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By Sabrinna Gonzales

It is with heavy hearts that the Modesto Chamber of Commerce family bids farewell – but would also like to wish great success and happiness – to one of our closest friends, Ms. Lorraine Bernaldes, as she embarks on her newest adventure.

Lorraine first became engaged with the Chamber in 1998 when she was working in Public Relations for AT&T. She found value in Chamber membership and quickly made a name for herself in our community, creating bonds and friendships that would last many years. Lorraine didn’t stay with AT&T though, and Lorraine Bernaldes later moved on to work with Never Boring and 209 Magazine in both advertising and publication. She continued to stay engaged in the Chamber however, later joining our Welcome Team in early 2016 and soon after became an Ambassador. She spent countless hours welcoming our new members at ribbon cuttings, serving at monthly networking events, and reaching out to existing members encouraging others to get engaged and utilize Chamber benefits. She became a true advocate of our Chamber and community, bringing enthusiasm and positivity to every environment.

Lorraine is now looking forward to a new chapter in her life where she plans to get back to her passions of Hula, learning a deeper understanding of Hula and Hula Worship in Hawaii. She also plans to engage with the local Chamber in Hawaii, still in the Advertising & Marketing arena and hopes to continue impacting the community.

If you wish to get ahold of Lorraine please feel free to email her at lbernaldes@gmail.com. If you are interested in joining the Chamber Welcome or Ambassador team and make an impact in your community, please reach out to Sabrinna Gonzales at sgonzales@modchamber. org to learn more.

reaL estate dUrInG thIs PandeMIC

By Craig Lewis

Is this an industry that is being affected by the Pandemic? YES! Positively or Negative? For Buyers and Sellers, Yes! For Realtors, not necessarily. Isn’t that an oxymoron? Commercial Investments are outstanding. Let me explain …

Residential: For Sellers: If a home is in good condition, neat and clean, priced right (not too high and not too low... just right), then your home will sell fairly fast. Why? Because there are not many homes available and you don’t have much competition. The inventory is low, that is good for the Sellers. Does that mean my home is worth more? No, not necessarily. Buyers are discreet right now and won’t buy just to get in right now, so, if it is priced right and clean, it will sell. If it doesn’t, then it means you haven’t priced it right or you need to clean it up and then reprice it. Remember, just right is critical! The Buyers are out there and ready to buy. Make you’re the most attractive for the price!

For Buyers: What an opportunity! Virtually the lowest interest rates in history! We are talking about rates in the 3’s for a 30-year fixed rate. Unbelievable!! Buyers have so much more buying power than ever before. Buyers that have good jobs and credit are hitting the market at one of the most unique times. Homes are being priced just right! A $300,000 loan will cost approximately $1,400 in principal and interest. Unbelievable!! Go for it! Prices and rates won’t be any better than now!

Realtors: Well, things are good but not great. How is this with rates so low and home prices just right?? There is a low inventory of homes and some buyers are a little cautious because of the pandemic, it is mainly an issue of not enough homes available to be purchased.

Commercial: This is where I spend my time today. It is an incredible time to invest! Again, with such low rates, the returns are outstanding.

With investment properties you receive tax write-offs in addition to a return on cash flow. Those write-offs can provide enough benefit to the Investor that it basically doubles that total return on investment. We are seeing a total return of 10 percent and more. The key is to purchase recession proof properties. This is happening, even in this pandemic. You can invest a small amount or a large amount and get these kinds of returns. This is where I can be of help to you.