OC Realtist Magazine March 2017

M arc h 2 017 Vol. 03 | Is s ue 2

IN THIS ISSUE: • HIGH-DEMAND REGIONS IN THE ORANGE COUNTY HOUSING MARKET • TOP TEN INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES • FEATURING COURTNEY JOHNSON ROSE

We proudly welcome ZipRealty™ and its innovative technology platform to our family of real estate brands!

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CONTENTS: Mission and Vision of the Orange County Realtist Magazine....................(page 5)

REAL ESTATE Best Places to Live in Riverside, California.............................................(page 10) High Demand Regions in the Orange County Housing Market................(page 12) Analyzing the Commercial Real Estate in San Diego...............................(page 16)

THE POWER IS NOW INC. Vol. 03 | Issue 2

Eric Lawrence Frazier, MBA President and CEO Office: (800) 401-8994 Ext. 703 Direct: (714) 361-2105 Eric.Frazier@ThePowerIsNow.com www.thepowerisnow.com www.blogtalkradio.com/thepowerisnow

EDITORIAL TEAM Eric Lawrence Frazier MBA Editor in Chief (800) 401-8994 Ext. 703 Goldy Ponce Managing Editor Graphic Artist (800) 401-8994 ext. 711 goldy.ponce@thepowerisnow.com Kim Collier Executive Director of Publishing (800) 401-8994 ext. 712 kim.collier@thepowerisnow.com

Is 2017 the Best Year to Invest in the Fairfield CA Commercial Real Estate Market? .............................................................(page 20)

FINANCIAL A Government Program that Pays Your Bills? .........................................(page 24) What the Looming 2017 FED Rate Hikes Will Mean for Home Buyers? ..................................................................(page 26) International Credit Education Month.......................................................(page 28)

ECONOMICS Why Homeownership is Keeping Black People Poorer than White People? .......................................................................(page 30) Women and Minorities Make Very Little Progress on the Fortune 500 ...................................................(page 34)

LEGAL Officials Shut Down One of the Final Illegal Dispensaries of Marijuana in Riverside..........................................................................(page 42) What the Dissability Earned Income Tax Credit Means for You..............(page 44)

GREEN Rise in the Popularity of Green Homes.....................................................(page 46) How to Sell Eco Friendly Real Estate to Homebuyers.............................(page 48)

TECHNOLOGY How Strong is Your Password?.................................................................(page 50)

CONTRIBUTORS

Whar is Technology Doing to Commercial Real Estate? .........................(page 52)

Orange County Realtist Research Team

Set Great Value to Your house in the Minds of your Home Buyers..........(page 56)

YOU Real Estate Best Practices.........................................................................(page 58) Desiree Patno, a Strong Voice for Women in Real Estate.........................(page 62)

COMMUNITY Top Ten Influential Women in the United States ......................................(page 64) Kathy L. Moe is the New FDIC Regional Director for the San Francisco Region....................................................................(page 68)

The Orange County Realtist Magazine is an online and eZine publication of the Orange County Realtist a Chapter of The National Association of Real Estate Brokers® (NAREB).

The magazine is published and distributed by the publishing division of The Power Is Now, Inc., and has ten sections focused on the real estate market, economics in Orange County and the Realtist members who serve the community. The mission of the OC Realtist Magazine is to educate consumers and real estate professionals about the opportunities to buy or sell real estate in Orange County and to spotlight professional real estate agents who are Realtists.

profit organizations, and community organization that support the welfare of the citizens of Orange County and are affiliates of the OC Realtist.

The Digital Online subscription launched April and continually provides the best of the Orange County Realtist Magazine in an all-digital format.

With the Orange County Realtist Magazine, readers can have access to archived issues as well as current content online. Videos, online radio, webinars and other events provided by the OC Realtist will be available to empower its readers with information to achieve the American Dream.

The OC REALTIST MAGAZINE - The The magazine is free and is distributed by email American Dream and online to members of our local chapter and NAREB chapters nationwide. Over 30 The Orange County Realtist Magazine features thousands real estate professionals in Orange articles about real estate in Orange County and County, our state, federal and local city political informational interviews with local and national representatives in each of the 34 cities in Orange community leaders, real estate agents, banking County, non-profit housing organizations, church and investment professionals, and community. leaders in Orange County, and many affiliates of The Orange County Realtist Magazine also our chapter -- OC NAACP, OC Black Chamber, provides consumer focus content about buying OC 100 BMOC-- and others will receive the and/or investing in real estate, financing real estate magazine. and maintaining and protecting real estate as an asset for years to come. The magazine’s focus is In addition, our own email list of consumers on all aspects of buying and/or selling real estate is growing daily through our community from a consumer’s perspective because it is still outreach. The list will continue to grow due to the American Dream. the importance of homeownership and the strong support we have in the community to help others achieve it. We want the magazine to be of great value to our members, an excellent resource for our community, and a tremendous value to our advertisers as an affordable marketing strategy to a target consumers interested in real estate as a home or investment. The Orange County Realtist magazine will also provide free advertising to non-

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Mission The mission of the Orange County Realtist is to provide support and education for its members to grow and expand their businesses while assisting the community to achieve the American dream of homeownership.

Vision The vision of the OC Realtist is to become the largest Chapter of NAREB in the United States, comprised of successful Realtists® whose businesses are thriving from the support they receive through the chapter and the networking opportunities that exist by their affiliation with National Association of Real Estate Brokers.

Departments 1. OC Real Estate Market 2. OC Real Estate Resources 3. OC Real Estate Investing 4. OC Realtist Spotlight 5. OC Real Estate Financing 6. National Association of Real Estate Brokers News 7. California Association of Real Estate Brokers News 8. OC Realtist President’s message 9. OC Real Estate Business and Economic 10. OC Real estate laws and legislation

Cover and Feature story profiles: The OC Realtist Cover will never be sold as it will be our way of recognizing Realtists in Orange County and all over the United States who exemplify the Realtist spirit. The online magazine and eZine will have 10 sections for various articles under the OC Realtist theme: OC Real Estate Market, OC Real Estate Resources, OC Real Estate Investing, OC Realtist Spotlight, OC Real Estate Financing, National Association of Real Estate Brokers News, California Association of Real Estate Brokers News, OC Realtist President’s Message, OC Business and Economics, OC Real estate Laws and Legislation. The writers for each department will be industry professionals who are practitioners in their field of expertise. They are industry professionals who can provide advice, and information to make decisions that will enable consumers achieve the American Dream.

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The ORANGE COUNTY Realtist Magazine

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CEO & Publisher Eric Lawrence Frazier, MBA 3739 6th Street, Riverside, CA 921506 Ph: (800) 401-8994 ext. 703 EDITORIAL Editor in Chief: Eric Lawrence Frazier MBA Managing Editor: Goldy Ponce ONLINE Web Designer: Nicholas Clarkson DESIGN Art Director & Design Manager: Goldy Ponce ADMINISTRATIVE Administrative Assistant: Rachel Bacol

SALES National Sales Manager: Christina Kimble National Relationship Manager: Success Money HEADQUATERS The Power Is Now Inc. 3739 6th Street Riverside, CA 92506 Ph: (800) 401-8994 Fax: (800) 401-8994 Email: info@thepowerisnow.com www.thepowerisnow.com www.thepowerisnow.com/onlinemagazine www.thepowerisnow.com/ezine PUBLICATION AND SERVICES The Orange County Realtist Magazine The PIN Magazine The Power Is Now Radio The Power Is Now Publications The Power Is Now Radio Guide The Power Is Now VIP Agent Program The Power IS Now Power Consulting/Coaching The Power Is Now Association Management The Power Is Now Event Management

STATEMENT OF COPYRIGHT: The OC Realtist Magazine TM is owned and published electronically by The Power Is Now Inc. The Power Is Now Inc. has entered into joint venture with the OC Realtist for the design, publication and distribution of the Magazine.

Copyright 2013-2017 The Power Is Now Inc. All rights reserved. The name Orange County Realtist is a trademark of the Orange County Realtist Inc. A chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers.

“The PIN Magazine and distinctive logo are trademarks owned by The Power Is Now Inc. “ThePINMagazine.com” is a trademark of The Power Is Now Inc. “Magazine.thepowerisnow.com” is a trademark of The Power Is Now Inc. “Thepowerisnow.com” is a trademark of The Power Is Now Inc. “The Power Is Now Event Management” is a trademark of The Power Is Now Inc. “The Power Is Now Radio” is a trademark of The Power Is Now Inc. “The Power Is Now Publications” is a trademark of The Power Is Now Inc. “The Power Is Now Radio Guide” is a trademark of The Power Is Now Inc. “The Power Is Now VIP Agent Program” is a trademark of The Power Is Now Inc. “The Power IS Now Power Consulting/Coaching” is a trademark of The Power Is Now Inc. “The Power Is Now Association Management” is a trademark of The Power Is Now Inc. No part of this electronic magazine or website may be reproduced without the written consent of The Power Is Now Inc. Requests for permission should be directed to: info@thepowerisnow.com 7

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Editor’s Letter...

D

ear Esteemed Readers,

We just concluded Black History month, and in spite of the history of this country I really appreciate that we have an entire month dedicated to the celebration of the lives of African Americans and their contribution to our society. African Americans have achieved just about everything you can imagine in technology, science, sports, literature, and medicine. We are unique in our origin and the pathway in which we came to this country, and since our arrival to this great land we have been part of the fabric of these United States and continue to contribute in significant ways.

Where we fall short is in the area of homeownership, and unfortunately, that is just one of the many areas in which we fall short of our potential and the expectations that many of us have for ourselves. It is with this in mind that we have put on the cover for our March issue a notable African American female who has made it her passion and her career to serve the African American community by helping them make their American dream of homeownership a reality.

Her name is Courtney Johnson Rose. Courtney is the Principle Broker of George E. Johnson Properties, the brokerage division of George E. Johnson Development, Inc. In 2007, Courtney was selected by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Realtor Magazine as one of their “30 under 30”. You can read more about all of Courtney’s accomplishments in this issue of TPIN Magazine.

Also in this issue, we highlight both the ten top influential women in the United States and women who are dominating the real estate industry. We spotlight Kathy L. Moe, the new FDIC regional director, as well as Desiree Patno, another strong voice in the real estate arena. Women continue to surpass men in just about every metric when it comes to jobs, politics, and education. Read

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about “The Top 10 Influential Women In America” in our March issue.

As always, I like to leave on a positive note and with a thank you. Women’s History Month has always symbolized to me the strides we have taken as a nation. I believe women’s rights are just as important as any other rights.

My motto has always been that behind every successful man is a successful woman.

I am so excited about what is in store for us here at The Power Is Now. Coming up on March 23rd, I am hosting a Homebuyer’s Workshop with Fisher Realtors in Richmond, California. If you are in the area, please come out and learn about zero-payment home loans. This is a FREE event you do not want to miss.

Lastly, thank you for your continued support and readership. Our team is dedicated to you. We want the best from you, so we are dedicated to giving you the best of us. Please take a moment and share this magazine. Knowledge is power, and The Power Is Now.

Eric Lawrence Frazier CEO The Power Is Now Inc.

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REAL ESTATE

BEST PLACES TO LIVE IN RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA

W

hen you ask a person which state comes to mind when they think of liveliness, liberation, and opportunities, nothing comes to mind faster than the Golden State: California. Are you looking for a place exploding with new experiences and things to enjoy on a daily basis? Or perhaps a lively place that can still offer a quiet living experience and a great educational system for your children?

Look no further than the city of Riverside.

The residents have a median age of 30; Riverside has a great balance of elderly, youth, and working class citizens who carry on their daily lives in the city. And Riverside has a population of just over 300,000, which is a perfect size compared to cities that are overpopulated or underpopulated.

With 28 official and 41 unofficial (but just as significant) neighborhoods, there is no shortage of places to live in this illustrious

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city. In this article, we will showcase some of the finest locations in the City of Arts and Innovation.

Arlington Probably the “franchise player� of Riverside, California, Arlington is the greatest representation of what life in Riverside is like. Home to a fair share of well-known public places such as Liberty and Sunshine Elementary School, The Cheesecake Factory, Arlington Recreational Park, The Arlington Library, and many others, Arlington is a leading city in the Unites States when it comes to having everything. Most homes in this area range from $200,000-$600,000 and are all within suburban areas. Arlington is a great place to enjoy every aspect of the city life in Riverside.

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Victoria Formerly a part of Arlington Heights, as the Official Site of Riverside regards, Victoria is an area that retains some rural feel to it but is noticeably more luxurious than Arlington in some areas. While most of the residences in Victoria are within the same range as those of the “City within the City,” Victoria boasts some luxury houses in its town, such as this one here.

Some landmarks include the historic Victoria Avenue, Olivewood Cemetery, The Victoria Country Club, and the California School for the Deaf.

Alessandro Heights Evidently one of the more renowned residential areas in Riverside, Alessandro Heights puts Beverly Hills to shame with a plethora of highend properties and houses. The area was more or less built around lavish residences, so most major stores and businesses are located outside of the area. Its eastern parts are not as developed as the remainder of the area, but it makes up for it with beautiful, lush plant life and mountainous terrain.

It is rare to find property or a house for less than half a million dollars in Alessandro Heights, but there are a few (as you will see, most are just land, without a home built as of yet). Nonetheless, Alessandro Heights has set the bar high for the best place to live–not just in Riverside, but the entire United States.

La Sierra If the towns of the United States were all templates on Microsoft Office to choose from, then La Sierra would be the default one. As the name suggests, Hispanics are the majority ethnic group in the town.

The town has its own university and a generous number of schools in the area. La Sierra has a perfect balance of community places for public service, education, recreation, and fitness. The price of residences in La Sierra have an extremely broad

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range, from $30,000 to $800,000 for properties and houses.

Downtown Riverside We cannot leave out the busiest and most active place in all of Riverside. We are talking, of course, about the downtown area. Even downtown has its share of lush greenery, such as Mount Rubidoux Park and Lake Evans. The County Jail and Office of Education, Police Headquarters, City Hall, and Community Hospital are all located in Downtown Riverside. It has two notable elementary schools, Bryant and Grant, in the area, as well as a Saint Francis De Sales School and its own City College.

It also houses some museums, most notably the Riverside Metropolitan Museum. The prices of homes in the area fluctuate significantly, but are nearly all under $1,000,000.

The City of Art and Innovation has everything to offer, including institutions of service, business ventures and opportunities, recreational pursuits, and health-oriented programs. With a plethora of options to choose from, you are bound to find the perfect place for you and your family in Riverside, California. Good luck selecting a place; with all the great choices, it may take a while.

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REAL ESTATE

HIGH-DEMAND REGIONS IN THE ORANGE COUNTY HOUSING MARKET High-demand Regions in the Orange County Housing Market Real estate is an industry of a thousand opportunities, which you already know.

If you look at the number of house hunters in Orange County, you will quickly recognize a pretty bounty–the kind that no serious investor would want to joke about. Compared to last year, you will notice this year that most house seekers have limited options and thus the housing market in Orange County is experiencing a glorious boom.

Nonetheless, though there is tremendous growth in the housing market, do not be fooled into thinking that all parts are the same. Of course, some parts of Orange County are experiencing a positive outwards growth, meaning that investments in those areas are doing very well, while others are not doing so fine.

Luckily, as an investor, you do not have to worry about that now. We have compiled a list that will act as your guide and will help you know where to place your money for a nice investment jump-start in the Orange County housing market.

Stanton According to the housing statistics just released by ReportsOnHousing, Stanton is one place in Orange County where we can definitively say that home buyers are thirsty for new houses. That is comforting. Last year, the time on market in Stanton was about 60 days, which this year improved by 50% to a time on market of 30 days. The area recorded 15 listings with an average value of about $681,720 and also a major hallmark of 15 new escrows.

Foothill Ranch With 14 new escrows, Foothill Ranch is another place where investors should start turning their eyes. There is no doubt about the performance of the housing market in this area. If you look at the time on market a year ago, you will realize that the value

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has improved from 50 days to now 39 days on the market. This included 18 listings all standing at a value of $661,026.

Fountain Valley Standing at 39 days market time, this is not bad. This is an area standing in third position and this is a chance you may not want to let go. If you were to compare the market time for this area with that of a year ago, you will realize that there is a major improvement since it recorded a 70 days market time. The area also recorded 31 listings all standing at a value of $795,768; also included in the list are 24 new escrows.

Rancho Santa Margarita Rancho Santa Margarita is another perfect place in Orange County showing good chances for nice returns.

Like Fountain Valley, the place recorded a 39 days market time which is down from the previous year where it had recorded a 50 days market time. With 34 new escrows, nothing bad can be said about the area. Generally, it is a big fish for any investor wanting to try deeper waters.

The area also recorded 44 new listings standing at an average value of $559,948.

Buena Park One of the nicest places, this promises a lot more than you would expect. And basically, there is a good reason to smile because the market time for this place stood at 87 days a year ago, but this year, the figure improved to 42 days market time. When you also look at the market listings, you will notice that the area recorded 46 new listings at an average price of $656,492, and 33 new escrows.

Lake Forest Can we talk about the fast moving housing market areas in Orange County without talking about Lake Forest?

Well, this area also shows an improvement since it last recorded 47 days market time. This year, that figure stands at 43 days with 49 listings at an average price of $648,132 and 34 new escrows.

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La Palma Standing in the seventh position, nothing much can be said about this area. But nonetheless, it is a region showing improvements. The area recorded 10 listings standing at an average $746,066 and 6 new escrows.

Comparing the market time this year with that of a year ago, there is also an improvement from 55 days to 50 days market time.

Cypress This is another region performing quite well in as much as a housing market in Orange County is concerned. A year ago, the area recorded 127 days market time; comparing that figure to this year, there is no doubt that the area is performing quite well since the market time is now standing at 51 days. There were 36 listings, all standing at $620,100, and 21 new escrows.

Aliso Viejo This is another place in Orange County that will surprise you. A year ago, the market time stood at 55 days; now, the market time is at 53 days. With 34 new escrows, the market is performing quite well, since there are 60 listings all standing at $650,785.

Those are some of the markets in Orange County that have shown a huge potential with high return capabilities. However, there are still some other markets where there is a very low return rate, including North Tustin, which records 470 days market time.

This calls for precision when making your investment choice.

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REAL ESTATE

ANALYZING THE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

IN SAN DIEGO I

by Lorraine Santirosa

n the United States, every city is unique. Each one has its own characteristics and qualities that contribute greatly to many people’s decision-making when looking for a house or even a commercial space. The same uniqueness is the key in analyzing the growth of a city more so in relation to understanding and analyzing the trend in their city’s real estate growth. Commercial real estate is an intrinsic part of any economy of a given city or nation, and the need to analyze its growth trends cannot be left out.

The up and down trend: For more than 30 years, real estate in San Diego has been on an up and down movement, which is mainly influenced by a number of factors. Among them are the income of the residents or those intending to move to San Diego, the prices charged for the homes, the total number of people in the area, prevailing economic conditions, and the availability of the houses. All these factors play a significant role in determining both the upward and downward movement of the commercial real estate if it was to be plotted in a graph.

It is assumed that locals take into consideration the amount of money they would be required to put up for their own houses in comparison to their level of income. Compared to other cities, San Diego houses are considered to be expensive. During the mid-2000s, there was a sharp rise in the amount paid for houses, and this continued to go up until 2011-2012, when the investors ran out of land to build the houses on while the level of income remained the same. It is evident that during this time, a number of people moved out of San Diego and settled in the neighboring cities, where they would commute to and from work.

San Diego is the eighth largest city in the United States and the second in California; these statistics are indirectly represented by the mortgage paid by house owners in coastal cities in California. The mortgage payments have remained low, making it easy and affordable to many borrowers. However, it should be noted that this alone has not increased the number of people who

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own homes in this area; other factors crop up as well.

Commercial real estate developments in San Diego: Like any other city, San Diego has different types of commercial real estate, including: • Industrial buildings: in San Diego, there are spaces and properties that specialize in offering space to industries that may include heavy and light manufacturing, as well as warehouses for both bulk and light storage needs.

• Multifamily commercial real estate: these are structures that are used for residential purposes. They come in as high-rise apartments, garden apartments, and midrise apartments. High-rise apartments are usually managed professionally, comprise more than 100 units, and are mainly found in larger market areas. Garden apartments are usually three to four storied residential houses.

• Office buildings: These also vary according to classes and tastes of the different firms located in San Diego. They can be classified into either class A, class B or class C. • Retail buildings: in San Diego, there are different models of retail builds and they mainly are the shopping malls buildings, power centers, strip centers and community retail center.

Land: According to CBRE, San Diego’s market is currently one of the most successful along the west coast. The average home price in San Diego during the first quarter of 2016 was almost double the national average ($554,300 compared to $215,767) and it is continuously increasing.

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According to a Loop net article, in addition to skyrocketing home prices and appreciation rates, San Diego is enjoying a strong and healthy economy which continues to improve.

The current unemployment rate in San Diego is 4.7%, compared with the national average of 5%, and 0.7% lower than one year ago.

Another important component of the San Diego real estate market is new housing construction.

The current level of construction for San Diego real estate is 19.8% above the long-term average (which is relative to last year), and the rate of single-family housing permits was 8%, compared to the national average of 11.3%.

San Diego, as one of the most expensive markets in the nation, managed to maintain its shine and its authenticity. This real estate market is still an optimal and interesting area for short- and long-term investments. We have to mention that San Diego real estate appreciates at an unprecedented pace as total equity gains not only outpace the national average but even double and sometimes triple it.

The future of real estate in San Diego: The warm climate in this coastal city is one environmental factor that will continue to be the main attraction factor to most economic activities in the region which will lead to the creation or need for more office space/industrial space and eventually more residential space. In short, what was experienced in the mid-2000s will be experienced again. The town is still rapidly growing. However, it is not expected that the cost of real estate will drop anytime soon in comparison to what is happening in other cities. The rule of supply and demand always applies.

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REAL ESTATE

IS 2017 THE BEST YEAR TO INVEST IN THE FAIRFIELD CA COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET ?

by Lynell Holden

General overview With the GOP kicking off its administration, the level of uncertainty in the commercial real estate sector has gone through the roof. Even with the experience that the new POTUS has in the industry, it is still hard to predict the direction it will take under his leadership.

While there is no doubt that the economic changes promised by the new administration will have a positive impact on the sector, the questions remain as to when, how, and to what extent. Even when some policies such as cutting taxes and increasing infrastructure spending look favorable, most are raising questions about the future of the sector.

Analysts are predicting that Trump policies, especially on foreign trade and immigration, are likely to hamper growth in the sector. If America is going to adopt the foreign antitrade policies as presented by the new administration, international demand for US commercial real estate march 2017 issue

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will likely decline.

according to a specific region’s dynamics. The states with the highest manufacturing output will be the In the short run, lower tax revenues and increased hottest areas for commercial real estate investment infrastructure spending are likely to result in budget if the GOP implements policies that favor local deficits, while locking out immigrants will hike the manufacturers. cost of labor for American companies. All these are likely to have an indirect negative impact on the According to a 2016 study by the Center for commercial real estate sector.

Manufacturing Research, the manufacturing sector in California accounts for 11.3% of its output and The bright side of Trumponomics employs 7.9% of its population. In 2015, the study estimates that there were 1,271,000 manufacturing On the bright side, Trump’s plan to decrease the employees in the state. A report by the US Bureau burden of financial regulation– especially via the of Economic Analysis shows that in 2014, there were Dodd-Frank Act–will increase the flow of capital to 35,876 manufacturing firms in California. investments including the commercial real estate, facilitating a construction boom.

The city of Fairfield has its fair share of manufacturing, accounting for 7 million square feet of office, retail, Also, if the new administration keeps its promise and industrial development. Since 1995, the city has of creating employment and bringing jobs back seen a rapid growth in manufacturing, partly due to to America, both the residential and commercial the availability of development space and cheap labor. property values will go up. This is because with more According to the City Manager’s office, the Travis Air jobs coming up, the demand for commercial space Force Base, which is among the largest employers in will increase. Trump’s plan to increase the demand Fairfield, is a significant boost to the city’s growth. for American goods by imposing tariffs on imports is also a plus to the sector.

With Donald Trump in office, the manufacturing sector in the city is likely to expand, leading to an With more Americans gaining employment and the increase in demand for commercial space. This means demand for American goods rising, there will be a that there is a high likelihood of a construction boom need to construct more malls, stores, industrial parks, in Fairfield and in most parts of California. Trump’s factories, and offices. The high demand is likely promise to increase military spending may also lead to to raise the prices of commercial structures, thus the expansion of the Travis AFB, thereby increasing increasing value for investors. the economic activity and demand for commercial structures in the city.

Trump is also unlikely to introduce policies that favor commercial real estate given his background and The Power is Now is here to help you make informed investments in the sector. However, nothing is sure, investment decisions on commercial real estate in and all we can do is wait and see what will happen.

Fairfield and the rest of California. Subscribe and A glimpse of the commercial real estate market in follow us to get firsthand information on the latest Fairfield, CA. developments in the sector, including a detailed analysis of the effects of the anticipated Fed rate hikes.

While the uncertainty of Trumponomics applies to the sector as a whole, the effects are likely to differ 21

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for rent $1,900

2 BR/BA upstairs condo in the Willow Brook community. This property features: Vaulted Ceilings, Carpet and newer Paint, Fireplace, Balcony, Storage on Balcony, Dual Pane Windows Open look through kitchen, Dishwasher, Washer & Dryer inside the unit, Built in Microwave, Lots of Closet Space, Master has separate vanity and sink, Detached Garage, Lots of Parking, Fitness room, Pool & Jacuzzi, Landlord Pays: Water & Garbage incl. in the rent.

310 Dursey Drive Pinole, CA. 94564 LYNELL HOLDEN BRE# 01729482 Address: 1652 W. Texas Street #273 Fairfield, CA. 94533 Direct: 707-208-6897 Email: Holdenhomes4u@gmail.com Website: www.holdenhomes4u.com

FINANCES

?

A GOVERNMENT PROGRAM THAT PAYS YOUR BILLS

A

warning has been issued about a scam that has been circulating throughout the nation. Federal regulators are taking action about this serious matter, and they have taken the lead role in creating raising awareness.

Such a bold step provides us with much information about how grave the scam is and how terrible the situation has become. The scam is quite alarming, especially with its ability to affect a large group of African Americans. The scam generally targets churchgoers by finding a weak spot to exploit.

Their mission is quite successful as they have already entrapped quite a few churchgoers from the African American community. The scam makes you vulnerable to falling for their fake services. They attempt to

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convince you that your worries will be gone, and they ultimately entrap you in their disastrous scam.

African American churchgoers have been approached with a service system that will relieve them of worrying about their bills. In fact, this service purports to be one that will pay the bills on your behalf in lieu of an upfront payment. The service seems to be very lucrative and reasonable. And it is also offered at a place like a church, so there is no chance of something fishy. This is what those scammers want you to believe, and many have fallen for this.

The scam starts by labeling itself as a government-based program that is going to pay your monthly bills on

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your behalf. Along with the monthly bills that you need to pay, you must come up with an upfront payment as a fee for their service. The outlines are quite logical, and there is nothing that you could find to contradict. But trust me, they are all fake promises to scam you and ultimately rob you. Their main target is to get your personal credentials and rob you.

The authorities have come to know about such criminal activities and are taking action against it.

The Federal Trade Commission have made their move by warning people of such atrocities and advising them not to fall victim to these scams.

Sana Chriss, an attorney for the Federal Trade Commission representing the commission in the southeastern region, stated that “We’ve heard that this scam is happening in some AfricanAmerican church communities: People approach churchgoers with this so-called deal,” Chriss added. “And, because it comes up in the church, the scam might seem like it could be legit.” She assured, “But take it from me–and the FTC: there is no federal program that pays your monthly bills in exchange for payment of any kind.”

The statement is enough to prove that such scams are ongoing, and it can act as a key factor in stopping such activities. The scams are very notorious as they will have all the knowledge of the victim, especially the credentials that you would use in a bank. Once you give out such critical information to others, your identity will be at risk. Also, once your information is compromised your bank account is not safe anymore, possibly resulting in a robbery and monetary loss. You obviously would not want

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...here is no federal program that pays your monthly bills in exchange for payment of any kind. that to happen, and this is the reason the FTC is warning you to keep yourself from becoming a victim. It is also your duty to spread the word and make sure nobody falls or gets ripped off because of these scams.

A clever thing that the scammers have devised is to hit a sentimental spot. Many victims say that it did not cross their mind that a person would commit such a heinous crime in a holy place like the church. So without any further research or confirmation regarding its validity, they signed up for the service. By committing to the scam, they gave out their bank account information. The services include bill payments, utility payments, loans, and other bank-related bills. They also get confirmation that the bills were scheduled duly and thus no problems were seen. In fact, it was great for them as it took away their worries as we know how troublesome paying bills is.

There is also an upfront payment for their fee, and this assured them nothing can go wrong. As it happened in church gatherings, word spread fast and more people were indulged in the scam supposedly endorsed by the government. But during the time of payment, no payments were forwarded as they were cancelled by the people running the scam. The victims suffered much as late fees were imposed for overdue payments, and victims’ account information was compromised.

The government has warned people to be on high alert against this sort of scams.

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FINANCES

WHAT THE LOOMING 2017 FED RATE HIKES WILL MEAN

FOR HOME BUYERS I

n a report tabled by Congress on the 14th of February, Chairwoman of the Federal Reserve Janet Yellen once again hinted of possible Fed rate hikes in the coming months. While it is not clear precisely when a rate hike will happen, Yellen’s statement that waiting for too long to increase the rates would be detrimental to the economy is enough proof of what is to come in 2017.

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With inflation and consumer data edging higher in January, analysts at Goldman Sachs are convinced that if this trend continues, the Fed will have to raise interest rates sooner rather than later.

In January, the Consumer Price Index rose from 0.6% to 2.5%, which is the highest it has been in four years. Inflation has also been rising, something that Yellen and her team believe to be a result of

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the diminishing effects of earlier declines in import and energy prices.

In the 12-month period ending December 2016, the Personal Consumption Expenditure Index rose to 1.6%, one percentage point up from its 2015 pace. While this is below the Federal Open Market Committee 2% target, it is an adequate sign of steadily growing economic output.

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The expansion in economic activity has seen the country’s real GDP rise 1.9% in 2016, similar to 2015. According to the report, the increase in consumer spending is a result of low interest rates and the subsequent steady income gains and increases in the value of households’ assets.

Data on employment has also been positive, with the report showing steady growth since 2010. In the last quarter of 2016 alone, 570,000 jobs were created–or 190,000 jobs per month.

This year began on a good note, as the report indicates that nonfarm payrolls grew by 227,000 in January while the unemployment rate stood at 4.8%. So far, the rate stands five full percentage points lower than its peak in the post-2008 recession period. However, the unemployment rate among African Americans and Hispanics remains relatively high.

banks usually pass the burden on to consumers in the form of higher lending rates. The increases in Fed rates are therefore likely to push mortgage prices up, making home ownership less affordable to many people.

However, with the creeping inflation, there is also a likelihood of mortgage prices going in the opposite direction, as happened in 2004-2006.

In that time span, the Fed raised its fund rate 17 times; most of those times, the mortgage rates fell. As the rates hiked, investors became less concerned about inflation: hence the decline in mortgage rates.

There are a lot of factors in play in the housing market this year, and it is therefore vital that investors gather as much information as possible to make the best decision.

The Power is Now is dedicated to ensuring that you get professional and first-hand information to help you in decision-making. We offer you a comprehensive analysis of the US real estate industry as well as valuable tips to help you save money when buying a home.

With the key economic indicators showing an expanding economy and the rising inflation calling for drastic monetary policies, home buyers may be wondering what the year has in store for them. Since 2010, housing prices have been on an upward trend, growing by about 5% each year.

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest developments in the market delivered right to Housing construction has been moving up your inbox. steadily in recent quarters, likely due to the low number of homes for sale and the improving labor market. However, with the anticipated Fed rate hike, mortgage rates are expected to go up and the demand for homes is expected to decline.

Even though the relationship between the Fed funds rate and mortgage rates is indirect, its impact is very significant. Banks usually lend to each other through the Fed rate, meaning that it is the one that determines their cost of funds.

An increase in the Fed’s rate causes a rise in the cost of funds, and when the cost of funds is high,

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FINANCES

MARCH

International Credit Education Month

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hen talking about anything related to finances, it is not long before the conversation turns to credit-related items and the lack of education for young people from the public sector. According to a survey by the Charles Schwab Foundation, less than half of teens surveyed know how to balance a checkbook today. Only about 48% feel confident in their money-budgeting skills at all. Because of these major knowledge gaps, teaching money and credit handling skills to young adults is increasingly important. Therefore, the month of March has been designated as a National Credit Education Month in the United States.

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Debt and the Young Adult A majority of teens owe money to either personal lenders or large corporations. There has been a marked increase in this number over the past few decades, according to consumer-action.org. By the time teens reach the age of 22, their personal debt is often in the thousands. Teens and young adults do not know what credit is and how to use it wisely, and so they dig themselves into money pits that will take many years to get out of without realizing the impact of the choices they are making. Many teens are learning these bad money management habits from their parents. Seeing someone they love and respect living

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offer courses and articles written specifically for teens and young adults to help them learn how to manage money. Credit knowledge is a major part of financial literacy in today’s world, and these institutions often focus their education on credit management strategies.

During March, International Credit Education Month, there are many free seminars and workshops targeted toward young adults and teens. These workshops impart basic information that these young adults need to know to make intelligence choices in their financial future. According to www.creditprofessionals.org, their local chapters offer yearly seminars to educate and inform citizens on ways to budget and successfully save money, and especially how to cope with unexpected moneyconsuming events. These seminars impart credit knowledge to the general public with the hope that the people they teach will then begin to make smarter credit choices. paycheck to paycheck and putting all expenses on a credit card, they may feel that this is the best way to manage money. Teens in this position say that they want to learn better money management skills, according to a Charles Schwab survey, but they do not know where to go to learn these skills.

Associations like CPI offer classes in person as well as online so that they can reach the maximum number of people. They use the month of March to advertise and promote these credit education classes. Banks and financial institutions around the country participate in Credit Education Month because it makes good business sense to keep consumers Education to Fill the Void educated and informed. If Many banks and financial consumers are not informed about institutions are beginning to their credit and banking options,

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they may not use them at all. The average consumer who is not financially literate may be too afraid of banks or other institutions to get a checking account or apply for a credit card or other type of loan. It is in the bank’s best interest to inform these people of their options and create a level of familiarity with the banking process. It is also in the consumer’s best interest to become informed and financially literate before attempting to join the credit-using community. An uninformed person could easily rack up thousands of dollars in credit card debt without truly understanding the consequences of their actions.

Once that happens, if the person is unable to sustain the level of debt they have accumulated, they will default. The banks lose money from this person’s debt, and the person loses their credit standing as well. By taking the time one month out of the year to push financial education, the banking institutions are acting in everyone’s best interests.

In conclusion, our public education system has shied away from incorporating financial literacy into many of its aspects through a young adult’s life. The private sector has stepped up in this regard. By offering free classes and seminars nationwide during National Credit Education Month every March, financial institutions are doing their part to educate and promote the healthy financial habits of everyday consumers.

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ECONOMY

WHY HOMEOWNERSHIP IS KEEPING BLACK PEOPLE POORER THAN WHITE PEOPLE

march 2017 issue

H

istorically, African Americans have faced discrimination and oppression in one form or another. Today, however, it is easier than ever to overlook the discrimination faced by marginalized groups.

Consider the following question: the median household income for white families is how many times greater than the median household income for black families?

Assuming you are not extremely well-versed in the struggles of black Americans, you probably guessed that the ratio is somewhere around 2:1.

However, according to the Forbes article How Home Ownership Keeps Blacks Poorer than Whites, the actual ratio is closer to 20:1; in other words, the median white household makes

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20 times as much as the median black household.

That simple fact should be enough to prove–beyond a shadow of a doubt–that a wealth gap does exist between blacks and whites.

Thus, the real question is, what is causing the wealth gap?

The Possible Causes The racial wealth gap between blacks and whites cannot be attributed to one single factor; rather, it should be attributed to a multitude of interrelated factors, beginning with racism.

Racism today is different from racism in prior years in that it is subtler. White people may not come out and say directly that they do not want black people

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living near them, yet they consistently move into primarily white neighborhoods. Another possible reason for the wealth gap is that blacks do not tend to invest in the stock market as much as whites do.

This is largely attributed to the fact that blacks tend to be much less uninformed about investments in general. Additionally, blacks who do make it into the middle and upper classes tend to find themselves playing the role of family financier.

This lending to family and friends obviously eats into the funds black families have available for investments.

Lack of financial capacity

African Americans face socioeconomic disadvantages because the corporate world does not seem to welcome them. Most of the time, African Americans are minimum wage earners–or even below-minimum-wage earners.

Moreover, they are not able to make money to save for their retirement or they do not have an employer-based retirement plan. They also find it difficult to build up their own community and prosper economically due to poor participation in entrepreneurial markets. This makes the pursuit of Additionally, according to blacknews.com, 72% owning a home for African-Americans limited–or of black children are born out of wedlock, leading nil. That being said, they tend to settle on homes to the children eventually being raised by single that are underrated and not appreciated by white mothers. In these situations, where single mothers Americans, thus reinforcing the separation of have to work to provide for their families all on white and black neighborhoods. their own, it may seem unnecessary to invest in the stock market.

Inadequate recognition of interracial

marriages

The REAL Cause Without delving too deeply into the analysis, the facts ultimately show that the primary cause of the racial wealth gap is, in fact, plain old racism. Every other potential cause we have mentioned thus far can eventually be traced back to racism. Although some may argue that the reason why whites do not purchase houses in black neighborhoods is due to the fact that these houses have not grown in value over the years, the underlying truth is that the houses have not grown in value simply because whites do not want to live in neighborhoods with large black populations. This is the plainest possible example of racism.

Jim Crow laws are enforced laws of racial segregation which were imposed until 1965. It has been more than five decades since the repeal of Jim Crow laws; however, the racial separation is still evident. The residual trace of Jim Crow laws has significantly impacted the nonexistence of interracial neighborhoods.

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The Jim Crow laws established “separate but equal”, giving a mindset to Americans that it is not normal to marry a white person if you are black and vice versa. Black people find their significant other in the black community because that is who they are surrounded by, and they rarely mingle with white people. This results in them starting and building a new family in the same neighborhood.

Specifications when acquiring a real estate property White people have a common belief that the integration of black neighborhoods with white neighborhoods would lead to properties in a particular area decreasing in value. In addition, they associate the occurrence of blacks in the neighborhood with a heightened number of crimes. The same goes for schools and hospitals.

Schools split the two races because of the level of education the schools within the vicinity of a black neighborhood can provide. The main reason

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is the shortage of funding provided. Also, since most black people have a low income, they are unable to shell out for the improvement of school facilities. This is also true for hospitals.

Discrimination in housing Housing discrimination is illegal, but in the process of acquisition for a real estate property, it may be excruciating for black people. It is because the real estate agents or brokers often assume that if you are black then you would prefer to purchase a house in a black neighborhood.

Or if you are dealing with an individual home seller, they may bend the terms and conditions, revise the payment scheme, or just not offer or not confirm the availability of the property.

The Solution The government started creating laws to reciprocate the growing issue of the division of white and black neighborhoods; however, the efforts appear to be immobilized unless they propose more robust regulations to diminish or eliminate this division. This is a complicated problem that does not come with a clear solution which will erase the wealth gap overnight. Racism has been an issue for centuries, and although it has improved greatly, there is still a long way to go.

It is crucial that we remember this moving forward: although we may not personally feel or see the subtle effects of systemic racism, we must take a thorough, analytical look at the facts before dismissing the existence or effects of racism in our culture.

ECONOMY

WOMEN AND MINORITIES MAKE VERY LITTLE PROGRESS ON THE FORTUNE 500 BOARDS

M

any companies, such as the Alliance for Board Diversity, track how many men and women hold positions of power in Fortune 500 companies.

They analyze this data to figure out trends in the numbers and status of minority groups and women in these companies. This data is then released to the general public, showing the gains (or losses) in diversity over time. Over the last twelve years, these organizations have been tracking how and when there are shifts in these key demographics, and they research and hypothesize regarding the meaning and value of each year’s findings.

Completing these reports over such a significant amount of time has allowed these independent companies to track trends and monitor growth in the areas of diversity and inclusion at this level of corporate structure.

march 2017 issue

According to a 2016 report by the Alliance for Board Diversity, women and minorities have only seen very modest gains in representation on the boards of Fortune 500 companies. Using the statistics gained from their research this year, the Alliance for Board Diversity found that women and minority groups make up only 30.8% of the seats on the boards in these companies. This leaves almost seventy percent of the available seats in these powerful company boards taken

by Caucasian males. This is an important disparity, because these boards are no longer representative of the American population. The success of companies has been shown time and again to hinge on how connected they stay to their target audiences. The population

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of the United States has become increasingly diverse over the last decade. The statistics and trends found in reports such as the Missing Pieces Report confirm that the diversity and inclusion of women and people of minority backgrounds has experienced a correlative increase on the corporate boards of Fortune 500 companies.

However, annual reports confirm that there is a correlation between positive corporate performance and increased diversity on the board of directors.

Men and women in minority groups have gained very slightly over the past few years. Their participation on Fortune 500 company boards has risen from 12.8% to 14.4%, according to the Alliance for Board Diversity

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of Fortune 500 According to a 2016 companies in the United report by the Alliance for States. Women Board Diversity, women and minority and minorities have only groups have been making seen very modest gains in the long, representation on the boards hard push for equality of Fortune 500 companies. and equal representation in the workplace for many years. In many aspects of the United States workforce, these efforts have been successful. Women and minority groups have made significant gains in the areas of equal pay, even though these successes have been more difficult to attain in more corporate environments. These recent yearly reports that have come out show that while women and minority groups are making steady progress, even in the high-profile arenas of Fortune 500 companies, it is a Though some of these findings show that slow progress without significant gains in progress for women and minorities has been any one year. These people are still fighting very slow–and often stagnant–they do show tooth and nail to gain equal opportunity an inevitable shift towards a more diverse in some of America’s highest paying and and inclusive representation on the boards highest profile corporate positions.

2016 Missing Pieces Report. Still, the total number of board seats held by minorities of less than fifteen percent is untenable. The rate at which people of varied backgrounds have been able to gain important positions in corporate Fortune 500 companies casts a very discouraging light on the practices and policies within our top branches. A proportionate and representative number of seats held by people of minority backgrounds would be around 40%. This would create a situation where the people on the governing boards of Fortune 500 companies would be representative of the consumers in their target markets. Such a representative force would be able to better relate to and sell to this consumer base. As it sits now, with such a majority of the boards of directors still Caucasian/white men, the target inclusion percentage will not be achieved until at least 2026, according to the Alliance for Board Diversity.

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C

OURTNEY JOHNSON

R

OSE

MAKING IT BIG IN REAL ESTATE T here is a set of questions that often disturbs Americans. Where do you get the best house for your budget? When is the right time to buy a house?

Where and who should you go for such advice? These questions are among a pool of other real estate related issues that Americans seek answers to. Courtney Johnson Rose comes in handy with solid advice and knowledgeable answers.

Background Courtney Johnson Rose was born in 1980 as the only daughter of George Johnson, the owner of a company he founded in 1974. She is the Principal Broker of George E. Johnson Properties, a subsidiary of George E. Johnson Development Inc. Not only is she a successful real estate developer, but she has also been married to Teeba Rose for more than a decade and is the mother of two children.

Despite her busy schedule, she has still managed to bring up her family in the best way possible. She also hosted “Real Estate Today”, an informative real estate show on Comcast.

Education She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Economics degree from the University of Texas at Austin and graduated in May 2000. Later she enrolled for a master’s degree in Community Development from Prairie

39

View A&M University and graduated in May 2006. Currently, she is an adjunct professor at Prairie View A&M University as part of the commercial real estate certification program in her master’s degree. She attained Certified Commercial and Investment Member (CCIM) designation after graduating from the Texas Association of Realtors Leadership Program, Graduate Realtor Institute. Furthermore, she has also been an adjunct professor for Masters in Urban Planning at Texas Southern University from January 2009 to the present. Such an education background allows her to offer real estate advice, information, and services to Americans.

Excellence Award In America, those real estate developers who maintain the top status in the business are recognized. In 2007, at the age of 30, Courtney Johnson Rose was chosen for the “30 under 30” list by REALTOR® Magazine and the National Association of Realtors (NAR). She has been awarded the President’s

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Award from the NAACP and the Houston Black Real Estate Association as Salesperson of the Year as well as Realtist of the Year. She was featured as the cover story for Real Estate Executive Magazine in 2008 as being among Houston’s Top 25 Most Influential Women, courtesy of being honored by Rolling Out Magazine. She has also been identified among the “Top 20 under 40 Real Estate Professionals” by the Houston Association of Realtors in the Houston area. These are just a few of the many awards representative of Courtney Johnson Rose’s success.

Leadership Being an active member of the community and a handful of associations, Courtney Johnson Rose has earned herself leadership positions in those associations.

As a member of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, she has the role of chairing the board for her local chapter. In the Texas Association of Realtors, she is on the Committee for Budget and Finance. She also chairs the MLS Committee for the Houston Association of Realtors.

She has also served in the Texas Association of Realtors as a committee member of the Budget and Finance Committee. In 2012, she worked for the Real Estate Advisory Board for Houston

march 2017 issue

Community College.

are unquestionable. Many are the times when those she has served have given testimonials of their unique experiences with her. Her courage and skillfulness in her area of expertise have rightfully earned her the many awards and leadership positions she has won.

Other leadership roles played by Courtney Johnson Rose include being a Board Chair for the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce. In the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she was Co-Chair of the Economic Development Committee. Moreover, she was Contact Courtney Johnson Rose at: appointed as a commissioner of the Missouri City Planning and 12401 S. Post Oak Road Zoning Commission. Lastly, in Houston, Texas 77045 Unity National Bank, she has been 713-721-5555 ext. 116 a member of the Ambassadors courtney@gejproperties.com Committee. www.CourtneyJohnsonRose.com Courtney Johnson Rose’s work experience and professionalism

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LEGAL

Officials Shut Down One of the Final Illegal

Dispensaries of marijuana in Riverside

M

arijuana legalization and decriminalization has been a longstanding and polarizing topic for debate within the United States for many years. Some areas of the country have been very liberal and forward thinking when it comes to deciding whether or not individuals should be allowed to use cannabis medically or even recreationally, and other areas have chosen to lock down use and access to this substance legally. While there have been studies that have shown medical benefits for a variety of conditions from the use of cannabis, and there are a multitude of firsthand accounts from marijuana patients of the results of using this substance as medicine, the federal government of the United States has not legalized or even decriminalized its use. This discrepancy between federal regulations and the individual state’s decisions has made the debate on this issue heated and polarized.

march 2017 issue

In 2009, the city of Riverside, California voted to ban medical marijuana dispensaries within its city limits. The city created zoning limitations that did not allow for marijuana dispensaries. There have been a few pushes since that ban passed, however no new dispensaries are currently allowed to operate in Riverside. According to the Press Enterprise, there have been mixed opinions about marijuana legislation over the last few years. The citizens of the city cited criminal activity as one of the main reasons for disallowing dispensaries in their area.

Shop owners and other businesses have been worried that these stores will create an environment and bring in an element that will hurt their businesses.

After this measure passed, city officials began to systematically shut down all of the establishments operating within their borders. Dozens of medical marijuana dispensaries have been closed so far, and

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as of February 2016, one of the last ten or so dispensaries left in Riverside had been finally closed down. There had been a couple of establishments that were holding out to capitalize on the fact that the competition was dwindling, and some of these businesses were involved in the fight to change zoning regulations to allow them to keep their doors open permanently. One of these was a dispensary that was located on a busy section of Central Avenue in Riverside. This dispensary did receive a boon in business as its days were numbered. As the number of open marijuana dispensaries dwindled, this central dispensary began servicing over three hundred customers a day.

City officials had to go through a lengthy process to shut this dispensary down, beginning with sending in undercover police officers to purchase marijuana and confirm that the operation was indeed still functioning illegally. This undercover

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Dispensaries, like the one just shut down in Riverside, show their disregard for the law and the cities that they are trying to do business with by operating outside of accepted regulations.

investigation also revealed that the premises did not have safe exits and was not structurally up to code. According to an article written

by Ali Tadayon in The Press-Enterprise, these discoveries led the city to issue an order for the company to vacate the premises. The owners of the dispensary continued to operate, so the city “red tagged� the building. This cut off the building’s power supply and made it illegal for anyone to enter or exit. Instead of taking this as a sign to move on, the owners began using a generator to power their business. As a final resort, the city conducted a raid and removed the owners of the marijuana dispensary, all of their product, and finally boarded up the building. The neighboring businesses and residences in the area were happy to see the marijuana dispensary finally shutter its doors and leave their neighborhood for good. The dispensary business owners did file a suit against the city for their

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treatment, but it is unclear what the result of that will be.

Whatever side your personal beliefs land you on in the battle over the legalization and decriminalization of marijuana, a person can only look to and judge an individual business owner based on the way that they conduct themselves.

Dispensaries, like the one just shut down in Riverside, show their disregard for the law and the cities that they are trying to do business with by operating outside of accepted regulations.

These businesses had the option to move their successful operations to another county that allows the sale of medical marijuana, but instead chose to squat in a condemned building until forced out by a police raid.

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LEGAL

WHAT THE

DISABILITY EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT

MEANS FOR YOU

D

id you know that the majority of Americans with disabilities do not claim the earned income tax credits provided to them by law? This is according to a report by Allsup, a private provider of Social Security Disability Claims services. The report shows that the majority of people with disabilities are simply not aware of the many tax benefits at their disposal, and therefore do not file returns.

In a bid to heighten social awareness on the disability earned income tax credit, the IRS has recently been initiating campaigns across the country. The latest outreach, which ended on January 29th of this year, achieved a social reach of 372,811 people. According to the IRS, there are over 1.5 million people with disability who are eligible for the EIT credit but fail to claim it.

Any disabled taxpayer or parent of a disabled child is eligible for this tax benefit provided that they have earned income and meet the other minimum requirements outlined by the IRS. Earned income refers to the payments made on formal, informal, or self-employment.

To qualify for the EIT credit, all taxpayers must provide documentation such as receipts to prove their earned income. There have been numerous cases where tax credit claims have been denied because the claiming taxpayer did not have a substantial proof of income. Taxpayers with a disability, especially those in self-employment, must therefore ensure that they keep transaction receipts to avoid losing the EIT

march 2017 issue

credit.

Likewise, the parents or guardians of disabled children must provide a specialist report proving that the child has been or will be permanently disabled for more than a year and that their condition cannot allow them to participate in any gainful activity. According to the IRS, a disabled child working for minimal pay in a special program for the disabled is not engaging in a gainful activity, and is therefore eligible for the Earned Income Tax credit.

However, the employment must be provided by

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a qualified location such as a hospital, sheltered workshop, sponsored home or homebound program. While the child’s age is not a qualifying factor, they must have a valid social security number issued prior to the date of the return.

The EIT credit is also available to a taxpayer who retired due to a disability but still receives retirement benefits from their employer. The IRS categorically

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states that such people should enjoy the income tax credit until they reach retirement age. The benefits received in a disability payment plan are subject to tax and must be reported as wages in Form 1040 or Form 1040A until the minimum retirement age is reached. It is important to note that unlike disability payments, Social Security Disability Income and Social Security Benefits do not count as earned income.

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Any individual below the age of retirement and with an annual income below $53,505 must file a tax return to claim an EIT credit, regardless of whether or not they owe any tax or are required to file by law. This is because filing a return is the only way that one can claim an earned income tax credit and other benefits. According to the IRS, most people with income below the taxable limit do not file returns and therefore do not claim their tax benefits.

Just by filing a return, a taxpayer can claim up to $6,269 and get the money deposited into their bank accounts by the IRS. The tax refunds are usually not counted as income, and therefore people with disability need not worry that a tax refund will affect their eligibility for other benefits. Even with the maximum possible tax refund, the taxpayer with disability remains eligible for public benefits such as social security benefits, food stamps, and Medicaid.

People with a disability can get special assistance filing returns from the IRS Office or the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance.

Taxes can also be filed online for free through the IRS Free File or any other free tax help site. Due diligence should be carried out to ensure that services are only sought from a qualified tax professional.

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GREEN

RISE IN THE POPULARITY

OF GREEN HOMES T

rends in home decorating and home improvements tend to follow social and societal trends. Over the past few years, there have been seismic societal shifts toward living a greener and more environmentally sustainable life.

These trends have finally overflowed into home design. The push toward small home living is an example of the newly found value in living with a reduced carbon footprint. Water conservation strategies are becoming more standard as well as more desirable in the creation of green, sustainable homes. Technological advances in appliances and energy sources contribute to greener homes as well.

Finally, improvements in home construction have made major leaps in creating sustainable, green living accessible to more people.

Push Toward Small Homes

financial troubles because of our current economy and cannot afford large and extravagant living spaces. All of these factors contribute to moving towards a smaller carbon footprint, which is great for the environment.

Importance of Water Conservation Water conservation has moved from a fringe concept to a major facet of everyday life. It has affected home construction and living trends around the nation.

Many water conservation items now exist, such as low-flow toilets and faucets; computerized water control like sprinkler timers and hot water heaters; showerheads and sprinklers that mist or otherwise limit the amount of water that flows through them; and composting toilets that limit one’s involvement with the city septic system. In areas of high drought, there are even water conservation laws that regulate how often lawns can be watered and during which times water must be conserved. According to Seametrics, new tools for consumers to place in their homes are doing their part to decrease the amount of water used by the system. Seametrics specifically notes a showerhead that can collect water as it falls and re-pump that into the showerhead to save water, and toilets that use less than one gallon of water per flush, significantly reducing the amount of water used by the household.

Over the past few years, there has been a movement of people who are choosing to live in smaller spaces, paring down on possessions and materials in their homes. The small house movement comprises people who live in spaces that are usually no more than five hundred square feet. This is a major decrease from the average US home size of more than two thousand square feet. According to Green Residential, the size of the average American home is falling. Even those who are not participating in the super-small home movement are looking to scale down their homes. The Baby Boomer generation no Technological Advances longer has children in the home and is looking to cut back on space, and many families are experiencing High-efficiency lighting and appliances have been

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a growing trend in homes and commercial businesses for some time. These systems save large amounts of electricity by using every watt pumped through them to the maximum. This has been lowering the average homeowner’s carbon footprint for years. Automated home controls are another technological advance that is helping most homeowners become greener. Setting items like temperature and light controls to a timer allows the homes to run more efficiently and use less energy when there is no one in the house to benefit from it.

Green Home Construction Techniques The technology behind solar power has progressed by major leaps and bounds since it first came onto the market in the late ‘70s. According to Cleantechnica, the cost of solar panels has decreased sharply over the past four decades. In the late ‘70s, the price per watt of electricity was almost $80, and now the price per watt of solar

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electricity is down to about $0.75! This drop has made it far more reasonable and affordable for the average consumer to purchase solar panels for their home. Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source for homes and businesses. This source of energy is a major contributor to the green home construction trend. Combining solar roofing panels with construction trends like passive heating and energy efficient window treatments, a person could have a home that has little-to-no reliance on the city’s electrical grid.

This is important because those city grids are often run by burning natural gas and fossil fuels to produce electricity, which is detrimental to the environment.

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GREEN

HOW TO SELL ECO-FRIENDLY REAL ESTATE TO HOMEBUYERS

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he environment has been taking a big hit from human activity for the last century, whether it is from overpopulation, deforestation, or any other thing that has a negative impact on the world we live in. Being ecofriendly became necessary ever since climate change knowledge was made public.

It is our responsibility to actively help to reduce the damage done to our earth. One of the ways to do so is by making ecofriendly real estate more popular and attractive to prospective homebuyers.

An Earth Advantage study (2011) found that in comparison with normal houses, they were valued 8% higher and kept a 30% higher value when resold.

According to the USGBC, over half of consumers rank greenness and energy-efficiency as their most important requirements when looking for a home, and having a LEED certification is also one of the most desired attributes when renting apartments. Here is how to sell ecofriendly real estate to homebuyers.

Inform yourself

It is already becoming a favored option for buyers; green houses sell faster than conventional ones. Get all the information you can about the importance

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of acquiring an ecofriendly home, the systems that are installed in one, the way they work, and in what ways the home helps the environment or reduces the damaging effects a house can have on the earth. You need to be prepared for any question potential buyers have about the property.

For example, buildings are responsible for 39% of carbon emissions in the US, along with consuming 70% of the total electricity load (USGBC, 2015).

However, LEED certified buildings use an average of 32% less electricity and can keep up to 350 metric tons of CO2 from being emitted each year. All of these numbers can go higher with houses that utilize renewable energy.

Do not get disillusioned Some people will tell you that the amount of help one single person or family can do does not compare to the damage the entire society does, and that while it is a good idea, it is not worth it for them. This can make you wonder if it is worth going the extra mile to sell this ecofriendly real estate; but do not get discouraged. Think about the change you can make with selling only a single home. If you believe it, it will be easier for homebuyers to believe it from you.

In the rare cases that does not work, it could be time to modify your approach to them. You can touch on how sustainable homes can benefit them directly, so it turns into a more immediate gratification. Discuss the financial advantages, or how even their health can improve with the healthier living space a LEEDapproved house provides.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (2016) states that the average monthly bill in 2015 was $114 per household, so a 32% savings in electricity can add up. As well, the U.S. EPA (Indoor Air Pollution, n.d.) estimates that indoor air is 2-10 times more polluted than outdoor air, but LEED-certified houses are designed to allow more fresh air to come inside, resulting in a healthier environment for families.

Conclusion As we all know, emotions are a huge part of the home buying process; personal morals and values fall in with that. There is a strong ethical concern on the part of the agent in this situation. Homebuyers are voluntarily opting for ecofriendly real estate more often; the mission is to help them clarify doubts and understand the importance of choosing a specific house. Environmentally friendly technologies that we already possess can create buildings and communities that act in a responsible way, giving us more profitable and healthier places to live and work while also contributing to a reduction in CO2 emissions. Besides aiding in a greater good, there are certain economic and health benefits that any house owner would love to have.

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TECHNOLOGY

HOW STRONG IS YOUR PASSWORD?

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ou do not have to be a computer expert to understand the importance of the handful of characters that protect your personal information from the rest of the world. But what exactly is a strong password, and what measures can you adopt to keep it safe? We decided to find out.

What defines a strong password? According to Microsoft, a strong password has the following characteristics: • It is at least eight characters long.

• It is a combination of letters, numbers, and symbol characters.

• It is not found in a dictionary.

• It is not the name of a command.

• It is not the name of a person.

• It is not the name of a user.

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• It is not the name of a computer.

• It is changed regularly.

• It is significantly different from previous passwords.

PC Magazine advises against using birthdays, names of pets, and favorite or familiar things of any kind for your password. So if you are thinking of using a combination of your child’s name and birthday as a password, you may want to think again. Using something like your pet’s name followed by a string of numbers will also leave you vulnerable to a hack. These are the first things that a hacker will use when attempting to access your account. Hackers have programs that are designed to combine the most frequently used words in passwords in order to access your account.

The specialists at The Guardian believe that using

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password generators (programs that create random, complex passwords) are safer and more efficient than attempting to randomly select characters on your own. They warn that what we might think of as being random and totally “unguessable” often turns out to be rather common. Hence, your favorite poem might be a hacker’s favorite poem too, and they will easily be able to penetrate your seemingly impregnable anagrams.

The average person has 22 accounts that need some kind of password. Furthermore, more than one in six of us has over 40 passwords, according to The Telegraph. The required complexity of a strong password and the need to regularly change it using a new combination of characters and symbols raises a very important question: how can you remember and keep track of all your log-in information?

• The first method is to write down your passwords using a code that only you can decipher. This method is seen as being the least reliable simply because you cannot be certain that your code is uncrackable. Also, if you decide to write your passwords down in a document on a computer and someone gains access to it, all your passwords will be compromised.

• The next method is to use a password manager or vault. This is a piece of software that stores all of your passwords in one place, and it allows you to view them through any of your devices.

Before you choose such a service, make sure that it is reputable, because you certainly would not want to be willingly giving your passwords to a hacker. Overall, this method is safer than keeping a record on your computer, but you should still make a mental note of the master password that accesses the password manager.

• The closest we can get to a fail-proof solution is to not write the passwords down anywhere at all. If you are having trouble remembering your passwords, the internet is filled with memory tips and tricks to help you store and recall passwords at will. Word association and visual stories are the most common techniques that

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you will find on the web.

Unfortunately, a strong password is only as strong as its weakest link, which almost always turns out to be human error. Here are some more things that you can do to improve your online security: • D o not send your password by e-mail.

• Do not enter a password when others can see what you are typing.

• Activate a two-step verification system on websites that allow it (e-mail and telephone providers, for example). This is also a common practice on social media sites.

• Do not recycle your passwords. This is a fancy way of saying “Do not use the same password twice.”

• Do not use the same password for all your accounts. Mix it up and use a variety of characters and symbols to ensure optimal protection.

• Do not share your password with anybody.

Once it is out there, you quickly lose control over who has access to it. Be especially mindful of scams and people requesting your password for various reasons. No respectable service or company is going to make such a request of you.

Experts agree that there are no guarantees when it comes to cybersecurity.

They advise using a combination of measures to deter hacking attempts.

So stay vigilant and make the hacker’s job that much harder!

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TECHNOLOGY

WHAT IS TECHNOLOGY DOING TO COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE? In recent years, technology use in the Real Estate world has been growing nonstop, and nearly every type of business has felt the impact new technologies have made. Real estate alone has taken hard blows from it, but it is finally adapting. However, commercial real estate is different, and the effects technology has had on it will be discussed here.

an established social media manager is also a requirement in order to keep in touch with customers, as not being involved on Facebook, Twitter, etc. is not well regarded.

Consumers demand instant and accurate delivery of information; they never want to wait, because with the internet they are used to get everything immediately. And every minute that goes by without them hearing The technology experts that are millennials from you is time they are taking to look at the are increasingly filling the ranks of today’s competition. workforce, and the younger iGeneration will soon start to be the new customers of real The Bright Side estate agents. This means adopting technology is no longer a decision: it has become a need. But not everything is bad. For example, with sites like Airbnb, people start looking to make Negative Effects of Technology a profit, and commercial real estate can help provide them with the places they are going With the hospitality sector receiving new to rent out. Because everything is done online challenges originated by peer-to-peer now, it is less and less necessary to pay for big competition, such as Airbnb, commercial offices for a commercial real estate agency. real estate has seen a decrease in deals.

Although it is a good thing that people can Online stores and shipping companies have find a place to stay for a few days quickly grown the most; they rely on warehouses and and easily, commercial real estate investors distribution centers to remain operating, which and developers have a harder and more is good for commercial business. There has complicated job because the business is not as also been a tendency to transform industrial broad as it used to be. facilities into office space, increasing the interest of investors into acquiring this kind Agents now need to spend more time creating of property. and placing ads to advertise themselves or to promote the properties on sale. Having Now where does this entire new technology

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come from? Tech startups also need offices, and we send automatic responses when the workers are can deliver them. According to a recent RE: Tech not available. Agencies are opting for apps now to study (Are Tech Startups, 2016), 65% of startups provide instant updates to clients. in New York believe they are overpaying for their office space. They want affordable property, so take Conclusion that into consideration when dealing with them.

In a nutshell, adopting the best of today’s enterprise What Users Expect and real estate technology is important for any commercial real estate business, but adopting the Customer service has never been so important latest technology is not the only thing you should because there is so much competition in the market. be doing. Consumers are currently looking for Customer service research in 2016 found that 80% affordable services and a good, smooth experience. of tech startups in New York changed agents at least There are negative and positive things technology one time due to low-quality service in 2016. They has done, but the commercial real estate business do not like waiting for emails and phone calls; they does not just need to use technology–it needs to want a good experience and valuable information. adapt to it and find the places where profit can be found.

For this situation, there are automated bots that can

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YOU

Set Great Value to Your House in the Minds of your Home Buyers

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hink about the value of your house right now, and value it in monetary terms. What perception do you have of it? Now, think about how another person–not even your buyers–would value your house. How do you think your friends would rate your house?

The

price listing does not matter that much because it will be the same in every price bracket and at this point, it should be the least of your worries.

Basically, you cannot force the price onto the buyer. In one way or another, the buyer will buy the house for the price they think it is worth, so you should not worry about the price.

There are a lot of things that you cannot change about your house, but like so many people, you can choose to play around with numbers to try to estimate the value of your house, which will not work at all.

• You cannot change the location of the house, no matter how much you try.

• There is nothing you can do about the house

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value the market has determined for you.

But you can definitely change the buyer’s perception of the house and create an impression of the value of your house. This works like a dream. You can change and control how your buyers think about your home and even end up with them buying it.

So how exactly do you create the impression of the value of your house?

It is a simple act–a straightforward move that does not require you to take classes. You just have to know how to organize your home in a way that suits your buyer’s preferences. But first, lets look at some quick hacks that might give you a free bonus: • M ake sure that your home has a well-groomed landscaping and make sure that everything in your house falls in the right place.

• Make sure that cabinets and closets are wellorganized. They are one of the main areas that buyers will look at after your kitchen.

• Make sure the house paint is neutral. You really do not know what your buyer prefers, so err on the side of caution.

• Make sure that the flooring is in excellent condition. Just a single crack might scare a potential buyer off, so you have to be extra cautious about this.

• The rooms have to be spacious and let in as much light as possible. Nobody wants to be barricaded in a dark room.

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Is that all?

Creating an impression in the buyer’s mind that your home is the perfect fit will require you to present your home–which you very much know might be theirs in the future–in a rather visual and emotional appeal. It has to be well-maintained, and the decor and the like all must be in place. If you have all the above points checked, then it is time for the final move.

Getting into the buyer’s head Gaining control of the situation–which some may call manipulation–is the whole point behind all this.

Remember, your potential client may have a negative feeling toward this house; therefore, it is up to you to convince them that it is the best home they will ever come across. You really need to get into their heads.

How, exactly? I did my homework...

Preparation and presentation of the house are among the primary concerns to creating a perceived value in the potential buyer’s mind; but without strategic marketing, none of this will ever work out. Therefore, you will need to strategically position your house in the market in the best possible manner to gain the buyer’s favor. In case you do not know how, there are many professional home stagers who can help you with this.

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YOU

REAL ESTATE

BEST PRACTICES

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n every industry, there are some set guidelines, principles, and policies that the players are required to follow.

Real estate is no exception. There are also always some practices that players in every industry use which leave you perplexed, but any practitioner in their field should still uphold the honor and dignity of the profession. No march 2017 issue

professional should engage in activities that would bring disrepute.

But many times you will find that people act in their own best interests and not that of the client. Real estate brokers and agents will often bend these practices– not necessarily breaking them–and most clients agree that what they do is

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unacceptable. Such activities are:

Upholding best practices in any industry is vital, since it will ultimately drive your overall success.

• Relisting a property to bring in fresh interest innovation, because even simply • Reset the number of days on the placing your listings in real estate market newsletters can work wonders.

Both of these activities have caused a heated turn of events, though usually only the players themselves are conscious of what is going on

Taking a peek behind the scenes Often, in the real estate industry, professionals are divided between what is acceptable and what is close to being acceptable. Double-ending, one of the most common practices in which the agents represent both the buyer and the seller, is often questioned as to whether or not it is right. When such practices are at question, this division occurs.

As a key to success in the real estate world, brokers should aim to become more paperless and more digitized with respect to real estate brokerages. That is the number one secret to having a prosperous booming real estate agency.

However, as so many people are now complaining, the brokers have taken things way too far by falsifying data.

They have simply gotten away with it. This malpractice is on the rise, but brokers do not take into account that falsifying their data will greatly damage their reputation.

Focusing on a few individual components in the market in relation to the changing real estate industry, you will realize that most realtors tend to take advantage of the situation and to bend or break some practices.

Technology is changing the way realtors do business Never underestimate the power of technology as a tool for networking, clientele management, and organization of your work. As a best practice in the real estate industry, realtors should adapt to and take advantage of every 59

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Brokers’ relationship with clients

way to do that is through the key factors of hard work, honesty, and transparency.

Being in a competitive market such as commercial or industrial real estate requires that brokers be able to foster and nurture long-term relationships with the client as one of the best real estate practices available.

You need to note that most potential clients will start their search on the Internet; therefore, to win the competition, you will have to create a compelling website with superior content. Damaging a competitor’s reputation is not a common malpractice, Also, so many brokers are afraid to take small and it should stay that way. To gain a competitive clients–a common malpractice in the real estate edge on the market, you will have to stay neutral. field–but truth be told, you never know how big these clients may turn out to be. Thus, the brokers’ Provide nothing but value relationship with the client is something which is Real estate industry is all about creating value for very important and should be upheld. your products and services. One way to do that However, in an attempt to gain favor from the clients, is by becoming an expert in your client’s area of be careful not to damage your competitors’ position specification. This provides the best opportunity for you to understand your client’s desires and longin the market. term goals.

Stay on top of the competition Real estate is a market with incredible dynamism. It really is as simple as that. Upholding best practices At no point will you ever hear of the market being in any industry is vital, since it will ultimately drive static; therefore, you will have to stay on top of the your overall success. market. The majority of research shows that the best

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YOU

Desiree Patno:

A STRONG VOICE FOR WOMEN IN REAL ESTATE

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omen have to struggle for every inch they gain in the world of business, and people like Desiree Patno have created places where these women can gain the education and skills necessary to push them to the top. She has over two decades of experience in the world of real estate. As an entrepreneur and leader in the real estate business, Desiree has been a vocal and well-published voice for the woman and minority business owner.

Standing up for Women’s Involvement in the Business World Since she began working in real estate in 1990 with Coldwell Realty, Desiree Patno has been an advocate and an ambassador for women in business.

This experience throughout the ‘90s gave her the confidence to strike out on her own, and in 1998 she founded Desiree Patno Enterprises. She began this company with only a few offices and has grown it to encompass more than $5 million in annual profits.

This certified woman-owned business continues to flourish and thrive in the Orange County and Inland Empire markets.

In 2009, she created the National Association for Women in Real Estate Business. Since the creation of this association, Desiree Patno has campaigned

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tirelessly for the recognition and inclusion of women in the real estate workforce. This trade association specializes in certifying women-owned and minorityowned businesses in the Orange County area. It also promotes opportunities and tools for women to flourish and prosper in the real estate business. The association works in conjunction with other entities such as the Small Business Administration to assist women business owners with their companies. Part of her mission statement for this company is to increase the number of women in boardrooms across the country.

Publications and Awards Desiree Patno experienced a big year of recognition in 2012. She was well-established in her realty company and had also been working with the foundation she created for a few years. According to her LinkedIn profile, Desiree Patno received an Enterprising Business of the Year award for a woman-owned business in 2012. Also mentioned in her LinkedIn profile, she received a Business Leadership Social Media Award from Women Impacting Public Policy.

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However, these were not the only areas that she was mentioned in that year.

with the audiences that she speaks with in order to build rapport and engage them in the discussion. Watching Desiree Patno, there can be no argument Desiree Patno is active on that she is passionate about social media, and it is one of educating young women and the platforms she uses to speak advocating for their success in out about issues that she views any field of work. She also posts as important. She cares very reminders for other classes and much for animal welfare, and trainings available–especially she vocally supports adoption those related to her field of centers. She often posts about specialty, real estate. She her own new puppy as a means advocates for working women to generating attention and in all fields and promotes support for animal welfare equality and respect through groups. It is clear that education her communications both is one of Desiree’s passions, professionally and socially. and she often posts about lectures that she has given or Leaders in areas such as opportunities in the community real estate, championing for for young women to continue women and minorities to their education and pursue prosper, bolster the economy. their dreams and passions.

Promoting the success of

Socially Active, Advocating for Women’s Education

She was also honored with inclusion in an issue of Housing Wire, which also featured the most influential women in the industry in 2012. As an internationally recognized successful businesswoman, Desiree Patno continued to press forward in her efforts to educate and increase the success of other women in the business world. According to sba.gov, Desiree Patno was awarded the “Women in Business Champion of the Year” award in 2016.

Since she began the National Association for Women in Real Estate Business, she has been included in many publications and articles and has spoken at yearly conferences to promote the inclusion of and bolster the She recently uploaded a video success of other women in this of a talk she gave to a high school class entitled “Things I field of business.

Wish I Knew in High School.”

She opens up, and is unafraid to share intimate information

women in these fields trickles down to that young girl still in school, and role models like Desiree Patno are taking major strides toward elevating our society.

COMMUNITY

Top Ten

INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES

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ow, more than ever, women in the United States are standing up for themselves and each other, championing diverse causes and contributing to changing the world. It is a difficult and often risky endeavor, but these women would proclaim that it is entirely worth it. To celebrate their courage and achievements, and to kick off Women’s History Month, let’s look at ten of the currently most educated, ambitious, and influential women in the country.

Michelle Obama She has been admired for her fashion sense, her dedication to her family, her career, her charity work, and her role as First Lady, but this March, nothing stands out quite so much as Michelle Obama’s support for women. She advocates for women’s access to education, and even started a mentoring program, pairing disadvantaged teens with some of the most powerful women in the country. Her unequivocal message to young women? “What is in your brain is useful. Do not hide it.”

Janet Yellen Number 6 on Forbes’ 2016 The World’s Most Powerful People list, Janet L. Yellen is the first female Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. In a field openly dominated by men, her education and experience have allowed her to hold unmatched power over the American monetary policy. She stands out through her openness and clear logic when making decisions that affect hundreds of millions of people.

Kamala Harris Described as the “female Barack Obama”, Kamala Harris is the first woman of color attorney general in California’s history and the second such woman to serve as a United States senator. She describes herself as a fighter, looking to prove all the naysayers wrong. “Can’t”, “too hard”, “too much work”, “not your time” are words and phrases that Kamala Harris openly fights against when championing education and equal rights initiatives.

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Karen Bass In her fourth term representing the 37th Congressional District, Congresswoman Karen Bass has taken an interest in a variety of issues, including education, healthcare, energy, and the environment.

She is an advocate for both girls’ right to education and anti-trafficking laws, and was one of the most vocal supporters of international efforts to stop Boko Haram. Her U.S.-Africa Policy seeks to change the way people perceive African countries and to stimulate trade and economic growth in the region.

Maureen Ohlhausen More than just being Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission, Maureen K. Ohlhausen is an advocate for consumer and data protection, promoting what she calls “regulatory humility”. With a background in information technology, she speaks out for people’s right to privacy and against excessive government regulation. All in all, she performs well at a tough job to have in an age in which technology has permeated all aspects of our lives.

Aja Brown The 34-year-old mayor of Compton is the youngest mayor in the history of the city, and she is determined to turn it into the “new Brooklyn.”

With many still associating Compton with gang violence, corruption, and the birthplace of gangster rap, realizing her ambitions is not going to be easy. She relies on her profession as an urban planner to come up with realistic solutions to the town’s economic problems, to reduce gang violence, and to invest in its youth.

Faith Bautista

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A major voice for the Asian-American community, Faith Bautista is the President and CEO of The National Asian American Coalition.

She is an amazing businesswoman and the recipient of many awards in the fields of business and human rights. Nevertheless, her most important achievements stem from using her keen business sense to create opportunities for low-income and underserved communities.

She believes in people’s inner strength and abilities, regardless of their ethnicity.

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Melinda Gates The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has changed the face of worldwide philanthropy through intentional investment. Melinda Gates is not just influential because she has money. It is what she does with that money that has earned her a constant place in Forbes’ The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women list. Her most recent cause, gender equality, finances projects that aim to improve the lives of women in the U.S. and around the globe.

Sheryl Sandberg Harvard M.B.A. and current COO of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg is known for her outstanding work at the world’s number one social media platform and as an active voice of support for initiatives to empower women in the workplace. The unexpected death of her husband thrust on her the role of being a single mother, on top of being a career woman and a bestselling author. Her advice to women: be more open to taking career risks!

Desirée Patno The founder of the National Association of Women in Real Estate Businesses (NAWRB) works to encourage women entrepreneurs and to support minority-owned businesses. She is a speaker, a mentor, an educator, and an avid supporter of women’s rights. After over twenty years of experience in the real-estate business, Desirée Patno admits that to be successful in this male-dominated occupation, “you have to be thick-skinned, able to take risks and be creative.”

Women’s History Month pays tribute to powerful women who have shaped the value system of our society over the years. To truly honor their contributions, we should acknowledge that there is still much work to be done, and follow the example of women in power to better ourselves and to foster change in our communities.

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Home Ownership Home ownership brings stability to individuals and families who have never had a dwelling place that they could call their own. There is something special about owning real estate that is unlike anything else on earth you can own.

Real Estate you own is not like cars that decay over time and you have to replace them.

Real Estate you own is not like clothes that go out of style and you have to buy new ones.

Real Estate you own is not like expensive vacations or experiences that only last a moment in time.

Real Estate you own is not like an apartment where the landlord may increase the rent until it’s no longer affordable.

Real Estate you own is not like staying at your parents house where you know can’t stay forever.

Home ownership is the beginning of wealth that increases over time and becomes your estate & legacy Home ownership is the pride of a mother nurturer and the kitchen her domain Home ownership is the pride of a father provider and protector of his territory and family.

Home ownership is the foundation of permanence and the place where life happens, birthdays celebrated, deaths mourned.

Home ownership is the place you build memories that can never be taken from you.

Memories etched in walls and concrete, experienced in rooms and floors, Memories living in trees and shrubs planted by your hand.

Howe ownership is the manifestation of you - your style, your colors, your smell, your stuff, your junk, your memories, your yard and your spaces, your life.

It’s the height markers on your first child’s bedroom wall.

It’s the hearts drawn in the concrete slabs when you pour your patio floor It’s the birthday parties, and anniversaries in the living room and kitchen.

It’s the back yard barbecue with friends, neighbors and family contentions it’s the high school and college graduation, and wedding receptions Its’ the family nights and block parties and the fellowship of family connections Home ownership It’s more than real estate. Land, brick and mortar, wood frame construction and chicken wire.

It’s more than money saved, gifts recieved and grants obtained It’s more than the debt you incur to buy it.

It’s more than the payments you make to own it.

It’s more than the appreciation that comes with keeping it over time.

It’s memories, it’s family, and it’s life that can happen in one place Until you say it’s time to move.

By Eric Lawrence Frazier MBA CA BRE 01143484 | NMLS 461807

COMMUNITY

KATHY L. MOE IS THE NEW FDIC REGIONAL DIRECTOR

FOR THE SAN FRANCISCO REGION

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n January 26, 2017, Kathy L Moe was named the FDIC San Francisco Regional Director. The scope of her responsibilities includes the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. The FDIC was formed in 1933 to stabilize banks that were crushed during the Great Depression. Prior to 1933, there were few regulations placed on banks, how they collateralized loans, and how to file lis pendens and foreclosures on non-paying customers. During the economic catastrophe, many banks did not hold the required amount of liquid cash in their vaults. The FDIC clearly spells out the rules that govern banks, and the regional directors have the onus of ensuring that banks follow these guidelines.

Additionally, with the advent of TRID and the DoddFrank regulations that went into effect under the Obama administration in 2012, banks are now more regulated than ever. According to an April 14th, 2016 New York Times article, these regulations are hurting smaller community banks. The 22,000+ pages of regulations contained in the Dodd-Frank regulations force banks to hoard money instead of lending it out to small business and individuals. This harkens back to the 1930s, the 1980s, and more recently, the meltdown in 2007 and 2008. To date, according to the FDIC website, there are 549 banks that have failed and been acquired by larger institutions.

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While regulation is certainly necessary, Dodd-Frank regulations are not necessarily the answer. The net effect of these regulations is overreaching and in some ways draconian. The FDIC is not an entity funded by taxpayer dollars; rather, it is funded by the full faith and credit of the US government.

Kathy Moe had served as acting director for almost ten months when the FDIC confirmed her into the full position as San Francisco Director. This is the culmination of decades of hard work and dedication to the banking system. Kathy Moe is a highly educated and highly motivated woman who will continue to be successful in her new role, as evidenced by her past education, her experience working within the organization, and her dedication to promoting women in high profile roles.

Kathy is a highly educated and smart choice for the position of San Francisco Regional Director.

According to Ms. Moe’s bio for her conference at St. Mary’s college in 2015, she completed her undergraduate education at the University of Nebraska, achieving a degree in finance. After this, she moved on to graduate studies at the School of Banking at the University of Colorado. Continuing on with post-graduate work, Kathy Moe worked toward a Business Certificate at the University of California at Berkeley. This commitment to and passion for continuing her education throughout

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her career is part of what makes Kathy Moe a great positive role model for young women to look up to. choice for the position of Regional Director of the Her career is a benchmark that others can use as a San Francisco Region. stepping stone to create their own successful lives.

During her time with the FDIC, Kathy L. Moe has held impressive high-profile positions such as field supervisor in the Phoenix territory and deputy regional director of the risk management division.

According to the Pittman Report, Kathy earned high praise in these positions from her supervisors and from directors of other divisions, such as the Division of Depositor and Consumer Protection.

Kathy Moe has earned praise for her contributions and leadership of high profile projects such as folding the Resolution Trust Corporation into the FDIC. Finally, as of December 11, according to the recent press release from Greg Hernandez at the FDIC, Kathy Moe was promoted from acting director to the permanent position of San Francisco Regional Director. This region of the FDIC is responsible for 294 locations that have a combined worth of over $597 billion.

Through the years, Kathy has dedicated time to speaking out as a successful woman in the banking industry. Kathy Moe has been very active speaking at conferences highlighting women in banking, such as the Interview with Women in Federal Public Service at St. Mary’s University on March 4th, 2015. These conferences and other venues where she discusses her experience in the industry serve an influential and motivational role in creating more opportunities for women to succeed in similar jobs. She acts as a

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Through thorough consideration of all the available candidates, the FDIC has made the choice to promote Kathy L. Moe to the advanced leadership position of permanent Director of the San Francisco Region. This region of the FDIC is responsible for considerable financial resources and the management of thousands of employees. Her background in banking and dedication to continuing her education with advanced degrees is one of the factors that make her a great fit for this prestigious position in the federal banking system.

Her long career within the FDIC was another factor that was considered when placing Kathy L. Moe in this position. She has worked with the corporation for more than thirty years. During that time, she has held important leadership positions and participated in many high-profile projects. This work experience makes her a highly qualified employee and justifies her placement as Director. Finally, Ms. Moe’s dedication to speaking publicly and promoting her position as a successful woman in the federal banking industry is an asset for her new position as Regional Director. In this new role, she will likely continue to promote the participation of women in high-ranking positions such as this and give young women around the country a positive and productive female role model in an industry that has been historically dominated by males.

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Our board of directors

Successs Money

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Eric Lawrence Frazier PRESIDENT

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Christina Kimble

Ivery Summers

R. Ann Ellis Hall

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THIRD VICE PRESIDENT christina.kimble@ocrealtist.org 800-790-0941 ext. 705

SECRETARY ann.annellis@gmail.com 626-864-4127

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Our board of directors

Mary Ann Epstein

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