 gift card after closing for purchasing or refinancing a home
• Special hardship mortgage assistance from Union Plus in the event of income loss due to disability, unemployment, or strike/lockout

For more information, visit unionplusmortgage.com.