The Power Is Now Magazine June 2016

May 2016 Vol. 03 | Issue 5

IN THIS ISSUE: • LISA RICE: CIVIL RIGHTS MATTERS IN REAL ESTATE • DEALING WITH AN EXPENSIVE MORTGAGE

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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 Kristina Mari Managing Editor (800) 401-8994 ext. 723 kristina.mari@thepowerisnow.com Goldy Ponce Arratia Graphic Artist and Design Manager (800) 401-8994 ext. 711 goldy.ponce@thepowerisnow.com Andrej Jovanovic Graphic Designer (800) 401-8994 ext. 713 andrej.jovanovic@thepowerisnow.com Nicholas Clarkson Director of Technology (800) 401-8994 ext. 704 nicholas.clarkson@thepowerisnow.com Scocrates Ayala Online Radio & Media Manager (800) 401-8994 ext. 709 socrates.ayala@thepowerisnow.com

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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: Kristina Mari ONLINE Web Designer: Nicholas Clarkson DESIGN Art Director & Design Manager: Goldy Ponce ADMINISTRATIVE Administrative Assistant: Kendra Gedeon

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Hassle

ECONOMICS

LEGAL

20 Do you Need Renter’s Insurance?

12 Winners of the Cali-Migration

OUR COVER COMMUNITY

16 Why a Mortgage is Worth the

TECHNOLOGY

REAL ESTATE

Issue...

MORTGAGE

In This

22 Lisa Rice: Civil Rights Matters in Real Estate

38 Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth 42 The Flint Water Crisis: Poisoning the People of Michigan

34 Solar Cells: Are We There Yet?

28 Dealing With an Expensive Mortgage

From the

Editor...

Dear Readers, We ended the month of May with the opportunity to remember and honor those brave men and women who laid down their lives for this country and our freedom while serving in US armed forces. Memorial Day (initially called “Decoration Day”) was first celebrated in 1868, following the Civil War, and wasn’t observed as a federal holiday until May 31, 1971. President Barack Obama visited Arlington National Cemetery for the last Memorial Day Service of his term.

He also laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns and asked citizens to join him in a National Moment of Remembrance on the afternoon of May 30. Today we get to celebrate the holiday with family and friends at backyard barbecues, but let us not forget those who gave up everything so that we could have something.

Memorial Day weekend is also a kickoff to the hot summer season, which looks like it will only be getting hotter for some of us. Weather services are noting a shift in weather patterns that began early this month, which indicates above average temperatures in the West, colder than average conditions in the Central US, and near to slightly above average temperatures in the East. An increase in showers and thunderstorms are also expected to hit the South and Eastern parts of the United States. Whether you’re working all summer or enjoying the sunshine outside, don’t forget to protect yourself this summer by drinking plenty of water and cutting back on salty foods to stay hydrated, avoid extended time in direct sunlight and never leave children or pets in vehicles.

If you’re planning to stay inside during the hottest hours of the day to catch up on politics, look out for the final round of primaries on June 7. The five states left to vote for upcoming democratic and

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FROM THE EDITOR

republican candidates are California, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota. Donald Trump is the presumptive republican nominee, having gained support from 1,239 delegates of the 1,237 needed. The democratic party is still a toss up between candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. Clinton has a significant lead on Sanders having won over 2,313 delegates while Sanders has only garnered 1,547.

However, with California votes on the line, Sanders could win over the state’s 548 delegates and still have a chance. Democratic candidates will need to secure 2,383 delegates total in order to win the nomination.

Governments are still addressing the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. It’s been two years since the contamination struck the city, revealing negligence within the city government and exposing thousands of children and residents to lead. The ongoing issues in Flint are explored in this month’s issue.

is the celebration of the day when the United State truly became the Land of the Free; the day when Texas finally acknowledged the Emancipation Proclamation two years after its issue. It is the day the African American community could embrace a new beginning in this continually diversifying country. Juneteenth is celebrated every June 19 in a number of states, including Texas, which became the first state to establish the day as a state holiday.

Not only is June 19 a historical holiday for our country, it is a day to celebrate our fathers on Father’s Day. Don’t forget to say “thank you” and show your dads how much you appreciate them this year. Even if our fathers are no longer with us, we can still celebrate and honor the men who have played a paternal role in our lives.

Eric Lawrence Frazier M.B.A

We are also celebrating Juneteenth this issue. What is Juneteenth? It Editor-in-Chief

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ECONOMICS

WINNERS OF THE

“CALI-MIGRATION” The idea that migration often leads to more migration is not new. Once a number of migrants have settled at the destination area, migration becomes selfreinforcing because it creates the social structures to sustain the process. Thus, more and more people move to the destination area. However, selfreinforcing1 effects may generate extreme outcomes. Once the destination area reaches the

highest number of residents that can accommodate, migration becomes self-correcting, and will be reversed. Then, people tend to move out from the area because their quality of life may be deteriorated (i.e. traffic, congestion, affordability issues).

experienced heavy net migration loss was back in 2006. Since then, there was a steady decrease of the net migration losses until 2013. In 2013 and 2014, the gap between the number of out-migrants and in-migrants increased further in the area. It is said that the rising housing cost has made California an Is this the case of California? increasingly difficult place for Based on Migration Data2, their residents to maintain their the last time that California quality of life.

WINNERS OF THE CALI-IN-MIGRATION Despite statewide net migration losses, half of the counties in California had net migration gains in 2014. It seems that most in-migrants came from Texas, Arizona and Washington. Let’s see which counties had the highest net migration gains (see figure 1)

In their effort to maintain or increase their quality of life, people migrate to a neighboring county or within the state borders. For example in Contra Costa County, 47% of the in-migrants came from the following neighboring counties: Alameda, San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, Solano, Sacramento, and San Joaquin. The general trend is for moving from high housing cost counties to lower cost counties.

Intrastate moves are one of the reasons that we see net migration gains at the county level Let’s now take a closer look at the housing although there is net migration loss statewide. and economic conditions at the counties may 2016

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ECONOMICS

rate (from 73% to 77%) while it also had the highest homeownership rate among all counties in California.

With respect to household formation, the headship rate was calculated for those counties for the same period. Headship rate equals the number of households divided by the adult population (age 16+). A higher headship rate means fewer adults per households5 and thus more households for a given population. For instance, if every household had two adults, the headship rate would be 50%. Most of the counties (70%) had a decrease in the headship rate in 2014 compared with net migration gains in 2014. American to a year earlier. This finding confirms the trend Community Survey provides information about that the high housing cost pushes people to share the characteristics of people who moved to their a home. The headship rate in Lake County was residence within the last 12 months. almost 55%. This shows that there were almost two adults in every household in the area. That AGE was the highest headship rate among all counties in California followed by Marin County (49%).

3 Among the 20 counties in California which experienced net migration gains, the median age HOME PRICES of those who moved recently was 28 years old (within the range of the Millennial4 age group). Based on data from the California Association However, in Yolo, Butte, Santa Cruz and Fresno of RealtorsÂŽ, California experienced an average Counties, the median age was less than 25 years 13.3% annual increase in home prices each year old. It seems that young professionals are still in the last 4 years when median home price was moving to the state while the median age of equal to $287,500 (2011). Since then, prices are those who moved to California from a different rising every single year as the inventory becomes state remains 28 years old for the last three years limited in most of the largest metro areas in the (2012-2014). state.

HOMEOWNERSHIP RATE AND HEADSHIP RATE When analyzing the demand of housing, demographers and economists pay close attention to homeownership and household formation.

With regard to the homeownership rate, most counties which had net migration gains also had gains in homeownership rate between 2013 and 2014 (11 out of 20 counties). El Dorado county had the largest gains in homeownership

With the exception of Butte County, counties with net migration gains also had gains in house prices in 2014. Stanislaus, San Joaquin and Riverside Counties experienced the highest gains in home prices in 2014 compared to a year ago while Riverside County had the largest gains in net migration statewide (Net Migration= 10,702). Looking at the average income of both in-migrants and out-migrants, it is interesting to

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ECONOMICS

see that Riverside County experienced an influx At the county level, Los Angeles, Santa Clara of people with higher income than those who and Orange Counties were the counties with the moved out of the area. highest net migration losses. People from Los Angeles County moved to King County, WA JOB GROWTH (2,5787) and New York County (2,207) while 1,203 people moved to King County, WA from Statewide, job growth is solid at 3 percent each Santa Clara. King County was the area where year for the last three years (2013-2015). On most out-migrants from Orange County moved average, 430,900 new jobs are added every year (1,129) as well. in California.

There are many reasons behind these trends.

At county level, the counties with net migration Employment opportunities in California versus gains also experienced job growth (apart from other states, California’s amazing weather, and Mendocino County). Based on recent data6, the rising cost of housing in the state might employment grew 7% in San Joaquin County act as “push” or “pull” factors. Each person compared to the third quarter of 2014. It seems locates across neighborhoods according to their that solid job growth in California continues to preferences and priorities in life. Someone’s be one of the reasons that people choose to move “push” factor (i.e. lots of people in a big city) to the area regardless of the high living cost. can be a “pull” factor for others.

WINNERS OF THE CALI-OUT-MIGRATION

REFERENCES:

Looking at the same migration data again, let’s 1. A self-reinforcing effect is a change in something that leads to additional changes in the same now see which states are the new homes for direction. former Californians. Beyond the usual suspects (neighboring states and Texas), it seems that 2. Statistics of Income (SOI), Internal Revenue Service many people chose to move to Washington, 3.

Based the population threshold set for the 1-year Florida, and Colorado. Here is the list of the top estimates, counties with population 65,000 or 10 states where Californians moved in 2014: 4.

5.

6.

7.

may 2016

greater are only included in this analysis.

Millennials are considered people within the age group of 25-34 years old.

Households can be either owners or renters.

Thus, headship rate doesn’t tell us anything about homeownership.

Data based on the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (Q3 2015).

An exemption in the IRS data is based on the personal exemptions claimed on tax returns and is a good proxy for the number of people associated with the tax return.

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REAL ESTATE

Why A Mortgage Is Worth The Hassle Getting a mortgage is not an easy process. It is often a challenge to maintain the mortgage until your home is paid off. However, the fact remains that buying a home is still the American Dream, and for good reason. Carrying a mortgage is well worth the hassle that comes with it.

THE FRUSTRATIONS OF A MORTGAGE

have to deal with the appraisal, which ensures the home is worth the selling price. If any obstacles arise, you must either deal with them or walk away from the contract. (What do I have to do to apply for a mortgage loan?)

THE PAPER TRAIL One of the most challenging aspects of getting a loan is the need for a paper trail. Every penny you have in your account must be accounted for.

Your escrow check and down payment funds must be verified, your tax returns must be in agreement with what the IRS states, and your income must be accounted for.

The first frustration you will notice with a mortgage is being approved for one. It may seem like you have to jump through hoops upon hoops and provide countless documents to prove you are worthy of a mortgage, especially if you have any type of unique situation. Many times, you will be asked to provide the same document more than once.

The underwriter of the loan looks closely at all of your information. In this case, you must A second challenge comes once you have a provide proof for everything. In addition, they property in mind to buy and you are under must receive a clear title on the property, which contract. Getting the loan finalized can feel like often delays the sale because of minor problems a never-ending process. The home must pass that have to be resolved. inspection and meet requirements. Then, you may 2016

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REAL ESTATE

loans, job opportunities, and investments. In many cases, owning your home will provide Once you finally make it to closing and the distinct advantages in costs. You may qualify keys are in your hand, you may feel like the for special rates or discounts because of your worst part is over. However, you still must be homeownership status. able to make your mortgage payments, and you may even choose to refinance if you qualify for For many, a mortgage is a way to finance their future. They live in their home and pay off the a lower interest rate in the future. loan. Once they retire, they can sell their home If the time comes when you decide to sell, and live more comfortably in retirement from you must ensure you have paid down on the an asset that appreciated in value. While it may principal of the loan to have equity in the not pay for all of your expenses for the rest of property. You will need to get a selling price of your life, it can certainly enhance the quality at least the amount you still owe and preferably of life of you and your family (Why Mortgage Debt is Good Debt, November 2015). enough to move on to your next home.

MANAGING YOUR MORTGAGE

WHY A MORTGAGE IS WORTH IT If you can see the potential problems that come with a mortgage and still believe it is worth the trouble, then you are correct. Owning a home is an investment in your own future. Real estate increases in value over time, and the equity you gain in your home can serve you in many ways, especially in retirement. Your main asset is your home!

Protect your family’s future now and buy your first home! Procrastination will only further your problems, so start looking into real estate.

Your power is now! Contact me, Eric Frazier, to talk about your mortgage needs. Do not make excuses; contact me now to get started working on a personalized plan that will work for your financial needs. Email me at eric. frazier@thepowerisnow.com or call me at 800401-8994 x 703. Together, we can build wealth through real estate!

People who have a mortgage and pay it on time will see their credit score improve, which Eric Lawrence Frazier, MBA. opens the door to many other opportunities for

The Power Is Now Buyer’s Club Live Teleconference: • Learn about Zero Down Payment Home Loans • Learn about Down Payment Assistance Programs • Learn about credit and underwriting requirements • Ask any question about the home loan process • Learn how to buy a 4 unit home as a first time home buyer Join us Live on Online TV at https://zoom.us/j/5443077305 on Every Tuesday Night from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Download the App and Watch us Live

Meeting ID: 544 307 7305 iPhone one-tap: 14086380968, 5443077305# or 16465588656, 5443077305# Telephone: 1 408 638 0968 (US Toll) or 1 646 558 8656 (US Toll)

Presented by:

Featuring:

Eric Lawrence Frazier MBA CA BRE # 01143484 | NMLS # 461807 Website: www.thepowerisnow.com E-mail: eric.frazier@thepowerisnow.com O: 800-261-1634 x 703 | F: 800-261-1634 Direct: 714-475-8629

Lynetta Cornelius

Director of Real Estate Sales & Operations Managing Broker Oakland, CA lynetta.cornelius@thepowerisnow.com 800-401-8994 x 724 |925-759-8606

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.

REAL ESTATE LEGAL

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Our Cover

OUR COVER

Lisa Rice: Civil Rights Matters In Real Estate

By Liam Edmunds

I

t has been 166 years since the famous abolitionist, Harriet Tubman, arranged for her sister, brother-in-law, and their children to be rescued from the horrors of American slavery in 1850. In that time, America has seen the abolition of slavery, the implementation of Jim Crow laws, and the success of the Civil Rights Movement that put an end to institutional racism in the United States - only, hold on. There is a group of civil rights activists, from D.C., who are convinced the battle for equal opportunities for minorities in America is far from over. Leading their band, Lisa Rice, whose life as an activist is actualized in a career you might not expect, real estate.

For 21 years, Lisa Rice worked as the President and CEO of Toledo Fair Housing Center. During those years she fought against discrimination with her involvement in several seminal cases, such as the Toledo Fair Housing Center, et. al. v. Nationwide Ins., and NFHA and Toledo Fair Housing Center v. State Farm Ins. Co., to name two. Rice also lead the center’s investigation of Prudential Insurance Co. after allegations

leaked that Prudential’s guidelines, credit scoring, and risk assessment system stratified minorities and other protected classes. She was an important negotiator in resolving those cases.

Rice became the Vice President of the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) in 2006, where she oversees multiple divisions of the agency. “I oversee our enforcement division, resource development, communications, I also oversee our public policy initiatives,” Rice said. “It keeps me busy.”

Influenced by her personal “shero” remembered for her bravery in the underground railroad, Rice honors Harriet Tubman’s legacy by working with the NFHA. “My job is very personal,” Rice said. The mission of NFHA is to ensure equal housing opportunities for everyone, which, Rice argues is a bigger problem in America than Americans realize.

According to a 2013 Gallup poll, 79% of Americans believe blacks share equal housing opportunities with whites. In a similar survey, 48% of African-Americans disagree.

“This is a huge issue for us,” Rice said.

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OUR COVER

In the United States, your ability to access quality healthcare, nutritional foods, and well-financed schools, is dependent on the community where you live. “Your zip code is tied to opportunity. That is the way that it functions in this country,” Rice said. “It is a sad set of circumstances, but we have zipcodes where there are food deserts; zip codes where there are no viable healthcare options,” and, according to a report by the Brookings Institute in 2015, found that schools in minority-heavy communities ranked in the 37th - 40th percentile of test

score results, while schools in majority white communities were in the 60th percentile.

“Where you live matters,” Rice said. “If you tell me your zip code I can pretty much tell you everything about your life.”

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In 1968, the Fair Housing Act (FHA) was signed into law by Lyndon B. Johnson. The FHA made it illegal to discriminate the sale of housing based on race, religion, gender, and national origin.

Before the FHA, segregation was legal under a set of Jim Crow laws that barred

blacks from living in white communities. The economic problem was that black and other minority communities received significantly less public funding than their white counterparts.

Essentially, barring most non-whites from accessing equal means of opportunities that would’ve enrich their lives. “What the FHA does, is it says ‘all communities, all areas should be places and spaces of opportunities,” Rice said. “Not only should there be opportunities - rich, viable opportunities in your community - but you should be able to access them.”

OUR COVER

Even though the FHA was passed 48 years ago, similar Not only should there be opportunities - rich, inequalities persist to this day. In 2015 for example, The viable opportunities in your community - but Atlantic reported that funding you should be able to access them. gaps between school districts in Pennsylvania are influenced by the number of colored students She knows humans have the power within in a given district. And, in regards to homeownership, the rate for black themselves to achieve their dreams if they work people to own property has dropped from over hard enough and pursue it, but, Rice is also 46% in 2000 to below 38% in recent years, and aware of the impact society can have on people will continue to remain in a slump heading into in the pursuit of their dreams. “You have to recognize that people did not get to where they 2030, according to the Urban Institute. are now, by themselves,” Rice said. “People do Rice believes the inequalities, blacks and other have responsibility. There is self reliance,” she minorities experience today are a result of said. “But, federal government policies, state public policies enacted by the federal and state government policies, and private actions [also] governments in order to disenfranchise them; helped get people to where they are…. You have to have the right public policies in place so that even after Jim Crow. people can take advantage of the opportunities “When we have the insertion of segregationist that are out there.” laws, that had, at their core the design to separate the races, creating a system of apartheid that existed in the United States,” Rice said. “What you get is [an] entire systematic framework of separate and unequal [access to opportunity] that [is perpetuated] throughout the generations.” The segregation policies of the Jim Crow era turned minority communities into “places of disinvestment that are, ripe for abuse,” according to Rice. “Because we had communities of color that were isolated and segregated, it created enclaves where subprime lenders could go in and specifically target those credit starved communities for products that were abusive,” Rice said.

Working with NFHA, the majority of redlining cases, lending redlining practices, and insurance redlining practices, that Rice addresses are brought to her attention by professionals in real estate.

Rice is currently dealing with an issue related to REO inventory (properties that are owned by banks after going through foreclosure). “We’re finding that properties located in communities of color are marketed, and maintained, and managed differently from properties that are located in predominantly white communities,” she said. Because of her experience working with real estate professionals, Rice encourages realtors to educate themselves on fair housing issues and to collaborate with civil rights groups If you asked Rice whether she believes in as a means of addressing these problems. free will, her answer might be contradictory.

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MORTGAGE

DEALING WITH AN

Expensive Mortgage

making it hard to make ends meet at the end of the month, it’s important to know what your options are. Taking action now, before you miss any of your payments is absolutely critical. Here are some options and actions you can take now to get on track to financial freedom in the face of your ugly mortgage situation.

ACTION STEP 1: BUDGET Your first plan of attack when it comes to managing huge payments like this should be your budget. If you haven’t tried a few budgeting methods to help plan and track your income, spending, and savings, you need to start now.

Having a balanced budget will not save you CRUSHING MORTGAGE? YOU HAVE from all of your mortgage payment woes. It will, OPTIONS however, reveal things that have slipped under your radar before that can make your financial It may feel like you are out of options, and your situation a little easier. mortgage payments are simply too much. You are not the only one feeling like their mortgage Budgeting gives you more options. Often these is swallowing them whole and not allowing are options you may not have thought you you to get ahead. This is a huge issue in many had before. You will find spending issues that households and the cause of incredible amounts you need to tackle and plenty of areas where of stress. Do not let it consume you, take a deep you could be getting more savings. Not every breath and know there are actually quite a few budgeting system works for everyone so be sure options to get you in the clear. You can get to check out a few and see what works best for through this mess if you take action. you. It might be software, an app, a professional, or all three that will help you organize your If your mortgage is dragging you down and budget. Find a budgeting solution and stick to it.

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MORTGAGE

ACTION STEP 2: CUT DOWN EXPENSES

next steps you should take.

• Downsize: Pay attention to where all of your money goes and cut expenses where you can.

Take a look at the different services you hire, things you subscribe to, where you shop, when you shop, how often you eat out, etc..

All of these things will add up way more than you think.

ACTION STEP 3: RENEGOTIATE YOUR MORTGAGE

Now that you have a clear budget or have at least started to work on budgeting, you’ll begin to see areas where you can cut expenses. This step isn’t just about not buying lattes or choosing the offbrand instead of the name brands. It’s all about getting creative and challenging yourself to cut down in different areas of your spending that you may not have even known were possible.

Here are some great places to start: • Refinance your house to lower your payment: Contact a loan officer and ask them about your options to refinance your house. If your credit is good or if you have equity in your home chances are high, then you will be able to refinance. Often now you can even include your closing costs into your mortgage, so you do not have to pay out of pocket.

• Talk to your lender: Many lenders have programs that help you modify your loan if you are experiencing a financial hardship.

These modification plans often include lowering your payment. A simple phone call to your lender will likely provide you with what options they have available and the

This goes hand in hand with cutting expenses.

After you have budgeted correctly and you have your expenses down, you may be in a good spot to re-evaluate how much you’re paying for your mortgage and possibly even renegotiate it.

If you’re spending more than 40% of your monthly income on your mortgage, then experts say you are spending too much of your income on your home. In fact, it is a good goal to shoot for spending less than 30% of your monthly income on your home. Pretty much all of your mortgage terms are negotiable. Speak with your lender and see if they’ll agree to a lower interest rate, a different number of payments or even a lower total balance due.

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MORTGAGE

ACTION STEP 4: INCREASE YOUR INCOME

have subject matter expertise, contract work through sites like Upwork, being a Nanny for busy families, or teaching classes at the local community center. Get creative!

ACTION STEP 5: SELL YOUR HOUSE If you’ve exhausted all of your other options and your home really is more than you can afford, then selling is probably a good move. This is a particularly good strategy if you have any equity in your home. Once you sell, then you could use the profit to make a down payment on Whether or not you find ways to lower your a smaller, more affordable house. If you don’t spending or your payments, increasing your have any equity selling is still a better option income is a really great option. You may think than foreclosing on your home. it’s impossible but don’t rule it out. Get creative, get motivated and you’ll be amazed at where Dealing with a hefty mortgage is a stressful burden to carry. Luckily you do not have to you can find more income. let it consume your income one soul-sucking • Ask for a raise: It’s very common for people payment at a time. Take action through these to go for years without negotiating a raise. steps and consult with experts to find the best Consider speaking to your boss or clients solution for your situation. Start now to resolve about your options for the future and how your mortgage predicament. It will get you in you can help them more. Show how you have the clear sooner than you think. added value (or can add value) and use your negotiating skills. Be respectful and smart, but know your worth and aim high.

• Make your hobby pay: People will pay you for your skills. Look into starting an Etsy store if you are crafty, streaming your gaming on Twitch, or selling your extra garden produce at the local farmers market.

• Get another job: Getting a second job may be the last thing you want to do, but it might be the easiest way to make ends meet or even get ahead. There are lots of great options now such as after school tutoring if you

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REAL ESTATE

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

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.

TECHNOLOGY

Solar Cells: Are We There Yet? necessary for an electrical current to occur, it is something to excite the electrons and have them A solar cell is an electronic device that converts pass from the upper wafer to the lower wafer. the energy from the sun into electric current. Sunlight in the form of photons causes this to They vary in size and you can find the smallest happen. of them in many calculators, toys and digital watches. The science behind solar cells is very WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT SOLAR CELLS simple. The main component of a solar cell is a semiconductor. Semiconductors are materials The benefits of solar cell technology are that normally do not conduct electricity but essentially unlimited. under certain circumstances, will do so. By far the most common material used is crystalline • Solar panels (an array made up of solar cells) have no moving parts and require little silicon, but there are others. One of the many maintenance benefits of solar cell technologies is that silicon is one of the most common chemical elements • They are powered by the sun that will continue for billions of years on Earth.

• The sun is priceless, solar cells are very cost efficient.

The solar cell itself is basically a silicon sandwich with the upper wafer having too many electrons • Many governments are offering incentives, such as tax credits to induce consumers to and the lower wafer having too few. All that is

WHAT IS A SOLAR CELL

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The Power Is Now MAGAZINE | 34

TECHNOLOGY

use solar power in their homes.

• There is no environmental pollution, unlike fossil fuels and nuclear energy

have not hit the point yet where consumers are driven to install solar panels on their roofs to meet their energy needs.

• To repair a roof that has installed solar panels SOLAR ENERGY DOES HAVE DRAWBACKS would be difficult and time consuming as the panels would have to be uninstalled.

So, given all of these benefits, why isn’t everything in the world powered by solar cells? WHO ARE THE MAJOR PLAYERS? The simple answer is cost. Although the cost of producing the silicon wafers used in solar cells 1. Germany is in the lead in usage of solar continues to decline, burning fossil fuels as an power and is committed to being 100% solar energy source is still far cheaper. by the year 2050.

2. Unsurprisingly, China comes in at second on Other disadvantages include: the list. With the world’s largest population and enormous demand for energy, China is • The sun doesn’t shine 24 hours a day, so in the largest producer and buyer of solar panels. order to have continuous flow of electricity, Solar farms are rapidly growing all over you would have to stay connected to the China to help meet its energy requirements. power grid or have batteries to store excess 3. Japan comes in at number three. Again, energy. it is no surprise since they are a densely • Solar energy farms take up a lot of land. The populated nation with a high energy demand. sunlight that reaches the earth is not that Unfortunately for the Japanese, they do not great when you adjust it to per square ft and have much room for solar farms and have solar cells are only able to take advantage of come up with the brilliant idea of creating between 10-20%. floating solar farms that have the added • Equipment and installation costs are still benefit of being cooled by water. quite high. Costs continue to fall, but we

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TECHNOLOGY

4. Italy derives 10% of its daily energy requirements from solar power, more than any other nation.

5. The United States has been slow to get on the solar power bandwagon, but has started to catch up over the past few years. With a commitment to investment and substantial government incentives, the US looks to move up the list in the near future.

WHERE ARE WE HEADED? There are three areas where we will see the most innovation in solar cell technology • Cost and Efficiency: Solar cells are becoming cheaper to produce. What we have not seen as of much is improvement in efficiency.

That appears to be changing as Elon Musk and SolarCity have just unveiled the most efficient rooftop panels are exceeding 22% • Developmen t of New

may 2016

Materials: Silicon solar cells are at or near their theoretical limit in efficiency in capturing the sun’s power. Fortunately, there are many different materials being experimented with to increase efficiency and lower cost. Researchers at Washington State University have been able to make a cadmium telluride solar cell that is as efficient as the silicon cells, but it is cheaper and has a much lower carbon footprint during production.

We are almost there. The tipping point, whereby homeowners are flocking to get off the power grid and install solar panels on their roofs, has not quite been reached. But it is clear that we are very close in the United States. The standard arrangement with the energy utilities has been the way we have powered our homes for so long, that we can not imagine doing it differently. Just as Uber has upended the archaic taxi system, solar energy in the hands of homeowners will force utilities to reinvent their economic model.

Those unpleasant utility bills have no choice but to come down once we all get on the solar train.

It is going to be sooner rather than later.

The Power Is Now MAGAZINE | 36

“We don’t

make loans

in black

neighborhoods.”

YOU WON’T HEAR THAT. WHAT YOU MAY HEAR IS:

“Your debt to income ratios are too high.”

“The appraisal said ‘inadequate collateral.’ ”

“You need more money down.”

Anytime you’re denied a home loan or the terms and conditions are changed, you could be a victim of mortgage lending discrimination.

If you believe you may be a victim of housing discrimination, contact HUD or your local Fair Housing Center:

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

Your Choice. Your Right. Your Home.

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

The Power Is Now Buyer’s Club Live Teleconference: • Learn about Zero Down Payment Home Loans • Learn about Down Payment Assistance Programs • Learn about credit and underwriting requirements • Ask any question about the home loan process • Learn how to buy a 4 unit home as a first time home buyer Join us Live on Online TV at https://zoom.us/j/5443077305 on Every Tuesday Night from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Download the App and Watch us Live

Presented by: Eric Lawrence Frazier MBA CA BRE # 01143484 | NMLS # 461807 Website: www.thepowerisnow.com E-mail: eric.frazier@thepowerisnow.com O: 800-261-1634 x 703 | F: 800-261-1634 Direct: 714-475-8629

Meeting ID: 544 307 7305 iPhone one-tap: 14086380968, 5443077305# or 16465588656, 5443077305# Telephone: 1 408 638 0968 (US Toll) or 1 646 558 8656 (US Toll)

Featuring: Jane T. Jones CalBRE #01847801 Keller Williams Realty 505 Hamilton Ave Suite 100 Palo Alto, CA 94303 650.271.2845 jtjones@kw.com | janejones.kwrealty.com

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.

COMMUNITY

may 2016

The Power Is Now MAGAZINE | 40

The Power Is Now MAGAZINE | 41

www.thepowerisnow.com

JUMBO LOANS YOU

WITH 10% DOWN

NEW!

FREE mortgage app for your cell phone!

Click Here

• • • •

GREAT RATES! CLOSE FAST!

Loan Amounts up to $3 Million! * No monthly PMI Fixed-rate and ARM options are available Eligible for primary, secondary and investment properties

Name: Eric Lawrence Frazier MBA CA BRE # 01143484 | NMLS # 461807 Website: www.thepowerisnow.com Call me for details: Website: www.thepowerisnow.com Email: eric.frazier@thepowerisnow.com E-mail: eric.frazier@thepowerisnow.com Video Chat: https://zoom.us/j/5443077305 ERIC LAWRENCE FRAZIER MBA Mobile: 714-361-2105 CA BRE: 01143484 | NMLS 461807 Direct: 714-475-8629 Office: 800-401-8994 ext. 703 The Power Is Now Inc.O: 800-261-1634 x 703 Fax: 800-401-8994 CA BRE: 1980407 | NMLS 1435243 F: 800-261-1634

* Restrictions may apply.

The Power Is Now Inc., is a Mortgage Brokerage Licensed by the State of California CALBRE License #1980407 and is not affiliatedwith any state or federal agency.

Go toiswww2.dre.ca.gov verification.

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COMMUNITY

may 2016

The Power Is Now MAGAZINE | 44

The Power Is Now MAGAZINE | 45

www.thepowerisnow.com

COMMUNITY

may 2016

The Power Is Now MAGAZINE | 46

NHF Sapphire is a grant

T

housands of people each year dream of becoming homeowners. The NHF Sapphire Program may help that dream become reality.

This homebuyer assistance program currently provides low-to-moderate income families and individuals with a choice of a 3% or 5% Grant* that does not have to be repaid. The grant can be used towards down payment or closing costs.

Many times this allows homebuyers to purchase a home much sooner than they thought possible.

The NHF Sapphire Program is available for the purchase of an owner-occupied singlefamily residence, approved condominium, or planned unit development located in the state of California. The program is available for purchases of both new and existing homes and is NOT limited to first-time homebuyers.

Program Features at a Glance • • • • • •

Down payment assistance (Currently in the form of a 3% or 5% Grant)* For the purchase of primary residences in California New or existing properties are eligible Program is NOT limited to first-time homebuyers Income limits up to 115% of HUD Area Median Income

*Differing rates apply to 3% and 5% Grants respectively

Call me for details: ERIC LAWRENCE FRAZIER MBA CA BRE: 01143484 | NMLS 461807 The Power Is Now Inc. CA BRE: 1980407 | NMLS 1435243 Website: www.thepowerisnow.com 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 affiliatedwith 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.