Living
New products, new looks
Hide blemishes or schedule a massage or cosmetic procedure
There are several new products and services on the market to help you be a better you this year.
Menaji Menās Skincare
Men are just as prone to dark circles under the eyes and other variations in skin tone on the face. But if clumpy concealer and pancake-y foundation look bad on women, they look even worse on men. But now there are products designed especially for male skin.
The Menaji Menās Skincare line offers items such as the Urban Camo undetectable concealer that comes in a lip balm-size applicator that promises undetectability in āhigh definitionā standards. Itās formulated to withstand the higher oil output of menās skin with a grape seed, oil-based cosmetic thatās infused with vitamins and SPF 8 protection.
āRemains unseen even under the harshest studio lighting,ā the company promises. A wide array of other products are available to āācleanse, correct, protect and conceal.ā
The concealer comes in light, medium or bronze and is $26 per tube.
Menaji products are available locally at Universal Gear (1919 14th St., N.W.) and the Grooming Lounge (1745 L St., N.W.) or online at
Zwivel
Zwivel was designed by Dr. Gary Brewlow to remedy what he feels are āfrustrating inefficiencies of the cosmetic consultation process.ā
Zwivel is a new, free online cosmetic consultation platform that allows users to upload photos and videos to digitally consult with doctors in their region.
āWhether youāre looking for a nose job, botox or simply looking to zap unwanted spider veins or unsightly acne scars youāve been trying to conceal for years, Zwivel can make it happen without ever having to leave the house,ā the company promises.
More information at zwivel.com.
Zeel Massage on Demand
Now you can order a massage as easily as you order a pizza with Zeel Massage on Demand.
Washington is one of 12 markets on the companyās site (zeel.com) and promises āa top-quality massage at home, in a hotel, at your workplace or event in as little as an hour.ā
Prices vary but a 60-minute, deep tissue massage at a N.W. D.C. address runs about $115.
Real Estate
Assuming a VA Loan
Program available to eligible service members, veterans, and their families
A VA loan is a mortgage loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and is available to eligible service members, veterans, and, in some cases, their families. The VA doesnāt directly lend money; instead, it provides a guarantee on loans made by approved lenders. This guarantee enables lenders to offer favorable terms and less strict requirements than conventional loans, also allowing the loan to be assumed by a subsequent buyer.
Currently, we are seeing renewed interest in the assumption of VA loans from buyers seeking a lower interest rate from what is currently available on the market. In fact, I represented sellers involved in such a transaction earlier this year.
While often a slow and paper-intensive process, an assumption of the sellerās loan balance, interest rate, and length of loan can lead to substantial savings for borrowers, as well as a reduction in up front settlement fees.
Assuming a VA mortgage, however, is not without its complexities and potential pitfalls. Hereās a closer look at the pros and cons of assuming a VA mortgage to help you decide if itās the right choice for you.
Advantages of a VA Mortgage Assumption
Lower Interest Rates. If the seller has a VA loan with a rate thatās lower than offered in the current market, the buyer could benefit significantly. Assuming an older VA loan with a lower rate could mean long-term savings on monthly payments and total interest paid over the life of the loan.
No Down Payment Required. Assuming a VA mortgage typically means that this no-down-payment feature can be transferred to the buyer, assuming the lender allows it.
No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). With conventional loans, a downpayment of less than 20% triggers the addition of PMI. VA loans do not require PMI, so assuming a VA loan can help the buyer avoid this expense and can make monthly payments more affordable.
Other Reduced Costs. Since the mortgage is simply being transferred from the seller to the buyer, certain fees associated with originating a new loan may not apply.
Expanded Loan Limits. A seller with full VA entitlement (no outstanding VA loans) and is otherwise qualified can purchase a home without a down payment for up to $766,550 nationwide (2024 figures) and up to $1,149,885 in certain high-cost areas, including DC and several counties within the suburbs of Maryland and Northern Virginia.
Disadvantages of a VA Mortgage Assumption
VA Entitlement Tied Up. While most assumptions take place between buyers and sellers who are veterans or active-duty military, if the new buyer does not have VA loan eligibility, the sellerās entitlement remains with the assumed loan until itās paid off or refinanced. This can limit the sellerās ability to obtain another VA loan in the future while continuing to be liable for the original loan balance if the buyer defaults; therefore, most sellers will only agree to assumptions by others who have VA eligibility.
Equity Gap Requirement. When assuming a VA loan, the buyer must pay any difference between the contract price and the loan amount. Many lenders do not allow a second mortgage with an assumption, so this is often paid in cash. For example, a buyer assuming a $550,000 loan on a home with a contract price of $600,000 will need $50,000 plus applicable closing costs to assume the loan.
Fees and Other Costs. Although closing costs are generally lower in an assumption, there are still fees involved, including a VA funding fee of 0.5% of the loan amount for assumptions, which may add to the upfront cost.
Qualification Process. The seller must make a written request to the lender to begin the process. After preliminary approval by the lenderās Assumption Department, the buyer must demonstrate VA eligibility, if applicable, and submit a loan application and supporting documents needed to meet the lenderās credit, income, and debt-to-income requirements. The assumption can take anywhere from 30 days to a year to complete, depending on the lender, the buyer’s situation, and the complexity of the loan. On average, it takes 60 days to close; the transaction I participated in took 100 days from contract ratification to settlement.
Assuming a VA mortgage can be a great financial move if the interest rate on the existing loan is lower than current rates and if the buyer has the cash to cover any equity gap; however, itās essential to weigh the eligibility requirements, the potential cash needed upfront, and any liability issues carefully. Consulting with a lender and possibly a financial advisor is always wise when considering the many ways to buy a home.
Valerie M. Blake is a licensed Associate Broker in DC, MD & VA with RLAH Real Estate / @properties. Call or text her at 202-246-8602, email her at DCHomeQuest.com, or follow her on Facebook at TheRealst8ofAffairs.
Real Estate
Transform your home with energy-efficient LED lighting
Add sconces, lamps, outdoor accents, and more
The light-emitting diode (LED) is todayās most energy-efficient and rapidly developing lighting technology. Quality LED light bulbs not only last longer but are more durable and provide comparable or better light quality than other types of lighting. In fact, the inventors of the LED were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2014 for their groundbreaking invention. This simple bulb has transformed how we light our homes, significantly reducing energy usage and reshaping the future of home lighting.
When incorporated effectively, LED lights into your home can create a visually appealing as well as an energy-efficient environment. Letās both save on electricity bills and also do this aesthetically well.
As the real estate market in Washington, D.C., continues to evolve, landlords are constantly looking for ways to make their properties more appealing to tenants. One of the simplest yet most impactful upgrades a property owner can make is improving the lighting in their rental units, particularly by using LED lighting. LED technology offers a range of benefits that can transform spaces, improve energy efficiency, and enhance tenant satisfaction.
Incorporating Downlighting with LED Technology
LED downlights are a popular choice for those looking to add modern, subtle lighting to their homes. According to a post on Quora by contributor Nick Chris, “LED downlights can be installed in ceilings to provide direct and focused lighting, perfect for task-oriented areas like kitchens or bathrooms.” The post also highlights that downlights can be used in living rooms to create ambient lighting, adding that “LED downlights are a great option for areas where you want to minimize the visibility of the light fixture itself while maximizing the impact of the light.”
By using LED downlights strategically, you can direct light exactly where you need it, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits.
Lighting Dark Spaces: Transforming Basements and Beyond
One of the biggest challenges landlords face is making dark or poorly lit areas more inviting, especially in basements. LED lighting, particularly flat ceiling spots, can dramatically change the ambience of these spaces. Many basements in older homes or rental units can feel dark and uninviting, but by installing LED ceiling fixtures, landlords can make these areas bright, warm, and attractive. Tenants often respond positively to these improvements, as a well-lit basement can shift the overall perception of a property from gloomy to welcoming.
The key benefit of these LED fixtures is that they donāt require much ceiling space, making them easy to install in areas with lower ceilings. This is particularly useful in basements, where ceiling height is often limited. Additionally, these lights can be strategically placed to maximize illumination without overcrowding the room, allowing for better use of the space.
Customizing the Mood
LED lighting provides not only brightness but also versatility. One of the standout features is the ability to adjust both the color temperature and the brightness level. This allows for light customization, from bright, crisp white to a softer, more soothing yellow. For landlords, this flexibility helps in creating comfortable and appealing environments that can suit a wide range of tenant preferences, whether in living rooms, bedrooms, or basements.
Many LED fixtures also come with dimmable options, giving both landlords and tenants more control over the lighting. In practice, this means the lighting can be adapted for different times of the day or for various activities, making it a versatile choice for rental properties.
Energy Efficiency
Another major advantage of LED lighting is its cost-saving potential. LEDs consume only a fraction of the energy required by traditional incandescent or CFL bulbs, leading to significantly lower electricity bills. This is beneficial for landlords in common areas or in rental units where utilities are included in the rent, as well as for tenants who are responsible for their own utility payments.
With LEDs, landlords can also reduce maintenance costs, as these bulbs last much longer than traditional ones and do not need to be replaced as frequently. This durability is a major asset, particularly in rental properties where long-term reliability is essential.
Enhancing Curb Appeal
Lighting improvements aren’t limited to interiors. LED bulbs can also be used effectively in exterior fixtures to enhance curb appeal. Bright, efficient lighting in entryways, pathways, and parking areas not only makes properties more attractive, but also improves safety for tenants returning home after dark.
By installing LED lighting outdoors, landlords can create a welcoming and secure environment for tenants, further increasing the value and desirability of their rental properties. Additionally, the long-lasting nature of LED bulbs means exterior lighting can remain functional for extended periods without the need for frequent replacements.
Tailoring LED Lighting to Each Property
When it comes to lighting solutions, one size does not fit all. LED lighting offers the flexibility to tailor lighting solutions based on the specific needs of each property. Whether upgrading overhead fixtures in living spaces or installing adjustable LED spots in dim basements, landlords can use LED lighting to enhance their properties’ function and appeal. By investing in high-quality fixtures and leveraging the energy efficiency, versatility, and brightness of LEDs, landlords can improve tenant satisfaction and retention, making their properties more competitive in the rental market.
Practical and Decorative Uses for LED Lights
LEDs arenāt just for basic lighting needs; they can be used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your living spaces. Here are some creative ways to incorporate LED lighting into your home:
Accent Lighting: Under-Cabinet Lighting: LED strips installed under kitchen cabinets not only illuminate your countertops but also add a sleek, modern touch.
Bookshelves and Display Cases: Showcase your favorite books or collectibles by integrating LEDs into your shelves.
Toe-Kick Lighting: Installing LED strips along baseboards or under bathroom and kitchen cabinets adds a subtle and modern glow.
Task Lighting
Desk Lamps: For workspaces, LED desk lamps provide focused, bright light, which can reduce eye strain.
Reading Nooks: Place LED floor or table lamps in cozy corners to create well-lit spaces perfect for reading.
Ambient Lighting
Cove Lighting: Install LED strips in ceiling recesses or coves to create indirect lighting that adds depth and softness to any room.
Wall Sconces: Use LED sconces in hallways or living rooms for soft, ambient lighting.
Decorative Lighting
Fairy Lights: String LED fairy lights over headboards, furniture, or windows to create a whimsical and cozy atmosphere.
LED Candles: Opt for LED candles that offer a flickering effect without the fire risk, perfect for creating a warm ambiance.
Outdoor Lighting
Pathway Lights: Enhance safety and beauty by lining your walkways with LED pathway lights.
Deck Lighting: Embed LEDs into decks or stairs to illuminate your outdoor spaces for nighttime gatherings.
Holiday Decorations
Christmas Lights: LED lights are perfect for decorating your Christmas tree or mantels, providing a festive and energy-efficient glow.
Functional Lighting
Closets: Brighten up closets by installing small LED fixtures for better visibility.
Garages and Basements: Use powerful LED lights in garages and basements for well-lit, functional spaces.
Tips for Effective LED Lighting
Plan Your Design: Thoughtfully plan your LED lighting layout to enhance both functionality and design.
Choose the Right Color Temperature: Warm white (2700K-3000K) is perfect for cozy spaces like bedrooms, while neutral white (3500K-4100K) works well in kitchens and workspaces. For bright areas, opt for daylight (5000K-6500K).
Ensure Dimmer Compatibility: If you plan to use dimmable LED lights, check that they are compatible with your dimmer switches.
Energy Efficiency: Always look for LED lights with high energy ratings to maximize your savings.
Whether you’re upgrading your homeās lighting or planning for a renovation, LED lights offer a versatile and energy-efficient solution that can significantly reduce your electricity costs. By incorporating LED technology into your lighting design, youāre not only creating a more comfortable and appealing living space but also contributing to a more sustainable future.
Scott Bloom is owner and senior property manager at Columbia Property Management. For more information and resources, go to ColumbiaPM.com.
Business
Small businesses and a big plan
Kamala Harrisās plan could impact D.C. small LGBTQ-owned establishments
One of the unique aspects of living and working in Washington is that residents constantly witness how presidential elections shape policy and, in turn, how those policies directly impact daily life.
For some people, policy changes seem irrelevant, but for a growing number of Americans working in small businesses, presidential policy is crucial. These policy shifts that change with the sitting president can often mean the difference between having a thriving business, or no job at all.
In September, Vice President Kamala Harris announced her economic plan to help small businesses grow. This plan, which she has called her āEntrepreneurs and Innovators Policy Plan,ā attempts to address some of the biggest issues that small business owners face when starting and growing their businesses.
The Washington Blade sat down with several LGBTQ business owners in Washington to discuss how they feel the vice presidentās plan could impact them if she gets elected.
David Burton, the owner of the Capital Candy Jar, a candy maker and shop, was excited to hear about the policyās goal to increase access to capital for underserved communities, especially within the LGBTQ community.
When he began his candy business 10 years ago, Burton lacked the large access to capital he needed to get things started, so he relied on generous hello from family and friends.
āThis is going to be a game changer for a lot of startups,ā Burton said. āWhen I was first starting out I was calling friends and family and maxing out every credit card I had, begging people to loan me money for three or four months until I could get through the holiday season and pay them. Luckily, I had some very generous and really kind people in my life that were able to help me.ā
This issue of high startup costs is not unusual for small businesses. These high initial costs can act as a barrier for potential entrepreneurs.
Jimmy Hopper, owner of Three Fifty Bakery in Dupont Circle, says he experienced these issues when he opened the bakery 10 years ago.
āFor new business, it’s really tough,ā Hopper said. āYou can either use your own money or you get loans from friends because banks will not give you a loan unless you have collateral. When I opened the bakery, I pretty much spent all of my savings, my retirement, everything to open the bakery, because there was nothing available for me.ā
One of the ways the vice president is attempting to alleviate this stress of high startup costs is by launching the largest-ever direct federal investment in small business incubators and accelerators. This program would provide small businesses with resources, mentorship, and networks during the first few years of the company to encourage growth.
In her policy, Harris wants to change the startup expense deduction of $5,000 to $50,000, which is 10 times bigger than it stands now.
Joshua Hill, the co-founder and principal at Hill & Hurtt Architects and president of the Equality Chamber of Commerce, Washingtonās nonprofit LGBTQ business organization, feels this policy could especially help LGBTQ business owners when starting up.
āI think so many LGBTQ businesses, and potential future business owners are starting at a disadvantage, potentially, right?ā Hill said. āThey have been discriminated against in their workplace. So they launch their own business. And in the D.C. area, it’s a lot better than it is in other parts of the country, for sure, or other parts of the world, but they’re still starting at a disadvantage.ā
Hill continued, saying that providing this access to capital is one clear way to alleviate these disadvantages.
āMost people don’t have the opportunity to sock away 50K for living expenses while they’re making nothing and building their business,ā he said. āI think that, certainly for me, would have helped just move things along more quickly.ā
Another large aspect of Harrisās Entrepreneurs and Innovators Policy Plan is to simplify tax filing for small businesses.
The way that taxes are collected for small businesses in the U.S. is very complex and requires lots of information from the business owner. A very simplified view of this process includes finding the right tax form (singular owners use one tax form whereas corporations and partnerships each have their own different set of forms), report on the income and payroll of the business, calculate their sales tax, claim deductions and credits for various business expenses, calculate state tax, and then pay off the taxes.
This complex taxing process has lots of places where one error in reporting could cost a business time, money, or possibly jail time.
Harrisās plan advocates for the development of a standard deduction in the tax code, like how individual people file taxes that Harris argues can save small businesses time and money by simplifying filing.
Every person the Blade interviewed did say they hire a tax expert, either an accountant or a tax attorney, to help them keep their taxes in line. Collectively, the business owners felt that by simplifying how the business taxing process goes, their businesses could save time and money.
āOnce you get into business, unless you’re an accountant, you probably have to pay someone to do your business taxes,ā Burton explained. āThe problem is, the bigger you get, the more they charge you. And that can add up very quickly, the bigger you get in the more complex it gets.ā
Another concern raised by some LGBTQ business owners is the lack of a unified system for filing different levels of taxes, which makes the process more challenging.
āI think that’s where the most challenges were because you have the state, the local, federal, and it’s a lot of filings to keep track of, especially someone who doesn’t have a huge tax background,ā said Hopper. āAnd a lot of the forms, in my opinion, are unnecessary but you still have to file them- even if they’re [the tax] $0, or you get assessed with a penalty.ā
Hill, whose architecture firm works in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C., felt that he was having difficulty making sure that he complied for every state he worked in.
āAs an architect where our business is in D.C. but we do work in Maryland, the income that we make from clients in Maryland has to be reported differently, and it’s taxed differently,ā Hill said. āThat goes for any companies that are a service based company. So it can get complicated pretty quickly. The more simple it can be, that’s another win on the financials, with time and money savings. Wouldn’t you rather be spending that time building your business or marketing or doing the things you love, instead of filling out tax forms or paying someone to do that?ā
Harrisās plan also calls for 25 million new small business applications by the end of her first term. The plan explains this can be achieved by reducing excessive occupational licensing requirements, encouraging states and local governments to cut red tape, expanding capital to underserved communities ā including the LGBTQ community, and by expanding the rural partners network nationwide to all states and territories.
The business owners also mentioned this ambitious goal, which reflected many of the points they had made earlier ā specifically by supporting small businesses and simplifying red tape.
āI think you have to make it easy for people to start businesses, because there are a lot of regulations and roadblocks,ā Burton said. āIt seems that it’s very challenging to learn all the regulations as you start a business. So you might have a great idea, but then all of a sudden, you go to get your business license and find out āOh, there’s all these other things you have to do.ā
I think anything that can be done to remove regulatory roadblocks to starting businesses is going to help, because it’s not just LGBT ones. And then the second one, I, as I said before, I think is access to capital. I was super fortunate that I had savings and things that I could live on for the first year and even partially for the second and third years. But most people don’t have that, and so you might have the greatest idea in the world, but if you can’t afford to feed yourself, then you’re not going to start a business.ā
Hill was surprised to read that during the Biden presidency a record 19 million new business applications were filled and felt if the focus stays on nourishing the small business that make up America, Harris can do it.
āI was pretty impressed by that stat, because the 19 million in new recorded business applications was from the start of the Biden-Harris administration, so three and a half-ish years, and now our goal is 25 million in the first year,ā Hill said. āIt’s a huge jump. I kind of see this as two, as two parts.
āOne is the investment in the main streets and even the bids, would be really important. It’s interesting, because you can walk down the street and you can, like, all over the city, and there’s lots of missing teeth. There’s lots of shops that closed after COVID or shops that have closed because the COVID impact was just too much for them. And it seems like it’s taking a long time to get new folks to move in and start up. I feel like that, as a broad generalization, is happening all over the country. We live in D.C., where I think things are generally more stable than most parts of the country.ā
āI think the other thing would be to not just focus on those main streets and bids in general, but also specifically in areas that need more money,ā Hill added. āPlaces that have been either devastated by natural disasters that are low income, the places where parts of the infrastructure that need to be updated, that are that are falling apart. I feel like we really need to focus on those parts of our cities and do it in a way that, I mean, this is me getting on my soapbox a little, but do it in a way that really is about lifting up the people in the communities that are there, and the cultural heritage of those communities, and not just tearing things down and moving people out and gentrifying the area.
I think that if you’re really serious about this 25 million new business applications in the first year then I think that those are places where you can do a lot.ā
Hopper, on the other hand, felt the focus should not be on getting a goal of applications in, but rather on supporting the small businesses currently struggling.
āSo what gets me there a little bit, is applications,ā Hopper said. āIt’s easy to get applications, but how hard is it going to be for those applications to get any kind of funding? It is kind of everything we’ve talked about with helping a small business. If you don’t do that, you can have all those applications, but none of them turn out to be a business that’s actually opened unless you really back it up.ā
Then, Michael Graham, Hopperās partner, chimed in and explained he felt this could be achieved if more support was provided as the business grows through a sort of government assisted networking or mentorship program.
āI drive by coffee shops in areas, and I’m like āI know what it takes to run that here,ā Graham said. āāWe’re in Dupont, I know how many cups of coffee you have to sell, how many people you have to have come in to make it.ā So when you see a business that opens and you’re like āOkay they just, if they did this, and if they did this it would make them successful.ā So I think maybe if the government had a better understanding, or putting that information out there through all of the agencies that you have to deal with, with opening a business, if you knew your LGBTQ contact for that department that would be super helpful, at least.ā
One thing not mentioned in Harrisās plan that these business owners felt would greatly help improve the growth of LGBTQ businesses is to get a designated protected class status for the LGBTQ community. This status would safeguard LGBTQ people against discrimination from businesses and government entities.
This, although it would greatly help all aspects of being a member of the LGBTQ community, is difficult to achieve. This would require congress to pass legislation codifying the group as a protected class into law.
Burton believes that gaining this protected status and securing access to the 5 percent minimum of jobs reserved for minority-owned businesses within government contracts would strengthen the LGBTQ business community.
āThe full 10 years we have been as an LGBT owned business, and every year, especially during pride month, I get a lot of business from people wanting to support LGBT owned businesses. There is nothing in the federal government right now that requires the federal government to support specifically LGBT owned businesses. Putting that in, I think that it would benefit all LGBT owned businesses.ā
Hopper and Graham agreed, but felt the status impact on directly protecting discrimination lies at the heart of it.
āLet’s be real,ā Graham said. āWe are a minority, and we’re still fighting for our rights every single day.ā
āIf we were both straight white guys and we were opening a business anywhere, we’re not going to ever be discriminated against,ā Hopper added. āA building owner isn’t going to be like, āOh, you’re two straight white guys. I don’t want to lease to you.ā But I could see some businesses where you could go to the landlord and be like, āWe want to lease your space for a kitchen,ā only to find out that they are not going to lease to you because they don’t agree with you being gay. I think being a protected class, a protected minority, would help keep you from being discriminated against, and that affects you opening your business, running your business, or any of that.ā
Hill read through the policies and noticed LGBTQ businesses werenāt highlighted like other minority groups were. That caused him to start thinking as both a business owner and as president of the Equality Chamber of Commerce, where he felt this protected status would allow for a broader sense of community within the LGBTQ business community.
āOne thing that definitely made sense to me was this connection to organizations like the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce and if there is a way to encourage more of LGBTQ owned businesses to join groups,ā Hill said. āThere’s so many people who don’t even know that this group exists, but that that is a key to giving those groups access to broader contracts. You know a lot more in terms of supplier diversity and really bringing money directly into the LGBTQ community.ā
When asked if they believe Harrisās āEntrepreneurs and Innovators Policy Planā would directly help them as an LGBTQ-owned business, each person emphatically said yes.
āI think so many people would benefit from this, and the people that we care so much about,ā Hill finished. āIt’s the American dream, Right? Finding something that you’re excited or passionate about and starting your own business. Everyone should have that opportunity.ā
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