Sooner or later, almost everybody gets locked out of the house. You may think that getting locked out of the house won't happen to you, but just you wait. If you don't take preventative measures against getting locked out, it could very well happen when you least expect it.

I never thought it would happen to me, but one day I lost my house keys. I pulled them out of my bag, and the ring holding my keys went flying, unnoticed. When I got home, I discovered that I was locked out. So, I hauled a ladder out of the garage and climbed it, hoping to crawl in the second floor window. The ladder wasn't high enough to reach the window ledge. In my infinite wisdom, I jumped up and flung my body through the open window head first. I could have killed myself. I don't recommend that anybody try this stupid solution.

How to Not Get Locked Out of the House

One thing you absolutely do not want to do is to leave a door or window unlocked as protection against getting locked out. Because if you know how to break in to your house, a burglar can easily discover that method, too. Always lock your doors and windows.

The secret to avoid getting locked out of the house is to make an extra set of keys, and make sure you have access to a spare key in the event you are locked out.

If you do not have an extra key, you may need to call a locksmith. Do not kick in the door because you may end up replacing the door jamb, door frame and your door, which is far more expensive than paying a locksmith. Ditto for breaking a window. Locksmiths are cheaper. Just in case, program a locksmith's phone number into your cell.

Good Places to Stash a House Key

You can't have too many house keys. First, it helps if all the locks in your home are keyed to one key. You can remove your door knobs and take them to a hardware store, do it yourself (if you know how) or call a locksmith to change all the locks so they unlock with the same key. Here are places to hide an extra key:

• Give an extra key to a friend, family member or neighbor whom you trust.
• Buy a fake rock, put the key inside and hide the rock in the garden. Make sure the rock looks real because burglars know how to look for these.
• Carry an extra key in a briefcase or, if you're a woman, your bag.
• Install a wireless keypad on the outside of your garage and hide a key inside the garage. Bear in mind that in the event of a power failure, your garage door may not open.
• Lock the key inside your electrical panel and lock the panel with a combination padlock.
• Attach a heavy duty contractor's box to a gas pipe and put the key inside.

Bad Places to Stash a House Key

Many burglars prefer to enter homes through unlocked doors, but they rarely take the time to search for a key. Breaking a window is faster and more convenient for crooks. Still, that doesn't mean you should leave a key in a conspicuous spot where a burglar is likely to find it. Here are bad places to hide an extra key:

• Under the mat. First place people look, not to mention, the wind might blow it off the steps.
• Under a planter.
• In the mailbox.
• In your car's glove box.
• Taped inside a gutter.
• On a window ledge.
• On your dog's collar.
• In the lock itself.

Now of course, after I inflicted bodily harm by thrusting myself through my second-floor window, I found my house keys the following morning, lying on the floor of my office. That episode was the turning point for me, and now I will never get locked out of my house. Providing, I should add, if I can remember where I hid my extra key.

Shopping For a Homeownership Loan with Sherice Grainger, Wells Fargo.

Born and raised right here is beautiful San Diego, Sherice Grainger has become one of the most prominent lenders in our community. She is presently employed at Wells Fargo where its experience and expertise will benefit those who seek a new loan or refinancing.

Sherice is known to show the utmost commitment and compassion towards each and every client. Contact her to learn more about the powerful loan programs at Wells Fargo.

Buying your first home with Sherice Grainger from Wells Fargo has many benefits. You’ll become part of a community, experience the security of owning the roof over your head, and have the opportunity to create a home that meets your needs and style.
Your first-time homebuyer benefits also include opportunities to:

• Build home equity - Unlike rent, the principal portion of every mortgage payment you make has the potential to grow your asset.
• Gain potential tax benefits - Your mortgage interest and real estate property taxes are usually tax deductible when you file your income tax returns. (Consult a tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest.)
• Build your credit - Making on-time mortgage payments can help you create and keep up a strong credit history.
• Take control - Rent increases, cancelled leases and other unexpected tenant hassles will be things of the past.

Get the loan information you need, call Sherice Grainger.

Shopping For a Home with Terri Davids and Linda Ring, Century 21 Award

Buying a home in San Diego is one of the most important decisions you will make. That's why it's in your best interest to choose experienced Terri Davids and Linda Ring from Century 21 Award who listens to and understands your needs, and has detailed knowledge of the area in which you want to want to live.

When you choose Terri Davids and Linda Ring from Century 21 Award, you're dealing with professionals who understand your concerns and will provide you with the personalized service that makes all the difference.

What should you expect in your first meeting with a Terri Davids and Linda Ring? We will talk to you about the neighborhood where you want to live, home prices, schools, transportation, and the surrounding commercial and residential areas. We can also address the pros and cons of using a buyer's agent versus a sales or dual agent.

When you're ready to visit houses, ask your Century 21 Award agents, Terri Davids and Linda Ring, we will help you with:

• Arranging showings.
• Tracking the properties you've seen.
• Identifying homes that meet your criteria and keep track of your "what's right for you" list.

TIP: After touring each home, write down what you liked and didn't like. Terri Davids, Century 21 Award can help you develop a rating system to narrow the field. For example, pick the house you like best on day one and compare all other houses to it. When you find a better one, use the new favorite as your standard.

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With an estimated 250,000 foreclosed homes including San Diego County on Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s books, the government is considering inventive ways to divulge excess inventory and return stability to the housing market including San Diego County.

At the same time that this surplus of inventory is driving down home prices and dragging consumer confidence with it in San Diego County, another growing problem lurks in the corner drawing increasing attention. As foreclosed homeowners are forced out of their homes, the rental market becomes increasingly competitive in San Diego County, and the need for affordable rental housing rises.

Thus the government sent out a request for information (RFI) in August asking how a government rental program might work for San Diego County. The industry has responded with enthusiasm, submitting a slew of proposals now under consideration. Suggestions include lease-to-own options, rent-and-hold, and joint profit sharing for San Diego County.

Contact us for more information on San Diego County Government Rentals