Author: Fred Thomas, III

Thomas Reports was created in 2006. For over 30 years Fred Thomas, III developed a successful career in real estate financing, focused on consumer lending. He is a licensed broker (DRE 01097630) and has managed over two-thousand closed transactions. ThomasReports was created to weave writings and passions under one platform; Real Estate, History, Travel & Culture, Politics and Technology. In today's social media demands, Thomas' voice has been recognized as an official Influencer, Tester and Reviewer for international marketing organizations.

First Time Homebuyers – NOW IS THE TIME

November 16, 2025 ~ Fred Thomas, III ~ Leave a comment

If you are trying to buy a home; First-Timer or otherwise and have 20% down and are otherwise receiving assistance (parent, relative, employer, etc.) this article is not for you. However, if you are one of the millions who struggle with the notion or question if you will ever be able to purchase a home, this article may provide the inspiration you have been waiting for.

The news is the news, and most traditional sources speak to the high cost of buying a home and the difficulty in ever being able to cross the finish line. Prices are sky high, interest rates are high, the accumulated cost of the mortgage is enough for even the most stealth person to simply give up. All we hear is the average cost of home ownership, which is high based on the average but that is just one reality, leaving many to scratch their heads, wondering with all the news how in the heck are people buying homes?

NOW IS THE TIME

Dr. Martin Luther King imploring those to remember Now is the Time!!!!

Even though I am retired, my Broker’s License remains active so on occasions I get calls from past clients or referrals seeking advice on home ownership, mortgages, and the like. My advice is simple and holds true from all the years I was active – Prices are relative. Some seem to think “yesterday’s prices were so great or so affordable.” That may be true but try telling that to someone who purchased during those times. It has always been a struggle, although admittedly, today’s struggle requires more determination.

DO YOU THINK PRICING IS OUT OF YOUR RANGE? ARE YOU WAITING FOR PRICES TO GO DOWN? ARE YOU WAITING FOR INTEREST RATES TO GO DOWN? ARE YOU HOPING TO WIN THE LOTTERY? ARE YOU WAITING FOR AN INHEIRANTENCE? – Assuming you are qualified and truly want to experience home ownership…… NOW IS THE TIME!!!!!!

Here are some basic tips to help those serious about home ownership.

Get Qualified. Know how much you can afford. There are many direct lenders, including those online as well as certified mortgage brokers who can provide a legitime approval letter. Remember home ownership is basic. For most, the two biggest hurdles are down payment and creditworthiness. Again, you do not necessarily need 20% or have perfect credit. Even in today’s higher priced environment, there are plenty of low-down financing options. For those lucky enough to have served in the military and have an active DD214, VA loans are available with ZERO DOWN and no maximum loan amount (of course the trade-off may be a higher monthly mortgage payment but the windfall is not having to pay hard cash towards the down payment).
Know your budget. You may be qualified for a mortgage payment of say $5,000 per month BUT your comfort level may be $2,500 per month. Stay within your comfort zone.
Match your qualification with a property. This can be tricky as even though you may be qualified for more, the lower priced property may seem undesirable but do not look a “gift-horse” in the mouth. The key is to stay within properties of your comfort zone. Again, if not now, when?
Broaden your net. MOST IMPORTANT. Like any good fisherman, the wider your net (of information) the more likely you will find success.
Staging, Keep moving. Staging is great because many want a property that is turn-key or providing a vision of what the home might look like. Who would not want all the modern furnishing, luxury appliances, fashionable interior appointments, etc.? That may not be your target because most properties that are staged are at the high-end of the market. Move on. Look for something that removes the impulse of all the whistle and belles and instead focuses on getting in or affordability.
The sign in the front yard. Data is real but just remember while the majority who purchase a home might very well purchase where there is a “For-Sale” sign in the front yard, there are many more than you might imagine who purchase a home where there is not a for-sale sign. Yes, it is the needle in the haystack, but you must think out of the box.
The average is the average. Yes, the average home price might be $400,000 but that does not mean you can’t find anything lower. Like any commodity, the property may have issues or other factors resulting in lower prices. Again, the goal is not to find the crown jewel, already furnished property, ready to move-in….it is to find a property you can afford.
Network and broaden your sources. Everybody does not need to know about your business BUT let those you trust know (family, friends, colleagues, church members, social groups, etc.) you are seeking to purchase a home.
Distressed properties. This is not for everybody but there are homes to be had from those who may be having financial distress or even institutional sources that offer Real Estate Owned (foreclosures) from their inventory – FHA, VA, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, etc. Again, the inventory may be thin, but this is part of broadening your net/reach. You just never know where YOUR deal will come from.
Rent to Buy. This can also be tricky, but it does represent another legitimate way to obtain home ownership.
The Neighborhood. “I don’t care if someone gave me the property, there is no way I am going to live in that neighborhood.” That is a real sentiment but remember, a neighborhood is what you make it!!! Now, that is not to dismiss real negatives which may exist but just remember, there are trade-offs to everything. If you can get your price, that may be motivation to reconsider the hesitancy.

What I have communicated is not catch-all or meant for every situation. It merely represents some basic tips and ideas to encourage you to think out of the box. Also, just remember, we have not even mentioned the lender incentives but there are enough programs in the marketplace to choke a horse – you simply must be aggressive enough to seek them out and figure how they can apply to your situation.

The Elon Musk and Donald Trump heist

April 13, 2025April 13, 2025 ~ Fred Thomas, III ~ Leave a comment

Elon Musk and Donald Trump are running a heist that many knew was coming, yet they accepted it based on their loyalty they would not be the victims.

WASTE – FRAUD – ABUSE

Projection is one thing but when you can convince people there is a high level of Waste, Fraud and Abuse, its better than a pic-pocket. The hustle we are seeing makes three card monte appear legitimate.

Trump wanted back in the White House for revenge and to pillage or continue to steal what he could not take during his first term. In addition to his DOGE lemmings, Elon Musk was his perfect accomplice. Greed is contagious and other billionaire lads were cajoled to join the heist, they were bludgeoned into submission by their own thirst realizing if Musk was successful in accumulating the high degree of waste claimed, the residual benefits to them would fund the promised tax cuts, while the public and the Republican party was left paralyzed wondering what happened?

This heist has affected many with the loss of employment, savings and other critical assets. Some are shocked their guy, Donald Trump would turn on them. But, when asked if they would vote for him again, many more than you might imagine proclaim YES. The blind loyalty is incredible.

This heist is nothing new. What is remarkable is it is happening in broad daylight, while career employees are seeing their aspirations evaporate right before their eyes. Only time will tell but Musk had the cash to buy himself a seat and Trump was the perfect vehicle, complete with a criminal mindset to use the public coffers to pull it off. The question will be when will the public wake up before the goal of achieving the funds from the Waste-Fraud-Abuse ploy occur?

EastCoast Trek 2024

August 26, 2024August 30, 2024 ~ Fred Thomas, III ~ Leave a comment

What started about 15 years ago, just wrapped up as we completed our 2024 EastCoastTrek. It stated by paying homage to the 1963 March on Washington which was held on August 28th. Usually there are commemorations held on the national mall. This year was light but there was still many like us who were at the mall as well as the MLK memorial.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS PHOTOS

We started at Union Station and boarded Amtrak for Tacoma. After 2 days of railing we arrived and spent a couple of days in the Tacoma/Seattle area. From there we took a flight to BWI and spent some time in Baltimore. Our dear friend and fellow foodie, Renie picked us up and after spending some time at the iconic Lexington Market the next day he drove us to DC. After spending a couple of days we jumped back on Amtrak and headed to New York. On the way we picked up my sister at BWI and off to the Big Apple. It was my first time being able to spend time at the legendary Times Square. As we say, ‘trekkin is not for the weary!!!!

Donald J. Trump – Convicted – Achieves 34 GUILTY Verdicts

June 2, 2024June 6, 2024 ~ Fred Thomas, III ~ Leave a comment

a retrospective

(cover Photo by Justin Lane-Pool/Getty Images)

For those who accept the notion that “voting does not matter” the recent conviction of Donald J. Trump serves as a real example of why it does matter!

If Democrats did not win the majority in 2018, Elijah Cummings would not have received the gavel. But, by doing so he was able to have a hearing just two months after the session begin, marking Feb. 17, 2019 when Michael Cohen told the committee of Donald Trump’s criminal behavior. That hearing resulted in the Manhattan District Attorney to start an investigation which resulted in the jury convicting Trump of all 34 charges.

The testimony has been heard and the jury found that Trump resorted to illegal activities in 2016 that helped him achieve being elected the forty-fifth president of the United States. After being sworn in he was on his merry way to manipulate the norms of the United States government. As president he garnered a complete sweep by controlling both houses of Congress. Yet, two years later the voting public caught on to his antics and in 2018 the Democrats seized control of the House of Representatives which entitled them to manage various oversight functions of how the government works.

One such committee that will go down as historic in bringing Donald J. Trump to justice was the Oversight Committee. The democratic chairperson was Elijah Cummings (D. Maryland). From the time he took office there were ongoing rumblings that something was amiss with the way Trump was manipulating the government to his personal benefit.

Elijah Cummings served Maryland’s 7th District located in Baltimore. He passed away in 2019 and this mural is located in his beloved district. Photo credit – Fred Thomas, III

As hearings commenced, it was the pivotal one on February 27, 2019 that will mark the day the antics of Trump became more public as Michael Cohen who had been kicked to the curb by Trump and his acolytes testified and communicated to the committee some of the deeds he was responsible for. A good portion of Cohen’s testimony led to the investigation of Trump, and several became the cornerstone of the charges brought against him by Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg.

History was realized on May 30, 2024, as Donald J. Trump became the first United States president to be convicted on thirty-four felonies. The bottom-line message is simple; if the Democrats had not voted in the mass to achieve the majority, surely there would not have been an Elijah Cummings as chairperson of the oversight committee. And, without the committee there would not have been public testimony to gather enough documentation to start the investigation which led to the criminal charges Donald J. Trump was called to answer.

The moral of this report: Voting does matter.

Here is the full hearing of the Oversight Committee on 2.17.2019 where Cohen came clean

Jackie Robinson

April 15, 2024April 15, 2024 ~ Fred Thomas, III ~ Leave a comment

Today marks the 77th anniversary when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball by signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Previously, like so many African-American ballplayers he was with the Negro Leagues. His team was the famed Kansas City Monarchs. Today’s games will feature all players, including umpires wearing Robinson’s noted number number 42.

Cecil “Chip” Murray – A Los Angeles icon has passed

April 6, 2024April 6, 2024 ~ Fred Thomas, III ~ Leave a comment

Photo – 2018 African-American History event at Bryant Temple AME Church – credit. Fred Thomas, III

On Friday night it was confirmed noted Los Angeles icon and spiritual leader the Rev., Dr. Cecil “Chip” Murray passed. He recently celebrated his 94th birthday and has a long career in ministry which includes nearly three decades at Los Angeles’ oldest black church, First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) where he led them to historic levels. His leadership and dedication to social ministry was highlighted in the aftermath of the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Located in West Adams, FAME became a pillar of strength in helping the community recover, as it literally was the “beacon on the hill.”.

The AME Church has a mandatory retirement age at 75 but that didn’t stop Rev. Murray. His activision continued as he created the Cecil L. Murray Center for Religion and Civic Culture at the University of Southern California.

Following his tenure at FAME, he moved his church membership closer to his View Park home and worshipped at Bryant Temple AME church located in Leimert Park until his passing.

Realtors’ settlement on fees announced – what’s it all about?

March 19, 2024 ~ Fred Thomas, III ~ Leave a comment

Last week the National Association of Realtors announced it settled a lawsuit alleging a monopoly on how broker fees are charged. The result was agreeing to pay $418 million in damages.

Home ownership is the largest investment most of us make and in a consumer economy the impact could be enormous. From the lyrics of one of the hits from the late bluesologist Gil Scott-Heron, “all of us are consumers.”

American singer, musician and poet, Gil Scott-Heron (1949 – 2011, right) performing on stage, circa 1973. (Photo by David Redfern/Redferns/Getty Images)

Education is everything.

Buying or selling a house seems like a basic proposition. However, behind the scenes there are many moving parts and treacherous roads which is why the typical broker fee of six percent has been an acceptable practice. Of course, many states allow the buyer to sell their home on their own. That is great news but there are many technical nuances which is why most simply agree to hire a broker and leave the responsibility to them.

The seller of the property pays the broker fee thus even though you may have two brokers on a transaction; one called the listing broker (the broker who represents the seller) and the other is called the selling broker (the broker who brings the seller into the transaction), it is the seller who pays both fees. The result is sellers could achieve “free” representation in negotiating to buy the property. Some call it the “fox in the henhouse” but that is a stretch as while both brokers represent the person who pays the commission (THE SELLER), they are bound by a code of ethics which leads to a successful transaction.

One critical component of broker’s justifying the six percent was the ability to market the property. Typically, this was done using a Multiple Listing Service which allowed properties to be listed or made available to the thousands of other brokers who were part of the service. The result was a quicker and more reliable sell.

Over the years technology has improved and technical information which buyers and sellers did not have access to is now readily available. This is great news, but many went along with past practices simply because the brokers’ commission was tucked into the sales prices and the overall market determined what was a fair price. It was akin to “no harm, no foul.”

It is one thing to have information and it is another to know what to do with it. So, while sellers could effectively sell their property for zero commission or even hire those brokers offering commissions as low as one percent, it boils down to how long will it take to sell the property via marketing? At the same time, as mentioned, a real estate transaction has legal components and accepting the risk is an individual matter. Some are willing to take the risk and some, even though the savings may appear beneficial, are not willing to take it.

The bottom-line

So, while sellers always had the ability to achieve a lower commission structure, only time will tell what the overall benefit consumers will receive. Will it result in lower home prices? Will brokers suddenly exit the business? Will the marketing of properties be negatively impacted?

CUBATrekk 2023 – A country in transition as well as a contradiction

December 6, 2023December 12, 2023 ~ Fred Thomas, III ~ 1 Comment

My feet’s is tired but my soul is rested!!!! noted civil rights herione, Mother Pollard”

Mother Pollard’s proclamation is how I feel having just completed my sixth trek to Cuba. Just days ago, I was trekking around Matanzas as well as Havana putting the last touches in wrapping up research for my book slated to be released in the Summer 2024. The topics are compelling but two I felt were worthy of exploration.

More important is I wanted to provide my perspective. I am sure some will be critical or provide an opposite view, but I must stress it will be my honest voice.

As most know US citizens are not allowed to visit Cuba as tourist. Those few allowed must have a legitimate reason to set foot on the soil. Cuba has shortages that would challenge even Daniel Boone!. Getting around takes laser focus planning or lots of money, which I do not have, so I had to rely on an organized itinerary.

During my visit my Epson smartwatch chalked up steps totaling 81 miles. While that seems far-fetched, I have faith in how the watch calculates and at times my body is still feeling all those steps. In addition to walking, your options are to catch the bus, which is difficult at best because there is rarely any space you can place your foot to try and get on. The other is grabbing a taxi and yes, I did take taxis on some occasions but the fact I was on a tight budget I had to choose other options. And of course I did not have a motorcycle or a bicycle.

These are some of the goals I outlined in making this last journey:

Take in two games as part of Ligu Biesbol Cuba / Series Nacional Elite
Revisit Estadio LatinoAmericano
Revisit Estadio Pedro Marreno (formerly Tropicana Field)
Locate the original site of the Buena Vista Social Club
Visit Slave Rebellion Museo – see Carlota statue
Meet with Cuban baseball official while seeing the Parisean Caberet
Revisit Palma de Junco
Go to Estadio Victoria Giron
Complete six interviews
Meet officials at Central Park – Esquina Caliente

Casa Particulares

My two hosts were outstanding. Again, going to Cuba does not mean you are going on vacation. The accommodations are basic at best, but that is OK, especially for me because I am trekking.

Cuba is tough to describe because many can’t believe what they are hearing or draw quick inferences of how the people should be pitied. Cuba is Cuba, the United States is the United States. Each country has it own set of challenges, although western pop-culture is a great influencer of people’s behavior. You can look at some of my pictures as anecdotal evidence, but some people appear like they really have it going on or they are living a very progressive life – despite being in a socialist/communist environment.

Several Cuban friends insist at least 90% of Cubans would leave the country today, if they could. At the same time, I have spoken to others who display national pride and dismiss any notion of abandoning it. All this is going on as there are those who take great risk and tremendous financial sacrifice for those who might sponsor them to leave Cuba and head towards the Mexico border with the goal of achieving asylum from the US.

For those able to make it, here is what they receive following their ICE interview:

$660 per month for one year.
Medicaid
Snap allotment each month.
Opportunity for Green Card after one year (although many find jobs right away – perhaps “under the table?”

Most know but really don’t understand Cuba’s socialist system or sponsored by the government. This is rations as outlined in the booklet that each person must take to receive their monthly allotments:

1 bread every day.
- 6 pounds of rice,
- 12 ounces of black beans,
- 3 pounds of sugar.
- 2 packs of cigarettes and 2 tobaccos.
- 1/2 pound of chicken or minced meat and
- 5 eggs for a month.
- 2-month bottle of oil
- Also, for another extra option, 2 packages of minced meat, detergent, oil, sausage for 30 or 40 days
- Also 2 soaps, 1 for bath and one for washing
- And 1 toothpaste for a month

The political solution

President Obama tried to make sense of the CUBA/USA relationship, specifically the 50 years plus embargo. For some it was a step in the right direction. Although those who opposed the CUBA regime vehemently stated their disapproval. The contradiction in that mindset is those same people are saddled with the reality of having to support family members left behind. It’s an interesting paradox as those very people, despite leaving their country in some very tenuous circumstances, no less were able to rehabilitate their lives. I’m not marginalizing the pain and suffering they endured. What I am saying is when it is better to move on? Further and very important from my perspective is many of the very Cuban nationals who are living productive lives have also achieved political relationships. In other words, they have a voice. Also, history teaches us, change is never easy and in most instances the voice comes from the youth; not those who have the wisdom or are in mid-age.

Several years ago the Government finally abolished the two currency system: CUP’s and CUC’s. The CUP’s are pesos and the CUC’s were tied to the dollar. So, today Cuban’s use CUP’s and the basic rate is 1:125 or for every US dollar you would receive 125 pesos. However on the open (black) or informal market the rate is much higher. In my case I was able to receive 1:270. So, while that is good news for me or those trading US dollars, it has deadly or tough consequences for Cuba’s state workers. Their average pay is between 5,000-6,000 pesos or translated against the dollar $40-$48 per month. But, using the black market rate it is much lower. Keep in mind those in the private market – waiters, taxis, tourist guides, barbers, etc. are able to receive much more. Y. Rodriguez, Cuban Journalist

Change for Cubans most likely will not come from the Cuban government. However, because those Cubans in the United States enjoy more freedom or have more of a voice as an aspiration might consider being more strategic. They should rally as a group and appeal to their elected officials (i.e., Rubio, Cruz, etc.) and instead of allowing them to keep blaming the obvious or issues we already know about. That is no solution and for years that have been the response, keep blaming Castro, keep blaming anyone and everyone who supports the Cuba regime. They must turn the tide and appeal to the current administration to tackle the CUBA/USA relationship, for once and for all. As people we have more in common. Of course for those who do not support this ideal, it is known there is a financial incentive to keep people impoverished or stuck in a tough economic position. And that might be the reason those Cubans in the United States would rather continue the blame game instead of getting busy.

Stay tuned as there is so much more to communicate on this topic.

In the meantime, should you wish to see some of the photos during this trek please click here

CUBATREKK 2023 PHOTOS

FOR THOSE OF YOU TRAVELING TO CUBA

Cuba is an ever-changing country and documents needed for entry may change or have been updated. Here is the current reality for those traveling from the United States

Passport

You will need an active passport that is not expiring within six months of your departure.

Affidavit for Travel

Assuming you thoroughly understand the requirements that have been set forth by the US Treasury, you will need to attest your permission to travel to Cuba. At your initial departure your airline will ask for this form or have you complete it on sight

Cuba Health Declaration

This form is to be completed WITHIN 3 days of your departure. Once you arrive in CUBA and you enter the customs area you will see staff who will review and collect this document. Once approved they will send you to the customs window for passport review.

Travel Visa

Some get this document in advance. No worries if you do not as your departing airline or whichever airline you are using to get to Cuba (assuming you have a connecting flight) will have someone available at your check-in to make sure you have this critical document. From my experience, those flying to Cuba from the US (i.e., Miami, etc.) will pay approximately $100. On the other hand, those flying in from other countries (i.e., Panama, Cancun, etc.) will pay between $20-$25). Don’t ask me why the difference. IN ADDITION TO YOUR PASSPORT THIS DOCUMENT SHOULD BE WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES.

Itinerary

Seems simple enough but some minimize this critical requirement until its too late and have problems justifying what they are doing in Cuba? Your itinerary should be specific, day by day, exactly what your activities will be (it better match the reason you listed for your visit). The bottom-line, tourism is a no-no. Again, this should be with you at all times. Don’t take chances you will not be stopped. It just might be your lucky day.

Trace form

Upon returning back to USA, the CUBA airline staff will need to see this (unless you completed it online) before they allow you to go through customs.

The issue of Race – Spotlight on Cuba

November 4, 2023November 5, 2023 ~ Fred Thomas, III ~ Leave a comment

Race is not a topic easy to discuss. It makes many feel uncomfortable or being candid. Various countries have attempted to deal with the topic and some with limited success but dealing with institutional remedies continues to be illusive.

Cuba has a very interesting race dynamic. As part of the 1959 Revolution it was something leadership knew had to be dealt with. Despite trying the issue remains. The following segment was released in April 2022, so it can be assumed it was produced around the first of the year or shortly thereafter. Unfortunately, Dr. Morales-Dominguez passed away several months later in May 2022.

“Racism white supremacy is a dynamic system for the ultimate purpose of white genetic survival on the planet. Racism white supremacy is a conscious and/or self conscious construct by people who classify themselves as white for their genetic survival.” Dr. Frances Cress-Wesling, noted Physiatrist

“Indeed Cuba has a pestering problem with race but unlike countries such as the United States you do not see Blacks gunned down by law enforcement.” Dr. Esteban Morales-Dominguez

New World Coming: Race in Cuba: “Everything Within The Revolution” is part of Political Education Resource Platform

Postscript – Those of you who follow this site know that Dr. Morales-Dominguez was a guest contributor and offered many articles from the Cuba perspective. I am completing my research on Race in Cuba as well as the effects of the Negro Leagues on Cuban Baseball. In 2017 Dr. Morales-Dominguez welcomed me as a friend and helped with direct guidance to assist with my research. He is the preeminent authority in Cuba on the topic. He holds two Doctorate degrees, including one from Russia. I am forever indebted to him and his lovely wife Katia for sharing their counsel with me. I am planning one last trip to Cuba in several weeks and the book is slated to be available Fall 2024.

Is it time for MLB to get real about the World Series?

November 2, 2023November 2, 2023 ~ Fred Thomas, III ~ Leave a comment

Major League Baseball’s (MLB) preeminent event, the World Series just ended as the Texas Rangers achieved the 2023 crown. The typical road to winning the series is eleven victories but, in some instances, a wild card team will need another win. The Rangers triumphed over the Arizona Diamondbacks, who up until the word series were literally playing like “all world.” Unfortunately, the Rangers clipped off Arizona’s rattler and in dubious fashion got swept at home, and the final blow last night was being shut out. Congrats to all teams who earned the opportunity to play in the tournament.

Now that the games are over, some ask when will MLB come to its senses? I am an admitted baseball junkie and grew up on the premise that baseball is America’s pastime. But doesn’t the term World Series raise questions when in reality the tournament is comprised of MLB teams from the United States. Granted, MLB has done a great job in internationalizing the teams as of the over 700 players, there is representation from those from countries around the globe.

Who forgets the Wizard of Oz, when poor Toto inadvertently pulled the curtain off what was supposed to be Oz only to find a man standing behind the curtain? Thus, Oz’s reality of being a myth was uncovered.“

The World Series has become part of our culture. However, in fairness and keeping it real or being historically correct does the World Baseball Classic provide a better assessment of “World Champion?”