Press Releases

Realtor volunteers assist seniors

February 12, 2007

- For Immediate Release –

San Mateo, CA -- For homeowners or renters who are advanced in years or disabled, tasks like replacing smoke detector batteries, flipping a mattress or washing the windows can pose a major challenge. Seniors and the homebound who live in San Mateo County may now request free assistance with such household tasks through the REALTOR® Service Volunteer Program (RSVP) for the week of May 7-12, 2007.

RSVP is a community outreach program offered each year to seniors and the homebound by local Realtors in cooperation with various community organizations and senior centers. During RSVP Week, teams of Realtor volunteers and affiliates (professionals who provide industry-related services) will visit senior citizens and perform various cleaning and maintenance tasks free of charge.

The annual hands-on effort is organized by the members and affiliates of the San Mateo County Association of Realtors® (SAMCAR) and the Sili¬con Valley Association of Realtors® (SILVAR), the local trade associations of the real estate industry on the Peninsula and in the South Bay, from South San Francisco to Los Gatos.

This year, RSVP volunteers will visit the households during the week of May 7-12. The program is open to qualified seniors who cannot otherwise perform certain household tasks due to physical or financial constraints. The deadline for seniors to request this free assistance is Monday, April 2. Seniors and disabled residents can contact SAMCAR Event Coordinator/Communications Beckie Patane at (650) 696-8220 for information and an application.

The Realtors’ community outreach program was launched in 2001. Last year alone, 500 Realtors and professionals offering real-estate related services provided free help around the house for 352 home¬owners.

“As Realtors on the Peninsula, we sell the many wonderful benefits our communities offer,” said Anne Oliva, who chairs SAMCAR’s RSVP Program with Denise Baker. “We are also committed to give back to those who have built our communities. This program enables us to help seniors and the homebound enjoy their homes for a longer time.”

Seniors can request to have light bulbs replaced, house numbers installed, furnace filters changed, windows cleaned, mattresses turned or new smoke detector batteries installed. The volunteers also handle minor plumbing tasks, plant spring flowers or help with recycling.

Homeowners or renters who are advanced in years, disabled or other¬wise challenged and live in San Mateo County can apply for services at SAMCAR’s office at 850 Woodside Way, San Mateo, or call SAMCAR at (650) 696-8200.
 

The San Mateo County Association of REALTORS® (SAMCAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 3,800 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula. SAMCAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in San Mateo County.

The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

For further information, please contact Julie Ziemelis, Director of Public Affairs, e-mail , or phone (650) 696-8214.

» Back to Press Releases

Main Page2012 REALTOR(R) DuesCareers In Real EstateMember Benefits - REALTOR®Member Benefits - AffiliatesMember Change FormMember ApplicationsBecome a Sponsor

Main PageWorking with a REALTOR®Open Houses/Find a HomeBuyer/Seller TipsFirst Time HomebuyersCommunity InformationCA PropositionsMarket InformationProperty Rights

Main PageREALTOR® Code of EthicsProfessional StandardsDispute ResolutionAdvertising GuidelinesRESPA InformationFile a Complaint

Main PageAbout the FoundationFoundation Grant ApplicationCharitable Events

Main PageNewsletterPress ReleasesReal Estate ArticlesEvent CoverageIndustry News

Main PageLeadershipStaff DirectoryCorporate SponsorshipBylawsMission & Vision StatementPrivacy PolicyGovernanceCommitteesContact UsAffiliates

Main PageView/Edit ProfileEducation HistoryCommittee HistoryPayment HistoryUpload PhotoCell/Email OptionsPay Your Fees Online

Advisories and DisclosuresC.A.R. Government AffairsGreen CitiesGuide to the CitiesGuide to Elected OfficialsGuide to SchoolsLegalLegislative CommitteesLegislative DayN.A.R. Government AffairsProp 60 and 90REALTOR® Action FundREALTOR® AdvocacyRESPASign OrdinancesVideos

Main PageAdvertisingTour PolicyRecipsSign OrdinancesBecome a Marketing Meeting Sponsor

Main PageClarus MarketMetricsDesignation InformationGlossary/REALTOR® TermsInsuranceIRS/Tax InformationLicensingLogos and Graphic StandardsMarketingREALTOR® AssociationsREALTORS® Commercial AllianceREALTOR® Federal Credit UnionRESPA

Main PageEducationSpecial EventsFuture of the Housing Market + RE/TechRSVP (REALTOR® Service Volunteer Program)Young Professionals Network (YPN)DesignationsEvent Coverage