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Masquerade Affair New Years Eve 2012

Dec 29th, 2011
by Kathy Rain.
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If you don’t have plans for New Year’s Eve then plan on this fun local event. MGD Productions presents the 11th annual New Years Party, Masquerade Affair “New Years Eve 2012″

4 live bands, 3 rooms, 3 atmospheres, Brazilian carnival at midnight, 7 of the best Dj’s in the Bay Area, Free masks, Hats, Balloons, Pisco Bar and more! Live Samba dancers and Batucada drummers, masks, confetti, hats, streamers and more!

The party will be held at the San Mateo Marriott Hotel, 1770 S. Amphlett – San Mateo 94402 – Doors open 7pm
Pre-Sale tickets $35. 

Main room: Live Salsa with Pepe y su Orquesta
Dj Jazzy Jez & Dj Mambo playing the best salsa and Bachata

Second room: Live Cumbia, Merengue and Bachata with Orquesta Son & Sabor
Dj Carty and DjMGD with the Best latin mixes, Rock en español, 70′s & 80′s music and more

Third room: Live Timba and Cubaton with Dos/Four Band
Dj Dominican, DjDavid the King with the best of Reggaeton and Top 40.
Dj Antonio playing the best Cuban Salsa

Special Brazilian Carnival style performance at midnight with “Amor Do Samba”
Live Samba dancers and Batucada drummers, masks, confetti, hats, streamers and more

Marriott offers you doubles or singles rooms rate at $99 (Includes free breakfast for 2 plus free Parking) You can buy tickets here.

San Mateo locals know this is one of the best places to ring in the New Year!  Have a safe and Happy New Year!

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Getting a Loan When You Are Self Employed

Dec 27th, 2011
by Kathy Rain.
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The San Mateo community has a spirit of entrepenuership which helps define our culture. For many, owning their own business and being their own boss sounds like a dream come true. However, if you are self employed you most likely know that owning your own business can be stressful and overwhelming at times.

But while being a business owner is a great deal of work, it is part of the American dream. The downside is that if you are in the market to purchase a new home in San Mateo and are planning on applying for a loan based on your self-employment income, you may be faced with some challenges you weren’t expecting.

Unfortunately the current economic situation has forced many lenders to tighten their requirements and that may make getting a loan more difficult than in past years for self employed home buyers. Here’s the score on what today’s lenders are looking for.

1. Forget about a ‘stated income’ mortgage – you are going to need tax documents, bank records and at least a two year history of business stability for a lender to even consider your application. Even if you are just branching out in the same kind of business that you have done for years, expect tight requirements and nearly perfect credit to move forward with qualifying.

2. Do your homework – research the banks or mortgage lenders you want to approach and find out exactly what paperwork and documentation they require to process a loan for a self-employed borrower. Spend time putting your documents together carefully and thoroughly in advance of your application.

3. Look for lenders who have a track record of accepting self-employed borrowers and try to meet with them in person to review your paperwork and find the right kind of loan package for your needs and situation.

4. Take a break from write-offs for a couple of years – those tax deductions help with your disposable income, but they also take down your gross income level. Lenders want to see a good debt-to-income ratio,not how clever you are about expensing your income away. Direct any questions about how to manage your expenses and write-offs to your CPA.

5. Stay liquid – build your bank account so that lenders can see your ability to make payments even if you have seasonal or other fluctuations in your income levels month to month or year to year. A solid savings plan and liquid assets can be helpful in getting your application approved.

Finally, if you have a strong co-signer, one with great finances and a steady income, you may be able to overcome your lender’s concerns and hesitation when it comes to considering the source and level of your personal income.

Are you self employed and have more questions? Contact me for more information, I would be happy to help!

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Donate to San Mateo Local Charities

Dec 22nd, 2011
by Kathy Rain.
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‘Tis the season to be charitable! There are many great local San Mateo charities and donation centers that could use your help this holiday season! This would be a great time to clean our your homes and donate unneeded items to a good cause.

Here is a list of a few reputable charities that would appreciate your donations:

Assistance League of San Mateo County Turnstyle Thrift Shop
LOCATION: 60 North B Street @ Baldwin Avenue San Mateo, CA 94401
PHONE: (650) 342-2367
HOURS: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00am – 4:00pm

Funds from resale are used to purchase new clothing, uniforms and books for underprivileged elementary school children; new books for family literacy programs; new clothing for sexual assault victims at San Mateo County General Hospital; and to fund a coordinator for a home visit program for the elderly in San Mateo County.

NEED: Clothing & accessories, housewares, small furniture items, books, jewelry, collectibles, toys, small appliances, small furniture pieces, portable color televisions and decorative items for the home. 

DO NOT NEED: Large furniture or appliances, computers, videos or record players. 
 
Episcopal Church of Saint Matthew Service League Thrift Shop
LOCATION: Corner of Baldwin Avenue & El Camino Real San Mateo, CA 94401
PHONE: (650) 344-0921
HOURS: Thursday – Saturday 10:00am – 2:00pm

Funds from resale are donated to a variety of San Mateo County charities.

NEED: Clothing & accessories, housewares, books, jewelry, collectibles, toys, small appliances, small furniture pieces and decorative items for the home. 

DO NOT NEED: Large furniture, appliances, computers, TVs or stereos. 
 
First Step for Families (Shelter Network)
LOCATION: 325 Villa Terrace San Mateo, CA 94401
PHONE: (650) 340-8814
HOURS: Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm. Please call first.

All donated items are provided free of charge to shelter families or are used in shelter facilities.

NEED: Household appliances, bedroom and bathroom linens, brooms, dustpans, cleaning supplies, kitchenware and utensils, lamps, televisions, clock radios, strollers, highchairs, school supplies, sports equipment, books and games for teenagers, educational toys, Halloween costumes, unused toiletries and computer games for Windows-based PCs. 
 
Friends of the San Mateo Public Library San Mateo Public Library, Main Branch
LOCATION: 55 West Third Avenue @ El Camino Real San Mateo, CA 94403
PHONE: (650) 373-4802 (Administration)
HOURS: Mon – Thu 10:00am – 9:00pm, Fri – Sat 10:00am – 5:00pm; Sun 1:00pm – 5:00pm

The San Mateo Public Library Foundation uses funds from resale to purchase new books and support adult literacy programs and children’s library services.

NEED: New & used books; CDs and videos (in perfect condition).

DO NOT NEED: Textbooks, Reader’s Digest condensed books, National Geographic and Smithsonian magazines. 
 
Goodwill Industries Thrift Store
LOCATION: 28 West 25th Avenue @ El Camino Real San Mateo, CA 94403
PHONE: (650) 525-2780

Use this opportunity to show your family how it truly is better for the soul to give than to recieve this holiday season by donating to these San Mateo charities.

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