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NOVEMBER 2020 Vol. 07 | Issue 11

THE US ELECTION

2020 Page 56

THE NATIONAL CONVERSATION ON BLACK HOMEOWNERSHIP Page 104

CAROLYN SUNSERI

Marketing Director at GSFA Page 46

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magazine WEST COAST EDITION Vol. 07 | Issue 11

Eric Lawrence Frazier, MBA Publisher Office: (800) 401-8994 Ext. 703 Direct: (714) 361-2105 eric.frazier@thepowerisnow.com www.thepowerisnow.com EDITORIAL TEAM Sheila Gilmore Editor in Chief (800) 401-8994 ext. 711 sheila.gilmore@thepowerisnow.com Daniels George Managing Editor (800) 401-8994 ext. 712 daniels.george@thepowerisnow.com Goldy Ponce Arratia Graphic Artist and Design Manager goldy.ponce@thepowerisnow.com

CONTRIBUTORS The Power Is Now Research Team

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CONTENTS POWER LENDING Pg. 22. JPMorgan Chase makes $30 billion commitment to help close America’s racial wealth gap POWER TECHNOLOGY Pg. 24. UWM rolls out “game-changing” mobile app for brokers

POWER GREEN Pg. 8. California Gov. signs order banning sale of gasoline-powered cars by 2035 Pg. 10. As wildfires rage, climate experts warn: The future we were worried about is here POWER ECONOMICS Pg. 12. Fed Vice Chair Clarida says economy needs ‘perhaps another year’ to return to pre-pandemic level Pg. 14. Fed officials worried that lack of help from Congress will threaten recovery, minutes show POWER REAL ESTATE Pg. 16. Recent U.S. Homeownership Gains Driven by Latin Americans Pg. 18. The Pandemic Threatens the Already Vulnerable Affordable Housing Crisis Pg. 20. Luxury home sales rise 41.5%, making biggest jump since 2013 4

VIP AGENTS Pg. 29. Missed the spring home selling opportunity? You’re not that late Pg. 33. The most affordable neighborhoods in Phoenix, Arizona Pg. 33. Here are some (housing) upgrades that buyers need during COVID-19 era Pg. 40. Fontana CA, Appreciation rate and housing market data Pg. 43. The power os staging! why great photos work every time

Pg. 46. Carolyn Sunseri, Marketing Director at GSFA

Pg. 52. Before investing in vacant properties, here’s what you need to know Pg. 56. Sold a home recently? Do not miss these tax deductions Pg. 59. Read this guide before putting your home on the market Pg. 63. What’s your home worth? Here’s how to determine Pg. 66. How much does home inspection cost and how to plan for it Pg. 69. Wine Country Homes and neighborhoods that you can actually afford Pg. 74. What Hurts Property Value? 8 Things to Address Now Pg. 78. Selling Your House: A Timeline of What to Expect THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

Pg. 81. Home Improvements and Modifications for Aging in Place Pg. 86. How Much Can You Negotiate on a House, really? Pg. 90. The Richmond 2021 Real estate market investor’s guide

POWER MORTGAGE Pg. 98. Considering a home purchase in retirement? Here’s how to get a mortgage Pg. 100. CFPB issues new marketing services agreement guidelines POWER COMMUNITY Pg. 102. US election 2020: What date is it, how does it work and what are the key swing states? Pg. 104. The national conversation on black homeownership

POWER LEGAL Pg. 92. The Election and a Fresh Obamacare Challenge Loom over New Supreme Court Term Pg. 94. CARES Act: Considering 401(k) Withdrawal Because of Unemployment Due to COVID-19 Pandemic? POWER HEALTH Pg. 9. Do You Need a Real Estate Attorney? Pg. 106. November, the Lung cancer awareness month

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FROM THE EDITOR is made up, In fact, my wife and I had a debate one night where we discussed all the propositions, and although I couldn’t agree with some of the recommendations, I had to make a decision. Right now, I’m sure of who I want for president and our local mayor here in Riverside, California.

ovember is finally here with us. The most anticipated November election countdown elapsed. I do not know about you, but I cannot wait for it to be over; I mean, with all the politics, the fun, and the crazy moments that we have witnessed all through the four years of this administration… seeing a new face would not hurt! Right now, I’m just looking forward to seeing a new administration, and do not get me wrong here; I think you’ll agree with me that the nation needs a president who is hands-on with the current health economic crisis. Anyway, I do not want to get into many details about the elections; I could go on and on. Just in under 48 hours, you have a decision to make! Choose carefully! I said I don’t want to get into politics, but let’s delve a bit; I want a new administration to steer us through the next four years. And the elections came at such an opportune moment because we cannot continue living like this. The next quarter will be challenging because a vaccine is yet to come, more so almost every county is reporting a spike in the number of Covid Cases. And while other nations are serious about this virus, America continues to downplay it. Look at what Borris did, a four-week lockdown until England gets on top of this issue. I do not know about you, but my mind

I want to take this opportunity to encourage you to go out and vote. It’s so important that we exercise our democratic right to vote. Everyone should vote. Voting is our voice as to who we want our leader to be both at the national and the local levels. So folks, let’s go out and vote. Enough with politics! Well, the year is almost over, just one month to go! I can already start to smell the festive season! Wow, what a year, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, and yes, there’s a lot we could complain about, but I am not going to that, folks. I will take this chance to express my gratitude for the support and efforts of everyone. Last month, I announced new shows and magazines to cover the West and East Coast separately. And we did it. The Power Is Now Magazine now comes in East, West, and Central editions. If you thought that this was it, well, I got news for you! We are expanding to cover Hispanics. Besides a new show dubbed The Power Is Now Real Estate Roundtable or El Poder Es Ahora, we will launch our magazine in Spanish in the coming year. All to make sure that you do not miss a thing. The new shows that will be hosted by our VIP Agent, Adriana Montes, who, by the way, is on the cover of the Power Is Now Magazine East Edition. This month, we cover Carolyn Sunseri, if you have been watching our weekly shows for a while now, you must know Carolyn Sunseri. Carolyn is the Marketing Director at Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA). At GSFA, Carolyn

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

is responsible for state-wide communications and marketing initiatives for a leading Housing Finance Authority, providing affordable housing programs for single-family, multi-family, and energy-efficient financing. Read on to find out more. One thing you can be sure of is that we will never cease to pursue our commitment to advocate for homeownership and wealth-building and financial literacy for low to moderate-income and minority groups. Moreover, this issue is dedicated to keeping you informed and entertained at the same time. Make sure you read through to catch some of the fascinating stories this month, including how a group considered a minority is driving homeownership gains in the U.S. Also, don’t forget to check how to get a mortgage when you

want to own a home during retirement. Lastly, don’t forget to check informational tips and pieces of advice from our VIP Agents, who are best at what they do. Conclusively, I want to remind you once again that the real estate market right now is at its best, like some are calling it the corona bonus. If you’re planning to buy real estate, whether as a first-time homebuyer, an experienced homebuyer, or an investor, this is the best time to buy a home. We don’t know what is going to happen in the near future. It would be best if you take action now when all the odds are favourably aligned.

Eric Lawrence Frazier, MBA

CEO and Founder The Power Is Now Media, Inc.

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6/29/2020 3:03:55 PM

CALIFORNIA GOV. SIGNS ORDER BANNING SALE OF ASOLINE-POWERED CARS BY 2035

Climate change has been a burning issue for the longest time now. As time moves, the situation is worsening due to the continued exploitation and pollution of the environment by human activities. The Federal government and the local governments have been putting in place different measures that are geared towards reducing or eliminating environmental pollutions through emission. With the recent persisting wildfires caused by adverse climatic conditions, this was the best time when a change is desperately needed.

he latest environmental development from California has dealt a huge win to the climate action in the state and the nation at large. California is set to phase out the sale of all gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035, in its efforts to be at the frontline in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This is after California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on September 23, banning the sale of gasoline-powered cars by 2035. The move is meant to encourage the state’s drivers’ transition to electric vehicles and amounts to the most aggressive clean-car policy in the U.S.

The move bans the manufacture and sale of new gas cars and trucks past 2035. However, it does not bar the owning of such vehicles and selling them on the used-car market. “This is the most impactful step our state can take to fight climate change,” Gov. Newsom said in a statement. “Our cars shouldn’t make wildfires worse — and create more days filled with smoky air. Cars shouldn’t melt glaciers or raise sea levels threatening our cherished beaches and coastlines.” Gov. Newsom also expressed his support on the

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

a challenge that has landed in court. Elsewhere, a spokesperson with the Institute for Energy Research, a think tank that often supports the fossil fuel industry, cited the move by Newsom as “another silly distraction from real problems.” “Driving cars is not what causes forest fires or makes them worse,” David Kreutzer, a senior economist at the institute said. “If people want to drive electric cars, they’ll buy them. You don’t have to eliminate the competition.” “Electric cars might not have emissions at a tailpipe, but they do have emissions at the power plant,” he adds. RECENT EFFORTS. This is not the first time California is on the headlines for their efforts to reverse the adverse climatic damage through zero-emission. In January 2018, the then California governor, Jerry Brown signed an executive order that set targets of setting up 200 gas stations and 250,000 electric vehicle chargers to support 1.5 million zeroemission vehicles on California roads by 2025. Since then, the number of electric vehicles being sold in California has been on the rise.

motion targeting to ban petroleum fracking and called on the state’s legislature to push for that change. With wildfires becoming the new norm in the state, Gov. Newsom cites fighting climate change as an emergency. OPPOSITION. Regardless of the significance of any law or policy, it must be faced with opposition. California’s efforts have run afoul of the Trump administration. This is after the Trump administration sought to revoke California’s authority to mandate zero-emission cars,

WWW.THEPOWERISNOW.COM

Gov. Newsom’s executive order was praised by the California-based Coalition for Clean Air and expressed their commitment to helping in its full implementation. “The Governor’s Executive Order is a meaningful step in addressing the climate crisis and protecting the health of Californians,” the coalition stated in an email addressed to NPR. “Electrifying transportation will also create jobs and help California move forward in its economic recovery.” Work cited. https://www.npr.org/2020/09/23/916209659/californiagovernor-signs-order-banning-sales-of-new-gasoline-carsby-2035.

AS WILDFIRES RAGE, CLIMATE EXPERTS WARN: THE FUTURE WE WERE WORRIED ABOUT IS HERE

ince the early 1990s and even before, climate experts have been trying to warn the world against the continued environmental pollution. They have been warning the world that a day would come when human beings will suffer the wrath of Mother Nature due to the continued environmental pollution and plunder of natural resources. Since the beginning of 2020, massive wildfires have been slowing engulfing most parts of the U.S., Australia, and Siberia. The gigantic wildfires have already sent hints of how climate change threatens to destroy ecosystems around our planet. As 2020 took its course, huge wildfires, something that has never been seen before, broke out in Australia, scorching more than 65,000 square miles, an area larger than Illinois. Fast forward to July, wildfires fuelled by an intense Arctic heatwave swept across Siberia. In recent months, dozens of catastrophic wildfires have swept large regions of western U.S., including Prichardâ€™s home state of Washington. Millions of acres engulfed by flames across California, Oregon, and Washington, leaving a trail of 36 deaths. Susan Prichard, a forest ecologist, and a research scientist at the University of Washington, who has been studying the connection between wildfires and climate change since the early 1990s, has made it clear that global warming significantly contributes to longer and more intense fire seasons around the world. This raises the questions; could this be the future experts have been warning us about? Could it be too late?

“What strikes me is that the future we were really worried about and that us climate scientists talked about for decades, we’re living through that now,” Prichard said. According to climate experts, in a warming world, devastating wildfires like those occurring now are likely to be more frequent and more destructive. This destruction comes with enormous environmental, financial, and health impacts on the communities affected. “Individual things like a bad hurricane season, bad flooding or bad wildfires are not that surprising because literally every climate scientist predicted these things would happen,” said Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, a senior research associate at the Climate Change Research Centre at the University of New South Wales in Australia. “But seeing all these things happen in one year — in some cases, simultaneously — is shocking and does make me worried about what the next 10 years are going to look like.” The wildfires have occurred thousands of miles apart and in different continents, but they feature some similarities, according to Mike Flannigan, the director of the Western Partnership for Wildland Fire Science at the University of Alberta in Canada. Wildfires in the U.S. and Australia started earlier than normal amid persistent drought conditions, Flannigan said. Lightning also played a key role in starting fires in Australia and California.

the plant, but as global warming worsens, the atmosphere tends to pull out moisture out of leaves more efficiently, and the forest floors, leaving dry leaves and trees that fuel the fires, according to Flannigan. With no precipitation to compensate for the fast loss of moisture from leaves and trees, ideal conditions for a wildfire are created. Up to now, research and studies have already shown that climate change is increasing wildfire activities and lengthening wildfire seasons. So the key cause of the current supercharged wildfires is climate change, which calls for climate actions. We’ve been told before that this would happen, nothing changed. Now that we’ve seen it’s real and it can be worse, that should be enough of a wake-up call. The time for climate action is now. We should remember that if we completely mess up the climate, the only species that will be the wiped from the face of the earth is us, and the planet will regrow again.

Work cited. https://www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/ wildfires-rage-climate-experts-warn-future-we-were-

Seasonal wildfires occur naturally all around

worried-about-n1240456.

FED VICE CHAIR, CLARIDA SAYS ECONOMY NEEDS ‘PERHAPS ANOTHER YEAR’

TO RETURN TO PRE-PANDEMIC LEVEL

he impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have torn down most of the economic sectors in the U.S., which nearly led a recession. Most of the businesses were significantly affected, leading to laying off of millions of Americans. The pandemic, which many thought would be a minor disruption of normalcy, persisted through from the beginning of the year and is predicted to go on into 2021. When the adverse impacts of the pandemic were at the peak, the government took a bold step by slowly reopening the economy in between May and June.

“That said, the Covid-19 recession threw the economy into a very deep hole, and it will take some time, perhaps another year, for the level of GDP to fully recover to its previous 2019 peak,” Clarida told the Institute of International Finance. “It will likely take even longer than that for the unemployment rate to return to a level consistent with our maximumemployment mandate.”

Since the reopening, the economy has been recovering at a slower than predicted. And from the look of things, the economy will take longer than expected to recover by half at least, leave alone going back to the pre-pandemic level.

Since the reopening of the economy, 11.4 million jobs have been brought back. Despite this, the U.S. unemployment rate has remained at 7.9% in September. “The global economy is going to look a lot like the U.S. It’s going to take some time to recover from this shock,” Clarida said. “So far so good in terms of the recovery, but a ways to go not only in the U.S. but globally.”

A recent development from the Fed has revealed that the U.S. economy will need another year, or maybe more to get back to the level of activity equal to the pre-pandemic period, according to the Fed Vice Chairman Richard Clarida.

Clarida cited that the Fed sees activity continuing to improve gradually after a sharp third-quarter recovery, and cautioned that the outlook ahead is highly uncertain and subject to the developments from the pandemic.

Clarida further noted that policy moves by the Federal Reserve and Congress had offered significant aid in stimulating economic activities such as buying properties, cars, and investing in software and equipment.

Work cited. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/14/clarida-says-us-economyneeds-perhaps-another-year-to-return-to-pre-pandemic-level. html.

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ince the U.S. economy was gradually reopened a couple of months ago, it has been showing signs of recovery. Millions of jobs have been brought back, as millions of businesses across the nation resume operations. At the same time, millions of other Americans still remain unemployed as the pandemic continues to persist. At the same time, money from the government stimulus packages is slowly drying up from people’s pockets. While all this is dawning on the unemployed Americans, the Fed officials have begun raising concerns from the threat posed on the economic recovery process. The officials are worried that a lack of another round of fiscal stimulus is a huge threat that would jeopardize the process of economic recovery that is moving faster than expected, according to minutes released on October 7, 2020, from the bank’s September meeting. In the September meeting, members extensively discussed the economic outlook, as they cited the economy was doing better than expected in good part due to the fiscal help provided by Washington. The minutes outlined the recovery in GDP as that point as being “rapid.”

FED OFFICIALS WORRIED THAT LACK OF HELP FROM CONGRESS WILL THREATEN RECOVERY, MINUTES SHOW 14

The fiscal help from Washington is currently in jeopardy as talks between the White House and congressional Democrats have broken down and are likely not to resume before the November elections. “Many participants noted that their economic outlook assumed additional fiscal support and that if future fiscal support was significantly smaller or arrived significantly later than they expected, the pace of the recovery could be slower than anticipated,” the meeting summary stated. According to officials, small businesses

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

and farmers received so much support that saw them regain more jobs than expected through August. For that reason, “the absence of further fiscal support would exacerbate economic hardships in minority and lower-income communities,” the minutes said. During the meeting, members also moved to incorporate recent changes on the Fed’s approach to inflation, and what it would take to justify rate hikes in future. Markets have been seeking for enhanced forward guidance on what particular benchmarks the FOMC would deploy as criteria. However, members agreed that the new language indicating a target of inflation averaging above 2% for a period of time would be enough. “Most participants supported providing more explicit outcome-based forward guidance for the federal funds rate that included establishing criteria for lifting the federal funds rate above the [current level near

zero] in terms of the paths for employment or inflation or both,” the minutes said. “However, with longerterm interest rates already very low, there did not appear to be a need for enhanced forward guidance at this juncture or much scope for forward guidance to put additional downward pressure on yields.” In the past, the Fed had described its inflation target as being “symmetric,” meaning that it would go above or below the 2% target. The new description makes it more straightforward that the Fed is targeting at least 2% inflation. Work cited. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/07/fed-minutes. html#:~:text=Federal%20Reserve,Fed%20officials%20 worried%20that%20lack%20of%20help,will%20threaten%20 recovery%2C%20minutes%20show&text=Federal%20Reserve%20officials%20at%20their,aid%20would%20 decrease%20or%20disappear.

RECENT U.S. HOMEOWNERSHIP GAINS DRIVEN BY LATIN AMERICANS

n recent years, the U.S housing market has been pretty interesting, not to mention the 2020 one. Zillow’s housing data has shown that homeownership among the Latin-Americans has recorded more gains than any other group. Approximately 18% of the American population identifies as Latin. Yet, this considerably small number has accounted for more than 60% of new U.S. homeowner gains over the past decade. That growth has pushed the Latin homeownership rate to 48.9%, the highest level recorded since 2008. In the context of the housing bust during the Great Recession, when Latins suffered a large blow, the Latin homeownership growth in recent years becomes more striking. Reports have revealed that less than 10% of all U.S. homes are in Latin communities, while at the same time, 19.4% of all homes foreclosed between 2007 and 2015 were in the same neighborhoods. ”While Latin households have made recent gains in ownership, longstanding inequities in intergenerational wealth and other systemic barriers continue to impede Latin-Americans from reaching parity with the U.S. population as a whole,” says Manny Garcia, population scientist at Zillow. ”Latin home buyers are more likely to face challenges during the process, with financing the purchase often reported as a primary concern. Even within the Latin community, wealth inequality could help explain the varying homeownership rates of people of different origins.” Far from the recent gains, the Latin homeownership rate continues to fall behind more than 10% points behind the Asian, Native, Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander households’ rates, and 25% behind non-Latin white households. This is majorly attributed to the disparities in household wealth. A typical Latin household earns about 75% of a typical white household as of 2018, but that typical white household had more than eight times the overall wealth amount. 16

Moreover, reports indicate that those who moved to the U.S. more recently are less likely to become homeowners. Perhaps, this explains why the homeownership rate among the first-generation LatinAmericans, which is at 46%, is lower than other generations (50%). Latin-Americans of Spanish origin holds the highest homeownership rate at 63%, while those from Dominican origin have the lowest at 29%. Latin homebuyers are more likely to be buying a home for the first time, with 56% reported buying their first home, compared to 43% of buyers overall. However, first-time homebuyers face greater financial hurdles as most don’t have access to equity from previous home purchases to cater for a down payment and almost always finance their home purchase with a mortgage. Moreover, Latin homebuyers get denied by lenders at a higher-than-average rate, with 60% citing their concerns about qualifying for a mortgage at all. To become homeowners, Latin homebuyers more often pause other milestones due to the financial burden. 28% of Latin homeowners than average have reported that the cost of buying a home delayed led to delayed marriage plans. The reported gains driven by LatinAmericans comes amid growing homeownership racial disparities. The disparities are attributed to the same root causes, such as redlining and systematic discriminatory practices, whose solution could be the establishment of fair and just systems that do not discriminate against anyone. Work cited. https://www.worldpropertyjournal.com/realestate-news/united-states/miami-real-estate-news/ real-estate-news-latin-homeownership-data-for2020-zillow-housing-data-latin-home-buyer-reportcurrent-home-prices-12173.php#:~:text=About%20 18%25%20of%20the%20U.S.,the%20highest%20 level%20since%202008.

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

THE PANDEMIC THREATENS THE ALREADY VULNERABLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISIS

he current housing market is already facing low inventories, whose persistence poses a possible threat to affordable housing efforts since demand is increasingly growing. On top of that, the ongoing pandemic doesn’t seem like it will stop any time soon. This is a perfect storm that could exacerbate the already vulnerable affordable housing crisis. Even before the pandemic, the housing supply was already a cause for concern. The GAP report published by the National Low Income Housing Coalition in late last year revealed that there was a shortage of seven million affordable homes for low-income households at or below the poverty guidelines, or 3% of the area median income. The ongoing pandemic is further pressuring these issues. Jay Parsons, vice president of multifamily optimization and deputy chief economist at RealPage, a property management software company, predicts that the total apartment supply will remain high through 2021 due to the pipeline of projects that were approved and underway during the pre-pandemic period. Parsons also cautions that the pipeline of projects is thinning out, and there could be a massive drop-off of completions by 2022. “COVID and the economic uncertainty from it have made it more challenging to get new development deals done,” Parsons stated. “Affordable housing is an even bigger challenge. There is woefully insufficient government support for building and maintaining affordable housing nationally. Developers can’t build affordable housing without government support. And the local, state and federal governments all seem to support affordable housing more in theory than in reality.”

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

WHAT EXPERTS SAY.

Most economists across the political scale agree that the best solution for the housing affordability challenges is to generate more housing supply. But until there is a serious commitment to avail funds to support affordable housing, these affordability challenges will always exist. “It doesn’t matter what side of political aisle you are on, we have a system that does not adequately fund affordable housing and we try to pass the buck to property owners and developers, but unfortunately it just doesn’t pencil out,” Parsons said. “Developers cannot afford to do it without significant government support. When the rubber meets the road, it’s more about state and local government, and they are unwilling to change.” Elsewhere, Allen Feliz, industry principal for affordable and public housing at MRI Software, a cloud-based property management software company, cites that there’s a lot to worry about. State and local budgets can’t provide soft funding, whereas affordable housing projects require plenty of soft funding—lack of soft funding could result in a massive strain.

CITY BUDGETS.

Some experts were predicting that affordable housing projects should be provided for by the city budgets. However, the ongoing pandemic has significantly destabilized city budgets. Chicago had to revisit its 2021 budget after falling short of $1.2 billion this year as a result of the pandemic and civil unrest. Houston is struggling with a $169 million shortfall, Seattle has fallen short of $200 million while Pittsburgh used its entire reserve fund to settle bills and is now facing a $100 million deficit. These are only a few examples from all the cities affected countrywide. Moreover, a survey by the National League of Cities revealed that nearly 90% of the 485 cities that responded are expecting to lack the ability to WWW.THEPOWERISNOW.COM

meet their community’s financial needs this year compared to last year.

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

Many are left wondering how the situation could be balanced with the supply and demand pulling in opposite directions. Feliz cites that experts are working to boost the flexibility of the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program by increasing the annual tax credit allocation by at least 50% and working to enact a minimum of 4% housing credit rate to raise each tax credit’s equity. “We need advocacy, creative solutions and bipartisan support to prop up the existing resources that we have, including LIHTC, the Rental Assistance Demonstration and other rental subsidy programs,” Feliz says. “To help close the affordable housing supply gap, some state policymakers are employing creative adaptive reuse solutions. For example, California has responded to the pandemic by working at local levels to convert hotels into housing, using FEMA money and federal funds and superseding local laws to create housing and leverage philanthropic dollars.” Such solutions mark a good start, but as Parsons states, “All the good things that are happening are taking place at a very small scale. We need big ideas. Big solutions. Adding hundreds of units isn’t enough. We need to talk about adding millions. There are a lot of micro solutions, but they aren’t sufficient.”

Work cited. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jennifercastenson/2020/10/12/ the-pandemic-threatens-the-already-vulnerable-affordablehousing-crisis/#19f95996393d.

LUXURY HOME SALES RISE 41.5%, MAKING THE BIGGEST JUMP SINCE 2013

he 2020 housing market has been setting different records in all market segments, from highs to lows. We’ve experienced all-time high home sales, pending sales, historically low mortgage rates, low housing inventory, and, most recently, the all-time luxury home sale growth, all in the same year, without forgetting the ongoing pandemic. A new report from Redfin has revealed that sales of luxury homes inclined by 41.5% in the third quarter of 2020, setting a record for the most significant jump since 2013. As luxury homes sales skyrocketed significantly, sales from mediumpriced homes increased only 3%, while affordable homes sales dropped by 4.2%. “The luxury housing market normally takes a hit during recessions as wealthy Americans tighten their purse strings, but this isn’t a normal recession,” Redfin Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather stated in the report. “Remote work, record-low mortgage rates and strong stock prices during the pandemic are allowing America’s wealthy families to gobble up expensive houses with home offices and big backyards in the suburbs,” Fairweather said. “Meanwhile, scores of lower- and middle-class Americans have lost their jobs or are still renting in the city because they’re essential workers and have to commute into work, so they’re unable to reap the benefits of homeownership.” During the third quarter of 2020, the median sale price of luxury homes was recorded at $862,700, the median price for expensive homes was at $402,000, medium-sized was $259,000, affordable homes was $178,000, while the median price for the most affordable homes was at $90,000. Moreover, the luxury home market was the only segment with increased inventory. According to Redfin, the inventory of new luxury homes for sale increased by 8.4% from the same period last year. 20

Meanwhile, the inventory of expensive homes for sale declined by 2.6%, medium-sized homes for sale dropped by 7.9%, affordable homes declined by 7.6%, while the most affordable homes for sale inventory fell by 4.8%. Most of the increase in luxury homes was from the west coast buyers, particularly in Sacramento, C.A., where luxury home sales inclined 86.1% year over year, compared to 49 of the most populous metros. Interestingly, the median home sale price for luxury homes in Sacramento was $1.2 million in Q3. On the top of the list of luxury home-sale growth are two other California metros; Riverside and Oakland, at 62.8% and 60.9%, respectively. Additionally, Oregon increased 60.6%, same as West Palm Beach, Florida au 59.7%. On the other hand, there were only two metros where luxury home sales dropped in the third quarter, according to Redfin. Philadelphia declined by 8.2%, while Nassau County, New York, dropped by 2%. According to Fairweather, “Luxury listings are skyrocketing because high-end homeowners have the financial means and the flexibility to move during this pandemic… The growing supply of luxury homes for sale means that wealthy buyers have more options to choose from and a better chance of finding a home that checks all of their boxes. Meanwhile, buyers who are in search of more affordable homes are grappling with fewer choices and fierce competition.” Such positive reports, such as the growth in luxury home sales and many other reports from the housing market, are positive indicators of the recovering economy. Work cited. https://www.housingwire.com/articles/luxury-home-salesrise-41-5-making-biggest-jump-since-2013/#:~:text=In%20 the%20largest%20increase%20since,homes%20actually%20 declined%20by%204.2%25.

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

JPMorgan Chase makes a $30 billion Pledge to Help Close America's Racial Wealth Gap

he racial wealth gap in America has been a topic of discussion for decades, if not centuries, and has been a source of tragedy for American minorities. Reports from decades ago show the wealth disparities that have been existing between White Americans and minority communities, such as the AfricanAmericans, while recent reports continue to reveal that the gap is only increasing. The racial wealth gap has been majorly attributed to redlining and systematic discrimination against certain minority communities in the U.S that has ensured that the minority groups in America, such as the African-Americans, do not get equal opportunities as the whites. Most recently, the question of racial inequality in the U.S was taken to a whole new level after the May 25 death of a black man, George Floyd, at the hands of police officers. This incident sparked months of protests across the nation and internationally. Moreover, the ongoing pandemic further exposed the racial disparities in sectors such as health care that led to a higher COVID-19 mortality rate among the African-American community compared to the overall population. Amid all the reports and cases of the evident racial wealth gap in America, it's disheartening

that the system or the administration does very little or nothing at all. However, there have been several records of the private sector intervening in the situation in efforts to reduce or close the growing racial wealth gap in America. Most recently is the case of intervention by JPMorgan Chase, which is making a $30 billion pledge targeted to address the American wealth inequality, particularly in the traditionally underserved Black and Latino communities. The bank’s commitment is a combination of loans, investments, and philanthropy spreading over a period of five years, that it says stretches beyond what it would do in the normal course of business. “Systemic racism is a tragic part of America’s history,” said Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan, in a statement. “We can do more and do better to break down systems that have propagated racism and widespread economic inequality, especially for Black and Latino people. It’s long past time that society addresses racial inequities in a more tangible, meaningful way.” According to the bank’s press release, the goal is to “drive an inclusive economic recovery, support employees and break down barriers of systemic racism.”

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

HOUSING A significant amount of JPMorgan’s pledge is set to go to housing. From the $30 billion pledge, $14 billion will be given in loans and investments to boost the creation of 100,000 affordable rental units in underserved communities. The New York-based financial giant will also originate 40,000 home purchase loans for Black and Latino households, adding $8 billion worth of mortgages to its pledge. The bank will also help 20,000 additional African-American and Latino-American customers lower their mortgage payments with $4 billion it will set aside for refinancing. Moreover, the bank said that the $12 billion in additional mortgages is calculated on the basis of the firm’s 2019 mortgage volume for minority communities. That is what the bank will use as a default rate for loans it will offer for the next five years. SMALL BUSINESSES Additionally, the bank pledged to provide 15,000 loans worth $2 billion to minority-owned small businesses in Black and Latino neighborhoods and launch a new entrepreneur coaching program. Moreover, it pledged to spend an additional $750 million on African-American and Latino-American suppliers.

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LOW-COST BANK ACCOUNTS The bank also said that it would provide 1 million Americans in underserved areas with access to low-cost bank accounts, accompanied by opening branches in low-to-moderate income communities. Additionally, regarding its 256,710 workforce population, the bank stated that it would hold managers accountable for diversity targets by incorporating goals into compensation decisions. Philanthropy. Lastly, the bank pledged to provide $2 billion in philanthropy. This is an expansion of its previous $1.75 billion five-year commitment made in 2018 for the same purpose. Conclusively, let’s believe that the commitments made by JPMorgan Chase will address the systematic rot that has caused discrimination against the minority Americans for decades. Let’s hope the bank's intervention will significantly impact millions of families in the underserved communities for the better. Work cited. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/08/jpmorgan-chase-makes30-billion-commitment-to-help-close-americas-racialwealth-gap.html.

UNITED WHOLESALE MORTGAGE ROLLS OUT “GAMECHANGING” MOBILE APP FOR BROKERS

echnology is changing everything in the real estate market. From offering solutions for long-known problems to increasing the speed of transactions in the housing activities. As of now, you can easily close a sale at the comfort of your home or wherever you are, you can shop for a home without having to leave your office, and many more. As we head to the future and the technology continues to advance, we don’t know what to expect. But one thing is certain; things are getting better and easier, thanks to technology. Most recently, days after the United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) announced its intention to go public in Q4 at a valuation of $16.1 billion, Mat Ishbia, its CEO unveiled a new technological tool on September 25, citing that it’d come with “game-changing flexibility” to brokers. UWM unveiled the UWM InTouch mobile app, which will allow brokers to virtually handle all the aspects of the lending process, including underwriting and clear-to-close, without using a desktop computer. 24

The UWM InTouch app will enable brokers to instantly lock or extend loans. It will also allow brokers to submit, review, and monitor changes of circumstances, upload and check cleared conditions or invoices, and create and manage client requests. “With UWM InTouch, we once again made things faster and easier for our clients. Brokers need more flexibility and freedom than ever before, and this app delivers on that,” said Ishbia. “No matter where brokers are, whether they’re traveling, at a soccer game or out to dinner, UWM is easily accessible. Their loans don’t have to stop moving just because they’re not in front of a computer.” According to Ishbia, the app has been in development for about a year, adding that it was under testing in recent months by a few select brokers. When asked about the product’s market competition, he says, “Nobody else has an app... We are without a doubt the leader, and we’ve done things each year to innovate to the next level.” The app comes with unique features, such as allowing iPhone users to use the Siri voice recognition tech to check a loan’s status even when driving. UWM InTouch will also keep direct phone numbers and emails, which will enable brokers to easily get in touch with borrowers and UWM staff. OTHER UWM PRODUCTS United Wholesale Mortgage has been at the forefront of producing real estate market technology material in recent years. Some of their other products include Brand 360, which is a customizable tool for client management that powers various marketing products; Unite, a personalized email consisting of information about the borrower’s home, their loan, and the possibility of market changes; Client Request, a service portal that quickly resolves issues; and UConnect, which tracks brokers’ previous clients and alerts them when they’re back in the market. Work cited. https://www.housingwire.com/articles/uwm-rolls-out-gamechanging-mobile-app-for-brokers/.

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

YOU DESERVE TO LIVE SAFE FROM SEXUAL HARASSMENT.

Sexual harassment by a landlord or anyone related to your housing violates the Fair Housing Act. If you receive unwelcome sexual advances or are threatened with eviction because you refuse to provide sexual favors, you may file a fair housing complaint. To file a complaint, go to

hud.gov/fairhousing or call 1-800-669-9777 If you fear for your safety, call 911.

FAIR HOUSING IS YOUR RIGHT. USE IT. A public service message from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in cooperation with the National Fair Housing Alliance. The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status or disability. For more information, visit www.hud.gov/fairhousing.

SELECT A VIP AGEN Adrian Bates Los Angeles

Adriana Montes Florida

Ameer Elahee Fontana

Cornelous Jackson Irvine

Danon Burnside San Bernardino

Denise Matthis San Diego

Emerick A. Peace Maryland

Eric Hooks SF Bay Area

Jenny Gonzalez Corona

Jerel Washington New Jersey

Joe L. Fisher Richmond

Johnnie Morine Texas

Julius Cartwright Ohio

Kamesha Keesee Corona

Kenneth Session Bay Area

Briana Frazier Los Angeles

NT IN YOUR AREA Monica Hill Menifee

Peggie Simmons Arizona

Robert Langston Fairfield

Steve Peterson Oakland

Success Money LA Area

Yvonne McFadden Arizona

Ruby Frazier Riverside

MISSED THE SPRING HOME SELLING OPPORTUNITY? YOU’RE NOT THAT LATE

Yvonne Mcfadden If you missed selling your home during this year’s spring, do not panic, and most importantly, don’t think you’re late. The 2020 housing market has been so unpredictable, no one knows what to expect and when. In other words, the 2020 housing market is not like the other previous markets where certain known seasons featured a lot of housing activities than others. With the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc in the whole economy and the housing market surviving, no time has been better than the other one for selling your home.

If you missed selling your home during the spring, you’re not late. Here is why:

1. THE DEMAND FOR HOMES IS STILL HIGH Since the reopening of the economy, home buyers are back with a vengeance, eager to make up the lost time. There are a lot of prospective home buyers right now looking for properties to buy. Records have been revealing that demand for housing has been steadily growing, and the market is flooded with first-time homebuyers and other real estate buyers.

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According to the Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) by NAR, pending home sales continued to trend upwards in August (8.8% increase), representing four consecutive months of upward trending of pending home sales. Elsewhere, another report by NAR revealed that existing home sales in August increased by 2.4% month-over-month and 10.5% yearover-year increase. If you missed the spring home-selling opportunity, you have not lost anything. Demand for homes is still insatiable; therefore, it is still an excellent time to sell your home.

2. HOUSING INVENTORY REMAINS LOW

The rising demand for homes amid the pandemic has been met with a force pulling in the opposite direction where housing inventory is plunging with time. Reports have shown that housing inventory has been reducing as time moves on, while the demand continues to grow. “There was insufficient supply last year,” says Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the NAR. “This year during the pandemic, the shortage has intensified.” However, trying to explain the shortage of houses has nothing to do with the ongoing pandemic. The number of homes for sale is at a “generational low,” according to Matthew Gardner, the chief economist at Windermere Real Estate. People are living longer in their homes than they used to. Data from NAR has revealed that Americans are spending an average of 13 years in their houses before moving. So, if you missed the spring home-selling opportunity, the demand is still on, and probably someone is looking for a property like yours to buy right now.

3. HISTORICALLY LOW MORTGAGE RATES

The current significantly low mortgage rates are encouraging more people to buy homes. This means that it is still an excellent time to sell your home and look

for another one if you wish. Currently, the interest rates stand at about 3% for a 30year fixed, 2.9% for a 20-year fixed, and 2.5% for a 15 and 10-year fixed. The currents rates are something that we’ve never seen before. With the historically low mortgage rates, the demand is skyrocketing as more peoples are looking to buy homes.

4. HOME PRICES ARE INCREASING

Low housing inventory and rising demand for homes create the perfect condition for home sellers to fetch high prices from their properties. “Many sellers can get top dollar in the current market conditions,” Yun says. Home prices have significantly gone up in most markets, and experts warn

that the situation is likely to maintain that trend. Home prices in different markets have been hitting all-time highs even as the pandemic continues. So if you missed the spring home-selling opportunity, rest assured that your product will fetch a good price even now. With all that is going on in the housing market, this is still the best time to buy and sell real estate. Like I like to call it, this period is the ‘Corona Bonus.’

Work cited. https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/ reasons-why-now-is-a-good-timeto-sell-a-house/#:~:text=Home%20 prices%20are%20up,market%20 conditions%2C%22%20says%20 Yun.&text=%E2%80%9CHome%20 asking%20price%20growth%20is,the%20 pandemic%2C%E2%80%9D%20Hale%20 explains.

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

THE MOST AFFORDABLE NEIGHBORHOODS IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA

Peggie Simmons In Phoenix, Arizona, most people would rather pay $500 per month in rent than $1200 and prefer a $2 bill for coffee than $5. Some neighborhoods in Arizona have low costs of living, while others have extremely high costs of living. If youâ€™re looking for an affordable place to live in Phoenix, this article is for you.

1. CASA GRANDE

Casa Grande is a Phoenix suburb in Pinal County with a population of 54,316. Residing in Casa Grande comes with a sparse suburban feel to the residents who most own their homes. Casa Grande holds number five in the best places to live in Pinal County. The suburb has an overall grade of B, according to Niche. com. Currently, the median home value in Casa Grande is at $215,372, while the median rent

is at $944 as of September 30, according to the Zillow home value index. The median household income in Casa Grande is $49,068, according to Niche.com. The crime rate in the suburb is meager, while its ethnic and economic diversity is excellent. Moreover, many households and retirees in this suburb have moderate political views.

2. APACHE JUNCTION

Apache Junction is a Phoenix suburb in Pinal County with a population of 39,674. Apache junction holds the fourth position in the best places to live in Pinal County in 2020. Residing in Apache Junction is affordable in all manner. Its median household income is $42,115, while its median home value is $251,725, and the median rent is $761. Apache Junction has low crime rates and excellent ethnic and economic diversity. The suburb has an overall grade of B, according to Niche.com. l

3. SUN CITY

Sun City is a Phoenix suburb in Maricopa County with a population of 39,348. The city features many recreational activities as well as above-average schools. Sun City is number 6 in the best places to retire in Arizona. Most residents of Sun City are homeowners. According to Niche.com, Sun City is an affordable suburb with a median home value of $145,800 and a median rent of $1,067, while the median household income is $38,899. Ethnic and economic diversity in Sun City is almost average, while the crime rate is very low. Sun City has an overall grade of B-, according to Niche.com.

5. SAN TAN VALLEY

San Tan Valley is a suburb of Phoenix, located in Pinal County, with a population of 93,230. According to Niche.com, San Tan Valley is named position three in the best places to live in Pinal County. Moreover, the suburb has an overall grade of B.

4. BUCKEYE

Buckeye, a suburb in Phoenix, Maricopa County, has a population of 65,630 residents, of whom most are homeowners. Living in Buckeye comes with a rural feel to the residents of whom are conservatives. Buckeye has been named position 28 of 57 among the best suburbs to raise a family in the Phoenix area.

Its median home value is $192,400, the median rent is $1,256, while the median household income is $67,349, according to Niche.com. San Tan Valley also features a remarkable ethnic and economic diversity, and the crime rate is very low. San Tan Valley has been named number 16 of 58 in the most diverse suburbs in Arizona, 21 of 57 of the best suburbs to buy a house in Arizona, and 26 of 58 in the best suburbs for young professionals, according to Niche.com.

Median home values in Buckeye are at $196,800, median rent at $1,295, while the median household income is $65,932, according to Niche.com. In terms of ethnic and economic diversity, Buckeye tops with an overall grade of A, which is excellent.

If youâ€™re planning to move to Phoenix, Arizona, on a budget, now you know everything that will help you make the right decision. You can also reach out to me for more information.

Buckeyeâ€™s crime rate is minimal, with the suburb being named number 18 of 58 of the best suburbs for young professionals. Moreover, Buckeye is at number 10 of 58 of the most diverse suburbs in Arizona.

Work cited. https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/search/suburbs-withthe-lowest-cost-of-living/m/phoenix-metro-area/.

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

Kamesha Keesee HERE ARE SOME (HOUSING) UPGRADES THAT BUYERS NEED DURING THE COVID-19 ERA

t is the year 2020, and unlike what we are used to, the world is clogged in its tight little space by the raging novel coronavirus, COVID-19. Hence there are new parameters in basically every sphere and aspect of living, housing included.

•

With the recent health guidelines and safety protocols, provisions are to be made so as to correctly suit the need for basic survival; in this COVID-19 time, buyers are going to be looking beyond cost. And with people having to stay indoors for so long, house owners are forced to reinvent, to make their house more suitable for both work and living conditions, these necessary upgrades are what we seek to address in this blog post.

MORE EXPANSIVE ROOMS Before the virus began, houses were mostly meant for necessary live-in activities, which didn’t require so much space. Residents now have to do more than just living in their homes lately; with most people having to work remotely, the need for more expansive rooms is increasing. Remote workers need workspaces that do not encroach on their living spaces to work without having to bump into furniture while moving around their workspace. And with the lockdown, houses with outdoor space are big hits for marketers, as outdoor space allows them to engage in recreational activities and exercises; all work and no play makes jack a dull boy.

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OUTDOOR SPACES During the enforced lockdown, as most people could

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

not leave the comfort of their homes again, the next option they had was to seek solace in the outdoor space that is available to their homes. Many discovered during this period that their homes were lacking those spaces and as such, it was difficult for them to even step out of the four walls of their homes. This has necessitated the need for a home that has the requisite outdoor space so that they can also get to enjoy the sun and take a walk on their property. •

KITCHEN In the initial stages of the lockdown, businesses were shut down, including restaurants; this further fostered the relationship between should-be workers and their cooking space. Well built and spaced kitchens have always been on the searching list of house hunters, from time immemorial. Still, the pandemic has revealed the importance of kitchens in houses, the inability to purchase already made food, and the need to eat for survival, has made chefs out of people.

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LIGHT AND VENTILATION Houses with good lighting and ventilation are more comfortable and make better habitats. With light and fresh air, indoor activities could be more fun, the need to violate lockdown rules become reduced when your home feels like a paradise. Home is where the heart is; with proper lighting and ventilation, the heart will always want to stay home.

These Corona times have put conditions on our ways of living; pleasure might be stalled. Still, the joy of owning a home suited for these COVID-19 conditions shouldn’t be; the market caters for varying needs, affordability, availability, and grandeur, are some of them. Home is where the heart is; comfort and pleasure makes a housing paradise.

Reference: https://www.hbagno.org/news/details/8-features-homebuyers-want-after-covid-19&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwifmfSz2bvsAh UD0BoKHTYVA4IQFjAOegQIABAB&usg=AOvVaw075WHhW_9B oZwaNNVqMuEI

THIS VETERAN HAS EXPERIENCED ENOUGH.

HE SHOULDN’T HAVE TO FIGHT HOUSING DISCRIMINATION BECAUSE OF HIS DISABILITY. Sergio lost his leg and his hearing while serving our country overseas. Now back home, he was ready to start a new chapter in his life. But when he found the perfect apartment, the landlord refused to make a reasonable accommodation to allow his service dog in a “no pets” building. Then Sergio learned that the Fair Housing Act protects people with disabilities. He contacted HUD and filed a complaint. Today, Sergio is feeling right at home. If you believe you’ve experienced housing discrimination, please contact

hud.gov/fairhousing 1-800-669-9777 50 YEARS OF OPENING DOORS. A public service message from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in cooperation with the National Fair Housing Alliance. The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status or disability. For more information, visit www.hud.gov/fairhousing.

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FONTANA CA, APPRECIATION RATE

AND HOUSING MARKET DATA

Ameer Elahee

ontana is a city situated in coordinates 34°6′N 117°28′W. This city can be found in San Bernardino County in the US state of California. The Fontana housing market is highly competitive. However, before we venture into that, there’s a need for you to have some basic knowledge of what the city looks like.

FONTANA GEOGRAPHY According to the United States Census Bureau, Fontana has a total area of 43.07 sq mi (111.55 km2). This total area comprises 43.07 sq mi (111.55 km2) land and only a 3% water area. Its elevation is 1,237 ft (377 m). It was reported in 2010 by the US Census Bureau that this city was home to 196,069 people. Nine years later, in 2019, an estimated population report of the same United States Census Bureau revealed that the population has slightly increased to 214,547. Fontana is, therefore, ranked as the second-most populous city in Bernardino County, nineteenth in California, and 104th in the United States. It has a population density of 4,981.12/sq mi (1,923.24/km2) and time zone UTC−8 (PST), Summer (DST) UTC−7 (PDT). The hot and dry Santa Ana winds often affect the city of Fontana as they blow through the nearby Cajon Pass of the San Gabriel mountains from the Mojave Desert. The city also often experiences scorching temperatures during summer. The temperature can increase to as much as 100 degrees Fahrenheit. HOUSING MARKET DATA AND APPRECIATION RATE As indicated earlier, the housing market in the city of Fontana is highly competitive. Homes in the city receive an average of five offers, and they sell within 28 days. Using last month as a case study, the average sale price of a house THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

in Fontana was $485K. This indicates an increase of 14.1% since last year. More so, the average sale price per square foot in the city has increased by 1.2% this year compared to the previous year. The average sale price per square foot in Fontana is now $245. There’s a 50% down payment recorded, and overall, there has been a total of 165 homes sold. The average market rent in this city is $1,932 / per month. Fontana is, therefore, one of the best places to invest in properties in the whole of California, United States. If you’re planning to invest some money in the California housing market, you may want to consider the city of Fontana. The following are some of the points explained so far. They may inspire you to do business in Fontana: •

• •

Many homes in the city get multiple offers; hence, they sell quickly. Some homes get waived contingencies. Homes in Fontana sell for about 1% above list price and sell within a window of 28 days. Hot homes can sell for as much as 4% above list price. Such homes are often sold within eight days.

HOME PRICES DATA IN FONTANA > $1,249,000$ - 0.7% $937,001 - $1,249,000 - 0.5% $625,001 - $937,000 - 5.7% $500,001 - $625,000 - 19.4% $375,001 - $500,000 - 36.0% $250,001 - $375,000 - 27.0% $125,001 - $250,000 - 6.6% $62,001 - $125,000 - 1.0% $0 - $62,00 - 3.2% TYPES OF HOMES IN FONTANA Single-family - 79.8% Townhomes - 2.4% Small Apt. Buildings - 2.7% Apt. Complexes - 12.7% Mobile Homes - 2.3% Others - 0.1%

RECENTLY SOLD HOMES IN FONTANA To further buttress the points explained above, you may want to check out the data of some of the recently sold homes in Fontana. They are: Address: 15620 Paine Street, Fontana CA Type/size: 2 beds, 1 bath, and 832 Sq. Ft. List Price: $335,000 Sale to List: 0% over list Days on Market: 5 days Date Sold: Oct 27, 2020 Address: 6975 Foxbrook Way, Fontana, CA 92336 Type/size: 5 Beds, 3.5 Baths, 3,498 Sq. Ft. List Price: $570,000 Sale to List: 7% over list Days on Market: 2 days Date Sold: Oct 27, 2020 Address: 7364 Elderberry CT, Fontana, CA 92336 Type/size: 4 Beds, 3 Baths, 2,098 Sq. Ft. List Price: $509,999 Sale to List: 1% over list Days on Market: 13 days Date Sold: Oct 27, 2020 These are the housing market data and appreciation rates you need to know about Fontana, CA.

References https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ca/fontana/real-estate https://www.redfin.com/city/6354/CA/Fontana/housing-market https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Fontana,_California

THE POWER OF STAGING! WHY GREAT PHOTOS WORK EVERY TIME

Ruby Frazier

n housing, staging is the art of setting up finished buildings with furniture and utilities to make them comfortable and habitable. Staging is an important marketing strategy, as it has also become a profession for many. Professional stagers are more like interior designers, without brushes and paint. They must plan the setup best suited for a house design or layout, following market trends and art appreciation, while making an effort to appeal to the target audience. Staging allows for the interior of a house to be photographed, looking beautiful and resplendent. The stage makes advertising easy because buyers need not worry about house setups or layout since the photographs already gave them a clear insight into what the houses should look like. In marketing, the media plays a significant role in making commodities look appealing. Advertising is to media what Staging is to housing. They both help to sell items and services faster. When house adverts are put out, people always like to see what theyâ€™re going to compare their options before making choices based on market value or affordability. Visuals go a long way in bringing buyers closer to their dream destinations. Art speaks to people; wellcrafted art can entice even the most agreeable of persons. Visuals (videos and photographs) help convince or seduce buyers, willing or unwilling, into patronage. Seeing is believing. With well-shot and carefully edited pictures, buyers are granted the opportunity to picture themselves living in these houses without the stress of driving to the buildings. Photographs are necessary for promoting homes in the market because the human brain tends to retain more visual memory than audio. With terrific

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photos, prospective buyers are allowed to dream of these houses while they tour the market. In staging, the primary purpose is to make the houses look appealing, so they appear great in photographs or videos regardless of the angles they are shown from. Staging ensures that houses can stand out from the competition in the housing market. Staging aids in marketing homes and also helps houses sell faster. When staging, walking space must be adequate, and if possible, excessively allocated to suit market needs. Small furniture or decorations should be used in a small house to utilize the photographsâ€™ space to portray the inner area more extensive than it is. Photographs play a significant role in marketing. Great photos are marketing made easy. Humans are incredibly visual beings; we crave images and respond better to messages with pictorial or visual representations. The effects of great photographs on the target audience are mostly psychological; with the right gradients and colors in photos, the target market can be dissuaded from rejecting any type or size of the house. House staging and great photographs work hand in hand in marketing houses; a beautifully staged home without photographs to put them on display is like a trained blacksmith without a forge. People want proof, asides from the real thing, what could be more natural than a visual representation of these houses? Nothing. In the modern world, people are usually more concerned about glam. When staging houses, one must endeavor to make quality look glamorous. Pictures are worth a thousand words and more; in short they are essential. But the right photograph does so much to hide the irregularities in worded messages. Great photos express grandeur. Reference: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/mortgages-real-estate/08/ staging-home.asp https://www.moving.com/tips/10-best-home-staging-tips/

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

Do you know

Peppermint Ridge? We provide a community of loving homes and empowering support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

support and encourage our residents to live their

lives and fulfill their dreams by fully embracing their indvidual abilities and interests. With 24-hour specialized care and staffing, we provide comfortable, secure homes and recognize that everyone feels a sense of belonging when they have familiar places in which to spend time with family and friends.

There

is a true sense of family at Peppermint Ridge. Of the 94 adults who

live at The Ridge, 38 have lived here for more than 20 years, with 10 of those calling The Ridge home for 40 years or more. Residents have the opportunity to flex their muscles of independence while developing rich lives of their own away from their loved ones. About 30% of our residents have no family, so other Ridgers and our staff have become their family.

Many

caring companies, organizations and individuals in

the community enjoy getting to know The Ridge by helping on small projects, hosting fundraisers, lending a hand at events, volunteering in our office, and assisting residents in activities such as arts and crafts, pool days, horseback riding, music and piano lessons, and exercise classes.

825 Magnolia Ave â€˘ Corona CA 92879 â€˘ 951.273.7320 www.PeppermintRidge.org â€˘ Tax ID: 95-2409851

Carolyn

SUNSERI

arolyn Sunseri, a Sacramento resident, CA, is the Marketing Director at Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA). At GSFA, Carolyn is responsible for state-wide communications and marketing initiatives for a leading Housing Finance Authority, providing affordable housing programs for single-family, multi-family, and energy-efficient financing. She is also in charge of developing and implementing a marketing strategy and media and public relations to increase business-tobusiness participation and provide solutions to meet California residentsâ€™ affordable housing needs. Carolyn also supervises the timely dissemination of information to internal and external audiences. Moreover, she oversees the content and design of publications, marketing, online communications, web sites, presentations, advertising, and trade-show participation. Additionally, Carolyn is directly involved in training and educating lenders, realtors, and other business partners seeking affordable housing solutions for California residents. The Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) is a California Joint Powers Authority and a duly constituted public entity and agency, the mission of providing affordable housing and contributing to the social and economic well-being of California residents. The Authority was organized in 1993 and existed under and by virtue of Articles 1-4 of Chapter 5 of Division 7 of Title 1 of the State of Californiaâ€™s Government Code.

EDUCATION

In terms of education, Carolyn graduated in 1997 from California State University, Chico with a Bachelor of Arts specializing in Public Relations. Carolyn has over two decades of experience in marketing and public relations, mostly within the mortgage industry. Additionally, she has extensive experience in public speaking and various graphic design platforms.

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BEFORE JOINING GSFA

Before joining the Golden State Finance Authority, Carolyn has worked in several posts relating to public relations and interaction with people. At one point, Carolyn was the sales and marketing manager at Sierra Tel Communication Group, where she headed a team and formulated marketing strategies and sales team management for the cell services provider. After about three years, Carolyn would head the sales support manager role at Citi, one of the USâ€™s big financial providers. At Citi, Carolyn was exposed to the world of financial services, which perhaps amplified her passion in the field. Soon after leaving Citi in February of 2006, Carolyn joined the National Homebuyers fund as the marketing director. She was mostly responsible for marketing, sales, and public relations for non-profit housing finance instrumentality in the various US States, mortgage lending, down payment assistance. Carolynâ€™s Advocacy for Homeownership with GSFA Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) develops and administers programs that provide a source of financing for residential home purchases or refinances commercial and residential

energy efficiency improvement projects, multifamily housing construction and rehabilitation projects, and city and/or county infrastructure improvements. GSFA has distinguished itself as a housing finance leader in California for over two decades, helping more than 79,700 persons and families purchase a home. GSFA has provided more than $585.7 million in down payment assistance and financing $809.6 million in energy efficiency improvement projects. There are various ways in which GSFA is also helping communities in California to bolster their economies through housing-related initiatives. Research has shown that when families have safe, stable, and affordable homes, they can better find employment, achieve economic mobility, perform better in school, and maintain better health. Carolyn has been at the core of this program. The main focus has been to provide financial assistance programs to help Californians purchase homes and/or make energy efficiency improvements to properties. GSFA also engages in philanthropic endeavors feasible to create and maintain healthy communities. GSFA has stepped up to help communities in California through emergency disaster Assistance, where GSFA has provided over $3.5 million in emergency disaster assistance to address the impact of forest fires on California residents. The funds were provided to assist residents with

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

temporary housing and rebuild or obtain future long-term residences. The initial shock and damage from fires are tremendous, but like any crisis, the long-term effect upon survivors and the entire community can be long-lasting. Fires have displaced thousands of California residents due to destroyed or damaged residences in recent years. Many residents suffer the loss of income as well, which can impair their ability to obtain or maintain housing due to various fires. Here’s what Carolyn had to say: “You’re probably familiar with the phrase, ‘knowledge is power?’ It has always resonated with me. The more you know, the more informed your decisions can be. But, the idea doesn’t just apply to individuals. Knowledge can set one apart in their profession. By learning about the resources, products, programs, and services available to meet the needs of today’s homebuyers, one can become a guide, an advocate, an educator themselves. You won’t just cultivate more successful home sales or mortgage loans, you will build a reputation of quality service and care that can lead to future referrals, repeat business and set you apart from your colleagues.” She continues to add, “Often, I receive letters from clients who recently utilized the GSFA down payment assistance programs to purchase a home. Many times, they share with me how when they heard about this type of assistance, they thought it was too good to be true.”

The couple who after an unfortunate foreclosure several years ago, are proud to be returning to homeownership, a dream they thought was forever shattered. The personal stories move me. I feel like I am a part of someone’s success story. I share their enthusiasm, knowing that the products and programs my company makes possible are enhancing lives, strengthening communities through homeownership. I can’t describe how good that feels. I’m proud to work for an organization that is constantly moving, innovating, enhancing products and programs whenever possible to meet the needs of lenders and homebuyers. We just passed a milestone recently, having helped over 80,000 individual and families in California to purchase a home, and provided more than $600 million in down payment and closing cost assistance.” Carolyn is a homeownership advocate and a hero to many people. Anyone passionate about helping other people bridge the gap between poverty and wealth creation is a hero. You can find Carolyn almost every week on The Power Is Now Real Estate Roundtable, where she shares valuable information to guide you on the path to homeownership. To learn more about Carolyn and the GSFA, catch her on the next episode of The Power Is Now Real Estate Roundtable.

“Or they tell me how they had all but given up hope of owning their own home because the challenges to qualifying or saving for the down payment seemed insurmountable until they found out there was help out there. It’s those personal stories that mean so much to me. The couple who raised a whole family working full-time, moving from city to city, apartment to apartment, and who now in their 70’s are elated to have bought their first home. The single mother who prayed every day that she would find a way to buy a home in a good neighborhood where she could work from home and care for her special-needs child.

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BEFORE INVESTING IN VACANT PROPERTIES, HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Cornelius Jackson

ave you been saving for long, and you’re now considering investing in vacant properties? If yes, you’ve made the right decision. Often, real estate investors overlook vacant properties, but if you are lucky to find a suitable property, they have incredible investment potential. However, if you want to be a successful vacant property investor, there are some things you first need to know. They are:

IT MAY REQUIRE RENOVATION

Most vacant properties require renovation. Therefore, as a vacant property investor, you shouldn’t be discouraged by that. Nonetheless, before you invest in such a property, you should endeavor to run an inspection. Check through the property to see if you’ll find any red flag. After the inspection, if you notice any part that needs to be renovated, endeavor to do some math. Calculate the cost of the renovation, and check if investing in the property will still be profitable for you. If the renovation cost is more than the expected profit, then it is not a good investment; you should stay back. If, on the other hand, the renovation won’t cost you much, you may want to consider investing in the property.

LOCATION MATTERS

Often, properties remain vacant due to their poor location. Thus, as an investor, you should consider the location of the property in relation to what purpose you want it to serve. It may be a poor location for one venture but an excellent location for 52

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

another venture. Therefore, before investing in vacant properties, endeavor to consider its location.

FIND THE RIGHT OWNER OR AGENT

People often fall victim to fake agents and vacant property owners. Hence, before you invest in such a property, you should research the real owner or the agent in charge. You can meet with the people in the neighborhood where the property is situated and speak to them. They can connect you with the real owner or the agent in charge. However, you shouldn’t only depend on the information obtained from just a single person in the neighborhood. You can speak to two, three people differently in the same community and ask them to direct you to the real owner or agent. Most people want their areas to be occupied and lively. That can only happen if the vacant properties in their locality are being occupied. Therefore, they’ll be willing to assist you in finding the homeowner or agent.

AMENITIES

How well is the development of the area? This is another thing you need to know before putting your money in a vacant property. If you plan to purchase the vacant property and you’ll love to lease it as a residential property, then you must consider the amenities in the locality. Are there good schools in the environment? Are the road networks good? Is the area a Flashpoint for flooding when it rains? Does the area have an adequate water supply? These and some other factors are what you must consider before investing in a vacant property. These are some of the things you need to know before investing in vacant properties.

UPCOMING EVENTS THE POWER IS NOW EVENTS: HOMEBUYER TOWN HALL - 1ST AND 3RD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH 7:00 PM REAL ESTATE ROUND TABLE - 1ST AND 3RD FRIDAY OF THE MONTH 10:30 AM

NATIONAL EVENTS: NAREB 2020 ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION (VIRTUAL) November 04, 2020 HOMEOWNERSHIP FOR VETERANS November 07, 2020

NAHREP NAHREP LEADERSHIP ACADEMY SNEAK PEEK (ONLINE EVENT) November 9-10, 2020

CAR AND NAR REALTORS® CONFERENCE & EXPO References https://www.fortunebuilders.com/vacant-property/ https://home.howstuffworks.com/real-estate/buyinghome/10-things-to-know-before-buying-a-vacant-lot.htm

Nov 13-16, 2020

Jenny Gonzalez

SOLD A HOME RECENTLY?

DO NOT MISS THESE TAX DEDUCTIONS

o you know that there are some tax deduction benefits for you when you sell your home? Well, that’s right, and you should take advantage of them. Unfortunately, not everyone knows about this. Therefore, when they sell their homes, they pay more than the necessary tax required of them. However, if you desire not to take advantage of these tax deductions, you should check out the following rundown to ensure you don’t miss any of them:

SELLING COSTS

This is one of the tax deductions that you’re entitled to. It is a kind of deduction that is applicable to sales associated with properties. More so, for it to be applicable to your case, you must have resided in the home for over two years of the five years that preceded the sale. Another criteria for this is that the house must not be an investment property; instead, it must be a principal residence. If you consider all these criteria and you fit in, then you shouldn’t miss out on the tax deduction that comes with selling cost. So, what cost are we referring to when we talk about the selling cost? They are costs associated with the selling of the home, and they include escrow fees, legal fees, real estate agent commissions, and advertising costs. You should deduct all these costs before paying tax. What you need is to calculate the cost and subtract them THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

from the sales price of your home. This will, in turn, influence your capital gain tax positively.

HOME IMPROVEMENT AND REPAIRS

If you spent on the renovation to make your property more attractive and to increase its value before selling, you shouldn’t hesitate to deduct the money spent. The deduction may include the money you spent on renovating the roofing, painting the house, repairing the water heater, and so on. However, there’s a condition attached to this as well. For you to be qualified for a home improvement and repairs deduction, the renovation must be done within 90 days of the closing. If not, you may not be able to deduct the amount spent on renovation.

MORTGAGE INTEREST

Just like property taxes, you can also subtract the interest on your mortgage for the number of years the home was yours. However, there’s also a clause to this. According to the 2018 tax codes, whether you’re a homeowner or home seller, you

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can deduct the interest on your property up to only $750,000 of mortgage debt. On the other hand, if you got your mortgage before December 15, 2017, you are entitled to continue your deduction up to the standard amount of $1 million.

PROPERTY TAXES This is another tax deduction you don’t want to miss. If you have been promptly paying your property taxes until your home was sold, you can subtract the amount you paid in property taxes up to $10,000. If you sold a home recently, these are some of the tax deductions you’re entitled to. You shouldn’t hesitate to take advantage of them. References https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/tax-deductions-whenselling-a-home.amp/ https://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/taxes/t054-s001-mostoverlooked-tax-deductions-breaks-2019/index.html?amp

READ THIS GUIDE BEFORE PUTTING YOUR HOME ON THE MARKET

Danon Burnside

hether this is your first time selling a home or you’ve sold multiple homes in the past, there are some essential things you should know. These things are useful for both first time sellers and experienced sellers. Most amateurs think selling a home is an easy process. While this may be true sometimes, it is not true most of the time, especially if you lack the required knowledge. Thus, to make the selling of your home more comfortable, the following are what you should know: HIRING AN EXPERIENCED REALTOR IS IMPORTANT Perhaps you’re considering doing all the sales yourself without involving a third party. That may be for different reasons, but often, it is done to save money. This is not always the best approach to selling a home. However, you should ask yourself some questions; then, you will know why it is pertinent to hire a realtor to help. How many potential buyers do you know? Do you know how to value a property? Do you have the required negotiation skills? Are you willing to sacrifice your time looking for a buyer? If you sincerely provide answers to these questions, you’ll know why you need a realtor. Realtors are experienced and work with other realtors. Thus, they can easily communicate the availability of your property for sale. That way, your property won’t have to stay long before it’s being sold.

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OVERPRICING DOESN’T HELP People want to make as much profit as possible. Therefore, they put out their property at a high price. This is not a good idea, and its implication is that your property may have to stay longer than expected before you find a willing buyer. However, if you need your money urgently and want to sell the property quickly, you shouldn’t overprice your home. You can hire a realtor to help you calculate the value of your home at that moment. However, you may be lucky to find prospective buyers even before hiring a realtor. That way, you can know the worth of your home by comparing it with recently sold properties of the same nature in your locality. Knowing the actual value of your home is crucial because Overpricing may discourage your potential buyers, and underpricing will also not be to your advantage. SIMPLE REPAIR CAN IMPROVE VALUE To maximize your profit and make your home sell at a more reasonable price, you should consider doing the necessary repair work. Fix the roofing if it leaks; fix damaged windows, doors, pipes, and every other part of the house that needs to be repaired. If you have some extra cash to spend, you can clean the environment and probably repaint the building. That way, not only will you sell your home at a more reasonable price, it’ll also be attractive, thus, increasing your chances of finding a potential buyer quickly. If, however, you don’t have much to spend, you can still clean the environment to make it neat. These are some of the crucial things you should know before putting your home on the market. References https://www.rochesterrealestateblog.com/top-10-things-youneed-to-know-before-selling-a-home/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/financialfinesse/2016/12/01/ what-you-need-to-know-before-selling-your-home/amp/

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

Install smart home technology, upgrade your computers, put in a home theater, improve your home office and remote learning environment, set up a home security system... There’s no end to what you could do!

Is your house asking for a

HOME TECH UPGRADE? HOM E EQU ITY LI N E OF CR E DIT as low as

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for the first 12 months

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4.25

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ERIC [FirstLAWRENCE Name] [LastFRAZIER Name] MBA Vice [Title]President and Mortgage Advisor Office: 261-1634 ext. 703 Branch(800) Name Fax: (314) [XXXXXX] 264-0211 NMLS#: NMLS#461807 [(XXX)] [XXX-XXXX] eric.frazier@fbol.com [FirstName].[LastName]@fbol.com

11010 Limonite Ave. Miraloma CA 91752

firstbanks.com 800-760-BANK

*The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is a variable rate based upon an index and a margin. The APR will vary with the Prime Rate (the index) as published in the Wall Street Journal. The variable rate APR will range from Prime + 0% to Prime + .425%, depending on the applicant’s credit score. This variable rate is based on auto-debit of payments from a First Bank checking account. If not auto-debiting payments from a First Bank checking account, add .75% to the rate. The APR may increase or decrease but will not exceed 18% nor will fall below 4.25% except during the 12 month promotional period. During the promotional period the rate will be based on applicant’s credit score with either Prime - 0.26% or Prime + 0.34% and both promotional rates requires auto-debit of payments from a First Bank checking account. As of September 1st, 2020, the APR ranges from 4.25% to 4.425% and the promotional rate is 2.99% or 3.59%. Rates are subject to change. This promotional rate is available only for consumer checking account clients of First Bank who do not have a HELOC with First Bank as of August 31st, 2020. Offer available for applications accepted during September 1st – September 30th 2020. No closing costs on lines up to $1,000,000 for standard documentation; third-party fees to be paid by borrower for loans over $1,000,000. Member FDIC

WHAT’S YOUR HOME WORTH? HERE’S HOW TO DETERMINE Denise Matthis

elling your home is a big decision and may be a tedious task. If this is your first time selling a home, you may be wondering where to start from. However, one of the best ways to start is to know how much your home is worth. You don’t want to sell your home below the normal price; that can be a nightmare. You also don’t want to overprice your home, which can discourage potential buyers. Thus, it is crucial to know precisely the value of your home. The question now is, how can you know this? The following tips can help:

USE ONLINE VALUATION TOOLS

Imagine having a robot to calculate the value of your home for you without stress. That is simply what online valuation tools seem like. With online valuation tools, you just have to provide certain information about your home, coupled with other information obtained from public records. Among the information you’ll be required to provide are, type of home, the year the house was built, square footage of the home, number of rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms, number of parking lots, plus heating and cooling systems. After providing this necessary information, the calculator will automatically provide you with the estimated value of your home. This is something you can do from the convenience of your home without seeking the assistance of an expert.

HIRE A PROFESSIONAL APPRAISER

Another reliable method of determining the worth of your home is to hire a professional appraiser. They’ll get the job done for you without getting you stressed. An appraiser will consider certain factors, and in the end, they’ll provide you with the estimated value of your home. Among the factors, WWW.THEPOWERISNOW.COM

they’ll consider the location of your property. The value of properties differs based on location. For instance, if you have two homes of the same structure, quality, and design at different locations — one in a rural area and the other in an urban area, their value will differ. The one in the rural area will be cheaper than the other in the urban area even though they’re of the same structure, quality, and design. Thus, a professional appraisal will consider the location when determining the value of a home. They also do comparative properties. They’ll consider other properties that are being sold in the same locality and find out their price. That way, they’ll have a hint about the worth of your how property in the same locality. They will also consider the characteristics of the house, including the land size and the age of the building.

USE THE FHFA HOUSE PRICE INDEX CALCULATOR

This is another tool you can adopt to know your home’s worth. FHFA is an acronym for the Federal Housing Financing Agency. If you need a more scientific approach to determine the value of your home, this is the right approach to adopt. This tool can also be used to determine how your home has appreciated over time. These are some of the simple ways to determine your home’s worth. References https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/how-todetermine-home-value https://www.opendoor.com/w/guides/how-to-determine-homevalue l

HOW MUCH DOES HOME INSPECTION COST

AND HOW TO PLAN FOR IT Kenneth Session

s a real estate broker or a first-time house buyer, you will concur that the investment that goes into getting a building is generally huge. A house is a major investment, so prospective buyers need to painstakingly consider their choices and carefully explore the different options before going ahead with the purchase. And oftentimes it is expected that the house is in perfect condition. However, there is no way of knowing if the house has bad plumbing or roofing issues by just looking at it; which is exactly why a home inspection is vital. The seller or the house owner may or may not be aware of the issue, which is why professionals recommend a house inspection before a purchase is finalized so you can get a rough idea of the condition of the house and what to offer. Doing this is essential to prevent extra expenditure on expensive repairs.

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

HOW MUCH DOES A HOME INSPECTION COST?

A home inspection is not a requirement by the law, but it is a necessary process to embark on when buying a house. It will help you forestall any unexpected expenses, like plumbing repairs or structural repairs. A home inspection is carried out by a professional, and the cost inevitably varies based on the house size, age, and region where the house is located. On the average, a home inspection may cost $300 to $500. In general, the bigger the square feet of your home, the higher the inspection fee. For instance, a 2000 square feet home inspection may roughly cost $400. anything bigger may push the price higher to about $500 or $600.

HOW TO PLAN FOR A HOME INSPECTION Before you plan for a home inspection, it will be significant to note that the home inspection expenses are covered by the buyer and should be done only when the offer to purchase the house is approved.

Having taken to note how important a home inspection is, it is vital that you pick a trusted, competent and reliable professional to offer the service of a home inspection on the property. There are some sources you can a trusted home inspector. You can ask the house seller to recommend a few qualified home inspectors they have worked with in the past.

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This is an easy way to find a house inspector because they are always one call away with the house seller and can meet you guys in the said location. Another is to check for a service provider list or an independent clearing site list. Furthermore, you can ask a friend who has recently done an inspection of their home to recommend one for you. Either way, make sure the home inspector is a professional at what he does.

WHAT DO THE HOME INSPECTOR CHECK, AND HOW LONG?

Generally, a home inspector will visibly check the essential structures and the installed system in the house, and it usually takes about three to five hours for a thorough examination of the entire systems and structure. Also, the time taken depends on the size of the building. Basically, the inspector will cover four major areas of the house, including the structure, roofing, plumbing, and electrical systems, alongside other installations in the building. References https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/how-muchdoes-home-inspection-cost/#:~:text=Hicks%20 says%20buyers%20can%20expect,which%20arenâ€™t%20 typically%20included. https://www.moneycrashers.com/home-inspectionchecklist-process-costs-tips/ https://www.thestreet.com/personal-finance/real-estate/ how-much-does-a-home-inspection-cost-15121362 https://www.thebalance.com/average-cost-of-a-homeinspection-report-4158746

WINE COUNTRY HOMES AND NEIGHBORHOODS THAT YOU CAN ACTUALLY AFFORD

Robert Langston

s Disney Land is the wonderland for many kids, so is wine country heaven for many wine lovers. For wine lovers, wine is more than just a tasty drink made from the fermented grapes; it is a way of life, and moving to a wine country home has been the dream of many. To buy a home in a wine country like Napa Valley, your budget needs to be fat, which is usually the challenge of many wine lovers. Now, the good news is, there are actually wine country homes and neighborhoods you can actually afford. So there is no need to get tensed about a fat budget for you to live your dreams. We have a list of affordable wine country homes and neighborhoods you can choose from. WWW.THEPOWERISNOW.COM

AFFORDABLE WINE COUNTRY HOMES AND NEIGHBORHOOD

Below are some wine country homes you can easily afford; one of them might just be within your budget.

LODI WINE REGION, SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

Lodi Wine Country is a place to live if you are a lover of wine. With a median sale price of $ 235,000, getting a comfy apartment here will satisfy your dream. The area is filled with large and small scale manufacturers of wine, so there is a lot to taste and lots of wineries to visit. You can admire the beautiful vineyards from a look through your window. So in Sacramento, there are a lot of sights to behold!

WALLA WALLA, WASHINGTON

Walla Walla is a dream wine country home with over 120 wineries and a median sale price of $ 252,111. The area is popular for its Cabernet Sauvignon. Walla Walla has a

lot of mini wineries but still has a low vibe to its name, which is why now is the best time to get ahead of the crowd and buy an apartment in this winemaking neighborhood.

TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN

The geography of this wine country is peculiar; the sight of the mountain-like dunes on the shores of Lake Michigan adds beauty to the already everpresent alluring sight of grape vineyards. The median sale price is $220,650, meaning you can get a room there that fits perfectly with your budget. Traverse City is popular for Rieslings, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir and has up to 35 wineries. The city is lively with music, art, and summer vacationers spending their whole summer in the area.

LONG ISLAND WINE REGION, LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK Formally a potato farm, this vast area of land has been converted into a vineyard, manufacturing award-winning wines. Most wine lovers from the Big Apple City and Connecticut visit this wine county for wine tasting. With a lot of wineries to visit and nice restaurants to eat and drink, the median sale price is $369,000. Aside from the vast area of beautiful vineyards, there are farms where you can get fresh fruits, pumpkins, and even cut Christmas trees.

THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY, AUSTIN, TEXAS

This is the second most visited wine country in the United States, having over 40 beautiful wineries and a wide selection of award-winning wines to select from. It is just about an hourâ€™s drive west of Austin, with a median sale price of $281,000. There are great wineries to visit like Becker Vineyards, with a massive tasting room made of wood and stone encircled by 46 acres of grape and lavender. You can get picked up by a tour bus to enjoy relaxing wine sampling. 70

References https://www.trulia.com/blog/wine-country-towns-you-canactually-afford/ https://www.redfin.com/blog/the-10-best-affordable-citiesnear-wine-country/

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

WHAT HURTS PROPERTY VALUE?

8 THINGS TO ADDRESS NOW

Eric Hooks The value of a property is unpredictable and usually depends on a couple of factors. Anybody who owns a home needs to take note of factors that can decrease the value of a home. Sometimes, these factors cannot be controlled and usually depends on the present situation of the market, the economic status, and the interest percentage. It could be a renovation gone wrong or lack of upkeep of the hoe. Below are eight things that could hurt your property’s value and should be addressed as soon as possible.

BACKFIRED DIY PROJECTS

DIY projects have become quite famous in recent years, and during the lockdown, many people took to checking out DIY projects they could carry out themselves. Most of these projects are usually to make the home more enjoyable; it could merely be a deck, a kitchen extension, or simply a remodel of the kitchen. However, these DIY Projects sometimes do not end well and end up damaging the house; it is best to leave such projects to professionals so as not to hurt your property’s value.

NO CURB CHARM

You know what is being said about first impressions; they can make all the difference for your home when you want to sell your home. Your curb is the first contact that buyers have with your home, and any chipping on your paint or lighting problem won’t go unnoticed by potential buyers. This is why it is best to upgrade the paint of your exterior and the lighting. If the problem is with your fence, then it might be time to change things. 74

DAMAGED INTERIOR PAINT

The interior paint of the house also matters because if the interior paint of the house is chipped or low quality, it could hurt the value of your property. It is best to update the painting of your home and get a professional to do the job, so it doesn’t turn out streaky. Trying to do it yourself could even get you to make common mistakes THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

when people are painting. The color also matters, so settle with neutral colors that will go with different décor.

MAINTENANCE ISSUE

Another thing that could hurt your property issue is if you don’t take proper care of it, it could get even more damaged and require major repairs that could put a dent in your pocket. It is best to fix things as soon as they are broken so that it doesn’t get out of hand. Regular home inspections would help you take note of every problem or issues that need to be taken care of.

ALL-ROUND CARPETING

When you carpet a home, it is usually in great condition at first until time begins to show on it, and it begins to wear off. This is when stains begin to pop up, there is a residing odor, and it becomes even harder to keep clean. This is why most buyers avoid houses with wall to wall carpeting because it gets really pricey to replace.

UNNECESSARY CLUTTER

It is easy to gather up belongings as you stay for a long time in a home until it becomes quite easy to start cluttering the place. This clutter gets hard to clean up when you want to list your home in the market. Because of the clutter, dirt can begin to build up over time. It is best to clear up frequently, and it adds value to the home.

UNPLEASANT ODORS

No one likes to perceive bad smells; it leaves a bad impression on visitors and can seriously hurt the value of your property. Whatever lingering smell there is, find a way to eliminate it completely instead of trying to cover it with a stronger fragrance. The best way to remove such smells is by keeping the home clean at all times or professionally get it cleaned.

EXCESSIVE UPGRADES

Many times, people add upgrades to their homes in the hope that the value of the property will increase with the increase. However, some upgrades make homes lose appeal to buyers because it is undesirable. Upgrades like widening rooms by eliminating closet space or decreasing bathroom space can hurt your property’s value. Reference https://www.reallylist.com/2020/10/09/what-hurts-propertyvalue-8-things-to-address-now/

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www.StopHigherPropertyTaxes.org

Split-Roll Property Tax Measure Hurts Immigrant and Minority Communities

Background: Prop 13 Has Helped All Californians for More Than 40 Years •

For more than 40 years, Prop 13 has provided certainty to homeowners, farmers and businesses that they will be able to afford their property tax bills in the future. Under Prop 13, both residential and business property taxes are calculated based on 1% of their purchase price, and annual increases in property taxes are capped at 2%, which limits increases in property taxes, especially when property values rise quickly.

Split-Roll Property Tax Measure Destroys Prop 13 and Makes Our Economic Crisis Worse •

•

Amid an unprecedented economic crisis, special interests submitted petitions to qualify a measure for the November 2020 statewide ballot that will destroy Prop 13’s property tax protections and will be the largest property tax increase in California history. The measure will raise taxes on commercial and industrial property by requiring reassessment at current market value at least every three years. This type of property tax is known as a “split-roll tax” because it splits the property tax roll, assessing business property differently than residential property. We should reject this measure and maintain Prop 13 protections that have kept property taxes affordable and provided every taxpayer who buys a home or business property with certainty that they can afford their property tax bills in the future. Now is not the time to raise taxes and bring more uncertainty to businesses and all Californians.

Gentrifies Our Longtime Communities •

A split-roll property tax will provide a huge financial incentive for local governments to approve business projects to replace existing housing so they can receive higher property tax revenue. It will also push small minority- and immigrant-owned businesses out of our communities when they can’t afford the higher property taxes. This unintended consequence will intensify the gentrification already occurring in much of the Bay Area and Southern California coastal counties.

Hurts Small Businesses and Consumers •

Most small businesses rent the property on which they operate. The measure’s higher property taxes will mean soaring rents at a time when the federal and state government is trying to provide small businesses with rent relief to keep their doors open. Ultimately, the measure’s tax hike on businesses will get passed on to consumers in the form of increased costs on just about everything people buy and use, including groceries, fuel, utilities, day care and health care.

Hits Minority-, Immigrant- and Female-Owned Businesses the Hardest •

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Small businesses are already struggling. This measure will make it even more difficult for them to reopen their doors or stay in business as a result of this economic crisis. Increasing property taxes on businesses by up to $12.5 billion a year will hurt female- and minority-owned businesses the most and 120,000 jobs will be lost, according to a Berkeley Research Group study. Voters are being asked to consider a measure that will only increase job losses at a time when millions of Californians are applying for unemployment benefits. According to the latest data from the Harvard Business School, about 42% of new companies are founded by immigrants in California and the most recent 2012 Survey of Business Owners by the Census bureau found that 5% of businesses in the state are owned by African Americans. Additionally, the California Latino Economic Institute found that nearly one-quarter of all businesses in California are owned by Latinos, and they are the fastest-growing component of the state’s economy. Most of these businesses start small and stay small, meaning they often rent their property and are subject to higher rents when property taxes increase. In the most recent 2012 Survey of Business Owners by the Census Bureau, 38% of all non-publicly traded businesses were owned by females and another 9% were owned equally by females and males.

Increases the Cost of Living for Everyone and Makes the Homelessness Crisis Even Worse • •

In 2019, US Housing & Urban Development data showed California led the nation with more than one-quarter of the country’s homeless population. California’s cost of living is already among the nation’s highest. We shouldn't do anything to make it even more expensive to live here. The split-roll measure will only increase homelessness and make life more difficult for Californians already living paycheck-to-paycheck.

Homeowners Are Under Attack • If businesses lose their Prop 13 protections, homeowners will be next. Supporters of the measure even admitted

that this initiative was the first step in a plan to end Prop 13, which could mean skyrocketing property tax increases for all California homeowners.

Ad paid for by Californians to Save Prop 13 and Stop Higher Property Taxes, sponsored by California homeowners, taxpayers, and businesses Committee major funding from Western Manufactured Housing Communities Association California Business Roundtable California Taxpayers Association Funding details at www.fppc.ca.gov

Briana Frazier

SELLING YOUR HOUSE:

A TIMELINE OF WHAT TO EXPECT

here are many sides to selling a home; it is a stressful process that can be quite draining to new home sellers or experienced sellers. Of course, everyone wishes the process is simple and straightforward, and finding a buyer and getting the house sold is like a walk in the park. However, there are many steps involved in selling a home, and we’ve put together the timeline of what to anticipate when selling your home. DECIDING THE BEST TIME TO SELL

The first thing to do months before listing your home on the real estate market is to review your budget and decide the best time to actually list your home in the market. Get a financial advisor to help you make the decision. If you’ve carried out a mortgage on the home, collect the information, and see what you can get out of selling. You also need to calculate all the fees you will pay and minus it from the proceeds. Decide if this is the best time to sell a house or if it is currently a buyer’s market before listing your home. 78

HIRE AN AGENT

A couple of months before you go ahead with the listing, it’s best to get a real estate agent that you find trustworthy to guide you through the entire process. Before picking the right agent, check reviews on different agents and how many homes they have successfully sold. It is also quite recommended that you check out the fees they charge and their years of experience before choosing to work with them.

PICK A SELLING DATE

Now that you have chosen an agent and decided the right period to go ahead with sales, you need to pick a date to actually put your house in the market. There are different days that are considered best for selling your home; compare the date with your schedule and see if it is the right time for you. Weekends are advised against and considered the worstselling time, especially Sundays.

GET YOUR HOME INSPECTED

Before the listing date, you need to make sure your home is in stellar condition, and you can only ensure this by getting your home inspector. It will help you get in front of any surprise that might pop up during the buying process. A home inspector will notice problems you might naturally miss and therefore gives you time to tackle such problems and increase your property’s value. THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

CARRY OUT REPAIRS

You’ve received the report for the home inspection you carried out; the next thing is to actually carry out repairs on the home. Some buyers find maintenance issues a deal breaker when buying a home, so it’s best that you fix any problem with the wiring, roof, drainage, plumbing, windows, and other parts before you list a home. Even wallpapers that are peeling should be handled quickly.

DECLUTTER, PACK UP, AND CLEAN UP

A month before you actually list your home in the market, it is best that you declutter your home because it could reduce your property’s value. Get professionals to clear out space and organize spaces for you so that the selling process isn’t so draining for you. No potential home buyer wants to go for a home cluttered around, so create clear open space for them. This means packing up some items not in use into storage or in another home to avoid cluttering up the environment all over again. To get rid of dirt and unaccepted odors, also get a cleaning firm to wipe your house completely of dirt. These cleaning companies are thorough and will leave your home spotless when they’re done.

ESTIMATE THE BEST PRICE FOR YOUR HOME Even though you have an idea of how much you want to sell your home, you need to also find out if the price is above the ideal price before your home remains in the market for an awfully long time. There are home value calculators online to find an idea of the best value for your home.

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HIRE A HOME STAGER AND TAKE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS

A couple of weeks before you finally list your home, get a home stager to organize the furniture in a manner that improves the space. They will also find the right items to leave behind and which to include in the house; they are trained to make your home look larger and cleaner in a way that makes it stand out amongst others. This makes it easier to take professional photos, which you can put up when listing in the market to attract buyers.

REVIEWING AND NEGOTIATING OFFERS

After putting your home on the market, offers begin to come in, and you will need to start considering those which appeal to you. Your real estate agent will assist you with the best offers to consider and how to negotiate with buyers. You can also think about getting a real estate attorney to help check out the documents related to offers; they will spot loopholes you can easily miss.

ACCEPTING THE OFFERS AND FINAL WALKTHROUGH

When you find the offer appealing, then it is time to begin the closing process. Some buyers require home inspections to ensure the home is in stellar condition. Sign the paperwork and decide on move-in dates; it is best to make sure none of your belongings are still left in the home before the new owner moves in. Your buyer might require a walkthrough to ensure the home is precisely as expected before finally moving in. After the walkthrough, sign the remaining documents and hand over the keys legally to the new owner of the home. Reference https://www.redfin.com/blog/selling-your-house-timeline/

HOME IMPROVEMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS FOR AGING IN PLACE Adrian Bates

any adults insist on living in their homes for a very long time and maintaining their present lifestyle for as long as they can instead of moving into a care center and be taking in place. This is what is referred to as aging in place; most homes are not designed in a manner that supports aging as you grow older. Doorways are suddenly too narrow, and the floors can get quite slippery; there is a need to make your home safe and convenient for seniors aging in place. This calls for some home modifications to ensure that the home is livable and comfortable for seniors to ensure their tasks are made easier. Below are some modifications you can easily do to your homes to make it accessible and safe for seniors aging in place.

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GRAB BARS

We all know how sim it is to lose a grip on things; this is why fixing grab bars are important for aging in place. With grab bars in rooms; seniors get enough support against falling accidents and assist their mobility. Installing in toilers help against the slippery surface of the bathroom and also close to the bed to help them get up easily from the bed.

EXTERIOR RAMPS

Ramps are not just for those in a wheelchair; they help eliminate the need for elders to watch their steps. Maintaining balance can be quite difficult for seniors, and ramps make it quite easier. Place a ramp outdoors in your home as well as indoors to make moving from one room to the next very easy.

INSTALL A HEAT LAMP IN THE BATHROOM

Sometimes, people take a while to get out of the bathroom and do everything they need to take care of. This is why a heat lamp is a good idea; it helps keep the bathroom warm while the elders take care of everything they want. A heat lamp is especially beneficial in the winter; it makes the bathroom very comfortable for elders.

GET A SMART HOME TECH We all know how tech makes our life much easier; it can also help make people comfortable in their homes as they grow older. There are different smart home technology like medical alert, comms systems, alarm systems, and others. There are also smartwatches they can wear to monitor their vitals, shoe insoles, and many other techs that you can upgrade your home with.

TOUCHLESS FAUCETS Another home modification is an upgrade to your faucet; faucets that come on without touching them are best for those with grip issues or who are in danger of arthritis. If you cannot get a lever faucet, then this is the best choice for you. Also, fix anti-scald faucets in your bathroom so that your parents donâ€™t get scalded by unexpected hot water bursts.

ENHANCE LIGHTINGS AROUND THE HOME Another home modification to look into is the lightings; it has become more important than bright nightlights are places in every corner of the home now more than ever. This is to assist seniors in seeing clearly at any time of the day without squinting. Adhesive tap-lights are also great for lighting up countertops and can be placed under the cabinets.

References https://www.consumeraffairs.com/homeowners/agingin-place-home-modifications.html

Success Money

HOW MUCH CAN YOU NEGOTIATE ON A HOUSE, REALLY?

f you have finally found the right home for you and you’re ready to make an offer. You’re probably wondering if the seller would simply take the offer, and everything would be concluded. However, it doesn’t always work precisely like that, and the seller might come up with a counteroffer of their own, which kick-starts the negotiation process. Sometimes it isn’t about having a professional real estate agent; negotiation is stressful and knowing the right price to negotiate is a tricky part of buying a home. You also need to be very aware of the different points that can help sway

negotiations in your favor. How much can one really negotiate on a house? We’ve broken down the answer to that question for you in this article; read on to find answers.

WHAT DETERMINE THE RIGHT PRICE TO NEGOTIATE?

There is only one major factor that determines the price of a house, and that is the present condition of the housing market. The situation of the housing market is what affects how your offer goes down with the seller; it influences whether the transaction would be successful or if you need to start considering other options. A professional real estate agent can effectively assist you in understanding the market and making you a better negotiator.

THE RIGHT NEGOTIATION PRICE IN A BUYER’S MARKET

If it’s a buyer’s market, there are more houses than buyers available, which gives the buyer an upperhand because there are many options to choose from, and sellers would be eager to sell off their homes to any buyer they can get. You can even get the seller to sell at least 10% below the original price asked for in such markets. You also have the chance to renegotiate paying closing costs and other parts of the house. Sellers are usually eager

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in this market but try not to go so low that the seller finds it insulting.

THE RIGHT NEGOTIATION PRICE IN A SELLER’S MARKET

A seller’s market is actually a market where there are far more buyers than houses; this is not favorable to homebuyers because there’s always someone prepared to make a better offer than you. Buyers need to be careful during a seller’s market because they can easily be rejected by the seller. Ensure the offer you make in this period is simple and try not to drag the negotiation process. You’re allowed to still negotiate simple contingencies like financing, inspection, and others but bear in mind that there are buyers who won’t request for this. In a seller’s market, buyers need to make a decision and stick to asking for only the essential things. Luckily, you’ll have your real estate agent besides you guiding you through the entire process.

THE RIGHT NEGOTIATION PRICE IN A BALANCED MARKET

In this market, supply and demand are equal, which means there are just enough houses to cater to the available buyers. This doesn’t mean negotiation gets easier in a balanced market; the sellers usually spend a lot of time going through the different offers, and this means that negotiations could drag on for a very long time. Nobody is in a hurry in a balanced market, which could work against you if you’re not careful. If no one is in a hurry to buy or to sell off their property, they don’t see the need to rush up negotiation. Try and start with a price below the stipulated price and include other contingencies in this price because other buyers would also be doing this. If you’re, however, interested in buying immediately, make a fair offer, and get it settled quickly. Reference https://www.redfin.com/blog/how-much-can-you-negotiateon-a-house/

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THE RICHMOND 2021 REAL ESTATE MARKET INVESTOR’S GUIDE

Joe L. Fisher

he Richmond 2020 real estate market has been a busy one, with skyrocketing demand and falling housing inventory. Like many other markets around the country, the Richmond 2020 real estate market is at its peak in terms of operations as the economy slowly recovers. With all that is going on in the Richmond real estate market, you could be asking what the Richmond 2021 market will look like. Will it be good for investing or not? This article will feature some forecasts from experts that will help you make an informed decision.

may earn a profit of $109,730 by 2025. However, according to Wallentinvestor.com’s forecast, short-term real estate investment in Richmond is not such a good option. If you’re planning to invest in the Richmond real estate market, go with a long-term investment. Below is a short-term Richmond real estate market forecast for the next months and year, according to Walletinvestor. com, based on the median home listing prices from the last five years.

According to Wallentinvestor.com, the median price of an average house in Richmond was $230,858, as of October 20. Walletinvestor.com predicts that the price will increase on a long-term basis, where the expected cost of an average home in the Richmond area is $253,330 by October 31, 2025. This means that for a 5-year investment, the profit is expected to increase by 9.73%. So if you invest $100,000 today, you

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

On the other hand, Walletinvestor.com demonstrated its long-term Richmond City housing market forecasts through the chart below based on all the available median listing prices recorded up to October 20, 2020.

RICHMOND PROPERTY INVESTMENT GROWTH

According to the most recent data of median home prices, Richmond’s housing market prices and its market environment have been in a “bullish environment in the last 36 months,” according to Wallentinvestor.com. Additionally, Wallentinvestor’s property investment analysis algorithms predict a positive trend in the near future; therefore, buying real estate in Richmond is a profitable investment. Below is an outlook of how the Richmond property investment growth is expected to look like in the future, according to Walletinvestor.com.

The above forecast indicates a positive outlook for the Richmond property market, making it a must-have in your property investment portfolio. DATE

AVERAGE PRICE

MINIMUM PRICE

MAXIMUM PRICE

Richmond Housing Market Forecast with Real Estate Prices for 2020 November 2020

$231188

$206509

255069

December 2020

$231745

$208677

256465

Richmond Housing Market Forecast with Real Estate Prices for 2021 January

$232264

$206692

255811

February

$232819

$208609

257498

March

$233073

$206370

258424

April

$233304

$209281

259396

May

$233667

$210058

258376

June

$234088

$210083

258595

July

$234536

$208980

258966

August

$234901

$210945

260961

September

$235382

$208629

258256

October

$235199

$210557

259774

November

$235725

$211045

258328

December

$236279

$210541

260055

Also, below are some estimated home prices in Richmond for the next months and next year to help you further in making your investment decision. Work Cited. https://walletinvestor.com/real-estate-forecast/va/richmond-city/richmond-housing-market.

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T H E E L EC TI ON A ND A FR E S H OBA MA C ARE CHA L L EN G E L OOM OV E R NEW S UP R E M E CO UR T TER M

bamacare is not a new or unfamiliar word amongst Americans. It is a term used alternatively for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010. This act is aimed to reduce the cost of Healthcare for those who can’t afford them. Its introduction has helped many Americans who can’t afford quality Healthcare access such service at a more affordable price. Therefore, middle-class and lowclass Americans don’t have to spend so much before accessing the quality Healthcare they desire. However, as the US election is fast approaching, there seems to be a fresh Obamacare Challenge Loom over the new supreme court term. A case will be argued a week after the election, and the outcome of the argument will determine whether Obamacare remains or not. There have been two challenges in the past regarding the Affordable Care Act, and the outcome of those challenges were 5-4 and 6-3. Thus, it remains. Should the argument be lost this third time, it may be an end to Obamacare.

WHY THE ARGUMENT?

Obamacare was introduced under the Barack Obama administration, but it is now being challenged by the Trump administration and a coalition of red states. They argue that three years ago, the Republican Congress zeroed out the monetary penalty for Americans not covered by insurance. Therefore, the whole law should be void.

WHAT IS THE IMPLICATION OF ABOLISHING OBAMACARE?

If your illness requires expensive treatment, you may be affected by the repeal. One of the purposes of Obamacare is to help people who need costly treatment get such treatment without paying much.

According to Ben Sommers, a professor of health policy

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the coverage, but it will be optional. Other sets of people who may lose their coverage are those with pre-existing conditions. Insurance companies will be allowed to deny coverage for anyone with pre-existing conditions. They may also decide to charge higher premiums. When this happens, it’ll become difficult for people to afford coverage. If your illness requires expensive treatment, you may be affected by the repeal. One of the purposes of Obamacare is to help people who need costly treatment get such treatment without paying much. Hence, repealing the act will mean that people will have to fend for their full payment by themselves. For instance, if not for the ACA, 165 million people in the US suffering from conditions like hemophilia or cancer would have been required to pay hugely for their treatment, which many may not be able to afford. In that case, patients will face two options, with the first being to go bankrupt or stop the required treatment. and economics at Harvard University, Obamacare impacted every portion of the health-care system. Thus, if the whole act is void without a better replacement proposal, there may be confusion and chaos in the system.

WHO’LL BE AFFECTED IF OBAMACARE IS REPEALED?

Under Obamacare, employee’s children below 26 years are covered by the employers of their parents. Thus should the act be repealed, young adults covered by their parents may lose their coverage. Perhaps you don’t know how many young adults we’re talking about. It was reported in 2016 that there are two million young adults who are covered under their parent’s plans. However, should the law be repealed, some employers may continue offering

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Nonetheless, as the election is knocking at the door, and the argument to determine whether the Obamacare act should remain or not is also fast approaching, Americans are waiting to see the outcome. However, If it is repealed, there’s a likelihood of it being replaced by another act to ease the medical affairs of Americans. On the other hand, if it is repealed and not replaced with a better plan, then the above implications are some of the consequences Americans will have to face. References https://en.as.com/en/2020/10/15/latest_ news/1602789409_116559.html https://www.npr.org/2020/10/05/919704165/the-electionand-a-fresh-obamacare-challenge-loom-over-new-supremecourt-term

CARES ACT: CONSIDERING 401(K) WITHDRAWAL BECAUSE OF UNEMPLOYMENT DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC? by Donnell Stidhum

he effect of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown is felt far and beyond. The lockdowns and quarantines that were necessary to curb the spread of the virus slowed the economy with unprecedented force and speed. Businesses racked up losses, and layoffs and pay cuts followed. With increasing rate of unemployment, many families are struggling to meet their day to day expenses. If you are facing financial hardship due to COVID-19, you may have considered making a 401(K) withdrawal early to cover your expenses. I’ve broken down all the steps to complete this process in a 30 minute webinar you can access here

59 1/2, withdrawing from a 401(k) is a costly proposition because you are charged a 10% penalty on withdrawn funds. The recently introduced CARES Act changes that. This means you can make COVID-19 related withdrawals of up to $100,000 from your retirement account without incurring this penalty on early withdrawals. Although the removal of this penalty takes off one of the substantial burdens of taking out the money from a 401(k) early, raiding your retirement accounts is still be a costly proposition because you lose out on the compound interest your money would’ve earned if it had stayed invested.

Financial experts do not recommend taking money out of your retirement accounts early, but now taking into consideration the present economic scenario, most of them say that if you must, you should, as a last resort.

So, early 401(k) withdrawal is now penalty-free, but is it completely tax-free? No.

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, President Donald Trump signed the CARES Act on March 27, 2020, providing more than $2 trillion in financial relief for businesses and workers affected by the pandemic. If you are considering a 401(k) withdrawal, there are certain things you need to know.

WITHDRAW MONEY OF UP TO $100,000 WITHOUT PENALTY Under normal circumstances, if you’re under

INCOME TAXES APPLY TO THE WITHDRAWAL AMOUNT, BUT THE REPAYMENT CAN BE STRETCHED OUT OVER THREE YEARS

Withdrawing money from your 401(k) will still have tax consequences. Regardless of how old you are, when you take out money from your retirement account, you will be taxed as normal. But the CARES Act allows you to stretch the repayment of the taxes over three years instead of paying the entire amount this year. This arrangement provides some financial relief as the taxes can be substantially large, even without penalties.

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CAN YOU PUT BACK THE WITHDRAWN MONEY OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS?

Yes. If youâ€™ve taken a coronavirus-related distribution, the CARES Act allows you to put the money withdrawn back into the account over the next three years. The money that you put back will not be counted against your annual contribution limits, and hence you will not be liable to pay any income taxes on that. But, if you are unable to repay the borrowed amount due to financial constraints over the next three years, income taxes will be applied.

YOU MAY HAVE THE OPTION TO MAKE AN EARLY 401(K) WITHDRAWAL, BUT SHOULD YOU DO IT? The best way to determine whether you should take an early retirement distribution is to check if you have enough money to cover your living expense for the next 3 to 6 months. If you donâ€™t and you find it difficult to manage these costs, then you should consider taking advantage of this.

However, before you decide to take this step, think of the bigger picture. You are raiding into your retirement savings and losing out on money that would have accumulated due to compound interest if you would have let it stayed into your account. So, before taking this drastic step, always look at other sources of income or options. You can also consider taking help from a tax professional or financial planner to weigh the pros and cons of withdrawing from retirement accounts. For expert help, Contact Self Directed Retirement Plans LLC Donnell Stidhum at (816) 916-0039. In addition, for more specific details related to the CARES ACT and how it impacts your retirement dollars jump in this FREE 30 Minute Webinar at www. selfdirected.info . Schedule a time to take this FREE class to help you access $400K of YOUR retirement dollars.

DO YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY?

here’s nothing wrong with trying to minimize the money you spend on investment to maximize your profit. However, there are some crucial things you should consider spending on if you don’t want to lose your investment. One such thing is a real estate attorney. Perhaps you hold the ideology of doing everything yourself without involving a third party. However, when it comes to real estate investing, such an ideology can be catastrophic. Hiring a real estate attorney can cost you thousands of dollars, but it’s worth it. If you’re still wondering whether to hire a real estate attorney or not, you should consider the following reasons why you need one:

FOR CLARITY

Before you sign any document in your dealings, you must understand every word and phrase in it. Otherwise, you may just be signing your trouble. However, there may be some legal terms you can’t understand in the documents, not because you’re not smart but because you’re not an attorney. The job of your attorney, in this case, will be to go through the document on your behalf and ensure that you understand everything stipulated therein. Some terms or phrases may mean something ordinarily but can mean another thing from a legal perspective. Your real estate lawyer is a professional in the field; thus, they’ll ensure the terms are well defined to you before you agree to get into the contract.

EXPERIENCE

Perhaps this is not your first real estate 96

dealing. However, even with that, you can’t be more experienced than a real estate lawyer. They must have handled more real estate deals than you’ll ever get into in your lifetime. They understand the state and local laws. Your experience may only be restricted to your deals, but for a real estate attorney, they’ve dealt with multiple clients and handled a variety of properties. Therefore, if you want to mitigate any risks that could result in delay or jeopardize your investment, you must seek the legal support of an experienced real estate attorney.

PROTECTING

A real estate attorney will be actively involved in the negotiation process. You can allow them to handle the negotiation process fully. That way, not only will you be saving yourself time and stress, you’ll also be protecting yourself and your family. Doing it yourself can land you in trouble. A real estate lawyer, on the other hand, is skilled and can walk you through the complications of estate investment. They’ll also protect and safeguard you from troubles you cannot foresee yourself. With an excellent legal counsel, you can put your mind at rest, knowing verily that your investment is safe and protected.

SAVINGS

Many have lost their life savings to fraudulent dealings. Often, such people are those with the “I can do it myself” ideology. In the name of minimizing the amount spent, they end up losing their entire investment. Thus, to avoid losing your investment, you may want THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

to consider hiring a real estate attorney. It is no gainsaying that you’ll be required to spend extra on hiring such an attorney, but the amount you’ll pay will be nothing compared to if you were to lose your entire investment. Attorneys are experts; hence, they can identify fake real estate deals and warn you before you get into it. If you don’t want to lose your life savings on property investment, you should consider hiring a real estate attorney.

PROPERTY TRANSFERS

If one or of the two parties, or the two parties involved are corporations, partnerships, or trusts, the deal is usually more complicated. In this regard, you may not be able to handle the contract preparation and negotiation yourself successfully. An attorney is knowledgeable; thus, knows how this sort of arrangement works. They will, therefore, ensure that the contract aligns with the law and the corporation’s, partnership’s or trust’s charter agreements. They’ll go through the terms and conditions of the contract and compare it with the constitutions of all the bodies involved. If it doesn’t align with the values any of the parties stand for, they’ll make it known WWW.THEPOWERISNOW.COM

from the onset. This will help to avoid troubles that may result in tarnishing the contract before closure.

CLOSING

After walking you through a successful transaction, a real estate attorney will prepare your closing documents formally. They’ll ensure that all required parties, including the seller, buyer, witnesses, and the lawyers attest to the documents. That way, you can be sure that there’s no trouble as far as the deal is concerned. Should the seller raise an objection against you in the future, you already have a legal backup — the signed closing documents to prove that they attest to the sale of the property and terms and conditions were entirely accepted by the two parties. Can you now see why you need a real estate attorney? References https://www.legaltyservices.com/5-reasons-need-realestate-attorney/ https://www.investopedia.com/articles/mortgages-realestate/08/real-estate-attorney.asp

Are you considering a home purchase in retirement? Here’s how to get a mortgage

f you’re a retiree thinking about downsizing or moving to a different area, and the process involves home buying, the first thing to consider is how you’ll finance it. Often, a mortgage is the best option for many. However, you realize that qualifying for a mortgage currently differs from the last time you used it. Indeed it is different. Lenders have tightened credit during this pandemic period. Also, Al Bingham, a mortgage loan officer with Momentum Loans in sandy, Utah, states that it can be tricky for retirees to get a mortgage. “You can have a lot of money but show very little income and have difficulty qualifying for a mortgage,” Bingham said. “It frustrates a lot of them.” Therefore, for a retiree looking to buy a home through a mortgage, it is crucial to strategize and plan ahead. Qualifying for a mortgage based on income. The most common way for retirees to qualify for a mortgage is based on one’s income, according to a certified financial planner, Daniel Graff, a principal and client advisor at Sullivan, Bruyette, Speros & Blayney in McLean, Virginia. Mortgage lenders will go through your last two years’ worth of tax returns, which may also include Social Security, pension income, dividends, and interest. In a case where one’s taxable income is not enough to qualify for the mortgage loan, a retirement account such as a 401(k) plan or individual retirement account is included. You have to create enough cashflow using all means available to meet the income requirements. The general idea is to get as many distributions to help you qualify for the mortgage, even if you don’t need the money. As long as you’ve attained the age of 59.5 and above, you can tap your IRA or 401(k) without attracting the 10% early-withdrawal penalty. Apart from verifying the required income from different distributions, lenders also want to be certain that the distributions can continue for at least three more years, according to Graff. 98

Alternatively, a retiree can qualify for a mortgage based on their assets in a brokerage account or IRA. The lender will only apply a formula to the money in their account using 70% of the account’s value and determine if it can stretch long enough to cover mortgage payments for the life of the loan. “In this scenario, the underwriter is not looking directly for a taxable transfer from an IRA to a bank, but a statement of assets that allows [the lender] to be comfortable that a certain amount could be withdrawn each month,” Graff said.

ANOTHER NON-MORTGAGE LOAN OPTION

In a case where you completely don’t qualify for a mortgage or don’t want to finance through a mortgage, you can use the “pledge assets” option. This is where you take a loan against your brokerage account, up to a limit, and buy the home. ”You’d be considered a cash buyer for purposes of the contract with the home seller,” Graff said. “There isn’t a mortgage happening at that point because, in actuality, you’d be taking the loan against your brokerage account.” You can acquire a home more quickly through this option since there would be no underwriting process and other costs associated with mortgages. From there, you could go back to using the traditional mortgage options after acquiring the home. According to Graff, if you refinance within six months of the purchase, you could put a mortgage in place to pay off the loan, and it would not be considered a cash-out refinance, which is harder to get. You can try the options highlighted above if you want to get your retirement home quickly.

Work cited https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/03/how-to-get-a-mortgagewhen-considering-downsizing-in-retirement.html.

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

CFPB ISSUES NEW MARKETING SERVICES AGREEMENT GUIDELINES On September 11, the MBA, along with other associations including the American Land Title Association, the NAR, the National Association of Home Builders, and the Real Estate Service Providers Council sent a letter to CFPB Director Kathy Kraninger requesting that a 2015 Richard Cordray bulletin concerning Marketing Services Agreement (MSA) be withdrawn and replaced “with a reassertion that the real estate industry should follow long established best practices under RESPA and associated case law.” The 2015 bulletin raised many concerns from the mortgage industry about not having clear guidelines on what was permissible.

ccording to Justin Wiseman, MBA’s associate vice president, the request by the MBA and associates was the most recent of the various efforts undertaken over the past few years to get the CFPB to change its position on MSAs regulatory council. Recently, the bureau pulled its previous guidance on whether MSA complies with anti-kickback rules. In a FAQ post, the bureau stated that the agreements do not violate Section 8 of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. Despite the FAQ not changing much on a practical level, it represents a change in attitude by the bureau from when it was headed by Richard Cordray, whose bureau never illegalized MSAs but instead expressed some degree of hostility towards them. 100

What is not permissible in an MSA according to CFPB’s FAQ. An agreement to pay for referrals. • • • •

Payment for services over reasonable market value. Agreement where services are not performed or are nominal. The payments are duplicative. The agreement is structured to disguise kickbacks or split charges.

“Eliminating that 2015 bulletin was the best thing that came out of this, even if nothing changed on a practical level,” said Mitch Kider, the chairman and managing partner of Weiner Brodsky Kider, who represented PHH Mortgage in a major challenge to the CFPB’s authority on MSA compliance. “That bulletin was not based on the law itself and deviated from a 2010 Department of Housing and Urban Development interpretation on MSAs.” “It is very helpful to the industry and gives them a clear message of what the issues are surrounding Section 8 and how to, at least preliminarily, analyze some of those issues,” Kider said of CFPB’s recent post. THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

More importantly, “no new law is being made with these FAQs,” he adds. “That bulletin was not a compliance guide that lenders could use, but a statement of concerns … only some of which actually involved MSAs,” said Holly Spencer Bunting, a partner with Mayer Brown law firm. “Now we have in place FAQ guidance that lays out the exceptions to RESPA as it relates to MSAs, and it is consistent with the PHH decision.” Moreover, the bureau’s FAQ will also impact insurers, real estate brokers, and warranty providers.

bulletin,” Wiseman said, adding that RESPA’s statutory language does allow for MSAs under certain regulatory contexts. “This move highlights that title and settlement professionals need to be on their toes when analyzing marketing services agreements,” said ALTA CEO Diane Tomb in a statement. “Section 8 of RESPA can be confusing and lacks clarity. We appreciate the bureau’s effort to produce compliance materials to help the industry work through these issues with specific fact patterns.”

NON-COMPLIANCE

The bureau warned that it would go after MSAs violators and promised vigorous enforcement in a blog post. “The bureau is very clear that they will enforce the rules as they have been understood prior to the WWW.THEPOWERISNOW.COM

Work cited. https://www.nationalmortgagenews.com/news/cfpb-issuesnew-marketing-services-agreement-guidelines. l

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USWHATELECTION 2020: DATE IS IT, HOW DOES IT WORK, AND WHAT ARE THE KEY SWING STATES?

he US election is one of the most internationally observed elections. It is, in fact, one of the most critical elections in the world. This is because it, directly and indirectly, influences world peace and security. It also has a significant impact on the world’s economy. The United States is a superpower, and the US president is often regarded as world president. Though the US president can’t dictate what world leaders should do, they are powerful and influential. As the US election is fast approaching, there are a couple of questions on the lips of people across the world. The US election is unique and differs from the electoral processes practiced by most countries around the globe. Thus, to better understand how the is election works and predict who’ll likely emerge winner, some of the questions people often ask are:

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• • •

How does the election work? What are the swing states? What date is it?

These are some of the questions you’ll find answers to as you read down the lines of this article. So, let’s get the ball rolling.

WHAT DATE IS THE US ELECTION?

In the United States, elections are scheduled for the first Tuesday in November of every four years. This date can fall between November 2 and November 8. It is just a day, and on that day, there’ll be a public holiday across the country. Popular ballots will be held on that day to select public officials. The officials include national, state, and local government representatives, including the president. Hence, considering the guides mentioned above in THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

which the date is selected, the 2020 election will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. That will be the 59th quadrennial presidential election in the United States. However, considering the Coronavirus pandemic looming over the world, there’s a possibility for the election to be delayed. Technically speaking, a delay is possible because the election date in the US is not written anywhere in the constitution. Nonetheless, the constitution provides a date for the inauguration for the newly elected president, which is January. More so, if we’re to weigh the likelihood of the election being delayed, one will see it is unlikely. This is because the power to change election dates isn’t in the hand of the president but the hands of the US congress. The democrats are the majority in the house of Representatives, which is one of the two chambers. So, even if the Republicans in the Senate are in favor of the delay, the Democrats in the representative will likely not support. Hence as it stands, the election will probably hold on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, as stated earlier.

HOW DOES THE ELECTION WORK?

In the United States, elections into the office of president and vice president are indirect. It is not the citizens’ votes, otherwise called General votes, that directly dictate who becomes the president and vice president. Instead, the general votes are meant to select presidential electors called the electoral college. Members of the Electoral College will then vote on December 14, 2020. Their vote will determine whether the

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incumbents Donald Trump and Mike Pence remain in office or are replaced by a new president and vice president. Therefore, if a candidate has more votes in the general vote but lost in the electoral college, he has lost the election. For a candidate to be considered winner, they must have the highest vote in the electoral college (at least 270 out of 538) even if they have the least vote in the general vote. This is practically seen in the last election when Donald Trump has more votes in the electoral college than Hillary Clinton, who has the highest vote in the general election. Donald Trump automatically becomes the president. Thus, who wins the electoral college vote wins the election.

Often, electors vote for whichever candidate wins their state regardless of whether they prefer the other candidate. However, some states allow electors to vote for their preferred candidate irrespective of who wins in their state. Nevertheless, in a situation where no candidate wins the absolute majority of the votes for president, the responsibility of choosing the most qualified candidates then rests on

the shoulder of the house of representatives. More so, if no candidate wins the absolute majority of the votes for vice president, electing the vice president is left to the hands of the senate.

WHAT ARE THE SWING STATES?

The key to winning the US presidential election depends on some specific swing states. There are a couple of swing states in the United States that have been won by both republican and Democrats in the past. These states hold the key to who wins the presidential election. For the 2020 election, some swing states to look out for are: • • • • • •

Arizona North Carolina Florida Pennsylvania Michigan Wisconsin

References https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/ us/election-day https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_ United_States_presidential_election https://www.telegraph.co.uk/ news/2020/10/18/2020-election-us-datewhen-what-swing-states-how-workcovid/amp/ https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_ States_presidential_election

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PRESS RELEASE 104

THE NATIONAL CONVERSATION ON BLACK HOMEOWNERSHIP CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES & PUBLIC POLICY AFFECTING THE STATE OF HOUSING IN BLACK AMERICA The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) brings together multi-sector thought leaders and cultural influencers to drive dialogue about whether the American dream of homeownership been realized, deferred, or denied. Washington, DC â€“ October 23, 2020 â€“ The likelihood that Black Americans can purchase a home of their choice rests in large part on affordability, their consumer credit standing, debt load, employment status, and the availability of housing stock in their respective communities. Layered on top of these specific home buying criteria is a nationwide COVID-19 pandemic impacting the economic outlook and health concerns of all Americans. The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), an activist advocate for equality and Democracy in Housing for Black Americans is calling upon civil rights, political, academic, financial, entertainment, sports, and faith-based leaders to join in the fight to build Black wealth through homeownership. The digitally produced National Conversation on Black Homeownership is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, 2020, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Visit https://national-conversation.eventbrite.com to register. Moderating the event panel is CNN commentator and former SC State Senator Bakari Sellers. Among the confirmed multi-sector speakers are: Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-LA), Biden Campaign Co-Chair; Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-MI); Marc Morial, president, National Urban League; Rev. Dr. DeForest Soaries, Jr., founder of dfree Financial Freedom Movement; Ray Crockett, former NFL cornerback and 2x Superbowl Champion with the Denver Broncos. Dr. Vanessa Perry, Associate Dean Faculty and Research, George Washington University School of Business, and principal author of the NAREB 2020 edition of the State of Housing in Black America (SHIBA) report, to be released at this event will provide an overview of the datadriven document. Also speaking are: James Winston, president & CEO, National Association of Black-Owned Broadcasters; Heather McGee, NBC news analyst and THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2020

political strategist; Stephanie Mash Sykes, Esq., Michigan State Representative Jewell Jones, Deputy Democratic Caucus Chair; founding executive director and general counsel, African American Mayors Association, David Dworkin, president and CEO, National Housing Conference; Will Roundtree, Real Estate Investor & financial services expert; LaTisha Grant, Realtist and Chair, NAREB’s House Then the Car campaign; Lynn Poole, marketing coordinator, RentalKharma; Michele Calloway, Chair, NAREB board of directors, and Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, II, senior pastor, Friendship-West Baptist Church. “It is often quoted that it takes a village to raise a child. I believe that It also takes the entire village leadership to create a safe, stable community that houses the child’s family,” said Donnell Williams, president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), the country’s oldest minority real estate trade group. Established more than seven decades ago, NAREB has endeavored to eliminate barriers to Black homeownership whether found in the public or private sector. The first National Conversation was held in 2019 prior to NAREB’s State of Black America forum as part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference. The event was conceived as a platform to inform and involve the faith-based, social justice, housing advocacy, and Black business groups in NAREB’s mission to increase affordable and sustainable homeownership for Black Americans. “The Black homeownership rate, now at 47% has been steadily rising since the 3rd quarter 2019. But in comparison to the current non-Hispanic White homeownership rate of 76%, we know that the 29% wealth gap must be closed, and home purchase disparities removed before Black Americans can achieve parity and build wealth,” Williams stated. ##### The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) was formed in 1947 to secure the right to equal housing opportunities regardless of race, creed, or color. NAREB has advocated for legislation and supported or instigated legal challenges that ensure fair housing, sustainable homeownership, and access to credit for Black Americans. At the same time, NAREB advocates for and promotes access to business opportunity for Black real estate professionals in all of the real estate disciplines. NAREB annually publishes The State of Housing in Black America report. www.nareb.com

MEDIA CONTACTS: Joanne Williams ▪ jlwilliams@barrington-associates.com ▪ 202.364.0024 Jill Harrison ▪ jill.forte@nareb.com ▪ 770.896.8723

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NOVEMBER, THE LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

o you know that one in every six deaths in the world is caused by cancer? Thus, cancer is the second leading cause of death, with the first being cardiovascular diseases. It was reported in 2017 that various forms of cancer kill about 9.6 million people. However, one of the leading cancer killers in both women and men is lung cancer. Before 1987, breast cancer used to be a leading cause of cancer death in women, but lung cancer has taken the lead now. Considering the high death rate of this crazy killer, it is essential to create global awareness. This awareness will help more people know about the killer — lung cancer; hence, do all that’s necessary to avoid it. This is one of the best ways to reduce the number of people with the illness. Thus, November of every year has been chosen to be the lung cancer awareness month. In the spirit of this awareness, there are certain things you need to know about lung cancer.

FIRSTLY, HOW CAN YOU KNOW WHEN YOU HAVE LUNG CANCER? COUGH THAT REFUSES TO GO

A casual cough caused by a cold or respiratory infection should disappear in less than two weeks. On the other hand, if you begin to witness a persistent cough that lingers for weeks, that may be a symptom of lung cancer. Whether the cough is dry or produces mucus, you shouldn’t ignore it when it becomes persistent. You should see your doctor as quickly as possible. If you do, your doctor will run the necessary tests to know if the cough is a symptom of lung cancer or other illnesses.

CHANGE IN A COUGH

You should pay attention to your cough, especially when you smoke. Some of the things you should check include consistent coughing, a deeper cough that sounds hoarse, you’re coughing out excess mucus, or you’re coughing out blood. When you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to check on your doctor.

CHANGES IN BREATH

Do you find it difficult to breathe after performing some tasks you find easy to do before? Then, you may want

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to book an appointment with your doctor. Such a task may include climbing stairs, slight jigging, or running, among others. Shortness of breath with such an easy task may be a possible symptom of cancer. What happens is that lung cancer may narrow or block an airway. Thus, resulting in shortness in breathing. Fluids from a lung tumor can also build up in the chest, resulting in shortness of breath. Therefore, when you begin to notice a change in your breathing, don’t ignore it; see a doctor.

PAIN IN THE CHEST

Pain in the chest, back, or shoulders may also be an indication of lung cancer. It doesn’t matter whether the pain is dull, sharp, intermittent, or intense; if you notice a sudden chest pain that becomes persistent, you should go straight to your doctor.

WEIGHT LOSS

Weight loss can be a symptom of many illnesses, and lung cancer is not excluded. When you notice a significant reduction in your weight up to 10 pounds or more, you need to see a doctor. It may be a symptom of lung cancer or other forms of cancer. Weight loss is common in cancer patients because the cancer cells tend to use up the body’s energy. Thus, you shouldn’t ignore a significant reduction in your weight, especially if you are not actively engaged in activities to intentionally lose weight. Such weight loss may be a change in your health, and you should pay attention to it.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF LUNG CANCER? SMOKING

Do you know that over 70% of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking? That’s right. Smoking cigarettes is one of the leading causes of lung cancers. If you smoke over 25 cigarettes a day, you’re 25 times more prone to having lung cancer than an average person who doesn’t smoke. There are about 60 different carcinogenic substances in tobacco smoke. Carcinogenic substances are cancer-producing substances. Therefore, to avoid having lung cancer, shun smoking.

RADON

Radon is a radioactive gas that exists naturally. It is obtained from tiny amounts of uranium present in all soils and rocks. Sometimes, it can also be found in buildings. If you breathe in radon, you may be exposed to lung cancer.

EXPOSURE TO CERTAIN CHEMICALS

Some chemicals are carcinogenic, and when you’re

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exposed to them, you may have lung cancer. Among these chemicals are arsenic, beryllium, asbestos, cadmium, silica, coal and coke fumes, and nickel.

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT LUNG CANCER? • • • •

Avoid taking tobacco Avoid Radon exposure Stay away from carcinogenic substances Eat healthy diets, including fruits and vegetables.

Now that you know what lung cancer is, its causes, symptoms, and preventions, you know how to protect yourself from the deadly illness. Thus, in the spirit of lung cancer awareness, you should also create awareness to educate others in your environment to have a cancer-free world. References https://www.healthline.com/health/lung-cancer/earlysigns#weight-loss https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-diseaselookup/lung-cancer/resource-library/lung-cancer-factsheet https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/causes/ https://amp.cancer.org/cancer/lung-cancer/causes-risksprevention/prevention.html

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HOME OWNERSHIP by Eric Lawrence Frazier MBA

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.