Press Releases

REALTOR Volunteers Help Seniors

Cupertino, 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. To those who live on the Peninsula or in the South Bay (Atherton, Menlo Park, East Palo Alto, Palo Alto, Woodside, Portola Valley, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Saratoga, Monte Sereno, or Los Gatos), cost-free assistance is being offered by local Realtors in cooperation with various community organizations and senior centers. The community outreach program, called REALTOR® Service Volunteer Program (RSVP), provides senior citizens with a friendly visit and free assistance with household tasks during a designated week each year.

The annual hands-on effort is organized by the members and affiliates of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors® (SILVAR) and the San Mateo County Association of Realtors® (SAMCAR), the local trade associations of the real estate industry on the Peninsula and in the South Bay, from South San Francisco to Los Gatos. During RSVP Week, teams of Realtor volunteers and affiliates (professionals who provide industry-related services) - will be at residences performing various cleaning and maintenance tasks.

This year, RSVP volunteers will visit the households during the week of May 8-13. The deadline for seniors to request assistance is Friday, April 7. Seniors and disabled residents can call SILVAR at (408) 200-0100 for information and an application.

The Realtors' community outreach program was launched in 2001. Last year alone, 450 Realtors and professionals offering real-estate related services provided free help around the house for 274 homeowners.

"As Realtors, we sell the benefits and aspirations of our communities," observed David Barca, SILVAR Community Outreach Chair and General Manager, Keller Williams Realty. "We are also neighbors and know about local needs. And as neighbors, we share the desire for our communities to be great places to live and are committed to give back to those who have built our communities. This program enablesus to help seniors and the homebound enjoy their homes in the community 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 otherwise challenged and live in SILVAR-covered cities and towns can apply for services at SILVAR's main office at 19400 Stevens Creek Blvd., Suite 100, Cupertino, sign up directly at one of the participating local organizations, or call SILVAR at (408) 200-0100.

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The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR 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 Silicon Valley.

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 Rose Meily at SILVAR Public Affairs, e-mail , or phone (408) 200-0109.

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