The PIN Magazine April 2017

Apr i l 2017 Vo l. 04 | Is s ue 4

NATIONAL INCOME AND PRODUCT ACCOUNTS ANALYSIS OF CORPORATE PROFITS, THIRD QUARTER 2016 FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN FILING TAX RETURNS

SHANNA SMITH:

AN EXAMPLE FOR MANY AMERICAN WOMEN

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

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ANY OF OUR the PIN magazine THE POWER IS NOW INC. Vol. 04 | Issue 4

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

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

CONTRIBUTIORS The Power Is Now Research Team

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CEO & Publisher Eric Lawrence Frazier, MBA 3739 6th Street, Riverside, CA 921506 Ph: (800) 401-8994 ext. 703 EDITORIAL Editor in Chief: Eric Lawrence Frazier MBA Managing Editor: Goldy Ponce ONLINE Web Designer: Himanshu Haiswal

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DESIGN Art Director & Design Manager: Goldy Ponce, PUBLICATION AND SERVICES Andrej Jovanovic The PIN Magazine The Power Is Now Radio ADMINISTRATIVE The Power Is Now Publications Administrative Assistant: Kendra Gedeon The Power Is Now Radio Guide The Power Is Now VIP Agent Program The Power Is Now Power Consulting/Coaching The Power Is Now Association Management The Power Is Now Event Management STATEMENT OF COPYRIGHT: The PIN Magazine™ is owned and published electronically by The Power Is Now, Inc. Copyright 2013-2017 The Power Is Now Inc. All rights reserved.

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Issue...

FINANCIAL 10. National Income and Product Accounts.

Gross Domestic Products: Analysis of Corporate Profits, Thir Quarter 2016 12. Facts you need to know when filling tax returns

ON THE COVER

In This

ECONOMY 16. How Foreclosures Have Affected

Riverside’s Economy 20. The Good Economic Growth of

California 22. How to Protect your House from

Foreclosure 26. How Donald Trump’s Decision to

Suspend the Mortgage Premium Cut has

Affected Americans 28. When your Mortgage Servicer Will

not Send Mortgage Statements After

your Bankruptcy

REAL ESTATE 30. Real Estate Market Focus: San Diego 34. What Makes the Orange County

Neighbourhoods Stand Out 36. The Real Estate Market in Fairfield

California

The PIN Magazine | April 2017

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LEGAL 44. Bankruptcy and Foreclosures 48. 90 Day Flip Rules Investors Need to Know

GREEN 50. Green Building Technology in

54.

California Green Leasing

TECHNOLOGY 58. Home Security Tips 62. Use IRS Free File Software on

64.

Smartphones or Tablets The Best Real Estate Software for 2017

YOU 68. Skills that Will Make Your Real Estate

70.

74.

Team Successful Why Customer Service is Important in Real Estate Inspection Repairs: Should You Do Them Yourself?

And Also Find Our Upcoming Events! www.thepowerisnow.com

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Editor’s Letter...

D

ear Esteemed Readers,

In honor of the anniversary of the passing of the Fair Housing Act and in remembrance of the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, April is set aside as National Fair Housing Month. This is an important month for African Americans because historically we have experienced the pain and humiliation of job discrimination, housing discrimination, credit discrimination, and even discrimination against our very freedom.

Every imaginable strategy has been employed by those in power to deny housing to African Americans. They have employed black codes to restrict our participation in society, the full right to own property, the right to make contracts, travel or live in white communities, implementation of deed restrictions, redlining and unfair and predatory lending practices, appraising practicing, credit scoring, the outright denial of home loans based on race, and the refusal to even sell or rent to African Americans. Our government and many financial institutions and industries in the private sector have done everything they can through collaboration, legal and political action to keep us down, but like the phoenix from the ashes we rise.

Housing is the number-one burden on the mind of every grown man and women, mother and father, and even child.

We all need shelter and protection from the elements, and we need to build wealth and leave an inheritance for our children. Owning a home is the beginning to building wealth for most minorities. Owning land is a divine imperative that is rooted in biblical principles. God has given us land to own and to use to prosper. But are we prospering? Are

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we homeowners? Are we building wealth? The answer is complicated, but simply stated it is no on all fronts for many African Americans.

So this month I am excited to bring you a variety of articles on the subject of fair housing. This month we will reveal Wells Fargo’s $60 billion homeowner program for minorities and what kind of changes it will bring.

In this up-and-down economy we talk about ways to save your home from foreclosure, reveal how Trump’s decision to suspend the mortgage premium cut has affected America, and much much more. On the cover is Shanna Smith, the president of National Fair Housing. We talk in depth about the significant accomplishments she has set for many American women.

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 Lawrence Frazier CEO The Power Is Now Inc.

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9

FINANCES

National Income and Product Accounts Gross Domestic Product: Analysis of Corporate Profits, Third Quarter 2016

C

orporate profits are getting widespread media interest as it is one of the prominent and most closely observed economic indicators. The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reports the corporate profit quarterly by abridging the total earnings of corporations in National Income and Product Accounts (NIPA). These reports are released rather quickly, two months after the quarter end. Additional information is integrated into the reports gradually, as revised estimates, and the same for the third quarter of the year 2016 has been published recently. With this data, the growth of the economy over the year can be analyzed. The efficient analysis is required because the corporate profits indicate the US corporate financial health, on the whole. It also accounts for the projection of plant and equipment investments, as well as tax receipts.

measures the corporation income from current production, excluding the capital gain and losses. Considering the year 2016, the profit had suffered a decrease of $12.5 billion in the second quarter. But a remarkable increase of $117.8 billion was observed in the third quarter. These figures prove to be most useful while comparing and deciding between multiple outcomes.

Current production profits

While the contribution of domestic financial corporations led to an appreciably rising graph, the situation is slightly different for domestic nonfinancial corporations. Even though

Profits from current production, known as economic profits are significant as it includes the income that has escaped from the tax authorities also. The BEA

The PIN Magazine | April 2017

Profits of domestic corporations

financial

Profits of domestic financial corporations have risen tremendously, especially in the third quarter. The changeover from first to the second quarter was with an increase of just $5.6 billion whereas there was a dramatic increase of $50.1 billion in the third quarter. In total, there has been an increase of $55.7 billion during the whole year.

Profits of domestic non-financial corporations

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there was an increase of $66.4 billion in the third quarter, the decrease of $56.1 billion in the second quarter has brought a dip in the graph, while considering the whole year. As a result, the overall increase in profit is $10.3 billion only.

Rest of the World Profits

The estimates for determining the restof-the-world component are taken from BEA’s international transaction accounts.

The statistical figures for this component are reported as $38.0 billion in the second quarter and just $1.3 billion in the third quarter. This measure arises from the difference between the export and the import business components. Though both payments and receipts suffered a decrease, the decrease in payments is double that of receipts. Quoting the exact statistical figures, the decrease in receipts was $1.3 billion whereas, in payments, the decrease was $2.6 billion, in the third quarter.

GDP Estimation The gross product is the value of goods and services which are products of the national economy are less value of goods and services used up in their production, therefore, leading losses.

Gross domestic income – is the total amount of profit and the cost incurred during the production process of gross domestic products.

Current-dollar estimates are valued at the prices of the time when the transactions occurred.

Profits from current production are known as corporate profits with inventory valuation adjustment and capital

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consumption adjustment. The Gross Domestic Product estimate released today is based on a complete source data than were available for “Second” estimate issued last month. The real GDP was increased to 3.2 percent in the second estimate.

According to the third estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, real GDP was increased to 3.5 percent. As a result, the general picture of economic growth remained the same when there was a high increase in non-residential fixed investment, State and local government spending and Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE).

Effects of Increase in real GDP in third quarter There was a high advancement in Private Inventory Investment, acceleration in exports and federal government spending.

But state and local government spending and residential investment slightly declined.

Data sources used for estimation Two kinds of profit reports are considered for conducting the analysis. The profit reported to the public, so as to inform the investors, allows flexibility on methods and measures. The profit reported to the IRS (Internal Revenue Service), for tax purposes provides little flexibility on methods and measures. The BEA uses information from both reports and creates the US economic accounts, which is a consistent measure of the entire profit earned by all corporations.

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FINANCES

Facts You Need to Know

When Filing Tax Returns A tax return is a form that is used to give a report on your income as well as to file income taxes with your country’s tax authorities.

In most countries, people are required to file their tax returns every year.

Many taxpayers as well as accounting professionals are usually busy during the tax season. In this period, they are required to assemble the necessary paperwork, which includes wages as well as the earning statements, and afterward calculate the tax returns.

to do it for them. It does not matter how you decide to go about it. The important thing is to ensure that your tax returns are filed. Tax returns make it possible for a taxpayer to calculate his or her tax liability and request for refunds or remit payments if need be.

As the tax season approaches, people have many questions. There are those that do not know what to do with the tax refunds, while others are wondering what steps to take if their tax return does not show up as they Some people calculate their taxes on were expecting. Fortunately, the tax their own, while others rely on experts season comes only once a year. Below

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is some useful information on what to keep in mind during the tax season.

What can make you not get your tax refund?

How to do your taxes

If you do not file your taxes, you will not get a return. Always be sure that your taxes are properly filed. In case you filed for your taxes correctly, and you did not get the refund, it can be because your taxes are not up to date. You could have a student loan that you defaulted on or other government debts. If this is the case, the tax authorities could have captured the refund and used it to offset the debts. In order to avoid such instances, it is best to ensure that you are current on student loans, taxes, and other government debts.

If you do not know how to do your taxes, or you do not have time, you can go ahead and find a professional to do it for you. Before you hire someone, first ask around and find out if the person is credible or not. You do not want a person who is not good at the job doing your taxes. Always keep in mind that the more complex the return, the more you are going to pay. Therefore, the fee might end up eating the refund that you are going to get.

If your taxes are not complicated, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance can help in guiding you on how to file for returns. The best thing is that they do it for free, which makes things easier for low-income moderate income taxpayers. With proper preparations, filing for tax returns can be quite simple.

What to do with the tax returns Some people see tax returns as free money. With this in mind, they do not plan on how to use it, and they end up wasting it. They end up spending it on something fun or another unimportant thing. In a real sense, the tax refund is your hardearned money. When you receive the returns, it means that you have overpaid your taxes and the government has been keeping it the whole year.

However, it is fine to receive it as a lump sum, but if the money was available earlier, you could have put it to good use.

A tax return begins with an identification section.

Then it is divided into three parts: income, deductions, and credits. During the tax season, you should make certain claims and ensure that you have correct documents as well as proof of all the claims. Be honest; if you overstate the expense for your medical claims or the number of your dependents it is a criminal offense. Some people take advantage of this season and rob people; do not fall for scams. These people send you emails asking for personal information such as banking details. Once you send it to them, they use it to steal from you. Be on the lookout for such people to avoid being a victim.

It is good to plan for what to do with tax returns; you can opt to use the money to reduce your debts if you have any. You can also decide to add it to your savings and use it on a rainy day. If you do not make plans for the money, it might disappear and not help you in attaining your financial goals.

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13

ECONOMY

HOW FORECLOSURES

HAVE AFFECTED RIVERSIDE’S ECONOMY

T

he increase in foreclosures in Riverside, California have negatively affected the economy. The need for living in a decent and reasonably placed house is just one determinant of wellbeing that many would want to ignore due to the financial implications. However, as stated by the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO), housing is just more than a basic shelter since it affects our lives in different ways. For instance, it determines how individuals access their place of work, schools, recreation facilities, and shopping centers, among other facilities. Unfortunately, California’s

The PIN Magazine | April 2017

economic condition is not inclined to current housing conditions. The Public Institute of California relates the state of affairs to an economic slowdown witnessed in the city. As a result, California has witnessed a foreclosure rate of 1.9%, or almost double the national average of 1%.

What has led to the increased foreclosures?

According to CNN, the numbers of people losing their homes are now high, with more than one

16

million homes now in foreclosure, a trend that has never been witnessed before. Much of the problem is the result of subprime loans accessed with borrowers with weaker credit records.

These borrowers are composed of those with loans which have adjustable rates. CNN reports that 4 out of 10 subprime ARM loans are late by a month or more or are in the foreclosure process. Unfortunately, they are not only hurting the families that are losing their homes but also the economy at large.

The impact of the foreclosures

How the foreclosures have affected people Foreclosures do decrease not only the value of homes but also investments in other new constructions. The number of construction permits has also declined. Riverside, California is a place that many people would want to live.

However, the high housing costs make people cut back on things they love so that they can afford to leave there. People that have a low income suffer the most because they spend much on what they earn on housing.

Foreclosures can also depress the value of a property as well as national tax revenues. This can lead to spending cuts in vital areas such as education, transportation, and public assistance.

Subsequent Riverside, California foreclosures have resulted in a decline in home ownership.

It has also cost the lenders, thus encouraging them to reduce their risk by making it harder for people who want to obtain credit. When the availability of credit decreases, it slows the amount of new construction. That is a dreadful thing for an economy, because the developers will start laying off workers.

Everyone would love to live in a decent home that is affordable and located in a safe neighborhood.

However, the increased foreclosures in Riverside, California have a negative impact on the economy because many citizens are not able to afford. Without a doubt, housing in California has become very expensive compared to in other parts of the country. The city is desirable to live in. Unfortunately, most people are struggling to find housing that is both affordable and meets their needs.

The housing market gives employment to many, and if it lays people off, it leads to broadscale unemployment. The situation causes the economy to slow down because people reduce their spending. The Census Bureau opines that the number of new homes production in the nation is far below projected needs. Currently, it stands at 80,000 homes annually, a trend that has been witnessed in the last decade, whereas the projected need stands at 180,000 homes annually.

The lack of supply in housing comes with other associated costs which have played a significant role in denying a good number of Californians access to the market.

Upon a foreclosure, homeowners tend to lose access to low-cost lending, which has numerous effects on both their spending and their livelihoods.

Not only does the reduction in expenditures affect the homeowners and their families, but it also affects other segments of the economies.

The millions of foreclosed homeowners have a massive negative effect on the local, state, and national economy. The most affected lenders tend to protect themselves by making access to cheap mortgages difficult. In effect, that reduces the amount of new construction, leading to an economy slowdown.

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Conclusion:

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THE POWER IS NOW VIP AGENT

STEVE PETERSON, CCIM Office: 510-879-7542 Mobile: 408-509-0700 Email: peterson.infinity@gmail.com Website: http://www.infinityinvestments.net/

ECONOMY

THE GOOD ECONOMIC GROWTH OF CALIFORNIA

C

alifornia was recently ranked as the 6th largest economy in the world. A healthy economy, as well as a great exchange rate, has led to this fantastic growth. Last year, California created so many employment opportunities. Four of the largest companies in the world are located in this state, including Facebook and Alphabet. The economic growth of California is not only big, but also growing at a faster rate than that of any other nation. Without a doubt, the state has an enormously productive economy that is superb for growth.

The Bureau of the Economy shows that the economic output of the west coast of California was at $2.46 trillion in the year 2015. That number has been able to push the state’s economic output above other cities. California saw a growth of 2.4 percent, which was more than that of the United States as a whole. The rise in global rankings has come at the expense of some countries like France and Brazil. France has been burdened by a currency that is weak, while Brazil has been struggling economically.

Why California for you and your young family?

California is a good city for the young families because there are numerous job opportunities

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What has led to California’s communities that they come from.

This is because women are for all economic growth?

According to Forbes, California’s economy has grown over the years. In fact, last year the city created more job opportunities than any other state. California has a population that is approaching 40 million. The city has the largest companies in biotechnology, banking, health care, communication equipment and other technology hardware, entertainment and movies, semiconductors, gas and oil, online retail, and a few softwarerelated fields.

available. Employment makes it easier for people to afford the cost of leaving. A city that has ensured that most of its people have jobs has an added advantage when it comes to economic growth.

Moreover, a city that has given jobs to most people has good security. This is because people will not rob others in order to survive. Other needs that the state has looked into are childcare, job training, and public support during calamities, and equal pay irrespective of gender, decent wages, and policies that support working families.

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It is true that the economy of California is impressive.

Moreover the state has numerous advantages that make it wealthy. It also has a large young productive population, which is an added benefit to economic growth.

California has an excellent climate and great topography as well. The city has so many factors that enable its economy to grow at the rate that it is.

The women factor in California’s economy A stronger california is a California that has a synchronized and all-inclusive set of policies.

Policies that are geared towards the offering of a strengthened economic opportunity as well as a triumph for California’s women, their families, and the

intents and purposes the primary caregivers of a family. The children and their husbands are dependent on these women in one way or another. The American Bureau of Statics gives the impression that just about 50% of the American workforce is made up of women who are primary income earners in their households. Despite women having performed better in education than men, they are likely to face numerous challenges in their struggle to being economically successful.

However, California offers economic security to all Californian women regardless of their race, color, or religion.

Therefore, it is evident that the potential for women’s economic progression in California cannot be exaggerated. California’s administration and economic growth has managed to a large extent to secure an economic opportunity for all women, thus strengthening families, the public, and the welfare of the state.

Therefore, it is important for any woman with a young family to take note of California’s size and national significance since it is the right combination that is likely to fuel both women’s social and economic success and strengthen their families, all thanks to the strong economy.

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ECONOMY

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOUSE

FROM FORECLOSURE

H

ome foreclosure is a terrifying scenario for any homeowner, and especially for first-time buyers. During foreclosures, not only are your finances in jeopardy, but your entire livelihood could also be at stake if your household is your sole residence. Luckily, here are some simple tips to help you avoid this unfortunate outcome.

Do Not Become Your Debt:

most effectively handle your mortgage, it is crucial to understand that you are not your debt, and therefore you should not let it consume your mental wellbeing.

While this may seem like an obvious statement, according to a recent study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, up to 60 percent of homeowners dealing with foreclosure begin experiencing a negative impact on their psychological well-being.

Before we move into the topic of money management advice on how to

Furthermore, mortgage troubles have often been linked to causing or influencing

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depression in adults. All of this negative energy has a detrimental effect on one’s ability to best handle their finances, so before we jump into handling your money, it is best to understand that you are a human being undergoing one of the most common issues in modern society – debt – and therefore you are not alone; if you feel like your mortgage is becoming too much to mentally bear, care for yourself first before interacting with your finances and property.

pays the remaining balance of your original loan while extending different loan terms to you as a homeowner. Often the newer loan involves a lower interest rate due to improved credit scores. The new loan could also involve different contingencies, such as a different payment timeframe.

Be sure to pay close attention to all the nuances involved in your refinanced contract before agreeing to it. You can even look over the details with a Organize, Organize, Organize: certified financial consultant to best protect against any lenders attempting to take advantage of you.

Benjamin Franklin once said, “for every minute As always, the more knowledge you have prior to spent organizing, an hour is earned.” Take time to signing an agreement, the better. carefully determine the numbers associated with your mortgage. What was the original cost of the Sell as a Last Resort: mortgage (principal)? How much have you currently paid back? What is the remaining balance? What is If you are certain that you will be unable to keep your interest rate? Over what period are you expected the home and avoid foreclosure, then you may to pay this back? Have you defaulted on a payment consider selling the home. In this case, it is strongly plan? If so, why? Have you addressed the issues recommended that you invest in a professional that resulted in a missed payment? If not, organize retailer. Additionally, before listing your house for appropriate steps to do so. All these questions and sale, ensure that your house has fully met its retail more can help you become better prepared to tackle potential. There are many cheap and effective ways your debt. to maximize the value of your property. Some of these projects include repainting the interior and Budget: exterior of your home, improving energy efficiency, gardening, repairs and maintenance, and so on. Even Formulate a budget. This budget should include tasks as simple as cleaning and sprucing up the lawn everything paid by your income and not just the can increase the value of your home. For best results, money spent on your home. Keep an eye out for consult professionals in your area. any money being spent on excess. Even if you are meeting your payments for your loan on time and in The Power of Emotions: full, money saved by not indulging in luxuries can be used in an event where liquidity is required and can Do not underestimate the influence an emotional help better ensure that you are always prepared to connection can have. Lenders are people just like meet your payments in a timely and precise manner. you. If you are unable to pay your mortgage due to a Pay Attention to the Market: personal situation, try communicating this with your lender. In many scenarios, a lender has extended If you are still fighting to keep your home but paying the payment due date to help the homeowner out of back your loan is becoming increasingly difficult, nothing more than sheer compassion. then you may want to consider refinancing your loan. If you can stick to these tips and keep a positive Refinancing your loan is issuing a new loan on top of outlook, then you will surely be able to effectively your existing mortgage. This newer loan essentially manage your debt, and of course, avoid foreclosure.

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Willie Wilcox Cal BRE # 01396837 NMLS # 887943 SPECIALIZING IN: • Real Estate Sales • Lending & Financing

Helping Families Make the Right Move Relationship Manager

Realtor | Northern California E-mail: willie.wilcox@thepowerisnow.com Website: www.thepowerisnow.com Office: 800-401-8994 x 728 Direct: 510-915-5107

ECONOMY

HOW DONALD TRUMP’S DECISION TO SUSPEND THE MORTGAGE PREMIUM

CUT HAS AFFECTED AMERICANS

D

onald Trump’s victory has brought America an uncertain environment both globally and domestically, thus introducing irrational altitudes of unpredictability into international politics. Whether it is a correct or a miscalculated move, there is that silver lining that America and the world are hoping to cling desperately to. However, what is evident is that Donald Trump’s term has been marred by a lot of controversies. Soon after the president got into office, he suspended a pending reduction in paying insurance premiums.

Unfortunately, no one has enjoyed the amazing reduced rates. Donald Trump made this decision on his inauguration day; it was among the first acts of his new administration.

Federal Housing Administration loans favor borrowers who have low credit scores; it gives them a chance to own homes. For now, the hope that the previous presidents had granted to such people have been shuttered. They hope that the new president will change his mind and make their dreams come true.

The Obama administration had just announced the rate cut a week earlier. For the borrowers, this Now home buyers will not get a deduction for cut could have reduced their annual payments. mortgage insurance when purchasing a home.

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Instead, mortgage insurance will stay at its current rate of 0.85 percent. If the insurance cut plan would have gone into effect, homebuyers would have seen a decrease from 0.85 percent to 0.60 percent, or as little as $500 dollars a year in deductions. According to the Federal Housing Administration, depending on the loan amount (this estimate is based on a $600,000 loan), Trump’s decision to suspend the mortgage insurance cuts will not affect loan holders nor future homebuyers because the cuts never actually went into effect.

Why did Donald Trump do this?

Some Republicans were worried that the new act could cost taxpayers. They were concerned that it would be a total mess if the housing administration were not able to cover the losses. The Federal Housing Department insures mortgages as well as collects payments from those that have borrowed.

They do this so that if someone defaults, they are in a position to reimburse lenders. This new rate cut could have enabled a borrower to qualify for a mortgage with a small down payment. Moreover, people with low credit scores could have also qualified. The suspension is a disappointment to many, especially the homebuyers who had already started shopping for a home of their own.

cannot be ignored because it backs almost 16% of America’s new mortgages. FHA loans were meant to offer America’s new homeowners easier credit requirements, reduced down payments, and reduced closing costs, based on information provided by the Department of Urban Housing and Development. The president of the National Association of Realtors is one individual who is concerned by the move, since the cut offered more people an opportunity to qualify for a mortgage by enabling more borrowers to meet the debt-to-income ratio prerequisite in borrowing money. It means that first-time borrowers’ access to the market is limited, thus making it difficult for them to get mortgages – particularly in this period when rates are rising.

Conclusion The FHA and banks were also victims of the president’s move, since FHA could collect less cash.

The effect of collecting less money could trickle down to banks since the finance housing association uses its cash reserves to underwrite banks especially when high risk borrowers fail to pay their mortgages.

Some Americans’ reserves of hope and courage have not been drained entirely by Donald Trump’s victory.

It is not yet known if the decision is final; all that can be done for now is to wait and see.

Who does the cut affect?

Though many people surrounding the president would want to believe that his actions are responsible, the truth is that the move will affect millions of average homebuyers with an FHA-supported mortgage. FHA influence in home ownership

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ECONOMY

WHEN YOUR MORTGAGE SERVICER WILL NOT SEND MORTGAGE STATEMENTS AFTER

YOUR BANKRUPTCY

I

f you have not received your mortgage statements from your service provider after your bankruptcy, do not fret; we can help guide you through this process with your mortgage service. We know it can be a stressful time, but there are methods to the madness, and we are here to help!

your service company is refusing to send you statements, you can reference the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). This act states, “You must make the request within one year of the discharge, but this is interpreted when both the debt and the lien have been eradicated.”

Why is my mortgage service not sending me statements after my bankruptcy?

Your written request should contain the following information:

• Your name The short answer is that they do not • Information to identify your mortgage have an obligation to send statements loan account once you have filed for bankruptcy. They • The information you are requesting often use this tactic to encourage you from the account to reaffirm your mortgage. More details • Date and signature about reaffirming mortgages are included below.

Be sure to double-check that the proper address is listed on their website. In the There are rules followed by your mortgage case of bankruptcy, there are exceptions service considering your statements. If to these rules.

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Most mortgage service companies are mandated to provide statements promptly.

However, in the case of bankruptcy, they do not have to follow this stipulation.

After the bankruptcy is declared, the servicer is not required to send monthly statements for the discharged debt. You can send a letter to your service company stating that due to the presence of the mortgage lien (if applicable) you are currently entitled to monthly statements for your mortgage. If the servicer does not abide by the written request, there are other options. They might respond with a suggestion to reopen your bankruptcy case and to reaffirm your loan. However, this is not recommended by many professionals in the field.

It is not the best idea to reaffirm your mortgage Reaffirmation holds you personally responsible for your debt – often debt that would have otherwise been suppressed through filing for bankruptcy. If you decide to keep the house, you will be responsible for paying a deficiency. The deficiency also applies if you are unable to make your payments and the home becomes a foreclosure. The deficiency is the difference between the sale of the disclosure and the remaining mortgage statements.

Here are your next steps: • R equest, in writing, the payoff statement (use RESPA from above).

• If you do not receive an answer within a reasonable amount of time, file a complaint in writing. This is called an ‘error of notice.’ State your name, information to properly identify your account for the loan, and a description of the error perpetrated by the servicer (the failure to provide you with the payoff statement would be the error here).

The worst-case scenario: If all else fails, you can call your lawyer. Even though this is not the cheapest or most ideal situation, it does guarantee a response. The service company wants to avoid legal ramifications at all costs, and will respond in less time with this option. It may cost you a little extra, but you are guaranteed results.

In the end, the process can be a runaround from your service provider. One of the keys to remember when dealing with these companies: persistence. If you do not hear back from the company within a reasonable amount of time, feel free to reach out again. With larger companies, it is common to have documents be misplaced. We wish you the best of luck on this journey, and hope the information provided can help you find your ideal outcome.

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REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE MARKET FOCUS

SAN DIEGO

by Lorraine Santirosa

H

ome ownership is something man has taken pride in since nearly the beginning of time. People are just as satisfied to acquire big homes today as they were when they started the real estate industry by owning caves many centuries ago. No doubt the man with the coolest cave was a king of sorts. In the United States, San Diego offers some of the very best real estate.

Living in San Diego means you can visit Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Disneyland, and Mexico with ease as they are all less than four hours away. However, before settling down to live in the comforts afforded

by San Diego, there are a few things to consider in order to make the best decision.

Finances in Real Estate market San Diego CA: When making a choice about where to live, the first thing to consider is finances. This factor is twofold: the money to buy or rent and how your lifestyle will affect your residency (i.e., how often you relocated).

San Diego has many neighborhoods with different real estate prices. It is important to know which neighborhood you want to live in based on your budget.

The next step is financing. It is important to look at the mortgage options you have and the costs of making a purchase or paying rent.

Types of housing: The options for housing are quite straightforward. There are townhouses, villas, mansions, duplexes, bungalows, flats, and condos. All you need to do is figure out which one best fits your lifestyle and taste.

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San Diego is not all beach. It also has much lofty views: the neighborhoods to the east are afforded Property prices in San Diego have been rising great views of the scenic wilderness, mountains, steadily for the past few years, which has and canyons that surround San Diego. It also been accompanied by a significant increase in presents a great city skyline view. rental prices. Real estate investors are showing an increased tendency to put up condos and Neighborhood Needs apartments, while some landlords are converting their apartments to condos. This is because Do you have a family, are you working, do you condos are more affordable than other types of have school-going children, or are you studying? housing units in the San Diego market. As such, These each play a role in which neighborhood there are more condos and apartments in the you want to live in. In case you want to take your kids to school, it is always desirable to have market than ever before. it as close to home as possible; as such, your location choices are narrowed down to places Neighborhood: near schools. If you want to walk to work, you It is always good to live in the kind of will similarly choose a neighborhood close to the neighborhood you like. Always be ready to place you are working. think of how much you are willing to do to live in your desired neighborhood if you have any In case you have a pet, always ensure the place constraints. If you like an affluent neighborhood you settle on is also pet-friendly. Be sure to look with many expensive homes but you are short on at the terms for the apartment you rent, as well cash, there can be ways to get around that. You as the availability of places to take your pet for can rent rather than buy, or better yet get a condo; a walk. both of these will give you the perks of living in your dream neighborhood while allowing you to If you choose to be especially diligent about your future abode, you can take the time to learn live within your means. a little history about the place you want to move into–especially if you believe in the paranormal.

What kind of views do you like?

The news archives and local police will be of Many people who love San Diego are in love with great help to that end. Realtors are generally not the beach. Many neighborhoods are proximal bound by law to disclose deaths and other things to the beach. These include Imperial Beach, that may have happened in the house.

Coronado (one of the best beaches in America is found here), Ocean Beach, Mission Beach, Make sure you find realtors who will not charge Pacific Beach, La Jolla, Del Mar, Solana Beach, you. They should be paid by the sellers/landlords and the expansive Encinitas. These places afford and never rush into a decision. The key is to their residents unique beaches plus serene ocean evaluate what is on offer and whether or not it fits your desired specifications. views.

Current Real Estate market:

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ALFONZO L. EDWARDS Realtor | Cal BRE # 01937296 Relationship Manager Office: 800-401-8994 ext. 732 Direct: 925-435-2557 alfonzo.edwards@thepowerisnow.com http://thepowerisnowrealestateservices.com/

REAL ESTATE

WHAT MAKES THE ORANGE COUNTY NEIGHBORHOODS STAND OUT

A

study conducted by Orange County government in conjunction with other contributing partners looked at the Orange County Community Indicators in 2016. The study concluded that one of Orange County’s most prevailing strengths lies in its ability to come up with ingenious and operational solutions to problems in addition to improving the positive outcomes. Said strengths are underscored by the fact that Orange County has a higher employment rate in comparison to the national average in 15 out of 19 high-tech industries.

These statistics alone make the county the third most diverse high-tech economy in America. The Orange County Community Indicators paint a promising picture of Orange County’s overall hightech employment rate, which stands at 1.5, which is higher than the national average, which stands at 1.0. As a result, Orange County was ranked 24th out of 200 large metro areas as of 2014. Currently, things have improved, and the County is ranked among the best counties when it comes to high-tech employment concentration.

Issues that Orange County is facing Currently, the issues facing Orange County are education, health, housing, and a high gap between high- and low-income families.

These problems keep shifting in the Orange County population as well as the economy, which means they are important. The proportion of seniors is increasing in the population, while that of the children is shrinking. Sadly, it can cost the county’s economy if it will continue to project for the next 25 years. The county will have fewer people who are of working age. When this happens, taxes will not be enough to sustain community supports, schools, and pensions.

Progressively poor health is affecting the Orange County populace, the economy, and the public at large. The trickling effects of childhood mental illness, in addition to obesity, prove to be expensive to business,

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the county administration, as well as residents in terms of the medical costs of diabetes, heart disease, and depression. It is estimated that the cost of a having a populace with poor health rose to $5.5 billion in 2016 in Orange County alone. The Orange County government opines that to witness a massive change in this area, there is need to safeguard the health of the county’s future through coordination and prevention.

The demographic shifts are not doing any good to the county. They are steadily leading to economic disparities and growing poverty.

What can save the county is to ensure that they have maximized access to healthcare, housing, and education for the future workforce.

How housing is affecting the county Housing has always been an issue for the county, and if this goes on, it will negatively impact the vulnerable members of the community. The homeless children will have poorer nutrition, academic achievement, and physical and emotional health compared to their housed peers. It is time the county looked into this

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issue with fresh eyes. It is good to know that this stubborn issue shines a light on what will happen to the county in future. Therefore, the situation should be taken seriously and approaches to solving the problems should be launched. The families who own homes or rent are not safe either. This is because the financial instability will result in spending most of their income on proper housing, which can cause undue stress.

Despite having good statistics in regards to employment concentration, Orange County is faced with issues that require being addressed immediately. There is still much that Orange County can be proud of, but the little problems facing the county can erode many of the gains witnessed in previous years. As Mark Marcoplos, a 2016 candidate for the commissioner seat, observed, the problems facing the County are brought about by funding deficits at both the state and federal levels. Therefore, to take care of the challenges that the county is facing, there is a need for tough decisions to be made before it is too late.

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REAL ESTATE

THE REAL ESTATE MARKET IN

FAIRFIELD CALIFORNIA

R

eal estate is becoming the most common form of investment. This is due to the fact that the community is becoming diversified with people expressing various interests concerning the homes they would like to live in or rent, the surroundings of the homes, and the available resources.

Most cities are growing day-by-day, with an ever increasing number of houses for sale. Fairfield, California is no exception. The real estate market within the city has experienced tremendous growth over the past few years.

However, this growth is not constant at all.

The discussion below summarizes the trends in the real estate market in Fairfield, California.

Trends in Real Estate Market in Fairfield: Research performed from 2014-2017 has shown that the market trends within the city are highly dependent on three factors, including: • Median listing price • Median days on the market • Median listing price per square feet Basing on these three factors, the real estate market has been shown to have either increased or decreased. In 2014, for example, the median listing prices were relatively low compared to those in February 2017. However, the same research done within the period of a year from 2016 to February 2017 indicated a decrease in the number of median house sales but an increase in the price per square feet. The real estate market within this city has also seen a change in the number of properties over the past year. For instance, the

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number of rentals decreased from about 100 in December 2016 to 75 in January 2017.

It is, therefore, worth mentioning that the real estate market in Fairfield is growing in terms of the prices within the square feet as well as with the number of listing days. This growth has seen the overall number of properties decreasing within the past few months.

leading more clients towards the market and contributing to its appreciation.

The Demographics

Based on the results of the research conducted in Fairfield, it was noted that 64 percent of the total population in this region were homeowners. About 24 percent were single residents. According to Zillow, the median age of the population The real estate market in Fairfield, is 35. Almost 30 percent of the population California is influenced by: are college students. Also, it was indicated that the median household income within a. The schools within it the city was $69,185. b. Crime rates c. The demographics The Means of Transport d. The means of transport Fairfield’s main means of transportation The Schools Within It is by car. A good number of people use cars to commute. This comprises about 97 The schools in Fairfield are the best, percent of the population. The remaining 2 relatively speaking. This is evident percent commute by public transport. The right from elementary schools through people from this city neither commute by middle schools to high schools. These bicycles or on foot. schools have demonstrated a high level of performance and hence make Fairfield Following the above discussion, it can be the best real estate market. concluded that the real estate market in Fairfield is within the realm of appreciating Crime Rates due to the available resources. The surroundings of the real estate can also Fairfield, unlike other cities, has contribute to this appreciation by the fact demonstrated a relatively lower crime rate that they are exceedingly lovely. This over the past year. However, the recorded market is, therefore, the best due to its crime rates can also be a contributing number of sales during the past few years factor towards the depreciation as well as the schools available within its experienced by the market over the past geographic location. year. Despite this, it has been noted that Fairfield has the safest neighborhood,

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• 2 bedrooms • 1 bath • Hardwood flooring remodeled

for sale 111 w central in hemet ISRAEL GARCIA Realtor Cal BRE # 01929446 Office: 800-401-8994 ext. 735 Direct: 909-938-4202 E-mail: israel.garcia@thepowerisnow.com Website: thepowerisnowrealestateservices.com

$399,900 - $415,900

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CHRISTINA KIMBLE Realtor

Cal BRE # 01395886 O: 800-401-8994 x 705 P: 714-709-1394 christina.kimble@thepowerisnow.com www.thepowerisnow.com

our cover

Shanna Smith’s Significant Accomplishments Set an Example

for Many American Women

W

omen have made great strides in the corporate world, a trend that is gaining popularity worldwide. It is through education and empowerment that the world has come to accept women like Shanna Smith in leadership positions. Shanna Smith is a great lady. Her dedication to fighting for others and standing for what she believes in makes her stand out. She is a strong woman and a voice for many; being a woman is not a limitation to her. People with morals and values like hers make this world a better place. Shanna advocates for fairness and equality, and she is against discrimination.

This extraordinary woman believes that each person should be treated with fairness when it comes to housing. It does not matter where you come from. Race or religion is not a determinant of where you should live. She is not afraid to speak out and defend those who have been discriminated against.

Great leadership that makes a difference: Despite being the president of National Fair Housing (NFHA), Shanna is a fantastic leader.

She was chosen by the board of directors to start up an office in 1990. Since then, she has been leading the agency. Shanna is responsible for the program’s activities that take place in the organization. She also supervises enforcement to ensure that everything is handled in the right way. As president, Shanna is also in charge

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of monitoring the resource development programs. Her excellent leadership skills amaze many people because she has managed to expand the agency. Initially, NFHA started with just two staff members, but now they have twenty people on staff. Shanna has been able to do this through hard work and determination.

Shanna has grown the agency through good compliance, programs enforcement, education as well as outreach, membership services, prevention of hate crime and intervention to such offenses, and resource development.

Leaving such a legacy as a woman is not easy; it needs focus and the willpower to do so. No matter the challenges that have come her way, she has stood firm and continued to advocate for what she thinks is fair and just. As a result, her leadership style has made noticeable differences in different areas that she has been privileged to work on.

Shanna Smith’s achievements: Over the years, Shanna has had some significant accomplishments. She has managed to create new centres that offer full services in Birmingham as well as in Montgomery. This amazing woman has not only investigated the programs that have led to an agreement with some quite large insurance providers, but she has also taken her time and tested them. These programs involve significant changes in insurance underwriting in addition

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to training for the homeowners.

She has implemented advertising campaigns in different languages.

Shanna also created a fair housing school, and through this she has been able to offer training programs. Her achievements have not come easy; it has taken years of diligence and passion for what she believes in.

Shanna’s working experience has been decorated by her acting as an expert witness in some fair housing cases as well as consulting with private fair housing agencies.

Her participation in the cases was instrumental in shaping the testing for rental, sales, lending, and insurance complaints, which have been critical issues in America.

Consequently, she has been able to demonstrate her negotiation skills with lenders in Fair Housing Act lawsuits and Community Reinvestment Act challenges.

As an educated and experienced leader, Shanna has found a new passion in training lending institutions, insurance firms, evaluators, real estate agents, and in the rental management businesses.

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Literacy contribution: Owing to her great knowledge of industry practices, the scope of work and multifaceted issues in the industry, Shanna’s testimony before the Senate and House Banking Committees has contributed immensely to procedures and practices that do not coincide with the Fair Housing Act. The Fair Housing Act takes into account the lending, private mortgage insurance, and homeowner’s insurance issues that Shanna Smith is well acquainted with. Her contribution to the lending industry’s policies and practices cannot be complete without mentioning her academic work and research on policies and industry practices that infringe on fair lending laws and regulations.

Shanna Smith’s work with Cathy Cloud in co-authoring different chapters in two books, one on mortgage lending discrimination and the other one on insurance redlining, underscores her values for knowledge and industry best practices.

The significance of gender diversity, most importantly in the workplace, can only be epitomized

by Shanna Smith’s contribution in her area of expertise. As a woman, she has been able to demonstrate the fact that women bring different viewpoints and methodologies to industries, thus leading to a more inclusive workplace. This way they can be associated with better performance for the company, a trait associated with Shanna Smith.

As a female leader in positions of influence, she has served as a role model to many American women. It is not only essential to their career development but also stands to cause far-reaching societal bearings in regards to equity in ways that benefit both men and women and appeal to a more diverse workforce.

Hence, there is no better time than the present for women like Shanna Smith to contribute to the greater wellbeing of a nation by advocating for what they believe in, regardless of their position in their place of work.

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LEGAL

Bankruptcy

and

Foreclosures What is bankruptcy?

Before delving into how bankruptcy can help you avoid losing your home to foreclosure, let’s start with a definition. Bankruptcy is defined by MerriamWebster as “the state of not having enough money to pay debts.”

For the purpose of foreclosure, filing for bankruptcy is the legal process, conducted through the Federal Bankruptcy Court, which allows both businesses and consumers like you and me to repay all or part of our debts.

Types of bankruptcy: Two main types of bankruptcy are usually filed: Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, commonly called liquidation or straight bankruptcy; and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, also called Wage Earners bankruptcy, as you must have a reliable source of income to qualify.

Liquidation bankruptcy (Ch. 7) is so called because a trustee may liquidate (sell) assets you currently own to repay some of your debts. This money then goes to creditors owed. This type of bankruptcy lasts between three to six months, during which time liquidation and repayment in full or part may occur.

Wage Earners bankruptcy (Ch. 13), also called reorganization bankruptcy, usually allows the debtor (you) to keep property, but you will usually have between three and five years to pay off all or some of the debt, depending on the structured payment plan ordered.

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Advantages/Disadvantages of Chapter 7 Advantages: • Most unsecured debts are wiped out.

• Aside from the exceptions that the court lists, the types of debts that can be erased using this type of bankruptcy protection are vast.

• After filing for liquidation bankruptcy, you will get to keep your wages.

Disadvantages: • • • • •

It is hard to qualify for this type of bankruptcy protection.

It only 3-6 months.

You lose your property that is sold to pay off creditors.

Student debt, child support, and alimony is not erased.

Your credit rating will be severely tarnished.

Advantages/Disadvantages of Chapter 13 Advantages: • You keep your property and assets.

• A payment plan is set up so that the debts can be paid off incrementally over 3-5 years.

• You can work on reorganizing your life or business sooner as the payment plans may be flexible.

• When you complete the agreed-upon payment plan, you will not be forced to pay off creditors.

Disadvantages: • You have to wait at least six years before filing for bankruptcy protection again.

• You will not have access to credit cards.

• Your credit rating will be severely tarnished or ruined.

You can use the list of some of the advantages and disadvantages above to figure out which type of bankruptcy protection is right for you given your current circumstances. In general, however, if your wages or disposable income exceed the amount allowed for under protection with Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, you’ll have to file for protection under Chapter 13.

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How to file for bankruptcy To file for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, it would be wise to ensure that the debts that are weighing you down are covered by this type of protection. Following this step, ensure that you are eligible for this type of protection – usually if your liquid income does not exceed the designated amount.

When you’ve done this, fill out the forms and file them. You’ll have to go to court, meet with the trustee, and answer a few questions; that will get the process going.

Filing for Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is a bit different. Your debts need to be not too high, and should be balanced with sufficient disposable income to make the payments. Analyze both the type and amount of debts you currently have to see if you are eligible.

At this point, have your property valued, fill out and file the required forms. After this is done, you will be required to attend at least two hearings with the trustee and possibly creditors where the payment plan will be agreed upon, and that’s it.

How does bankruptcy prevent foreclosure?

Filing for bankruptcy can be an invaluable tool if you are not able to meet the mortgage payments on your property. Once filed, the court grants an Order of Relief which prevents creditors from moving forward with any collection attempts, including foreclosure.

Creditors can, however, apply for a waiver of this order, giving them the ability to go through with the foreclosure; this usually is not the norm. Certain state laws allow for the sale of the property to proceed once notice has been given to the homeowner. In such instances, you should ensure that your state allows the stay to remain in place for the period of bankruptcy protection.

Bankruptcy can be used as an avenue to prevent property loss, but you should carefully weigh the pros and cons to ensure that it is the best option for you before you move forward.

Even in the worst case, if property loss occurs, filing for bankruptcy can help release you from the vise of worry, fear, and hopelessness. It might be just what is needed to help get you back on your feet and in the game again.

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LEGAL

90-DAY FLIP RULES INVESTORS NEED TO KNOW

T

he 90-day flip rule is simply a property regulation that was developed in June 2015, and many believe it made selling properties a much more difficult procedure. Simply put, this rule states that property owners who want to procure a flipped property can only proceed after 90 days have passed. This 90-day gap should be in between the date that the property was bought and when it was resold. There are various guidelines that outline the key process involved in any transaction of property procurement within a given amount of time.

The PIN Magazine | April 2017

Since less than 15% of loans are classified under FHA, the complication arises with the longstanding regulation relating to the insurance limitations that accompany the Fannie Mae laws of conventional loans. This law focuses primarily on the seller, and it stipulates that if there is a greater than 20% difference between the purchase price and the resale price, then the 90-day rule should be implemented.

For those who are not aware, Fannie Mae is an organization that is in the business of borrowing funds at low rates and then investing the funds into various types of mortgage securities. Fannie Mae

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borrows in the debt markets through the sale of bonds, and it promotes liquidity for mortgage producers by buying whole loans. It is a government-sponsored organization, and is therefore inclined to provide mortgage producers with the required liquidity in any economic conditions. In some senses, this organization must be able to ignore any negative characteristics that make a particular market an unreasonable investment.

The Standard 90-Day Deed Limitations:

What is an FHA loan?

The FHA mortgage is a specific type of home loan by the government, and it provides more dynamic lending structures than conventional loans. As a result, FHA mortgages often have relatively higher interest rates, and property buyers may be inclined to pay for monthly mortgage insurance plans together with monthly loan payments. The FHA loans are often accompanied with adjustable mortgage rates and fixed rates as well.

The important factor here is the recording date of the deed, which refers to when the buyer`s deed was recorded. Furthermore, this particular date signifies the initialization of the 90-day timeline. During this time, the buyer can sell the property for less than 100% of what the buyers had purchased it for, which means it is often not affected by renovations or repairs. After passing the 90-day mark, the property can be sold at any price.

The FHA loan is a specific type of mortgage that lets borrowers pay for premium insurance plans which protect the lender from any loss should the borrower fail to make up their payments. This type of loan is insured and may often have a simpler qualification procedure due to the less stringent payment regulations.

FHA’s 90-Day Flip Limitation:

While the interest rates on FHA loans might be higher than those of standard mortgages, the FHA mortgages may only necessitate a down payment level as low as 4 percent, which is manageable for most investors. One key advantage of FHA loans is that they make it easier for prospective homebuyers with outstanding credit or those without good credit to qualify for a loan. Many borrowers with ARMs seek to refinance solutions in FHA loans that come with fixed rates, which make it a perfect option for investors.

This limitation also has the same timeline as the standard 90-day deed. Having said that, the 90-day clock will be initiated with the transfer of relevant documents such as the title deed record date of when the property was initially purchased. Following the transfer of the title deed, it is imperative that 90 days must pass before the buyer can gain access to FHA loans.

If you plan to resell the property within 180 days, you might need to expedite sufficient upgrades to the property to justify the increased resale amount. Also, if the property has an unusual trend in flipping, such as if the property has changed owners more than twice in a year, then the lender is likely to reject the loan application.

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Conclusions:

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GREEN

Green Building Technology

IN CALIFORNIA T

he real estate market is an industry that continually shows huge potential, progressively accommodating new trends that reshape how this market operates. One of the recent trends that is gaining an overwhelming acceptance is the Green Building Technology, and investors California have shown a great liking to this trend.

What exactly is Green Construction Technology?

To begin with, it is a very broad category covering a very wide array of construction services. It covers anything falling in the bracket of energyefficient appliances to geothermal heating. Green building is anything that could mean a structure or using the processes that are environmental friendly and resource-efficient. That is simply what green building is all about.

When targeting the use of green building technology, the investor basically has to keep in mind that the materials to use must be both eco-friendly and efficient in terms of resource utilization. And throughout the building lifecycle, one must also bear in mind that there has to be a balance between homebuilding and a sustainable environment; after all, the primary goal of green building is to sustain this balance.

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look at the price of utility power, it is on the rise. However, ZNE homeowners can avoid the burden of these escalating prices while at Going green is a trend that has been on the rise the same time enjoying the local renewable in many parts of the world; for instance, Costa power which will adequately cater to all their Rica has been running on 100 percent clean energy needs. energy in proportions for quite some times.

Therefore, it is a trend that will bring many Beginning in 2017, the state of California benefits, among them cutting the prices of mandated that all new homes have a Net Zero utility power. Here is what California Green Complaint, which is a trend anticipated to Building Standards Code says about green spread all through the state by 2020. There are building technology: ZNE building is where so many advantages that one could get as a the value of the energy produced on-site by result of going green and as an investor in the renewable energy resources is equal to the California state, it is a trend that you need to value of the energy consumed annually by the building. Expect to see more as the year be concerned with. progresses.

Sustainability in properties offer the best Some of the green building technologies value on a long-term basis, better health, investors opt for and the conservation of energy for the next generation. To answer for all of these, going Movable walls green is the only option for anyone who wants to make a big catch in the beautiful state of This is a trend that was hitting last year; it is one of the elements that has become an California. essential part of green building. The good thing with the flexible walls is that they easily The world’s first zero net energy reduce and maximize space and view. If you building requirements in California are adopting this technology, you will find Late last year, voters in Santa Monica voted that the wall will help you optimize your floor in favor of approving an ordinance requiring plans and energy usage. Therefore, it is an that all new single family construction be element that is important inasmuch as green Zero Net Energy. A positive move. This is a technology is concerned. system that makes sure that projects generate enough of their own energy from renewable Cool roofs sources. This is a move that was boldly taken to support what was there in the state’s This is also an essential element of Green environmental policy, which further proves Building Technology that investors have that the state is to some degree very committed to be on the lookout for. The cool roofs are specially designed to create an increased to the environment. solar reflectance and also a decreased thermal It is a move that will bring a sense to emittance. If you were to compare these roofs the conservation of the environment and with the common ones, one thing you will somehow make economic sense, since if you note is that these roofs will reflect more of the

The state of green building in California

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sun’s ray than the common ones. The advantage with this technology is that when properly used, it could prevent the warm or cool air inside your house from escaping through the top of the building.

Solar power This is perhaps the essence of going green in the state of California. It may not be a new thing, and it may not be a hot trend, but it has become one of the cheapest energy sources, reducing by in cost by 90 percent compared to the previous year. It produces clean and efficient energy which is also renewable and saves homeowners a lot of money. In approximate values, ten-year savings could amount to around $22,500. Therefore, it is a system that assures you a good return and clean energy benefits.

Biodegradable materials This is also a rising trend in Green Building Technology. Biodegradable materials can change the disposal process and bring into the equation something which is eco-friendly, which is the positive part of using these materials. This goes a long way towards making sure that the environment as well as the occupants of the home stay healthy. Instead of the waste products that add more toxic chemicals, Green Building Technology uses biodegradable materials to ensure that the products will degrade naturally without contaminating the soil.

There are a lot of trends that investors should be on the lookout for in the state of California. The State will ensure that new construction is able to meet the energy efficient and cost effective standards in the industry. This move by the California government will see to it that the state will meet its statewide energy efficient goals, and therefore it is most positive that investors in this state ought to embrace and work towards making sure that the goal of Green Building Technology is fully met.

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THE POWER IS NOW MORTGAGE SERVICES

A Division of The Power Is Now Inc.

ERIC LAWRENCE FRAZIER, MBA MORTGAGE SERVICES

APPLY ONLINE AT WWW.APPLYTOBUYNOW.COM OR CALL 800-261-1634 EXT. 703

Why Work with Eric Lawrence Frazier MBA?

Programs:

• 34 years of experience in helping buyers finance their home • BS in Business Administration and Management and a MBA in Finance • Real Estate Broker CALBRE # 1980407 • Experienced Business Consultant and Life Coach • Eric Frazier will counsel and guide you through the process. He will help you to make difficult decisions and support you until the loan is closed.

• • • • • • • • • •

• Obtain Preapproval online in 48 hours at www.applytobuynow.com • Join the Power Is Now Buyers Club for free at www.neverrentagain.com ERIC LAWRENCE FRAZIER MBA CA BRE: 01143484 | NMLS 461807 The Power Is Now Inc. CA BRE: 1980407 | NMLS 1435243 Website: www.thepowerisnow.com

Grant Funds for Down Payment Assistance 100% FHA Financing Programs Conventional Loans Government Loans Jumbo Loans None Prime Loans Commerical Loans Private Equity Loans Land Loans Note Loans Buy a Home 12 Months After Bankruptcy, Foreclosure and or Short-sale.

Email: eric.frazier@thepowerisnow.com Video Chat: https://zoom.us/j/5443077305 Mobile: 714-361-2105 Office: 800-401-8994 ext. 703 Fax: 800-401-8994

The Power Is Now Inc., is a Mortgage Brokerage Licensed by the State of California CALBRE License #1980407 and is not affiliated with any state or federal agency. Go to www2.dre.ca.gov for verification. The Power Is Now Inc., is also licensed by the NMLS License #1435243. Go to www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org for verification. The Power Is Now Inc., is an equal housing lender. Our corporate office is located at: 379 6th Street Riverside, CA 92501. Telephone and Fax: 800-401-8994. Eric Lawrence Frazier, MBA is a California Licensed Loan Originator NMLS# 461807. This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. Restrictions may apply. Information and/or data is subject to change without notice. All loans are subject to credit approval. Not all loans or products are available in all states.

GREEN

GREEN LEASING G

reen leasing is one of the major improvements in the market that is gaining acceptance and appreciation from all the stakeholders in this industry. As advancement in technological building continues to exist, more and more investors are realizing the importance of there being a conversation strategy in between. That is where green leasing comes in.

What is green leasing Many corporate tenants are considering this as an option, given that it is an opportunity where players in the real estate market get to benefit handsomely. In short, it is an opportunity where everyone in the market gets a share of the cake, including the tenants themselves, the landlords, and most importantly, the environment.

benefit financially and in the process conserve the environment significantly. Also, you could look at green leasing from the angle that it is simply an arrangement that will offer quite substantial benefits to the tenants and the landowners both in the quantitative and qualitative terms.

Green leasing is an arrangement that will help in the improvement of the space leased by the tenants environmentally. However, for this to work, there are a few critical commitments that both parties must agree on.

Green leasing aligns the financial and the energy incentives of landowners and the tenants so that both parties can

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In addition to that, green leasing through the adoption of green measures would see to it that both the parties benefit from the alignment of financial incentives. Therefore, in all dimensions and however you choose to look at it, it is a strategy that will see to it that both the parties, the benefit and the environment, also gets to benefit.

Undertaking a green lease strategy People would make you believe that this is a complicated process; but in reality, green leasing is one of the simplest activities that one could undertake.

Simply, it involves

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structuring and strengthening some well-laid-out terms that are already in place.

Making sure that the plan works is also not as overwhelming as you would think it is. However, that does not call for a uninformed decision when putting the plan to work. A careful process that would in return ensure maximum effectiveness, sustainable success and savings should be implemented.

Why you need to consider green leasing This is an opportunity that provides the homeowner and the tenants a big opportunity to reap more from the immediate environment.

Taking advantage of the green leasing opportunity assures you of more than you could ever think of and therefore, it is something that you need to give thought to. Here are some advantages of using green leasing technology in your structures.

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Energy consumption Green leasing technology ensure that the occupants of a home and all that it surrounds get an advantage from reduced utility costs. That includes the power, water, and other utilities. Most of the green technology measures ensure that there is savings, especially in the utility section of the homes because for most, that is where crisis begins. With a cleaner and efficient technology, this becomes a relief to both the tenants and the landowner.

If in a given period you are able to save a certain proportion of what you used to spend before the green lease, this savings could be directed to other investment opportunities. Basically, the reduction in the utility cost of a home is more than enough to justify the usefulness of a green lease.

Offer supportive environment Green leasing is an opportunity that offers and promotes sustainability in the manner in which businesses are run. It is not just another smart trend that you should follow just for the sake. A green lease is one of the right things to do. Global warming is a case that can be reversed ONLY if human contributors were out of the question. One way to make sure of this is by making sure that green leases are put in place. This way, a sustainable and business-efficient environment will be created.

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TECHNOLOGY

Home Security Tips F

or most homeowners, maintaining the ideal level of home security standards is an important factor to consider. It comes as no surprise that while home security might be crucial for most people, not many property owners have the necessary insight into what it takes to achieve ideal home security standards. Although you may not be able to entirely eliminate threats such as illegal intrusion, incorporating the right security practices has its inherent benefits. Simply put, you can increase and effectively enhance the safety levels in your property by embracing top-quality safety measures. Without any more to mention, here are some of the excellent tips for any homeowner to consider for their unique home security needs:

been tampered with, which increases the likelihood of an intruder gaining illegal access to your property.

Therefore, ensure that you evaluate the locks for functionality and install new ones to reduce any chances of an unlawful intrusion on your property.

Using the information from your evaluation, you can then determine the best possible upgrades that you can make for your property safety needs.

Reinforce the windows and doors with steel additions

You may also consider strengthening your property with burglar proof-additions such as reinforced door and window structures. The key point to consider here is that you want to make it as difficult as Install new locks possible for an intruder to gain access to your home.

The choice of reinforcement is dependent on various The first important home security tip is that you factors such as the structure of the window or door. should consider investing in new locks for your By working with a local home renovations company, property. This is because the old locks might have you can make notable adjustments to the physical

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structure of a property for enhanced safety levels.

If you have a sliding glass door or even large patio doors, then a good suggestion would be to install a metal attachment in the bottom section of the door.

This will play become a key burglarproof feature for your property. Also, ensure that the hinges of your door are placed inside rather than outside since this makes it more difficult for intruders to tamper with the hinge system.

Avoid predictability with your security protocols

This means that you need to avoid using obvious security protocols such as leaving your key in the mailbox. It is important for you to note that while you may not be able to secure your home completely, you can implement various strategies that go a long way toward increasing the overall safety levels of your home. More so, you might also avoid using Invest in a good alarm system obvious lock combinations for your garage door, the main door, or even the main gate. You may also Alarm systems have evolved over the years to become consider making your property seem occupied even crucial aspects of various types of security systems. when you are outdoors.

From banks and department stores to educational institutions, a good alarm system will warn you of any Light up all the relevant sections of your intrusion on your property. Choosing a good alarm home system is as important as the installation method used on your property. For instance, all wires and There is a strong correlation between well-lit any other alarm elements should be well concealed properties and their levels of security. This is because to reduce the likelihood of tampering. In most cases, lighting makes it easy to view any intruders and also the alarm systems are integrated with unique design acts as an excellent mechanism for warning off any features such as motion sensing capabilities and loud intruders. alert. You may also consider integrating the alarms with the services of a local security company, who The consumer market is packed with various will respond whenever the alarm goes off. innovative lighting solutions that you can consider for your home security needs. For instance, some of the high-end home security lighting options can be powered by both solar power and electric energy, and they might even come with motion detection functionality.

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are you ready

to become a vip agent?

Benefits:

• Increase your Brand on the Web & Social Media • Promote your Listings and Brand via Online Radio and Online TV • Promote your Listings and Brand in our national Online Magazines • Receive Lead Management support from inquiry to closing • Receive Social media management support on five online platforms • Co-brand our Online First Time Homebuyer Live Monthly Seminars • Received professionally produced Videos educating consumers and selling real estate • Received professional ghostwriting for your Blog and Magazines articles • Receive Business Coaching, Planning and Accountability support • Receive Business and Technology support for Websites, Landing Pages

GET STARTED TODAY! Eric Lawrence Frazier MBA Broker | President and CEO CA BRE: 01143484 | NMLS 461807 The Power Is Now Inc. CA BRE: 1980407 | NMLS 1435243

www.thepowerisnow.com eric.frazier@thepowerisnow.com Mobile: 714-361-2105 Office: 800-401-8994 ext. 703 Fax: 800-401-8994

TECHNOLOGY

USE IRS FREE FILE SOFTWARE ON

SMARTPHONES OR TABLETS

T

here is no denying that filing your taxes can be a difficult procedure, especially when you have to manually pay the taxes using conventional and redundant tax preparation methods. However, there is a new and much better method for your preparing your taxes. Simply put, it involves the use of Free File software on handheld devices. Using this software has many benefits of the conventional methods of payment. The IRS just recently announced that taxpayers can now use handheld devices such as smartphones to prepare their state tax returns. The IRS has done well to collaborate with various software companies to produce solutions that make the tax preparation procedure much simpler. It is important to note that the software utilizes special tax preparation algorithms along with your user information to provide legitimate results.

How to access this software

provide specific user details before you can gain access to the tax programs.

Therefore, ensure that you note all the relevant tax details, such as your social security number and your location, beforehand. You may also benefit by working with an experienced user to shed light on the notable features of your ideal tax preparation software.

Factors such as the adjusted gross income (AGI), also play a crucial role when using IRS free software. The AGI is the total income of an individual when all other necessary deductions have been made. This amount that is taxable is, therefore, the AGI deducted from allowances related to any form of deductions.

Here are the steps that might be involved during the procedure: Download and install the IRS app on your phone. The app is known as IRS2Go, and it is available for free download. Use the browser on your device to search the IRS.gov website for software that suits your unique needs. The IRS2Go application is available for both iOS and Android devices.

The process of accessing this software is relatively straightforward. The main requirements are a good data plan or internet connection and a compatible handheld device. Most software service providers also stipulate that you should Users who have an adjusted gross

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income of $64,000 or less can gain access to several free IRS tax software options. Each of the various software companies stipulate the unique requirements for using their programs. Some of them include your current state of residency, income, and age. The added benefit is that the IRS.gov website comes with a free file software lookup tool that is perfect for the search software search procedures.

Some service providers will give clients free state and federal tax assistance, while others might charge a designated amount for state tax returns assistance.

Those who are still working in the military and had an income of $64,000 or less are released for free from these caveats, and they may gain free access to any file product that suits their federal tax return needs.

By using the free file software for completing tax return calculations, users can fill and directly deposit funds into their account of choice. All you need

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to have with you are the relevant account details and the amount that needs to be deposited into the account. Having said that, some users might be required to present their 2015 adjusted gross income to determine the legitimacy of their identities and to complete the electronic registration procedure.

In conclusion, the benefits of using this form of tax preparation method are many. For instance, taxpayers can now easily access a fully featured software application that makes the entire tax preparation procedure simple. Although it might take a few trials before you can fully grasp the functionalities of the program, the long-term benefits make it a wise time investment. Another notable benefit is that it is highly affordable and you do not need to pay any additional fees to access the full functionalities of the software. However, you might need to use the “Free Software LookUp Tool� before you can gain access to a version that is customized for your tax preparation needs.

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TECHNOLOGY

THE BEST REAL ESTATE

SOFTWARE

FOR 2017 T

he most important job as an agent, real estate broker, or property manager is to make sure that all your clients are well-cared for and always happy. However, advancements in technology are making the traditional methods of agent-client relationship fade away quickly, and therefore it becomes very important that you get to put the latest technology between you and the way you handle your clients for the best results.

will become easily confused.

But to make sure that you get the best software this year that will provide you with the results you may be looking for, we discuss certain elements below to be on the lookout for.

Ability to collect rent online

Can software help you collect rent online? Nowadays, a system has been created where tenants do not have to stress themselves with the bank. By Be warned simply accessing this system, they can pay their rent online.

Fraudsters may tell you to look If the software offers this for things like ease of usage, technology, then it is probably durability, etc. While those one of the best to use. factors may be important, what you are looking for is software However, collection of the rent that will get you all you need online may not be enough by There is so much property very fast and very efficiently. itself to justify the usefulness management software today, This article will directly show of software. You might also and what is especially surprising you how to determine the best be interested to find out if is that it all seems to function software for 2017. the software can process the the same. That may mean you payments and help you by

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syncing with the accounting features. If you have no factors combined. clues about such a software, you might want to try the Buildium Software or search for other software Bookkeeping and vacancy listings offering this service.

Let’s say you find software that will offer superb Management and maintenance system maintenance request management and also has an efficient way to collect all your rental incomes but Another important and primary feature that you does not have any defined bookkeeping procedure. need to be looking for in software if you are really That would mean that you will have to go out in the serious in property management is that it should market and search for another product offering the come designed with a method and systems to bookkeeping. manage maintenance requests. That is one of the many factors that you need to be looking at when This will amount to wastage of money, time and considering the best software to use this 2017. resources and will multiply your work. Therefore, it is important that you get software that offers the In addition to that, managing the maintenance three services combined. A software that offers requests alone may not be enough. What about the generation of vacancy listings and screens the creation of the work orders? Or a simple task such applicant is the best software for your consideration. as tracking progress? Therefore, it becomes very Also, you need to be looking at software that will crucial that you analyze the best software offering guarantee you robust bookkeeping and will handle all these tools. But the best is one that offers all three all the accounting systems in an efficient manner.

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Some other software to consider includes the Appfolio Property Manager, which is similar to The best software to use for this year is software that Buildium, but has become very popular due to its will offer you comprehensive functionality which outstanding mobility. Another software you may includes what we have discussed above including want to give a try is TenantCloud, free software that online rent collection, online work orders and similar offers incredible features. services. Software ought to simplify your work, and if a system is just making your work more tedious, Final verdict then it is probably not the best to use.

Real estate software is abundant. So many are offered Ease of usage of the software is another important in so many categories of service; but nonetheless, element that you should be concerned with. Most of do not be fooled to think that they are all genuine. them, however, have taken this feature in mind and Therefore, look for the software with the three have started to provide software that is just easy and mentioned capacities. Also, one key feature you need to be looking at is the ability of the software flexible to use. to bring new tenants to the property. In order to No matter how hard your work is or might seem eliminate the tedious part of property management, to be, software like Buildium will make your work arming yourself with the best software is the best flow very easily. There is so much software in the option. market with the same functionality and even better functionality; all you need to understand is that for a good system, ease of usage is an important element to look for.

Simplifying your tasks

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YOU

Skills That Will Make Your Real Estate Team Successful

T

here are some points in your line of work where you feel that what you are doing is a little pressing or there is too much on your plate and the question that keeps popping up in your head is “Can I handle all this by myself?” which is also frustrating. Well, truth is, it depends; but if you ever reach that point, then know that it is the right time to think of a team.

Or maybe, you already have a team, but what they are doing is really not up to your expectations.

When it comes to this, all you need to do is reevaluate your team goals and targets again.

Change will make all the difference. There are so many people out there doing real estate and leading people who are so successful, but the real question is: “How successful do I want my team to be?”

What you require to make your team successful Every day, teams are made and torn apart. However, there are a few that manage to make it big. When a real estate agent starts up a team, most of them often become so frustrated due to one common problem: overstating their expectations with the team. When the team faces a challenge, members may give up easily; but what you should know is this: “to build a successful, high-performing team all you require is patience and time.” You as a leader should also be there to provide all the attention needed by the members.

Building a successful real estate team from scratch When deciding to put your minds together and come up with a team, there are some crucial elements that you need to observe at all times. Anyone in particular can start up a team;

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after all, there is not much effort required. But to be successful, you need to give careful thought on how to set up a successful team. The following points should help you hit the ground running.

Realigning your objectives and task This usually happens in the forming stage of the team, whether you are a brand new or existing team, sometimes you need to add some new members. When this happens, it is best that you let the new members know how your force works. The formulation stage of any group is centered around this; you have to realign your members’ objectives with those of the team to identify the strengths and the weaknesses of the group. After this, if your team is facing some downfalls, then the next point is crucial to saving it.

problems in the team. At this point, members in the team have a clean and clear view of what is expected of them, and therefore they will begin to work together as a team. This is the point where they understand each other and complement each other and are working towards the team’s primary goal.

It is important that as a leader you be there at all the times. It is crucial that the team stays intact and cohesiveness is upheld for the group’s motives to be achieved.

The above points are very important in ensuring the success of the team. But that is not all; there are some individual characters of the members that you as a leader must encourage. Realigning the members’ goals to that of the group, solving the problems, or even making sure that each member understands Digging for the root problems their role in the team may not be enough, because if members lack integrity or honesty then the team If your team never faces internal challenges, then will surely fail. something might be off. Well, do not take this wrong: every team has its own internal challenges, and at There are skills that are so integral and must be this point many of the teams will fail miserably. This upheld for the success of the group. Your team is the point where you need to ask yourself questions members must have at least a few of the following regarding your team’s performance. If the team has skills: not been doing well, you need to ask a “big why” and assess the problem seriously.

• Honesty and integrity.

• Knowledge of the purpose of the group.

Also, your team members should ask themselves this • Responsibility question over and over again. You need to be close • Good social skills. to your team because it is the point where distrust and conflict will result.

All of these are important in making sure that your team is successful in business. Once these skills are After identifying the root to all your problems, upheld by the team, be sure to have one powerful including members’ personal views on the group that is also successful. development of the group, then it is time that you find the appropriate solution to the problems. It is tough to come up with a team that is successful Sometimes things may get personal; if you do not in a tough industry such as real estate, but even so, have the strength to do it, hiring a professional to making a team work out can be very simple. All you take over might do you good. need is the end result and a way to get to it. A team is one of the important elements you can use to get Understanding your role in the group to your goal.

This is what follows after realigning your goals with that of the team and dealing with the possible

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YOU

Why Customer Service

want the agent to provide them with an accurate and honest property appraisal.

Customers want an estate agent who is committed to helping them make the right decision. They want an agent who is available at all times. Customers want to work with someone they feel free with and feel welcome whether it’s in the office or on the telephone. Many customers do not want to be insulted by advertising. They want actions, not aturally, real estate is known as a words. sales industry. But recently, this view has begun to change. Real Estate agents with business acumen estate agents around the world have know that once they can provide and begun to believe that the most important pioneer excellent customer service for ingredient to success in real estate is their clients, they will enjoy a significant edge over their competitors. The agents customer service, not sales. who provide the best customer service Goodwill and loyalty cannot be bought. enjoy the greatest opportunity to flourish Customers desire to be treated with in today’s marketplace.

Is Important in Real Estate N

respect, integrity, and honesty. They

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Obviously, sales are crucial, but it is just part of a greater holistic process. Customer service is based on a simple premise: serve well, and you will sell. This proposition is true because everything that is needed for a sale is excellent customer service. The right price, creative marketing, relevant advertising, and kept promises are intrinsic to good customer service.

Buyers, vendors, tenants, and landlords should all receive the same excellent customer service.

4. Help Your Customers Be fast in offering support and assistance to your customers even before they ask for it. This will make them feel cared for and show them how swiftly you handle your business.

5. Be Courteous and Polite

An exciting conversation with your customers Below are useful tips to help real estate agents retain can leave a positive impression on their mind. Try customers, thereby establishing a long-term business to avoid being non-cooperative, inattentive, or relationship. harsh when interacting with them. Be gentle and considerate when responding to customer questions 1. Impress Your Customers or grievances. The way you respond to the customers will determine whether or not they come back.

Make sure you do not allow the opportunity to impress your clients on the first contact or call to pass you by. 6. Satisfy Customers’ Queries How you handle your customers on the first contact can leave a positive or negative impression in their Your clients will only hold your customer care mind. Show off an impressive communication skill, services in high esteem if their questions are whether it is by phone call, email or direct contact. Be satisfactorily answered. Do not miss this opportunity sure that they are convinced of your good customer to bring them close to your company. Give them a care practices. Make a real effort to win them over. reason to stay with your business.

2. Be Open to Customers on the Phone

8. Apologize for Mistakes

Emails are a lot easier way to deal with clients because you will have time to think of how to impress them, but most customer service is conducted over the phone. Make sure that you are very open and helpful when interacting with them on the phone.

Never leave them unsatisfied. Keep returning calls until their inquiries or questions are answered and they are happy.

There may be times when you make mistakes with your service. It is normal for your clients to be disappointed with your service or company. It is better to accept these errors and apologize to the customers while assuring them of better service in the future.

Today, with advances in technology, competition has gone up. Customers now have almost unlimited 3. Pamper Your Customers choices to pick from. These changes require agents to work harder and harder – especially in the area of You know exactly the way you wish to be treated; making and keeping customers happy – as they have treat your customers like that. In some cases, make discovered that word-of-mouth and repeat business sure that they get a more personalized treatment. Your are crucial to success in the industry. business will be more successful if the fundamental element of your customer care services is customer satisfaction.

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SPECIALIZING IN: • Residential Real Estate • Commercial Properties • REO Management & BPO • Short Sale Services • Property Management

ISRAEL GARCIA REALTOR

Cal BRE # 01929446

Relationship Manager

Realtor | Rialto California Office: 800-401-8994 ext. 735 Direct: 90-938-4202 israel.garcia@thepowerisnow.com http://thepowerisnowrealestateservices.com/

YOU

Inspection Repairs: Should You Do Them

Yourself?

A

home inspection is one of the important activities that defines what real estate is all about. Most people often think that real estate deals are done at the signing of a contract; while that may be true, there is a lot that goes on after signing any real estate contract. It is only the beginning.

What is home inspection In simple terms, a home inspection is the visual evaluation of a home’s general condition. It is the first impression that you get by looking at a particular home. What most home inspectors do is provide you with the information on how your home is performing. With many people, home inspection is not just identifying the problems facing a particular home; there is a lot involved in home inspection services.

Home inspection is important and crucial and buyers of a home are advised not to buy a home until the inspection is complete and the general standards are met. It is one of the services in the real estate industry which could save you a lot of cash, since like all other investments, homes can be risky. One way to keep that risk from affecting you is by making sure that the home you intend to buy has been thoroughly inspected.

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What you need to know about home inspections There are some certain crucial points that you need to keep in mind after making an offer to purchase a home. Home inspection is generally one of the best ideas and it should always be on your mind. Here are some of the things you need to know about home inspections: • Buyers are responsible for their own inspections and the seller is not liable for the inspections. However, this may depend on your relationship with the seller; but for most, the home inspection is by the home buyer.

• You need to have a certified inspector. If you have decided to buy the home and you feel a strong urge to have a home inspection, then it should be from a certified home inspector. You must be able to verify that, too. Remember also that there is a difference between a home inspector and a contractor.

Generally, home inspectors look for problems with the home.

• Before the home inspection procedure, you must have a rough idea of what the home inspection should be covering. Depending on your country’s home inspection standards, you should know what your home inspector is really coming to do. You do not want to be on the wrong side of the law.

• After the activity is complete, you should request a home inspection report to check if your home is in-line with the standards of your country.

That being said, home inspection can actually seem simple, which of course it is. But for accurateness in this activity, hiring a professional is very important.

Who should do the home inspections Given that there are a lot of activities that go into a home inspection, the question that remains is can you do it yourself?

It depends. You can complete the home inspection procedure all by yourself and even generate a final report. It is one of the best things to do and actually gives you a chance to see the beauty of your home in and out and also identify the problems affecting your home Home inspection could help you save some dollars, and if you do it yourself, you could end up spending much less and therefore, if you have the will power, you can do this all by yourself.

However, even though conducting a home inspection all by yourself could help you save a few dollars, you might find yourself spending a lot more than you could have wanted down the line, and hiring a professional becomes the best option which could help you save more now and in the future.

The reasons for a professional touch in home inspections are so obvious,

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but in most cases, people take this for granted. For instance, if you are inspecting your home and find a broken utility, you will agree with me that professional advice is more reliable than your personal judgment.

Also with the inspector, you get to learn more about the condition of your home, and you get a chance to learn how to fix broken items such that in the future you will not need the services of the inspector if the same problem appears.

Luckily, with most inspectors, they note primary areas of concern which you might have little knowledge about; this becomes a good starting point to learn a few things, since through this report, the inspector will be able to point out what you need to handle with care and if you have questions, he can answer you regarding the condition of your home.

Final verdict Home inspection is one of the most important activities that you will have to be cautious about as a buyer. However, you should not be blinded by the simplicity of the term. There are a lot of things that you do not know about your home, so hiring someone who has trained for the exact job becomes the best option. Therefore, you can help save a lot of cash in the long-run by simply allowing a home inspector to do it for you rather than doing it yourself.

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Close more deals with proven

realtor seminar series

®

make 2017 your best year ever!

Session I CLOSE MORE DEALS WITH PROVEN LOW COST MARKETING SYSTEMS This 45-minute workshop is filled with PROVEN LOW COST MARKETING SYSTEMS designed for new and experiences agents. That workshop is fast-pace and jam-packed with online marketing strategies that are a requirement in today’s marketplace and ever increasing demand for information online. If you want to build a strong brand and establish yourself as a real estate expert you must be published and online in a substantive way.

In this session you will learn: ► How to Increase your Brand on the Web & Social Media and save money. ► Promote your Listings and Brand via Online Radio and Online TV locally & nationally ► How to leverage the The PIN Online Magazines to get more exposure save money ► How to recieve Lead Management support from inquiry to closing at no cost. ► How to receive low cost Social media management

support on five online platforms ► How to receive an Co-Branded Online First Time

Homebuyer Live Monthly Seminars ► How to create professionally produced Videos educating consumers and Selling real estate without leaving your home/office. ► How to received professional ghostwriting for your Blog and Magazines articles ► How to Receive low cost Business Coaching, Planning and Accountability support ► How to obtain low cost Business and Technology

support for Websites and Landing Pages

low cost marketing systems!

free EVENT

obar april 21st

9:00 aM - 12:00 pM free breakfast

2855 Telegraph ave suite 600 Berkeley ca 94705 Eric Lawrence Frazier MBA President and CEO Cal BRE # 01143484 NMLS # 461807 Website: www.thepowerisnow.com O: 800-401-8994 x 703

Limited seating, register online

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER! Find Session II and agenda on page 2

BUSINESS

Frazier Group Realty, Inc. As you venture into the World of Real Estate, we can help you put the pieces together and Naviagate you into Home Ownership

Ruby L. Frazier President License #01751773

Briana M. Frazier Broker License # 01751473

Jessica E. Frazier License # 01817312

Erica L. Frazier License# 01791095

Frazier Group Realty is the right place. Our Navigators are available to give you personalized service and answer any questions you may have. You can call, email or visit us and we will be there ready to help you every step of the way. Wether you are a first time home buyer or an experienced real estate investor, here at Frazier Group Realty you gain useful information about how to choose the “right” property, and everything involved in making an informed decision in today’s real estate market.

Making Clients for Life

3739 6th Street, Riverside, CA 92501 Office: (951) 686-5261 Fax: (951) 686-5264 www.fraziergrouprealty.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Eric Lawrence Frazier MBA CA BRE 01143484 | NMLS 461807

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