Category Archives: Weekly News Columns

Prepare To Buy Right Part 2

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

Last week I wrote regarding what a buyer needs to do to prepare to buy a home. Steps such as accumulating a down payment, developing credit, as well as others steps they can take to prepare were presented. Here I now present some of the next steps: finding a realtor, finding a lender, and locating the home. Purchasing a home will be one of the biggest investments a buyer will make!

First task-Finding a realtor: ​

Experience matters! What determines experience? Knowledge and familiarity with the process of buying from beginning to end is the most important. A  Buyer needs to  utilize the internet, referrals, networking, and/or attending open houses to search for an agent. Interview more than one agent. Know the reputation of the agent’s brokerage company. Establish a comfortable working relationship. A buyer’s choice of whom will represent him/her will prove to be a “make it or break it” to find the best deal.

Second Task-Finding a lender:

Finding a lender is similar to finding a realtor. Find a lender from a bank’s lending department, a Realtor’s “in house” mortgage department, referrals, and/or an already established working relationship between realtor and lender.Again, interview the lender to assure yourself who will best represent you.

According to Brian O Connell’s article, “Pre-Qualified Vs. Pre-Approved–What’s The Difference?”– September 12, 2017. “Getting pre-qualified is the initial step in the mortgage process.” The results supply a bank or lender with a buyer’s “overall financial picture including debt, income and assets….” thus giving the mortgage amount for which buyer qualifies. “Loan pre-qualification does not include an analysis of your credit report or an in-depth look at your ability to purchase a home.”

Third Task-Buy Right:

Buyer should develop a strong sense of their home preferences, location, and the qualities of the community they want to reside in. As to the different options a buyer has to purchase a home, consult with the realtor and/or lender for more information. A Realtor can guide and streamline the purchase process for a Buyer. Utilize reputable websites. Website content should be current and accurate. The best websites should have data derived from first hand sources such as multiple listing services and Realtor associations. Please check out my website at www.nefcortez.com.

This article was written by Nef Cortez, a licensed Real Estate Broker, Cal BRE # 00560181 since 1976. He can be reached via e-mail at nefcortez@gmail.com. Please feel free to email any questions regarding real estate.

 

Finding The Good Is Possible

By Nancy Stoops

Being the eternal optimist that I am I still believe there is so much good in our world.  I see it everyday in random acts of kindness and I think people really want to be good and kind.  I think people are afraid because of what they hear on the news.  Many people are killing and hurting each other.  I think this makes it hard to trust each other.

On the other hand, there are lots of good things going on in our world but I just think the media tends to focus on the bad.  I can remember back some time ago where they actually devoted ten minutes of the news to the good that was happening that day.

I still believe that good always out weighs the bad in our world.  I also believe it is truly up to us to seek out the good and create even more of it.  We are only here once and for me, I want it to be about all the good this world has to offer.  I also know I need to do my part and be a good influence on this world.  I need to treat others in a kind and loving manner if I am to expect that back from them.  In other words, I need to practice what I preach.

I need to do my part if I have these expectations for our world.  It needs to start within our families, our friendships and other relationships, our communities, and so on.  We need to model goodness and kindness, especially for our children.  We need to remember how simple it is to be a nice person and how much negative energy goes into being mean and hurtful.  We must learn life truly is wonderful and good!!!!!!!!!

 

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger.    For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909) 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancystoops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

 

Bumper Crop

By Mark Hopper

I always say that the nicest days in California are the days after it has rained. We have enjoyed some beautiful weather the past few weeks thanks to string of winter storms that brought blue skies, white puffy clouds and crystal clean air. It reminds you why Southern California is such a nice place to live.

The rain also causes our hillsides to turn green. We get accustomed to the brown scenery most of the year. It is amazing to see the parched hillsides transformed with beautiful dark green vegetation. The snow capped peaks add a lovely contrast that makes the picture complete. Blue skies, green hillsides and fresh snow covered mountain tops complete the painting.

However, I have noticed that all the winter rain has also produced a bumper crop of dark green weeds in my garden. I think I pulled out more weeds from my garden this year than any in recent history. They were big, healthy weeds that covered most of my winter strawberry plants.

Many of these healthy weeds were six to eight inches high! Where did they come from? How did they grow so fast?  Who is responsible for this weed epidemic? I suppose I share most of the responsibility since I didn’t go out to the garden during the last few rain filled weeks. I’m sure that my absence and neglect contributed to the weed infestation.

It took me a couple of hours to pull all of the weeds out. It didn’t completely fill my “green” garbage can, but I was surprised at how much space it did fill up. Hopefully the trash company will appreciate my efforts and recycle all of this “green” material. It really was a bumper crop of weeds this year.

One problem with weeds is that they have seeds. They reproduce like rabbits and they keep coming back. Gardening is an unending struggle against the forces of nature. It is a fact of life that weeds produce seeds and those seeds keep producing more weeds!

Did you know that weeds are actually mentioned in the Bible? The early chapters of Genesis provide a remarkable account of how God created the world and the people, plants and animals that live on the earth. God provided food for all living things. But, when the man (Adam) disobeyed God, the man had to start raising his own food and so the struggle began – man verses weeds!

The Bible says, “The ground will sprout thorns and weeds, you will get your food the hard way, planting and tilling and harvesting, sweating in the fields from dawn to dusk” (Genesis 3:18-19 – from the Message Bible).

This is a helpful reminder. Our actions and decisions have consequences. When we do things that we know we should not do or when we don’t do things that we know we should do – there are consequences. When I neglect my garden, weeds gain a foothold and multiply. When I take time to tend my garden, the weeds are held at bay and we enjoy the fresh strawberries, tomatoes  and other vegetables.

This is true in our relationship with God and with other people. When we cultivate our relationships with God and others, we enjoy the benefits and blessings. When we neglect our relationship with God and others, we experience the consequences.

Let me encourage you to invest more of your time and energy in your relationship with God and with others. Don’t let the “weeds” get the upper hand. You will be glad you did and they will too!

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

909-594-7604

Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM

Efreedb.org

 

Prepare to Buy Right

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

Zig Ziglar, motivational speaker/author quoted: “Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation.”  How does opportunity meet up with a home buyer? Opportunities will present themselves.  Important prerequisites for a home buyer to include in their planning to be “buyer ready” and prepared to buy right and at the right opportunity are: build credit, save money for down payment, and research home ownership options.

Build Credit: Establish good credit history for eligibility and secure financing for a home loan. Set the foundation for good credit by making small purchases on credit and on-time payments. In exchange, companies measure a person’s creditworthiness by use of a FICO score. The higher the FICO score, the less risk to a lender. According to wellsfargo.com financial education/credit management, “the more your credit history shows that you can responsibly handle credit, the more willing lenders will be to offer you credit at a competitive rate.”

Save Money for Down Payment: Start small, create savings plan, and set aside money on reserves. Expense reductions i.e. “The Latte Factor,” the idea that money can be saved by cutting small, recurring daily expenses will result in big savings (frugalgene.com). Set goal, boost up savings to build larger sum of money. This prepares a buyer the ability to provide a down payment customarily required in many major purchase transactions.

Research Home Ownership Options

Home preferences, location, neighborhood, and affordability are home ownership research items. In an internet search, keep in mind the website’s content to be current and accurate. Establish relationships with realtor and/or lender for professional guidance and purchase options. Become familiar with real estate market conditions.  As a buyer prepares, they have the opportunity to make the right buy that fits their needs. A well-informed buyer will buy right and at the right time.

This article was written by Nef Cortez, a licensed Real Estate Broker, Ca BRE # 00560181 since 1976. He can be reached via e-mail at nefcortez@gmail.com. Please feel free to email any questions regarding real estate.

 

 

Are You Living to Die or Dying To Live?

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

By Nancy Stoops

Our lives are truly about our mindset and how we view our lives.  I must ask you if you are living to die or are you dying to live.  These two ways for which people live sure do look and sound the same but they couldn’t be more different.  Take a look at the first one, living to die.  To me that means the person is merely existing and just going through the motions until they die.  I don’t believe there is much joy or quality of life with this style of life.  I believe a pretty unhappy and dissatisfied person lives according to the idea of living to die. Now on the other hand a person who is dying to live has a life of joy and quality.  I believe they are satisfied with their lives and appreciate each and every day they are honored with life.

So how do you live?  Which of these two mottos do you follow? It’s never too late to change.  It all starts by changing your mindset.  It starts by letting go of your past, forgiving yourself and others and on being grateful each and every day we are honored to be here.  As you begin the healing process your mindset will start to help you see all the good in everyday and you will start to feel empowered by the self- induced changes in you and the way you think.

I hope the change will start by reading this article.  I hope you believe you deserve a better life and use this as a road map to take you there.  I have faith in you that you can make the change and get the life you are worthy of!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger.    For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909) 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancystoops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

 

 

Decorating For Easter

By Mark Hopper

One of my least favorite assignments is to “get the boxes down from the attic.”  I hear these words several times a year, when my wife wants to decorate our house for a new season.

 

The largest number of storage boxes contain Christmas decorations.  Most of these are stored on shelves in the garage.  There are fewer Fall decorations and these are stored in the attic space above the garage.

 

Each of these seasonal decorations contribute to the festive atmosphere in our house for a few weeks.   My job is to get them down and put them away again.

 

Now that Spring is coming, I heard those familiar words again recently.  My wife asked me if I would “get the Easter boxes down from the attic”.  There was a sense of urgency in her voice because two of our granddaughters were coming to our house and she wanted to let them help decorate.

 

I’m not sure who had more fun, the grandchildren or my wife.  These two young girls had a wonderful time discovering the variety of decorations in those boxes.  They couldn’t believe all the neat stuff that Grammy had collected.  They loved finding places to put the decorations all over our house.

 

I noticed the sparkle in my wife’s eye and the smile on her face as she watched the enthusiasm of her young assistants.  It was enjoyable to watch Grammy and her girls decorate our house for Easter.

 

I don’t know how the seasonal decorating goes on in your house, but I know it is important at our house.   My wife enjoyed it very much and so did her young helpers!

 

This year Easter will be on Sunday, March 27th.  Our church will be having three Easter Sunday services at 8:30, 10:00, and 11:30 a.m.  We will also have one service on Good Friday, March 25th, at 7:00 p.m.

 

Easter is the day when Christians around the world celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus.  The Bible says that Jesus died on the Cross and rose from the dead to pay for our sins and to purchase a place for us in heaven.  I hope you will take time to celebrate Easter this year.  Get out those decorations.  Get up and go to church to celebrate that Jesus is alive!

 

If you don’t have a church home, we would be delighted to have you worship with us on Easter Sunday.   You will be glad you did and we will be too!

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

909-594-7604

Easter Sunday Services: 8:30 / 10:00 / 11:30 AM

Efreedb.org

Where Will Our Children Buy?

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

Some have likened living and raising a family in the wonderful community of Diamond Bar to the “fantasyland life experienced at Disneyland”. Many longtime residents of Diamond Bar have worked their way up to being able to afford this safe and beautiful community.  The comparison of where they live now to where they were raised leads to that dialogue. The question that came up in conversation the other day (and has at many previous times) was, “Where will our children be able to afford to buy a home?”

A few weeks ago I wrote on the decreasing affordability of housing in Diamond Bar. The issue is being raised in many communities across the country, so it is not a problem unique to Diamond Bar. The issue is fairly simple…the price of housing is more expensive the more desirable the Community is. Diamond Bar is one of the safest communities in the State of California, and the housing stock is newer in comparison to many of the surrounding neighborhoods, making it a very desirable and highly competitive market. It is renowned for its high performing schools throughout the world, and foreign nationals seek to purchase homes in Diamond Bar for that very reason.

A few weeks ago I wrote an article detailing the median income necessary to qualify for the median sales price of a detached single family residence (SFR). It was quite an eye-opener to see that the annual income necessary to qualify to purchase that home was $165,000.00. Not only is that income necessary to qualify, but in order to do so, a buyer would have to put $150,000.00 as a down payment.  Quite a daunting task for most 20-something or 30-something year olds.

The answer to the question “Where will our children be able to afford to buy a home?” raised above came quickly from someone who overheard our conversation…”Far, Far away!” came the immediate response! The higher the prices go, the further one has to travel inland to find affordable prices…Think Inland Empire, or even further into outlying less expensive communities.  Many are choosing to go to  other states, such as Nevada, Arizona, and Texas.  Those are definitely more affordable Housing markets!

This article was written by Nef Cortez who is a licensed Real Estate Broker, Ca BRE # 00560181, licensed since 1976. He can be reached for more information via e-mail at nefcortez@gmail.com, or website www.nefcortez.com. Please feel free to email any questions regarding real estate

The Amazing Power of Positive Thinking

By Nancy Stoops

I’m always told that I’m a very positive thinker despite all the tragedy my life has brought me.  Yes I’ve experienced many horrific things in my life.  I don’t focus on all that I have lost and on all of the death that I have experienced in my life.  I stay focused on what I have left.  I also spend a lot of time thinking about how very blessed I was to have had those amazing beings in my life even though they have left this world.  It really comes down to how we think about it.  If we stay in a positive mindset and every day we feel gratitude we will experience our lives in a very wonderful manner.  With having a positive mindset we are stronger and more able to overcome the many obstacles that we are challenged with during our lives.   A positive mindset always makes us believe that “we can” rather than “we can’t” and this is huge difference in how we respond to our lives and all that comes with it.  If we stay in the mindset of “we can” then anything is possible and it’s as if we “will” ourselves to get through anything and have a great life no matter what comes our way.

I know life is hard but if you can change your mindset you will literally change your life.  There is a lot of power in changing your mindset from negative to positive.  I think it’s the closest thing to having superpowers us mere mortals can obtain.  You will be amazed how differently your life goes when you embrace the power of the positive mindset.  It’s almost as if now you “will” the universe to send you all the good that you have always been so very deserving of.  Make today the day you become your very own superhero and adopt the power of positive thinking!!!!!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  Nancy is now accepting new clients.  She also works as a motivational speaker.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups for teens and can handle many court mandated needs.  For more information about any of these services contact Nancy at (909) 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

 

Impossible (Part 2)

By Mark Hopper

A few weeks ago, I shared that the foundation of the Christian faith is the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.  Easter Sunday is the day that Christians around the world celebrate this important and remarkable event.

For many people it just seems impossible. Why would anyone believe that a dead person could come back to life three days after his public execution and death?

But, the Bible is very clear and specific.  Numerous biblical authors provide specific details that describe Jesus’ resurrection.

For me, the most convincing evidence is the testimony of the eyewitnesses who claim to have seen Jesus alive after his public execution. They claim to have seen and talked with him. They claim that he ate food and drank in front of their eyes. They touched him and spent time with him.

You can read many of the details in New Testament books like Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and the book of Acts. The Apostle Paul provides a list of specific times when people saw Jesus alive (First Corinthians 15). Both Peter and John refer to eyewitness accounts in their letters near the end of the New Testament.

These authors claim to have personally seen Jesus alive after his crucifixion and burial.  When they were warned by local authorities not to speak about Jesus’ resurrection, Peter and John said that they could not stop speaking about what they had personally seen and heard (Acts 5).  They were convinced that Jesus was alive. They wrote down what they saw and boldly told others what they had seen and heard.

Shortly after my wife and I bought our first new car, we went to dinner with some friends to a new restaurant in Claremont.

Parking was scarce, but we found an empty spot and carefully parked parallel to the curb. After dinner, we walked back to our car and started for home. My friend saw a piece of paper on the wind shield.  It looked like a parking ticket.

However, after we pulled over, my friend got out and retrieved the paper that was under the wind shield wiper. It wasn’t a ticket at all. It was a hand written note that informed us that my new car had been hit and damaged by a Foothill transit bus! A worker in a local bike shop had heard the crash and ran out of his shop to see what had happened. He wrote down the name and license plate number of the bus and left a note on my car window.

We called the police and they investigated the matter. They were able to confirm that the back bumper of the bus hit the front finder of my car. There were scratches on the bus and extensive damage to my car. We had not noticed the damage because it was so dark.

We would have never known what had happened to my new car on that dark winter night if the bicycle repairman had not seen the accident and left a written note on my wind shield. This eyewitness was the key to solving this mystery. If someone had not seen it and written down the name and license number, we would probably never know what had really happened.

I am convinced that Jesus literally rose from the dead because many eyewitnesses saw him alive after his death on the cross. Individuals saw him. Small groups of people saw him. At one time over 500 people saw Jesus alive at the same time. All of them were convinced that he really was alive.  He wasn’t just a ghostly image or a shadowy figure. He was real, physical and tangible.  They talked with him, ate with him and literally touched him after he rose from the dead.

This may seem impossible to many people, but I believe it is true. I hope you will dust off your Bible and carefully read the final chapters in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Read the testimonies and personal accounts in the book of Acts. Examine the evidence for yourself.

I hope you will attend a church near you on Easter Sunday, April 1st. Come and celebrate the most important event in history – the resurrection of Jesus. I believe you will be glad you did!  Happy Easter!

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

909-594-7604

Easter Sunday Services: 8:30 / 10:00 / 11:30 AM

Efreedb.org

 

Diamond Bar “Fix and Flip”

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

Are there fix and flip opportunities in Diamond Bar? It appears there are.

Generally, fix and flip opportunities are more common in communities that are long established, where the housing stock is older, and the combination of time and deferred maintenance intersect to provide the “perfect storm” that allows for the fix and flip opportunity.

The search for these kinds of opportunities are more likely to result in a larger and more established city like Los Angeles, or San Bernardino, or Riverside.  Diamond Bar is a more limited and very competitive environment.  Diamond Bar, where the median sales price of a single family detached home reached $745,000 in the fourth quarter of 2017, requires an investor that has a higher level of resources and cash liquidity in order to compete for these opportunities.

The most recent case that I am aware of that was clearly a “fix and flip” in Diamond Bar  occurred in the south part of the city. The home, located walking distance to Diamond Bar High School and H-Mart, was listed as a 3 bedroom 2 bath home with a little over 1500 square feet. Los Angeles County Public records show that that investor was able to purchase the property at $515,000, although the California Regional Multiple Listing Service has it at $525,000.  Within 6 months, the property was completely rehabbed and resold for slightly over $700,000.  This generated a gross profit of $175,000 to the investor/flipper. Not bad for a few months’ worth of work!

There are always opportunities that may come up, some better than this one, and some not.  It does require constant vigilance, a constant search, and being prepared financially when the opportunity does show up.  These opportunities do not wait for one to get ready…one has to be ready ahead of time. Best advise is, if you are interested in fixing and flipping, be ready!

This article was written by Nef Cortez, a licensed Real Estate Broker, Ca BRE # 00560181, licensed since 1976. He can be reached for more information via e-mail at nefcortez@gmail.com, or website www.nefcortez.com. Please feel free to email any questions regarding real estate.

 

Healing Your Heart and Spirit

By Nancy Stoops

It takes an incredible amount of courage to start therapy.   Many people start therapy but leave just as they are really starting to deal with their core issues.  In order to really heal, a person must not only face their demons but take them on and beat them.  This is a scary yet very necessary process if one is to be free from all that holds them hostage.  I can’t think of anything worse than a life wasted because the person was too scared to take on their demons.  On the other hand it is such an honor to help somebody walk through the journey that allows them to take on their demons and beat them.  It is a miracle to me and such a blessing that this is my life’s work.

Sometimes life can deal us tragedies that we think we will never recover from.  I think many things can stop us in our tracks for awhile but do believe we are capable of healing from anything.  I think to heal from the really hard and awful things we must have a strong desire to do so. At seventeen when my brother Rory committed suicide I thought that was the end of me.  In my early forties when my brother Jeff was murdered I was so angry I thought my anger would destroy me.  Later in my forties when I saw my father through his last days, I thought my sadness was going to swallow me up.  I honor their memory by being filled with zest and being who I am intended to be.  It’s been a hard but priceless journey finding my way through it all and it wouldn’t have happened without a lot of healing work. Make today the day you start healing and finally living the life you deserve!!!!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger.    For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909)229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

 

 

How Did I Get Here?

By Mark Hopper

I was sad when I heard the news that Billy Graham died.  He was 99 years old.  I never met the man, but he had a profound influence in my life and my family.

According to the news reports, Billy Graham spoke to over 200 million people who attended his crusades during his lifetime.  He preached in almost every country on our planet.  He preached to the Queen of England in her private Chapel and met many leaders around the world.

He personally met with every US President from Truman to Obama.  He advised and encouraged many of them during difficult times in our nation’s history.  Billy Graham spoke to the nation at the service in the National Cathedral in Washington, DC after the terrorist attacks on our nation in 2001.

When I was a young high school student, my parents and my brother and I attended a Billy Graham crusade at the Arizona State University football stadium in 1964.  I must admit that I didn’t pay attention to what he said that day, but I will always remember that at the end of the service, my mother got out of her seat and went down to the football field and put her faith in Jesus.

Don’t misunderstand; my parents were church going people.  They were good people.  But, the Bible teaches that each of us needs to personally decide for ourselves if we want to be a committed follower of Jesus.

In the Gospel of John chapter three, Jesus told a devout, religious scholar named Nicodemus that he needed to be “born again”.  Just like we all have a physical birthday, we also need to have a spiritual birthday – be “born again” (John 3:1-8). I believe that my mother’s spiritual birthday was the day she went down to the football field at Arizona State University in 1964.

My mother met a counselor on that football field that day.  The counselor encouraged my mom to start reading her Bible and to go back to church.  The counselor told my mother about a new church that had started in our town.  It was called Scottsdale Bible Church.  In 1964 the church met in a store front on Scottsdale Road.  A few years later they got a building of their own.

Through the influence of a wonderful pastor at Scottsdale Bible Church, Dr. James Borror and an energetic youth pastor named Sherrill Babb, my brother and I eventually came to faith in Christ, too.  It took our father a little longer to come to the conclusion that he needed to put his faith in Jesus but eventually he did, too.

When I heard about the death of this remarkable man, I was struck by the fact that I would probably not be where I am today if it wasn’t for Billy Graham.  My brother and I would probably not have become pastors.  Some of our children would probably not be serving on church staffs and as missionaries and Christian educators if it wasn’t for Billy Graham.   Through the words of one man who taught the Bible and preached the Gospel (Good News) our whole family was changed forever.

Most of us will probably never know how many people we influenced in our lifetime.  I doubt that Billy Graham could ever imagine how many people he influenced in his lifetime.  But, I do know his ministry and his words have impacted three generations of my family.  And, I’m thankful he did.

Let me encourage you to find the Billy Graham ministry website and learn more about this remarkable man.  I think you will be glad you did!

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

909-594-7604

Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM

Efreedb.org

Giving Up Isn’t Allowed

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

By Nancy Stoops

I’ve always known since I was five years old or so I was put in this world to make it better and to help others heal.  People often wonder why I’m so very positive even though I have lost most of my family.  I feel I don’t have the luxury of giving up.  Every single day I wake up I feel honored to have yet another day of life and to me that is just one of the many things I’m very grateful for.  In fact it’s that gratitude that has kept me going all of these years.  Being grateful every single day you have the honor of being alive is necessary if you are to have a life of quality.  Recognizing all that is right with our lives can be the simplest cause of attitude adjustments.  It literally helps us to see the world and our lives as a gift. That’s why today is called the present when really it is a present.  This very lovely present should be honored and appreciated daily.

I know the world and what we hear about it can make us want to give up.  I look into my grandchildren’s eyes and all of the tens of thousands of people’s eyes that I have helped over the years, and I know I’m just not allowed to give up.  I know I was created to heal and help the beings in this world.  I know all of the horrific things I have lived through have made me the strong and compassionate woman I am today.  There have been many lessons learned while going through those horrible but teaching times.  Just for a moment think about all of the wonderful things you have in your life and all the lessons life has taught you.  Do me a favor and make a promise that together we will all find a way to make this world better and no matter what you won’t give up!!!!

 

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  Nancy is now accepting new clients.  She also works as a motivational speaker. She also runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups for teens and can handle many court mandated needs.  For more information about any of these services contact Nancy at (909) 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

 

Lost And Found

By Mark Hopper

You have read in my previous articles how much we enjoy getting to spend time with our grandchildren.  We usually babysit one day a week. They love to come to Grammy’s house and we love to have these special visitors.

In addition to playing with toys and baking muffins at our house, we usually take them out on an adventure.  Recently we went to the big Lowe’s home improvement store in Chino Hills.  My wife wanted our granddaughters to see the new potted plants and colorful flowers.  We then purchased some plant food to enrich some of the strawberry plants growing in our beautiful garden.

Our adventure also included a stop at Chick Fil A for some chicken nuggets and waffle fries.  Our older granddaughter already knew that she wanted a “Kid’s Meal”.  I think it had something to do with the toy that came with the meal.  Her little sister was glad to help eat the chicken nuggets and waffle fries, they each got a box of apple juice too.

When we got home after our outing, we got the kids out of their car seats, unloaded the diaper bag, grabbed their coats and got them into the house.  We took time to check the mail box – they always like to see if there is anything in the mail box!

The afternoon included some rest time.  We were hoping they would nap – we needed one!  But, a nap didn’t seem to be part of their plan.  Their mother picked them up after work and it was a nice day with our special visitors.

However, a few hours later when we decided to go out to dinner, we could not find the car key.  We had lost the original key a few months ago and paid quite a bit of money to replace it.  Now, we couldn’t find the new key…how responsible of us.

We looked everywhere for that key. We looked in the toy box,  in the car, under the sofa, under their car seats, we searched through my wife’s purse.  Where did the car key go?  I knew we had used the new key to drive the car earlier that day, so the key had to be somewhere but we couldn’t find it.

There is a passage in the Bible that includes three stories about a lost coin, a lost sheep and a lost son.  In each story in Luke chapter fifteen, Jesus explained that a “woman searched and swept her house until she found the lost coin.”  He also described how the shepherd left the ninety nine sheep to search for the one that was lost. And, he used the story of a lost son (the prodigal son) to reveal the heart of the father who watched patiently for his “lost son” to return home.

The common thread in these three parables was that they searched diligently for what was lost and they rejoiced greatly when it was found. We are like the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son.  God is like the determined woman, the searching shepherd and the loving father.  All of them celebrate when they found what was “lost”.

Our Heavenly Father never gives up on you and me.  He never left us – we strayed away from Him.  He longs for us to come back to Him.  The Bible says that Heaven rejoices when one “lost” sheep, coin or son is restored to fellowship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.

By the way, we finally found the lost key.  I sent an email to our daughter and asked her to look through the kid’s coats, snack box and the diaper bag.  She called and told us that she found the key in the diaper bag.  How did that happen?  I must have dropped the key into the diaper bag when we unloaded the car when we got home from our fun adventure.

Let me encourage you to dust off your Bible and read Luke chapter 15 for yourself.  And, let me encourage you to be more careful where you put your car keys, too!  You will be glad you did!

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

909-594-7604

Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM

Efreedb.org

Diamond Bar Housing

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

The Diamond Bar housing market has achieved a median sales price which is at an ALL TIME high!

The roller coaster ride that has been housing sales prices in the last 30 years is now achieving new record high levels.  Factors that drive this market to its current high include a shortage of inventory, historically low levels of mortgage interest rates, continuing in migration of foreign nationals, and a strongly surging economy.

Exciting as it is for the current property owners, it is becoming increasingly difficult for many buyers to find what they are looking at an affordable price.

The median sales price last reported by the California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS) for Diamond Bar Single Family homes in the 4th quarter of 2017 was $745,000.00. Seeing an annualized increase of 11% in the median sales price for Diamond Bar homes brings up the question of affordability.

The surging economy notwithstanding, we are not seeing annual wage increases of 11%.  The wage increases have to keep up with the rate of increasing sales prices, or housing reaches its breaking point of affordability. The current US Census figures report (the last surveyed years of 2012-2016) a median household income for Diamond Bar households to be $89,845.00.

With the median household income as it is the obvious question is; how many Diamond Bar households can actually afford to buy a home? The purchase of the median priced home would typically require a down payment of 20 % of the purchase price, which in this example would be $150,000.00. The loan balance would be just under the Jumbo loan limits at $600,000.00, carrying an interest rate of approximately 4.375 %, with an APR of 4.375%.  The payment of principal and interest on this loan would be $2,996.00, taxes would be $782.00, and Homeowner’s Insurance an additional $80.00 per month, for a total of $3,858.00 (PITI). Conforming guidelines (FNMA and FHLMC) for loan qualifying require that no more than 28% of the household income be utilized for housing cost, in this case it would represent a monthly income of $13,778.00 necessary to qualify. This monthly income represents an annual household income of $165,000.00 necessary to qualify for the median priced single family home in Diamond Bar, or almost twice as much as the current level of the median household. Wow!

This article was written by Nef Cortez who is a licensed Real Estate Broker, Ca BRE # 00560181, licensed since 1976. He can be reached for more information via e-mail at nefcortez@gmail.com or website http://www.nefcortez.com. Please feel free to email any questions regarding real estate.

NEF CORTEZ,
Broker  DRE # 00560181

RE/MAX Universal Realty
1411 S. Diamond Bar Blvd.,
Diamond Bar, Ca.  91765
e-mail: nefcortez@gmail.com

http://www.nefcortez

Office: 909-610-6303
Fax:  909-752-3163
Cell: 909-762-8135

Certified REO Broker
Certified Distress Property Expert

 

The Recent School Shooting

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

By Nancy Stoops

The horrific shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14,2018 is something that will be so very difficult for so many to recover from.  I remember being in court seeing my brother’s picture after he was murdered by a bullet to the head.  I know it took a very long time to get that horrible image out of my head.  As I listened to the story I thought about the massive number of people that were affected by one very angry and unstable young man.  I thought about how all of the parents felt especially if they lost a child.  I thought about how many of the students will suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.  I thought about how hard it will be for those students to go back to that school, a place that was always seen as safe until that day.  I also thought about the shooter and what his life is prison will look like.

They say the shooter had been expelled for behavioral issues.  Many people saw his posts on social media but I guess nobody really understood how angry or how sick he really was.  This breaks my heart for everybody concerned.  I think about how differently things might have turned out if this young man would have gotten the mental health services he needed.  As I read about him I hear he was bullied and that both of his parents that adopted him passed away.  I hear he had an unusual fascination with guns. If you look at the profile for most of the shooters involved in these horrific shootings most had been bullied.

I guess what I’m saying is don’t wait until it is too late if you see signs that somebody needs mental health services.  I also want to send my prayers and my love to everybody that was involved in this horrific incident.  My heart goes out to all of you and I hope with time you all will begin to heal!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  Nancy is now accepting new clients.  She also works as a motivational speaker.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups for teens and can handle many court mandated needs.  For more information about any of these services contact Nancy at (909) 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

 

Planning Ahead

By Mark Hopper

My wife and I will be celebrating our 47th anniversary soon.  That is a lot of anniversaries to celebrate and it is a lot of Valentine’s Days to remember, too.

You would think that we would have learned to plan ahead by now.  But that is not the case.  Sometimes things just come together at the last minute.  Valentine’s Day was a good example.

My wife and a girl friend began to make a plan for Valentine’s several weeks ahead.  But, as our wives looked on line at various restaurant possibilities they were surprised that most were already booked and did not have any openings available for Valentine’s Day dinner.  Bummer.

What should we do?  Where could we go to celebrate Valentine’s with our wives?  Finally, our wives found a nice restaurant with dinning available on Friday, two days after Valentine’s Day.  The husbands were willing to be flexible so we set our sights on February 16th for a late Valentine’s dinner.

However, I realized that my wife and I still needed something to do and some place to go on Valentine’s Day.  We talked about just grilling some steaks at home, but the weather was questionable.  Then I got the idea that maybe we should find a nice place for a late lunch and stay home for the evening.

When I called one of our favorite fancy restaurants to see if they had any openings for lunch on Valentine’s Day, the hostess said that she had just received a cancelation for a party of two for that night!  Would we be interested in that?  “Sure – that would be great!”  Suddenly we had a reservation for a very nice restaurant for Valentine’s Day!  How did that happen?

My wife was pleasantly surprised that we were not staying home or simply going out to lunch, but we were actually going to one of our favorite restaurants on Valentine’s Day!  Suddenly I looked like a genius instead of a goat!  The evening turned out great and we had a special Valentine’s dinner with a few dozen other lucky couples!

While we were at the restaurant, we saw some friends from our church.  We spoke to them briefly and asked them how long ago they had made their reservations for Valentine’s dinner.  Their answer was January 2nd!  Now that is good planning!  When they asked when we made our reservations, I reluctantly told them it was about eight hours ago.

There must be a lesson here.  Planning ahead isn’t always what it is cracked up to be.  Sometimes it just takes one more phone call to find the open door to a very nice restaurant on Valentine’s Day.  Hope your Valentine’s dinner was as nice as the one we enjoyed!

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

909-594-7604

Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM

Efreedb.org

 

Everyday Heroes

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

By Nancy Stoops

There is so much good left in our world.  I run into wonderful people daily.  In my eyes you don’t have to acquire super powers or wear a cape to be a hero.  For me, a hero is somebody that models all the good characteristics one should have.  A hero is a person that lives up to their potential and strives to be better each and everyday.  A hero is a person that gives fully of themselves because it’s the right thing to do and doesn’t expect anything in return.  Look around and you will see plenty of everyday heroes.  You will find them teaching our children, protecting our community, mentoring others, saving lives and putting out fires, giving grants and scholarships and modeling who we’re intended to be in this world.

Giving unconditionally is one of the greatest gifts one can offer to this world.  It is the stuff that can make another understand, just how important their existence is to this world.  It can literally save the life of another.  Sometimes people just need a break and being an everyday hero can offer that break for another human being.  Don’t take your life for granted instead strive to be an everyday hero.  Being an everyday hero doesn’t require lots of letters after your name or a fancy college degree. You can make a huge influence by just being the wonderful person you already are and by sharing your kindness and compassion with another.

Our youth needs heroes and a sense of hope in a very chaotic time in our world.  It is our job to be everyday heroes and guide them.  Strive to be your best each and everyday.  If you do this I’m sure your inner most everyday hero will be unveiled for the world to see!!!!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger.    For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909) 229-0727. You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoos@verizon.net.  You may purchase Nancy’s books, Live, Heal and Grow and Midnight the therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

Impossible

By Mark Hopper

In C.S. Lewis’s famous book, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”, there is a remarkable scene where the evil White Witch killed the powerful Lion named Aslan.  Aslan had willingly surrendered himself to the Witch.  She and her minions had bound, ridiculed and humiliated the Lion and she had personally killed him by plunging a dagger into his heart.

The wicked Witch had killed the mighty Aslan.  She had won, he had lost – or so it seemed.  Aslan’s friends had witnessed his execution from afar.  They had embraced his cold, dead body.  They wept as they walked away knowing their friend and leader was dead.

However, moments later the stone table where Aslan had been killed was shattered and Aslan’s body vanishes.  Those who witnessed his death are confused.  What happened?  What does this mean?  Where did Aslan go?

To their amazement, Aslan reappears alive.  He is no longer dead – he is alive again.  His followers are stunned.  But, there he is alive again.  They not only saw him with their eyes, but they could also touch him with their hands and talk with him and hear him speak.  He was really was alive again!

As C. S. Lewis continues his story, the forces of good and evil find themselves in a fierce battle.  The White Witch leads her army in battle against the followers of Aslan.  The Witch’s forces are winning and things look bleak for Aslan’s army.  But, suddenly Aslan arrives at the scene of the battle bringing reinforcements.

When the White Witch sees the powerful Lion, Aslan, she says in disbelief – “Impossible”! This can’t be the great Lion Aslan.  She had personally thrust the dagger into his heart.  She saw him die.  She knew he was dead.  How can he be alive again?  It is “Impossible”!

Many people may not realize that the reason Christians celebrate Easter is to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.  All of the biblical writers provide detailed accounts of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.   These events are the foundation of the Christian faith.  You can read them for yourself in New Testmanet books like Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20-21.

For some people, the idea that a dead man could come back to life seems unlikely if not impossible.  Why would intelligent, educated people believe a story like that?  How can someone believe in something that seems impossible?  There are no photographs.  There is no DNA evidence to examine.  Why do millions of Christians around the world believe in the literal, physical resurrection of Jesus Christ?

I would like to share with you in my next article why I believe that Jesus really did rise from the dead.  There are a number of reasons that His resurrection is not only possible but probable.  I hope you will dust off your Bible and take time to read one or more of the chapters listed above.  Examine the details carefully.

I look forward to sharing more of my thoughts with you in my next article.  Easter is coming in only a few weeks.  I hope you will make plans now to attend a church near you on Easter Sunday.

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

909-594-7604

Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM

Efreedb.org

 

Eaten Out Of House…

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

​…And Home!.  Many a person who is a head of a household makes this outcry when facing the burdens and responsibilities of having to provide for their families.  They feel so burdened by trying to make ends meet, such as the home mortgage, the taxes, the insurance, utilities, and food.  However, there are much smaller “critters” that can literally “eat” a person “out of house and home” These are pesky little things called termites have been around forever!  Termites are known to eat a lot!   Per Pest World for Kids- sponsored by The National Pest Management Association, “Termite colonies eat non-stop, 24 hours a day, seven days a week!” “They can destroy building foundations, wooden support beams, plastic plumbing pipes, sub-flooring, insulation … even swimming pool liners and filtration systems! Termites can also injure or destroy living trees and shrubs.”

However, we do not want these pesky little creatures in our home to eat up the wooden frames, roofing, window sills, etc.  So why does the real estate industry recommend that an owner of a home regularly schedule inspection and maintenance and to treat the property to control termites before they “eat us out of house and home”? Avoiding the damaging effects of the termites’ ravaging hunger!

The advantages of preventative maintenance boil down to Savings:  If you plan to sell your home, preventative measures are less expensive in costs than having to fix an item after termite damage.  The repairs may add up and subtract from the equity that you have worked so hard to earn on your investment, your home.

Have you seen a tent over a home and wondered, Why that?  That is the indication that the entire structure needs to be treated in treatment.  That is what one would want to avoid having through preventative maintenance. There are various methods in treating against termite, ranging from chemicals to more environmentally friendly (natural) methods.

Find a reputable and licensed termite company that you feel comfortable working with, or referral from family or friends, or you may ask a realtor, or do your own due diligence search.  Consulting with this type of expert will help you plan for your bottom-line savings!  Saving your home!

This article was written by Nef Cortez who is a licensed Real Estate Broker, Ca BRE # 00560181, licensed since 1976. He can be reached for more information via e-mail at nefcortez@gmail.com, or website www.nefcortez.com. Please feel free to email any questions regarding real estate.