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JULY 2021 Vol. 08 | Issue 7

INDEPENDENCE DAY AND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE INDEPENDENT

MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS BY GSFA AND CALFHA

Page 124

LYDIA POPE

PRESIDENT ELECT OF NAREB

Page 114

HAVE YOU READ OUR PAST ISSUES YET? the power is now

magazine CENTRAL EDITION Vol. 08 | Issue 7

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

JULY 2021 Pg. 18. A Bizzare Moment In the Making! How Do We Protect millions of Americans from The Streets? Pg. 20. Foreclosure Rate Steadily DroppingWhat does this mean for the housing market?

POWER TECHNOLOGY

Pg. 22. Cyber Security in the New Reality! Adapting and Coping With New Threats Pg. 24. Most borrowers prefer hybrid user experience, not just tech.

IN OUR CENTRAL EDITION:

POWER GREEN Pg. 8. Any Progress So Far? California’s renewable energy revolutions.

POWER ECONOMICS Pg. 10. The country is experiencing high inflation for decades, but the housing market has a bigger problem to deal with! Pg. 12. A Steady Job Recovery could be A Blessing and a Curse! Are we ready for increased housing demand?

POWER REAL ESTATE Pg. 14. Construction Finally on the Rise! Construction Spending up by 0.2 percent in Apri. Pg. 16. Over half of homes are selling above the list price, up from 1 in 4 in 2020.

POWER LENDING 4

Pg. 28 Choosing the right commercial investment strategy in 2021, by Steve Peterson. Pg. 32. Your guide to vacant property investment in Texas 2021, by Johnnie Morine. Pg. 36. Down Payment Assistance Programs you should know about in Texas, by Sharon Bartlett.

IN OUR EAST COAST EDITION: Pg. 42. Maryland: Maryland real estate market projection for Q3, 2021, by Emerick Peace. Pg. 46. Appreciation rates and real estate

trends in the Florida Real Estate market in Q2, 2021, by Adriana Montes.

IN OUR WEST COAST EDITION: Pg. 52. When is the Right Time to refinance in Arizona? , by Yvonne McFadden. Pg. 56. What to expect in Arizona Housing Market Q2, 2021, by Peggie Simons. Pg. 60. These are the hidden costs of homeownership that will ruin your budget, by Kamesha Keesee. Pg. 63. Top 10 San Bernardino Neighborhoods worth buying into, by Ameer Elahee. Pg. 68. Looking to Buy In the Inland Empire? Talk to Frazier Realty Group First, by Ruby Frazier. Pg. 72. MEET LYDIA POPE, PRESIDENT ELECT OF NAREB. Pg. 74. Work with CLJ Realty to make your dream of owning a home a reality, by Cornelius Jackson. Pg. 78. Corona housing market data: Trends and Forecast for Q2, 2021, by Jenny Gonzalez. Pg. 82. Is San Bernardino a Seller or a buyer Market in Q2, 2021, by Danon Burnside. Pg. 86. How Safe is the San Diego Housing market in Q2, 2021, by Denise Matthis. Pg. 90. Bay Area Housing Market insights for Q2, 2021, by Kenneth Session. Pg. 94. Top 10 housing market in Sacramento: Where to Invest in 2021, by Robert Langston.

Pg. 98. 5 best places to buy and invest property in 2021, by Briana Frazier. Pg. 102. How Safe is the San Diego Housing market in Q2, 2021, by Adrian Bates. Pg. 106. How to sell a fix and flip property quickly in California, by Success Money. Pg. 105. The PROs and CONs of VA homeownership for veterans, by Joe Fisher.

POWER LEGAL Pg. 114. 12 arrested in California for alleged mortgage ‘conspiracy ring’.

POWER MORTGAGE

Pg. 116. Bidden’s housing proposal hopes to change the housing development in America. Pg. 118. Mortgage Assistance programs by GSFA and CALFHA.

POWER HEALTH Pg. 122. California Must Take Action on Chronic Disease Among Children of Color.

POWER HISTORY Pg. 124. Independence Day and What it means to be independent. Pg. 126. National Moon Day July 2021. l

FROM THE EDITOR

elcome Power Is Now readers and subscribers to spring and another great issue of The PIN Magazine. It is my pleasure to continually provide great information to enrich your knowledge of real estate and all the business and finance matters that surround it. This is not a job it is a passion and I love doing it. This month we focus on homeownership, especially given the fact that Juneteenth was declared a public holiday. Homeownership is at the cornerstone of the American Dream and for a good reason. A good home is the source of stability and economic safety for families, not just in America, but all over the world. In fact, there are numerous studies linking homeownership to economic growth. Thus, people who were brought up in stable homes often end up doing better in life, they get the best health care, better access to education, and employment opportunities among many other added opportunities. As such, we cannot underscore the benefits of homeownership. Yet, minority communities in the country continue to suffer low rates of homeownership compared to the whites. For instance, today the Black-White wealth and homeownership gap has only grown wider than it was more than 100 years ago at the time segregation and discrimination based on color and race was legal. With Junteenthh becoming a federal holiday, I cannot help but wonder if we have come to a safe place where we can truly celebrate our independence, or claim we have won it! Well, I am fully aware that a thousand step just starts with one, and don’t get me wrong, I am happy that Blacks and other minorities are making are inching closer to truer freedom and equality, but we need not forget that there is still a lot to be done and that is my reflection for this month! I am very excited about the July issue and it is my hope that you will share my excitement with others after you have read the magazine. In every issue of The PIN, you will find great articles from our Research Team and on the cover, this month is Lydia Pope, a phenomenal Black Woman, now in charge of the oldest trade organization in the country, NAREB. Lydia’s story 6

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | JULY 2021

is one that will inspire you, get to learn how she became a Licensed Real Estate Broker, Property Manager & General Contractor in the City of Cleveland, Ohio for over 22 years only on this issue of the PIN National Magazine. In other news, learn some interesting statistics about the Corona housing market for the next Quarter and that is not the only market we have featured in this issue. In addition to that, find out whether San Bernardino a Seller or a buyer Market in Q2, 2021 while you study some interesting data about the Bay Area Housing Market. This issue is loaded with tons of information to keep you informed all through the month. At this moment, I would like to thank our power team for their continuous hard work and committment to making The PIN magazine a reality and also to

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

ERIC L. FRAZIER MBA President and CEO The Power Is Now Media, Inc.

Any Progress So Far?

California’s Renewable Energy Revolutions

ith a gross domestic output of $2.6 trillion, California is the world’s sixth-largest economy, surpassing France and India. In 2016, the state used 290,567 gigawatt-hours of power, with more than a third coming from natural gas and around a quarter from renewables. Wind and solar farms are being erected at an unprecedented rate, putting conventional electricity companies’ business models in jeopardy. The state’s activities have transformed the way businesses operate, influenced people’s behavior, and set the agenda for other governments and countries. California’s capacity to set tailpipe-emission limits stricter than those of the federal government, for example, has spurred automakers to design increasingly fuel-efficient automobiles for decades. CALIFORNIA IS AT THE FRONTLINE OF A QUIET REVOLUTION California is on track to achieve its 2020 renewable energy goal and is setting far more ambitious goals for the future. In 2014, its large-scale solar arrays generated more energy than all other states combined. As a result, the state is home to half of the nation’s solar home rooftops, with thousands more added every week. With its progressive politics, hightech inclination, and abundant 8

sunshine, California is rapidly ramping up its clean electricity production, setting an example that its leaders hope the rest of the country and other nations will follow as they seek to reduce carbon dioxide emissions cause global warming. There is a revolution happening, and California is leading it! CALIFORNIA’S PLEDGE TO ATTAIN 100% CLEAN ENERGY IS EASIER SAID THAN DONE Just because California has pledged to use 100 percent THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | JULY 2021

renewable energy does not mean it will be simple or that officials are doing all possible to make it happen. Solar and wind power are becoming increasingly affordable, which has aided the state’s climate efforts. However, as you are probably aware, the sun does not shine, and the wind does not blow around the clock. So we’ll need sustainable energy sources to fill up the gaps sooner or later, and after two evenings of rolling blackouts last summer, it looks like sooner rather than later. This isn’t a recently identified issue. A bill to enhance the state’s renewable energy requirements, according to some experts, “doesn’t do enough to promote sustainable energy sources that can generate electricity around the clock.” Even detractors were optimistic that California would “ultimately diversify its clean energy sources.” Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened often in the last half-decade. State officials are putting pressure on utilities to invest in lithium-ion batteries to store solar energy and be used when the sun goes down. To some extent, this should assist avoid blackouts. Meanwhile, Newsom’s administration is scrambling to keep the lights on this summer, delaying the closure deadline for four fossil-fueled power facilities in Southern California, among other things. In addition, the Public Utilities Commission is set to vote today on a proposal that critics say will give gas plants another lifeline. CONCLUSION Over the last decade, solar, wind, and battery storage technologies have become much more affordable. Furthermore, they are flexible and have proven to be far easier to deploy and construct than new nuclear power facilities. However, variable renewable energy sources are unlikely to supply the world’s energy needs on their own. And the issues we’ve described above, which are being faced by countries like Germany and states like California, are at least somewhat surmountable.

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REFERENCES https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/newsinsights/latest-news-headlines/calif-aggregators-to-seek-up-to20-gw-of-renewable-energy-storage-by-2030-61247574 https://environmentcalifornia.org/news/cae/decade-progresspositions-california-take-renewable-energy-next-level WWW.THEPOWERISNOW.COM

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created was cut in half compared to the prior decade, the housing market has struggled to keep up with demand. The scarcity of homes for sale has created a supply-side restriction while demand for residential real estate has grown.

The Country is experiencing high inflation for decades, but the housing market has a bigger problem to deal with!

Millennials, accounting for 38% of all homebuyers, are getting married and having children, and as a result, are shopping for their first or second home. Because there are so many interested buyers in the market, numerous people bid on the same house, causing price hikes. Then there is the matter of affordability. Policy Influence on Housing Price According to a Knight Frank index, global residential property values have increased by 60% in the last ten years. Even as COVID-19 suffocated the global economy, they rose an average of 5.6 percent in 2020, with spikes of 20 percent to 30 percent in some markets. While low mortgage rates have long been the main engine of the rally, other government incentives for homeownership, as well as more recent pandemicera assistance such as property tax exemptions, have also played a role.

nterest rates are being harmed by inflation, which is at its highest level in decades. The housing market, on the other hand, seems to have a much bigger problem.

Many of these one-time support policies will be phased out. Still, governments are frequently wary of politically risky steps to keep prices in check, such as outlawing multiple property ownership or loosening development laws.

Actually, given that we are still at levels that would have been recorded lows at any other time before COVID, it’s not difficult for an issue to develop worse than rates right now. Furthermore, higher rates (within reason) may aid in bridging the gap between supply and demand, which has reached unprecedented proportions.

Construction may be a probable solution. After being crowded into a small apartment or house during COVID-19 lockdowns, there is a revived interest in housing. People now want more room than ever before. In 2021, a new single-family home property could hit 1 million.

That takes us to the crux of the issue: supply—or rather, a lack of it. It is a regular refrain to lament the lack of housing inventory, but it’s never been more pertinent. The negative consequences are becoming more apparent, as various house sales data have been stagnant for several months. The most recent example was this week’s news on new home sales, which fell marginally and fell short of forecasts. Dearth in House Supply Since the 2010s, when the number of new homes 10

The last time single-family home sales surpassed one million was in 2007. In 2021, there are expected to be around 1.134 million. More entrylevel homes should be on the market in 2021, which could help address affordable housing. As builders try to meet the demand for these homes, we will see more cheap homes come into the market organically. References https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/new-homeconstruction-forecast/

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | JULY 2021

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A STEADY JOB RECOVERY COULD BE A BLESSING AND A CURSE!

Are we ready for increasing house demand?

UNEXPECTED RISE IN HOUSE PRICING Despite the devastating pandemic-induced economic recession, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) stated that the index of house prices climbed by 10.2 percent in the 12 months before October 2020 and 1.5 percent in October 2019 alone, growing at an annual pace of 18 percent. We expected that house prices would fall during downturns rather than rising, and certainly not at such extraordinary rates. This unexpected price rise is a significant event that should not be dismissed or ignored. While it may simply be a pandemic-period mirage that will fade as COVID vaccines become more widely available, it may also represent a new normal for housing and housing finance dynamics. This is a problem because house price

appreciation is fundamental to how families accumulate wealth, how much risk exists in mortgage lending, the best business strategy for mortgage and home construction companies, and government policymaking. HOMEOWNERSHIP IS FAST BECOMING AN ELITE CLUB Increased demand and constrained supply have led to excellent home value increases for homeowners. For those who could take advantage of historically low mortgage rates, managing the market was stressful, but they came out on top. However, we are excluding a growing percentage of Americans from the housing market. Homeownership is becoming an exclusive club that charges a hefty entry fee while leaving many people out in the cold. According to Laurie Goodman, executive vice president of the Urban Institute, homeownership is the best way to build wealth. For reference, a homeowner’s net worth is 80 times that of a renter’s. However, homeownership rates have been decreasing. If the current path persists, the homeownership rate will decline from 64.7% to 62.1% by the end of the next two decades, and those losses will be heavily concentrated among black and young Americans. Afflicting current inequalities, 72% of non-Hispanic white households own homes in 2018, contrasted with 56% of Asian families, 49% of Hispanic households, and 42% of Black households. Interestingly, Black homeownership rates have declined further since fair housing laws were passed in 1968, the researchers say.

References: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brendarichardson/2020/12/16/ experts-predict-what-the-housing-market-will-be-like-in2021/?sh=36fd591436dc https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/blog/extraordinary-andunexpected-pandemic-increase-house-prices-causesand-implications

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | JULY 2021

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n February, the U.S. economy added more jobs than expected, thanks to a drop in new COVID-19 infections and additional pandemic relief funds from the government, which boosted hiring at restaurants and other service businesses, firmly resuming the labor market recovery. This year’s housing market has been on fire, thanks to record-low mortgage rates and a sudden surge of relocations enabled by remote work. Meanwhile, as the demand for housing continues to rise, home prices have reached new highs. We should see a steady increase in job growth momentum in the coming months due to increased vaccination rates and additional fiscal stimulus; this creates a new issue in itself? How do we meet the imminent housing demands in the wake of increased economic recovery and the need for housing from persons with purchasing power?

Construction finally on the rise! CONSTRUCTION SPENDING UP BY 0.2 PERCENT IN APRIL

U.S. CONSTRUCTION SPENDING INCREASED BY REDUCED APRIL HOMEBUILDING GROWTH The home building sector rose by 1% in April and is now 29.7% higher than one year ago, showcasing how robust home construction has been over the past year. Single-family home construction increased by 1.3% in January, and apartment construction rose by 1.9%. The non-residential building fell 0.5% in April and is 4.8% below a year ago. In the past year, with the pandemic induced lockdowns, developers have struggled with several canceled commercial projects due to many businesses having employees work from their homes. Many believe the trend of eliminating office space will continue. In April, government building spending fell by 0.6% and is down 2.2% from a year ago due to tax revenue has decreased because of the pandemic. Total highway 14

construction increased 0.6% in April but declined 2.7% from a year earlier. According to Rubeela Farooqi, the Chief U.S. Economist at High-Frequency Economics, residential construction activity should remain supported by low inventories and a still-strong demand. RESIDENTIAL GROWTH CONTINUES TO BE A BRIGHT SPOT In general construction, the residential sector again accounted for most of the modest monthly gain. Residential expenditure rose by 1.0% during the month, after jumping by 2.6% in March. Outlays on single-family projects increased 1.3 percent, as building contractors pushed to match the recent boom in domestic purchases, which pushed completed-home inventories to historic lows. One other segment whose March dynamism could not match April when spending jumped 2.3 per cent on a single-family residential building. However, it is encouraging for the current year compared to the first four months of 2020 because housing buildings are more than 30 per cent higher. NON- RESIDENTIAL GROWTH IS TOLERABLE Non-residential outlays slid 0.5%, marking five months of straight decline. The most significant decreases include

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onstruction expenditure increased 0.2% in April as housing growth continued. An increase in March followed a rise of 1 per cent, up from an initial estimate of 0.2 per cent. The recent surge in construction in April drove an annualized rate of $1.52 trillion, which is 9.8 per cent higher than the figure in 2020. Activity is 6.8 per cent higher in the first four months of this year compared to last year.

a 1.5 percent decrease in power construction investment, which is down 5.6 percent year to date. The educational building is one of the Big 6 non-residential categories and is down 5.7% this year. PRICES OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS ARE UP Material prices setting records for construction. Longer lead times and considerably higher material prices will be a significant impediment in the future. Nonetheless, there are hints that construction activity will improve further. The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) rose to 57.9 in April, a peak level since 2007. The recent upswing in the ABI means that non-residential construction should improve considerably over the next few years. Producer Price Index (PPI) for April showed prices were up 12.9% year-over-year.

References: https://apnews.com/article/business-079a7af2ff620b49 bfa9ba2468b18723

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | JULY 2021

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Home prices continue to rise as pending sales, and new listings begin their customary seasonal decline.

OVER HALF OF HOMES ARE SELLING ABOVE THE LIST PRICE, UP FROM 1 IN 4 IN 2020

ince the pandemic began more than a year ago, a lack of available housing stock has fueled home price growth. In February, the national Core Logic Home Price Index increased by double digits year over year. In other words, home price growth has more than doubled since the pandemic began. Because mortgage rates are reaching historic lows, some home buyers are ready – and suddenly able – to pay a higher price to secure their ideal house. As a result, more than half of the homes sold in February 2021 were priced at or above the asking price. Notably, at this time last year, stay-at-home pandemic orders effectively halted home buying and selling, rendering year-over-year comparisons for specific housing metrics unreliable. We have divided this analysis into two sections: metrics that are comparable to the same period in 2020 and metrics that make more sense to compare to the same period in 2019. 16

IN COMPARISON TO 2020, THE FOLLOWING METRICS APPLY: •

• •

•

The median home sale price reached a new high of $354,250, and sales increased by a record 24 percent year. The median asking price hit $361,875, a new high. A record-high average sale-to-list price ratio of 101.9 per cent indicates how closely homes sell to their asking prices, increasing 3.4 percentage points year over year. This means that the average home sold for 1.9 percent more than it was listed for. For homes sold during the period, the average time on the market was 17 days, down from 36 days in 2020. The percentage of homes sold in one week and the percentage sold in two weeks are just shy of their record highs set during the four weeks ending May 9. THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | JULY 2021

• •

57 percent of houses that were put on contract got an accepted offer in the first two weeks of being placed on the market. Within one week of going under contract, 44% of homes received an accepted offer.

IN COMPARISON TO 2019, THE FOLLOWING METRICS APPLY: • •

•

Pending home sales increased 19% from the same period last year but fell 3% from the four weeks ending May 9. New home listings were down 8% from the same period the previous year and are slightly below the 2021 high set during the four weeks ending May 2. The number of active listings (homes listed for sale at any point) decreased by 49% from the same period in 2019.

We are experiencing the typical late-spring slowdown in pending sales and new listings. On the other hand, prices typically peak in late August, and their growth remains completely unpredictable. The fact that homes continue to sell for significantly more than their asking prices indicates that many more people are looking for a home than there are available. That is unlikely to change until mortgage rates rise later this year. However, the housing market will remain extremely hot until then.”

References: https://www.redfin.com/news/housing-market-update-home-prices-surge-24-pct/

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Black renters are roughly four times as likely as white renters to be in arrears across the country.

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | JULY 2021

A BIZARRE MOMENT IN THE MAKING! HOW DO WE PROTECT MILLIONS OF AMERICANS FROM THE STREETS?

he federal eviction moratorium and enhanced unemployment benefits expire in July; Congress debates extensions. Economists and experts on housing and construction predict that millions of Americans with missed rent payments owing to the coronavirus pandemic will be evicted in the coming months if the government fails to extend protection measures. According to weekly Census Bureau data, nearly 12 million adults live in households that missed their most recent rent payment, and 23 million have little or no confidence in their ability to make the next one. An eviction moratorium that applies to properties with federally insured mortgages protects roughly one-third of all renters in the United States. This embargo will expire on July 25. Many renters are unemployed and rely on $600 weekly supplemental unemployment benefits, which expire on July 31. AT-RISK GROUPS Some states’ eviction rates will almost certainly be higher than others. According to The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, nearly one-quarter of Florida and South Carolina renters are behind on their housing payments, compared to 6% in Maine and Kentucky. According to Alicia Mazzara, a senior research analyst on the CBPP’s housing policy team, the disparities are due to various factors. ”Some states already had greater housing affordability issues before the pandemic,” she explained. Another likely factor would be the state’s economy – for example, we know that the pandemic has caused significant job losses in the restaurant and hospitality sectors,” Mazzara added. Black renters are roughly four times as likely as white renters to be in arrears across the country. WWW.THEPOWERISNOW.COM

The pandemic has exacerbated racial inequities, so blacks will proportionately be more affected than their white counterparts. Households with lower incomes also have more difficulty paying their rent or living paycheck to paycheck before the pandemic will be vulnerable. Another vulnerable group is the elderly. According to a recent survey, more than 100,000 people over 65 will be evicted in the space of the next two months. Almost 450,000 renters aged 55 to 64 share a similar fate. RENT ASSISTANCE COULD STAVE OFF LONG TERM IMPACTS Helping renters now can prevent looming evictions and quiet even longer-term problems that are no less serious. Such as renters struggling to pay back credit cards or other debt, struggling to manage a repayment plan, or emerging from the pandemic with little savings remaining. Rent assistance can also help smaller landlords, who are seeing a disproportionate number of tenants who cannot pay. A large number of evictions would result in severe financial hardship. Losing a home is one of the most traumatic events a family can go through, with studies showing that people who have been evicted are more likely to lose their jobs, become ill, or suffer from mental health problems. Children whose parents are evicted are far more likely to drop out of school, according to an upcoming UCLA research study by ”60 Minutes,” and evictions also promote the spread of COVID-19.

References: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/23/opinion/coronavirus-evictions-rent.html

Foreclosure rate steadily dropping What does this mean for the housing market? Despite a deep recession, the housing market set a record for the fewest foreclosure. At the time, about 214,323 properties were in some stage of foreclosure, according to ATTOM Data Solutions. In addition, 0.16% of all U.S. homes have foreclosures filed in 2020, compared to a 0.36% foreclosure rate in 2019. The all-time high was 2.23%.

eparately, Black Knight reported that foreclosure starts dropped by 67% in 2019, and foreclosures were down 70% compared to the prior year. The data isn’t all rosy, though. The total number of 90-day mortgage delinquencies rose by 1.7 million during the year of the coronavirus pandemic. Banks stopped foreclosing in 2020 due to an economic upturn. Following the coronavirus pandemic in March, state and federal authorities shut down lenders’ default procedures. HOW FORECLOSURES AFFECT HOUSING Foreclosures can affect the prices of nearby homes in two distinct ways. The first is that they increase the supply of existing homes on the market. A more excellent supply of homes for sale in a given market may result in lower prices or a long wait time for a deal to close. However, a wave of foreclosures may significantly impact nearby home prices than a simple shortage of available homes. Typically, homeowners who have a blemish on their credit report are the ones foreclosed. They may be expressly prohibited from obtaining certain types of mortgages for a specified period by the market’s dominant mortgage providers or insurers. For example, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will typically not lend to a borrower who has been foreclosed on within the last three years. This foreclosure effect could be mitigated if savvy investors waited to enter the market and quickly convert owner-occupied homes previously to rental housing. However, if local ordinances make conversion prohibitively expensive or rental 20

tenants have less motivation to care for homes than owners do, this intervention may take time. The second way foreclosures can have a detrimental effect on the values of nearby properties is through the creation of a “negative externality.” That is, the mere presence of a foreclosed home may detract from a neighborhood’s desirability and affect FORECLOSURE PREVENTION Home prices have risen dramatically in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, homeowners who become unable to pay their mortgages when their forbearance periods expire will likely be able to sell their homes for a profit rather than face foreclosure. According to Ralph DeFranco, chief global economist at mortgage insurer Arch Capital Services, if they have equity in the property, they can always sell it to pay off the mortgage. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than allowing the bank to seize and sell it. Lenders appear to be unprepared for a repeat of the Great Recession’s foreclosure crisis during this recession. Then, default filings clogged court systems, and Washington’s clumsy response resulted in strict mortgage lending regulations. Lenders are now repositioning themselves to take a more cooperative, less punitive approach. References https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/foreclosures-fell-to-record-low-in-2020/ https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-REB-26886

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | JULY 2021

Workshop Title:

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Adapting and Coping With New Threats

CYBER SECURITY IN THE NEW REALITY! 22

Cybersecurity concerns are growing overwhelmingly in all types and sizes of businesses. But one sector that has the most profound fears in the financial services sector, and for a good reason. In today’s modern world, almost all the valuable information of any financial organization is stored electronically. Also, more systems and databases are used in financial institutions as the world continues to exponentially employ the use of the internet and mobile technologies for data transmissions and the making of transactions. All these electronic activities in financial institutions make the risk of cyber-attacks imminent.

inancial institutions have to go beyond protecting vital data such as customer records or any other confidential documents and face the more significant challenge of safeguarding their systems, networks, and financial assets under them. In case several institutions are attacked simultaneously, the blow on market confidence and the nation’s financial stability would be catastrophic. Cybersecurity insinuations are so severe that in 2015, the US Director of National Intelligence ranked cybercrime as the top national threat saying that its risk is “higher than that of terrorism, espionage, and weapons of mass destruction.” The dangers posed by cybercrimes against the financial services industry have raised concerns and are now in the spotlight of watchdogs globally. Financial institutions have all the right to be highly concerned about their cybersecurity. According to the 2015 Industry Drill-Down Report from Websense, the financial services sector faces cyber-attacks 300% more frequently than any other

sector. In the first half of 2015 alone, the Identity Theft Resource Center counted at least 30 known breaches in the financial sector. In the same year, business leaders have it upon themselves to prevent cyberattacks. 2015 Travellers Business Risk Index states that 80% of leaders from the financial services sector cited prioritizing the fight to avoid cyber risks, above compliance, legal, and other economic concerns. Many of the leaders have taken measures to strengthen their cybersecurity position. However, the sector still faces the same challenge due to the speed of technological advancements and the continuously sophisticated nature of cyberattacks. WHAT TRIGGERS CYBERATTACKS? One of the primary triggers of cybersecurity threats to the financial services sector is the increased exposure to foreign intelligence entities and the propagation of digital data. This data poses a considerable threat to any financial institution once it lands on the hands of hacktivists influenced

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by political or social agendas or anyone seeking to cause systematic chaos in the financial markets. Another possible factor that triggers cyber-attacks is the existence of malicious and unwitting company insiders such as employees, contractors, suppliers, or even business partners who have the authority to access sensitive information or systems of a particular financial institution. A recent security survey on the financial services sector shows that almost half (46%) of security specialists cited that the most predominant cause of breaches is abuse or misuse of the institutions’ insiders. CYBER THREATS FEARED MOST BY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS The world of cyber-crime may be vast, but there are those threats that can bring severe damage to the financial services sector. They include; •

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Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)these are undetected, persistent computer hacking processes that give the hackers access to a high-value network of the organization. The threat features phishing emails or using other tricks to fool employees into downloading malware that gives access to the hacker. Internal threats- any insider who has authorized access to the institution’s systems poses an irrevocable risk to the institution. The insiders may authorize the access intentionally or unintentionally, which could be a result of the increased use of personal devices at the workplace and the use of cloudbased storage. Account takeover- cybercriminals tend to hack their way into bank systems or credit cards, especially those that interface through the internet. Once the criminals are in, they have the power to carry out any transactions. Other threats include; third-party payment processor breaches, supply chain infiltration, and payment card skimming, among others.

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HOW ORGANIZATIONS CAN PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM CYBER-ATTACKS Despite the issue of cyber-attacks being so challenging, there are ways institutions can use to keep away intruders or at least sound an alarm when there is a breach. One of the ways is through implementing basic security operations. The institutions should have a strong foundation of network hardware, software, and limited fault monitoring systems such as IPS, IDS, firewalls, and SIEM systems. The systems help to keep the firm protected from 80% of known threats. Another way to prevent this is by introducing compliant security operations. This can be done by introducing specific steps and documentation practiced by a network operation center or a security operation center (SOC). The focus of this move is to deploy more quick detection of any intrusions and establish a reactive defense posture. Organizations should also use sustainable security operations that align the organizational procedures and documentation with industry best practices or compliance standards. These facilities usually are dedicated to giving cybersecurity to the organization and responding to any form of threat. Another way to do this is through the use of the most recent intelligence-driven defense. This defense is driven by organizational collaboration, intelligence, event analysis, and early threat detection. The defense can be used to strengthen the organization’s security posture with a predictive capability that enables the organization to respond to any developing threats before they are launched. Works cited. http://www.cutoday.info/content/download/26039/218761/ version/1/file/Lockheed+Martin+Guide+to+Cybersecurity.pdf

MOST BORROWERS PREFER A HYBRID USER EXPERIENCE OVER JUST TECHNOLOGY Black renters are roughly four times as likely as white renters to be in arrears across the country.

s financial technology becomes more critical to mortgage lenders, most customers prefer communication methods, including speaking with or meeting with loan officers. According to Lender Insights Survey and ICE Mortgage Technology’s Borrower, three-quarters of loan officers contacted their clients at least once every week after filing applications. Seventy-two per cent of lenders and 77 percent of borrowers agreed that the amount of contact resulted in satisfied customers. Borrowers overwhelmingly preferred a hybrid approach to communication, combining digital and traditional methods like inperson interactions and phone calls. Approximately three-quarters of the 2,000 borrowers and renters polled chose some combination, with 26 percent preferring an even split between the two types of contact, 25 percent emphasizing traditional methods, and 14 percent emphasizing digital strategies. In total, about 24% of survey respondents desired exclusively conventional methods, while about 11% preferred a purely digital experience. A TOUCH OF HUMANITY IS STILL REQUIRED While mortgage technology advanced significantly due to pandemic conditions necessitating a digital means of conducting business, a tailored, human touch is the first requirement for an optimal user experience. “Many lenders saw solutions like point-of-sale or eClose as marketing tools, rather than a way to improve the borrower experience,” ICE Mortgage Technology president Joe Tyrrell said. Speed of response and the ability to automatically keep consumers informed of the progress of their loans have genuinely become indemand capabilities. COVID-19 has forever changed the way lenders did business, and 2020’s record loan volume highlighted the need to move away from manual processes to scale appropriately. In addition, a nearly unanimous 99 percent of lenders believe that technology will streamline the mortgage process and lower costs in the future.

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While implementing cutting-edge technologies can be beneficial, they must also be compatible with legacy systems. A survey by Tyrell’s group confirms lenders complain about the difficulty of creating a unified consumer experience when leveraging multiple providers for an eClose experience. This crucial process will remain fragmented until a single vendor covers all aspects of borrower engagement, as diverse technologies provide varied user experiences. Around 58 percent of consumers claimed using an online application portal would influence their lender selection, and 63 percent believe online options are more accessible than in-person processes. More than half of online applicants said the streamlined procedure and shorter application deadlines were beneficial. Among the 91 percent of lenders who provided online options, 60 percent reported receiving more

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than half of their applications online, while 38 percent received more than 80 percent.

THE BEST BET The Lending business is challenging. Same as banking, borrowing money has been historically frustrating; there are loans, overdrafts, credit cards. In addition, fees are usually not transparent; the price displayed on comparison websites is not the price you pay; there is extra charges when you pay back early — to name a few pain points. Hybrid solutions involving tech and human interactions are the best solution addressing the pain points that borrowers may encounter. References https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/financial-services/assets/pdf/ technology2020-and-beyond.pdf

SELECT A VIP AGEN Adrian Bates Los Angeles

Adriana Montes Florida

Ameer Elahee Fontana

Cornelius Jackson Irvine

Danon Burnside San Bernardino

Denise Matthis San Diego

Joe L. Fisher Richmond

Johnnie Morine Texas

Jenny Gonzalez Corona

Kamesha Keesee Corona

Kenneth Session Bay Area

Briana Frazier Los Angeles

Emerick A. Peace Maryland

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NT IN YOUR AREA Monica Hill Menifee

Norman Green San Francisco

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Yvonne McFadden Arizona

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Steve Peterson Oakland

Success Money LA Area

CHOOSING THE RIGHT INVESTMENT STRATEGY IN 2021

By Steve Peterson If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that you can’t have all your eggs in one basket. A wide investment portfolio provides the much-needed safety net. Commercial investment is not only a great way to spread out your investments but it offers very good returns. But first, what is commercial investment? Well, this involves putting money into for-profit enterprises with the aim of generating income.

There are various types of strategies of investing in commercial real estate. This includes core, core-plus, value added and opportunistic. This however does not mean that they are all suitable for you. There are things you should consider, like what kind of properties to invest in, their yields and what factors will affect their profitability. WWW.THEPOWERISNOW.COM

When choosing an investment strategy, it is important to access the following. 1. FINANCING. As an investor, it should be clear from the beginning how you intend to finance the investment, the amount of down payment you can put down and your credit score. Your financial capacity automatically influences the kind of strategy you will employ, mainly based on affordability. It is prudent that you invest within your means. 2. ASSET TYPES. Commercial real estate provides a wide range of property types to choose from. They are broadly categorized into four; retail, office space, multi-family and industrial. Retail properties contain units

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great example of commercial investment and one that I’ll be discussing in this article is Commercial Real Estate. This involves investing in properties such as office buildings, medical centers, hotels or retail stores. This kind of investment is always appealing because it provides consistent returns, passive income and potential for growth.

for businesses such as malls and stalls. Office spaces are those properties that can be used for medical centers or hotels. While industrial are properties where production and storage such as warehousing can be done. Multi-family consists of two or more rental homes that can generate rent income. Some property types profitability levels vary and so do their supply and demand. As an investor you should look to invest in those that yield high returns with low risks. 3. YIELD. It is important to assess the potential income an investment can generate. The value of possible future returns should help you decide whether to invest using a certain strategy or not. Yields in the case of commercial properties are valued as percentages of the annual income, the running costs and the properties costs. A high yield promises a profitable venture. 4. DUE DILIGENCE Due diligence refers to the period where the investor researches the investment property before making a deal. An investor should review the previous owner’s financial statements, tax returns, documents and should further survey and conduct property inspections before deciding whether to invest or not.

saturated market means low yields. An investor should identify a target area. From there, research what is available in the market and what is missing. If the investor already has a property type in mind, the next step is to conduct a feasibility study to better understand if investing in it is the right decision to make. 6. MARKET CYCLES. The market is never constant at any given moment. Tides change and when they do, it is important to know what they mean for the investment. Profit or loss? A better understanding of the real estate market cycle is important because it acts as a guide to know when to buy and when to sell, should an investor decide to sell. 7. IDENTIFY THE SETBACKS. Before investing in any strategy, realistically identify any challenges you might encounter during the whole process of investing and thereafter. Identify problems that could crop up from time to time with the

kind of investment you’re considering. A tenant may fail to pay rent or the budget may be blown. An investor should anticipate these problems and have a set way of dealing with them. This plan will help the investor not feel overwhelmed when trouble comes knocking. As appealing as investing in commercial real estate is, it is important to know that a good property for one person doesn’t make it suitable for you. It is therefore advisable for you to vastly research on the best strategy that works for you.

Work cited. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/commercialinvestment.asp https://fnrpusa.com/blog/strategies-for-commercialreal-estate-investmen/ https://phoenixcommercialnc.com/real-estateinvestment/ https://www.millionacres.com/real-estate/6-thingsyou-need-know-investing-commercial-real-estate/

5. LOCATION. Every market has its own unique supply and demand patterns. A choice in location should be very strategic. A 30

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YOUR GUIDE TO VACANT PROPERTY INVESTMENT IN TEXAS IN 2021 By Johnnie Morine

For first time investors, however, taking the first step could be intimidating. It could appear like a real estate maze but with a proper guide it should be as easy as can be.

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1. CONDUCT AN INVESTMENT ANALYSIS. When making any investment, the goal is usually to make profit. Before diving into an investment blindly, conduct an investment analysis that will give you a clear picture of how much you stand to make when you put money into a property. There are online resources such as Mashivor.com that will give you cash on cash returns of an investment, the expected rental income, the expected cash flow among other metrics. Additionally, conduct a comparative market analysis (CMA). This will make comparisons of the property against similar properties. Essentially, if the property doesn’t give you profit, it is better to hold-off from investing regardless of how much you like the property.

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here many lucrative ways to invest in the Texas real estate market. One of the ways is by investing in vacant properties. Here, an investor can transform an abandoned or a vacant property or building such as a hospital into a rental property. It will require you to look past the rusty exterior and into the great potential it holds. Investing in such properties pose a great source of income and the neighbors will be glad to see something great go up in place of the hideous property. However, it does require you to roll up your sleeves. Finding a great property in a great location isn’t always easy. But trust me, the rewards are going to be worthwhile.

2. FINDING VACANT PROPERTY PROPERTIES. Finding a vacant property in Texas isn’t as hard as you may think. You can even spot one as you are driving around in the neighborhood. You can as well check with banks in Texas and find properties in which they have failed to follow after foreclosures and have abandoned them. If that does not work you can liaise with the local postal office and they can alert you on buildings whose mail is piling up. You can also opt to advertise; the local neighbors’ can be very resourceful and can point you toward abandoned properties. The local realtor inventory can also be very useful; you might find an ideal vacant property on there. 3. FINDING THE OWNER OF THE VACANT PROPERTY. First, you need to check the tax record to find out whether the owner wrote their new address and if they did try to communicate with them. You can also ask the neighbors if they have any information on the whereabouts of the owner. Alternatively, you can hire a tracer to find the owner which is a more effective way.

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Additionally, in this digital era, it easy to find people on the internet you. When you find them on social media, inbox them with your intention to buy. This method, however, is only useful if you have their full names. You can go the traditional way of pen and paper and leave a physical note on the door of the property. Make sure your note is as visible as possible.

4. PURCHASE THE VACANT PROPERTY. This is no different from buying a regular investment property. Once you are able to contact the owner, express your interest on the property. Before you initiate contact with the owner, be sure to thoroughly inspect the property. Since vacant properties have been unoccupied for a long time, they could have an array of problems. Make sure that the repairs needed won’t cost you an arm and a leg. When you engage the owner, evaluate their motivation to sell. If they are very eager to sell, you might want to have a second look on the property. 5. FINANCING THE VACANT PROPERTY. The method you choose when financing the property, relies heavily on the purpose you in tend to use the building for. Your credit score will also come into play when you are deciding on the best suitable financing method. Make sure you rank highly before applying for any mortgage. You could choose to finance using, a traditional mortgage, FHA loan, renovation loan, or loan equity home. Select the one that offers you the best deal. When investing in vacant properties, it is important to remember that it’s a costly venture but with great rewards if done correctly. Before investing in any, do your due diligence. It would be disappointing to find surprises along the way.

Work cited. https://www.fortunebuilders.com/vacant-property/ https://www.mashivor.com/blog/investing-vacant-property/

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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.

By Sharon Bartlett

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he thought of buying a home for the very first time can be very intimidating. More so, when it comes to saving up enough money for the down payment. To encourage homeownership, many states, and Texas is no exception, have put in place down payment assistance programs. These programs come in the form of grants, loans and other such programs. They look to lessen the burden that many home buyers have of having inadequate down payment. Majority of these programs are run by organizations and non-profit organizations. There are of course requirements that you must meet for you to qualify. These range from your credit history to your income. Different counties, however, have different requirements. This should not scare you though. With the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) the credit score minimum is 620.

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DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT IN TEXAS

So, what assistance programs are available in Texas? 1. My First Texas Home Program.

This assistance program is offered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). To the successful applicants, it gives a 30-year mortgage with relatively low interest rates. It also pays up to 5% on the down payment and is applicable for FHA, VA or USDA loans. However, this is not a grant and must be paid back when you sell, refinance or pay-off your mortgage. This program is available to anyone with a minimum credit score of 620. There are other requirements, but they vary from one county to the other. It is better to check your eligibility online to see if you qualify.

2. TDHCA My Choice Texas Home.

Thankfully, this program is available for both first-time and repeat homebuyers. It offers a 30-year mortgage at a low interest rate. It additionally offers a 5% assistance to cover both the closing costs and down payment. This offer has zero interest and you do not have to pay a monthly payment on the second mortgage. To qualify, you must finance your house using FHA, VA or USDA loans. Additionally, you can opt to obtain the Fannie Mae HFA Preferred conventional loan. It requires you to have at least a 620-credit score. You additionally have to meet the income and price limits requirements.

3. The Home Sweet Home Loan Program.

This program is provided by the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC). The program offers a 30-year-fixed-rate mortgage and a down payment assistance of 5%. It can be offered either as a grant or as a loan. It is forgivable after three years but should you choose to sell your home before the three years are up, you will have to repay the amount after you sell.

It does have requirements involving income limits, but these vary from one county to the other.

4. The Home for Texas Heroes Home Loan Program.

This program is offered by TSAHC to people who work in public service including, teachers, firefighters, EMS personnel, correctional officers, police and veterans. Like all the above programs, it offers a 30-year-fixed-rate mortgage and a down payment assistance of up to 5%. It is offered as either a grant or as a loan. Luckily, with this loan, you do not need to be a first-time homebuyer.

Your income and home price cannot, however, exceed the income and purchase limits. Moreover, there are a few other assistance programs offered by counties. They include:

1. The Hill County Home Down Payment Assistance.

This program is for those homebuyers who want to settle down in Travis County. It does also include the City of Austin. It is a grant of up to 5%. You do not have to worry about paying this amount back.

2. 5-Star Texas Advantage Program.

This program is offered by Southeast Texas Housing Finance Corporation (SETH). It offers people in Texas, a 5% assistance with both the down payment and closing costs.

Buying a house in Texas doesn’t have to be a nightmare. There are programs that exist to make the process a lot easier. But be sure to check your eligibility online before applying. Also, don’t forget to compare mortgage rates with different lender so that you get the absolute best deal.

Work cited. https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/texas-first-time-homebuyer-programs/. https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/texas-first-time-homebuyer-programs/. https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/down-payment-assistance. https://www.tsahc.org/homebuyers-renters/loans-down-payment-assistance.

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Maryland real estate market projection for Q3,2021

The second quarter has seen a lot of would-be homeowners get buyer fatigue. I wouldn’t blame them; the Maryland housing market is very competitive. The bidding wars are ruthless and you can have your offer rejected in multiple homes. But as we get well into the year, are things going to look up? 1. STRONG DEMAND FOR HOUSES. The housing market for both the first and second quarter have been primarily characterized by high demand and low supply of inventory. However, more homeowners, unlike last year, are listing their homes in the market. Sadly, even with this supply, the demand is still outweighing the supply. The WWW.THEPOWERISNOW.COM

Maryland housing market is seeing house stay on the market for only 6 days, down from 11. And unfortunately, as we draw nearer to the third quarter, things are least likely to look up. Median prices are going to reach an all-time high in the coming months. Even higher than the average price of this April of $429,484, according to Heraldmailmedia.com. The prices will be driven up by the high demand and low mortgage rates. Things are, however, expected to cool-off a bit in the Fall. But before then, brace yourself, there are going to be numerous offers on the same property and you will have to engage in some bidding wars before you get your dream home. 2. LOW MORTGAGE INTEREST. For most of the year, mortgage rates have been averaging close to 3%. But just how stable are they? Experts say, that it is unlikely for the rates to up this coming quarter. However, as the year progresses, interest rates will go up gradually. Logan Mohtashami, a housing data analyst at Housewire, says the interest rates will not go beyond 4%.

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2021

is yet another year where Maryland is experiencing a real estate boom. The demand for homes has gone through the roof as the State has had an influx of buyers. This surge is attributed to the low mortgage rates and the current job growth. Unfortunately, the number of homes on the market are unable to meet the current demand.

There is inflation, and rates should go up. But experts say that this inflation is only temporary and will not affect the interest rates. According to Time.com, the Federal Reserve is seeking to keep the rates low over the next two to three years, as the pandemic unfolds. Therefore, if you are looking to buy a home, this might be the time to take advantage of the low interest rates before they inch forward. 3. EMPLOYMENT RATE. The pandemic saw the unemployment rate in Maryland rise to 6.8%. As of May, 2021, Maryland has gained at least 11,500 jobs, which has brought the unemployment rate to 6.1%, according to the Maryland Department of Labor. Job growth has been consistently growing over the course of thirteenth months. As the economy reopens and gradually grows, employment will continue to rise and people will have more income. It is, therefore, expected that there will be new entrants in the market. This will put pressure on an already expended housing supply. 4. PRICES At the beginning of the second quarter, the listing price for homes hit a new high, with a 15.2% rise from last year. The high demand of houses in Maryland is going to make the prices

appreciate even higher in the third quarter. The sale of existing homes will rise and so will that of new buildings. The builders of this homes are going to take advantage of the buyer influx and charge higher. People are going to have to pay over the asking the price and a lot of bidding wars will take place. The low mortgage rates available do also play a role, as many people are now able to afford homes. If you are going to enter the housing market, make an offer that will win you the bid. The third quarter, like the other two, will be very competitive. You will have to be patient as getting your dream home will not be easy. But with a qualified Maryland real estate agent, the experience should be easier. Also, consider buying homes in the ‘cooler’ regions, where the demand isn’t as fierce and maybe your bid will be accepted.

Work Cited https://time.com/nextadvisor/mortgages/mortgage-predictions-2021/ https://www.dllr.state.md.us/whatsnews/mlr/shtml https://www.housebuyersofamerica.com/blog/maryland-housing-market-2021and-beyond https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/story/news/2021/05/20/maryland-realtorssay-home-sales-and-prices-up-state-and-washington

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By Adriana Montes

Appreciation Rates and real estate trends in the Florida real estate market in Q2

In the first quarter of 2021, Florida was essentially a sellers’ market with home prices shooting through the roof. The high demand and low inventory played a massive role in this. According to Noradarealestate.com, housing is down over 38% year over year and at historical lows. But is the second quarter any different? Are the prices going to drop? Is this a good time to invest? Appreciation rates. WWW.THEPOWERISNOW.COM

Like most other housing markets, Florida is currently experiencing a low supply of housing inventory. The demand has been so high and the housing market has been very competitive. Millennials have joined the market with a zeal to buy homes. That, according to Noradarealestate. com, has seen the prices of homes in Florida rise by double digits. The economy in Florida is also recovering from the effects of the pandemic. Something that is giving a lot of homebuyers the confidence to enter the market. However, the demand by far outweighs the supply. For Example, according to data from NAR, home sales in Northeast Florida dropped by 1.4% in May. A fact that will see prices continue to rise through the second quarter is if the interest rates remain low. When will prices drop? Prices are going to remain up. According to the National Association of Realtors, home prices will appreciate even further, l

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he current real estate market in Florida is hotter than ever before. The Florida housing market has consistently, through 2020 and into 2021, enjoyed the rise in home values as the demand for homes in Florida rises. It isn’t just the fantastic weather that has seen the population growth and people deciding to buy homes, but also the current mortgage rates that are averaging at 3%. That and the fact that Florida has a low unemployment rate of 3.5% has made people in Florida have disposable income to spend on housing.

with about 9% through the year. They will be growing by 3% because of the new houses that will be entering the market, according to Nadia Evangelelou, a senior economist and director of forecasting at the association. DEMAND VS. SUPPLY. The National Association of Realtors released a report in March from the Rosen Consulting Group, estimating that it would take between 5 million to 6.8 million new homes to satisfy the demand. That could be because of the more than 72.1 million millennials entering the housing market. But also, a lot of homeowners are not willing to sell their homes and buy the next one with the current high prices. According to Noradaarealestate.com, it would take 2.5 months to sell through the available inventory, which is significantly lower than last year, which was 4.6 months. New constructions are gaining popularity. But due to shortages of building material, people have to wait. On the other hand, building materials had gone up by 180% from spring last year. With the small inventory available, new constructions will most likely take longer to supplement the supply. Interstate Migration. The COVID-19 pandemic has made a lot of people rethink and restructure their lives. People prefer to leave the busy city life and settle in the suburbs. Additionally, Florida doesn’t have a state income tax or estate tax, making it all the more desirable. People are seemingly tired of cramped spaces of city living and want bigger homes. These, coupled with Florida’s fantastic weather, have made it impossible for people to resist permanently moving here. In fact, according to an article done by Vaster Capital, the number of daily migrations into Florida has increased to 1000, which is 950 more people moving here each day. Florida has seen a lot of migration from the northern states of New York, Illinois, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. But is this influx 48

of migrants going to remain at this high level? In an interview with Forbes, Florida real estate millionaire Jeff Greene felt that people are more likely to move back to the cities when autumn comes. That, according to him, will cause house prices to moderate. INTEREST RATES. Historically low mortgage rates have been a fueling factor in the rise in demands for homes. People, despite the high prices, are finding homes relatively affordable. As of June 24, 2021, US Bank has a 2.990% or its 30-year-fixed-mortgage-rate and a 3.058% on its APR. From this data, one can see that the interest rates have remained low into the second quarter. But for how long will they stay this low? It is unlikely that mortgage rates will increase and go beyond the 3% range in the coming months. That is despite mortgage rates being above their all-time lows. In an article with Nextadvisor, Lindsey Piegza, Chief Economist with Stifle Financial, says that if inflation does go up, the federal reserve will see that interest rates rise. Florida is currently experiencing a market boom, something that will remain constant for the second quarter. If you are going to buy a home during this period, be prepared to have bidding wars. The supply is still low, but you can still get a house. The prices will be high and will continue to rise. Therefore, buy a home now before the prices soar further and when you still can enjoy the lowinterest rates.

Work Cited https://www.sun-sentinel.com/real-estate/fl-bz-housing-market-stop-south-florida20210607-f4jcq4ozpnfbhfnbl5cjrqsqmm-story.html https://ameliaislandliving.com/fernandinabeach/2021/03/home-builders-facechallenges-lumber-costs-supply-shortages/ https://www.noradarealestate.com/blog/housing-market-predictions/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/norahkirsch/2021/04/09/one-of-floridas-biggestreal-estate-investors-says-market-is-headed-for-correction/ https://blog.vastercapital.com/florida-real-estate-market-predictions https://www.noradaarealestate.com/blog/housing-market-predictions

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | JULY 2021

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

2.99

% apr

for the first 12 months

as low as

4.25

% apr

after

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

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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

THE POWER IS NOW

MAGAZINE

WEST COAST EDITION

By Yvonne McFadden

When is the Right Time to Refinance in Arizona?

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here are several reasons why you may decide to refinance your home in Arizona. The four most common reason for many homeowners are;

• • • •

To take advantage of the low-interest rates. To cut the period of repayment. To convert their loans from an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) to a fixed-rate mortgage and vice versa. To get monies to deal with an emergency, to consolidate debt, or finance a larger purchase.

Before refinancing, it is important to first understand that since refinancing will cost you as a homeowner between 3 and 6 percent of the loan’s principal amount, it will require an appraisal, a title search, and application fees which are all

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Before we even delve deeper into whether or not this is the right time to refinance in Arizona, it is important to first understand what refinancing is. Refinancing a mortgage means paying off the existing loan and replacing it with a new type of loan.

critical factors that a homeowner must consider before applying for a refinance. Speaking of low-interest rates, all through 2020 and 2021, the mortgage interest rates have been so low, which has put so many homeowners on the road to refinancing, especially given the hard economic times. In fact, 17 percent of homeowners with a mortgage on their primary residence refinanced in 2020, according to a September Nerdwallet Survey conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,413 U.S. homeowners. The survey also found out that nearly one-third of homeowners (31 percent) with a mortgage on their primary residence said that they were considering refinancing in the next year, that is 2021. IS REFINANCING THE RIGHT MOVE IN ARIZONA? It depends. To know if refinancing is the right thing to do in Arizona, it is important to first determine how long you plan to stay in your home. In addition, it is important that you also figure out how refinancing might affect your financial goals and also how it may impact your credit scores. All these are the factors that rope in and should guide you on your decision of whether to refinance or not. One of the best reasons why most homeowners decide to refinance in Arizona is that they want to take advantage of the low interest rates on existing loans. When it comes to refinancing purely based on interest rates, the rule of the thumb should be that it would be ideal to refinance if you can reduce the interest rate on your loan by at least 2 percent. However, many lenders argue that just 1 percent savings are a good incentive to refinance. While reducing the interest rates on a mortgage will only help you save money in the longer term, it also increases the rate at which a homeowner builds equity in a home. Some homeowners in Arizona will refinance their mortgage to shorten the time they take to repay

the loan. With the falling of the interest rates, many homeowners view this as an opportunity to refinance their mortgage. While there won’t be any significant changes in so far as their monthly mortgage payments are concerned, the new loan they take up usually comes with a shorter duration, which is a good thing. Another reason where a refinance will come in handy is where you want to avoid the fluctuation ARMs and while they offer low-interest rates than the FRM, the periodic adjustments can sometimes hurt you resulting in higher than the rate available through the FRM. if you notice that your ARM has been fluctuating higher and higher affecting your monthly payments, it may be a good thing to convert to an FRM and this ultimately eliminates the concerns over future interest rate hikes. However, it is also important to note that converting to an FRM can put you in a ‘fix.’ consider this, what if the interest rate starts going down? Therefore, before converting, make sure you sit down with your financial advisor who will guide you on what action to take.

My Take on Refinancing Even though the situation might be different, I would recommend you to refinance in Arizona only when; 1. The current interest rates are at least 1 percent lower than your existing rate. 2. You plan on staying in that housing longer than 5 years. 3. You can actually qualify to get a refinance. You may think that refinancing is an easy decision but it is not. I have seen people who refinanced only for them to get in a financial massacre. You do not want that for yourself. Therefore, do not jump on the refinance bandwagon for the thrill of it or just others are doing it. Take some time off, talk to your financial advisor or even reach out to me for more information.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Yvonne McFadden is a veteran in the real estate industry. Her business has been extensive for over 30 plus years. She serves from all walks of life and recently added a foreign presence by becoming licensed in Dubai. To Speak to Yvonne, follow this link; https://thepowerisnow.com/yvonne-mcfadden-2/ Data Sources: https://www.moneyunder30.com/what-to-consider-before-refinance-mortgage https://www.investopedia.com/mortgage/refinance/when-and-when-not-to-refinance-mortgage/ https://www.credible.com/blog/mortgages/when-to-refinance-mortgage/

By Peggie Simmons

he Arizona housing market is looking very promising and very healthy but I will not look at the Arizona real estate market as a whole, rather, I will focus on one particular market that for ages has rocked this country’s real estate, often setting the pace for the industry. Phoenix is no ordinary city and this statement is a huge understatement if Realtor.com’s data is anything to go by. The most recent predictions put the homes in the valley city at an 11 percent jump over the last year’s level which is more than the national average. But why? Especially in this age of the COVID-19 pandemic?

are the factors that are pulling people to the city.

Well, remember the statement that “Phoenix is no ordinary city?” the combination of beautiful weather, prestigious restaurants and shopping complexes, special educational programs and options, a reasonable cost of living, and now, the added advantage of working from home, all these

SO, WHAT SHOULD WE BE EXPECTING IN Q2, 2021 IN PHOENIX ARIZONA? Mortgage Rates Will Remain Relatively Low All through 2020 and 2021, the mortgage rates have remained relatively low. In fact, consistently not going over the 3.5 percent mark. Currently, the

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For people looking to sell and buy properties in Arizona, and for those planning to move to this prestigious city, there can never be a better time than this. But more importantly, if you are new in Phoenix, you need an agent that knows the place better. I have found that in the real estate industry, the old adage that experience is the best teacher is accurate. Talk to us today and let us help you achieve your homeownership and investment dream. To schedule an appointment, go to https:// thepowerisnow.com/peggie-simmons/

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What to Expect in Arizona Housing Market Q2, 2021

30-year fixed rate is 3.125%. In addition, the current refinance rate is below 3% for most lenders and servicers in Arizona. However, keep in mind that these numbers fluctuate on a daily basis. Therefore, going into Q@ and Q3, I do not expect any dramatic fluctuations in the mortgage rates. A TIGHT INVENTORY SUPPLY Going into Q2 and Q3, we expect to see a tight inventory supply and while the lowinterest rates may have brought a new wave of hungry and thirsty buyers, they are coming to a market with nothing! There has been a pent-up demand for housing and not just in Arizona, but everywhere and with this demand the prices for homes keep rising. This may be a good thing, especially if you are considering selling your home, but bad news for the buyer who is experiencing crazy bidding wars. Over the longer term, if the industry doesn’t fix this as soon as possible buyers might start relocating to places where they can comfortably afford a house. RENTING WILL BE THE NEXT BIG THING IN ARIZONA Let’s face it, there is a short supply of homes, not just in Arizona, but almost everywhere and to be on the safer side, it may be best to hold on to that rental unit you have. It is also important to note that rental prices are on the rise and there is also a huge wave of renters who can’t find a place to live because rental inventory is also extremely low. Therefore, the best choice right is to hold on to that rental property as you search for a new home.

About the author Peggie Simmons has 34 years experience as a real estate agent and broker in Tempe, Arizona, and currently serves as the Founder and CEO of Realty Marketing Group specializing in relocation, new homes sales, traditional homes, marketing & sales, short sale negotiations, foreclosures, luxury rentals, investments among many others. Peggie has a heart of gold, boldness, and unbridled enthusiasm that drives her passion. She has been a resident of Arizona since 1983 which makes her the perfect choice and your go-to real estate agent in Arizona. She is an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), a MultiMillion Dollar Producer, a Certified Short Sale Property Expert (CSSPE), and a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), all of which means you will be dealing with a highly qualified professional who knows what she’s doing.

Data Sources https://azbigmedia.com/real-estate/residential-real-estate/5-arizona-housingmarket-predictions-for-2021/ https://www.usbank.com/home-loans/mortgage/mortgage-rates/arizona.html https://azbigmedia.com/real-estate/residential-real-estate/is-a-housing-marketcrash-on-the-way-in-2021/ https://www.noradarealestate.com/blog/phoenix-real-estate-market/

It is going to be a bumpy ride heading into Q3 of 2021, especially if the current situation persists where we have a tight supply of housing. Demand will keep spiraling out of control and that will cause a ripple effect like no other where the housing market in Arizona will be just like in California. This, therefore, tells you that it is time to buy. Buy now because you have the power to buy now! 58

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | JULY 2021

By Kamesha Keesee

These are the hidden costs of homeownership that will ruin your budget

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1. Mortgage Origination Fee ight now, that the mortgage and the interest rates This is perhaps the first hidden cost that are down, it may be the best time to get that you will encounter as you start your home you have been eyeing for. Renting is not journey to becoming a homebuyer. The for everybody and sooner, you will get sick of pouring loan origination fee is the cost that you hundreds of your hard-earned money into the pockets of will have to pay whenever you take out your landlord. If you are already considering the buying a mortgage. This is the money that your option, you must have realized that mortgages tend to be lender will require you to pay them a lot cheaper than paying the rents which then raises the for the services rendered in mortgage question, why doesn’t everybody stop paying rents and processing. As such, as you make your use that money to pay for mortgages? Truth is, buying a calculations about the cost of your home is not as easy as most agents make it sounds. As mortgage, be sure to account for the a homebuyer, you have to be prepared financially and loan origination fee. Although the exact emotionally. Additionally, there are so many facts about amount will vary from one lender to the homebuying people still don’t know about and one of other, you can expect to pay anywhere them is the hidden costs of buying a home. Therefore, between .5 percent and 1 percent of the this article will help you discover most of the hidden costs total value of your loan. associated with home buying.

3. Closing costs This category of costs will encompass a variety of things which include, but not limited to the appraisal costs. It is important that you stay alert to these costs as they get charged almost immediately after the seller accepts the offer. Once you have been able to close, you are at liberty to move into your new home. 4. Taxes and other costs Everybody hates taxes. Property taxes especially can be a huge expense to the homeowner. They are not a flat tax which means, from time to time, they will vary significantly depending on so many different factors. The value of your home will be assessed and evaluated by an assessor who specializes in real estate value allocation. The assessor also considers the value of homes and properties that are surrounding your property and also the cost that will be incurred should a person decide to replace the house and the rate that could be charged for leasing the property based on the local rental market. All these, along with the municipality of the home are considered and will dictate the property taxes that you will be charged on your property.

It is worthwhile noting that the property tax that you will first get assigned to might change as time goes. If you make a major change to your homes, such as a major renovation or backyard landscaping, your home value will likely increase and the property tax will increase along with it. 5. Real estate agent fees Should you choose to consult and use the services of a real estate agent, you will have to pay for the services rendered. You will note that not all real estate agents will have the best intentions at heart, the more you are willing to pay for a home, the bigger the fee they might demand. For some homebuyers, using the services of a real estate agent might not be the right choice for them but it is advisable you use professional real estate services. You can choose not to use the real estate services which will cut down the costs but only do so if you feel confident in your ability to navigate the complex real estate market. On the other hand, if you are not well known in the real estate market, it is important that you use the services of real estate. Even though you will still see this fee, it will likely be absorbed into the listing price of a home.

Sources: https://www.listenmoneymatters.com/buying-a-house-hidden-costs/ https://www.preferredpropertiestx.com/2019/10/buying-a-home-plan-for-thesehidden-costs/

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | JULY 2021

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2. Home Insurance Fees This is one of the most overlooked costs associated with homeownership. When purchasing a home, the homebuyer signs up for several new insurance requirements. Among the insurance contracts that you might be buying include title insurance, homeowners’ insurance, and possibly flood insurance. While these insurance costs might be inexpensive, they can still add up a present themselves as huge costs later. As such, be sure to also plan for them.

3 TOURS. 2 PURPLE HEARTS. 1 EVICTION NOTICE.

SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO

When my landlord found out I had Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), I received an eviction notice. That’s when I called HUD for help. If you feel that you’ve been discriminated against because of a mental or emotional injury or disability, report it to HUD or your local fair housing center.

Visit hud.gov/fairhousing or call the HUD Hotline 1-800-669-9777 (English/Español) FAIR HOUSING IS YOUR RIGHT. USE IT!

A public service message from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in partnership 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.

By Ameer Elahee

TOP 10 SAN BERNARDINO

NEIGHBORHOODS WORTH BUYING INTO

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Redlands Redlands is a California town with a population of 71,198 people. Redlands, in San Bernardino County, is one of California’s most fantastic locations to live. Inhabitants of Redlands enjoy the suburbs, with many people owning their houses. There are several parks in Redlands. Redlands is home to many families and young professionals, as well as inhabitants who have moderate political views. Redlands’ school are well regarded. Loma Linda Loma Linda is a San Bernardino suburb with a population of 24,184 people. Loma Linda is in San Bernardino and is one of California’s loveliest places to stay. People living in Loma Linda enjoy a thick suburban vibe, with the majority of residents renting their houses. There are several fun sites to visit and places to eat in Loma Linda. Loma Linda is home to many families and young l

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an Bernardino is a beautiful city in California, located to the east of Los Angeles, with many attractions. The Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art at California State University, San Bernardino, has ancient Egyptian artifacts. Seccombe Lake Park, located in the heart of the city, includes playgrounds and fishing. To the north lies Silverwood Lake, which is surrounded by mountains. Big Bear Lake, a tourist town in the San Bernardino National Forest, is located northeast of the city. These are some of the best neighborhoods you can buy into.

professionals, and its citizens are liberal. Loma Linda’s school are well regarded. Chino Hills Chino Hills is a Riverside suburb with a population of 80,701 people. Chino Hills is in San Bernardino and is regarded as one of California’s loveliest places to live. Inhabitants of Chino Hills love the suburban feel with many of them owning houses. There are several fun sites to visit and places to eat in Chino Hills. Chino Hills is home to many families and young professionals, and its citizens are liberal. Chino Hills’ school are well regarded. Mentone Mentone is a San Bernardino suburb with a population of 9,793 people. Mentone is in the county of San Bernardino and the locals enjoy a minimal suburban vibe. There are several coffee cafes and parks in Mentone. Mentone is home to many families and young professionals, as well as inhabitants who have moderate political views. Mentone’s school are well regarded. Rancho Cucamonga With a population of 176,379, Rancho Cucamonga is a San Bernardino suburb. San Bernardino County includes Rancho Cucamonga. Rancho Cucamonga inhabitants enjoy a thick suburban atmosphere, and the majority of homeowners own their houses. There are several coffee shops and parks in Rancho Cucamonga. Rancho Cucamonga is home to a large number of young professionals, and people tend to be liberal. Rancho Cucamonga’s school are well regarded. Upland Upland is a San Bernardino suburb with a population of 76,596 people. San Bernardino County includes Upland. Upland inhabitants enjoy a thick suburban atmosphere, and the majority of inhabitants own their houses. There are several fun sites to visit and places to eat in Upland. Upland is home to many families and young professionals, and people tend to have moderate political views. Upland’s school are well regarded.

South Pointe South Pointe is a San Bernardino neighborhood with a population of 7,827 people. San Bernardino County is home to South Pointe. Inhabitants of South Pointe enjoy a thick suburban atmosphere, with the majority of residents owning their houses. South Pointe is home to many families and young professionals, as well as liberal citizens. South Pointe’s school are above average. Riverview Riverview is a San Bernardino neighborhood with a population of 4,898 people. San Bernardino County is home to Riverview. Riverview inhabitants enjoy a minimal urban vibe, and the majority of inhabitants rent their houses. There are several restaurants, parks, and coffee shops in Riverview. Riverview’s residents tend to be liberal. Riverview’s community schools are well regarded. San Antonio Heights San Bernardino’s suburb of San Antonio Heights has a population of 3,191. San Bernardino County is home to San Antonio Heights. Inhabitants in San Antonio Heights enjoy a rural lifestyle, and the majority of residents own their houses. There are several parks in San Antonio Heights. San Antonio Heights is home to a large number of seniors who have moderate political beliefs. San Antonio Heights’ school are well regarded. Yucaipa Yucaipa is a San Bernardino suburb with a population of 53,416 people. San Bernardino County includes Yucaipa. Homeowners in Yucaipa enjoy a suburban rural mix, with many people owning their houses. There are several coffee cafes and parks in Yucaipa. Yucaipa is home to a large number of families, and people tend to have moderate political views. Yucaipa’s school are above average.

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | JULY 2021

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 • Corona CA 92879 • 951.273.7320 www.PeppermintRidge.org • Tax ID: 95-2409851

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By Ruby Frazier

Looking to Purchase a Place in Inland Empire?

Talk to Frazier Realty Group First

The Inland Empire (IE) involves cities in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The place is home to almost 4 million people. “Inland Empire” is the name given to the metropolitan region to the east of LA. The cost-friendly estate gives a location for you to live a little outside Los Angeles while being accessible to things that make Southern California exciting. It is the favorite region for Southern California residents looking to purchase. We looked through Riverside, and San Bernardino places to see which localities have the cheapest markets to assist you in determining where you can live in the Inland Empire. In Riverside, the typical selling price is around $400,000, whereas, for San Bernardino, it is $385,000. Yucca Valley Between 29 Palms and Desert Hot Springs, Valley lies the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. Yucca Valley is great for outdoor enthusiasts due to its proximity to Joshua Tree’s hiking and equestrian trails, as well as rock climbing and water sports on the Colorado River, winter activities in Big Bear, and stunning starry nights throughout the year.

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Barstow The Inland Empire’s largest transportation center in Barstow is situated between Interstates 15, 40, and 58. The Barstow Ruffians, a semi-professional football club and historical drive-in movie theaters and museums, are all located in the area. As a result, Barstow is a fantastic choice when it comes to real estate. In addition, Barstow has grown from a sleepy mining town to a bustling metropolis. l

Needles Needles is one of San Bernardino’s oldest cities, situated along the Colorado River. The city has many leisure centers, amenities and features nine parks, including a rodeo arena, a community leisure center, a golf course, and a senior citizens facility. Yucca Valley Between 29 Palms and Desert Hot Springs, Yucca Valley is the gateway to Joshua Tree National Park. Yucca Valley is great for outdoor enthusiasts since it is close to Joshua Tree’s hiking and equestrian trails and rock climbing, as well as water sports on the Colorado River, winter activities in Big Bear, and gorgeous starry nights throughout the year. Blythe Situated in Riverside County, on the California/Arizona border, in Palo Verde is the beautiful Blythe. The town’s economy is dependent mostly on tourism and tourists, and many people rush to visit and enjoy water sports along the Colorado River during Summer. Every January, Blythe holds a music festival called Bluegrass festival, which draws more than 13,000 spectators and musicians. 29 Palms The community of 29 Palms, located in San Berardino County, is home to Joshua Tree National Park, a renowned Southern California camping destination, and the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, the world’s biggest Marine Corps 70

training center. The city attracts artists because of its vistas and gorgeous star-filled evenings. Murals and public art may be seen throughout downtown, and the surrounding areas are often utilized for photography and filming. Adelanto Adelanto, which is located in San Bernardino, has over 32,000 people. The hamlet, formerly known for its orchards, is now near the city’s army base, George Base. Because of its proximity to various recreational sites, notably El Mirage Lake, the city is popular with outdoor enthusiasts who bring their vehicles and yachts. Victorville Victorville, located at San Bernardino’s southwestern corner, has over 131,000 inhabitants. Even though Victorville was heavily struck by the recession in the previous several years, things are beginning to improve. Several firms have relocated to the region since it is a budget-friendly place to conduct business in the state, especially now that the mall has undergone expensive restoration. Desert Hot Springs Due to its closeness to Palm Springs and all of the area’s benefits and attractions, Desert Hot Springs is one of Southern California’s. Desert Hot Springs real estate is situated in Riverside County, less than 30 minutes from luxury spas, resorts, world-class golf, and some of Southern California’s most coveted recreational destinations. Residents also get a panoramic view of the Valley as well as breathtaking mountain vistas.

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | JULY 2021

They told us to “Live someplace else.”

We have rights. We called HUD.

SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO

We found a three-bedroom apartment we loved in a great neighborhood with good schools and a beautiful park. But the landlord told us to live someplace else that would be better for our family. We filed a complaint with HUD, and now we have a wonderful place to live.

Here are some telltale signs of housing discrimination against families with children:

• • • •

Allowing only one child per bedroom Charging a higher security deposit for families with kids Limiting families with children to the first floor or certain buildings Refusing to rent to families with children

Fair Housing Is Your Right. Use It. Visit www.hud.gov/fairhousing or call the HUD Hotline 1-800-669-9777 (English/Español) 1-800-927-9275 (TTY)

MEET

LYDIA POPPE

WHO IS LYDIA POPE Lydia M. Pope is currently a Licensed Real Estate Broker, Property Manager & General Contractor in the City of Cleveland, Ohio for over 22 years. She has a Bachelors’s in Communication/Public Relations with a master’s in Business Management. She has also been a Certified Housing Counselor for NID for over 15 years and is the Current 3rd Vice President for the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND Lydia has been in the Real Estate Industry since 1995. She is the Owner/President of E & D Realty & Investment Co, Inc. (www.edrealty1. com), E&D Realty Property Management Division, and E&D Construction Company. Lydia is currently Branch Manager for NID-HCA, a HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency and Certified Property Manager from REMBI. Some of her past and current accomplishments are 1st Vice President of the National

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | JULY 2021

Association of Real Estate Brokers, Inc. (NAREB), Past President of the Women’s Council of NAREB, Mt. Pleasant Advisory Board, Ohio Housing Finance Agency Committee, Cleveland Realtist Association Past President & Chair, Cleveland/Akron Legislative Committee, NAACP Member and more. Pope’s Passion For real Estate In her mind, Pope never thought much about the real estate market or what real estate really entails. All that changed when together with her husband went to purchase their first home. The experience was not that pleasant and after feeling that the real estate agent had given them limited choices and steered them, she realized that she wanted to be in the real estate industry and become an agent to help others by according them the treatment she wished she had received. Apart from serving as the president of NAREB, Pope runs two major real estate companies.

“I may be the president-elect [of NAREB], but I tell you now, when I talk to my clients today and show them a house today, I still walk them through every single step of the homeowner process,”

“I may be the president-elect [of NAREB], but I tell you now, when I talk to my clients today and show them a house today, I still walk them through every single step of the homeowner process,” Pope explains. “They truly enjoy that. I treat them like I want to be treated.” Plans For The Future Since 1947, the National Association of Real Estate

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Brokers (NAREB) has worked so hard to ensure that African Americans achieve their dream of homeownership. NAREB was established before the National Association of Realtors (NAR), and the organization was the driving force behind some of the monumental movements towards the greater good of the community, like aiding in the creation of HUD in 1964 and had an active role in the Voting Rights Act of 1965 as well as the Community reinvestment Act of 1977. When sharing her goals as the president of NAREB, Pope says that she plans on taking the information on the State of Housing In Black America reportthe annual report that points out current challenges to Black homeownership- and using that information to make a positive impact on the community. In terms of advocacy, Pope says NAREB is still very much in the thick of it. “We were really involved in activism, advocacy, and ensuring that Black folks would get an opportunity to be able to live in the communities, to work in the communities, and to buy a home as a Black person within our organization,” says Lydia Pope, the current NAREB president-elect. Sources https://share.transistor.fm/s/1f0cba97 https://news.remax.com/lessons-in-leadershipwith-nareb-president-elect-lydia-pope

By Cornelius Jackson

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he desire to purchase a house is a typical goal for many Americans. If you want to purchase a home this year, start by speaking with a local real estate expert to learn more about the process. Then, with the help of a trusted professional, you may proceed to answer the following questions to ensure that you are prepared to purchase a property. WHAT CAN I DO TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF HOW THINGS WORK? A house purchase is a significant financial commitment that should not be done lightly. It would help if you decided on important factors such as how long you want to stay in a certain place, which school districts you want, which commute works best for you, and how much money you have. Keep in mind that you’ll need to apply for a mortgage before you start the house-hunting process. Lenders consider several aspects of your financial history, including your credit score. They’ll want to examine how you’ve managed previous debts, so be sure you’ve paid off all of your college loans, credit cards, and vehicle loans. If your financial condition has changed lately, you should speak with your lender about it. Most organizations

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Work with CLJ Realty to make your dream of owning a home a reality

have loan officers on staff and will recommend you to one. Housing should not consume more than 25% of your monthly budget, according to financial gurus. WHAT IS THE APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF MONEY I’LL NEED AS A DOWN PAYMENT? Knowing how much you’ll need for a down payment is just as important as knowing how much you can afford to pay on a monthly mortgage payment. There are various alternatives and approaches available to help you lower the amount you anticipate having to pay down. Start small and stay committed if you’re worried about saving for a down payment. A little monthly donation may make a significant difference. Automate a part of your monthly pay into a separate savings account or a home fund to jumpstart your savings. Automatic deposits accumulate over time. $50 per month grows to $600 each year and $3,000 after five years because of compounding interest. If you’re persistent and methodical in your approach, you’ll have enough for a down payment before you realize it. IS IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO ADAPT TO A LOW-INCOME LIFESTYLE? While it may be tempting to spend the extra time you have at home these days shopping, putting that money toward a down payment could help you get on the road to homeownership sooner. It’s the little things that matter, so if you haven’t already, start living on a tighter budget. A budget may assist you in saving more money for your down payment while also assisting you in paying off other bills and improving

your credit score. According to a study of their spending habits, shelter in place orders helped 68 percent of millennials save for a down payment. Mortgage rates are still at historically low levels, a silver lining in the present economic situation. Furthermore, many people who were lucky enough to maintain their employees could save money for a down payment, which is one of the most difficult aspects of house ownership. Many millennials can minimize the time it takes to purchase a house because of lowinterest rates and the capacity to save. While you don’t have to give up all of your comforts, making more informed decisions and restricting your spending in areas where you can save money may help you lose weight. CONCLUSION Think about what you can prioritize this year to help you realize your goal of becoming a homeowner. To discover the actions you need to take to get started, contact a local real estate professional right now.

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | JULY 2021

2021

By Jenny Gonzalez 123rf.com

CORONA HOUSING MARKET DATA:

Trends and Forecast for Q2, 2021

ollowing the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, US housing market estimates for 2020 shifted from hopeful to gloomy, as the lockdown enacted to restrict the spread of the coronavirus slowed the real estate market. When it comes to monitoring how real estate trends are behaving right now and what to anticipate in the future, this current market standstill provides a unique problem. However, some housing and economic experts have lately released their real estate market estimates for the United States. We talk about some of the trends and predictions for Q2, 2021 below.

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PREDICTIONS FOR HOME SALES According to Realtor.com, the velocity of house sales relative to inventory hit a new high in February, as sellers gained leverage and buyers took advantage of reduced mortgage rates. However, most real estate transactions have been halted due to the federal government’s suspension of non-essential businesses. According to a recent analysis from Fannie Mae, house sales will drop by about 15% in 2020 compared to 2019. According to the mortgage giant, the economy and property sales will both revive in 2021. However, the rate of recovery is contingent on the pandemic’s progress.

The housing market estimates for house sales are also included in Zillow’s latest report. According to the business, home sales are expected to drop by 50 percent to 60 percent from pre-coronavirus levels. Home sales are expected to bottom out in Q2 2020, according to Zillow experts, before gradually recovering to baseline levels by the end of 2021. According to another Zillow real estate market projection, national house sales will slowly rebound and revert to pre-coronavirus levels by the end of 2021. Still, according to Zillow, the speed with which the economy recovers is greatly dependent on the scope and efficacy of social-distancing policies, among other things. FORECASTS ON HOUSING AFFORDABILITY Even before the coronavirus, affordability was a concern for the housing market in 2020. The home affordability index compares median family income to median home price to evaluate housing market affordability. The typical individual could afford the typical house if the affordability index was 100. However, if the affordability index rises, more individuals will be priced out of the housing market. According to the National Association of Realtors, the national home affordability index was 162.10 in March 2020, down from 153.40 in March 2019. In other words, houses are more expensive today than they were a year ago. We may connect this to the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on 2021 housing market forecasts. As a result of the lockdown, unemployment rose as many individuals lost their jobs. Millions of families 80

see their incomes fall as a result of this. Keep in mind the initial prediction for the US housing market: house prices will stay stable or decline by a few percentage points. Consequently, the average family income has decreased significantly, but the average housing price has remained almost the same. For a real estate investor, this indicates that there will be a higher demand for rental apartments after the coronavirus epidemic is ended. FORECAST FOR HOUSING SUPPLY AND DEMAND The effect of the COVID-19 epidemic on house sales is predicted to alter the US property market’s supply and demand. On the demand side, the coronavirus pandemic’s rapid rise in unemployment and associated stay-at-home orders would restrict many Americans’ capacity to finance a large purchase like a house. According to Capital Economics experts, the economic burden of containing the virus will drag on the economy in 2021. According to their estimates, US house sales will be approximately 6 million in 2021, down from the previously forecasted 6.3 million. Meanwhile, the number of houses for sale is decreasing due to sellers withdrawing their listings from the market. Sellers are either afraid to let outsiders view their homes or concerned that a lack of demand would put lower pressure on the sales price they would otherwise obtain. In addition, during the Great Recession, home-building activity did not keep up with demand, resulting in a substantial gap in the market. As a result, experts anticipate the housing market to remain tight in 2021, preventing buyers from finding a home they can afford. THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | JULY 2021

By Danon Burnside

Is San Bernadino a Seller or a Buyer Market in Q2 2021?

he real estate market in San Bernadino is one of the most talked-about topics amongst home investors in recent years. With the home market bouncing back from the pandemic and thriving so far, people are beginning to wonder if the market in San Bernadino is a seller or a buyer market in Q2 2021.

The Real Estate Market in San Bernadino

Homes in San Bernadino are selling faster and far more than the asking price. The percentage of homes in San Bernadino that were sold above the asking price was 16% in December 2019, but that percentage tripled to 41% the following year. In Q2 2021, home prices continue to sell above the asking price, with the median sale for single-family homes in the County increasing by 25.7% YoY. This data, according to Zillow, indicates that San Bernadino is a seller market. The market is thriving but competitive amongst buyers. Last year, compared to Q2 2021, witnessed a record-breaking number of unemployment and loss of revenues in most sectors. Despite the lockdown and turmoil, the housing market continued to keep its head above waters. For instance, according to Zillow, San Bernadino witnessed a drop of almost two-thirds in the number of days it took for a house to be sold from thirty days in December 2019 to eleven

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days around the same period the following year. In Q2 2021, homes spend an average of 21 days on the market. According to experts, one significant reason for this fast-selling is because there is low inventory. Factors Driving the Booming Real Estate Market in San Bernadino The real estate market is thriving in San Bernadino because of several factors, such as lowinterest rates and affordability. San Bernadino offers one of the lowest interest rates amongst the housing markets in North America, making it possible for buyers to afford to buy a house. The affordability of homes is the other factor. Most first-home

buyers tend to go for houses with feasible prices, and San Bernadino offers affordable home prices, whether it’s a condo or a family-size home. In places like Los Angeles and Las Vegas, these homebuyers struggle to find a home that fits into their pockets. With everyone affected by the pandemic, it’s not easy to cough out so much money for a home, making San Bernadino the next ideal destination.

another reason for the booming market. The pandemic and lockdown left many people looking for extra space for a home office to work from home. Expecting mothers were also on the lookout for additional rooms where their children can play and do other activities. Since familysize homes are affordable, these buyers decided to cash in instead of wait.

So, you can say that the pandemic helped to accelerate many first-home buyers’ decisions.

Undoubtedly, the housing market in San Bernadino is a seller market in Q2 2021, considering the competitiveness among buyers, low inventory, and affordability. If you have a property for sale, now is the time to list to maximize profit.

The quest for more space is

Conclusion

You can also watch the series on Facebook Live or our YouTube channel. Tune in today!

References https://www.firstteam.com/san-bernardino-countyreal-estate-market-update/ www.zillow.com https://abc7.com/amp/inland-empire-housingmarket-homes-selling-more-than-asking-price-hotshould-i-buy-a-house/10520215/ https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomessearch/San-Bernardino_CA/overview https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.sbsun. com/2021/02/23/inland-empire-housing-marketlooks-promising-for-2021/amp/

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | JULY 2021

Diversity is working. Shouldn’t it also be living?

Your workplace thrives on diversity, so why shouldn’t your neighborhood? Diversity expands horizons, promotes understanding, prepares our kids. It promises us all a richer life. To better understand how neighborhood diversity will benefit you and your family, please log onto www.ARicherLife.org.

Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act

By Denise Matthis

How safe is the San Diego Housing Market in Q2, 2021?

s is in the case of the entire nation, the housing market in San Diego is flourishing. The number of houses being put on the market might have gone down by 23.3% compared to those put up the same time last year, but houses are moving 23.9% more than the first quarter of 2021. Housing inventory in the San Diego market is therefore very tight, driving the prices on homes up. The prices for the second quarter are not going to go down either; if anything, they will appreciate further. Looking at all these factors, it may seem as if we are in a price bubble. With the vaccination rate going up, will we see the bubble burst? Will the housing market crush as it did during 2007-2008, or will it maintain the momentum? First, to assess the safety of the housing market in

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San Diego, we will have to look at the indicators of a crashing market, which include the downturn in economy, high inflation rates, the lending practices and the supply and demand of houses in San Diego. 1. DEMAND VS SUPPLY A recent Zillow market report indicated that there is a consistent demand and a low supply of homes in San Diego. For the market to crash, the demand must be exhausted and the supply be greater. For example, in 2007, there were about 15,000 houses on the market. Currently the new homes that have come on sale are about 3000. The demand for these homes, however, in 2007 was a low of just 2000. Whereas, the current demand for homes currently is over what the market can sate with just a month supply of homes.

2. MORTGAGE RATES San Diego is currently experiencing historically low mortgage rates. But just how stable are these rates? Experts forecast that there will be a 5.2% increase in mortgage rates. However, this will vary from one lender to the other. But as the rates are set to rise, they are not going to crash the housing market. The increase in mortgage rates is going to be very gradual. Therefore, buyers will not be caught unawares with a sharp upward spike. The low interest rates and the low unemployment rate of 2.7%, means the would-be home owners are able to afford homes. The time to buy a home is now, before the rates go higher. 3. THE LENDING PRACTICES. Compared to 2007, the lending rules are a lot stricter. In 2007, it was possible to own a home without an established credit history and the down payments were very low. That meant anyone could afford a home. This subprime lending greatly inflated the housing bubble and saw home values plunge. Those that took out mortgages were unable to service them resulting in the financial crisis of 2008. Lenders are now lending to people with impressive credit scores to minimize the risks involved. The lenders now rigorously vet applicants’ financials before approving 88

loans. Banks now require applicants to put a sizable down payment and to prove they can be able to pay the mortgage. This shows that what happened in 2007-2008 will not repeat itself. 4. THE ECONOMY For the economy to crash, there has to be a downturn in the economy. The economy of San Diego is currently strong. Employment rate is up by 1.4% and expected to grow even further. A higher unemployment rate negatively affects the house pricing as it means that people won’t be able to afford a home. Currently, wages in San Diego are even higher than that of 2008. This means that people have a lot more disposable income and are able to afford homes. The crisis of 2007 was majorly characterized with high interest rates that made homes largely unaffordable. In San Diego people are currently able to afford homes because the income is very strong. The housing market is not going to crash; it is safe to invest in San Diego. All the above indicators show the San Diego housing market is very healthy. San Diego has a strong economy that is set to continue growing. Moreover, with the mortgage rates set to increase, it is advisable for buyers to buy now than later when the prices are likely to rise.

Work cited. http://www.welcometosandiego.com/2021/05/is-a-real-estate-marketcrash-coming/. https://www.sandiegorealestatehunter.com/blog/san-diego-mortgageforecast. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/07/housing_bubble.asp. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/story/2021-05-26/sandiegos-home-price-hits-a-record-700k-will-prices-ever-stop-rising

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Therefore, the demand for houses in San Diego outweighs the supply and cannot exhaust the demand. This implies that inventory will not lie idle, it will move fast. This demand will drive home values up. Signaling a healthy housing market. This will remain constant throughout the year as people migrate into San Diego.

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By Kenneth Session

BAY AREA HOUSING MARKET FOR Q2, 2021

he housing market in the Bay Area in the first quarter of 2021 was characterized by low inventory, high demand and low interest rates; with homes moving 46% faster than last year, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. This spike can be attributed to the high demand and to the residents’ highincome earners who took advantage of the historically low mortgage rates. According to a forecast by Noradarealestate.com, in the first quarter, the San Francisco Bay area had a 25% increase in sales with the months of supply of single-family homes declining to 1.3 months as of April 2021 as per Noradrealestate.com. As a result of this low supply, there have been immense bidding wars that have seen quite a number of would-be house owners being locked out. As we move into the second quarter of 2021 a lot of people might be wondering if things are going to change or is this even a good time to buy a home?

WHAT TO EXPECT IN Q2? DEMAND As a result of the pandemic, it’s hard to compare very competitive. According to Forbes, the demand for 2021 with other sales cycles. Nonetheless, houses is set to even outdo the notable Spring of both most of the trends that characterized the first 2019 and 2018. quarter will continue into spring according to Forbes. The market in a nutshell will remain WWW.THEPOWERISNOW.COM

Unfortunately, even with new inventory being constructed, it will not be able to sate the demand. The prices are going to appreciate even further in lieu of the short supply of inventory. However, the prices will let up as we enter the summer. SUPPLY Similar to the first quarter, the second quarter will see a lot of buyer fatigue as the bidding wars will not let up. Would-be homeowners are going to price out, according to Noradrealestate.com. This might see a lot of families opt out of the market and migrate out of the area. This in turn will drive up the demand for houses in suburbs. In addition, a lot of buyers will also have to make do with what is available in the market since inventory is set to remain low. PRICE APPRECIATION. With the tight inventory currently available, prices are going to keep going up. The Bay Area is posting double digits increase from the same time last year. Home owners are willing to pay over listing price to win bids, according to Noradrealestate. com. This will remain the same throughout the second quarter as finding homes will be difficult. RENTAL PROPERTIES. There is also hope for those hoping to rent or get a townhouse. Experts state that rents and condominium prices are going to remain low for the rest of the year. This is because the vacancies rate has doubled to 8.3% this year as many companies opt to work from home as per Noradrealestate.com statistics. As a result, rent has considerably dropped and you are likely to get a great deal. Therefore, this is the time to do it.

IS THERE HOPE? According to a recent Forbes, real estate experts Kamini Lane and Selma Hepp advised that in order to navigate through this hectic housing market successfully, it is recommended to work with an agent who will guide and educate you on the particular market in your neighborhood. Due to the competitive nature of the market, home buyers should put in their best offers. It is also advisable that when you think of buying a house this year to get pre-approved by a licensed lender to make the process a little easier. Prices are going to improve towards the end of the year with the increase in vaccination. This is because people will have a lot more confidence and will be willing to sell their homes. As the supply increases, the bidding wars will ebb and so will the prices. That will only improve further as the economy improves and the mortgage interest rates begin to rise. There is going to be an imbalance of supply and demand in the bay area in the second quarter. It is however a good time to enter the market and realize your home ownership dream when the mortgage rates still average at approximately 3.0%. House pricing is not stabilizing any time soon, so if you can buy now. Work cited https://www.noradrealestate.com/blog/san-francisco-real-estate-market/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/ellenpairs/2021/04/23/industry-insights-into-thecalifornia-real-estate-market-from-compass-and-corelogic/ https://www.sfchronicle.com/local/article/Bay-Area-home-prices-just-hit-arecord-high-Will-16186890.php

However, as attractive as that may appear, it’s worth noting that with the increase in vaccination, a lot of companies will be moving back to office spaces, driving the rent up in the long-term.

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | JULY 2021

Frazier Group Realty Inc. 3739 Sixth Street Riverside, CA 92501

“Your Real Estate Navigator” www.fraziergrouprealty.com rubyfrazier@fraziergrouprealty.com F: (714) 908-7298 Lic# 01751773

nytimes.com

O: (951) 686-5261

By Robert Langston

TOP 10 HOUSING MARKETS IN SACRAMENTO:

WHERE TO INVEST IN 2021

Additionally, Sacramento offers quite a number of incentives that make investing there worthwhile. According to an article by FortuneBuilers, over the years Sacramento has provided investors with good returns on their investment. Still, Sacramento draws WWW.THEPOWERISNOW.COM

in tourists in the market for Airbnb’s. It therefore might be a good idea to invest in Airbnb’s. But not so fast, there are two areas you could consider investing in Sacramento—that is, in rental properties and Airbnb.

Top 5 places to invest in Airbnb.

Sacramento is the most suitable tourist destination for people of all ages. It’s cultural events like the Sacramento Music Festival and its multi-visit attractions such as the Raging Waters in Cal Expo, draw in thousands of tourists in the market for Airbnb. Airbnbs are largely more profitable than the traditional rentals but it is important to choose the best location to invest in in order to get maximum returns.

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espite the pandemic, the housing market in Sacramento is thriving. This is as a result of the high demand for properties, low mortgage rates and the need that people have to settle. With the influx of prices, it may seem intimidating to invest in Sacramento. But as the capital of California, Sacramento might have yes, the highest median property price of $431,857 in the entire nation according to data from Noradrealestate.com, but it is the cheapest place to invest in compared to its neighbors, San Jose and San Francisco.

1. Valley High-North Laguna.

It has the highest median property price of $350,000. With an Airbnb here, you stand to make a monthly rental income of $3,745. The occupancy rate of the Airbnb is 64% and a cash-on-cash return of 10.00%.

2. Natomas Crossing.

It has a median property price of $320,000, with a monthly income of $3,824, a cash-oncash return of 9.72% and an occupancy rate of 78%.

3. Creekside.

Creekside has the highest median property price of the five, at $469,999. It has a monthly rental income of $2,701 and the Airbnb have an occupancy rate of 78%. The cash-on-cash return is 9.52%.

4. Natomas Creek.

It has a median property price of $440,000, a monthly rental income of $2,813 and a cashon-cash return of 7.70%. Airbnb in Natomas Creek have an occupancy rate of 60%.

5. South Oak Park.

South Oak Park has a median Property Price of $254,850, with a monthly rental income of $2,582 and cash on cash return of 6.75%. It has a relatively high occupancy rate of 74%.

Top 5 places to invest in rental properties.

Investing in Sacramento accords you a landlordfriendly housing market as people are looking for cheap housing and it has good regulations. The income generated in Sacramento may not be as high as its neighbors but it has favorable regulations. In 2021 as per data from Mashvisor, the rent averages at $1,542 in 2021. The best places to invest in traditional rentals as per Mashvisor’s calculator are:

1. Northgate

Northgate has a median Property Price of $346,950 and a monthly traditional income of $1,720. The average cash on cash return is 5.22%.

2. Robla.

It has a median property price of $335,000 and a monthly income of $1,437. Robla has a cashon-cash return of 3.99%.

3. Del Paso Park

It has a median Property Price of $419,000 and a potential monthly income of &1,456. Del Paso Park offers a cash-on-cash return of 3.20%.

4. Campus commons.

Campus Commons has a median property price of $367,500 and a monthly income of $1,484. It offers a cash-on-cash return of 3.13%.

5. Valley High-North Laguna.

The median property price in this area is $350,000, the monthly traditional rental income is $1,010 and a cash-on-cash return of 2.34%.

While investing in the Sacramento real estate market, it is worth noting that the Sacramento market right now is quite competitive. That however, should not deter you from investing there. Investing in Sacramento could mean good returns on your investment. Sources: https://www.mashvisor.com/blog/sacramento-real-estate-market-2021/. https://www.fortunebuilders.com/sacramento-real-estate-and-market-trends/. https://www.noradarealestate.com/blog/sacramento-real-estate-market/.

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | JULY 2021

I WAS DENIED

HOUSING BECAUSE I HAVE AN

ASSISTANCE

ANIMAL. SO I CONTACTED

HUD FOR HELP.

SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO

When a landlord tried to deny me housing because of my assistance animal, I contacted HUD and learned about my fair housing rights. For instance, landlords must make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, such as allowing an assistance or emotional support animal in a no-pets building. If you believe you have experienced discrimination, contact HUD or your local fair housing center and file a complaint.

Visit hud.gov/fairhousing or call the HUD Hotline

1-800-669-9777 (English/Español) 1-800-927-9275 (TTY)

Fair Housing Is Your Right. Use It!

By Briana Frazier

best places to buy and invest property in 2021

here has never been a greater time to invest in real estate than now when mortgage rates are relatively low. For the first quarter of the year, the housing market in the US has also been thriving. The demand for inventory has by far outweighed the supply, driving the prices upwards. This means there is a ready market for houses this year among Americans looking to settle. Experts speculate that this trend will remain the same for most part of the year. As with all kinds of investments, it is important to have a strategy. In real estate, it is important to look for prime locations for good returns on your investment. Having said that, what makes a place good for investment? As the housing market is still hot, focus on places where the home values are rising because this will also translate to an increase in your home equity.

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Here is a list of the top five places to buy and invest in real estate in 2021. 1. ATLANTA, GEORGIA. For rental investors, Atlanta offers a striking procurement prospect. In the last decade the population has grown by over 14%. With an increase in population, the demand for housing has been climbing higher every time. Additionally, Atlanta is the capital of Georgia, which makes it an economic center. With this economic boom and housing demand soaring, the prices are set to keep rising with a 3-year appreciation of 9.3%. It is therefore ideal to invest now. 2. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA. Tourism and the booming economy in Las Vegas, has drawn in a lot of people leading

3. ORLANDO, FLORIDA. With Orlando being both a tourist and entertainment spot, investors can choose to either focus on rental properties or holiday Airbnb— both of which offer great returns. 60% of the population in Orlando live in rental units. This obviously means, the demand for rental properties is quite high. In addition to that, its population keeps on growing and so do job opportunities. Therefore, the rental income also grows with it. 4. DALLAS, TEXAS. Dallas boasts of a very diverse economy with a wide range of investment properties on offer. It has a population of 1.3 million people and it is set to increase further. This is because it is cheaper to live in Dallas. With an increasing population, there is therefore a demand for housing with the average home going for about $247,00. Additionally, Dallas has available inventory and high rental rates making it ideal for investment. 100

5. TAMPA, FLORIDA. Tampa has a population of over 4 million people. People are drawn to the metro City because of its tourist destination and the great number of job opportunities available in the area. There is therefore a ready market with large numbers of people looking for housing. Investors should invest now when prices on properties are still low averaging at $250,000 and are set to appreciate further up as years go by. When choosing where to invest, there are key aspects that you should focus on. In rental properties, look for areas where there is a low default rate among renters and where the occupancy rate is high. Additionally, it is also important to choose a place where the rent income is high for it to cover most of your mortgage. The US has a lot to offer, shop around and find what gives you the best returns.

Work cited https://www.noradarealestate.com/blog/best-places-to-invest-in-real-estate/. https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/best-real-estate-markets. https://www.investors.com/promoted-content/roofstock/what-are-the-best-citiesto-invest-in-real-estate-in-2021/. https://www.benzinga.com/node/20941978.

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to a growth in population of about 2.5%. This has seen the rent prices go up by over 10%. Additionally, Vegas has a diverse economy that has income earners at every level. Investors should therefore take advantage of the affordable houses available in the area, where the median price of property of a condo averaging at $200,000.

By Adrian Bates

Investing in Real Estate as a Real Estate Agent in LA.

epending on the prevailing market conditions, the income you get from being a real estate agent is bound to fluctuate. For instance, according to Pinnacle.com, when the global pandemic hit and a stay-home order was issued, there was a significant drop in housing sales compared to even the housing crisis of 2007. This meant that with the few sales made, income for agents was greatly reduced. Investing in real estate in LA, the entertainment hub, will offer you a great opportunity to make a passive source of income. Being a real estate agent already gives you an upper hand. You already possess a vast knowledge in the field, that perhaps will make it a lot easier for you to navigate LA’s WWW.THEPOWERISNOW.COM

highly competitive market. Besides, as a real estate agent you already have a great network of fellow realtors that will alert you on the best deals LA has to offer. You do not even need to waste money on fees as you can be your own agent.

But first, why is LA the best place to invest? 1. LA HAS THE 5TH LARGEST ECONOMY IN THE US. According to Ewddlacity.com, Los Angeles offers one of the most dynamic economies. It boasts of a fast-growing tech industry, a very creative l

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economy, a ton of venture capital investment in startups and cutting-edge transportation systems. This means that the employment rate in LA is also high. Should you choose to invest in LA, you will have access to income earners at any level. With all the attractions in LA, it’s economy mainly thrives on its entertainment industry that so far shows no sign of slowing down. This guarantees a continued demand for housing. It would therefore be a wise decision to invest in rental properties. 2. A GOOD RETURN ON INVESTMENT. Currently, the rent prices in LA, according to a recent article by FortuneBuilders, are rising faster than the median prices. These statistics imply that it is better to invest in rental properties such as condos than in stand-alone houses. According to Attom Data Solutions, renting is at the moment considered to be a cheaper option in 36 of the 43 counties. This means that a lot of the potential buyers who can’t afford to buy homes are looking to rent rather than to buy. LA therefore has an abundance of tenants that will make the investment worthwhile. 3. DEMAND IN LA IS HIGH. People in LA are still holding off from listing their houses on the market because of the uncertainty caused by the pandemic according to a CAR Realtor survey. This has resulted in a very competitive housing market because of the low supplies. However, the sale of the available inventory has gone up by 26.2% according to Nordanrealestate.com. The demand for houses is thus greater than what the market is able to service. This essentially makes LA a sellers’ market. Ideally, if you decide to invest in real estate in LA, the time is now. The tight inventory and high demand are going to push the prices even higher. It is better to buy property now than to wait for the prices to appreciate further in a couple of months. Even though the prices may be high, you will not fail to make returns on your investment.

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Here are a few things to remember when investing in the LA housing market: 1. STEER CLEAR OF THE HOT AREAS. When the demand is high for the same property, there’s bound to be bidding wars. It is better to walk away from those that you can’t negotiate down because you risk investing in an overpriced property. Consider therefore, to invest in the slower areas. You will get value for your money with good returns. 2. INVEST IN MULTI-FAMILY HOMES. With a sizable capital, investing in multi-family homes is more profitable. With the current house shortages, there is a great demand for rentals. Since the revitalization of downtown, a lot of properties have popped up, driving the rental income low. It would be wiser to invest in other areas where occupancy rates are higher. 3. INVEST IN FORECLOSURES. When people are unable to pay their monthly mortgage payments, the bank forecloses on the said properties. Banks usually look to get these properties off their hands quickly. You therefore, are going to get a good deal investing in these kinds of properties. Investing in LA’s real estate might seem intimidating because of its competitive nature. But as an agent, you already have the skill sets to make it an easy process. Investing in LA’s rental industry might be just what you need as it will give you good returns for your money.

Work cited. https://ewddlacity.com/index.php/opportunity-zones-in-la/los-angeles-at-aglance. https://www.pinnaclepmc.com/blog/buying-investment-property-los-angeles. https://managecasa.com/articles/california-housing-market-report/. https://www.millionacres.com/real-estate-market/plan-getting-rich-real-estateagent-read-first/. https://www.rentecdirect.com/blog/why-agents-own-investment-property/. https://www.fortunebuilders.com/los-angeles-ca-real-estate-market-trendsanalysis/.

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | JULY 2021

By Success Money

How to Sell a Fix and Flip Property Quickly in California

n 2018, investors made an average profit of $65,000 from flipping properties. This number shows the lucrativeness of house flipping, but not everyone understands the complicated process. Read to find out how to sell a fix and flip the property quickly in California.

When looking for a property to flip, you need to consider some essential requirements. One is the area and how attractive the place is. Cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County have thriving economies and attract tourists, so you will have no troubles flipping a property there.

The Art of Flipping Properties in Southern California In Southern California, houses’ median prices are estimated at $655,000, a 20% increase YoY, according to DQ news. This suggests that the housing market is strong and will impact your decision to flip.

Next is to consider the budget. This means answering how much you are willing to invest in a property when you add the repair and upgrade costs. As a potential “flipper,” you need to be familiar with the 70% rule, which states that you should pay 70% of the After Repair Value (AVR) of

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Do you know what it takes to sell a fix and flip a house quickly in a solid and top real estate market like California? Flipping is the act of buying a home set for renovations and selling it once all the upgrades have been completed. The house is usually purchased below market value, and the buyer sells the house after repairs, almost near the market value. Investors use this strategy to amass profits.

the property minus the repair costs. For example, if the property’s AVR is $200,000 and repairs amount to $30,000, the 70% rule will require you to pay not more than $110,000. Since you don’t have a property in mind yet, you can come with a realistic figure and, afterward, look up properties within your price range. Once you’ve found a property within your budget, it’s recommended that you pay with cash. We strongly advise against taking a loan because flipping is a risky investment. If it fails or something goes wrong, you will accrue debt. With your finances, you avoid accruing debts, and you can wait for as long as you can before you are ready to sell. You could still take out a traditional home loan if you have no option, but you must know that the loan might not be approved on time because they will have to run background checks on your finances to determine your eligibility. It could delay the process and make you lose out on buying the home.

Flipping properties is legally practiced in California. However, criminal house flipping is on the rise, so you need to be careful with who you are doing business to avoid any punishment or sentencing. CONCLUSION Flipping properties is a surefire way of making so much profit in the Southern California real estate business. However, you need to understand the processes involved to avoid running into bankruptcy. Underbudgeting and lack of timing are the two things that make the flipping business fail, so you need to plan carefully.

References https://www.investopedia.com/articles/mortgages-real-estate/08/house-flip.asp https://listwithclever.com/real-estate-blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-flipping-housesin-california/ https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.latimes.com/business/story/2021-05-25/ southern-california-april-record-home-price%3f_amp=true https://www.shouselaw.com/ca/defense/fraud/real-estate-fraud/propertyflipping/ https://www.northcoastfinancialinc.com/5-major-mistakes-to-avoid-when-flippinghouses/

By Joe L. Fisher

THE PROS AND CONS OF

VA HOMEOWNERSHIP FOR VETERANS

he demand for VA home loans has recently been on the rise as many service members faced with tough credit and down payment requirements choose VA loans as their suitable home financing option. We cannot hide or deny the extreme attractiveness of VA loans, especially for veterans. In 2020, the number of military members who took advantage of the VA loan programs was reported to have expanded rapidly. According to Forbes, more VA-backed loans originated in 2020 than in the two previous fiscal years combined, totaling more than 1.2 million loans.

PROS OF VA HOME LOANS. To begin with, VA-backed or VA home loans require no down payment. This means that eligible borrowers can borrow as much as the lender is willing to give without putting a penny down. How does this happen? When the VA backs a loan, it means they insure a part of the loan. This means that in case you default, the VA covers the portion they had insured. This gives lenders more confidence, and in return, they’re able to offer more favorable terms such as no down payment to eligible borrowers.

However, as with any loan option or anything else in this world, VA home loans have their pros and cons. It’s just part of the game. It’s best that you remain aware of these pros and cons if you’re to make an informed decision. Let’s have a look.

VA home loans also require no private mortgage insurance (PMI) from eligible borrowers. This is simply because the Department of Veteran Affairs or VA insures home loans to eligible veteran borrowers. Normally, PMI is required for

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conventional borrowers who are not in a position to put down at least 20%. For conventional borrowers who afford to put down 20% or more, or those with a 20% equity in their homes, PMI is not required. Requiring no down payment and no PMI, the VA home loans come with significant benefits to eligible military borrowers. Additionally, VA home loans offer two refinance options that can help eligible veteran home buyers reduce their monthly payments or get cash back from their equity. The first one is the Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL), which is designed for home buyers with existing VA loans. The second one is the VA CashOut Refinance which allows existing VA and non-VA homeowners to refinance their mortgages and get cash at closing to pay down debt or cater for other expenses and needs. Another advantage of VA home loans is that they are flexible with bankruptcy and foreclosures. Typically, bankruptcy and foreclosures can crush one’s credit score and overall financial health. However, bankruptcy and foreclosure don’t automatically disqualify a borrower from getting a VA loan. After being declared bankrupt or having experienced a foreclosure, you’re required to wait for two years to be eligible for a VA home loan. Lastly, on the pros of VA loans, there is no prepayment penalty. Yes. You can fully settle your VA loan early with no worry of attracting any prepayment penalties. This is unlike other conventional loans. VA HOME LOAN CONS. First, VA home loans or programs are not for everyone. The program is a loan one must earn, and this makes it extremely rare to acquire compared to other loan options. VA home loan programs are only eligible to service members, including veterans, active service duty members, and those serving in a National Guard or Reserve who have served or are serving in the US military. 112

The programs are also eligible to surviving spouses of veterans, the spouses of veterans who are missing in action, or those held as prisoners of war. Besides these, the veteran or the spouse must meet the basic service requirements set by the VA, have a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE), and meet the lender’s credit and income requirements. Secondly, all VA home loans come with a mandatory VA Funding Fee, which is meant to help keep the VA home loan program alive for future generations and goes directly to the agency. However, eligible borrowers with service-connected disabilities are an exception. The fee is something that you’ll not find in other conventional loans, although it’s for a good cause. Moreover, VA home loan programs are only designed for primary residences. This means that you can’t use a VA loan to buy your second home or investment property. Service members who qualify for the loan have to certify that they intend to personally occupy the property as a primary residence and the VA gives the eligible borrowers a “reasonable time” of up to 60 days from the closing date to occupy the home. Lastly, some home sellers are never open to the idea of accepting offers from VAbacked borrowers. However, this majorly has a lot to do with some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding VA loans. Some people rumor that VA loans have too much government red tape, while others believe that VA loans take forever to close, which are all false statements. With both sides of the coin now shown to you, you’re in a better position to make an informed decision. It’s time to live the American dream of homeownership. Work cited. https://www.veteransunited.com/valoans/va-loanpros-and-cons/

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | JULY 2021

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12 Arrested in California for Alleged Mortgage

‘Conspiracy Ring’

fter years of series of intense investigations by the Los Angeles Police Department alongside the Federal Housing Finance Agency and the Inspector General Police Office, the Office of the Attorney General of California arrested 12 individuals on 133 felony count charges for alleged mortgage ‘conspiracy ring.’ The so-called individuals allegedly ran mortgage scams from 2014 - 2020 across Southern California, cutting across Counties like Los Angeles, Riverside, Ventura, and totaling $15 million. The defendants were indicted of conspiracy relating to aggravated white-collar crime, identity theft, filing false documents, grand theft, and money laundering.

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According to the Attorney General’s Office, the indictment was handed up on the 26th of April, 2021, by the grand jury, accusing the defendants of operating a mortgage scheme that resulted in the loss of a considerable amount of money. Companies involved in the conspiracy were Renew Funding and Yrgene Energy Fund - companies that fund licensed contractors for energy. The defendants collectively exploited these companies by using false identities to get mortgage loans from traditional banks and hard money lenders. These identities belonged to actual individuals, some of whom were already serving sentences, had one form of disability, or were deceased. The defendants took hold of these identities and integrated their identities with them, creating synthetic identities. In addition to that, they manipulated tax documents, bank statements and changed payroll statements to suit their high net 114

worth status. They created email accounts, shell companies, forged signatures, financial documents, information of the identities on loan applications, and used the information to apply for millions of dollars of loans from mortgage lenders that accumulated to approximately $15 million. Defendants filed false bankruptcies on multiple occasions and created false court papers to avoid being exposed and continue with their fraudulent activities. Attorney General of California Rob Bonta said in a statement that the allegations leveled against the defendants charged a pattern of disregard for the constitution and the determination to steal the identities of the dead to further their scam. He further said that the Attorney General’s Office would stop at nothing to hold these defendants accountable for their alleged actions. NAMES OF THE DEFENDANTS IN THE CONSPIRACY RING Those indicted by the Attorney General of California are; Richard Ayvazyan, Tamara Dadyan, Artur Ayvazyan, Andranik Petrosyan, Artashes Martirosyan, Grigor Tatoian, Lilit Malyan, Arshak Bartoumian, Lubia Carrillo, Estephanie Reynosa, Vanessa Bell, and Rosa Zarate. So far, eleven of the defendants have pleaded not guilty, with only Lilit Malyan due to be arraigned before the court. After the arrests were made, the Attorney General appraised the efforts and tenacity of the agencies involved in making the arrests and putting an end to a complex six-year mortgage scam that resulted in the loss of almost $15 million.

References https://www.lapdonline.org/home/news_view/67553 https://www.nationalmortgagenews.com/news/12-arrested-in-alleged-californiamortgage-fraud-identity-theft-scam https://www.dailynews.com/2021/05/06/12-indicted-in-alleged-southerncalifornia-green-loan-and-mortgage-fraud-scheme/amp/ https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-announcesarrests-and-arraignment-15-million-mortgage https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/enforcement/?type=state-enforcement-agencies

THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | JULY 2021

he United States government has proposed a housing plan to improve affordability and access to new homes, stating that where Americans live is a foundational part of the economy. However, this definition has stirred arguments amongst people, particularly policy experts. The proposal includes injecting the sum of $213 billion into housing development in the nation to increase the housing supply, emphasizing affordable housing and inclusive neighborhoods. While the housing plan is far from the finish, as the Congress seems divided, housing and policy experts appraised it, stating that it could cut down costs faced by homeowners and renters and make housing more accessible to marginalized communities and people of color.

Neighborhood Homes Investment Act is also another angle that the U.S. government will be looking at to support the proposed plan. This package aims to rehabilitate the construction of about 500,000 homes for low and moderateincome and earners. This initiative and the proposed plan would make the nation’s housing more affordable and convenient for first-timers to own a home. Matthew Murphy, Executive Director of the Furman Center for Real Estate & Urban Policy, also commended the government for the housing plan as a “standout,” asserting that increasing supply for low and moderate-income earners is non-negotiable. According to housing analysis, one reason that contributed to the rising housing costs is zoning regulations. Zoning regulations prohibit the construction of multifamily housing; thus the reason developers build apartments instead. However, Biden’s proposal will eliminate these obstacles by offering grants to municipalities to change the zoning regulations and imbibe high-density construction.

Biden’s Housing Proposal Hopes to Change Housing Managing Director of the Development in Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, America Chris Herbert, said that the proposal is an excellent strategy to revitalize the housing sector and expand homeowner access to people of color and historically marginalized people. However, he also said that millions of Americans who are opportune to live in good quality homes and communities are limited.

The housing plan is an incredible plan different from the rest because it focuses not only on demand but also on supply. People that need housing aren’t the main focus, but building more homes is. So the proposal kills two birds with one stone. If the supply is greater than the demand, housing will become more affordable. In addition to the proposed plan, the $20 billion tax credits package in the

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Still, on the proposed housing plan, President Joe Biden stated he would allocate $40 billion to renovate public buildings and facilities, as some of them, which were built many years ago, has dilapidated. However, the Congressional Progressive Caucus argued that the proposed budget won’t be sufficient and that much more money is needed to cover the need entirely. The caucus agreed that renovate old buildings would cost about $172 billion over a decade. Housing in America is expensive, and the people significantly impacted by this expensiveness are the people of color - the blacks, Hispanic, and the minorities. Although the demand is the most significant cause of the rising costs of houses, Biden’s proposed housing plan will lower home prices and mitigate the impact of house shortage by building more houses. THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | JULY 2021

wning a home especially at this age can be a great accomplishment. The country is dealing with a severe shortage of homes, and everywhere, home prices are reaching new highs. While owning a home can bring a sense of pride and accomplishment, it can also be a huge responsibility. There are so many issues that you have to take care of each month, and if you ask many homeowners, dealing with all these costs can be draining. In addition to the repair and maintenance costs, as a homeowner, you have to constantly worry about mortgage payments and all the interests added to your mortgage loan every day. I don’t mean to scare you about homeownership, but it is extremely important you are fully aware of what you are getting yourself into. Today, especially because of the COVID-19, it is so easy to fall behind on your mortgage. But thankfully, there are so many federal, state, and private mortgage assistance programs that you can take advantage of today and avert the crisis of being foreclosed. Today, we will delve into the mortgage assistance programs from the Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA)

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and the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA). MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE FROM GOLDEN STATE FINANCE AUTHORITY California’s Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) created the Platinum Program, which provides low-tomoderate income California homebuyers with down

MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS BY GSFA AND CALHFA

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payment and/or closing cost assistance to help them achieve their goals of purchasing a home. AVAILABLE ASSISTANCE GSFA’s Platinum Program provides applicants with down payment and/or closing cost assistance in the form of a non-repayable grant up to 5 percent of the total loan amount. This is a gift in the true sense, which means it is not a second mortgage, does not create a lien against the property, and there are no terms for repayment. The purpose of this program is to make funds available to eligible applicants who are interested in purchasing a home but need financial help to pay the upfront costs, which include the down payment, as well as the closing costs and prepaid items required to obtain homeownership. These

expenses can add up to a substantial amount, and the inability to pay it might keep people stuck in a renters trap. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS The GSFA Platinum Program has certain requirements that all applicants must meet to be considered eligible for assistance. Any home being purchased under the program must serve as the applicant’s primary residence; the program is designed to help individuals purchase homes, not investment properties. Additionally, all applicants must fall under the Program’s Income Limits, have a credit score of at least 640, and a maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50 percent. Unlike most down payment assistance programs, there is no requirement for applicants to be first-time homebuyers.

PROPERTY GUIDELINES The program is meant to be flexible; it can be used to buy both new and existing homes, as long as it is the applicant’s primary residence. *Seller-funded down payment programs were eliminated in the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, but state and Local government agencies are still permitted to help borrowers finance their homes with second mortgages and grants. These agencies set different requirements that a borrower needs to meet in order to qualify for the grant programs, such as property location, and purchase price, and income limits.

MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE CALIFORNIA HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY (CALHFA) FHA: MyHome offers a deferred-payment junior loan of an amount up to the lesser of 3.5% of the purchase price or appraised value to assist with down payment and/or closing costs, with a cap of $11,000. USDA, Conventional: MyHome offers a deferred-payment junior loan of an amount up to the lesser of 3% of the purchase price or appraised value to assist with down payment and/or closing costs, with a cap of $11,000. VA: MyHome offers a deferred-payment junior loan of an amount up to the lesser of 3% of the purchase price or appraised value to assist with down payment and/or closing costs. Note that the $11,000 cap does not apply to school employees and fire department employees, or those purchasing new construction homes, manufactured homes, or homes with ADUs Review the sections below to find out more about the MyHome program. PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY Am I eligible to apply for this program? Review the guidelines below for both “Borrower” and “Property” Requirements to determine if you may be eligible to apply for the MyHome Assistance Program. BORROWER REQUIREMENTS • Be a first-time homebuyer. See the definition of a first-time homebuyer. • Occupy the property as a primary residence; non-occupant co-borrowers are not allowed.

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•

CalHFA borrowers must complete homebuyer education counseling and obtain a certificate of completion through an eligible homebuyer counseling organization.

HOW DO I TAKE THIS EDUCATION AND COUNSELING COURSE? •

MEET CALHFA INCOME LIMITS FOR THIS PROGRAM. *In the case of conflicting guidelines, the lender must follow the more restrictive. • Property Requirements • Be a single-family, one-unit residence, including approved condominium/PUDs • Guesthouses, granny units, and in-law quarters may be eligible • Manufactured housing is permitted • Condominiums must meet the guidelines of the first mortgage • There is a five-acre maximum on the size of the property *In the case of conflicting guidelines, the lender must follow the more restrictive. INTEREST RATE What is the interest rate? Interest rates will vary depending on your financial circumstances, lender fees, and other factors. Interest rates can also change daily. We recommend that you check with a CalHFAapproved loan officer to receive an accurate rate quote for this program. CalHFA does not lend money directly to consumers. CalHFA works through and uses approved lenders to qualify consumers and to make all mortgage loans. The fees you pay could be different depending on the lender and the program. View sample Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) here. HOMEBUYER EDUCATION REQUIREMENT CalHFA firmly believes that homebuyer education and counseling is critical to the success and happiness of a homeowner, and requires homebuyer education and counseling for first-time homebuyers using a CalHFA program. WHO HAS TO TAKE THIS HOMEBUYER EDUCATION AND COUNSELING COURSE? Only one occupying first-time borrower on each loan transaction.

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ONLINE: eHome’s eight-hour Homebuyer Education and Counseling course is the only online course accepted by CalHFA. (fee: $99) Other online courses like Frameworks are not acceptable because they do not provide a onehour, 1-on-1 counseling follow-up session. IN-PERSON or VIRTUAL: Live Homebuyer Education and Counseling in-person or virtually through NeighborWorks America or any HUDApproved Housing Counseling Agency (fee: varies by agency).

HOW TO APPLY How do I apply for this loan program? Since CalHFA is not a direct lender, our mortgage products are offered through private loan officers who have been approved & trained by our Agency. These loan officers can help you find out more about CalHFA’s programs and guide you through the home buying process. Visit the Find a Loan Officer tab, to contact a loan officer in your area.

WHAT DOCUMENTS SHOULD I HAVE READY WHEN CONTACTING A LOAN OFFICER?

When initially contacting a loan officer, you may want to have this list of documents and information available to help answer questions that they will ask you: • • • •

Pay stubs Bank statements Employment history Previous tax returns

Sources; https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/homebuyer/programs/myhome.htm https://www.fha.com/grants/california-gsfa-platinum https://www.fha.com/grants/california-myhome-assistance-program

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choosing where you live is a right. housing discrimination is wrong. discrimination because of race, color, religion or national origin is illegal. e only way to stop it is for you to report it. Visit www.hud.gov/fairhousing or call the HUD Hotline

1-800-669-9777 (voice) 1-800-927-9275 (TTY) A public service message from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in partnership with the National Fair Housing Alliance. The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, family status or disability. For more information, visit www.hud.gov/fairhousing.

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CALIFORNIA MUST TAKE ACTION ON CHRONIC DISEASES AMONG CHILDREN OF COLOR

peak about racism, talk about the chronic diseases that significantly affect children of color. Statistics show that one in four children of color suffers from chronic conditions. These chronic conditions could be obesity, asthma, and depression, all of which can be prevented if these children had access to proper medical care. In addition to that, children of color can die from these chronic illnesses. For instance, these children are three times more likely to die from asthma than their white counterparts. For many years, this has continued to maintain an upward trend in California, denying these children their ability to thrive and survive. For this reason, California must take action on chronic disease among children of color. 122

WHAT CALIFORNIA MUST DO TO PREVENT CHRONIC ILLNESSES AMONG CHILDREN OF COLOR This trend of chronic diseases among children of color in California is threatening the existence of the next generation. Looking at the racial disparity in those diseases, it’s evident that racism plays a significant role in the reason there are fewer preventative measures to curb childhood chronic diseases amongst children of color. This further impacts the general health system. In California, not enough laws on preventative measures are in place. If we must minimize chronic diseases among children of color and curb the racial disparity fuelling these long-term diseases, more preventative measures must be enacted. This means investing in chronic disease prevention and developing a strategy to address these inequalities and racial barriers. Thankfully, Senator Susan Rubio has begun the process by sponsoring a groundbreaking Senate Bill 682 named “End Racial Inequalities in Children’s Health in California Initiative,” also known as EnRICH CA. This bill mainly prioritizes THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | JULY 2021

the prevention of chronic diseases among children of color and hopes to achieve its aim by 2030. Senate Bill 682, which will implement the initiative, outlines state agencies’ actionable steps to support those children of color living with chronic diseases by curbing racial disparities in the health system. The state agencies will have a clear directive from the legislature. It has definite targets and metrics which will ensure that the initiative is fully implemented. That’s not all; the bill is accompanied by a budget of $11 million to offer three-year support for implementation and workers. This budget also covers the personal, lifelong effects of chronic conditions from childhood and systemic racial health disparity costs. Let’s explain what these lifelong effects mean.

Due to chronic conditions, children in their childhood frequently visit the hospital, subsequently making them absent from school. This act impacts parental income, and they are left to bear the overwhelming costs of health care. Senate Bill 682 will take care of this and come up with an approach to improve savings. CONCLUSION We hope more initiatives like the EnRICH CA will be implemented to continue the fight against the racial disparity in the health system and improve the lives of black kids. Children and families of color suffering from chronic diseases are disproportionately affected by health disparities. With the EnRICH CA initiative, these disparities will be eliminated, and black kids can live a more prosperous and happier life in society.

References https://www.childrennow.org/news/statement-health-equity-bill/ https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.calhealthreport.org/2021/05/12/california-must-takeaction-on-chronic-disease-among-children-of-color/amp/ https://californiahealthline.org/morning-briefing/friday-may-14-2021/ https://www.chcf.org/publication/2020-edition-quality-care-chronic-conditions/ https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/covid-19s-disproportionate-effects-children-color-willchallenge-next-generation

Independence Day and What it means to be independent

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ndependence Day, commonly referred to as the Fourth of July or July 4th in the United States is an annual celebration of independence and nationhood. It is a celebration to commemorate the passage of the declaration of independence by the continental congress on July 4, 1776. INDEPENDENCE DAY IS ONE OF THE MOST UNIVERSALLY RECOGNIZED AMERICAN HOLIDAYS. Until 1776, the 13 American colonies which today are represented by the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia were all under the British Empire. These colonies were governed by a series of charters under the authority of the then England King, George III. the American colonies and Great Britain were separated by the vast Atlantic Ocean which was a six-week journey. Because of this distance and a partial state of self-governance, the 1760s saw the rise of colonists who greatly resented British rule. Part of this resentment was borne out of the Crown’s taxation of the colonies and the refusal to allow a voice in the governance of the region. Consequently, this led to tensions in the region causing hostility and at times very violent confrontations, for instance, the Boston Massacre of 1770, the Boston Tea party of 1773, the Intolerable Acts of 1774 among many others. On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress secretly voted for the colonies to declare independence from Great Britain. On July 4, 1776, the official statement was out, declaring the independence of the American colonies. The followed a publication of the document and delegates from all the 13 colonies began signing it a month later. Fully knowing that this was an 124

act of treason against Great Britain, the delegate’s signatories included the words at the end of the statement that read; “we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” Thomas Jefferson was the one who drafted the Declaration and would later become the third president of the United States. Both John Adams (second President of the United States of America) and Thomas Jefferson died on July 4, 1826, exactly 50 years after the declaration of independence was published. The declaration of Independence stated that the colonies considered themselves a sovereign collection of states and that each state was fully independent and free from any allegiance to Great Britain. However, true freedom would not materialize immediately, it took 7 more years. The American Revolutionary War was still underway for a year and it would not end until the Treaty of Paris, which was signed in 1783. This treaty officially recognized the United States of America as an independent nation. SWEEPING THE DIRT UNDER THE MATT! We often talk about independence Day with great pride and we should but for far too long, we have failed to recognize that even though we boast of unity, history proves that right from the start, we were not unified. It is important that we acknowledge that before the country was the glorious country it is today, it did not originate or expand its territories on unoccupied lands. Long before the European settlers came, there were about 2 and 18 million people already living in the current continental United States. We rarely talk about the harsh brutality of the nation’s treatment of the indigenous people THE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | JULY 2021

(commonly referred to as Native Americans) and unfortunately, history rarely mentions the exploitation and violence dating back to the earliest colonial settlement. In addition to that, as we celebrate the Fourth of July, let us not forget how we treated the African Americans who were enslaved and who, despite being slaves and suffering bigotry and discrimination in all thingscontributed in innumerable ways to the success of this country. Let us also acknowledge that America is a nation that has been build by immigrants right from the beginning. This way, we can treat other immigrants with the respect they deserve. In fact, unless you are a Native American or a descendant of Slaves, you and your ancestors are immigrants. Our nation’s nearly 250-year history with immigration ranges from subtle treatment to hostility under the mantle of our Statue of Liberty at Ellis Island. Let us not be ignorant about these facts, sweeping this dirt under the matt, pretending to be great. Eventually, the dirt will start to smell! For us to take pride and celebrate honestly the Fourth of July we have to honestly acknowledge the less-prideful parts of our history. One of the most revered parts of the Declaration of Independence is the aspiration that “all men are created equal that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” yet, this “equality” goal is a work in progress. We need to recognize that our history contains some bitter truths of our society and laws that are far less than being equal to all citizens. WHAT TO THE SLAVES IS THE FOURTH OF JULY? As an African American, I feel the need to address this issue. And a good starting point would be Frederick Douglass’s 1852 speech in which he asks an important question, that I feel to date remains unanswered. I share the same sentiments with Douglass that “I (we) must mourn!” In his speech, Douglass acknowledges the Founding Fathers of America, the architects of the Declaration of Independence for their commitment to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” he says, “Fellow Citizens, I am not wanting in respect for the fathers of this republic. The signers of the Declaration of Independence were brave men. They were great men, too, great enough to give WWW.THEPOWERISNOW.COM

frame to a great age. It does not often happen to a nation to raise, at one time, such a number of truly great men. The point from which I am compelled to view them is not, certainly, the most favorable; and yet I cannot contemplate their great deeds with less than admiration. They were statesmen, patriots, and heroes, and for the good they did, and the principles they contended for, I will unite with you to honor their memory…. While he acknowledged the founding fathers, he also brings to light the hypocrisy of the independence movement and the founding fathers’ ideals in light of slavery on American soil. He continues to interrogate the meaning of the Declaration of independence to the enslaved people experiencing injustices;

“…Fellow-citizens, pardon me, allow me to ask, why am I called upon to speak here today? What have I, or those I represent, to do with your national independence? Are the great principles of political freedom and of natural justice, embodied in that Declaration of Independence, extended to us? and am I, therefore, called upon to bring our humble offering to the national altar, and to confess the benefits and express devout gratitude for the blessings resulting from your independence to us?” Just like Frederick, I ask the same question, is the Fourth of July really relevant to us? We still have discrimination happening, police brutality and when we try to fight for justice, we are called terrorists! when we learn to discuss our joint national history, bringing everyone on board, and addressing the missteps as a society, this way, the Fourth of July will make sense. It should be a healing moment for the nation as a means to build our collective will to further improve our nation and to make it as equitable as possible. Sources https://www.hfcc.edu/news/2019/what-independence-day-means https://www.britannica.com/topic/Independence-Day-United-States-holiday https://nmaahc.si.edu/blog-post/nations-story-what-slave-fourth-july

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National Moon Day July 2021: History, Significance of The Day And Why it is Celebrated in the U.S.

ational Moon Day is celebrated on July 20th to commemorate the day the first man landed and walked on the moon in 1969. NASA has reported this incident to be one of the greatest technological advancements of the human race. The day is July 20, 1969, and Apollo 11 lands on the moon carrying the first humans to the moon. After six long hours, American Neil Armstrong stepped onto the lunar surface. Neil spent two and a half hours outside the space ship and soon after Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin soon followed being the second person to land on the lunar surface. Both Armstrong and Aldrin collected 47.5 pounds of lunar material. Their specimen from space has contributed greatly to what we know today about space. All along, a third man was waiting in the command module, pilot Michael Collins and waited for Aldrin and Armstrong until they returned.

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THE HISTORY OF NATIONAL MOON DAY The space visit took place after the national goal announcement by President John F. Kennedy to send a man to the moon by the end of the 1960s. This idea to send men to the moon started when the then-president Kennedy appealed to a special joint session of congress in 1961, stating “I believe this nation should commit itself to achieve the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to Earth.” The proposal to the Congress came at a time when the united states were at a head-to-head war with the Soviet Union in advancements in space exploration and since it was during the time of the cold war, the

proposal was welcomed. The First mission was initiated by NASA and was unmanned after five years of effort and hard work by their international team of engineers and scientists. The first mission served as a testing phase for the structural resilience of the launch spacecraft vehicle. At 9:32 A.M. on July 16, 1969, the first manned mission to space was launched and the whole world witnessed the take-off from the Kennedy Space Center with the three astronauts on board. Neil was the commander of the mission. After three days of space voyage, Apollo 11 entered the lunar orbit on July 19. The lunar module, Eagle disengaged from the main command module the next day and was manned by Armstrong and Aldrin. When Eagle landed on the lunar surface, Armstrong radioed his historical message to Mission Control in Houston, Texas: “The Eagle has landed.” At 10:39 P.M., Neil Armstrong exited the module and made his way down the ladder. The progress was actively recorded by a television camera attached to the module. The camera was transmitting the signals back to Earth, letting everyone witness this historical moment. HOW TO OBSERVE THIS DAY This is a special day as it opens up lots of activities for individuals as well as for families to explore and reminisce! This year, share your memories of the moon landing. You can set up your telescope and explore the moon’s surface. This is a special moment to rediscover the moon, start a discussion about space exploration and how it affects our world today. It is a call to study the plans for future moon landings.

1. VISIT YOUR LOCAL PLANETARIUM To make this day really enjoyable, make a plan to visit your local planetarium. Here, you will get a chance to be up close and personal with the moon. These domed theaters with massive telescopes and project images from the starry skies will give you a spectacular feel of the objects we may not be able to see with our naked eyes. Visiting your local planetarium encourages you to learn more about space and more importantly our place in the universe.

2. PLAN TO SEE THE NEXT LUNAR ECLIPSE This is the perfect time to plan for your next lunar nighttime show. Make sure to put a reminder in your calendar about the next lunar eclipse.

Sources https://nationaltoday.com/national-moon-day/ https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-moon-day-july-20/

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The Generation no one is talking about The Gen-Z will be a force to reckon with!

hey are here and they are unstoppable. They may be kids, but they know a lot and that information is their power. Gen-Z are rocking the world with their activism around so many societal issues like gun control, immigration reforms among many others. Take an example of the 16-year old Greta Thunberg of Sweden. She made history becoming the youngest person to ever appear on Time’s 2019 person of the year because of her bold activism in the climate change youth movement. The case of Thunberg is not an isolated case, there are so many other Gen-Zers doing incredible things, that we never thought possible for people in their age bracket. In fact, Thunberg just lit a fire of inspiration calling on 128

young people to participate in the “climate change strikes” demonstrably influencing world leaders to take a transformative and urgent change. WHO ARE GEN-ZERS? Born after 1996, the oldest Gen-Zer will be turning 24 this year and even though most are still in the minority age, about 24 million had the opportunity to vote last year. Their political influence just got started whereby the number will keep increasing steadily in the coming years, as more and more of them reach the voting age. Compared to the generation before them- millennials- who came of age during the great recession, Gen-Zers was in line to inherit a strong economy with recordTHE POWER IS NOW MAGAZINE | JULY 2021

low unemployment. But all that changed with the coming of the COVID-19 pandemic that has since reshaped the country’s social, political, and economic landscape. And while most Gen-Zers were looking into the future with somewhat optimism, they now peer into an uncertain future.

the members of Generation Z are much more racially and ethnically diverse and maybe the most educated generation of them all. We also know that this generation is the first truly digital generation or digital natives who have very little knowledge of what the world looked like with no smartphones.

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THIS GENERATION?

When it comes to their views on certain key social and political issues, this generation is so identical to the millennials before them. They are much more progressive and pro-government and they perceive the country’s growth in terms of racial and ethnic diversity as a good thing for the country that has over the past 5 years grown so apart! The Gen-Zers are also much more likely than the older generations to see the United States as a superior nation, according to the Pew Research Center Surveys conducted in the fall of 2018.

First, they are the ones who have suffered the most from the pandemic. According to data from Pew Research Center Survey, half of the oldest GenZer (18-23) reported that they themselves or someone in their household had lost a job or even taken a pay cut because of the outbreak. Compared to other generations, this was significantly higher because only 40 percent of Millennials reported being affected by the pandemic, 36 percent of Gen-Xers also reported being affected by the pandemic and only 25 percent of baby boomers reported being adversely affected by the pandemic. In addition, going by job security, data confirms that young workers were particularly vulnerable to losing their jobs before the pandemic as they were overrepresented in the high-risk service industry. But apart from these unique circumstances and challenges that Gen-Zers are facing today, what else do we know about this generation? They are very different from the generations before them but so similar to the millennial generation. We know that WWW.THEPOWERISNOW.COM

ETHNICITY AND DIVERSITY The events taking place in a country have far-reaching consequences in so far as a generation is concerned. Take an example of the Millennial generation, coming of age just after the great depression, they formed frugality habits, always saving for a rainy day. In 2020, the Coronavirus pandemic and the Black Lives Matter Movement are the two era-defining moments for this generation. We saw the world come together to fight for a cause. Studies have shown that Gen-Zers represents the leading edge of the country’s changing racial and ethnic composition and make-up. A bare majority (52 percent) are l

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youths. In pursuit of education, Gen-Zers are perhaps less likely than other generations to be working as teenagers. Statistics show that only 18 percent of Gen-Zers (aged between 15 and 17) were employed in 2018. This is 9 basis points down compared to millennial teens in 2002 and 23 basis points down compared to Gen-Xers in 1986.

non-Hispanic Whites which is significantly smaller than the share of the Millennials who were non-Hispanic white in 2002 (61 percent). One in four Gen-Zers are Hispanics, 14 percent are Black, 6 percent are Asian and 5 percent are of some other race or two or more races. EDUCATION LEVELS If you look at the educational levels of the older member of Gen-Z, you will notice that they are somewhat on a different educational trajectory than the other generations. Most members of this generation are less likely to drop out of high school and more likely to to be enrolled in college. Studies show that among the 18-to-21 olds that are no longer in high school in 2018, about 57 percent of them were enrolled in college. This is 5 percent higher than the millennial generation in 2003 and 14 percent higher than the Gen Xers in 1987.

The changing educational makeup and patterns are tied to the changes in immigration, especially among the Hispanic population. Gen-Z Hispanics are less likely than millennials to be immigrants. Some studies further show that second-generation Hispanic youth are less likely to drop out of high school and more likely to attend college than foreign-born Hispanic 130

VIEW ABOUT FAMILY Both millennials and Gen-Zers are very different from the older generations. Across a number of measures, their views and measures about family and societal change differ from the previous generations. Roughly, half of the Gen-Zers (48 percent) and Millennials (47 percent) say that they are okay with the LGBTQ community and that this is a good thing for society. By comparison, just one-third of GenXers agree with this viewpoint and just onequarter of Baby boomers. In addition, Gen-Zers and Millennials are less inclined to the idea that single women raising children on their own is a bad thing for society. But still, there are a few in both generations that don’t agree to say that it doesn’t make much difference. When it comes to their own home life, their inclination reflects partly the broad trends that have for decades reshaped the American family in recent years. Data from Pew Research Center analysis of Census Bureau data show that in three in ten approximately 29 percent of GenZers live in households with unmarried parents while 66 percent of life in households with two married parents. At a similar age, about 69 percent of millennials lived with both their married parents. The share of Gen-Zers living with both married parents, both parents are in the labor force (64 percent).

Sources https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2020/05/14/on-the-cusp-ofadulthood-and-facing-an-uncertain-future-what-we-know-about-gen-zso-far-2/ https://www.researchworld.com/snapchat-generation-is-a-force-to-bereckoned-with/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/markcperna/2019/12/27/gen-z-isalready-changing-the-world-just-ask-times-2019-person-of-theyear/?sh=410ab58641e2

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SOUNDS LIKE DISCRIMINATION.

What matters is how you look on paper – not how you sound over the phone. Judging you by your race or national origin instead of your qualifications is discrimination. It’s unfair, it’s painful... and it’s against the law. The best way to stop housing discrimination is to report it. If you believe you may be a victim of housing discrimination, contact HUD or your local Fair Housing Center:

Visit www.hud.gov/fairhousing or call the HUD Hotline 1-800-669-9777 (voice) 1-800-927-9275 (TTY)

Your Choice. Your Right. Your Home. A public service message from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in partnership 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.

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.

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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.