FAN D.C. is an organization working to lessen the impact of the foster care system for children in our area. On this Pay It Forward with Fox 5, we had the opportunity to learn more about FAN D.C. from Executive Director Josphine Mayzck and program participants Aaliyah and Jaylah.
They provide youth in foster care opportunities to nurture their interests and talents, acquire new skills, and gain a sense of personal and group recognition in an atmosphere of hope. The name FAN has deep roots in the foundation of the organization and is an acronym for Fihankra Akoma Ntoaso which means Safe Places, Linked Hearts. Fihankra is a communal housing compound in the Akan culture of West Africa, meaning a “safe enclosure” or “safe house.” Akoma Ntoaso means “linked hearts,” and is a symbol of understanding and agreement. Sadly, many young people lack access to such safe environments., which is critical to their development. They recently took several children to learn about Vermont to learn about farming. The children shared that they love that is is a safe space for them that allows them to have fun.
Eastern Automotove Group heard of the amazing things they are doing to help children in the foster care system and wanted to contribute to their cause. We donated $2,000, so they can continue to impact the lives of others.
If you know someone who should be featured on Pay It Forward, you can nominate them at wttgpayitforward@fox.com. Don’t forget to include their name and why they deserve recognition in your email.
Jill’s House is a non-profit that provides short-term, overnight care to families raising children with intellectual disabilities in the DC metro area, and around the country. While their kids engage in fun activities tailored to their interests and abilities, parents receive 24-48 hours to rest and recharge.
“The first thing I felt when I walked in the door, complete peace, joy and serenity and absolute love and compassion, no judgment,” mom Holly Sorell said. As a military family, Holly and her family do not have relatives in the area to watch their children, including their son Jacob, who needs care 24/7. It is designed to look like a resort for those who visit, and because of Jill’s House families, like Holly’s, can get rest.
“For the vast majority of the of the parents, the families we serve, we think around 85percent of them have never had their child spend the night away from them,” Dana Hecht, vice president of Compliance and Family Support Services of Jill’s House.
“Jill’s House seems like an amazing organization helping renew and recharge the relationships between children’s intellectual disabilities and their families. I know firsthand what it’s like to have a family member with a disability and how much it means to the families who are part of your programs the way that you help them. We want to help you continue to do that by donating $2,000 to your cause so that you can continue to build these relationships and improve the lives who need it most. Continue to do the amazing work you’re doing,” Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group said.
“I have no words but thank you very, very much. There are so many families that this will bless. Thank you so much,” Sorell said, floored by the surprise donation.
Whether you are gifting or selling a car to a family member, you must follow the necessary steps to ensure the vehicle’s title and ownership are transferred correctly. Some documents and fees may vary depending on whether you live in Maryland or Virginia, but the process is essentially the same.
Regardless of the state you are living in, you will need the right forms and paperwork to successfully transfer a vehicle’s title.
Personal documents including a government-issued ID and proof of valid insurance.
The original title certificate must have the “Assignment of Title By Owner” section completed with the necessary information regarding the seller and buyer.
An odometer statement if the title doesn’t allow space for the vehicle’s milage.
Proof of sale including a bill of sale and/or a Vehicle Price Certificate (SUT 1) if the car is over five years old.
A vehicle safety inspection must be conducted, and you must have a valid safety inspection certificate in hand. Proof of emissions may also be required.
A lien release form if the buyer is taking over a lien on the vehicle.
Can You Gift a Car to a Family Member?
Yes, both Maryland and Virginia allow family members to gift vehicles to one another. The process of transferring a title when the vehicle is considered a gift is similar to selling or purchasing a vehicle. Both parties must complete a vehicle title transfer at the DMV or MVA.
When filling out the title, it is important to write “0” or “GIFT” in the purchase price section anytime you are gifting a vehicle. The recipient may be responsible for paying some taxes on the vehicle, including what’s called “excise tax,” which is based on the vehicle’s purchase price, mileage and age.
You can often avoid paying excise tax if the giver and recipient meet the necessary relationship requirements identified in your state’s gift certificate form. In most cases, if both parties share a last name, the excise tax will not be charged. Check your local DMV or MVA for state-specific relationship requirements when gifting a vehicle.
How Much Does It Cost to Transfer a Car Title?
Vehicle title transfer fees start at $15 or $100 depending on which state you are transferring the title in. It’s possible that additional fees may be charged. Visit your local DMV or MVA to learn about the costs involved with transferring a title.
The buyer or recipient will also need to pay vehicle registration fees. These costs vary by vehicle and the state where the vehicle is titled.
Can You Transfer Ownership Without a Title?
Ownership cannot be transferred to someone else without a title in hand. If the vehicle you are gifting, selling or buying doesn’t have a valid title, you will need to apply for a duplicate title. It can cost anywhere from $15 to $20 to request a duplicate title.
This does not exempt you from other title and registration fees. Once you receive the duplicate title in the mail, you will still be required to visit your local DMV or MVA and pay all applicable title transfer fees.
Do Car Dealerships Handle Title Transfers?
When purchasing a new or used car from a licensed dealer like Easterns Automotive, the buyer doesn’t have to worry about filing the title and registration paperwork. The dealer should accept and submit all documentation to the DMV or MVA on behalf of the buyer.
If you are transferring ownership of a vehicle you currently own, you will need to work directly with your local DMV or MVA office to complete the title transfer.
Licensed Used Car Dealership in Maryland and Virginia
Have you recently sold or gifted your vehicle? Get a great price or your next vehicle at Easterns. We have an extensive inventory of pre-owned vehicles to choose from and buyer-friendly financing — no matter your credit background.
Give us a call at 877-867-0641 or visit one of our eight locations in DC, Maryland or Virginia to learn more.
While it is illegal to sell a car without proof of ownership in most jurisdictions, there are legal ways to sell a car even if you don’t physically have (or can’t find) the title. States that have an Electronic Lien and Titling (ELT) Program like Maryland and Virginia will allow you to trade in a car without a title. This is because dealerships have access to the ELT database so they can confirm and transfer vehicle ownership seamlessly.
If you are conducting a private sale, you are required to have the vehicle’s title in hand or you may request a duplicate if your title was lost, stolen or damaged. Prior to selling, be sure to request your new or duplicate title several weeks before, as titles can take time to process. You must request the duplicate title from the state the vehicle is registered in. Once you receive the duplicate title, it will void the original.
When selling a vehicle that is financed or has a lien on it, you will need to reach out to the lender directly. They will be able to guide you through the process and ensure the sale and title transfer goes smoothly.
Why Does Your Vehicle Need a Title?
When you purchase a new or used car, you are provided legal proof of ownership (A.K.A. the title). If you are financing or leasing a car, you will likely never see the physical title unless you purchase the vehicle outright.
Titles can vary state by state but generally they list the following information about the vehicle:
Vehicle’s make, model, color, body style and manufacturing year
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Mileage at the time of the purchase
License plate number
Buyer’s name, address and issue date
What Are the Types of Car Titles?
Over a car’s lifetime, the title can change depending on the vehicle’s condition. Some of the most common types of titles are:
Clear – The most desirable car title available and the only one that lenders will approve for a car loan.
Salvage – This title is issued to a car that has seen a significant decrease in value due to a crash, theft or subsequent repairs.
Rebuilt/reconstructed – The insurance company or body shop where the rebuild took place will issue this title after an inspection deems it safe to drive in public.
Bonded – A vehicle with missing ownership documents will be given this title. It’s valid for three to five years and protects the new owner from potential ownership disputes.
Are Some Car Sales Exempt from Title Requirements?
Under certain conditions, you may not always need a vehicle’s title in order to sell it. Of course, it depends on the rules and regulations of your jurisdiction, but in special circumstances, you can sell a car without a title.
A standardized bill of sale form may suffice for proof of ownership if the vehicle is more than 15 to 25 years old. In states that don’t require a standardized form, any bill of sale template should suffice.
A transfer of ownership without a title may be a feasible option in some states that allow it. The buyer would then need to obtain a title for the vehicle. Additional documentation may be required.
Selling to an out-of-state buyer without a title can be difficult if your state has deemed the car exempt. You or the buyer should confirm the other state’s rules and regulations. You may need to provide the buyer with a copy of the vehicle’s registration in your state.
Sell Your Car to Easterns Automotive
If you live in the DC, Maryland or Virginia areas, Easterns Automotive is here to help you sell your car. As one of the leading pre-owned dealerships around, we pride ourselves on creating a stress-free environment that takes the pressure off car sellers.
We understand that getting a car ready to sell can be an overwhelming task. At Easterns, you don’t have to worry about meeting potential buyers for test drives or handling the paperwork when finalizing the sale. We take care of the logistics for you so you can focus on finding your next vehicle.
Our diverse pre-owned inventory makes it easy to find the car you want. Learn more about our trade-in offers and how we can help by calling us at 877-867-0641.
It’s not uncommon to sell a car with an existing loan, especially if your situation changes two or three years into a five- or six-year loan. Car buyers in DC, Maryland and Virginia often look to sell their vehicles after a big life change such as getting married or starting a family. Simply put, if you have a loan on your car, it doesn’t mean you’re necessarily stuck with the vehicle until you pay it off.
You can sell a financed vehicle in one of four ways:
Some of those options require more work than others. For example, if you want to sell your vehicle to a private buyer, you’ll generally need to pay off the loan first. If you’re willing to sell or trade-in your vehicle to a dealer, they can deal with the logistical hassles of getting rid of the loan for you.
Whether you’re looking for a dealership trade-in or to sell the car outright, there are a few steps to consider before selling a financed vehicle.
Ask Your Lender for the Payoff Amount
Before you can sell any car with a loan, check with the lender you financed through and ask about the selling process. If you are still making payments on your loan, the lender has possession of the title and ownership of the vehicle until the loan is paid off and the title is transferred. These two things must take place before a financed vehicle can be sold.
The “payoff amount” is how much it will cost to own your car outright. This number will include the loan balance and interest along with any other financing fees or prepayment penalties. When you ask your lender for the payoff amount, they are required to provide you with an offer that’s valid for 10 days.
In addition to requesting the payoff amount, you can discuss next steps with your lender before deciding which route you’d like to take.
Do Your Research to Know Your Car’s Worth
Anytime you go to sell or trade-in a vehicle, make sure you know its value. The used car climate is constantly changing, so having an estimate of your car’s worth can be helpful when it’s time to sell. Keep in mind that your car’s value may change depending on how you plan to sell it (i.e., private or dealer).
If you don‘t have one already, you can get a quote on a number of vehicle valuation sites like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds. Be sure to have your car’s make, model, mileage and VIN number ready for the most accurate quote.
At Easterns Automotive Group we pride ourselves on providing fast and accurate quotes to customers. You can get a solid purchase offer from our team in a matter of hours.
Determine Your Equity
Once you have the payoff amount and the value of your financed vehicle, you can then calculate your equity. You can do this by subtracting the payoff amount from the car’s estimated value. The remaining value is your current equity.
A quick way to tell if you have positive or negative equity is by your car’s value. If the value of your vehicle is higher than your loan payoff amount, then you have positive equity. If the payoff amount is higher than your car’s worth, then you are “upside down” on your loan — meaning you have negative equity.
You can still sell your vehicle even if you have negative equity. Car sellers have two options in this scenario: you can sell the vehicle and pay off the remainder of the loan out of pocket or you can roll the remainder of your loan (minus what you got for selling your car) into your next auto loan.
Easterns Automotive can help you get a great pre-owned vehicle, even if you have negative equity in your current car.
Selling Privately Versus Selling or Trading at a Dealership
When you’re ready to sell your financed vehicle, you will need to decide if you’d rather sell to a private buyer or to a dealership. This is when it’s important to consider things like the ease of transaction, final purchase price, your credit score, etc.
Selling to a private buyer used to be the preferred way to sell a used vehicle because sellers would typically get closer to their asking price. Now, because of recent shortages of new and used cars on the market, that may not always be the case. Dealerships are eager to buy used cars at great prices to maintain their inventory.
While it’s possible to still get more for your vehicle through a private buyer, there is a lot more work required on your end to complete the transaction. This is where a used car dealership can step in and help you obtain your payoff quote, make all final payments, and take care of the title for you. This is a great route if you’re looking to upgrade your current vehicle by trading it in for a newer model.
Find a Trusted Used Car Dealer in DC, Maryland and Virginia
Easterns Automotive is committed to helping our customers sell and finance their used car purchases quickly and efficiently. We are committed to guiding local car sellers through the selling process to ensure an easy, stress-free experience.
We also offer competitive pricing for used vehicle trade-ins and great financing options — no matter your credit history.
Lacy Fields is the owner of Therapeutique Salon and Spa in Rockville, but she also created a foundation called Black Girls Rockville that works to give back to the community.
Black Girls Rockville hosts an event called Breakfast and Haircuts, where they provide styling services to those experiencing homelessness. At the last event, they served 66 people. One of her clients, owner of Stevens Transportation Group, loved the work that Black Girls Rockville is doing and volunteered to provide transportation for those in need to the salon.
Therapeutique Salon’s master stylist, Mackenzie Dehaut, shared how much joy it brought her to see their eyes light up and make them feel like they matter.
Amazed by the work they are doing in their community, we wanted to Pay It Forward with a special surprise. Lacy was exstatic and burst into tears when she received a check for $2000
Educate Fairfax works year-round to make sure students have supplies throughout the year. The organization provides school supply kits, backpacks, gift cards, personal hygiene items, computers, and laptops.
180,000 students in Fairfax county and about a third of them qualify for free and reduced meals, which means their volunteers are working to provide school supplies for about 60,000 students. This not only helps to take the pressure off of students but also teachers. “Teachers are known for going out and using their own fund to buy things for their students, and we want to make sure that they don’t have to do that,” Padmore explained.
Easterns Automotive Group wanted to support this amazing cause by providing a 7News Helping Hand.
Joel Bassam joined virtually with a message for their team, “Educate Fairfax is an amazing organization supporting both the students and teachers of Fairfax County Public Schools. We wanted to help you guys out by donating $2,000 to support 200 students to get their school year started off right by providing school supplies. Continue doing the amazing work you are doing. We can’t wait to see you again.”
They were ecstatic about this donation and shared that each kit cost about $10 and this will help them provide for about 200 students.
Though it’s a little more complicated than selling or trading in a car you own outright, it is possible to trade in a vehicle that still has a loan. If you decide to trade in your current car before you pay it off, be prepared to do a little bit of work upfront so you are ready to move forward when you get to the dealership.
Depending on the amount left on your loan and the value of your car, you might owe money or get money back that can be applied to the new car. For this reason, it’s important to determine your vehicle’s trade-in value and your equity.
How Does Vehicle Equity Work for a Trade-In?
When you first bought your car, you likely took out a loan that you have been paying off every month since. As you make monthly payments you build your equity (the dollar amount you actually own).
Unfortunately, cars age and decrease in value each month, even as your equity increases with each subsequent loan payment. If you take care of your car, stay on top of your monthly auto loan payments and the demand for used cars is high, then your equity should still enter positive territory relatively quickly.
Once you are ready to trade in that vehicle, you’ll be faced with one of two scenarios:
You have positive equity which means the car is worth more than what you still owe on the loan. The difference between your equity and the remainder of the loan can then be applied directly to your next vehicle purchase, lowering the amount of money you will need to borrow and helping you get a better interest rate.
You have negative equity which means your auto loan is “underwater” or “upside-down.” This happens when your car is worth less than what you still owe. In order to trade in a vehicle with negative equity, you will have to pay off the difference.
For example: You bought a car for $20,000 and you financed $18,000 of it. The vehicle is valued at $12,000 when you decide to sell, but you still owe $13,000 on your auto loan. You’ll need to sell the vehicle for $12,000 and pay an additional $1,000 to clear the loan.
Conversely, if the same scenario occurs but you only owed $3,000 on your auto loan when you decided to sell, you would have $9,000 of equity you could put toward your next vehicle purchase.
How Do You Pay the Difference if Your Auto Loan Goes Underwater?
If you’re considering a trade-in and your auto loan is upside-down, there are options to pay off negative equity.
Delay the trade-in until your car is paid off or once you are no longer underwater.
Pay the differencebetween what’s left on your loan and what the dealer offers for your trade-in. This is typically done with cash or by taking out another loan.
Roll over what you owe into your new car loan. Although this option is often the most convenient, it will result in you being immediately upside-down on your new auto loan. When you add the difference, you increase the new loan amount and typically pay more interest over time.
Do You Really Need to Know Your Trade-In Value?
When it comes to pricing your trade-in, take the time to do some research yourself. The team at Easterns Automotive would be happy to give you a fast estimate on your vehicle’s sale or trade-in value.
When it is time to trade in or sell your car at Easterns Automotive, we will conduct an appraisal and extend a firm offer.
What Will You Need to Trade in a Car with a Loan?
When you decide to trade-in a vehicle that still has a loan, the dealer will take over the loan and pay it off. To successfully trade in your old vehicle, you would negotiate the terms of your new auto loan and transfer your old vehicle’s title over to the dealer.
Ensure you have the following paperwork and materials ready when trading in a financed vehicle:
Driver’s license
Proof of insurance
Vehicle registration
All keys and key fobs for the vehicle
The loan information (account number and payoff amount)
Trade-in value based on your research
Get an Honest Trade-In Offer at Easterns Automotive
If you’ve tried other dealerships in Virginia, DC and Maryland and you weren’t happy with their trade-in offers, Easterns Automotive is here to help. We have a reputation for providing honest appraisals you can trust. It’s one of the reasons we have a 97 percent customer approval rating.
Once you accept our trade-in offer, we will deduct that amount from the new auto loan and take care of the rest. Stop by one of our locations or give us a call at 877-867-0641 to learn more.
The used car buying process can feel intimidating, especially when it comes to financing. It can be easier to focus on things like the color, make or model rather than the most irksome aspect of buying a car — how we plan to pay for it.
Perhaps you’ve saved up enough cash to purchase the vehicle outright, greatly simplifying the payment process. Most Easterns Automotive shoppers aren’t in that position. In many cases car buyers come to us with just enough to make a down payment.
Qualifying for an auto loan in the Washington D.C. and Baltimore areas will require you to approach a lender(s) or dealership with a multitude of paperwork and documentation. Lenders will need to confirm things like your identity, employment, credit score and income before they can offer you a car loan.
What Materials Do You Need to Apply for an Auto Loan?
Proof of identity (i.e., driver’s license or government-issued I.D.)
Proof of income (i.e., bank statements or pay stubs)
Credit and banking history
Proof of residence (i.e., utility bill or mortgage statement)
Vehicle information (i.e., purchase price and VIN number)
Where Do You Apply for an Auto Loan?
There are a number of lenders in DC, Maryland and Virginia who can offer you a loan to finance a used car purchase. When applying for auto loans, some car buyers will shop around for lenders until they find the best offer.
Pre-qualification is an estimate of the loan and rate you are likely to get based on the limited personal information and credit history you provide to a lender. A pre-qualification only requires a soft credit pull and is not an actual offer to fund your used car purchase.
Pre-approval is when a lender reviews your credit report to determine the estimated loan amount you’re approved to borrow and the interest rate you’ll be charged. A pre-approval does require a hard credit pull in order to provide a more accurate offer.
It’s important to note that neither will guarantee the approval of your auto loan, but both can be useful for planning and budgeting your used car purchase. If you want to impress a dealer or seller, getting pre-approved demonstrates your ability to obtain financing and shows you’re serious about buying the car.
What Affects the Approval of Your Auto Loan?
If you’re planning on financing your used car, you might be wondering what it takes to qualify for a car loan. If you haven’t had credit cards or loans in the past, you may have a harder time getting a loan.
Don’t lose hope — it’s not entirely impossible to get approved for a loan even if your credit isn’t great. In most cases, you should be able to find a lender willing to offer you a loan, but it may have a higher interest rate.
There are some steps you can take to increase your chances of being approved if your credit isn’t great:
Save for a larger down payment
Show proof of a steady job and income
Ask a trusted friend or family member with good credit to be a co-signer/co-borrower
If you have been denied by a bank or lender in the past, don’t let that discourage you from buying a car. Easterns Automotive helps used car buyers in DC, Maryland and Virginia qualify for financing, no matter their credit history.
Apply For Used-Car Financing in DC, Maryland and Virginia
When you shop at Easterns Automotive, we handle the financing for you. You don’t have to worry about your credit history or getting third-party pre-approval when you apply for an auto loan through us.
At Easterns, we strive to get you the financing you need to purchase the car you love. Browse our extensive pre-owned inventory in Maryland, DC and Virginia or visit one of our dealership locations today.
In 1990, Coach Carter started the organization Student Athletes For Educational Opportunities to help develop skills and provide opportunities for student-athletes in Prince George’s County.
“I started the organization when I was a sophomore in college. I wanted to give high school and college student-athletes a platform to voice issues that impacted their life on and off the playing field,” Coach Carter said.
SAFL isn’t only inspiring kids on the court and the field, he also helps them with their entrepreneurial goals. Easterns Automotive Group heard of the amazing things SAFL was doing and wanted to donate $2,000 to help towards their amazing initiative.
“Oh, it’s definitely going to help out a lot on the day-to-day operations and all the activities we have going on in the community. It’s going to help a lot. Thank you, Easterns Automotive Group!” Coach Carter said.
