Activities

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Buying and selling a home can be a confusing, intimidating process. From fine-tuning the initial listing to completing the mountains of paperwork needed for closing, homebuyers and sellers can find themselves juggling a wide range of issues. Real estate professionals can help by hosting educational workshops to help make the transaction easier. Here are 11 tips to make these workshops more effective.

1. Find your audience

Not every real estate transaction is the same because not all buyers and sellers are the same. Before you plan your workshop, consider who your target clients are. Do you specialize in helping first-time buyers and sellers, or are you leaning towards working with real estate investors? Maybe you are focusing on empty nesters looking to downsize or clients looking for vacation homes they want to rent out in the off-season.

Your audience will determine the focus of your workshop. It’s the first step to making your workshop a success, and also influences how you will market your event (more on that below).

2. Organize relevant topics

Your audience determines the topics you cover. Veteran investors don’t need a lecture on what to bring to the closing table, but first-time buyers do. First-time home sellers might be interested in learning how to prep their homes for sale, while rookie buyers might want a step-by-step outline of the entire process.

Start planning your event by making a list of the subjects that might be confusing or complicated, and plan your workshop itinerary from there. 

3. Choose a venue

Don’t plan to fail by failing to plan, especially when it comes to things like parking, accessibility, and capacity. The venue you select needs to be comfortable and accommodating for everyone. Consider things such as:

  • Parking (number of spaces and accessibility for those in wheelchairs)
  • Seating at the venue (tables, chairs, etc.)
  • Location (central to public transportation)

Some good workshop venue options include community centers, public libraries, and hotel conference rooms. If you’re hoping to reach clients who are relocating from out of state, consider hosting workshops online.

4. Market your event

You can plan a perfect event, but if your marketing strategy isn’t comprehensive, how will people know about it? Again, how you market will depend on your audience. Social media marketing is a great way to spread the word and can be coordinated so one post hits multiple platforms at a time.

Other ways to reach a wider audience include:

  • Posting on community bulletin boards (in physical locations or online)
  • Sending a note to your mailing list
  • Asking former clients to spread the word

Another way to market is to ask influencers on social media to help promote the event. They may also be able to attend the event, bringing their audience with them.

5. Provide take-home resources

Real estate transactions can be complicated, and some attendees may be overwhelmed by the amount of information you present. Help them better understand and retain information by providing resources they can take home. 

These handouts can include:

  • Checklists for the buying and selling process
  • Definitions of real estate terminology
  • Outlines of how to prepare a home to sell
  • A basic step-by-step guide to buying a home
  • Lists of related real estate professionals (i.e., mortgage lenders, home inspectors, etc.)

Very few people can attend an hour-long lecture and remember everything they heard. For best results, present information in many different ways. Use short videos, slideshows, and small-group discussions and activities to deepen their understanding of the topic.

7. Highlight guest speakers

Guest speakers provide two primary benefits to your workshop. They bring specialized expertise. Real estate transactions involve a variety of professionals, each experts in their field. Inviting these experts to speak is a great way to help workshop attendees better understand each step of the process. For example, a mortgage lender can describe different types of mortgages and explain which might be best for the buyer or the type of transaction. Guest speakers can also offer a neutral third-party perspective on sensitive topics, like how to save money at closing.

They cross-promote the event. Guest speakers will promote the event on their social media platforms. This increases your potential audience and introduces you to more people you might not otherwise reach.

8. Make it interactive

Very few people enjoy sitting in a chair for hours being lectured to. Give participants a chance to engage with speakers and other attendees. You can do this by facilitating small group discussions, encouraging questions, and organizing breakout sessions on specific topics of interest.

9. Ask for feedback

Getting a real estate workshop right the first time is hard, so asking participants for feedback is key. This helps refine planning for future events and helps build relationships with attendees. Additionally, positive feedback can be used (with permission) as testimonials to promote future workshops.

10. Follow up with participants

Asking for feedback is just the first level of follow-up after the workshop. Send out thank-you notes or emails the day after the workshop. On day three post-workshop, reach out again with an invitation to engage. This might look like:

  • Asking attendees if they have other questions
  • Providing additional resources
  • Sending listings based on interest
  • Offering incentives for continued collaboration

This is not the time for a hard sell, but following up with attendees is an opportunity to develop positive relationships that might lead to more business opportunities in the future.

11. Keep the most important thing the most important thing

Homeownership remains a crucial part of what is commonly referred to as the American Dream. The primary goal of these workshops is to educate people on how they can be involved in the pursuit of homeownership. For homeowners looking to sell, your workshop can be critical in their path to building generational wealth.

The most important thing? Educating attendees and demonstrating your knowledge, professionalism, and trustworthiness. By doing this, you position yourself as a valuable resource in your community who genuinely cares about their clients and wants the best for them. Ultimately, that will build a solid foundation for professional relationships that continue to grow as your clients’ needs evolve.

Luke Babich is the co-founder of Clever Real Estate.

Source: housingwire.com

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Federal Reserve officials have maintained that the historic levels of participation in the central bank’s overnight reverse repurchase agreement facility is nothing to be concerned about.

Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg

A key indicator of excess liquidity in the financial system has been falling since May, a development that holds promise for banks but raises questions for financial stability.

The Federal Reserve’s overnight reverse repurchase agreement, or ON RRP, facility has seen usage decline from nearly $2.3 trillion this spring to less than $1.7 trillion through the end of August, its lowest level since the central bank began raising interest rates in March 2022. 

For banks, this was a desired outcome of the Fed’s effort to shrink its balance sheet. As the central bank allows assets — namely Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities — to roll off its books, its liabilities must decline commensurately. The more of that liability reduction that comes from ON RRP borrowing, the less has to come out of reserves, which banks use to settle transactions and meet regulatory obligations. 

“What we’ve seen is the decline in the Fed holding has mostly come through on the liability side in terms of a decline in reverse repos, rather than reserves,” Derek Tang, co-founder of Monetary Policy Analytics, said. “This is, of course, welcome news to the Fed, because the Fed wants to make sure that there are enough reserve balances in the banking system to operate smoothly. So that’s good news.”

Yet, as participation in the ON RRP — through which nonbank financial firms buy assets from the Fed with an agreement to sell them back to the central bank at a higher price the next day — shrinks, some in and around the financial sector worry that funds are being redirected to riskier activities. 

Darin Tuttle, a California-based investment manager and former Goldman Sachs analyst, said the decline in ON RRP usage has coincided with an uptick in stock market activity. His concern is that as firms seek higher returns, they are inflating asset prices through leveraged investments.

“I tracked the drawdown of the reverse repo from April when it started until about the beginning of August. The same time that $600 billion was pumped back into the markets is when markets really took off and exploded,” Tuttle said. “There’s some similarities there in drawing down the reverse repo and liquidity increasing in the markets to take on excessive risk.”

The Fed established the ON RRP facility in September 2014 ahead of its push to normalize monetary policy after the financial crisis of 2007 and 2008. The Fed intended the program to be a temporary tool for conveying monetary policy changes to the nonbank sector by allowing approved counterparties to get a return on unused funds by keeping them at the central bank overnight. The facility sets a floor for interest rates, with the rate it pays representing the first part of the Fed’s target range for its funds rate, which now sits at 5.25% to 5.5%.

For the first few years of its existence, the facility’s use typically ranged from $100 billion to $200 billion on a given night, according to data maintained by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, which handle’s the Fed’s open market operations. From 2018 to early 2021, the usage was negligible, often totaling a few billion dollars or less. 

In March 2021, ON RRP use began to climb steadily. It eclipsed $2 trillion in June 2022 and remained above that level for the next 12 months. Uptake peaked at $2.55 trillion on December 30 of last year, though that was partially the result of firms seeking to balance their year-end books. 

While it is difficult to pinpoint why exactly ON RRP use has skyrocketed, most observers attribute it to a combination of factors arising from the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the Fed’s asset purchases as well as government stimulus, which depleted another liability item on the Fed’s balance sheet: the Treasury General Account, or TGA. 

Regardless of how it grew so large, few expected the ON RRP to ever reach such heights when it was first rolled out. Michael Redmond, an economist with Medley Advisors who previously worked at Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and the Treasury Department, said the situation raises questions about whether the Fed’s engagement with the nonbank sector through the facility ultimately does more harm than good.

“The ON RRP, when it was initially envisioned as a facility, was not expected to be this actively used. The Fed definitely has increased its footprint in the financial system, outside of the usual set of counterparties with it,” Redmond said. “The debate is whether that increases financial instability, because obviously it is nice to have the stabilizing force of the Fed’s balance sheet there, but it also potentially leads to counterproductive pressures on private entities that need to essentially compete with the Fed for reserves.”

Fed officials have maintained that the soaring use of the facility should not be a cause for concern. In a June 2021 press conference, as ON RRP borrowing was nearing $1 trillion, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said the facility was “doing what it’s supposed to do, which is to provide a floor under money market rates and keep the federal funds rate well within its — well, within its range.”

Fed Gov. Christopher Waller, in public remarks, has described the swollen ON RRP as a representation of excess liquidity in the financial system, arguing that counterparties place funds in it because they cannot put them to a higher and better use.

“Everyday firms are handing us over $2 trillion in liquidity they don’t need. They give us reserves, we give them securities. They don’t need the cash,” Waller said during an event hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations in January. “It sounds like you should be able to take $2 trillion out and nobody will miss it, because they’re already trying to give it back and get rid of it.”

But not all were quite so confident that the ON RRP would absorb the Fed’s balance sheet reductions. Tang said there have been concerns about bank reserves becoming scarce ever since the Fed began shrinking its balance sheet last fall, but those fears peaked this past spring, after the debt ceiling was lifted and Treasury was able to replenish its depleted general account. 

“If the Treasury is increasing its cash holdings, then other parts of the Fed’s balance sheet, other liabilities have to decline and there was a big worry that reserves could start declining very quickly,” Tang said. “The Treasury was going from $100 billion to $700 billion, so if that $600 billion came out of reserves, we could have been in trouble.”

Instead, the bulk of the liabilities have come out of the ON RRP, a result Tang attributes to money market funds moving their resources away from the facility to instead purchase newly issued Treasury bills.

The question now is whether that trend will continue and for how long. While Fed officials say the ON RRP facility can fall all the way to zero without adverse impacts on the financial sector, it is unclear whether it will actually reach that level without intervention from the Fed, such as a lowering of the program’s offering rate or lowering the counterparty cap below $160 billion. 

A New York Fed survey of primary dealers in July found that most expected use of the ON RRP to continue falling over the next year. The median estimate was that the facility would close the year at less than $1.6 trillion and continue falling to $1.1 trillion by the end of next year. 

Those same respondents also expect reserves to continue dwindling as well, with the median expectation being less than $2.9 trillion by year end and roughly $2.6 trillion by the end of this year. As of Aug. 31, there were just shy of $3.2 trillion reserves at the Fed. 

“The Fed’s view is that there are two types of entities with reserves, the banks that have more than enough and they don’t know what to do with, and the ones that are having some problems and need to pay up to attract deposits, which ultimately are reserves,” Redmond said. “When there are fluctuations in reserves, it’s hard to tell how much of that is shedding of excess reserves by banks that are flush with them, and how much is a sign that this is going to be a tougher funding environment for banks.”

Tuttle said a balance-sheet reduction strategy that relies on a shrinking ON RRP is not inherently risky, but he would like to hear more from the Fed about how it sees this playing out in the months ahead.

“We have gotten zero guidance on the drawdown of reverse repo,” he said. “Everything is just happening in the shadows.”

Source: nationalmortgagenews.com

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The Ivy League is made up of eight elite private colleges, all of which are based in the Northeast. Being accepted to an Ivy League college is something some students work toward all their lives — but there’s more to gaining admission to these schools than good grades and a long list of extracurriculars.

With admission rates now hovering in the 3.4% to 5% range, there’s a heightened sense of competition among top students in high schools across the country and around the world.

Read on to learn more about Ivy League colleges, including which schools are considered “Ivies,” the benefits of going to an Ivy League college, how much they cost, and ways to make your application stand out.

What Are the Different Ivy League Schools?

Named for their ivy-covered campuses, the eight private colleges that make up the Ivy League have many things in common. However, each school has its own unique reputation and characteristics that attract different kinds of students. Here’s a closer look at these top-ranked schools.
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Brown University

Located in Providence, Rhode Island, Brown is known for its humanities programs as well as its Warren Alpert Medical School. Its open curriculum allows for a relatively free-form educational model where students are encouraged to take classes they like without having to accumulate certain requirements. Brown also gives students the option of taking as many classes as they want on the basis of pass-fail.

Columbia University

Located in New York City, Columbia is one of the most diverse Ivy League schools with 46% of undergraduates identifying as students of color. It also has one of the highest percentages of international students at any Ivy League, with 13% of its student body coming from foreign countries. This cosmopolitan college is host to renowned business, journalism, and law schools, and requires students to adhere to its core curriculum, which focuses largely on liberal arts.

Cornell University

Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell is one of the largest Ivy League universities, occupying a sprawling campus in this scenic upstate town. Known for its agriculture and engineering schools, Cornell also has strong Greek life and a wide range of athletic programs.

Dartmouth College

Located in Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth is the most rural of the Ivies, drawing a student body interested in the outdoors and Greek life — around 60% of students participate in sororities or fraternities. Its somewhat smaller student body allows for more one-on-one attention in classes and a strong sense of community on campus.

Harvard University

Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard encourages students to take a wide range of courses through their general education requirements, which allows students to broaden their interests and take advantage of intellectual curiosities. The school has 12 residential houses that seek to foster a sense of community in an otherwise imposing setting.

The University of Pennsylvania

Located in Philadelphia, Penn is known for its four distinct undergraduate colleges, including the Wharton School of Business and the College of Arts and Science. Students have the option of taking part in Greek life, and are also encouraged to explore opportunities in the greater Philadelphia area, from internships to the wide array of cultural events available.

Princeton University

Located in Princeton, New Jersey, Princeton University offers either a liberal arts or engineering and applied science degree for undergraduate students, with both programs including general education requirements. Princeton is known for its international affairs and engineering programs, as well as their storied eating clubs, which serve as coed dining halls and social centers for students, and are comparable to non-residential fraternities or sororities.

Yale University

Located in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale University is known for its creative writing and arts programs, as well as a residential college program and an array of secret societies. It’s also home to a renowned graduate drama program and law school.

Recommended: Ultimate College Application Checklist

Benefits of Attending an Ivy League School

For those who get that coveted acceptance letter, the benefits can be worth the years of hard work it took to get in. From growing your network to gaining access to world-renowned resources and professors at the top of their field, attending an Ivy League school can set students on an accelerated path to intellectual and professional success.

Having an Ivy League school on your resume may open countless doors when it comes to applying for jobs, fellowships, or graduate programs and may provide a leg up when it comes to advancing your career.

The amount of funding available at Ivy League schools can also be a major draw. All Ivy League schools have need-blind admissions policies, meaning that admissions officers will not look at a student’s financial need when considering their application. They also have a promise to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need based on household income.

Brown, Columbia, Harvard, and Princeton take things one step further, packaging aid with no loans for each student. Ivy League schools also have incredible funding opportunities for research and travel for students, allowing them to broaden their interests and perspectives.

Recommended: Paying for College With No Money in Your Savings

The Cost of an Ivy League School and Options for Paying for Tuition

All of the Ivy League schools are private universities, which usually implies a hefty price for tuition. The average undergraduate tuition for an Ivy League school for the 2022-2023 school year was $59,961, plus room and board. But due to these universities’ impressive endowments, ranging from Brown’s $5.6 billion to Harvard’s staggering $53.2 billion, these schools are able to offer generous financial aid packages to prospective students.

While Ivy League schools do not offer merit-based or athletic scholarships, there are generally a wide variety of need-based scholarships awarded to students depending on their household income.

A student’s household income is equal to the combined gross income of all people occupying the household unit who are 15 years of age or older. Among Brown’s class of 2025, for example, 99% of students with household incomes below $60,000 received an average of $80,013 in annual financial assistance — nearly full rides, including room and board. For families making between $100,000 and $125,000, 98% of students received an average of $56,538 in annual need-based aid.

In addition to aid offered by Ivy League schools directly, students or their parents may choose private student loans to help ease the burden of paying college tuition and expenses.

Students will generally want to exhaust all ffederal student aid options (which include grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans) before considering private student loans. But if there is still a gap between federal student aid and the remaining cost of attendance, a private loan may be an option for some students.
💡 Quick Tip: It’s a good idea to understand the pros and cons of private student loans and federal student loans before committing to them.

GPA Requirements for Ivy League Schools

An impressive grade point average (GPA) is only one aspect of a student’s college application. However, to even be considered for admission to an Ivy League school, students may want to see if their own GPA falls within the average for admitted students. Among the Ivies that release statistics on accepted students’ GPAs, the average weighted GPA is about 4.0, meaning mostly As.

How to Make an Application More Competitive

In addition to a high GPA and impressive SAT and/or ACT scores, prospective students will need to prove themselves in other ways to gain admission to an Ivy League school.

Excelling in advanced courses, like honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes throughout high school may improve students’ chances of admissions, especially if students show a particular area of interest, like science or humanities.

While in the past, college admissions counselors would advise students to be “well-rounded” candidates, it’s now advisable to develop and demonstrate a passion for a particular subject area, which helps Ivies to build a more overall well-rounded student body.

Students can show their interests beyond academics by taking part in extracurricular activities. By engaging in activities early in high school and growing that interest over time, students show their commitment and enthusiasm for a particular area.

Strong interviews and letters of recommendation can also improve a student’s application, along with a strong personal essay. Ivy League admissions teams look for essays that highlight a student’s best qualities, perhaps expressed through a personal anecdote or description of a unique passion that displays a candidate’s distinctive character.

Hitting the “Submit” Button

Following the tips above may help improve a student’s Ivy League application, helping to gain admission to one or more of the most prestigious universities in the world. Of course, there are many schools that have the same academic rigor of an Ivy League, and it’s generally advisable to sprinkle in one or two “safety” schools for good measure.

But once a student has decided they want to apply to an Ivy League school, determined which is the right one for them, applied for financial aid, and completed their applications, it’s time to hit submit!

The Takeaway

If you’re hoping to attend an Ivy League college, you’ll want to consider each school’s admission rate, along with its particular academic program and financial aid statistics, to determine which is the right school to apply to.

However, it can be helpful to apply to a range of schools, both in terms of admission’s standards and tuition costs. This will give you options in case a school’s financial aid package isn’t as generous as you hoped.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.


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SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Source: sofi.com

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This ain’t your average rodeo.

With its vast landscapes and diverse cultures, Texas offers a tune for every soul seeking a place to call home. From the pulsing beats of its big cities to the mellow rhythms of its small towns, the Lone Star State has its own symphony of life. Dive in, and let’s explore the best places to live in Texas, where the horizon stretches as far as your dreams and where every corner sings its own unique song.

  • Population: 946,177
  • Average age: 33.7
  • Median household income: $78,965
  • Average commute time: 25.0 minutes
  • Walk score: 42
  • Studio average rent: $972
  • One-bedroom average rent: $1,677
  • Two-bedroom average rent: $1,939

Alright, alright, alright! Austin isn’t just the state capital; it’s the live music capital that’s a bubbling cauldron of culture, nature and rhythm. Located along the Colorado River in Central Texas, this vibrant Texas city boasts an appealing mix of live music, authentic Tex-Mex and rolling hills that’ll have you believing you’re in a perpetual state of golden hour. With Barton Springs to take a cool dip and trails that’ll lead you on a whimsical journey through Mother Nature’s finest, Austin is a testament to how humans and the environment can jam together harmoniously.

When it comes to making a living, compared to other Texas cities, Austin sets the pace. It has a thriving tech scene, making it one of the best places to live in Texas for job-seekers, innovators and dreamers alike. The University of Texas plants its roots deep in the heart of the city, nurturing minds and setting the pace for a bright future.

And that sense of community? It’s tighter than a snare drum, with folks who’ll greet you with that down-to-earth southern charm and a genuine “howdy.” So, if you’re looking for a slice of Texan paradise that’s got the soul of a poet and the energy of a rock star, you might just wanna mosey on down to Austin.

  • Population: 288,253
  • Average age: 38.9
  • Median household income: $99,729
  • Average commute time: 26.8 minutes
  • Walk score: 41
  • Studio average rent: $1,319
  • One-bedroom average rent: $1,592
  • Two-bedroom average rent: $2,142

Tucked away just north of the major center of Dallas, Plano is like that smooth, steady rhythm in a country ballad. It’s one of the many Texas cities where tradition melds with the contemporary, creating a melody of life that’s hard to resist. With sprawling parks stretching their green fingers across the cityscape and serene lakes offering a peaceful retreat, Plano’s natural beauty is a testament to the Lone Star State’s charm.

If we’re talking job opportunities, Plano’s jam-packed. Often hailed as one of the best places to live in Texas, this city has become a magnet for business, and why not? With a thriving job market, affordable housing and top-notch schools, the city’s got its finger on the pulse of prosperity. Immerse yourself into the community and you’ll feel that genuine Texan spirit, where neighbors quickly become family and every gathering feels like a backyard BBQ.

  • Population: 114,532
  • Average age: 40.1
  • Median household income: $130,000
  • Average commute time: 29 minutes
  • Walk score: 18
  • One-bedroom average rent: $1,160
  • Two-bedroom average rent: $1,621

Hidden among towering pines and gentle oaks, The Woodlands is like that quiet refrain in a song that captures your heart and soul. A master-planned community that’s designed to be in harmony with its environment, this place boasts winding pathways, serene waterways and pristine pockets of wilderness that’d make you think you’re in a Texas fairytale. It’s a dance between nature and civilization, where the pace of life finds that sweet spot between laid-back and lively.

Look beyond those tranquil trails and you’ll find a bustling hub of opportunity. The Woodlands is not just one of the best places to live in Texas; among the best cities, it’s also a hotspot for enterprises and a cradle for education. Here, businesses grow like wildflowers after a spring rain and schools sculpt the next generation with expertise and zeal.

  • Population: 2.288 million
  • Average age: 33.3
  • Median household income: $53,600
  • Average commute time: 26.1 minutes
  • Walk score: 47
  • Studio average rent: $1,230
  • One-bedroom average rent: $1,232
  • Two-bedroom average rent: $1,582

Houston is like that soulful guitar solo that starts slow but then takes you on a wild, foot-tapping ride. To put it simply, Houston is one of the cherished Texas cities with depth, energy and a whole lot of heart. As one of the largest cities in the U.S., the Houston population is sizable.

The sprawling Houston metro area weaves together a truly unique collection of cultures, flavors and sounds. Bayous snake their way through the city, offering pockets of green amid the urban bustle, while the scent of Tex-Mex and barbecue fills the air, making taste buds dance from dawn till dusk.

If you’re looking to put down roots in one of the best places to live in Texas, Houston’s got more than a few cards up its sleeve. With booming sectors from energy to aerospace, the job market here is as hot as a Texas summer. Pair that with some top-tier universities and schools, and it’s easy to see that Houston is invested in the future. Oh, and the community vibe? It’s like a big family reunion, accepting, full of life and always up for a good time.

  • Population: 1.288 million
  • Average age: 32.9
  • Median household income: $62,633
  • Average commute time: 25.7 minutes
  • Walk score: 46
  • Studio average rent: $1,472
  • One-bedroom average rent: $1,404
  • Two-bedroom average rent: $2,010

Dallas is like that infectious chorus you can’t help but hum along to, it has a clear style and an undeniable swagger. As the heart of North Texas, Big D pulsates with a certain energy, from the glitz of its downtown skyscrapers to the soulful hum of Deep Ellum’s blues.

But it ain’t all concrete and steel; the Trinity River winds its way through the historic downtown area, offering residents a slice of nature’s bounty right in their backyard. The Dallas Fort Worth area, with its unique blend of cosmopolitan sheen and Southern soul, confidently stakes its claim among the best places to live in Texas.

But what’s a song without its verses? Dallas belts out opportunities like a star on the rise. Downtown Dallas is a hub for commerce, tech and finance, Dallas draws dreamers and doers and offers them a stage to shine. Education takes the spotlight too, with institutions that nurture and challenge young minds, preparing them for the grand show of life. Look further into the neighborhoods in Dallas, and you’ll discover a community spirit that’s warm, welcoming, and as hearty as a Texas steak.

  • Population: 1.452 million
  • Average age: 33.8
  • Median household income: $55,084
  • Average commute time: 24.6 minutes
  • Walk score: 37
  • Studio average rent: $975
  • One-bedroom average rent: $1,142
  • Two-bedroom average rent: $1,416

San Antonio feels like the slow, mesmerizing strum of a steel guitar. Situated in Southern Texas, it’s a Texas city where history, culture and contemporary ideas converge in a harmonious melody. Settled along the banks of its namesake river, this city tells tales of battles past, while mariachi tunes float through the air, whispering stories of heritage and passion.

But San Antonio isn’t just about the past; it’s got an eye on the horizon. With an economy as spicy and varied as its famed Tex-Mex cuisine, opportunities sizzle in industries ranging from healthcare to tourism and beyond. The city’s schools and colleges stand tall, committed to churning out the leaders of tomorrow. For souls seeking a city that blends tradition with tomorrow, San Antonio just might hit the right note.

  • Population: 935,508
  • Average age: 33
  • Median household income: $67,927
  • Average commute time: 27.9 minutes
  • Walk score: 35
  • Studio average rent: $1,177
  • One-bedroom average rent: $1,412
  • Two-bedroom average rent: $1,782

Fort Worth has the charm of the classics with a touch of the modern beat. Dubbed ‘Cowtown’ due to its deep-rooted cowboy heritage, this city showcases rodeos and honky-tonks, making you tip your hat to the Texas of yesteryear. But amid the echoes of boot heels on wooden floors, there’s an urban sophistication that unfurls, with art museums and jazz bars painting a diverse canvas. The blend of the rustic and the refined makes Fort Worth stand out among the best places to live in Texas.

But let’s not stop at the surface. Look closer, and Fort Worth reveals a thriving economic landscape. From aviation to healthcare, this city’s opportunities soar as high as the Texas sky. With educational institutions fostering the spirit of inquiry and innovation, it’s a city where dreams are not just dreamt but crafted with purpose.

  • Population: 116,382
  • Average age: 35.1
  • Median household income: $85,350
  • Average commute time: 24.7 minutes
  • Walk score: 44
  • Studio average rent: $2,002
  • One-bedroom average rent: $1,671
  • Two-bedroom average rent: $2,125

Richardson is like that deep, soulful bass line underpinning a groovy track. It’s steady, foundational and undeniably cool. Just a stone’s throw from the bustle of Dallas, this city shines with a charm all its own, threaded with green belts and parks where nature whispers tales of timeless beauty. The serenity of Spring Creek and Cottonwood Park, coupled with the urban buzz, sets Richardson apart, making it easily one of the best places to live in Texas.

Dubbed the ‘Telecom Corridor’, Richardson isn’t just about leisure. It’s a hotspot for tech giants and startups alike, providing a dance floor where innovation takes the lead. Education here is top-tier, with the University of Texas at Dallas shaping bright minds and lighting the path forward.

  • Population: 11,072
  • Average age: 47.1
  • Median household income: $54,771
  • Average commute time: 20.7 minutes
  • Average rent: $1,250

Fredericksburg feels like that soft strum of a six-string on a porch as the sun sets. Fredericksburg is intimate, soulful and undeniably Texan. Tucked away in the heart of Hill Country, this affordable place blends German heritage with Lone Star spirit. With vineyards rolling out like nature’s own red carpet and historic architecture telling tales of yesteryears, Fredericksburg offers a retreat that’s both serene and spirited. Its quaint charm and pastoral beauty make its small-town charm resonate harmoniously among the best places to live in Texas.

Yet, beyond the initial allure of its winding trails and the melodies of its festivals and outdoor activities, Fredericksburg pulses with opportunity. Its growing tourism and thriving local businesses craft a strong culture where tradition meets enterprise. The town’s schools, with their commitment to nurturing roots while reaching for the stars, play a harmonious tune for the future of this steadily growing small town on the rise.

  • Population: 109,373
  • Average age: 41.5
  • Median household income: $123,261
  • Average commute time: 31.1 minutes
  • Walk score: 28
  • Studio average rent: $1,007
  • One-bedroom average rent: $2,693
  • Two-bedroom average rent: $1,665

Think of Sugar Land as that slow, sultry saxophone solo that fills a room with its rich, captivating tones. Nestled just southwest of Houston, this gem of a city sparkles like its name suggests, blending suburban serenity with an urban edge. Majestic oaks shade manicured streets, while shimmering lakes reflect the powerful Texas sun. Nature takes center stage, from the serenity of Brazos River Park to the chirping melodies of Oyster Creek. It’s no wonder Sugar Land strikes a chord among the best cities to live in Texas.

But don’t be fooled by its sweet facade; Sugar Land’s got rhythm and drive compared to bigger cities. The city has a bustling business sector, anchored by strong healthcare and energy industries, offering new residents a tune of prosperity that many are drawn to dance to. Schools here compose symphonies of success for the younger generation, making this an ideal spot for everyone from young professionals to established families to call home.

Settle down in one of Texas’ top spots

In Texas, there’s a city for everyone, be it under the bright city lights or the serene country stars. Finding the best places to live in Texas is like finding the perfect rhythm for one’s heart — it’s a journey of soul, spirit and endless possibilities.

You’re never alone in your search for the perfect place in the Lone Star State, so, when the dust settles and the music fades, remember: in Texas, home isn’t just a city; it’s a feeling. And the best place to fund that feeling is right here.

Rent prices are based on an average from Rent.’s multifamily rental property inventory as of June 2023.
Other demographic data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.

Source: rent.com

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South Dakota is home to vast and varied landscapes like the stunning Badlands National Park and the towering Black Hills, alongside quaint and historic cities like Sturgis and Deadwood. With its outdoor activities and Old West heritage, South Dakota has many reasons that make it a great place to live. If you’ve been considering moving to South Dakota or buying a home in the state, you also probably have a budget you’d like to stay under as you look for a place to live. When it comes to buying a home in South Dakota the median home sale price is $375,000. 

Don’t worry if that number doesn’t fit in your budget – we’ve got options to help you find a home or apartment that does. Redfin has rounded up a list of the 5 of the most affordable places to live in South Dakota, and they all have a median home sale price under the state’s average. Let’s jump in and see what cities are on the list.

#1: Aberdeen

Median home price: $218,950 
Average sale price per square foot: $104 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $845 
Median household income: $58,439 
Nearest major metro: Fargo, ND (195 miles)
Aberdeen, SD homes for sale
Aberdeen, SD apartments for rent

With a median home sale price of $218,950, Aberdeen claims the first spot on our list of affordable places to live in South Dakota. About 28,600 people live in this city and it’s roughly 195 miles from the nearest metropolitan city, Fargo, ND. If you’re considering moving to this area make sure to explore Wylie Park where you’ll find Wylie Lake, a campground, and Storybook Land, or check out downtown Aberdeen.

#2: Brookings

Median home price: $265,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $163 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $965 
Median household income: $54,676 
Nearest major metro: Sioux Falls (57 miles)
Brookings, SD homes for sale
Brookings, SD apartments for rent

Taking the second spot on our list of affordable cities to live in South Dakota is Brookings, about an hour drive north of Sioux Falls. When living in this city of 24,500 people, you can check out green spaces like Dakota Nature Park, Sexauer Park & Campground, and McCrory Gardens, explore the South Dakota Art Museum, and visit the downtown area.

#3: Rapid City

Median home price: $300,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $200 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,230 
Median household income: $58,072 
Nearest major metro: Denver, CO (350 miles)
Rapid City, SD homes for sale
Rapid City, SD apartments for rent

Third is Rapid City where about 75,400 residents currently live. The median home sale price is $300,000 which is about $75K less than the median home sale price in South Dakota. If you find yourself moving to the third most affordable city in South Dakota, make sure to enjoy time outside exploring the Black Hills Caverns, or hiking, mountain biking, and taking in the scenery at Skyline Wilderness Area Park. You can also visit museums and sites like The Journey Museum & Learning Center, the Berlin Wall display, and the Museum of Geology. 

#4: Watertown

Median home price: $310,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $141 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $630 
Median household income: $54,676 
Nearest major metro: Fargo, ND (150 miles)
Watertown, SD homes for sale
Watertown, SD apartments for rent

A little more expensive than Rapid City is Watertown, the next city on our list. With a population close to 22,200, there’s still plenty to do in this city. Plan to check out Sandy Shore State Recreation Area along the shores of Lake Kampeska, visit Bramble Park Zoo, and explore the local shops and restaurants downtown.

#5: Sioux Falls

Median home price: $325,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $182 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,017 
Median household income: $54,676 
Nearest major metro: Minneapolis, MN (270 miles)
Sioux Falls, SD homes for sale
Sioux Falls, SD apartments for rent

Consider adding Sioux Falls to your list of cities to consider living in if you’re looking for an affordable place to move to in South Dakota. With 181,900 residents, moving to this affordable city gives you the perks of city-life while still living close to nature. In Sioux Falls, you can visit Falls Park to see the waterfalls, check out the butterflies and animals at Butterfly House & Aquarium, and explore museums like the Old Courthouse Museum.

Methodology: All cities must have over 50,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in South Dakota. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during August 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com August 2023. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.

Source: redfin.com

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L.A. is an entertainment hub (obviously), but it’s not just movies you get to see here. There’s plenty of live entertainment, including ballets, concerts and plays. Los Angeles is also a culturally diverse city with people streaming in from around the world. Food, art, entertainment and festivals celebrate the city’s rich diversity.

While many people think that moving to California in general — let alone a big city like Los Angeles — is out of their budget, we beg to differ. We’ve gone on the hunt and found some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Los Angeles that offer spectacular amenities while staying within budget.

What is the average rent in Los Angeles?

In 2021, Los Angeles rated No. 77 on a list of the most expensive cities in the world. How does it compare to other cities in the U.S.? According to the Los Angeles Almanac, L.A. is the 16th most expensive city in the country. That said, it’s still cheaper than other California cities (San Francisco, Irvine, Santa Barbara and Oakland) and approximately 25 percent more affordable than the most expensive city in the United States, Honolulu.

How does that translate to rental fees? The average cost of rent in L.A. is $3,910 for a two-bedroom apartment. New and existing renters in the city love it because rental prices are down by 13.37 percent over the past 12 months.

The 10 most affordable neighborhoods in Los Angeles

Are you ready to make the move to L.A.? If so, we have some suggested neighborhoods for you. The following communities are some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, perfect if you’re on a tight budget or just starting out.

10. Hancock Park

  • Average 2-BR rent: $2,950
  • Rent change since 2021: -16.06 percent

Though Hancock Park isn’t the cheapest of Los Angeles neighborhoods, it’s one of the few communities to decrease over the past 12 months. In fact, of the 53 Los Angeles neighborhoods we evaluated, Hancock Park had the third-highest decrease in 2021.

Apartments for rent in Hancock Park are upscale and perfect for families looking for a centrally-located residential community that’s closer to Downtown L.A. than Beverly Hills or Brentwood.

The neighborhood is one of L.A.’s most prominent. Initially, developers created the community to house celebrities and movie studio executives. Therefore, many homes in the area are expansive with large yards.

Gorgeous, mature palm trees line the street, and you can see the Hollywood sign from your window.

Commutes range from 20-60 minutes by car, though by public transit, they can take up to 80-90 minutes, depending on traffic.

9. Westlake North

Source: Rent./The Visconti
  • Average 2-BR rent: $2,931
  • Rent change since 2021: -0.16 percent

Another one of the few neighborhoods on our list to have an actual price decrease over the past 12 months is Westlake North. Because it’s one of the cheapest places to live in Los Angeles, it’s a haven for artists and young families. Residents get the best of both worlds here in that they’re close to Downtown L.A., but they get to live here at a much cheaper rate.

The Westland North neighborhood is one of the first residential areas in Los Angeles, rivaling Manhattan’s Upper East Side as an area of affluence.

Residents and visitors who love art, history and excellent food gravitate to Westlake North because of its fantastic eateries and hot entertainment spots. You’ll also find many historic landmarks, including Lafayette Park, MacArthur Park, Temple-Beaudry and Filipinotown. The neighborhood is going through a revitalization process, with artists from the greater Los Angeles area converting abandoned rail tunnels into public murals.

8. Chinatown

  • Average 2-BR rent: $2,895
  • Rent change since 2021: +7.81 percent

If you want to live in a neighborhood rich in history and tradition but has a cool, modern vibe, look for apartments to rent in Chinatown. The area has traditional pagodas, as well as contemporary art galleries. Residents in the area can range from multiple generations of Chinese families to hipsters looking for apartments in the cheapest neighborhoods in Los Angeles.

Chinatown is home to the most famous restaurants in L.A., including The Original Philippe and The Little Jewel of New Orleans, famous for French Dip sandwiches and delectable Cajun food.

Bordering Chinatown is Echo Park and Downtown L.A., and most commutes average five to 20 minutes depending on your mode of transportation.

There are several public schools in the area, and parents of Chinatown give the schools above-average ratings.

7. North Valley

  • Average 2-BR rent: $2,878
  • Rent change since 2021: +1.52 percent

While most of the neighborhoods on our list had significant increases in rental fees in 2021, North Valley had the lowest increase overall, making it one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Los Angeles.

North Valley is in the northern part of the San Fernando Valley, and residents often call it the Deep Valley. This neighborhood is home to the second-largest park in L.A., O’Melveny Park, which you’ll find off Balboa Boulevard. The park is beautiful, lush and clean with picnic tables, restrooms and paved paths. A steep, six-mile loop trail in the park will provide you with a great workout!

The neighborhood is ideal for retirees and families, with plenty of activities for all, including a trampoline park for the kids and a golf course for the grownups.

6. Northridge

  • Average 2-BR rent: $2,728
  • Rent change since 2021: +15.39 percent

Despite being one of the cheapest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, residents often refer to Northridge as the jewel of San Fernando Valley. Though 60,000 people call it home, Northridge is still one of the least populated neighborhoods in L.A.

Check on any community ranking site, and you’ll find that Northridge always receives an A or A+ rating. Residents love living here because of the gorgeous weather, as well as the fantastic shopping. The Northridge Fashion Center is the largest mall in the area, and it will meet just about all your needs — if not more!

Another reason this neighborhood ranks so high is because of the housing. Apartments for rent in Northridge are affordable, well-kept, safe, modern and have attractive architectural features.

5. Northridge East

  • Average 2-BR rent: $2,591
  • Rent change since 2021: +9.42 percent

If you’re a student of California State University – Northridge, you’ll probably want to start looking for apartments for rent in Northridge East. Not only is the university located right in the middle of this area, but Northridge East is also one of the cheapest neighborhoods in L.A. That’s a win-win for college students because living near the school will help you save time and money.

Also nearby is Aliso Canyon Park, a (mostly) undeveloped space with rugged trails for hiking and horseback riding. They also have bike paths. Spending time here is a great way to get some exercise, spend time in the great outdoors (which is excellent for your health!) and get some peace and quiet from city living.

The Northridge East Neighborhood Council is also very active and helps improve the community’s business climate and quality of life.

4. Park La Brea

  • Average 2-BR rent: $2,533
  • Rent change since 2021: +3.13 percent

You might think that moving to one of the cheapest places to live in Los Angeles would mean you have to compromise on things like luxury amenities. Actually, that’s not the case, especially if you move to the Park La Brea neighborhood. This stunning community consists of an interesting mix of modern high-rise apartments, townhouses and garden cottages.

The Park La Brea neighborhood is in the heart of L.A., just adjacent to West Hollywood – a place you might never guess would have some of the most affordable apartments in the city. But it does, and the amenities provided in this facility are truly impressive. Of course, that’s in addition to some of the most drop-dead gorgeous views in the city.

The community does its best to stay up-to-date with upscale and urban chic amenities, including a saltwater pool. There’s also a four-acre park nearby, as well as garden cafés.

3. Victor Heights

Source: Rent./Victor Heights
  • Average 2-BR rent: $2,507
  • Rent change since 2021: +11.42 percent

Another hidden gem that’s one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Los Angeles is Victor Heights, located southeast of Echo Park. The neighborhood is on a sloping hill with a fantastic view of the L.A. skyline.

Victor Heights is a diverse neighborhood with European, Asian and Latino immigrants. Millennials, young professionals and hipsters have taken to the area in recent years, giving it a quirky mix of style and culture.

Speaking of quirky, it’s not unusual to find wild peafowl and feral parrots wandering Victor Heights, adding a tropical twist to the inner city.

2. Greater Valley Glen

Source: Rent./Cedar Glen
  • Average 2-BR rent: $2,507
  • Rent change since 2021: +8.41 percent

Greater Valley Glen is a modest, suburban community with an urban twist. It’s a lovely neighborhood for families with most public schools earning higher than average and even excellent ratings from parents.

Long-time residents say they’ve seen a lot of positive outcomes since the neighborhood changed its name from Van Nuys to Valley Glen. Positive changes include better school ratings, cleaner parks with new equipment and well-maintained homes and businesses.

The sense of community is very strong in Valley Glen, and the neighborhood association sets up social events like movie nights, concerts and barbecues. They also host community clean-up gatherings, as well.

1. Crenshaw

Source: Rent./Residence at Woodlake
  • Average 2-BR rent: $2,252
  • Rent change since 2021: +1.27 percent

Beautiful, trendy and calm are words often used to describe the Crenshaw neighborhood, the cheapest neighborhood in Los Angeles. The average commute into the city is around 35 minutes. Over 80 percent of residents are renters, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from when searching for an apartment for rent in Crenshaw.

Residents say the neighborhood is quiet because it consists of single people and couples, and not many kids live in the area.

The walkability, bike and transit scores all hover around the 54 mark, meaning that most residents need a car to get around.

The most expensive neighborhood in Los Angeles

If you want to look for an apartment for rent in the most expensive neighborhood in Los Angeles, look no further than Gallery Row, where an apartment averages $6,661 per month. Prices are going up in the area, too. The neighborhood experienced a 10.48 percent increase in rental costs in the past year.

The Gallery Row neighborhood is an art and cultural district in Downtown L.A. You’ll find over 50 museums and art galleries in the community, as well as numerous bars and trendy restaurants.

Interestingly, this community borders Skid Row, a neighborhood with dilapidated streets and rundown buildings. The Gallery Row neighborhood shows what people can achieve when they work together to create urban growth and cultural revitalization.

Find an affordable neighborhood for your next apartment

Did any of the cheapest neighborhoods in Los Angeles sound like a good fit for your budget and personality? If so, it’s now time to take the next step. Check our listings for apartments for rent in Los Angeles that fit all your needs!

Rent prices are based on a rolling weighted average from Rent.’s multifamily rental property inventory as of January 2022. Our team uses a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets. The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.

Source: rent.com

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“The Last Frontier,” Alaska, is defined by its unparalleled natural beauty. From the Denali National Park, and colorful Northern Lights, to Glacier Bay National Park and outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing create a one-of-a-kind state. If you’ve been considering moving to Alaska or are hoping to buy your first home there, you also probably have a budget you’d like to stay under as you look for a place to live. As of August, the median home sale price in Alaska is $382,700. 

If that price is out of your budget, don’t worry. We’ve got options to help you find a home. Redfin has collected a list of the 4 most affordable places to live in Alaska. And they all have a median home sale price under $382,700. From Kodiak to Fairbanks, read on to see what cities you may want to consider moving to.

#1: Kodiak

Median home price: $170,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $265 
Median household income: $67,391 
Nearest major metro: Anchorage (415 miles)
Kodiak, AK homes for sale
Kodiak, AK apartments for rent

With a median home sale price of $170,000, Kodiak takes the number one spot on our list of affordable places to live in Alaska. It’s the main city on Kodiak Island which has six other small communities. About 5,900 people live in Kodiak and is roughly 415 miles from the nearest metropolitan city, Anchorage. Living in Kodiak, you can hike the South End Trail, explore the Kodiak History Museum and the Alutiiq Museum, take the ferry to Port Lions, and check out Fort Abercrombie State Historic Park.

#2: Nikiski

Median home price: $285,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $199 
Nearest major metro: Anchorage (170 miles)
Nikiski, AK homes for sale
Nikiski, AK apartments for rent

Coming in as the second most affordable city to live in Alaska is Nikiski, located on the Kenai Peninsula. It’s about 170 miles southwest of Anchorage, the nearest major city. When living in this town of 4,500 people, you can explore the East Foreland Lighthouse Reserve, take in the views of Cook Inlet at Captain Cook State Recreation Area, and picnic at Stormy Lake.

#3: Fairbanks

Median home price: $299,900 
Average sale price per square foot: $143 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,350 
Median household income: $66,572 
Fairbanks, AK homes for sale
Fairbanks, AK apartments for rent

Next is the city of Fairbanks, which has about 31,500 residents and is the second largest city in Alaska. The median home sale price is $299,900 which is about $80K less than the median home sale price in the state. If you find yourself moving to the third most affordable place in Alaska, explore downtown Fairbanks where you’ll find restaurants and museums like Fairbanks Ice Museum, check out Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary, and spend the day at Pioneer Park. 

#4: Kenai

Median home price: $306,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $176 
Nearest major metro: Anchorage (160 miles)
Kenai, AK homes for sale
Kenai, AK apartments for rent

A little more expensive than Fairbanks is the city of Kenai, also located on the Kenai Peninsula just south of Nikiski. About 7,800 people live in Kenai, where there are plenty of unique activities to do. Be sure to take in the scenery at Kenai Beach, hike Meek’s Trail, explore the quaint downtown, or take a trip to the nearby Kenai Fjords National Park.

Methodology: All cities must have over 4,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in Alaska. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during August 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com August 2023. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.

Source: redfin.com

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The latest buzzword on the street is “shutdown,” and apart from being buzzworthy, it’s actually very real. National parks are closed and hundreds of thousands of government workers have been told to stay at home.

Fortunately, active military continues to serve and air traffic controllers, prison guards, and border patrol agents remain on the job.

But how does the shutdown affect the mortgage industry? Well, it depends on the type of loan involved, though just about everything will be impacted to some degree.

FHA Loans

The most popular government loans are insured by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), which operates under the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

HUD noted that it has 8,709 employees “on board as of pay period ending September 7, 2013.”

In the event of a shutdown, limited staff will remain on hand to handle certain business activities, including FHA loan processing.

Take a look at the chart above to see how few employees would be working during a shutdown…not very many.

In other words, while FHA loans will still continue be processed, there will definitely be delays.

Fortunately, FHA lending has become a lot less popular due to higher premiums, which should offset some of the carnage.

Also note that Ginnie Mae, which guarantees mortgage-backed securities (MBS) backed by federally insured or guaranteed loans, will see its staff slashed, though it said it will “continue to perform its critical and essential functions.”

VA Loans

Despite the U.S Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) being very much a government agency, it will continue to operate many of its operations, including its core medical facilities and home loan processing.

So borrowers looking to obtain a VA loan should expect business as usual, barring any delays that result from the overall shutdown.

If you’re attempting to get a VA loan, patience should probably be exercised as precautionary measure.

USDA Loans

The USDA, while seemingly an agency dedicated to agriculture, also operates a popular zero down home loan program reserved for rural locations.

As a result of the shutdown, the entire USDA website is currently down. Well, there’s a nice little message about the shutdown, but you can’t access any key information.

Additionally, the USDA Rural Development Guaranteed Housing Loan Program appears to be on hold during the shutdown.  In other words, nothing is doing at the USDA until politicians learn to get along.

However, the USDA will continue to handle existing customers funds, such as processing escrow accounts to avoid tax penalties.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

While Fannie and Freddie aren’t technically government entities, despite being in government conservatorship (don’t ask), these conventional loans are also being impacted by the shutdown.

First off, government workers whose employment is directly affected by the shutdown could run into snags during the loan underwriting process, seeing that lenders need to verify employment in order to sell their loans to Fannie and Freddie.

As a result, Fannie Mae released guidance on a few workarounds, advising lenders that they can obtain verification of employment (VOE) after the loan closes, but before it is sold.  This is actually already permitted, so perhaps just a reminder.

The pair also require lenders to complete requests for borrower tax returns (IRS) and social security numbers, both of which will be difficult to obtain in light of the government shutdown.

Fannie is revising its policies temporarily to allow lenders to obtain the transcripts and complete validation after loan closing, but before loan delivery.  In other words, buying some time.

So the hope is that lenders who sell their loans off to Fannie and Freddie will continue to underwrite and process loans on the basis that the shutdown won’t last long enough for them to be stuck with the loans.

Additionally, loan servicers have been advised to waive late payment fees if the borrower’s mortgage payment is late because of a government furlough.

Servicers are also being encouraged to offer Unemployment Forbearance to employees affected by the shutdown, assuming they’re unable to make housing payments.

For the record, even non-conforming loans and jumbo loans will be affected by the shutdown, seeing that lenders may still need to call on government agencies for certain information, so no loans are entirely exempt.

At the end of the day, patience is the name of the game here. Ideally, the shutdown won’t last too long and none of this will matter.  But in the meantime, expect delays if you’re attempting to get a mortgage.  And pray mortgage rates don’t spike in the process.

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

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If you are gearing up to go to college, you are likely focused on maintaining a good GPA and prepping for the SAT or ACT. However, those aren’t the only factors that will get you into your dream school. Getting involved in extracurriculars in high school is often just as important as academics.

One type of extracurricular that you may want to consider is joining a club. High schools usually have a variety of clubs available for students to join. Joining a club comes with many benefits and can also make your high school experience more fun and memorable. Read on to learn more about why clubs are important and how to get involved.

Benefits of Joining a Club

The list of things-to-do while in high school can seem pretty overwhelming at times, especially when you add college preparation to the mix. There are classes to stay on top of, events and parties to attend, and soon enough college applications roll around. Balancing coursework and a social life can be a struggle, but one way to combine social life with college preparation is by joining a club.

There are a lot of benefits to joining a high school club. Many colleges like to see that applicants are well-rounded, so academic success isn’t the only way to stand out among other applicants. Clubs provide colleges with insight into what a student’s interests and passions are. In addition, they help students develop time management skills and responsibility.

Learning to balance work and fun while in high school can help make it easier to maintain that balance after entering college.

Joining a club in high school can also provide an opportunity for students to relax and have some fun. Having fun is a vital piece of creating a memorable high school experience and it can help students perform better in class.

Not only is the social time enjoyable for some students, but participation in clubs can also help students develop their “soft” skills, such as effective communication and learning to work with others.

In addition to making friends, being in a club gives students the opportunity to bond with their faculty advisor, who is usually a teacher. Building a relationship with teachers during high school is important for getting quality letters of recommendation to add to those college applications.

💡 Quick Tip: Fund your education with a low-rate, no-fee SoFi private student loan that covers all school-certified costs.

Common High School Clubs

The list of high school clubs that are available at each school will differ. Generally, a school will have a variety of clubs available. These can range from clubs that are academic, like a foreign language club, to clubs that are artistic, like a creative writing club, or something that’s related to a student’s hobbies, like a video games club.

Usually, high schools will also have clubs that participate in some kind of volunteer work or community service. These can be clubs that do work in the community hospitals, in meal programs for the homeless or elderly, and much more.

Some clubs are high tech, like the robotics club, and some are more old-school, like the chess club. Schools will usually have a lot of variety in the types of clubs that exist, and there may be some clubs that are unique to just your school. Since students can often start their own clubs, there isn’t one set list of clubs that will exist at every school.

Recommended: How to Get Involved on Campus in College

Starting a Club

If students don’t like the selection of clubs available at their school (why doesn’t every school have a waffle club?) then they are generally able to start their own. Starting a new club has a lot of benefits for the students who choose to put in the work to get one up and running.

There is no list of “correct” clubs to start in high school, most colleges value students who show commitment to something they care about. It’s about the quality of the activities they spend time in, not the quantity.

Seeing that a student has started a new club will show college admissions that the student has developed leadership and organizational abilities. Starting a club shows initiative, and sometimes, students who start clubs will end up in one of the leadership positions, like President, Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer.

Each school will have its own process for starting a club, but there are a few steps that will be the same everywhere. The first step is, of course, figuring out what the club is about. Is it going to focus on community service, something academic? Will it be focused more on fun and entertainment?

After a topic for the club is chosen, students should figure out what the purpose and goals of the club are. If the club is about chess, will students be learning how to play? Will club members be entering tournaments together? Figuring out the purpose of the club and what its goals are before members join will help limit confusion and manage everyone’s expectations.

At most schools, the club will have to get registered after its name and purpose are defined by founding members. Registering the club makes it official and once this step is complete students can actually begin enjoying their club.

What’s next? Gaining new members and planning the first club meeting. Once the club is official and ready to start, it’s time to focus on recruitment and preparing for the first meeting.

Students should choose a date, time, and location for the first meeting before recruiting, that way they have information to give interested students on when activities will be beginning.

Before the meeting, club members should know what they plan on discussing with the new recruits and how long they want the meeting to last. Usually, the first meeting is a good time to go over the club’s purpose and goals and to get contact information from the new members.

Sometime in the first few meetings, it may be a good idea to assign leadership roles for the club. These usually include President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The way these roles function can differ from club to club, but their usual responsibilities are as follows:

•   The President will lead the club and supervise meetings and activities.
•   The Vice President assists the President and takes over their roles whenever the Present isn’t available.
•   The Secretary takes notes during meetings and helps keep all members up to date on the club’s plans.
•   The Treasurer will manage the club’s budget and keep track of expenses.

Assigning leadership roles will help keep the club running smoothly and make it easier for the club to meet its goals.

💡 Quick Tip: It’s a good idea to understand the pros and cons of private student loans and federal student loans before committing to them.

Planning Ahead for College

It’s really never too soon to start planning, as well as saving, for college. The process of researching schools and then applying can be time-consuming, so the earlier students begin their research, the less last-minute cramming they’ll have to do.

A vital piece of planning for college is figuring out how to finance college. Most schools come with a pretty large price tag, but there are a variety of ways that students can help fund their college tuition.

To apply for federal financial aid, students will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will allow you to find out if you are eligible for different forms of financial aid, including grants, scholarship, federal student loans, and work-study. Grants and scholarships usually do not need to be repaid, whereas loans do need to be repaid.

It’s recommended that students exhaust their federal aid options before looking into private student loans. Federal loans come with certain benefits that private loans do not.

If students are not eligible for federal aid, or the financial aid they receive is not enough to meet their needs, there are other options, such as private scholarships and private student loans.

Scholarships are widely available and the eligibility criteria varies for each one. Some scholarships are need-based, while others are merit-based. Scholarships are available through schools, local communities, and corporations.

Taking out private student loans is another option for helping to fund a college education. These loans are available through private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms vary, depending on the lender. Generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.


SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Source: sofi.com

Apache is functioning normally

Preparing to go to college starts long before your senior year in high school. In fact, soon after starting your freshman year in high school, you may want to begin thinking about what you can do to put your best foot forward on your college applications.

With the right college preparedness plan, choosing where to apply, filling out your applications, and (yes) getting in to your top choices can be significantly easier. Here’s a smart 10-step plan that can help ensure you are ready for college when the time comes.

Ways to Get Prepared for College

1. Take the Required Courses

It’s a good idea to consult with your high school guidance counselor about what classes you should take for college preparation. Generally, high school students will take courses like English (American and English literature), Math (Algebra I and II, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus), Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science), Social Studies (U.S. History, U.S. Government, World History, and Geography), a Foreign Language, and the Arts.
💡 Quick Tip: You’ll make no payments on some private student loans for six months after graduation.

2. Enroll in AP, IB, and College Courses

Your high school may offer you the opportunity to take Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes, which are college-level and will allow you to earn college credit. Then, you can skip these courses when you get to college and ensure you have a head start. Both require that you take exams, and you can send your scores into colleges. Keep in mind that IB classes would be more useful if you plan on going to college outside the U.S., since only U.S.-based schools recognize AP coursework.

3. Do Test Prep

A key step in preparing for college is studying for the SAT or ACT. Taking one of these tests is required for many college applications in the U.S. You can study by forming study groups with friends, taking the PSATs/pre-ACTs and practice tests, getting an SAT/ACT tutor, and enrolling in SAT/ACT practice classes. You may want to look at the average SAT/ACT score of students who have been admitted to your top choice schools and aim to get those scores — or higher — to ensure your application impresses the admissions officers.

If standardized tests aren’t your strong suit, there are some colleges that do not require them as a part of the application process.

Recommended: ACT vs. SAT: Which Do Colleges Prefer?

4. Hone Your Study Skills

In college, you’re going to take a rigorous set of courses. Your academics are likely to be a lot more challenging than they were in high school. This means you should hone your study skills now to prepare for college. Find a quiet place to study, turn off all distractions, organize your lecture notes, join study groups, and take breaks when you need them in order to effectively study.

5. Go to College Fairs

Whenever there is a local college fair happening, try to attend it. That way, you can learn about different colleges you may want to apply to. Typically, a college fair will consist of college representatives who set up booths, give presentations, talk to prospective students, and hand out pamphlets about their schools. College fairs can be a great opportunity to learn about a number of colleges in a short time period.

They also offer the opportunity for you to connect with representatives at the colleges. As an attendee, you’ll have the opportunity to ask the representatives specific questions and take the handouts so you can continue your research at home.

6. Take College Tours

Before applying to a school, try to go on a campus tour to see what it’s all about. A college that has a great website or looks good on paper may not end up being the right fit once you actually visit it. While on the tour, ask your student tour guide and other students around about the pros and cons of the school to get a real feel for whether or not you’d like it there.

Some colleges may do interviews as a part of the application process. If you’re heading to campus for a college interview, make time for a tour too.

7. Meet With Your High School Guidance Counselor

Your high school guidance counselor can help you with preparing for college in a number of different ways. They can advise you on what classes to take and extracurricular activities you can enroll in to ensure you have a competitive college application when the time comes.

Your counselor can also help you determine what you want to major in and the kind of career you might enjoy by steering you towards career fairs and giving you a test that will show your strengths and reveal your talents. If you’re worried about paying for college, they can let you know your options and ensure you fill out all the right forms in time.

8. Fill Out a FAFSA Form

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is the form you need to fill out to apply for federal financial aid. This includes federal grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans. Some schools also use the information provided on the FAFSA to determine scholarship awards.

If you anticipate needing support to cover the cost of attendance in college, this is usually the place to start. The Department of Education is rolling out a new simplified FAFSA for the 2024-2025 academic year. It will be available in December 2023, a delay from the usual October 1.

9. Look Into Student Loans

Filling out the FAFSA isn’t the only thing on your financial to-do list when you’re prepping for college. You could also weigh your student loan options. As mentioned, the FAFSA puts you in contention for federal student loans — among other tuition subsidies like work-study or grants. Federal student loans have fixed interest rates, which means the rate will not change for the duration of the loan.

Each year, Congress determines what the fixed interest rate on federal loans will be — and interest rates vary across federal undergraduate loans, including PLUS loans for parents and grad students. While these loans can be an important resource when it comes to funding your education, there are limits to the amount you can take out each year. For example, first-year undergraduates currently have a federal loan limit of $5,500.

If federal aid and other sources of funding aren’t enough to cover the cost of tuition, you may consider looking into private student loans to fund the rest of your education. Private student loans don’t always offer the same benefits as federal student loans — like the option to pursue Public Service Loan Forgiveness — so they are generally considered only after all other options have been reviewed and exhausted.
💡 Quick Tip: Parents and sponsors with strong credit and income may find much lower rates on no-fee private parent student loans than federal parent PLUS loans. Federal PLUS loans also come with an origination fee.

10. Apply for Scholarships

Once you start applying to colleges, you may also want to search out and apply for private scholarships. Your school may offer specific scholarships you can apply to that will help you pay for your education. Online databases are another resource to check out. One option, Fastweb , a free national scholarship database that has a scholarship algorithm; it will match you to scholarships, internships, and grants you could potentially qualify for.

The Takeaway

There are many things you can do to prepare for college. Above all else, you’ll want to focus on your academics and make your college application as competitive as possible so that you can get into the school of your dreams. You’ll also want to think about what your education will potentially cost and work with your parents to come up with a plan for how you will pay for college. Your options include savings, grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal or private student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Source: sofi.com