Press Releases

Realtor service program for seniors extends from SF Peninsula to all of Santa Clara County

March 26, 2007

- For Immediate Release –

San Mateo, CA - Seniors and the homebound living on the Peninsula or in the South Bay, including all of Santa Clara County, may request free assistance with various 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 who cannot otherwise perform certain household tasks due to physical or financial constraints. This free assistance is offered by local Realtors in cooperation with various community organizations and senior centers

The annual community service program was first launched in each of the five districts of the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) in 2001, and then adopted as an official association community outreach project in 2002. The program was expanded to members and affiliates of the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS® (SAMCAR) in 2003. The Fresno Association of REALTORS® followed suit two years ago. This year, the Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS® (SCCAOR) has come on board and will service seniors living from San Jose to Gilroy. There are plans to expand the program to more Realtor Associations in California and around the nation.

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. 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 and help with recycling.

“Through the RSVP program, Realtors and affiliates can make the difference between a senior remaining independent as a homeowner or renter, or having to give up that independence to some form of care giving and dependence on strangers,” said Palo Alto Realtor David Barca, who had chaired the program since 2001. 
 
Senior homeowners or renters who are 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 Event Coordinator/Communications Beckie Patane at (650) 696-8220 for information and an application. The deadline for San Mateo County seniors to request this free assistance is Monday, April 2.

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.

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