Helpings Hands: Kids Give Back

Community

The summer at Bethlehem Lutheran Church is all hands on deck as dozens of youths prepare meals for those in need. After the meals are prepared, the students write letters to accompany them. A student read aloud, “I hope this meal helps. We are trying our hardest. From, Kids Give Back.” The nonprofit is called “Kids Give Back,” founded in 2019 by Denise Gavilan.

“We make volunteering meaningful and fun,” Gavilan said. “Our goal is to inspire them to continue volunteering.” Through this unique program, children learn valuable life lessons while staying busy during the summer.

“They said, ‘Ms. Denise, we had a lemonade stand last night. Could you use this money to buy food for people who need it?'” Gavilan recalled. “I still tear up when I tell that story.”

Cooking isn’t the only activity the youth engage in. They also create gifts for hospitals and animal shelters too.

Joel Bassam and Easterns Automotive Group wanted to surprise “Kids Give Back” with a 7News Helping Hand.

“We work closely with Helping Hands to help organizations just like yourself,” Bassam said. “We were touched by what you guys do. You do a little bit of everything, and we love it. We want to support your cause by donating $2,000 so you guys can keep helping all the families that you guys help.” Gavilan told Bassam the money will help fund future projects.

Helping Hands: City Gate DC

Community

City Gate, a Washington, D.C. nonprofit, has provided Southeast, D.C. children with a summer outlet for more than 20 years now.

Mary Virginia Merrick Recreation Center fills up every summer after school lets out. The free program Twenty-two years ago, Dr. Lynn Bergfalk started the City Gate program to help at-risk children continue learning throughout the summer.

“We are providing a safe place with caring adults, helping with homework and making sure kids get fed and how to address issues like closing the academic achievement gap, stopping summer learning loss, addressing social and emotional learning,” Dr. Bergfalk said.

With a long-standing track record of engaging at-risk youth in quality afterschool and summer day camp programs, they focus on academics, social-emotional learning, and life skills. In their programs, youth are empowered to realize their potential and become caring, confident, and responsible adults in a safe, structured environment.

Joel Bassam with Easterns Automotive Group wanted to give back to City Gate through 7News’ Helping Hands.

“Learning more and more about City Gate as an organization has been truly eye-opening. The way you have supported our community for over 20 years through your programs is truly amazing,” Bassam said. “You have empowered and engaged at-risk youth and families affected by poverty. We want to help you by donating $2,000 to your cause. Keep doing the amazing work you are doing.”

Dr. Bergfalk says the money could help with unanticipated costs like an extra field trip.

Helping Hands: Kits to Heart

Community

From her parents’ basement in Clarksville, MD, Sonia Su hand-packs cancer care kits for patients and caregivers across the nation. During her cancer treatment, she received a care package from another cancer patient that was once in her room and is now doing better. That inspired Sonia to start her mission to give back to others.

More than 3,000 care kits and 600 blankets have been distributed since she founded “Kits to Heart” in May 2020. Her efforts to help others even captured the attention of Maryland Governor Larry Hogan who gave her the hometown hero award during the 39th Annual Governor’s Service Awards.

“What goes into the kits is really based on my personal experience of what helped me during treatments. That includes water bottles to keep hydrated, masks and hand sanitizers, healthier protein snacks, and of course, we try to include some handmade items. A lot of love goes into every kit,” Su said.

She hopes that one day her organization will be large enough to help patients all over the world. Sonia’s organization is doing great things, and we wanted to surprise her with a donation of $2,000.

What Is Your Used Car Worth and What Can You Actually Get for It?

FAQs

Parting with a car that’s been with you through thick and thin can be difficult. Knowing its value, and how much its sale might offset the cost of upgrading to a better vehicle, could make the idea of selling it a bit more palatable.

There are a few online tools available that can give you an estimate of your car’s value. You’ll just need to enter specifics about your vehicle (mileage, age, etc.) and information about its condition.

If you want a fast, honest and accurate assessment of your vehicle’s worth, contact Easterns Automotive. Our team can give you a quick and fair trade-in valuation.

Now is a great time to sell. You might discover your trade in covers a large portion of the down payment for a used car, truck or SUV.

Three Online Estimator Tools for Used Cars

There are a variety of tools that allow you to get a rough estimate on your car’s valuation. However, the estimates you’ll get from these calculators are not guarantees or offers. You’ll still need to find someone (or a dealership) willing to pay that amount. Also beware of “free” estimators that collect your contact information to sell it or target you with future robocalls and spam emails.

  1. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) is one of the most popular online estimators on the market. It asks for details about your car (i.e., model, make, year, condition, etc.) and bases its estimate on the information you provide.
  2. Edmunds is a competitor to KBB. Their claim to fame is coining the concept of “true market value.” They use more in-depth criteria (i.e., cosmetic damages, car accident history, etc.) to determine the worth of a used car. Their calculator uses real-world dealership transactions to show you the average price paid for used cars near you.
  3. NADA guides, created by the National Automobile Dealer’s Association (NADA), are very similar to KBB and Edmunds. The difference is they focus on a vehicle’s wholesale price, current market price and the demand for cars for sale near you.

What Information Will You Need to Get a Proper Used Car Estimate?

In order to get an approximate estimate for your used car, you will need to provide relevant information and specs about your vehicle, as well as details about its condition.

Have the following information on hand before you get started:

  • The year, make and model of your vehicle (this information can be found in the owner’s manual)
  • The vehicle’s color and features/upgrades (i.e., leather upholstery, heated seats, sunroof, custom sound system, etc.)
  • The condition of the vehicle (it’s best to be honest about the condition to avoid overestimating)
  • The vehicle’s mileage (this can be found by reading the odometer on the dashboard)

How Do You Interpret the Estimate Once You Get It?

Once you’ve inputted the necessary information into the online estimator tool, they usually provide a few separate measures of your vehicle’s valuation.

  • Trade-in value is what a dealership might give you for your vehicle if you trade it in. It’s usually the lowest price you will be offered for your car, but there are potential tax savings if you decide to go this route. You might also avoid additional seller fees or repair hassles, as dealerships like Easterns will usually take your trade in as is.
  • Private resale value is the estimated amount you would likely get for your vehicle if you sold it directly to a private party. This would be your car’s listing price on any resale marketplace. Read our blog about private sales (and the risks you’ll face) for more information.
  • Dealer resale value is the estimated price the dealer will list the vehicle for after you sell it to them. It’s often higher than the trade-in or private resale value. The higher price is due to the time and money the dealer will need to spend on inspecting, repairing and cleaning the vehicle to prepare it for resale.
  • Certified pre-owned value is what a dealer would list the vehicle for after a professional inspection and an included limited warranty. This is typically higher than the dealer resale or trade-in value.

Selling Your Car in Washington D.C. or Baltimore

Take your time collecting and comparing your vehicle’s estimates before deciding which route you’d prefer.

When you’re ready to sell your used car in Washington D.C. or Baltimore, get in touch with Easterns Automotive. We offer a quick and convenient process for selling or trading in your vehicle. Our auto group also has an expansive inventory of pre-owned vehicles to choose from if you’re looking to make a trade in.

Give Easterns a call at 877-867-0641 or visit one of our eight dealerships today for more information.

Are There Any Extra Steps Required If I Buy a Car in a Different State?

FAQs

If you’re not finding the ideal pre-owned vehicle near you, you might be tempted to expand your search to neighboring communities. This is especially common in places like Washington, D.C. where residents of the metro area could be living in Virginia or Maryland. It’s not at all uncommon for D.C. car shoppers living on the Maryland-side to purchase a vehicle in Arlington or Alexandria, or vice versa.

While it is not against the law to purchase a vehicle in another state, there may be some extra hoops you need to jump through in order to complete the purchase.

What Do You Need to Buy a Car in a Different State?

  1. First and foremost, you’ll need to search for used cars online to determine if you’ll be buying out of state.
  2. If you’re buying from a private seller, you should try to find a CARFAX report or the vehicle’s accident history. At Easterns, we openly post all CARFAX info on our inventory, so you don’t have to spend time digging for it.
  3. Car shoppers purchasing from private sellers in another state should strongly consider taking the car to a trusted mechanic for an inspection prior to finalizing the purchase. A pre-purchase inspection can help you avoid buying a lemon. All Easterns vehicles undergo thorough inspections and a Multi-Point Quality Certification prior to resale. 
  4. Ensure the vehicle can pass all safety and emissions requirements in your state. Every vehicle sold by Easterns can pass Maryland and Virginia emissions testing.
  5. Check with your insurance company to confirm whether your vehicle will be insured under your existing policy or if you will need new coverage immediately after purchase.
  6. Pay all required sales tax on your vehicle in your home state.
  7. After paying all necessary state sales tax, get the vehicle titled and registered in your home state. (If you buy from Easterns, we can help you handle the logistics and ensure you have a temporary title and registration to legally drive the car home.)

Having dealership locations in both Virginia and Maryland allows us to make the process of purchasing a vehicle easy for people living in either state, greatly simplifying the process for car buyers.

The Disadvantages of Buying a Car Out of State

Aside from the distance between you and the car, there are a few drawbacks and considerations to keep in mind when looking to purchase a car in a different state.

  • It’s harder to physically see it in person and test drive the car before committing to buying the vehicle.
  • Distance and being in a different legal jurisdiction can make fraudulent behavior easier for scam artists. Beware of fraud and vehicles that sound “too good to be true.”
  • Each state has its own emissions compliance, sales tax, registration and insurance requirements. As an auto group that operates in both Virginia and Maryland, Easterns Automotive makes the process of purchasing a vehicle far easier for car shoppers in both states. 

Is It Worthwhile to Buy a Car Out of State?

There are potential advantages to purchasing a car in a different state:

  • The used car inventory available to you is much larger when you expand your search to a second state. Your chances of finding the perfect preowned vehicle will be higher.
  • You may end up finding a more affordable vehicle.

Trust Easterns Automotive with Your Car Search in Virginia or Maryland

Easterns Automotive’s wide selection of pre-owned cars is easily accessible for residents of both Maryland and Virginia. We are committed to providing our customers with a hassle-free, convenient car buying experience — whether you are shopping in person or online.

Browse our inventory of used cars or visit one of our eight dealerships. Give Easterns a call at 877-867-0641 for more information today.

Helping Hands: SevaTruck

Community

SevaTruck was started by Sonny Kakar in April 2016 in an effort to reduce hunger in our communities by providing hot, nutritious meals to anyone who needs them. In partnership with food banks, shelters, and nonprofit organizations, SevaTruck provides nutritionally balanced vegetarian meals to address poverty in Washington, D.C. SevaTruck is now in several places across the country, including Michigan and San Francisco, but it originated here in Maryland, and of June 2022, they have served 40,000 meals.

In Hyattsville, Maryland, the truck recently served food to children at Rosa Parks Elementary School. Once the truck arrived at campus, a long line formed. Rhonda Summey Hester, principal of Rosa Parks Elementary School, said the truck has a major impact on the school. “It’s something our families don’t have to think about when they come here every Thursday, and they are able to get a meal and not have to worry about the next meal, ” Hester said. “They can push it a little later.”

Joel Bassam with Easterns Automotive Group was touched by Sonny’s mission to feed children. That’s why 7News Helping Hands surprised Sonny with a donation that will go a long way.

“When we learned about SevaTruck, we had to get involved. It is a truly amazing organization in the way that you are mobile, going where the need is and feeding those in need. You couldn’t do anything better with your time and your efforts,” Bassam said. “We want to support you in your efforts to continue to help feeding those that need it by donating $2,000 to your cause. Continue making lives better, it’s truly an amazing cause.”

Upon receiving the donation, Sonny was astonished and grateful and shared that this donation can buy 1,000 meals.

“This is a community responsibility, not just for me,” Kakar explained. “This is about kids having meals so they can have a productive life.”

Pay It Forward: Hustlers Guild

Community, Uncategorized,

The District is seeing an increase in reports of violent crime suspects who are younger and younger. The reports have also prompted one organization to take action. The Hustlers Guild is creating new opportunities for youth through a program that gives them a chance to live their dreams.

One of the co-founders of the Hustlers Guild joined Maureen Umeh to help sharfe more about their new program called “Beyond the Block.” The program connects youth with mentors and take them on field trips to parts of DC that they may not traditionally engage in.

Easterns Automotive Group learned of the awesome things the Hustlers Guild is doing to mentor the youth and wanted to surprise them with something special. We donated $2,000 to go towards their cause.

Can You Buy a Car Using a Credit Card?

FAQs

Buying a pre-owned vehicle is a large purchase that comes with some important financial decisions. It’s typical for most car shoppers to finance their purchases with auto loans. If you’d rather not go through the car loan process, you might be wondering whether it’s possible to buy a car using a credit card.

The truth is there is nothing that legally prohibits you from doing so, but some dealerships may limit the dollar amount on credit card purchases or may not accept credit cards altogether. If a car dealership does accept a credit card payment, it could be a feasible option for paying some or all of the down payment.

Like any large credit purchase, buying a car with a credit card might allow you to quickly acquire something you need right away. However, it can have a negative financial impact in the long run if you’re not careful.

It may make more sense to inquire about vehicle financing through Easterns Automotive before you resort to purchasing a car with your card.

What Can You Expect from a Car Dealership That Accepts Credit Cards?

Not all car dealerships will accept credit card payments. The ones that do will most likely have restrictions on the use of credit cards and may charge you transaction processing fees. While a credit card might be a necessity or convenience for you, it costs the dealer money to accept credit card payments.

The credit card fees a dealership is charged vary, but it’s usually around three percent of the transaction. For example, if you used a credit card for a $3,000 down payment on a vehicle, the dealership might be charged a $90 processing fee. They will likely pass this fee on to you. 

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Used Car on a Credit Card

  • Credit card interest rates are often much higher than used car auto loans. While each bank uses different interest rates for consumers, it’s no secret that auto loans tend to be cheaper in comparison to the interest rates of most credit cards. If you find a credit card with a zero percent APR promotional period and you’re able to pay off the balance before the period ends, then you can, in theory, pay no interest to finance the vehicle during that time. However, this still doesn’t change the fact that the dealer will most likely charge you the transaction processing fee.
  • You will need to have a high credit limit. Whether you are looking to buy the car outright or put a sizeable down payment on a credit card, you must ensure you have a high enough credit limit. You can call your bank to request a credit limit increase and they may approve it if your account is in good standing. Also, be aware of your credit utilization (the percentage of your credit that is currently being used). If it goes too high, your credit could be at risk.
  • Always notify your credit card issuer before making any large purchases. It’s good to get in the habit of contacting your credit card company to let them know that you will be making a sizeable purchase. This tells them the charge isn’t fraudulent and you should hopefully avoid any transaction delays.

What Are Your Other Options for Financing a Used Car?

If you will be unable to pay off your credit card balance as soon as it’s due, then it may not be the best financing choice for you. The good news is you have many other pre-owned car financing options:

  • Apply for an auto loan (interest rates on auto loans are much lower than credit cards)
  • Use a loan co-signer (this is a great option if your personal credit score is too low to qualify for a loan)
  • Trade-in your old vehicle and put that money toward a down payment
  • Use some (but not all) of your cash savings for the down payment

Let Easterns Automotive Help You Finance Your Used Car Purchase

Searching for a pre-owned vehicle in Washington D.C. or Baltimore can be tough. Easterns Automotive is here to help you find a car you will love — and a reasonable auto loan.

For the last 30 years, car shoppers have relied on Easterns to help them build good credit and finance their used car purchases.

Give Easterns a call at 877-867-0641 or visit one of our eight dealerships for more information on the pre-owned vehicles we have in stock.

Helping Hands: Old Soldier’s Home Foundation

Community

Pat MacArevey, chair of the Old Soldier’s Home Foundation Board, shared the dedication of their new multi-sport court, which will accommodate pickleball (the fastest growing sport among senior citizens), basketball, and badminton. Their new sports complex is next to their victory garden and outdoor patio for the residents.

“Our mission at the Old Soldier’s Home Foundation is to support residents who live here at the Armed Forces Retirement Home who have retired as NCOs or who were combat wounded and have the privilege of supporting the men and women here. It’s an incredible honor for us, the Foundation,” MacArevey said.

The Old Soldier’s home relies on donations, and every little bit helps. That is why on this Helping Hands with ABC7 News we wanted to surprise them with something special.

“The Old Soldier’s Home Foundation does such an incredible job supporting those who help protect our country in times of need and those who served it so honorably. We want to help continue to help those people by donating $2,000 to the Old Soldier’s Home Foundation so you can continue to make improvements and improve the lives of those who so bravely served,” said Joel Bassam, President of Easterns Automotive Group.

Helpings Hands: Greater DC Diaper Bank

Community

You hear a lot about food needsbut a critical need that is often overlooked is diapers. 1 in 3 families experience diaper need.

Over the last two years the Greater DC Diaper Bank has worked to meet that need. They distributed 2 million diapers in 2019. This year they are on track to distribute 10 million! It doesn’t stop at diapers, they also provide mothers with hygiene and breast feeding products, all of the things you need when you have a baby in your life.  

Rebecca Kolowé, a mom to 4-year-old named Tristan, was just named the interim executive director of the Greater DC Diaper Bank. Since joining in 2019 she has helped them expand to reaching that 10 million mark this year. They work with 76 programs within the community. If families want to access their services they can find various diaper hubs here. 

Rebecca shares, “Every day I get to help other mothers or whoever the caregiver is, whoever is providing the care for that child. You know, we know that families take so many different forms and there’s so many different reasons for that. We just want children to be able to grow up in an environment where they know that they are loved and safe and can be taken care of in a way that is best for them and their families. We want to make that a reality,” she said.

Joel Bassam, president of Easterns Automotive Group, joined with a special surprise for Rebecca and donated $2,000 to their organization so they can keep supporting families who need it.