All posts by jon

Pay It Forward – Glen Mourning

Community, Uncategorized,

Glen Mourning is paying it forward by creating literary diversity for children all over. Glen Mourning, a former teacher, created the Crunchy Life book series so that kids could see themselves in stories and want to read more.

Glen can remember being bullied as a child for not being the best reader, and he is now a 5th-grade language teacher whose goal is to make literacy and reading fun for kids that are reluctant to read.

His book series is called Crunchy Life. The name was created as a way to encourage kids to keep going even when life gets hard or, as he likes to describe it, “crunchy.”

Lamont Geddis, the director of the Freedom School, expressed that having the books like Glen Mourning’s Crunchy Life helps the students to see an African American teacher and author with relatable books and brings the school alive. Students find it empowering to see other children in books that look like them.

Glen was completely shocked when Joel Bassam joined virtually to surprise him with a check for $1,500. Glen was so excited he announced, “Pizza for EVERYBODY!” as the Freedom School students jumped for joy.

Get Up Give Back – Step VA

Community,

Jan Monroe, the President of Step VA, joined to share more about the organization and what it does for the community. Monroe explained, “Step VA is a nonprofit that was founded back in 2013. And it supports people with varying levels of disability. We focus on Theatre Arts because we understand how empowering they are for all people, particularly those with varying disabilities and or particular challenges in day-to-day life.”

Their mission is to empower people with special needs through artistic expression and sensory exploration. Monroe shared that this program allows for freedom of expression, so they can meet people where they are, and they are easily able to adapt so that others feel comfortable.

Partnered with WUSA9, we were inspired by Step Va and its commitment to helping others in the community. We wanted to donate $1,000 to help towards their initiative.

Easterns Automotive Group and WUSA 9 are always here to help. If you know someone in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area worthy of being helped or recognized, please contact Allison Seymour on social media. #GetUpDC #GetUpGiveBack

Helping Hands – Rustic Love Vienna

Community

After mother, Michelle Davila, saw an excellent idea on social media, she wanted to try it with her children and friends in her town of Vienna, and it has now blossomed into a way to improve the lives of their neighbors in need. Her children Lucas, Lia, and Ava, and a myriad of other friends started building small yard signs embellished with the outline of a heart. Their project is called Rustic Love Vienna, and they use proceeds to help others in need.

They started with only 12 and didn’t think people would want them, but it has grown to cause them and their mother to make more. People usually put the small signs in their front yard so everyone can see them throughout Vienna.

They give their proceeds to Lydia Russo, who runs a Facebook page called Vienna VA Foodies. When COVID-19 hit, she turned her once restaurant review site into a way to help struggling businesses, first responders, and food-insecure families. Vienna VA Foodies donates the money to eateries that then turned around to make and deliver meals to food-insecure families.

It has gotten so popular; they are now selling other heart-shaped items like shirts. They’ve even collaborated with Vienna Vinter owner, Victor Mendes, to create Rustic Love Vienna wine. For every bottle sold, he donates $10 to their cause.

In a year, they have raised more than $100,000 and have more than 2,500 signs throughout the Vienna community. In awe of the fantastic work, they are doing Joel Bassam stopped by with a special surprise. “We were touched by your story and the amazing thing you’ve been able to do with your kids, so we actually wanted to purchase a sign from you for $1,500 to continue what you are doing to support your community,” Bassam said.

Davila was stunned by Easterns’ surprise. “I’ve never gotten a big check before,” Davila said as she received the giant check to signify the donation from the Helping Hands program.

“It’s people helping people for no reason other than they saw a need and they are serving it and doing it in a creative way, and they are helping the community support each other. It’s really beautiful what you all have been able to do,” Bassam said to Davila and “Rustic Love Vienna.”

Helping Hands – The Open Goal Project

Community,

The average youth soccer player’s yearly cost ranges between $1,500 and $5,000, and due to the lack of financial resources, many kids are left out of leagues and unable to play. The nonprofit Open Goal Project provides opportunities for underprivileged children in Washington, D.C., to play competitive soccer.

The program gives kids the chance to showcase their skills in a family-oriented environment. Gio Ceron, a member of the Open Goal Project, expressed, “If I didn’t have it, I wouldn’t have all these friends, and I wouldn’t know all of these skills the coaches taught me,”

Easterns Automotive Group was inspired by what they do for our community and wanted to give back. Joel Bassam from Easterns joined in surprising Amir Lowery, co-founder and Executive Director of Open Goal Project.

“We were blown away by what you’re doing to support your community and support the dreams of those who are trying to play soccer at the next level,” said Joel Bassam. “We want to support you guys by donating $2,000 to continue to spread the love and share these stories with other kids doing what they love most. Continue to do the amazing things you’re doing.”

Lowery and the Open Goal Project were grateful for this donation. They expressed, “It really means a lot. I really appreciate you guys. This will go a long way toward our mission and further leveling the playing field.”

Helping Hands – Be The Good Project

Community, Uncategorized,

Last year, the Marchand family from Northern Virginia started the Be the Good Project to feed people during the pandemic. In the process, they inspired a caring community, from friends and neighbors to church groups, sports teams, and girls scouts, to donate over 40,000 pounds of food and prepare over 63,000 sandwiches for the homeless.

Recently, they began building little food pantries in underserved communities, with nine already created and five more on the way. Amber Marchand and her family joined ABC 7 News for what they thought was an interview to update others on the Be Good Project, but there was really a surprise in store!

Finally able to return in person, Joel Bassam from Easterns joined in surprising the Marchand family, “We’ve been blown away by what you’ve been able to achieve and the way that you’ve been able to support these communities. We wanted to donate $2000 to you all so you can keep spreading the good and keep feeding these families.” 

Completely shocked by this donation, Amber Marchand was fighting back the tears as she expressed her gratitude. 

Click here for details on how you can support Be the Good Project.

Helping Hands, powered by ABC 7, is always looking to help people or organizations in need worthy of assistance. If you know someone that fits this description, please click here to nominate them.

Helping Hands – Nurturing Families

Uncategorized

Throughout the last 11 years, a woman in Fairfax County has built a non-profit that helps children in need in the community, and she is now taking it to Annadale, VA. Sherry Noud, founder of “Nurturing Families,” collects things like baby shoes, socks, underwear, and outfits for children in the area, and more than 230 children received brand new clothes as part of her May summer clothing drive. All items donated to the children in need are brand new and have specifically been requested by them. After families tell us what they need for their children, complete strangers pitch in to help buy them.

Joel Bassam joined to surprised Sherry with $2,000 towards her mission to clothe and feed others in need. The donation will help cover her shopping list for other children in need.

Pay It Forward – SMYAL

Community, Uncategorized,

It can be challenging for queer and transgender youth to face discrimination, violence, lack of acceptance, and local organization, SMYAL, is working to combat that.

SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders), an organization established in 1984, empowers LGBTQ youth by keeping them focused and prepared. SMYAL offers counseling, housing programs and provides leadership opportunities for children ranging from ages 6 – 24. SMYAL also works with the community to give the general public information to increase LGBTQ competency.

Fox 5’s Mauren Umeh got the chance to speak with several remarkable people at Smyal, including Tessa. Tessa is a part of the housing program, and she shared that she feels it takes a load off just having a safe place to live. 

Joel Bassam joined in surprising SMYAL with a message, ” We wanted to honor SMYAL’s incredible dedication to the LGBTQ community by donating $2000 to your mission. You all do such amazing work changing the lives of young people.” Excited and thankful for their donation, SMYAL shared that it would go directly towards helping residents in DC 

If you know someone in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area that goes above and beyond the call and is worthy of being recognized,Click here to nominate them.

Three Ways to Get the Most Money for Your Trade-In

FAQs

If you are considering buying a new car, you might also be looking into trading in your current vehicle. While some vehicle owners believe private sales are better because it will result in a better sale price, trading in a vehicle offers far less hassle and less risk of costly errors. According to Consumer Reports, most people prefer to trade their vehicle in because it is easier than selling it themselves. All the paperwork, signing and financing is done in one place.

If you want to get great value out of your car without the drawn-out process of selling it yourself, it just makes sense to trade in your vehicle. Here are some ways to make the most out of your trade in.

Don’t Trade in Your Car and Shop for a New Car at the Same Time

Trading in your car is a great option for those shopping for a new or even used car, but you want to start with knowing your trade in value before going out to explore your options on a purchase.

Approach the trade in process the same way you would approach buying a new car; get several quotes before making a decision. Going to a dealership and asking for a trade in valuation well before telling them you are interested in purchasing a vehicle will take the focus off the new car purchase and emphasize the value of what you already have. It also allows you to compare estimates with other sources and negotiate with dealerships using those other offers as leverage.

Do Trade in Value Research

Do some research online as if you are looking to buy the exact model that you are trading in. What are they selling for currently? And what are the conditions of those models on the market? Knowing this information can help you compare the trade in estimates you’re receiving.

Gather all the information that you will need to calculate your own trade in vehicle’s value based on the:

  • Make
  • Model
  • Year
  • Mileage

Kelly Blue Book, AutoTrader, and Edmunds provide tools that allow you to calculate the value of your car so that you can compare it with a list of similar vehicles.

This step is crucial in determining what’s a fair offer from dealers and help you negotiate your trade in value. While the trade-in offers you receive wont exactly match the full sale price you estimate, it can help you understand where you stand in a pre-owned purchase. The amount that you trade your vehicle in for is kind of like a discount on the vehicle you eventually purchase.

Does Your Trade-in Vehicle Need a Tune up and a Shine?

If the vehicle needs work done, it will always be valued less. Big ticket items like new brakes, tires or transmission issues can cost you. Even minor inconveniences might have dealers raising eyebrows. If you did not bring the car to them in good condition they might wonder, “What else could be wrong with it?”

This is a concern for dealers when they are determining trade-in valuation. Their goal is to make a profit, and they can do that best when they can resell a traded-in vehicle that has less than 100,000 miles. If your vehicle has over 100,000 miles, they are likely to auction it, in which case you could be getting less for trade in value.

That is why it is also important to bring proof of any servicing and maintenance that you have had done on the vehicle over the years, including things like oil changes and tire rotations. A record of good care will help bolster your trade in’s valuation, regardless of mileage.

Make sure the vehicle looks presentable. Cleanliness helps dealers clearly see the value of the vehicle. Don’t put more money into the vehicle with upgrades; just make sure it is cleaned and vacuumed so it looks its best when you start shopping it around.

Ready to Trade Your Car In?

Take your vehicle into a dealership that you can trust. Easterns Automotive is always looking for trade in vehicles or pre-owned vehicles to buy, and we are happy to help our customers trade, shop and purchase a vehicle their way. We have eight locations serving Washington, DC, Baltimore and the greater Maryland and Virginia areas.

If you are ready to trade your vehicle in, bring it to one of our dealership locations and we will give you the fairest price possible. We wouldn’t be surprised if you also came across the perfect vehicle for your new purchase as well.

If you have questions about the value of your current car, truck or SUV, call us at (888) 650-4775.

Get Up Give Back – KindWorks

Community, Uncategorized,

We’re always looking for ways to Give Back to our community, and we’ve partnered with WUSA9 to recognize KindWorks, a nonprofit that gives back and encourages others to give back in various ways.

Kindworks started about 13 years ago, and its mission is to inspire action for a kinder world. Salma Hasan Ali is its “Chief Inspiration Officer,” She joined Allison Seymour to discuss the group and various services opportunities that give back to our communities.

One of their projects includes KindSoup for the Soul, where volunteers connect via Zoom to create large portions of soup for their families as well as shelters, food banks, neighbors, or anyone just in need of a pick-me-up. KindSoup For The Soul has shared more than 1600 quarts of soup with people in need.

Kindworks also runs a Digital Empowerment initiative. They collect old laptops and computers, and with a volunteer team of refurbishers, they bring them back to life for students and families. They have donated 60 computers so far!

Salma Hasan Ali was ecstatic when Allison shared that we were donating $1,000 to their fantastic initiative! 

Easterns Automotive Group and WUSA 9 are always here to help. If you know someone in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area worthy of being helped or recognized, please contact Allison Seymour on social media. #GetUpDC #GetUpGiveBack

Will Electric Vehicles or Traditional Gas Cars Have Better Resale Values?

FAQs

The transition from gas powered vehicles to electric and hybrid vehicles is sweeping the nation. Although the change is good for environmental sustainability, it’s less clear whether EV or hybrid vehicle purchases are a good financial investment for vehicle owners. There is much debate surrounding whether an electric vehicle is a good purchase in comparison to a traditional gas-powered vehicle, as well as uncertainty surrounding future resale value of EV and hybrid vehicles.

Advancement in Batteries Makes New Electric Battery Models More Affordable

As it stands, current owners of older model electric vehicle are in a sticky situation. As improvements in battery technology in EVs and hybrids are being made, the price of the batteries are dropping. Since batteries in these vehicles make up more than 50 percent of the vehicle’s value, the overall price of electric-powered cars is coming down.

With the advancement of EV batteries in new and future models also comes a drop in resale value in older EV models. The lower quality and life expectancy of batteries in older models of electric vehicles make them harder to sell. In fact, the average resale value of these older EVs and hybrids is less than 40 percent of the original value.

Gas Powered Vehicles Hold Their Value Over Electric and Hybrid Models

In comparison, traditional gas-powered vehicles currently have a better resale value of 50 to 60 percent of their original valuation. Evidently, people still prefer gas-powered vehicles over EV. Some reasons might include concerns over charging stations, convenience, battery life and style.

Another factor affecting EV popularity are changes in consumer preferences. SUVs and trucks have significantly risen in desirability over sedans and cars, and there are still few options for EV and hybrid SUVs and trucks.

Hope for Hybrids and Electric Vehicles

The news is certainly not all bad for electric vehicles. With more companies committing to transitioning entirely to EV models in the not-so-distant future, the used EV market is sure to improve over time. Plus, more hybrid and electric vehicles are being designed to better appeal to current auto shoppers.

There are some battery-powered SUVs coming on the market to compete with the highly sought-after gas-powered models. With the improved battery life, EV Crossover models like the Tesla Model X are expected to keep their resale value.

Tesla is ahead of the game in resale value and depreciation. Other brands like Jaguar, GMC and Volvo are attempting to compete in the EV market in the future with all EV or hybrid models within the next couple decades. Problems and concerns over charging stations and battery life are sure to lessen as technology and infrastructure catches up to the proliferation of EVs.

The government’s added incentivizes like rebates and tax credits for the purchase of electric vehicles and charging equipment could persuade people to switch from gas powered vehicles to electric and hybrid. This uptick in demand may drive up the value of these vehicles.

When Is the Best Time to Sell My Car?

Regardless of whether you have an electric vehicle or a gas-powered car, now is a good time to sell. The prices of preowned vehicles are at historic highs after the pandemic, which is great news for people who want to sell their cars.

According to Edmunds, the shortage is expected to last until 2023. With the scarcity of even EVs and hybrids, you are likely to get a great price for your vehicle. If you are concerned about the value of your EV or hybrid decreasing, now is the time to sell!

Gas-powered vehicles will not be phased out for a long time. As long as the traditional car, truck and SUV industry continues to make a profit, they are going to keep pumping out new gas-fueled vehicles. Ultimately, the resale market for both EVs and conventional vehicles is up to auto consumers collectively.

If you are looking to sell your car, Easterns Automotive can help. We will buy your car and give you an offer within three business hours, whether you have a battery-powered or gas-powered car.

All you have to do is visit our website and complete a submission form that takes just five to seven minutes. Sell your vehicle today and purchase a high-quality preowned car, truck or SUV. If you have any questions about the resale value of your EV or hybrid, call us at (888) 650-4775.