Category Archives: Weekly News Columns

You Can Depend On You

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

Just recently I had an experience that reminded me of how very capable I am and how I can depend on myself.  After my fabulous trip to Antarctica, I found out the airline to fly me home was on strike.  It seemed like I was so alone in this and must admit very frightened.  I needed to get home my mom and dog had been hospitalized when I was gone.  I went to the airport with the other fourteen- hundred people and stood in line for eight hours and finally got somebody to listen to me after sobbing at their counter.  It took two days to make this happen.  Even though I had a great travel agent there wasn’t much she could do from her end.  She told me to go to the airport and stand in line until I could somebody to take pity on me.  They were telling many people it would be eight or nine days till they would have a flight home.  That was unacceptable for me as I really needed to get home.

When I finally boarded the plane that would take me home I cried with such a sense of relief.  I have travelled all over the world and only had two uncomfortable things happen.  I was detained for bringing an apple into Mozambique from South Africa and when I arrived in South Africa after a grueling flight I was yelled at by a customs agent to stand up straight and show some respect.  This airstrike was different it was truly frightening and I felt like I was never going to get home.  The thing that got me home was how I remembered all that I had already gotten myself though.  I thought about all the deaths in my family and all the trauma I had handled and work though in my life.  I remembered how many times I had depended on me to get me though the trauma.  In remembering who I was I was able to find my way home!!!!

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.

 

Fun With Grandkids

16By Mark Hopper

We enjoy taking care of two of our grandchildren one day a week.  They like coming to “Grammy’s” house.  I don’t know why it is not my house too, but to them it is known as “Grammy’s” house.

One of the reasons they like to come to our house is that we have a closet full of toys, dolls, and other fun stuff.  I believe it is the toys that are the real attraction.  When they walk into the house, they head right for the closet with the toys.  Maybe they don’t have enough toys at their house!

Recently we decided to go out for lunch.  It is a lot of work to put their car seats in our car and buckle them in.  One is old enough to only need a booster seat.  The younger one has to be secured in a car seat that resembles what the astronauts used in Apollo 13!  There is no moving around when they are buckled into their car seats.

Since both of them enjoy French fries we decided to go to In N Out Burger.  Of course I enjoy In N Out, too!  It was a good choice.  The french fries are great and the employees are attentive to little kids.  One person gave stickers to both of them and another offered them official hats as well.

While we were waiting for our food, we buckled the younger one into a high chair.  She quickly caught the attention of a couple of other customers who smiled and waved at her.  She smiled, laughed and waved back as they maintained this exchange of silent greetings across the next table.

The French fries were a hit.  Our older granddaughter will only eat french fries with plenty of ketchup.  The younger one caught on to the ketchup idea too.  I had a “Double-Double” and my wife went next door to El Pollo Loco and brought back a healthy looking salad.

Don’t worry; the grandkids had a healthy lunch before we went to In N Out.  The French fries were more like dessert!

After lunch, we took time to visit the Michael’s store in the same shopping center.  Grammy wanted to look for a small craft for the older grandchild and something easier for the younger one.  I suddenly realized that she had this planned before we left the house.  There is no stopping a grandmother who has shopping for grandchildren on her mind.

Our adventure was a lot of fun.  We enjoyed a nice lunch and met some nice people.  We contributed to the economy and enjoyed our two precious little grandchildren.  It doesn’t get much better than that!

Let me encourage you to take time to enjoy some of the people in your life this week.  You may have an older parent who would enjoy doing something with you.  You may have some little ones who are happy to simply go out for French fries. You may have some restless teenagers who don’t want to spend time with their parents or grandparents.  Do something anyway.

Don’t wait, do something with someone you love.  You will be glad you did and they will too!

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar

909-594-7604

Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM

Efreedb.org

Diamond Bar Home Sales Update!

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

Homes Sales Down! Home prices up! Usually when sales volume goes down, so do home prices. The fact that the number of homes sales in Diamond Bar decreased for a second consecutive quarter is not an indication that there is a lowering of demand for homes in this community. It is more of a reflection of low inventory, or fewer choices for those looking to buy a home. The 3rd Quarter 2017 report for Diamond Bar home sales noted that there were 103 closed transactions (as reported by the California Regional Multiple Service). The median sales price (Median Sales Price is the point in which half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less) in the 3rd quarter was $725,000 for a single family residential (SFR) property. The 4th quarter saw a rise of that figure up to $745,000, an increase of 2.76%, or an annualized increase of 11%! That is Huge! The number of transactions, however, was down to 90 in the 4th quarter (October to December 2017), representing a drop of 12.6 %, which is also substantial.

The seasonal housing market cycles are not as pronounced in Southern California, and more specifically, in Diamond Bar, as they are in other parts of the U.S.  It is, however, not very unusual for the market to slow down at this time of the year because it covers a period which includes major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year’s Holiday. The Los Angeles county recordings also show that the condo and townhome markets slowed similar to the SFR market. Diamond Bar Condo and Townhome sales dropped from 81 to 70  in the 4th quarter, a drop of 13.5%.  Unlike the rise in the median sales price for the SFR market, the Condo and Townhome median sales price dropped by 4.4 % quarter over quarter, an annualized drop of 16%! For the Diamond Bar Condo and Townhome market, the 4th quarter of 2017 saw both a sales volume and a median sales price drop from the previous quarter.

 

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.

 

 

Being an Original

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

I have always been different from others and have needed to do things my way.  I always knew that I would need a lot of education so that I’d be able to work for myself and make a great living.  I have always been a leader and never have done much following.

I know many people that just want to be accepted and so they conform to the way of others.  These are the same people that give into the ways of peer pressure.  The truth is, friends don’t make us do things that are bad for us if they are a real friend.  For me, it’s the people that are unique and don’t want to be like everybody else, that I’m attracted to.  Many people are afraid to be who they really are because they may be rejected by others.  I think we need to be ourselves and find others that will accept us for who we truly are, not who they want us to be.

It’s perfectly okay not to follow the crowd and wanting to be an individual.  Learn to love yourself for all the things that make you unique, as well as the same as others.  Learn that it’s really cool to have special qualities and those unique qualities make you a shining star not a freak.  It’s very easy to be like the masses but it takes courage to be an original.  We all are born into different families and have many different life experiences

that also influence who we are.

Learn to take pride in the very wonderful and original you.  Stop trying to be something that you’re not just to fit in.  Start finding friends that appreciate the true and unique you.  Remember being an original is a gift to be cherished!!!!!!!!!!

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.

 

Interest Rates Going Up?

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

Housing affordability is greatly affected by the interest rate that one can secure when obtaining their loan. Interest rates go up and down, and are largely influenced by forces that affect all markets: Supply and Demand. Due to the Great Recession of 2008, long term mortgage interest rates have been low for the past decade.  Historically low interest rates have driven the market prices of homes to levels that exceed the high point of the housing market in 2006.

One of the two main factors that Federal Government affects the Supply side of the mortgage equation is by purchasing or selling Treasury bonds or mortgage backed securities (based on previously originated home loans). When the Federal Government buys debt through this mechanism, it will either increase or reduce the supply of money in the open market, thereby affecting the increase or decrease of money available to use as a loan to purchase a home.

The second primary factor that will influence the interest rates is the “Demand” for money. As is occurring right now, a growing and improving economy creates more jobs.  More jobs translate to more employees who can then afford to compete for mortgage money. It also creates increased competition between employees who can vie for improved positions and higher wages.  We are beginning to see that with the continual announcements of 17 year lows in the unemployment rate.

With the current effort by the Federal Reserve to reduce its balance sheet (reduce its debt), it is selling off Treasuries and mortgage backed securities which soaks up some of the available cash in the market. This is in itself an action that is reducing the Supply of money in the open market, and thereby putting upward pressure on interest rates.

The gradual decrease in Supply of money, combined with the growing Demand for money, is exerting upward pressure on interest rates.  It is almost certain that we will see an increase in mortgage interest rates over the next 1-3 years.

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

 

Antarctica the Seventh Continent

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

Part of my holidays I had the pleasure of hanging out with some new penguin friends.  Yes I travelled to the continent of Antarctica my seventh and final continent.  Now I can finally say I have been to every continent and have the proud honor of being a world traveler.  I have traveled the whole world by myself. I must tell you Antarctica is truly a magical place.  I saw penguin colonies with hundreds of penguins.  They are such adorable and friendly creatures.  They just kept doing their thing as I stood mesmerized watching them.  I can’t believe that a continent that is so very unspoiled still exists in our world.  I saw icebergs that were blue and huge.  The solace this place offers is really hard to begin to describe.  It was unbelievably quiet as we travelled through the water by ship and then by zodiacs when we would want to go to shore or to just get a closer look.

Besides penguins we also saw many types of seals just chilling on snowy rocks.  We also saw orca and humpback whales and many types of birds.  The wildlife was totally awesome. It’s so incredible to see wildlife in their natural environments. I’ve now swam with, fed and walked tigers, rode and trained elephants, held cheetahs in my lap, laid with sea lions, fed wallabies and kangaroos, held koalas, swam with giant sea turtles, sharks, rays, and have snorkeled with many different types of schools of fish.  These close up wildlife experiences have always been my favorite part of my travels.  It truly is an amazing world and there are so many wonderful places to go and things to see and do.  I now have friends all over the world. I would highly recommend travelling the world if you get the chance.  It will change you forever and help you see the magic in our world!!!!

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.

 

More Family Connections

By Mark Hopper

Two months ago, my wife and I traveled to New York to see Niagra Falls in western New York and visit some of her cousins near Albany on the eastern side of the state.  My wife really enjoyed reconnecting with her cousins. She had not seen some of them in over 40 years.

Over the past few years, we have also reconnected with some of my cousins who live in this part of the country. One lives in Colorado and the other lives in Arizona.  Both of these sisters have been married and have raised their own families.

Since they grew up in Colorado and my brother and I grew up in Arizona, we rarely saw our cousins. Since each of us got married and started our families in different parts of the country, we didn’t spend much time together. I don’t think we even attended our cousin’s weddings and I don’t think they were present at my wedding or my brother’s either.

Now, forty years later, our paths have reconnected. All of our parents have died. All of us have our own children and grandchildren. All of us still live in different parts of the country.  But, over the past few years, circumstances have drawn us together again.

A life threatening illness served as the catalyst to increase our communication.  My wife and I became more intentional about calling and visiting. My brother and his wife sent cards and shared books as the health of one of these cousins declined. During this journey, we also reconnected with her sister, our other cousin. After almost 40 years, we were talking and texting on a regular basis. Facebook helped too!

There was a lot of catching up to do. We enjoyed learning about their children and grandchildren.  We shared about our families and our careers. There were times of laughter and smiles as we talked about our parents and grandmother (our grandfather died before most of us were born).

Unfortunately, one of these cousins died on Thanksgiving Day after a long, difficult battle with cancer. New connections were made as we met extended family members at her memorial service. Stories were shared and there was both laughter and tears.

I’m thankful that we “reconnected” with our cousins – both my wife’s in New York and and my own cousins in the west. It has given us a new appreciation for our extended family and it has given us more motivation to keep in touch.

Let me encourage you to make an effort to reconnect with your family. Social media makes it possible and convenient to communicate with cousins, nieces, nephews and long, lost relatives.  Don’t wait. Write a note, send a card or make a call during this Christmas season. They will be glad you did and you will too.

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

909-594-7604

Christmas Eve Services Dec 24th

9:00 & 10:45 AM & 5:00 PM

Efreedb.org

 

Rent or Buy?

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

Most people start their independent living when they first move out of their parent’s home by renting.  They either choose to rent a room at another person’s home, or possibly move into a friend’s apartment. Many times they go from that living arrangement to sharing the cost of renting an apartment or house together with a few friends or just someone else.

Although everyone has their own decisions to make, and many different circumstances, across our country, we tend to follow a consumer pattern throughout our lives.  Many financial analysts have studied the consumer cycle, and an established pattern has been the following for our society at large: one first starts working in their early late teens and into the early 20’s, and then family formation follows in the mid-twenties to mid-thirties.  Typically, at the stage of family formation and into the cycle of a young family  is when most of us address the issue of “Buying versus Renting”.  At this stage, there are usually young children in the household, and the provision for a home with a yard for the children to play in becomes a major concern.

Currently, the rental rates are very high, and have been increasing substantially at 5% plus per year over the last 6-7 years. This highlights the need to stabilize the monthly housing cost, and with current interest rates, it is a very good time to lock in a low rate by buying a home. Many economists are predicting interest rates will increase this year.  Just this week, the Federal Reserve approved its second rate hike of the year, increasing its benchmark interest rate by one-quarter percent.  This rate hike eventually gets spread out to consumer interest rates.

There are many other factors that come into making a decision on whether to Rent or Buy. Next week, I will provide in more detail those factors, as well as show a point by point comparison on the options.

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.

 

A Famous Photo

By Mark Hopper

Three years ago, my wife and I celebrated Christmas with our whole family in Lisbon, Portugal.  Our four adult children, three son-in-laws and seven grandchildren were all together for five memorable days.

My wife’s mother was unable to travel with us to Portugal, but she sent some money to purchase gifts for all of her great-grandchildren. Instead of purchasing more gifts for these seven young children, we decided to use the money to take them to the Lisbon Zoo.

The weather in December in Portugal is very similar to what we have here in California. The day we went to the Zoo the temperatures were cool with clear skies.

After we bought our tickets and walked through the front gate we were met by a professional photographer who was waiting to take our picture. Everyone was in a good mood and even the younger kids were pretty cooperative as we posed for a picture. Members of the Zoo staff gave us several colorful birds for us to hold while they took our photo.

Our day at the Lisbon Zoo was a winner. The children and adults enjoyed seeing the beautiful animals and several shows that were scheduled during the day. They even have a very nice Dolphin show!

At the end of the day, we stopped by the store where they sold copies of the pictures taken at the front gate.  We purchased a copy for each family so they would have a photo memory of our day at the Zoo.

One of the lessons that I have learned about family pictures is to take them early in the day. Children and adults are usually in a good mood when people are arriving. Sometimes kids and adults can be less cooperative when it comes to taking pictures at the end of the day.

There have been times when some family members needed to leave early to go on to other activities.  I know there have been times at some of our family gatherings when we waited to long to get a group picture.  Don’t wait until it is too late. Take those groups pictures early not later.  At the Zoo, they take group pictures at the entrance not at the exit.

The other lesson I have learned is that no family photo is perfect.  In our famous photo at the Lisbon Zoo, several of the grandkids were distracted and were not looking at the camera. The colorful birds added a lot to our picture, but the younger children were distracted and a little uncomfortable holding these big birds with their hands or on their shoulders.

My suggestion is that you don’t expect perfection. Just be thankful that you can get a photo with your whole family. During this holiday season, take time to take a few pictures. You will be glad you did and your family 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

 

Dreams Become Reality When You Believe In Yourself

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

We all have dreams for our life.  Why is it that some of us turn our dreams into reality and some of us just keep dreaming?  Why do some of us find the motivation to make our dreams come true and others just give up?  I believe we are all capable of getting what we want from our lives.  I also think we all have the potential to grow into somebody that we are proud of being.  I think what sets a person apart is they believe they can or they believe they can’t.

I find it very sad when I see somebody with a vision of what their life could be, yet they think they can’t ever obtain the life they are suppose to have.  This person somehow has never been taught to believe in themselves and now gets cheated out of the life they should have had.  This is where really effective parenting is so very essential.  We also need to help those not so effectively parented reach for the sky as well.  We need to not give up on our dreams, ourselves and each other.

Dreams can become our wonderful reality if we create a plan with the correct steps.  Think about every other goal that you have met and the plan that was made up of baby steps.  I promise you that if you have a dream and want it to become your reality all you have to do is trust yourself and take the steps that turn dreams into reality.  The first step is having the faith and trust inside yourself to believe that you can do it.  Never lose sight of the already wonderful you and think of your plan as just adding to that wonderful person!!!!!!!!!!!!

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.

 

Why Sell Now?!

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

How can it be a good time to buy and at the same time a good time to sell?

Real Estate is local!  Although Macroeconomic factors are the overall influence on the real estate market, individual property values are most influenced by local market conditions. We have all heard the mantra “Location, Location, Location!” in describing the desirability of homes. The right area…the right school district…and for some people, even the right orientation.

So when is it a good time to sell?

Now would be a good time to sell and “move up”, If you are going to outgrow your current residence within 2-5 years, thereby locking in an interest rate that is still close to historical lows at just under 4 %.

If you are going to downsize due to retirement, or have become an empty nester, it is a good time to sell and lock in the dramatic gains achieved by the huge increase in property values over the last 5 years. Even if you go out and rent for a while, because you are not able to determine exactly where you want to settle in…it might be better to rent in a couple of different locations, sort of “scouting” those areas out to make sure you like them before making the permanent investment.

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.

 

 

 

An Invitation for Wellness in 2018

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

As we celebrate a brand New Year it’s also time to celebrate ourselves.  I would like to extend an invitation to all of you to my Taste of Wellness 2018 event sponsored by the city of Walnut and facilitated by me.  This wonderful and free event will take place Saturday January 20, 2018 at the Walnut Senior Center located at 21215 La Puente Rd. in the city of Walnut.  Their phone number is (909) 598-6200 and all you have to do is call to reserve your spot today.  This event will offer talks and worksheets on mindfulness and pain management, meditation, nutrition and how to eat to function at an optimum level, Reiki, proper stretching techniques and free chair massages, yoga, a free tea and snack bar and door prizes.

Last year we had over one hundred people attend our first wellness event and I would love to top those numbers this year.  I can’t think of a better way to start off the New Year then by attending an even that will teach you so many wonderful ways to embrace wellness into 2018!  I personally will be running two of the four workshops offered and would love for all of you readers to come out to this amazing opportunity to enhance you wellbeing.  This will be the first of a series of three workshops that I will have the honor of facilitating for the city of Walnut.  I’m very excited to share all the facets of my very healthy lifestyle that has served me so very well for my life.  I will be discussing so many common sense ways to help yourself and just feel better so you can all improve the very quality of your life.  I look forward to seeing all of you there and sharing all of the secrets that have provided me and my patients with a life of quality and joy!!!!!

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.

 

Wash Your Car

By Mark Hopper

People seem to be on edge since we have not had any rain since last March or April.  Normally, we start getting rain in Southern California in November or December. The typical rainy season extends from November to March. Now we are entering a new year with no rain in sight.

I have noticed that it usually rains after I wash my car. I don’t wash it every week. In fact, I have been a little lazy and have not washed it for many weeks. But I finally got off the couch after all the college football games were over and decided it was time to wash our two cars.

While I was busy washing both of the cars, it occurred to me that all of my effort might be in vain because it usually rains after I wash them. This is especially true during the winter months.

My suggestion is that if we all of wash our cars this month I am convinced that it will rain.  You may prefer to take your car to the Car Wash or you may prefer to do it yourself. A friend of mine recently gave me a new “waterless” car wash by McGuiers. So you can even wash your car at home without using a drop of water!

I believe that if we all band together and wash our cars that it will rain.  Can we all agree that we need some rain and the sooner the better and the more the better?

The Apostle Paul said in the book of Acts “…God did not leave Himself without a witness, but provided evidence of His goodness by giving us rain from Heaven and fruitful seasons to satisfy our hearts with food and gladness (Acts 14:17).

The changing of the seasons and rain from heaven reminds us of how dependent we are on simple things like snow, rain and running water.  Without water we cannot survive. Water is essential. Fresh water starts with rain and is stored in the snow.  Seems pretty simple but it is very essential.

Let me encourage you to wash your car this week. It will certainly increase the probability of rain. You will be glad you did and we will too! Maybe you could add a little prayer while you are at it too.  Read James 5:17-18!

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

Real Estate Resolutions 2018!

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

Here we are at yet another New Year!  Time seems to pass us by so fast!  And as usual at this time of year we sit back and reflect what we accomplished last year and vow to make the New Year 2018 better with our New Year’s Day resolutions! And while you are bound to make at least one resolution, now is the time to start your planning and get a head start at it!  Do not wait a minute longer!

Let’s reflect what I wrote to you about last year:  I informed you on market status and let you know that the prices of sales of homes increased and continued to increase throughout the year.  I let you know that the time was right to buy and/or sell and the benefits to your family.  I also let you know why purchasing a home was best for you and your family instead of renting!  I informed you on what was being done for housing the homeless, and the current housing inventory shortage.  I gave you ideas on buying right, different sources of down payment, and kept you abreast of tax reform and housing legislation.

To start your resolution, reflection is important.  Where you are in life right now and where you want to be.  What do you want to accomplish this year in comparison to last year?  What are your financial goals? Remember, look to your sources for advice and guidance.  No questions are silly questions when you resolve to learn about a process and initiate action.

If you do not want to continue renting and paying those monies to someone else, if you want ownership, or if it helps you in your finances, then start the process of buying.

If you want to make a move, research and find out if moving or downsizing is best for you.

No matter what you resolve to do, or no matter how small a step you take towards that direction, get started!  It can only end up being a benefit to you and your family!

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.

NEF CORTEZ,
Broker  CalBRE # 00560181
Certified REO Broker
Certified Distress Property Expert

ReMax Realty 100

1411 S. Diamond Bar Blvd.,

Diamond Bar, Ca.  91765

e-mail: nefcortez@gmail.com

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

 

2018 The Magic Year

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

Happy New Year to all of you wonderful beings. Yes it’s a new beginning for us all.   It’s a chance to start fresh and finally become who you are meant to be. The New Year brings unlimited possibilities and new energy that helps us believe, the sky is the limit.  The New Year gives us hope and many new chances.  I say take these chances and make this year, the best one ever!

Start this process by setting some small very obtainable daily goals.  Once you’re in the groove and have met the daily goals, now it’s time to set a realistic goal for the year.  You may or may not ever meet the year end goal but it’s all about the steps or the process that we take in our attempt that cause us to change.  That’s what I want you all to focus this year.  So what if you never get there all the way, you’re certainly moving in the right direction. Be proud of what you are able to do in 2017 and don’t beat yourself up for what you couldn’t do.

I hope you will be good to yourselves this year and finally work toward who you are meant to be.  I want you to remember it’s all here for you and all you have to do is believe in yourself and go and get what you deserve.  So I dedicate this to all of you in hopes that this will be a magical year. I wish for all of you that you will get out there and find all the greatness that exists in you and our very wonderful world.  It all starts by believing in you and I believe in all of you and want you to be the very best you can be.  Make 2018 a magical year, the best year of your life!!!!!

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.

 

 

If I Had A Hammer

By Mark Hopper

It is a privilege and an honor to be a grandfather to eight precious grandchildren. They bring delight and joy into our lives.

One of the special benefits of being a grandparent is the variety of gifts that we receive from our grandchildren.  I’m sure that their parents provide guidance and assistance as our grandkids select and send us gifts for Christmas.

In past years, there have been T-shirts, sweaters, hats, gloves and DVD’s and books and many other memorable gifts. This year was no exception. My wife and I received several different gifts including a 2018 calendar that is filled with photos of all of our grandchildren. We smile as we look over these calendars each year and we are amazed at how quickly our grandkids are growing up. The photo calendars make a nice gift that we use all year long.

This year, there was an unusual but useful gift that I did not expect. It was heavier than the other gifts and it came in a rather large box. I had no idea what it was until I opened the package and found a beautiful, 16 ounce hammer!       I already own several hammers, but this one is very special. It has an inscription carved into the wooden handle that reads, “Pop Pop (my name) – We love making memories with you”. Engraved on the other side of the handle are the names of two thoughtful grandchildren.

Do you remember a song form the 1960’s, “If I Had A Hammer”?  It was actually written in 1949 by Lee Hays and Pete Seeger, but it didn’t become a huge hit until it was recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary in 1962. The theme of their song had political and social overtones that made it controversial and unpopular with some people. I don’t remember the lyrics but I do remember the tune.

I’m not sure if I should mount this new hammer on my office wall and preserve it as a memorable gift from my grandkids or if I should put it in my tool box and use it on projects around the house. I’m leaning in the direction of using the hammer instead of just viewing the hammer.  I think my grandchildren would be happy to know that “Pop Pop” is building, repairing and making new things with the hammer that they gave to me at Christmas.

I think that part of our job as grandparents is to keep on building and fixing things for the generations that follow. I believe that we should stay active and keep busy doing things for others. We should use our skills and experience to teach and help others.

Let me encourage you to look for ways that you can continue to help others. Is there a tool box in your garage that has tools that can be used to build and make repairs around your house or in your neighborhood?  Do you have technological or mechanical skills that can benefit others? I’m sure that when I use this new hammer I will remember the grandchildren who gave it to me!

There is a verse in the Bible that says, “Each one of you should use whatever gifts and abilities you have to serve others” (First Peter 4:10).  If you have a skill, experience, training, ability or only a hammer – let me encourage you to use it to help others. 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

 

Housing’s Happy New Year!

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

The Real Estate market has seen a continuing upward price increase in the last twelve months, closing out 2017 with a gain of approximately 6% across the US.  The prices have been increasing similarly here in Diamond Bar for the same period. The major concerns for the housing market over the last couple of months was the expected impacts of the Tax Reform and Jobs Act that was just passed last week by Congress and signed into law by President Trump.

There were fears that the mortgage interest deduction was going to be cut in half, from a level of  $1million dollar loan down to $500,000.  The reconciliation was arrived at a $750,000.00 level, which benefited the housing market in most states except for California, New Jersey, and New York. This change will negatively impact those markets more so than it will the major portion of the country.

Locally, the expected decrease in the mortgage interest deduction will have an impact, but not as much, and not as soon, as it would have if the cap had been reduced to the $500,000 level. Median Home Sales Prices are expected to increase here in Diamond Bar as well, but not as much as the 6% expected nationally. On the lower end of the price range, we will probably see a larger increase in the prices, as the mortgage interest deduction is still a great benefit for the buyers of homes at prices below the $750,000. That allows for ½ of the market to benefit from this tax incentive.

2018 should see a continuing increase in prices, primarily because the interest rates remain low, the inventory of homes for sale is extremely tight, and employment continues to increase. These are all the economic factors that influence market prices, and into the near future, they all indicate solid strength.

Have a Happy and Prosperous New Year Everyone!

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.

NEF CORTEZ,
Broker CalBRE # 00560181
Certified REO Broker
Certified Distress Property Expert

ReMax Realty 100

1411 S. Diamond Bar Blvd.,

Diamond Bar, CA 91765

No More Failed New Year Resolutions

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

It’s that time of year where we all start setting some new resolutions for 2017. As we do this, we also wonder why we didn’t meet our 2016 resolutions.  Usually the reason we don’t accomplish resolutions or goals in general is because we make them unrealistic.  We also don’t give ourselves credit for accomplishing part of the goal. For example let’s say you wanted to lose thirty pounds this year and you lost fifteen pounds. I say that you were successful because you did part of what you set out to do. I say if we move in the right direction of our goals them we are successful. I also believe that if we are able to incorporate this mindset then we will eventually meet the entire goal. On the other hand if you feel you have failed chances are you‘ll probably put the fifteen pounds back on that you originally lost and then really beat yourself up.

Be smarter this year and set more realistic goals. Also remember that all good things take time. More importantly meeting a goal is usually about changing a habit. It can take awhile some times to successfully change a habit. Think of your goals as more of lifestyle changes.  If your goal is to lose weight or to get in better shape think about how long you have had your bad habits and that you are trying to make permanent changes in your lifestyle. Don’t be so hard on yourself this year and learn to be happy with the baby steps that you accomplish toward the big goal that you have in mind. Also learn to reward yourself as you accomplish each baby step.  Make this New Year the year you stop self sabotaging and finally meet those life changing goals. I believe in all you and know that you can be and have what you deserve if you just follow my plan. Happy New Year!!!!!!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T. Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups for teens. 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.

 

Diamond Bar Home Prices Soften!

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

Home prices in Diamond Bar have softened for the first time since the upturn from the Great Recession. According to the California Regional Multiple Listing Service, the Median Sales Price for all homes, townhomes and condominiums Sold in  Diamond Bar in the 3rd Quarter of 2017  stood at $580,000. (The Median Sales Price is the point in which half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less). The Median Sales Price for all homes including townhomes and condominiums for the 2nd quarter of 2017 was at $625,000.  This represented a drop of $45,000 in the median price of all sales in Diamond Bar when comparing 2nd Quarter to 3rd Quarter results, a 7.2% drop.

The Median Sales Price of all sales in the 3rd quarter 2017, however, had an increase of $8,000 when compared to the same period in 2016 – a small increase of 1.4%.  This small increase appears to be almost flat when comparing it to the previous year. The increase in other communities across the State of California, and the rest of the US,  have seen annual increases in excess of 6%.  The number of closed transactions also had a dramatic drop.  There were 237 properties that changed hands in the 2nd quarter of 2017. In comparison, there were only 184 reported sales in the 3rd quarter of this year, representing a drop of 53 sales quarter to quarter.  This reflects  a substantial drop of 22% in the number of reported sales! That is a Big number in the industry! No one likes to see a drop like that, let alone a drop in the double –digits!

The numbers for Single Family Detached residences saw the bulk of the drop in numbers of reported sales, although the Median Sales Price saw a slight increase of $10,000 quarter over quarter.  The Median Sales Price went from $715,000 to $725,000, a small increase of 1.4%.  The number of sales of Single Family Detached homes went down from 162 in the 2nd quarter to 103 in the 3rd Quarter.  This compares to a similar number of reported Single Family Detached home sales for the 3rd quarter 2016.

What does all this mean? Simply put, the Diamond Bar real estate market has seen an increase in the number of townhome and condominiums sold with a parallel drop in the number of single family detached homes. The Median Sales Price drop is more or a reflection of a higher proportion of Townhome and Condo sales than an actual drop of real estate prices in general.

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.

NEF CORTEZ,
Broker  CalBRE # 00560181
Certified REO Broker
Certified Distress Property Expert

ReMax Realty 100

1411 S. Diamond Bar Blvd.,

Diamond Bar, Ca.  91765

e-mail: nefcortez@gmail.com

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

 

The Christmas Train

By Mark Hopper

I have shared in the past that I received a Lionel Train set for Christmas when I was a young boy. We have a photo of me and my father and my grandfather playing with my new train on Christmas morning in the 1950’s.

The train set was lost for many years in a closet in my parent’s home. I thought they had given it away after I got married. When we helped my parents move out of their house, my brother discovered the train set but he didn’t tell anyone.  He surprised me on Christmas Day with this mystery box.

We have a photo of me, and my children and my father playing with that old train at Christmas in the 1980’s.  After we moved to Diamond Bar, that Christmas train ended up on a shelf in our garage for many years.  Finally, some of our adult children asked me to get the train down and set it up for their children to see.

I was reluctant to get it down and set it up. I didn’t know if the train even worked anymore.  But, children and grandchildren can be pretty persuasive. Last year, I got the train box down and set it up around the Christmas tree.  To my surprise, the train worked! They were delighted to see Pop Pop’s train.

However, the wires that powered the transformer were brittle and the train engine was sluggish. I took the engine and transformer to a model train store in Costa Mesa. The owner was able to clean up and lubricate the engine and put a new cord in the transformer.  My childhood train was running again!

Now, it is the Christmas season again and that means it is time to get out the Lionel Train. When two of our grandchildren were at our house recently, we set up the train in front of our Christmas tree. I let them help me operate it. They enjoyed it and I did too.  My wife took a video to capture the memory of another generation playing with the train together.

I don’t know what childhood memories you have or what Christmas gifts that you may have kept over the years.  But, let me encourage you to look in the closet, the attic or the garage and see if there are some childhood memories like old dolls, toys or trains that you can share with your children or grandchildren this year. They will be glad you did and you will too.

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

909-594-7604

Christmas Eve Services:

9:00 / 10:15 AM & 5:00 PM

Efreedb.org