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Pepco employee talks diversity, inclusion, and COVID

Meet Brad Harlacker, senior transmission system operator

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Brad Harlacker is a Senior Electrical Transmission System Operator at Pepco.

Brad Harlacker is a Senior Electrical Transmission System Operator at Pepco. We spoke to him about his career, his experience as a member of the LGBTQ community, the importance of diversity and inclusion illustrated at a major energy company, and how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed his role.

WASHINGTON BLADE: What does a typical day look like for you as a Transmission System Operator, and how has it changed during the COVID-19 crisis?

BRAD HARLACKER: I normally drive from Frederick, Md., to our Operations Control Center in Montgomery County, but now Iā€™m working from our back-up Control Center. I get in around 2:30 a.m., and I usually have one other person with me. We monitor the electrical connections between substations and other operating companies to control the electrical grid throughout Prince Georgeā€™s County, Montgomery County, and the District. We also dispatch personnel to substations to assess and repair any issues that arise during the day, and utilize overhead and underground crews to assess and repair any issues. When interacting with these crews, I have to visualize what they are doing in the field to ensure their safety at all times.

Before COVID-19, I worked on a repeating rotation of four days, four nights, three days, and three nights. Now weā€™re working seven days on, seven days off, seven nights on, seven days off. This new rotation is used to reduce the possibility of contracting the virus by minimizing personnel overlap during shift changes and will continue until the pandemic ends.

BLADE: How long have you been with Pepco?

HARLACKER: Fifteen years in December. I was the first person to be hired from outside of the company to the Control Center.

BLADE: How have diversity and inclusion efforts changed for you over your career?

HARLACKER: I was in the Navy from 1988 to 2003 and during that time, I was out as a gay man ā€“ and there was never a problem. (I never let people feel that they had any control over me due to my sexuality.) When I started my career at Pepco, I wasnā€™t in the closet, I just didnā€™t say anything until recently. And now that I am out, everyone still treats me the same way. I am part of a team and we work together to keep things running smoothly. Pepco is a good company in that way!

BLADE: What was your job in the Navy?

HARLACKER: I was a Nuclear Reactor Operator, like Homer Simpson. I worked my way up from a paygrade E-3 to E-7. Prior to enlisting, I went to Penn State for Electrical Engineering. The math and sciences were a breeze; however, I couldnā€™t seem to get past some of the degree requirements of Economics and the like. Then a Navy recruiter asked me to take a nuclear-based test ā€“ and Iā€™m a really good test taker ā€“ so I passed and worked as a nuclear reactor operator on a few different aircraft carriers. I later went to New York for three years to train nuclear operators in Saratoga Springs.

BLADE: Do you feel even more pressure now to maintain the grid during this time?

HARLACKER: I have always felt that people rely on our service ā€“ but itā€™s more evident now compared to any other time in history because of the increased use of the internet, and the need for energy to go about our daily lives.

BLADE: Has there been a particular experience in your career that has influenced the way you address diversity and inclusion as a professional?

HARLACKER: The diversity at Pepco is even greater than it was in the Navy. Pepco allows everyone to be included in every aspect of the company, which is a good thing. Itā€™s nice to hear from everyone and learn more about how they think. Having everyone the same forces a given paradigm that keeps us from thinking about alternatives, but the diversity at Pepco breaks this and allows for innovation.

BLADE: Looking back on your career, what are some of the greatest accomplishments youā€™ve been a part of or championed related to LGBTQ diversity and inclusion in the workplace?

HARLACKER: When people see people like themselves ā€“ like me, itā€™s a good thing. Iā€™m sure the rest of the community feels the same way. Iā€™m not a leader of the LGBTQ community in the workplace. I just go in and do my job. Sometimes just being a role model is enough.

BLADE: How has your work changed since the COVID-19 outbreak? How are you managing as a member of the LGBTQ community during this time?

HARLACKER: I know that many other people have their jobs on hold right now, so Iā€™m sure itā€™s affecting the rest of the community a lot harder than itā€™s affecting me. Thankfully I still have a job to go to and get paid. Most of my friends are in the same industry that I am because most of them were in the Navy. The only way my life has really been affected is in the wearing of a mask everywhere and not being able to eat at my favorite restaurants, or not being able to get a haircut as easily as before.

BLADE: How are you staying resilient?

HARLACKER: Honestly, I stay resilient by maintaining a routine. It helps a lot. I walk 10,000 steps a day. On my off time, I go home to Pennsylvania and split staying with both sets of my parents, who are both getting older. I donā€™t want to be the person that says that they wished they would have spent more time with my parents before they died.

BLADE: In years ahead, what would you like to see for diversity and inclusion?

HARLACKER: Diversity efforts seem to be in a good place right now. Iā€™m quite content with how things are going. If we keep moving in the right direction, we should be good.

BLADE: What support do you receive from leadership at Pepco?

HARLACKER: Pepcoā€™s leadership immediately acts to remove obstacles from our work. They are constantly having anonymous surveys as a feedback loop to see what the workplace is thinking and how the process should be modified to ensure the safety and happiness their employees.

BLADE: How does Pepco leadershipā€™s support for the LGBTQ community look to you?

HARLACKER: We have Pride Employee Resource Groups in our company, and itā€™s so refreshing to see the support for our community. It is nice to see groups that have the LGBTQ community represented within Pepco and Exelon. Our leadership is heavily involved at the top levels of these groups, which makes me feel that they do care and are not just checking a box.

BLADE: What advice would you give to the LGBTQ community to stay resilient during this time?

HARLACKER: If I didnā€™t have the job that I do now, I would have taken the ā€œdown timeā€ to learn something new ā€“ there is so much information online for learning new skills and trades. I am currently learning how to integrate secondhand video conferencing VOIP phones onto non-compatible platforms. Itā€™s quite a task, since companies make everything proprietary to keep you buying from just them!

I suppose the advice that I would offer is to not sit around and wait for something to happen ā€“ make it happen. Life is short, be the best that you can be. You donā€™t have to go at it alone. You donā€™t have to feel like it is you against the world. There are many resources and people out there willing to help you. You have to just take the first step.

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Real Estate

Down payment strategies: Financing your home purchaseĀ 

Understanding the options key to unlocking the door to a dream home

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Looking for your dream home? First, you need to understand how to make the down payment.

Navigating the path to homeownership can be a complex journey, especially when it comes to accumulating the necessary down payment. For members of our LGBTQ community, understanding the available options for saving and financing this crucial aspect of home buying is key to unlocking the door to their dream home. Let’s explore effective methods and resources specifically designed to support LGBTQ individuals on their path to homeownership.

Traditional Savings Strategies

Saving for a down payment often begins with traditional methods such as setting aside a portion of your income into a dedicated savings account. High-yield savings accounts and automated savings plans, some offering up to 5% interest in today’s market, can expedite the process, providing a disciplined approach to accumulate funds over time. Additionally, exploring investment opportunities that match your risk tolerance can offer potential growth for your down payment savings.

Down Payment Assistance Programs

A variety of down payment assistance programs exist to help homebuyers with their initial costs. These programs often offer grants or low-interest loans to first-time homebuyers or those who haven’t owned a home in the past three years. 

It’s essential to speak with a GayRealEstate.com agent to determine what programs may be available, plus online research into local and state assistance programs, as many are designed to support individuals in specific communities, including the LGBTQ+ community.

For medical professionals, police, teachers, firefighters, and other community heroes, there are several special loan and assistance programs designed to help with home purchases, often offering benefits like down payment assistance, reduced closing costs, and more favorable loan terms.

The Hero Home Loan Program provides first responders, including police officers, firefighters, and paramedics, with benefits such as lower interest rates and reduced closing costs. This program aims to make homeownership more accessible by offering more flexible credit score requirements and down payment assistance .

For educators, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and medical professionals, the Everyday Hero Housing Assistance Fund (EHHAF) offers closing cost assistance through gift funds. This program is designed to support those who serve their communities by making homeownership more affordable, with no repayment required for the grant fundsā€‹ā€‹.

The HUD Good Neighbor Next Door Program offers up to 50% off the list price of homes for law enforcement officers, pre-Kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians. This initiative aims to encourage community revitalization by assisting these professionals in homeownership within the communities they serveā€‹ā€‹.

Homes for Heroes provides assistance specifically to first responders and offers significant savings through Hero Rewards when buying, selling, or refinancing a home. On average, participants save $3,000, with the program offering real estate and mortgage specialist connections tailored to the needs of first respondersā€‹ā€‹.

LGBTQ-Friendly Lending Options

Finding a lender that understands and supports the unique needs of our LGBTQ community can make a significant difference. Some lenders and organizations specialize in offering inclusive financial products and resources to assist LGBTQ+ homebuyers. These may include specialized mortgage products, financial planning services, and guidance through the home buying process.

The journey to homeownership is a milestone that requires careful planning and support. Remember, every step taken towards saving and financing your home purchase brings you closer to the dream of homeownership.

(GayRealEstate.com offers valuable resources and advice tailored to meet the unique needs of our LGBTQ+ community in their journey towards homeownership. For more comprehensive guidance and support in navigating the home buying process, visit GayRealEstate.com choose an agent and start a no-obligation conversation today.)

Jeff Hammerberg is founding CEO of Hammerberg & Associates, Inc. Reach him at [email protected].

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Real Estate

Turn your bare walls into captivating focal points

Paint, wallpaper, statement installations and more

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Whether you prefer artwork, paint, wallpaper, or statement walls, there are countless ways to adorn and decorate your walls.

Are you tired of gray walls and white kitchen cabinets with white granite or marble countertops? Have you gone back to the ā€œBuilder Beigeā€ that was popular in the ā€˜90s?

Your walls are the blank canvases of your home, waiting to be transformed into stunning expressions of your personality and style. Whether you prefer vibrant artwork, paint, eye-catching wallpaper, or statement walls, there are countless ways to adorn and decorate your walls to elevate your space. Here’s a guide to help you turn those bare walls into captivating focal points. 

Wallpaper: Wallpaper has again become a versatile option for adding texture, pattern, and color to your walls. Whether you prefer subtle designs or bold prints, there’s a wallpaper to suit every taste. 

It now even comes in peel and stick rolls, so you donā€™t have a mess of water and paste. For some new designs, check out www.spoonflower.com

Before selecting wallpaper, consider the scale of your room and the atmosphere you want to create. For small spaces, opt for light, airy patterns to make the room feel more spacious. Conversely, in larger rooms, you can go bold with intricate designs or vibrant colors to make a statement. Don’t be afraid to mix and match wallpaper with paint, or even wallpaper the ceilings for a unique and dynamic look.

Statement Walls: Statement walls are a bold way to add personality and drama to any room. From accent paint colors to textured finishes, the possibilities are endless. Consider using a contrasting color or texture to highlight a specific wall and create visual interest. For a contemporary touch, try incorporating geometric patterns or asymmetrical designs with strips of wood. Hand-painted murals are another option for creating striking statement walls. Choose a mural that reflects your interests or transports you to another world for a truly immersive experience.

Paneling/Brick: The shiplap phase may be dying out, but there are still many ways to use wood and paneling in your wall dĆ©cor. Reclaimed wood is a popular option, as are wood slats such as the ones found at www.woodpanelwalls.com. Use them on walls or ceilings, or as a background for wall-mounted televisions and sconces. Amazon also has lots of options for wood veneer available and exposed brick is popular in many contemporary homes. If you donā€™t have a brick wall to uncover, select from options such as lightweight faux brick or stone.

Artwork: Art has the power to breathe life into any room. When choosing artwork, consider pieces that resonate with you personally and complement your existing dƩcor. Experiment with a mix of styles, sizes, and mediums to create visual interest. Hang artwork at eye level to ensure it is easily visible and balanced within the space. Enhance gallery walls by arranging multiple pieces in a cohesive layout. Remember that art is subjective, so whether you choose an inexpensive poster or a gallery quality painting, select pieces that speak to you.

Photo Displays: Showcase your favorite memories and moments with a curated photo display. Whether it’s a collection of family photos, travel snapshots, or artistic prints, arranging photos on your walls adds a personal touch to your space. Try out different frames, sizes, and layouts to create a gallery-style display that reflects your unique style. It makes a nice presentation on that odd wall going up your stairs. 

Mirrors: Mirrors are not only functional but also serve as decorative accents that can enhance the visual appeal of any room. Strategically placing mirrors on your walls can create the illusion of space, brighten dark corners, and reflect natural light. Choose mirrors with interesting frames or shapes to add an extra layer of style to your dƩcor. Try different sizes and arrangements to find the perfect balance between form and function.

Textile Hangings: Textile hangings are a bohemian-inspired alternative to traditional wall art. From tapestries to woven rugs, textile hangings add warmth, texture, and color to your walls. Hang a large tapestry behind your bed as a dramatic headboard alternative or layer smaller textiles with framed artwork for a cozy, eclectic look. Consider mixing and matching different textures and patterns to create visual depth and dimension.

Adorning and decorating your walls is a creative and personal process that allows you to infuse your space with personality and style. The key is to trust your instincts and have fun with the process. Use different techniques, colors, and textures until you find the perfect combination that speaks to you and transforms your walls into works of art. With a little imagination and creativity, you can turn any blank wall into a stunning focal point that reflects your unique taste and aesthetic.

Valerie M. Blake is a licensed Associate Broker in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia with RLAH Real Estate/@properties. Call or text her at 202-246-8602, email her via DCHomeQuest.com, or follow her on Facebook at TheRealst8ofAffairs.

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Real Estate

No, you really donā€™t have to put down 20 percent

There are many options when financing your new home

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When buying your home, there are alternatives to the old 20 percent down requirement.

I was just out at brunch this weekend (I know a gay in D.C. at brunch ā€” groundbreaking). Anyway, I was at brunch and naturally the subject of real estate came up and your boyā€™s ears perked up and as the resident real estate expert at the table, some of the newcomers were making conversation about some open houses they had been to in the past few weekends, some trends they had seen that they hated that developers seem to continually do in the D.C. area, how unaffordable things are and some comments about where the best areas to invest are in D.C. I just sat and listened while eating my food, which was rather under seasoned, but I digress. The one comment that came up several times that really got me was the affordability comment and what it was based around. It might very well shock you.

When we speak about affordability in the District we are typically speaking to the price of real estate and how expensive it is to purchase a place here in D.C. However, for this conversation ā€“ the affordability factor in particular that I was hearing about that piqued my interest was the specific line item of ā€œwe have to put down X as a down payment to purchase a home.ā€ The consensus at this brunch table and even when speaking to some buyers on a daily basis is that you must put down 20% to purchase a home. While there are some perks to this, yes. The fact that you MUST put that amount down is just not true. When my parents purchased their first home for $60,000 it was much easier to put down 20% versus a first-time buyer in D.C. putting down 20% for a $600,000 purchase. Furthermore, most buyers are staying in their homes for as little as six years, according to the National Association of Realtors. If you do the math ā€“ does it make sense, for your personal situation, to put down 20% versus 5% or 10%? Yes, that’s right – you can purchase a home for as little as 5% down and in some cases as little as 3% down.

When my husband, who was a first-time homebuyer in D.C., purchased his condo, he was able to put down 3% and qualify for a conventional loan. We will stay in this condo for under the average 7-10 years so putting anything more than 3% down for our personal situation just didnā€™t make sense. Now, because we didnā€™t put 20% down we pay what is known as PMI, or private mortgage insurance, however it was still worthwhile for him to save the capital and only put the 3% down and pay the small PMI amount monthly as he could put the rest of the 17% he didn’t put into a house in an investment account to yield more. Again, he was a first-time buyer in the District so he qualified for a 3% down loan and the numbers made sense for him. Everyoneā€™s personal situation is different.

According to a 2023 report from the National Association of Realtors the average down payment for a home was 15% while the average down payment when looking at first time buyers was right around 5%. Again, each situation is specific to each person, their credit, finances, debt to income ratio etc., so there is really no recipe that fits every single buyer. It is important to work with a local lender to ensure that you are well qualified and understand which loan packages are out there for you that make the most sense for you so that when you do find that home you are ready to go.

I say all of this to say that gone are the days when you are required to put down 20% in most cases. Depending on the loan type and loan amount – you likely can get away with putting down 5-15% down and save some funds for upgrading from that tragic Ikea dresser from college or hiring a painter because let’s be real, you are not a professional. Like with most things in life you can pick and choose the things that are right for you and a mortgage and its down payment are exactly that same. If you would like to and can put down 20% for a mortgage then please do so ā€“ however if you want to get out from under the power and money hungry landlord and buy a condo where you are paying yourself back with equity – you can do so in a manner that is much more affordable than you may have thought possible – especially if you are a first-time buyer in D.C.

Justin Noble is a Realtor with Sothebyā€™s international Realty licensed in D.C., Maryland, and Delaware for your DMV and Delaware Beach needs. Specializing in first-time homebuyers, development and new construction as well as estate sales, Justin is a well-versed agent, highly regarded, and provides white glove service at every price point. Reach him at 202-503-4243,Ā  [email protected] or BurnsandNoble.com.

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