May Newsletter

SPRING CLEANING FOR YOUR GARAGE
Is your garage bursting at the seams? You might be creating a fire hazard. The easiest way to get organized is to develop three piles-- one for items to keep, one for items to donate and another for throw-aways. When you’re finished, it should be easier to find your tools, access your lawn equipment and (finally!) park your car in the garage. In fact, parking inside will protect your automobile from the elements and the damage that sun and rain can have on the car’s exterior.

RAT AND MICE SIGHTINGS
A few homeowners have reported seeing rats or mice in their yards. Do not give food and shelter to these most unwanted guests! The time to act is before the signs (droppings) of a rat or mouse. Some homeowners have reported that placing mothballs around the yard has kept them away. Mothballs are slightly toxic to mammals and use of such may keep rats and mice away, but be careful if you or your neighbors have pets. Also be sure to:
•  Stack fire wood 18 inches off the ground and away from building.
•  Birdhouses and seed should be on poles and in trays rats can’t get.
•  Keep garbage can lids closed tightly.
•  Keep yards clean. Take junk to the dump!
•  If you feed them, they will stay. Pick up fruit and vegetables in your yard.
•  Do not leave your pet food outside. If your pet doesn’t eat it, the rats will.
•  Roof rats get into your house from tree branches that hang over the roof. Keep trees and vines cut back and cover any openings in the eves.

REPLACEMENT WINDOWS
If you are considering replacement windows, please remember to submit an architechural change form for approval. Include as much detail as possible, about your new windows. And remember if you replace the windows you assume responsibility for any damage if they leak.

NEW GARAGE DOORS AND SERVICE SPECIAL
Some of the garage doors in the community are showing dents, wear and tear. If you are interested in updating your doors, call San Diego Garage Doors at 760-945-3778. They know which model is approved for your upgrade. Every few years these doors need servicing too. Talk to your neighbors. If 3 orders are booked for the same day the cost will be $89.00 each instead of $125.00. They will come and test, oil, adjust spring tension, rebalance and lubricate and give you a $36 dollar savings per family. Don’t forget to submit an architechtural change form for for doors too.

OIL SPOTS ON DRIVEWAYS
Please check your driveways for oil spots ande clean them up as soon as you see them. If the Management Company has to clean the spots for you, homeowners will be charged $125.00

GARAGE SALE TIPS AND ETIQUETTE         
Contrary to popular opinion, a yard sale is not an anything-goes free-for-all. As in any social situation, there are certain things you do or avoid doing to ensure you are polite and considerate of others.
•  A group sale is better then selling alone. More stuff draws more shoppers. Talk to your neighbors and do it together if possible. Having a sale once or twice a year together, can minimize constant traffic through the neighborhood every weekend.
•  Be prepared. Be ready to go the night before so that you don’t have to rush around in the morning.
•  Plan your sale layout with customers in mind. Use marketing tricks to make your customers more likely to purchase your stuff!
•  Price things carefully and label things well.
•  Be friendly. Greet people as they arrive — chat if they’re chatty..
•  Be willing to bargain, but be less flexible at the start.
•  Keep a ledger. Jot down a description of each item and how much you sold it for.
•  Do not use a cash box. Keep your money on you at all times.
•  Be considerate of your neighbors. Notify them ahead of time if you are having a sale. 

Finally, after the sale is over, your signs are litter that should be disposed of just like any other garbage. Carelessly leaving old signs up ad infinitum is extremely inconsiderate to both shoppers and neighbors who must look at your weather-beaten signs for months to come.

  
THOMPSON MANAGEMENT P.O. Box 618 Vista, CA  92085  PHONE: (760) 295-3723

Our next meeting is AT 5:45PM, MAY 17th at the POOL
HOA MEETING DATE CHANGES WILL BE POSTED IN THE POOL AREA