Month: August 2023

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This story was created in paid partnership with Urban Outfitters.

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Whether you’re decorating your first dorm room or giving your home a style overhaul, one of our most surprising sources for statement pieces is Urban Outfitters. From bohemian-chic rattan furniture and artful storage pieces to minimalist shelving and charming bathroom essentials, the retailer is home to some of the coolest finds for every type of interior design style.

Some of the top design trends of 2023 are also the most enduring ones. Sustainability continues to be top of mind, as natural and eco-conscious materials continue to be favored choices. We can also thank Succession for ushering in the “quiet luxury” trend, an understated high-end aesthetic spilling out of fashion wardrobes and into the rest of the home: think cozy textiles and upholstery made from plush fabrics. On the flip side, surrealist shapes and playing with scale will be on the rise as people go for Schiaparelli-esque interior style over minimalism.

Ultimately, consider designing around your own personality and lifestyle, regardless of whether or not something fits a trend. As one study recently found, homeowners are decorating their homes with “professionalization,” not “personalization,” in mind — so whether you love a lived-in look, or feel more at home in a ‘grammable hotel-like space, we suggest going with items that spark joy.

With all of that in mind, we’re sharing our favorite furniture and home decor to shop from Urban Outfitters. Whether your vibe is bohemian or modern, see 10 of our top picks for a range of styles, including some pieces on sale for up to 30 percent off.

Levi Storage Shelf

This three-tiered bamboo storage shelf brings a natural touch while giving you more shelf space.

Levi Storage Shelf

Price: $79

Buy Now

Mushroom Wall Hook

Mushroom motifs are among the nature-inspired design trends that are expected to be big in 2023 and beyond. These playful wall hooks are sure to bring the fun to your fungus decor.

Mushroom Wall Hook

Price: $18

Buy Now

Honey & Ivy Table Lamp

Urban Outfitters is also home to the UO MRKT, a curated marketplace of one-of-a-kind fashion, home and decor finds. One of our favorite lighting pieces is this one from Portland’s Honey & Ivy Studio, which features a 3D-printed shade inspired by pleated fabric.

Honey & Ivy Table Lamp

Honey & Ivy Table Lamp

Price: $49

Buy Now

Grayson Credenza (50 percent off)

On sale for 50 percent off, this sturdy oak credenza is farmhouse-meets-minimalist and features pre-cut holes for cables. We like the adjustable shelves and removable legs for customization, too.

Grayson Credenza

Grayson Credenza (reg. $999)

Price: $500

Buy Now

Westie Mirror Shelf

For when you need a handy place for your keys or a convenient beauty station before you run out of the house, this mirror shelf is perfect for holding your daily essentials.

Westie Mirror Shelf

Price: $99

Buy Now

Gillian Coffee Table

Stow away your mess in the minimalist Gillian coffee table that features two drawers for all of your books, controllers and anything else that ends up on your tabletops.

Gillian Coffee Table

Price: $329

Buy Now

Cup Noodles Bowl

A college student staple, instant noodles get their own dedicated vessel in this fun ceramic bowl that’s dishwasher- and microwave-safe. (Extra credit for upgrading your basic ramen.)

Cup Noodles Bowl

Price: $24

Buy Now

Cozy Crinkle Duvet Set

Available in twin to king sizes, this crinkled-to-perfection duvet set is ideal for refreshing your bedding ahead of fall. It’s made of soft, gauzy cotton that’s perfect for transitioning from the heat of summer to cooler autumn days.

Cozy Crinkle Duvet Set

Cozy Crinkle Duvet Set

Price: $99

Buy Now

Checkerboard Hilo Tufted Rug (30% off)

Rugs are a design hack for dorms, rentals and other home spaces where you’ve got to make do with the existing floor. Cover up stains or brighten up your room with a textured checkerboard rug like this one that comes in other sizes and colors.

Checkerboard Hilo Tufted Rug 3×5 (reg. $89)

Price: $89 $62

Buy Now

Mason Storage Cabinet

On sale for $300 off, this sleek Mason storage cabinet (also available in white, olive and natural) looks more like that designer furniture find you’ve been eyeing — but for a fraction of the price.

Mason Storage Cabinet (reg. $1,599)

Price: $1,599 $1,299

Buy Now

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Source: yahoo.com

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Loan modifications just got a whole lot trickier, that is, if some investors in mortgage-backed securities get their way.

One hedge fund, Greenwich Financial Services Distressed Mortgage Fund 3, LLC, has launched a suit against Countrywide Financial, alleging its sweeping loan modification program is illegal and will reduce the value of related securities for bondholders.

William Frey, who heads the hedge fund, has argued that the program launched by Bank of America to satisfy numerous complaints about predatory lending at Countrywide Financial over the years will cost investors billions.

The program seeks to modify up to 400,000 Countrywide loans, equating to roughly $8.4 billion in mortgage rate and principal reductions, but because many of the loans are actually owned by investors, Frey wants Bank of America to compensate them for any resulting losses.

While loan modifications are generally looked at as a positive, by giving borrowers a break, bondholders who have interests in a number of Countrywide mortgage securities will see reduced or delayed payments, thus devaluing the securities themselves.

The lawsuit is demanding Countrywide repurchase every loan on which it seeks to reduce payments so the bondholders aren’t hurt by the resulting action of the modifications.

However, Paul Koches, general counsel for Ocwen, the largest subprime mortgage servicer, noted that modifications are conducted in the best interest of investors, and more importantly, contractually bound to benefit all parties, including homeowners.

Koches added that as a loan servicer, he’s obligated to take action in the best interest of the aggregate investment, even if it harms a particular class of investors.

Meanwhile, Frey believes such modifications will result in higher mortgage rates for borrowers in the future, as the terms of loans can seemingly be changed more easily, putting more risk in the hands of bondholders.

Frey says such action could permanently cripple the secondary market for mortgages, and has suggested that a better solution would be for the government to buy up all of the troubled mortgages instead.

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

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This morning, the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS report) was released by the Labor Department.

It revealed that the labor market wasn’t running as hot as it was previously, leading to a nice drop in the 10-year treasury bond yield.

As a result, long-term mortgage rates, which track bonds like the 10-year, should also see some much needed relief.

But why does seemingly bad economic news benefit consumer mortgage rates?

Well, when you’re trying to fight inflation, which hurts bonds, any sign of a slowing economy is generally good news.

JOLTS Report Reveals Cooler Labor Market Conditions

As noted, this morning’s JOLTS report came in cooler than expected, prompting a sizable drop in treasury yields.

With inflation and unemployment taking centerstage of late, reports like this have become a lot more important.

Specifically, job openings dropped 338,000 to a total of 8.827 million as of the last day of July.

This is the lowest level of openings since March 2021, and well below the forecast of 9.465 million job openings, per economists polled by Reuters.

The report is essentially a barometer of labor demand, with fewer openings indicating less need from employers.

At the same time, fewer openings mean it’s more difficult to find work, which could lead to higher unemployment.

Meanwhile, the so-called quits rate fell to 2.3% from 2.4% a month earlier, with totals quits decreasing 253,000 to 3.5 million, the lowest level since February 2021.

The quits are a proxy for labor market confidence, with fewer quitters indicating less hope of finding a replacement job. In other words, sticking with what you’ve got, even if the pay isn’t great.

Together with quits, layoffs and discharges make up what is known as “separations,” which were little changed at about 1.6 million.

Reuters noted that less “job-hopping” could reduce wage inflation.

If workers are making less, or simply aren’t getting pay raises, it means there’s less money sloshing around in the economy. This is a good signal for inflation.

To sum it up, it’s a sliver of good news on the employment/inflation front, which could help the Fed get a better read on the state of the economy.

And more importantly, determine if their 11 rate hikes are beginning to take some steam out of the overheated labor market.

It’s Just One Report, But It Can Be the Start of a Positive Mortgage Rate Trend

While this bad economic news, in terms of less hiring and fewer job openings, is good for inflation, it’s simply one report.

We’ve seen similar reports, whether it was a cool jobs report or a CPI report, which indicated the economy could be slowing.

But until we see a series of reports that point to a clear trend, the Fed isn’t going to back off, let alone cut rates.

That explains their higher for longer stance, despite a rate hike pause at the moment.

Ultimately, they don’t want to let their defenses down, only to see inflation increase again, which could require additional rate hikes.

However, reports like these are very welcome news to the mortgage industry and housing market.

While the Fed doesn’t set mortgage rates, their monetary policy can have an indirect effect, which we’ve seen on the way up recently.

High mortgage rates have exacerbated an already major lack of for-sale inventory due in part to mortgage rate lock-in.

And markedly higher rates have quickly led to dismal refinance demand, essentially bringing the industry to a halt.

Housing Affordability Is Dismal as Supply Remains Tight

At the end of the day, affordability just isn’t there for most prospective home buyers with mortgage rates close to 7% and home prices still near to or at all-time highs.

The hope is consumers might see some relief on the mortgage rate component, even if property values continue to defy gravity.

While demand has dropped, inventory hasn’t increased, creating a one-two punch for buyers.

And though a return to the 2-3% range likely isn’t in the cards anytime soon, revisiting the 5-6% range could give the housing market a much needed shot in the arm.

If that doesn’t happen, the Fed’s rate hikes could eventually free up supply a different way, via distress.

We’ve still got more economic reports coming this week, including the ADP Employment Report, GDP, the PCE price index, and the big jobs report on Friday.

If most or all of these reports also indicate that the economy is slowing, mortgage rates could begin trending back lower.

But thus far, it’s been hard to get a rally going as the economy continues to show signs of strength, making some question whether mortgage rates have actually peaked yet.

Personally, I do think the impact of higher rates and a lack of stimulus is beginning to have an impact on the average American.

It’s just unclear how long it will take to convince the Fed that the worst is behind us.

Read more: Why are mortgage rates so high right now?

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

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Creating a sleek space is simple and can involve elevating pieces you already own.

If your living room is feeling dull or just plain outdated, elevating your living space to have a more modern and sleek feel is your solution. Modern decor seamlessly blends style with functionality, creating an ambiance that feels timeless but also in the moment. It’s also important to note that modern and contemporary styles hold key distinctions, and we’ll note some differences to look for later.

From the muted perfection of neutral tones to the boldness and power of a few carefully placed statement pieces, our 13 tips will transform your living room into a modern masterpiece. No matter your personal aesthetic, crafting a living room that transcends time and trends feels unmistakably modern.

What makes a modern space, modern?

Modern decor is defined as distinct features that, together, create a sleek, clean and sophisticated aesthetic. As decor trends evolve and experience fluctuating popularity, modern decor shines in what seems to be timelessness. However, like everything else, modern decor retains some strong influences with aesthetics developed decades ago.

That’s perhaps why the term “modern” is frequently misused in the realm of interior decoration. Its confusion with the contemporary style is fairly widespread.

The modern style that we encounter today actually stems from a German design movement that originated at the cusp of the 20th century, specifically the Bauhaus movement. This so-called “modern” style in furnishings and decor dominated the early-to-mid 20th century before transforming to another style we love today, mid-century modern.

Modern design pays homage to natural materials, employs neutral or earthy tones and embraces a minimalist approach by removing excessive embellishments. While contemporary styling can encompass a diverse color palette that carries some brash, bohemian influences at times, the modern style more strictly adheres to monochromatic hues in lieu of anything overtly loud or adventurous.

Modern vs. Contemporary: Telling Them Apart

Because the distinctions between modern and contemporary styles still probably seem confusing, we’ll break it down into bullet points so you get the exact style you’re going for. If contemporary calls to you, great! You’ve found new language for the look you envision, and that’s never a bad thing.

Modern

  • Functional furniture pieces with clean lines
  • Minimalistic vibes, mid-century influence
  • Neutral color usage throughout most of the room
  • Furniture that serves more than one purpose
  • Sparse natural material embellishments that add visual interest

Contemporary

  • An eclectic fusion of diverse influences
  • Bold patterns and textures, and sometimes colors
  • Dramatic and sculptural lighting fixtures
  • Functional art pieces that blur the line between form and function
  • Global inspirations
  • Signature furniture pieces with unique silhouettes and unconventional shapes
  • Eclectic mix of classic pieces with modern elements

13 modern living room tips to update your space

The key to a successful modern living room design is finding a balance between functionality, aesthetics and your personal style preferences. These tips offer guidance to work conjunctively with your own unique tastes to achieve your modern masterpiece.

1. Paint the walls a neutral color

If you’re allowed to paint your walls in a rental (make sure to check with your landlord first), this is a great way to set the modern tone in your space. Whether that be a crisp off-white or a cool grey, neutral wall tones can shift the space from feeling dull to more modern in a few paint strokes.

2. Install open shelves

An open display shelf is a great way to combine clean lines and functionality. For a rustic modern look, try a wooden ladder propped up against the wall and adorned with your favorite decor items.

3. Adorn the room with a natural rug

Modern living rooms often feel too simple, leading to a sterile feeling that just isn’t homey. Add visual interest to the space with textures like a natural rug. A faux cowhide rug, furry rug or even a woven jute rug can break up the monotony of neutral tones and minimalist furniture while maintaining a stylish and inviting atmosphere.

4. Illuminate the room with a simple floor lamp

By incorporating a simple floor lamp into your modern living room decor, you create a well-lit and visually appealing space. This piece offers some creative freedom when it comes to choosing the style of the lamp.

5. Make a statement with an artistic focal piece

A statement art piece serves as the visual center of attention in your living room. It’s the first thing that catches the eye when someone enters the room, which sets the tone for the entire space. This is important in modern design, where bold and captivating art piece breaks the monotony of minimalism and adds intrigue.

6. Opt for acrylic or glass pieces

Acrylic and glass pieces are a great option for working with a limited color scheme. Plus, they look space-age and modern. For example, a transparent coffee table creates sleek sharp lines while naturally matching the colors around it. Acrylic furniture is also inexpensive and is easily repurposed in other rooms.

7. Add smart home technology

Part of the modern aesthetic is the newest and freshest technology. Smart devices complement modern spaces well and seamlessly integrate into the sleek and minimalist design. Think smart lighting, speakers and other on-trend appliances.

8. Go bold with geometric patterns

Introduce modern geometric patterns through rugs and throw pillows to infuse a contemporary vibe. Choosing a pattern that resonates with your personal taste is a great way to add personality to the space as well.

9. Play with decorative mirrors

Mirrors are great decor pieces that naturally reflect light which helps the space feel larger. On top of their benefits related to room size, they’re also neutral when it comes to fitting a color scheme. (And if you liked the one we featured two photos up, we linked to one similar to it here.)

10. Create continuity with strategically placed wood items

Wooden furniture is a staple when it comes to monochromatic living rooms. The natural color of the wood often seamlessly fits into the feel of the room, while remaining a timeless piece with repurposing opportunities in other decor themes down the road.

11. Remove furniture to create negative space

Negative space, which is defined as the intentional creation of empty spots, is a common theme in modernly decorated spaces. Less is more in a modern living room, so purging unnecessary decor items and furniture is a must.

12. Add wall-mounted shelves and open up floor space

If you struggle to fill large open shelving and want to utilize wall space, opt for wall-mounted storage, like floating shelves. This also creates more negative space, helping give your space a more modern feel.

13. Make use of monochrome

Picking one color and using varying shades is the most common theme found in modern decor. The easiest way to go about crafting your color scheme is to select a base color and gather shades, tints and tones of that color. Create depth with contrasting light and dark variations by consulting paint experts or using color templates on Pinterest and other design platforms.

Your modern living room awaits

Incorporating these tips can help you craft a modern living room that exudes confidence and functionality while keeping with the times. With these tips and recommendations, you can easily achieve a modern living space that embraces both contemporary aesthetics and your unique preferences — even without hiring an interior designer.

Remember, modern design is about embracing simplicity and making every piece count, resulting in a space that feels efficient and effortlessly up-to-date. Find your dream apartment to make your modern muse today!

At Rent., our goal is to be the most efficient digital resource to help people find and live in a place they love. We strive to help renters make informed decisions by providing them with valuable information and advice, including money-saving tips, local guides, HD photos and certified ratings and reviews from actual residents.

Source: rent.com

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If you’re considering moving to Cleveland, Ohio, it’s crucial to carefully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of calling this vibrant city home. Known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse neighborhoods, and unique attractions, Cleveland offers a distinctive living experience. Whether you’re contemplating purchasing a home in Cleveland or seeking an apartment for rent, we will delve into ten pros and cons to guide you in deciding if Cleveland aligns with your vision of an ideal place to live.

1. Diverse culture and arts scene

Cleveland’s cultural and arts scene is a vibrant tapestry of creativity and expression. The Cleveland Museum of Art, one of the top art museums in the nation, houses an extensive collection spanning various cultures and time periods. The iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame celebrates the history of music, and Playhouse Square offers world-class theater productions.

2. Affordable housing

One of Cleveland’s standout advantages is its affordability, especially in the housing market. The average sale price for a home in Cleveland is $117,000 compared to the national average of $416,000. You’ll find that your dollar goes much further here. This affordability opens up opportunities for both homeownership and quality rentals in neighborhoods that suit your lifestyle.

3. Thriving healthcare and research

Cleveland is a global hub for healthcare and medical research. The world-renowned Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals are leaders in patient care and groundbreaking medical research. Living in Cleveland provides access to top-notch healthcare and opportunities for those interested in healthcare professions or medical research.

4. Great food and craft beer

Foodies and beer enthusiasts will feel right at home in Cleveland. The city’s culinary scene is diverse, offering everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to food trucks serving up delicious street eats. Craft beer lovers can explore a burgeoning brewery scene with an array of unique and flavorful brews.

5. Natural beauty and outdoor activities

Cleveland’s natural beauty is a hidden gem. The city boasts stunning Lake Erie shores, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and numerous parks and trails. These outdoor spaces provide ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring nature, making it an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts.

6. Sports culture

Cleveland has a sports culture that runs deep. With professional teams like the Cleveland Browns (NFL), Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), and Cleveland Guardians (MLB), the city offers year-round excitement for sports fans.

7. Winter weather

While Cleveland shines in the warmer months, the city experiences harsh winters with cold temperatures and significant snowfall, 63.8 inches per year on average. Be prepared for challenging weather conditions during the winter months, including icy roads and snow-covered sidewalks.

8. Economic challenges

Cleveland’s cost of living may be lower than in larger cities, but it does face economic challenges. Job opportunities in certain fields may be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas, so job seekers should research their prospects carefully.

9. Lake effect snow

Cleveland is susceptible to heavy lake-effect snowfall, which can disrupt daily life during the winter season. Residents should be prepared for winter driving conditions and potential snow-related inconveniences.

10. Limited amenity hours

In some areas of Cleveland, you may find that amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues have limited operating hours, especially during the evenings. This can be inconvenient if you’re accustomed to the 24/7 availability of services in larger cities. Planning your activities and shopping accordingly may be necessary.

Deciding whether Cleveland is a good place to live requires thoughtful consideration of these pros and cons. By evaluating these factors in alignment with your personal preferences, lifestyle, and priorities, you can make an informed decision about whether Cleveland is the right city for you.

Source: redfin.com

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The second quarter 2023 was a boon for real estate teams, beating out financial performance in Q1 2023, according the Streamlined Quarterly Team Benchmarking Report, which looked at the financial performance of more than 200 teams across the nation.

Steamlined, based in Arizona, has a roster of hundreds of U.S. real estate teams and individual agents as clients for their accounting and bookkeeping services. The firm confirms actual financial and operational details of these businesses and assemble the data in useful benchmark studies to help their clients assess how effectively they are operating. 

“This is extremely valuable information, not only for teams but also for the brokerage firms with whom they are affiliated,” says Steve Murray, senior advisor to HW Media. “A clearer understanding of the performance of teams helps everyone understand the impact of the growth of the organization and performance of teams and confirms the importance of LG in the industry.”

The second quarter performance analysis shows the benefit of scale as revenues had their normal seasonal upturn while many costs remained fixed, resulting in increased gross and net margins among all sizes of teams.

Small teams had highest increase in net margin

Teams in every size category saw an increase in Gross Margin (GM), with teams having annualized revenue between $300,000 and $550,000 seeing the largest increase in GM from 72.5% to 76.3%.

Teams in the smallest category of size, having less than $300,000 in Gross Commission Revenues (GCI), had the largest increase in Net Margin (NM), whereas in Q2 2023 it grew from 36.9% of GCI to 49.3% of GCI. Imagine a pretax profit margin of nearly 50%? 

The largest teams had net margins of 18.8%. Compare this to the average of all brokerage firms for the past 12 months, published by RTC Consulting, of gross rates of less than 14% and NM of less than 4%.

Two of the main factors impacting the improvement in net margin were the decline in spending of salaries/benefits and lead generation. In every size category, these costs as a percentage of GCI declined in a material way. 

“It appears from these results that teams are keeping these costs fixed in terms of the dollars spent,” says Murray. “As the seasonal upturn in housing sales experienced across the board this year in Q2 (which does happen virtually every year) and GCI and GM followed this upturn in sales, then it follows that the percentage spent in these categories would fall.”

Team operating costs declined

Total operating costs for all sizes of teams declined in Q2 as a percentage of GCI, as well. Interestingly, it was the category of teams doing between $1.5MM and $3.0MM of GCI that saw the largest decrease, dropping operating costs from 37.7% of GCI to 29.0% of GCI, or a decline of 23.1% from Q1 to Q2. 

The category that had the next highest decline in expenses was the smallest group doing less than $300,000 in GCI, which saw these costs fall from 42.6% of GCI to 33.6% of GCI, a decline of 21.1%. 

“It would be expected to see the smallest teams have the lowest costs and have the most leverage. They are small and focused and have the lowest fixed overhead, generally,” says Murray. “What is surprising is how teams as large as $1.5 to $3.0 million also have used both their scale and leverage to drive operating costs down as a percentage of GCI as well as increase their NM.

Q1 versus Q2 2023

In terms of changes in results from Q1 to Q2, it was also those teams with GCI between $1.5MM and $3.0MM that had the largest increase in NM, at 63.8%. The lowest increase was that of teams between GCI of $550,000 and $800,000, at 22.5%. One quarter of results are not convincing as to whether the small teams or the largest teams can execute on scale and leverage, but it is an indicator worth examining in future reports.

“Should anyone question where the money has flowed over the past 10 years and what form of business enterprise is still performing well, then these findings confirm that it is teams that have figured out how to make a profit in good markets and poor markets,” says Murray.

In this quarter, Cost of Sale barely fluctuated as a whole, reconfirming this is an average cost of closing revenue.

Overall, the data seems to suggest that as the annual revenue increases, there are rising costs and shifting priorities in spending, leading to a decrease in net income percentage.  This may indicate challenges in scaling the business efficiently or a strategic decision to invest more in certain areas, like lead generation, at the cost of profitability.

Streamlined, RTC Consulting and HWMedia are teaming up to share this data with our readers to help create transparency in the results of over 200 teams. We will publish these results on a quarterly basis roughly 45 days after the end of each calendar quarter.

David Pittiglio is the CEO of Streamlined Business Solutions.

Source: housingwire.com

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In our latest real estate tech entrepreneur interview, we’re speaking with Christopher Burnley from Corefact Corporation.

Who are you, and what do you do?

I am Christopher Burnley CEO of Corefact Corporation. My background is in software engineering. I find passion in building teams and products to empower real estate agents in their business. While TV shows agents driving around in a Mercedes Benz, in the real world agents have a difficult job that add enormous value to their communities. My job is to find ways to make their jobs and lives easier so they have more time to spend with their loved ones.

What problem does your product/service solve?

Corefact provides marketing products and services for real estate agents that list properties. These products include lead generation marketing to get new listings and products to market active listings include print, direct mail and digital marketing products.

What are you most excited about right now?

I am both excited and scared about machine learning. Machine learning (AI) can be a powerful tool to make business and life efficient, but there are also a number of side-effects that are/will disrupt society as we know it. Progress is certain, but it is our job to shepherd the technology into an ethical and sustainable future.

What’s next for you?

My goal over the next five years is to continue to grow Corefact. The keys to success will be to continue to build a solid team that can solve the challenges of the future. We will continue to grow our product portfolio including products in adjacent spaces. We will continue to explore deeply our customer needs and challenges and build new solutions to meet those challenges.

What’s a cause you’re passionate about and why?

I am passionate about youth soccer and volunteer as a referee for AYSO. The game instills teamwork and leadership to the children who participate. It also keeps them very active and in good health. The organization is entirely volunteer so it is important that parents get involved and participate. My kids haven’t played soccer in a few years, but I continue to volunteer each year.

Thanks to Christopher for sharing his story. If you’d like to connect, find him on LinkedIn here.

We’re constantly looking for great real estate tech entrepreneurs to feature. If that’s you, please read this post — then drop me a line (drew @ geekestatelabs dot com).

Source: geekestateblog.com

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Which actor playing an American character were you most surprised to learn is actually from England? After polling the internet, here are the top-voted actors that shocked viewers by being British despite playing Americans well.

1. Matthew Rhys

“I only know Matthew Rhys from The Americans, so hearing him speak naturally was an unexpected shock,” replied one. “He’s a Welshman pretending to be a Russian pretending to be an American. It is funny that he sounds like a forest elf in his natural accent. In contrast, his character in The Americans is deadly serious all of the time,” a second suggested. 

2. Henry Cavill

“Yeah, that’s the biggest reason I was against him playing Superman. No problems with his acting specifically, but I had felt strongly that Clark Kent should have been played by an American actor, like Steve Rogers,” someone confessed.

3. John Mahoney

“Martin Crane in Frasier. He didn’t even start acting until he was in his thirties; no accent now,” someone shared. “Today, I learned that John Mahoney immigrated to the US at 18. Admittedly, he had a long time to learn the accent, but he sure did,” another added. 

4. Joseph Quinn

“Joseph Quinn as Eddie Munson from Stranger Things. I never would’ve guessed without watching interviews with him that he is British,” a Redditor confessed. “Dude sounds like he’s from Indiana or nearby. I was shocked when I learned he was English,” a second agreed. 

5. Tom Holland

“I didn’t know who Tom Holland was before playing Spider-Man, so I legitimately didn’t find out he was from England until over a year after I saw Spider-Man: Homecoming,” one answered. “It took him doing a lot of media circuits with interviews (being in Marvel productions) for me to realize just how English he is,” a second person stated. 

6. Christian Bale

“I recall a funny story of Christian Bale making American Psycho and kept talking with an American accent off-camera and around the set to keep in character. Then, when the cast/crew held a celebratory wrap party, he spoke with his native accent, which threw a lot of people off,” one person remembered.

7. Dominic West

“Dominic West’s accent work in The Wire was also incredible. Baltimore accent, Baltimore townie accent, Baltimore cop doing a terrible British accent? All whilst British,” someone joked

8. Idris Elba

“The first time I saw Idris Elba speak after only seeing him in The Wire blew my mind,” one confessed. “He was amazing. I nearly finished a degree in Linguistics, and phonology is one of the things I love to learn. But, I could not hear a hint of English pronunciation with him as Stringer,” another admitted. 

9. Hugh Laurie

“Supposedly, a lot of British actors auditioned for the role of House, but they wanted an American, and Laurie sent in an audition tape, and the director was like, That’s what I’m talking about! THIS is an American,” someone laughed.

10. Andrew Garfield

“Every time I hear Andrew Garfield speak, it catches me off guard. So apparently, he is American-English. I didn’t know this. I’ve only ever seen him in movies with an American accent. So the first time I saw him in an interview and realized he has an English accent, it threw me off, and I still get surprised,” a final person confessed.

Source: Reddit.

25 Extraordinary Sequels and Remakes That Outshine the Originals

Image Credit: Rosebud Releasing Corporation

Every once in a while, a movie sequel or remake surpasses the original film. After polling the internet, “Name a single movie where the sequel or remake was better than the original?” Here are the top-voted responses.

25 Extraordinary Sequels and Remakes That Outshine the Originals

25 Blockbuster Films With Behind-The-Scenes Turmoil Unknown to the Public

Image Credit: 20th Century Fox

Several big movies with significant nightmare productions have some seriously delicious tea. After a recent poll on the internet, here are twenty-five films with disasters that made filming difficult.

25 Blockbuster Films With Behind-The-Scenes Turmoil Unknown to the Public

Image Credit: Shutterstock – Denis Makarenko

Who is one actress you can never stand watching, no matter their role?  After polling the internet, these were the top-voted actresses that people couldn’t stand watching.

10 Actresses People Despise Watching Regardless of Their Role

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Source: financequickfix.com

Apache is functioning normally

Whether you’re aware of it or not, flooding does happen in all 50 states. Some cases are more extreme than others, but it still pays to be aware of the flood plains in your area before you buy. Depending on where your new home falls on the map, your lender may require you to buy flood insurance in addition to your homeowner’s insurance.

Before you jump right into your new insurance, here’s a quick primer on some of the basics.

What kind of policy do you want and what do you want it to cover?

In general, most flood insurance policies have 3 main portions or components. As a homeowner, you need to decide how much money you want to put towards coverage for the building itself, the contents of your home, and all the replacement costs for everything.

What exactly is covered?

While list of specifics covered is very broad, flood insurance policies generally insure the physical damage done to your home as well as your personal belongings inside the home. This list includes but is not limited to, the building itself, electrical and plumbing systems, household appliances, furniture, valuable items, clothing and more.

What is NOT covered?

Even though flood insurance policies want to help you out as a homeowner and cover you as best as they can, there are certain specifications that are not covered by the insurance. This would include any damage done outside of your home (fences, shrubbery, patios, swimming pools etc.) In addition to this, vehicles parked outside of your house would also not be covered.

What is your risk?

Do you live in a moderate-to low-risk area? Even if your lender doesn’t require it, you may want to get flood insurance. According to Bankrate, around 1 in 4 flood claims is for a property that doesn’t sit in a flood plain.

Most people in moderate-to low-risk areas are likely qualified for preferred rate coverage. Meanwhile the high risk area homeowners are only offered a standard rated policy. Talk to your agent to determine which flood insurance policy will provide you with optimal coverage.

Flood insurance rates

As mentioned above, for homeowners living in a high risk flooding area, flood insurance will most likely be required. The rates involved in the different types of coverage mainly only depend on the quality of your home, the form of architecture, and of course, your area’s flood risk level. Depending on your community, it is a good idea to see if they offer a flood insurance discount. Especially if you’re in those high risk areas! Rates can vary significantly, but as a homeowner, it is best to be safe than sorry.

While flood insurance does have its limitations, it is just like any other policy. As a homeowner it is best to have it in case of an emergency. Make sure to talk to your agent to find out what plan is best for your home. There are plenty of preferred risk policies and community discounts offered. So do yourself a favor and cover yourself before it’s too late!

Source: totalmortgage.com