Ask the Expert 2020

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expert Davis • Dixon

Woodland • Vacaville

WE ASKED, AND THEY ANSWERED...

Local experts answer some of your most common industry-related questions in this special section

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

C2 THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

Ways to address market volatility concerns The economic collapse of 2008 taught harsh lessons about the potential for portfolio losses and how that could derail one’s retirement plans. When there’s volatility in the market, it’s natural to worry about your retirement nest egg. Actions taken today can affect your financial security tomorrow, so let’s map out a strategy that includes guarantees that may help ease concerns despite fluctuations in the stock market.

Annuities can help When used correctly annuities can be powerful long-term retirement planning tools by helping to create an income stream for life. Annuity payments can be received monthly, quarterly, annually or in a lump sum, and have tax deferral benefits.

Variable annuities allow investors to potentially grow assets in the market, with the opportunity to add optional guarantee features for an additional fee that provide downside protection. Younger investors planning for retirement may be interested in the growth potential of a variable annuity. Some providers like New York Life offer certain variable annuities with an option called an accumulation benefit rider which provide principal protection over a chosen holding period. This means that at least the initial premium is guaranteed at the end of the holding period, helping to address volatility concerns.

Income annuities are known for their efficiency in generating guaranteed lifetime income. Similar to a pension and Social Security, a guaranteed income annuity can also produce a lifetime payment stream.

It is like getting a “paycheck” for life.

With a guaranteed income annuity, you can have peace of mind with the knowledge that you’ll have a steady retirement income to help with basic expenses in retirement, while weathering market volatility.

While investors may react differently to fluctuations in the market, many can benefit from working with a trusted financial professional to support the retirement planning process. Let’s schedule a meeting to

talk through worst case scenarios, your tolerance for risk and any other changes to your financial picture that necessitate refining your current approach. Together we can put a plan in place that will help you live out the retirement of your dreams.

Important disclosures: Guarantees are based on the claims - paying ability of the issuer.

For variable annuities, guarantees do not apply to monies allocated to the variable investment options as they are subject to market risk and will fluctuate in value.

Withdrawals may be subject to ordinary income taxes and, if made prior to age 59½, may be subject to a 10% IRS penalty. Surrender charges may also apply.

The accumulation benefit rider called the Investment Preservation Rider 4.0(IPR) guarantees all premium payments from a loss that are made in the first policy year (less any proportional withdrawals) after the completion of a holding period.

The IPR provides principal protection but does not protect the owner’s investment from day-to-day market fluctuations or against losses that could be realized prior to completion of the holding period.

Annuities contain certain fees, risks, limitations and restrictions.

Investors should speak to a financial professional for costs and complete details Please consider the charges, risk, expenses, and investment objectives carefully before purchasing a variable annuity. For a prospectus containing this and other information, please contact a financial professional. Read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending money.

In most jurisdictions, the form numbers are as follows (state variations may apply): New York Life Guaranteed Lifetime Income Annuity is ICC11-P102 (it may be 211-P102); New York Life Premier Variable Annuity II (ICC15-P301, or it may be 215-P301); Investment Preservation Rider 4.0 ((ICC18V-R03 or it may be NC18V-R03). Certain features and benefits may not be available in all states or jurisdictions.

Annuities are issued by New York

Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation (NYLIAC) (A Delaware Corporation). Variable annuities are offered through NYLIFE Securities LLC (Member FINRA/SIPC), a licensed insurance agency. Both NYLIAC, and NYLIFE Securities LLC are wholly owned subsidiaries of New York Life

Insurance Company (NY,NY).

This educational third-party article is being provided as a courtesy

by George A Barden, CLU, ChFC, Agent, (CA Ins. Lic. #0508171) New York Life Insurance Company and a Registered Representative of NYLIFE Securities LLC (member FINRA,

SIPC), a Licensed Insurance Agency and New York Life Company. For additional information on the information or topic discussed, please contact George at his Davis office by phone at (530) 756-1332 or by e-mail at gabarden@ft.newyorklife.com SMRU 1849554 (Exp. 12/6/2021)

Together we can address your market volatility concerns with these simple steps: • Do a portfolio check • Look for ways to optimize spending • Balance the need for cash reserves with the opportunity for growth • Discuss how Social Security could impact retirement income • Add guarantees to the portfolio

George A. Barden CLU®, ChFC® CA Insurance Lic #0508171 Agent, New York Life Insurance Company

429 F Street, Suite 9 · Davis, CA 95616

(530) 756-1332 georgebarden.nylagents.com Registered Representative offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC (Member FINRA/SIPC), A Licensed Insurance Agency. ©2020 New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10010

Insure. Prepare. Retire.

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THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE

We don’t want to be the biggest, just the

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020 C3

BEST SOLAR COMPANY

We’re proud to be a nationally-recognized, BBB Accredited and A+ rated solar company.

And we were blown away when we were named one of the top solar contractors in the United States by Solar Power World Magazine for three years in a row! But we’re only happy when you are!

Sunny Energy is Smart Energy We believe in smart consumers. We’ll help educate you on how to be smart about your energy – from going solar and storing that

energy to monitoring and managing it. We help you take full advantage of government and utility incentives, before it’s too late, so that you get the best deal when going solar.

And we’ll design a system that maximizes your savings, without overspending. Being Energy Smart means creating your own clean energy, storing it to use when you need it most, and managing it so that your family uses that energy as efficiently as possible. We offer the latest technology to help you.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How long will the entire process take, i.e. acceptance to installation?

To start off, we combine the deposit and equipment order in one payment. Upon ordering the equipment from our suppliers, we immediately begin the permit application. The county normally takes about two weeks to issue permits, therefore we apply for inspection around the same time to speed up the process. Within a week of receiving acceptance of the application, we begin roof mounting and then commence the module installation. The length of the project may vary depending on the size of the PV system.

How can I insure that the solar installation process will not void my roof warranty?

This is very situational. Send on over your roofer’s contact information and we will work together. i.e. your warranty.

Exercise your choice.

Personal solar energy. · Customized solar systems · No money down financing · Battery storage & EV charging available with solar

Call (916) 249-7454 for a quote.

CA CSLB # 1041321

www.sunnyenergy.solar

Dean T. Newberry, Founder

Are they any examples of black-framed vs. silver-framed panels? How about white vs. black sheet?

The Davis Methodist Church is a visible example of the blackframed panels while the silver-framed panels, most famously manufactured by SUNPOWER Corp. can be seen clearly at the University Covenant Church (UCC), both which reside in Davis.

How would our warranty transfer to the new homeowner if we decided to sell our house?

Warranties are uniquely for the equipment, therefore making it conveniently transferable to future homeowners. If the new homeowners wish to be briefed on the PV system, they will just need to contact us and we will be more than happy to come on over and give them a quick overview.

C4 THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE

Ask the Expert

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

How will the Coronavirus pandemic affect mortgage rates?

BY NATE PIÑA Special to The Enterprise

The COVID-19 crisis is going to significantly affect mortgages, real estate and all homeowners, possibly all this year and next. It is the biggest single financial issue facing homeowners today.

How low did interest rates go?

The 30-year-fixed conventional mortgage rate was recently below 3% for the first time in the history of the U.S. until Monday, March 9. All data had pointed to rates going lower as more economic and COVID-19 news came out.

Then, without notice, the music stopped. Investors called due

hedge positions put in place by mortgagees and the appetite for new mortgages and mortgage-backed securities (MBS) dropped significantly.

By the next day, mortgage rates went half of a percent higher. By the following week through Friday, March 20, 30-year fixed rates hit as high as 4.5% to 6%, depending on the loan type and scenario.

Where are they now?

Why did they change so fast?

As of Monday March, 23, 30-year-fixed mortgage rates sit anywhere from 3.125% to 3.75%. What caused this sharp increase and now a decrease in mortgage rates is highly compli-

cated, but was a combination of three main things. * First, uncertainty in the markets due to COVID-19 and a rush to liquidity, led investors to divest in the market. * Second, investors in mortgages saw a run on their portfolio due to early payoff penalties from unprecedented refinance volume, a devaluing of their assets, and interest rate offerings that didn’t leave room for much of a return on investment. * Lastly, capacity. There just isn’t enough human or financial capacity for as many mortgages that were qualified for a refinance. The mortgage industry saw nearly half a year’s worth of funding volume begin the application process in just two months’ time.

As of March 23, the Fed

announced it would purchase an unlimited number of treasuries and securities tied to residential and commercial real estate to ward off a credit crunch. This announcement is what dropped mortgage rates over .5% from Friday. I expect there to be more volatility ahead, but I see rates being very low for a long time.

Where do we go from here and how will COVID-19 affect rates this year and next?

I am a firm believer that interest rates will come down over the next few months. As long as we flatten the curve on COVID-19 and begin seeing a physical recovery and treatment

We make the home loan process as simple as possible by guiding you through every step. Ɛƒƒ "$! $ķ "& $ ҋ ( "ķ ƖƔѵƐѵ ҐƔƒƏґ ѶƓƕ҃ѵƓƔƏ ҋ $ ĺ җ !) + ĺ

preparedness, the markets will begin to normalize and mortgage interest rates will begin to come back down.

If we are able to find a vaccine and/or treatment and normalize the markets, we will see mortgage interest rates at some of the lowest rates in the history of U.S. mortgage rates. Low-interest rates, as compared to the historical average, should continue for the next 12 to 18 months.

I believe that if you look at real estate as a longterm investment, if someone in our local market purchases a home or locks in a mortgage interest rate during this period, they will have made a sound financial decision.

— Nate Piña is a top producing mortgage lender at Fairway Mortgage. Call 530-847-6450 for more information.

NATE PIÑA

Area Manager NMLS: 245332

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THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020 C5

Why you should consider investing in a gas insert or fireplace now

A beautiful gas fireplace or insert provides clean, efficient “Zone Heating” when you need it and where you need it. It puts the warmth where you spend most of your hours in your home (family room/ kitchen/bedroom or even bathroom), rather than wasting energy and money heating empty rooms.

A new gas fireplace/insert can add value to your home by providing a WOW FACTOR and a focal point. Here at Gallery of Fireplaces we pride ourselves on being a

Spring and summer are a great time for us to install your fireplace so it will be ready for the fall and winter.

cal, carpentry, stone/tile work, custom mantel design, and if needed, getting your legal permits.

Greg Schulze, Owner & General Contractor License #657984

HOW? Call now to book an appointment or schedule a free in-home consultation:

707-446-9008

E-mail or bring in pictures of your current fireplace!

sales@GalleryOfFireplaces.com www.galleryoffireplaces.com “ONE STOP SHOP” providing complete fireplace transformations: 385 Merchant Street, Vacaville, CA 95688 Design, TV integration, gas line installation, electriWe serve the entire Solano, Yolo and Napa counties.

Free In Home Estimate!

GAS · PELLET · ELECTRIC · WOOD · MANTELS We can take care of your Fireplace Project from

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385 MERCHANT STREET • VACAVILLE

707-446-9008 www.galleryoffireplaces.com MONDAY-FRIDAY 11-6 • SATURDAY 11-4 • CLOSED SUNDAYS

& AWNINGSEENS SOLARAVSACIRLABLE! NOWree Estimates!

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C6 THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE

Bringing the

W

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

of our community to others is what The Davis Enterprise is all about

e are dedicated to promoting activities that will enrich our community. But as we strive to help publicize activities offered by local organizations, we have a responsibility to all of our readers to provide news that is balanced, timely and newsworthy.

Thus, the basic criteria for deciding what will be printed in a newspaper are two: newsworthiness and reader interest.

Keeping that in mind, here are some tips on how to submit news releases:

Preparing a release You don’t need to be an accomplished writer; it’s up to the reporter or editor to revise your copy for newspaper style.

Your task is to be well-organized and present complete information so that it can be easily read and understood.

The news release that will most quickly and favorably catch an editor’s eye will: • Be sent via email — either pasted into the body of the email or attached as a Microsoft Word document — to newsroom@davisenterprise.net for a news release, sports@davisenterprise.net for a sports release or arts@davisenterprise. net for an arts/entertainment release.

• Press releases also may be submitted via web form at www.davisenterprise.com/press-release/, or be mailed or dropped off in person to our office at 315 G St. in downtown Davis.

• Be written in standard upper-case/lower-case format. It’s often difficult to tell whether something would be capitalized or not when written in all capital letters.

• Have a lead paragraph that clearly states the facts of the story: WHO are the important people involved with the event; WHAT is to be going on; WHEN it is happening, with specific reference to dates and times, including advance reservation dates if appropriate; WHERE the event will happen, with a specific and complete address; and WHY the story is being written.

Often you’ll want to say HOW the event is happening, i.e., the guest speaker is in town to receive an award for his or her achievements.

• State a reservation deadline at the top of the story, not the bottom where it may be overlooked by a hurried editor.

• Have words that are all spelled correctly — especially the names. Please put (sic) for “spelling is correct” next to unusual spellings for names. This is why we will not take news releases over the phone; the danger of misunderstanding the spelling of names or other information is too great.

• Not have acronyms. Spell out the name of your organization or association, at least in the first reference. And in case the editor may have questions about the information in the release, include your name and daytime phone number on your release. Please also include contact information — phone number or email address — for readers who may have questions or need to make reservations. * Be complete with correct times and places. * Be submitted two weeks ahead of the date of the event or the deadline for registration.

Photos welcome We also welcome photo submissions. They must be sharp and of good contrast, at least 300 dpi and sent in .jpg format.

Please include caption information explaining the photo and identifying everyone pictured.

Contact information Our main office phone number is 530-756-0800; our fax number is 530-756-1668. The office is at 315 G St. in downtown Davis. General news email is: newsroom@ davisenterprise.net. General sports email is: sports@ davisenterprise.net. General arts/entertainment email is: arts@davisenterprise.net.

JOHN BRINLEY COLLECTION/COURTESY PHOTO

Top: Chelso Maghetti, right, was the editor and publisher from 1935 to 1960. Here, he chats with Sam Brinley, the Davis depot agent for the Southern Pacific Railroad, in 1943. The Enterprise office was just north of Third and G streets.

Left: Standing in The Davis Enterprise pressroom in 1925 are, from left, editor and judge William H. Scott, Kathryn King Scott, a linotype operator, and the Rev. Nathan M. Fiske, pastor of the Community Church.

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THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020 C7

Quality Furniture! Huge Selection!

Competitive Prices!

ENTERPRISE PHOTO/DAVID DELEON

Elaine Cloutier (owner) and Joe Byrne (sales associate) will be happy to help you find the quality, comfort, style and value in your next furniture purchase. Lainey’s offers a complete selection of quality name brand furniture.

Lainey’s Furniture helps you find and care for the right furniture for your home Whether you are redecorating, moving, or just updating your furniture, the staff at Lainey’s Furniture For Living can help you find just the right items for your home. Lainey’s Furniture carries high quality furniture. Furniture purchases can put stress on your wallet, we want to make sure that our customers get the best value in the furniture that they purchase.

To extend the life of your new furniture, Lainey’s recommends the following:

Wood Furniture Use a lint-free cloth with a small amount of polish to to clean and shine your furniture on a regular basis.

When choosing a furniture polish, use the same type for each cleaning, either oil- or wax-based, to avoid polish smudges. Wipe in the direction of the grain of the wood whenever possible.

Upholstery Keep upholstered furniture out of direct sunlight as most fabrics will fade. Vacuum surfaces weekly. Flip cushions and pillows regularly so both sides wear evenly. Third-party warranties provide extended care for your upholstery as insurance against damage caused by accidental spills or tears. Some extended warranties (although an added cost) will even send a technician to your home to clean a stain or repair damage.

Leather Because leather can dry and crack, it is recommended that you keep your valuable leather furniture at least 2 feet from heat sources and out of direct sunlight.

Clean the piece with a damp sponge or soft cloth and dust it regularly. You can also use a quality leather polish.

Lainey’s Furniture is family-owned and operated by residents of Vacaville.

• Sofas • Recliners • Living Room Sets • Dining Room Sets • Bedroom Sets • More!

395-A E. Monte Vista Ave., Vacaville

707.449.6385 www.laineysfurnitureforliving.com

C8 THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE

Ask the Expert

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020

One of the most difficult parts of a kitchen or bath remodel or new construction is nding the right countertop. Homeowners face questions not only about functionality but also about design and environmental considerations. Most homeowners are looking for a smooth (grout-less) surface which can withstand heat and is easy to keep clean. Natural stone countertops like granite may meet some of these criteria, but overall, a man-made material may actually be the better choice, especially for the clean, modern look that many homeowners seek.

In the last few decades, quart countertops (not to be confused with quartzite, a natural stone) have gained in popularity and are often the preferred choice for new housing developments. Marketed under brand names like Caesarstone, Silestone, and Cambria (as well as by many smaller manufacturers), quartz countertops are made by combining about 80%-90% ground quartz (a mineral harder than diamonds) and 10%-20% resins, polymers, pigments, and sometimes pre- or post-consumer debris, such as glass or stone. The slabs contructed in this way vary in size and price, but offer an array of color and texture options from classic marble looks to granite styles to modern concrete looks. Slabs are typically not sold individually (unless as remnants) and must be purchased as a fabricated counter top through a design showroom or licensed fabricator. Quartz countertops are harder than granite, are completely inorganic (granite sometimes off-gasses radon from organic material trapped in tiny ssures).

Unlike granite, they don’t require sealing and clean easily with the mildest cleaning products. They also come with a warranty against manufacturing defects. The main disadvantages of quartz are that it is not fully heat resistant (counters should be protected by hot pads against heat greater than 350 degrees) and getting a matte or unpolished look can be difficult.

A new option is known generically as “ultra compact surfaces.”

The market leaders are Dekton and Neolith. Ultra compact surfaces, like quartz countertops, are manufactured by combining raw materials (glass, quartz, stone, porcelin, and polymers), which are then subjected to what is called “sinterized particle technology,” which compresses the materials into a slab that can withstand heat up to 900 degrees and has zero porosity, making it an excellent material for a working kitchen: easy to clean and heat resistant.

A variety of design options (including wood looks) are available in matte and highly polished surfaces. Like quartz countertops, ultra compact surfaces are only available through design showrooms and licensed fabricators trained to work with this special material.

It should be noted that there isnít any countertop material, natural or man made that can be expected to withstand significant impact damage (such as dropping a heavy object directly on the counter).

There has also been some concern in the press about the risk of silicosis (a lung disease) to workers who manufacture and install man-made counters. (Natural stone counters often have the same risks.) It is important that you contract for your countertop through a knowledable design or fabrication business that can create an accurate template for the counter (requiring less on-site modification) and who will fabricate the counter in a safe shop environment.