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We all want our homes to look attractive and reflect our personal style, and we choose décor items to achieve both goals. Sadly, that sometimes means facing a substantial decorating or renovation cost.

If you plan to live in the house you own for years and years, decorate as you see fit. However, if you live in a rental and could move at any time, or if you plan to sell your home, think twice before investing in furniture, art or any fixtures you can’t take with you. The décor you choose today might not fit the vibe of your next home — forcing you to start all over — and if you plan to sell, some of the choices you make could turn off potential buyers.

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Learn: How to Get Money Back on Your Everyday Purchases

GOBankingRates reached out to people in the real estate and design fields to ask their advice about which décor items are a waste of money. Eight of their ideas follow.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper was a staple in homes in the 1960s and ’70s — look for it the next time you watch a rerun of “The Brady Bunch” or “Columbo” — but it fell out of favor. While you’ll see designers on HGTV shows incorporate wallpaper on some projects today, it’s usually on a sparse basis.

“Wallpaper patterns can quickly become outdated as design trends evolve. Opting for wallpaper with bold patterns or motifs that are currently in vogue might be appealing to you at the moment, but it could potentially look dated in a few years, making the room feel less attractive and in need of updating,” said Boyd Rudy, Michigan real estate associate broker with the MiReloTeam through Keller Williams.

Avoid These: 6 Household Staples That Are a Waste of Money

Themed Décor

Wendy Wang, a home design and renovation specialist, said it’s wise to resist the temptation to decorate according to a theme.

“For instance, a nautical theme with anchor accents, a sailing artwork or a beach theme with shells everywhere; they may seem appealing at first, especially to complement a certain environment or to show personal interests,” said Wang, owner of F&J Outdoor. “These items usually make a room look tacky rather than chic and sophisticated. They also age a space pretty quickly as the novelty wears off.”

Instead, she said to use the themed pieces as a complement, not a focal point.

“I would recommend investing in timeless, classic pieces and incorporate smaller accents to bring out the theme subtly. It’s really about balancing taste and personality with broader appeal,” she added.

Expensive Window Treatments

When it comes to covering windows, one home-design expert thinks you should keep it simple.

“Many people waste money on buying expensive and elaborate curtains to decorate their homes,” said Jessica Wilson, the editor and co-founder of InYouths LED Mirrors. “While these pieces may add visual appeal, they are often a wasteful investment. Fancy curtains can be difficult to clean and maintain, leading to a shorter lifespan compared to simpler window treatments. Additionally, these curtains may not complement future home décor, making them bad for resale value. Their intricate design can also make a room appear cluttered and unattractive. Instead, opt for simpler and more cost-effective window treatments to create an inviting and timeless home.”

Artificial Plants

If you want greenery in your home, real estate industry veteran Pete Evering said you should grow and care for real plants instead of buying artificial ones — especially if you plan to sell your home anytime soon.

“While faux plants may not significantly impact resale value, they can leave a negative first impression on your home, making it look cheap and lacking authenticity,” said Evering, the business development manager at Utopia Property Management. “Their manufactured appearance doesn’t give a natural feel and diminishes the overall visual appeal of the space. Visitors or potential buyers may perceive them as a sign of neglect or a shortcut taken in decorating. Instead of providing the freshness and vitality that real plants offer, faux plants can make a room feel lifeless and uninviting.”

Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

On some of those older TV shows, you’ll see carpeting — not wood, tile or luxury vinyl — on the floors. Sometimes even in the bathrooms. But real estate expert Roman Smolevskiy, the owner of A+ Construction and Remodeling in Sacramento, California, recommended making another choice.

“From a resale standpoint, wall-to-wall carpeting can be a detriment. Many buyers today prefer hardwood or tiled floors, both for their aesthetic appeal and their durability. Carpeting is often associated with allergens and can hide dust, dirt and other pollutants, causing potential health concerns. This can turn off health-conscious buyers or those with allergies.

“Design-wise, carpeting can make rooms appear smaller and dated, affecting the overall attractiveness of the house. With the current trend leaning toward minimalist and modern interiors, carpeting can seem out of place and hopelessly old-fashioned.”

Ornate Light Fixtures

“Picture a lavish crystal chandelier in a minimalist living room or an industrial-style pendant in a classic Victorian. It seems stylish at the time of purchase but is a waste of resources because it can clash with the home’s overall design,” said Zackary Smigel, the founder of Real Estate License Wizard.

“Aside from the aesthetic discord, such a statement piece can be a double-edged sword regarding resale. Potential buyers may find it overbearing or at odds with their taste, forcing them to consider the replacement cost even before purchase. I’ve had clients who loved a house but hesitated because of an ornate, expensive lighting fixture that needed to match their style.”

Water Fountains

Like wallpaper and light fixtures, beauty is in the eye of the beholder when it comes to water fountains.

“Yes, a beautiful water fountain near your home’s entrance or in the center of your backyard can add a touch of elegance to your property and promote a relaxing ambiance,” said Benas Leonavicius, the founder of HomeCaprice.

“However, water fountains can be very expensive décor items in terms of initial expense and installation. If you plan on selling the property in the future, you should also know they don’t add any monetary value to your home. In fact, they could even decrease the value of your home in the eyes of some homebuyers since prominent water features like this require frequent upkeep that could easily outweigh its merely aesthetic benefits.”

Throw Blankets

“One item that I often see people wasting money on when decorating their home is expensive designer throw blankets,” said Pieter Runchman, a Los Angeles interior designer who is the founder and CEO of Floor Theory. “Sure, they may be made with luxurious materials and have a trendy design, but the reality is that most people don’t want to deal with the hassle of getting them professionally cleaned every time they need a refresh. It’s like having a beautiful piece of art that you can’t touch or enjoy without fear of ruining it.”

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 8 Home Decor Items That Are a Waste of Money

Source: finance.yahoo.com

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Having a good credit score is essential for financial stability and access to favorable loan terms. However, when debts go unpaid, they can end up in collections, damaging your credit profile. The good news is that you can take steps to deal with collections and negotiate settlements, paving the way for credit restoration. This article will discuss effective strategies to handle collections and reach favorable settlement agreements.

How to Handle a Debt Collector When They Call You

Even though there are a lot of good debt-collecting companies, there are also a fair number of scammers in the business. That’s why ensuring the person trying to claim the debt has a good reason to do so is important. Here’s how to make sure a bill collector has the right to get money from you:

  • Ask the collector for the collection company’s name, how to contact them, and, if your state needs it, the collector’s professional license number.
  • Contact your bank to find out if your account has been sold to a debt collector and to find out who bought your account.
  • Use the name and license number of the debt collector to search theNational Multistate Licencing System (NMLS) Consumer Access to make sure they are real.

How to Negotiate Settlements for Credit Restoration

Understand Your Rights and Validate the Debt

Before taking any action, it’s crucial to understand your rights as a consumer. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) specifies rules that collection agencies must abide by when collecting debts. Familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure your rights are protected.

Next, validate the debt by requesting written verification from the collection agency. They must provide documentation proving that the debt is legitimate and they have the right to collect it. Take note of the details, including the original creditor, the outstanding balance, and any applicable interest or fees.

Review Your Credit Reports

Download copies of your credit reports from all 3 major credit bureaus – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Carefully review each report to identify all accounts in collections. Verify that the information is accurate and up to date, as outdated or incorrect information could harm your credit score.

If you notice any discrepancies or inaccuracies, dispute them directly with the credit bureau. They are required to investigate and remove any erroneous information from your credit report.

Establish Communication with the Collection Agency

Once you have validated the debt and reviewed your credit reports, it’s time to establish communication with the collection agency. It’s essential to maintain a professional tone during all interactions. Start by sending a letter requesting debt validation and express your willingness to resolve the matter.

Negotiate a Settlement

Negotiation can be a powerful tool for reaching a favorable settlement when dealing with collections. Here are some tips to help you negotiate effectively:

  1. Offer a lump-sum payment: Collection agencies are often willing to accept a reduced amount if you can pay a lump sum. Start by offering an amount lower than the original balance, and be prepared to negotiate.
  2. Get the agreement in writing: Once you have agreed upon a settlement amount, ensure you receive written confirmation from the collection agency. The agreement should clearly state that the settled amount will satisfy the debt in full and that they will report it as “paid” or “settled” to the credit bureaus.
  3. Negotiate removal of the collection from your credit report: If you have successfully negotiated a debt settlement, you can try to negotiate with the collection agency to remove the collection entry from your credit report entirely. While not guaranteed, some agencies may agree to do so in exchange for payment.

Even if the account status is marked as “paid in full” or “paid as agreed”, it will help. The account will still appear on your credit report, but it may hurt your score less as time passes.

Monitor Your Credit Score and Report

After settling the debt, monitor your credit score and report to ensure the collection is accurately updated. The credit bureaus may take some time to reflect the changes, so be patient. Regularly checking your credit reports will help you track your progress and ensure the restoration of your credit score.

Conclusion

Dealing with collections can be stressful, but you can negotiate settlements and restore your credit with the right strategies. Remember to understand your rights, validate the debt, review your credit reports, and establish open communication with the collection agency. You can take significant steps toward credit restoration by negotiating a settlement and monitoring your credit. Remember, there is always time to take control of your financial situation and improve your credit standing.

About The Author:

Lyle Solomon has extensive legal experience, in-depth knowledge, and experience in consumer finance and writing. He has been a member of the California State Bar since 2003. He graduated from the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, California, in 1998 and currently works for the Oak View Law Group in California as a principal attorney.

Source: creditabsolute.com

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Earlier this week, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan mentioned that the first-time homebuyer tax credit could be used as a down payment, but that may no longer be the case.

The mortgagee letter with the program details has since been removed from the HUD website; a call to the FHA confirmed this had occurred.

The employee I spoke with said the program is essentially pulled as of now, but nothing official has been released regarding the fate of the so-called tax credit advance.

So as it stands now, it appears as if the tax credit cannot be used for a down payment.  It’s unclear why the FHA withdrew (or at least stalled) the program, though it could have something to do with perceived risk involved.

Allowing first-time homebuyers to purchase a property with nothing down is certainly high-risk, and the practice of using tax credits for down payments is fairly similar to the seller paid down payment assistance loans that nearly sunk the FHA.

Last summer, FHA Commissioner Brian D. Montgomery said the agency realized $4.6 billion in “unanticipated long-term losses,” largely due to an increased number of seller-funded loans in its portfolio.

The loans, which accounted for 14 percent of all FHA loans outstanding and 31 percent of all FHA foreclosures, are no longer available.

If they hadn’t been banned, the FHA would have needed appropriations of $2.5 billion to operate.

While I’m sure the loan program could help some borrowers in need, it could also lead to abuses, which may outweigh the positives.

More details to come…

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

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While the housing outlook has certainly improved significantly, some 5.1 million homeowners remain underwater on their mortgages.

This means they are unable to sell their homes because they owe more than their properties are worth, and possibly barred from a mortgage refinance unless they can take advantage of a program like HARP.

While 5.1 million is a lot less than it used to be, it still represents more than 10% of all homes with a mortgage, per data from CoreLogic.

Additionally, some two million of these unlucky homeowners owe at least 25% more than their homes are currently worth.

Clearly this doesn’t provide much motivation to stick around and make costly monthly mortgage payments, especially if these homeowners can’t take advantage of the current low mortgage rates.

Principal Reduction Today for Your Appreciation Tomorrow

Enter a new bill aimed at tackling the problems associated with underwater mortgages, like high default rates and zombie foreclosures, the latter of which results in property blight.

The so-called “Preserving American Homeownership Act,” introduced this week by U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) is essentially a shared equity mortgage modification program.

It’s supposed to be a win-win situation for both homeowners and lenders, giving each party motivation to modify and keep up with payments, respectively.

The way it works is fairly simple. A borrower with an underwater mortgage has their principal balance reduced to 100% of the current value, provided the borrower can make payments.

The principal reduction takes place over a period of three years or less, in increments of one-third each year. So if borrowers make timely payments their principal balance will be reduced further over time.

The mortgage rate may also be cut if the principal reduction isn’t enough to make payments affordable.

Once it comes time to sell or refinance, the bank (or investor) will received a fixed share (up to 50%) of the increase in the home’s value. This amount cannot exceed twice the dollar amount of the principal reduction.

The value will be assessed via appraisal when the borrower first enters the pilot program, and again when they sell or refinance.

The program would be available on primary and secondary homes, and borrowers would be eligible regardless of how deeply underwater they are.

The plan is to launch two pilot programs, one under the FHFA and another under the FHA.

Menendez noted that a similar program launched by a private mortgage servicer led to a near-80% participation rate and a re-default rate of just 2.6%.

That sounds pretty good, especially when you’re giving away half of your future appreciation. The question is whether this type of relief comes a little too late in the game.

But for those who really love their homes and want to remain in them, it could be a lifesaver seeing that widespread principal reduction never came to fruition.

(photo: Jonathan McIntosh)

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

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Buying a home is likely one of the biggest moves you’ll make in your personal and financial life, and your home may represent one of your largest assets.

If you take out a mortgage to help you buy it, you will end up making mortgage payments — and if your lender ends up servicing your loan after closing — you will make payments to that lender, possibly for decades. That’s why it’s important to shop around before committing to a mortgage lender and loan program that’s right for you.

Today, borrowers have more choices than ever. With the rise of online and marketplace lenders, there’s increased competition, which fuels improvements in process, service, and cost — and can mean a much better experience for you.

With so much choice, however, finding the right lender can feel overwhelming. To help simplify the process, we’ve listed five key things you may want to consider when shopping for a mortgage lender.

1. Does the lender offer competitive interest rates?

A good first step is to get the lay of the land by looking at various lenders and the rates and fees they advertise. Taking this step may help you understand what the market looks like overall and who may be offering competitive rates.

Remember that the rates and programs you are ultimately eligible for will likely depend not only on the lender you choose but also your needs and financial situation. However, this initial comparison can give you a baseline to start working from.

You’ll also want to look at the common loan types offered. Interest rates for fixed-rate loans do not change over the life of the loan. Interest rates for adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) can change over the life of the loan and are influenced by benchmark interest rates.

Hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages are mortgages that offer an initial fixed rate for a certain period of time. These hybrid ARMs often offer a low introductory rate for either 1, 3, 5, 7 or 10 years. Some hybrid ARMs will also offer an interest-only payment option for a specified period of time such as 10 years.

When the initial fixed-rate period is over, the interest rate is normally reviewed on an annual basis for adjustment. Although the benchmark index tied to the ARM rate may have moved much higher, these loans typically have yearly and annual interest rate caps to control rate and payment fluctuations.

When talking to a lender about their mortgage offerings, it’s a good idea to not only ask about interest rate, but also about APR, or annual percentage rate. This figure takes into account certain fees like broker fees, points, and other applicable credit charges, giving you an easier way to compare loan offers.

2. Does the lender offer loan products with terms that suit your needs?

Your needs and financial situation can play a large part in which mortgage programs you choose and are eligible for. For example, some lenders require a 20% down payment to qualify for a mortgage.

If you can’t pay 20%, lenders may require that you have private mortgage insurance (PMI), which covers them in case you default on your mortgage payments. Mortgage insurance premiums vary depending upon many factors.

It’s a good idea to ask your chosen lender how much insurance payments will add to your monthly payment. Also keep in mind that, in certain circumstances, PMI does not apply, such as with some jumbo loan programs. In addition, PMI can be eligible for removal from your home loan later if certain criteria is met.

If you can’t afford a 20% down payment, you can look for lenders who offer more flexible down payment requirements. Also, consider what term — the length of time you’ll be paying off your loan — works best for you. See what kinds of terms lenders offer and the interest rates that accompany those terms.

A shorter term will likely come with higher monthly payments, but lower interest rates that result in lower interest charges over time. Not everyone can afford those higher monthly payments, however, in which case a longer term may be preferable. Note that longer terms usually mean that you end up paying more in interest over the life of the loan.

Once you’ve found a loan with rates and terms that work for you, you can typically obtain a rate lock from your lender, generally for the time it takes to close on the transaction, such as 30 or 45 days.

You may have to pay a fee if you want to lock in the rate for a longer extended period of time. However, once you do, it will guarantee that you have access to the mortgage at a specific rate during the lock-in period, even if interest rates rise while your loan is being processed.

First-time homebuyers can
prequalify for a SoFi mortgage loan,
with as little as 3% down.

3. What type of origination, lender, and other fees might you be responsible for?

We’ve already alluded to the fact that you’ll likely be on the hook for other costs in addition to your down payment. One good idea is to request a Loan Estimate (LE) for any mortgage you’re considering to see a solid estimate of what costs you may be on the hook for.

Keep your eye out for things like:

•   Commissions Mortgage brokers are paid on commission, which is either paid by you, your lender, or a combination of both.
•   Origination fees These fees may cover the cost of processing your loan application.
•   Appraisal fees Appraisal fees cover the cost of having a professional come in and put a value on the home you want to buy. You must have a property valuation of some type in order to borrow money to buy a home and in most cases a full appraisal is required.
•   Credit report fee This covers the cost of the bank obtaining your credit report from the credit reporting bureaus.
•   Discount points Optional fee the borrower can pay to reduce or buy down their interest rate.

Unless you receive a seller or lender credit towards closing costs, the added fees will impact the overall cost of buying the home, so doing your research and reading the fine print up front might pay off.

Depending on the loan terms and fees charged, some will be paid upfront at the beginning of the application process (such as credit report and appraisal), while other fees might be paid at loan closing (such as lender fees and title insurance).

In some cases, under certain loan programs, you can borrow the money to cover these fees, which will increase your overall mortgage payment(s). Therefore, having a clear understanding of what fees you’ll owe is critical to understanding how much you’ll end up paying.

It’s a good idea to request from your lender a quote on all the costs and fees associated with the loan. A Loan Estimate (LE) is a typical form used to disclose loan fees to a borrower. Ask questions about what each fee covers. Have your lender explain any fees you don’t understand, and then find out which ones may be negotiable or can be waived entirely.

4. How much of the process is online vs. on paper or in person?

How much facetime you have to put in to apply for a mortgage can vary by lender. Some online banks will have you complete the process entirely online, while brick and mortar banks may require an in-person visit.

In the past, applying for a mortgage required a lot of physical paperwork. But much of this has now been replaced by online interactions. For example, you are now likely able to send your financial information like bank statements and W-2s electronically.

Lenders who complete much, or all, of the mortgage application process online may be able to offer lower rates or fees, since they don’t have the cost of brick and mortar bank locations and their employees to maintain.

That said, if you’re someone who likes face-to-face help, you may consider a lender that allows you to apply in person or a lender who utilizes facetime.

5. How quickly can the lender close once you’re in contract?

Once you’ve found the home you want to buy and you’re under a purchase contract with the seller, the amount of time it takes to close on a loan can vary. Depending on the situation, you may have to wait for inspections, appraisals, and all sorts of paperwork to go through before you can close.

However, your lender may offer you ways to speed up the process. For example, you may be able to get preapproved for a loan, which takes care of a lot of potentially time-consuming paperwork upfront before you’ve even started shopping for a home.

Ask your lender how much time their closing process usually takes and what you can do to expedite it. Especially if you’re crunched for time, their answer can have a big impact on which lender you choose. After all, the faster you’re financed, the sooner you’ll be able to move in.

Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% – 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It’s online, with access to one-on-one help.

SoFi Mortgages: Simple, smart, and so affordable.


SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information.

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 requires PMI for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Minimum down payment varies by loan type.

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.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Source: sofi.com

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Welcome to Los Angeles, a microcosm of America’s appeal and a dazzling spectacle of capitalism in action.

This is a city that draws in renters in droves with the shimmering promise of sun, surf and Hollywood stardom. With so many people moving to the bright lights en masse, it’s important that we take a few minutes to delve into the reality of living in Los Angeles on $100,000 — which surpasses its average salary of around $72,000 — and examine just how far that income stretches in this sprawling city of dreamers and doers like you.

Rent

Renting an apartment in Los Angeles may be your first rendezvous with the city’s higher-than-average cost of living. With a median rent of $3,636, you’ll barely have any time to unpack before about one-third of of your paycheck is already claimed. But hey, you console yourself with the sun setting over the Pacific and the faint echo of surf in the distance. You’re still living the LA dream, after all.

Transportation

Next, you enter the infamous LA traffic. Public transport here feels like an afterthought, so owning a car is a necessity. Between monthly payments, insurance, maintenance and gasoline for those endless freeway odysseys, you’re looking at another $9,000 per year dedicated to transportation.

Food

Once you’ve sheltered yourself and got wheels beneath you, it’s time to eat. LA is a gastronomic wonderland, offering up everything from delectable street tacos to gourmet vegan donuts, all at a price. If you’re a social animal who enjoys eating out, allocate at least $4,000 to $6,000 per year. If you’re a homebody, you’ll still shell out a good $4,000 annually for groceries. The city’s culinary delights may be lip-smacking, but they’re not exactly pocket-friendly. It all depends on who you know and where you go.

Entertainment

And then there’s the glitzy allure of LA’s entertainment scene. Lakers games, red-carpet premieres and concerts at the Greek Theatre—all part of the city’s hypnotic charm. However, such experiences can quickly rack up a bill running into thousands. Remember, the bright lights of LA don’t shine on a budget.

What’s left

Adding it all up, our initial $100,000 is rapidly consumed, leaving a slim slice for savings, emergencies or that hopeful vacation fund. The average salary in Los Angeles, when viewed through the lens of living costs, begins to feel more or less average.

The LA job market

From the surly valet with dreams of a big break to the barista who’s secretly working on her third screenplay, LA is the beating heart of the film, television and music world. It’s where dreams are made and hearts are broken. From Paramount Pictures to Universal Studios to Warner Bros. Entertainment, these giants not only dominate the Los Angeles skyline but also its job market.

But LA is more than just glitz, glamour and the occasional paparazzo run-in. One of the city’s largest employers is decidedly less glitzy but equally influential: The University of Southern California. With its legion of educators, administrative staff and an array of other roles, it’s a keystone in LA’s economic landscape.

Then there’s the healthcare industry. In Los Angeles, Kaiser Permanente, UCLA Health and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are not just venues for your latest health drama, they’re significant employers, too.

Let’s not forget the service industry, either. Tourism is one of LA’s strongest economic strongholds. The city of angels, beach bods and Hollywood stars attracts millions of wide-eyed visitors yearly, ensuring an always-thriving hospitality sector. Whether it’s a barkeeper in Santa Monica or the concierge at a luxury hotel downtown, these folks keep LA’s heart pumping and its pockets lined.

Finally, to those who think LA doesn’t have its fingers in the tech pie, think again. ‘Silicon Beach,’ they call it, with companies like Snapchat, Hulu and many more calling it home. From AI specialists to cybersecurity experts, the tech scene is as bubbling and effervescent as an ice-cold Pacifico on a sweltering afternoon on the beach.

Life in Los Angeles

For all its quirks, Los Angeles is a city that thrives on creativity and diversity. There are stunning beaches, vibrant farmers’ markets, eclectic neighborhood fairs and hiking trails with breathtaking views, many of which are free or relatively inexpensive.

Furthermore, it’s crucial to remember that life isn’t merely an exercise in budgeting. Living in LA offers an incalculable wealth of experiences. The city’s cultural mosaic provides everything you need to live a rich life, from art galleries and music festivals to diverse pop-up restaurants and film screenings. Not to mention the fact that the networking opportunities in a city so deeply connected with multiple thriving industries can also have untold benefits on your career path and personal growth.

Live it up in LA

Is the average salary in Los Angeles daunting when faced with the high cost of living? Absolutely. But the LA experience isn’t about trading dollars for goods. It’s about a lifestyle, a rhythm and an energy that you won’t find anywhere else.

So, if you’re asking if $100,000 is enough to live in Los Angeles, the answer is both yes and no. Yes, if you’re willing to balance your books, live within your means and savor the city’s many affordable experiences. No, if you’re aiming for a studio feature lifestyle on an indie film budget. But, with careful planning and a sense of adventure, even an average salary, or slightly below, can be enough to carve out a comfortable niche in the City of Angels. Ready to find your space in LA? Start here.

A native of the northern suburbs of Chicago, Carson made his way to the South to attend Wofford College where he received his BA in English. After working as a copywriter for a couple of boutique marketing agencies in South Carolina, he made the move to Atlanta and quickly joined the Rent. team as a content marketing coordinator. When he’s off the clock, you can find Carson reading in a park, hunting down a great cup of coffee or hanging out with his dogs.

Source: rent.com

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With its seaside towns and Colonial history, Rhode Island is one of the many picturesque New England states filled with beaches galore. White sands, sparkling blue waters, kayaking and boating, sightseeing and whale watching, these stunning beach towns in Rhode Island are some of the best you’ll find. Whether you’re looking to move to Rhode Island or want to relocate to a quaint coastal city, there are plenty of options to check out in the state.

But if you’re not sure where to start on your hunt for the best Rhode Island beach town, we’re here to help. From Bristol to Newport, Redfin has compiled a list of 10 of the top beach towns in Rhode Island. Let’s explore some of the state’s beaches, listed in alphabetical order, and you might just be tempted to move there.

#1: Bristol

Median home price: $450,250 
Bristol, RI homes for sale
Bristol, RI apartments for rent

Starting off is Bristol, home to roughly 22,100 people. There are plenty of beaches to explore while in Bristol such as Bristol Town Beach, Juniper Trail Beach, and Walley Street Beach. Living in Bristol, you can also explore Colt State Park, visit one of the many museums like Blithewold Mansion Gardens & Arboretum or Herreshoff Marine Museum, and stroll through Bristol’s downtown.

#2: Charlestown

Median home price: $412,500 
Charlestown, RI homes for sale
Charlestown, RI apartments for rent

Another one of Rhode Island’s great coastal towns to consider buying a home in is Charlestown. Even with just about 1,400 people residents, there are plenty of beaches to visit like Charlestown Beach, East Beach, Elbow Beach, and West Beach. Make sure to also check out the natural areas like Burlingame State Park and Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge.

#3: Jamestown

Median home price: $2,017,500 
Jamestown, RI homes for sale
Jamestown, RI apartments for rent

Jamestown has just about 5,400 residents and there are lots of beaches to explore on a warm Rhode Island day like Mackerel Cove Beach and Sunset Beach. If you find yourself moving to Jamestown, make sure to check out Beaver State Park, hike at Parker Farm, and explore downtown Jamestown. 

#4: Little Compton

Median home price: $1,160,000 
Little Compton, RI homes for sale
Little Compton, RI apartments for rent

With beautiful beaches like Lloyd’s Beach, South Shore Beach, and Tappens Beach, there are countless places to spend a beach day in Little Compton. There are roughly 3,500 residents in Little Compton, making this a quaint area to live. Make sure to also visit the Sakonnet Garden during the summer months if you decide on moving to Little Compton.

#5: Middletown

Median home price: $612,500 
Middletown, RI homes for sale
Middletown, RI apartments for rent

The charming coastal town of Middletown has about 16,100 residents, making it a great place to consider moving to. You’ll find beautiful beaches such as Atlantic Beach, Peabody’s Beach, Pebble Beach, Second Beach, Surfer’s End, and Third Beach. Living in Middletown, you can explore the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, check out the shops and restaurants, and golf at one of the courses.

#6: Narragansett

Median home price: $839,500 
Narragansett, RI homes for sale
Narragansett, RI apartments for rent

The town of Narragansett has about 15,500 residents and is a great spot to consider buying a home in. Some beaches you can visit are Bonnet Shores Beach, Kelly Beach, Narragansett Town Beach, Roger Wheeler State Beach, Salty Brine State Beach, and Scarborough South State Beach. Make sure to visit the Point Judith Lighthouse, hike along the Blackpoint Trailhead, and check out the local shops and restaurants if you move to Narragansett.

#7: New Shoreham

Median home price: $1,550,000 
New Shoreham, RI homes for sale
New Shoreham, RI apartments for rent

With a population of about 1,000, New Shoreham, located on Block Island, is an awesome coastal area to live in. There are plenty of beaches to explore – Black Rock Beach, Crescent Beach, Frederick J. Benson Town Beach, Mansion Beach, Scott Beach, and Vaill Beach. If you’re going to call this area home, plan time to visit the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Sacred Labyrinth, hike the Clay Head Nature Trail, and explore downtown New Shoreham.

#8: Newport

Median home price: $660,000 
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,800 
Newport, RI homes for sale
Newport, RI apartments for rent

In Newport, you’ll find stunning beaches such as Bailey Beach, Belmont Beach, Easton Beach, and Gooseberry Beach, perfect for a picnic. Make sure to check out the Ocean Drive Historic District, explore Fort Adams State Park, and visit the many museums and historical landmarks in the city once living in Newport. 

#9: Warren

Median home price: $507,350 
Warren, RI homes for sale
Warren, RI apartments for rent

Close to 10,600 people live in Warren where you’ll find beaches like Warren Town Beach. Some other fun activities to do in Warren include strolling through downtown, grabbing a bite at one of the local spots, and exploring Audubon Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge.

#10: Westerly

Median home price: $451,000 
Westerly, RI homes for sale
Westerly, RI apartments for rent

This coastal town has a population of 17,800 and there are lots of beaches to spend time outside at. In Westerly, you can visit East Beach, Dunes Park Beach, Misquamicut State Beach, and Westerly Town Beach. There’s plenty to do on an afternoon or weekend in Westerly, like visiting Napatree Point Conservation Area and the nearby Watch Hill Lighthouse, exploring the shops and parks in downtown Westerly, and spending the day checking out Woody Hill Management Area.

Note, this list is not comprehensive of all the beach towns in Rhode Island. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during June 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com June 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.

Source: redfin.com

Apache is functioning normally

A quarter of U.S. adults say they’ve relocated to pursue a romantic relationship with the person they love at some point during their lives, and doing so generally pays off, according to a new survey.

Some 27% of men said they’d relocated in the past compared with 23% of women respondents in the survey of 1,000 adults by HireAHelper, which is a moving and relocation company.

Moving for love might seem like a simple enough decision, but the survey found that many who did so were in two minds about it. Indeed, one third of those who moved for love said that actually going through with it was the hardest part of the process. Others cited homesickness as being the toughest part, ahead of the difficulty of adjusting to a new life.

And although more men have moved for the sake of their relationships, they actually have a harder time in making up their minds (38% of men compared to 28% of women), the survey found. Men also reported more difficulty in managing changes to their relationship following the move (13% versus 11%). However, women found it tougher to find a suitable home once they’d decided to relocate.

Still, the vast majority of those who moved to be near a romantic partner said it was worth doing so. Three quarters are still together or at least, stayed with their partner for over a year after moving. And another two thirds said they had “no regrets” about moving. Indeed, even if the relationship didn’t ultimately work out, most reported still being satisfied with their decision to relocate.

Of those who’ve never moved for love, 44% said they would be willing to do so if they were in a long distance relationship. However, distance does play a part, as 46% said they’d only be willing to relocate to a city in their own state to be closer to a partner, with 44% saying they’d happily move across state lines.

Still, respondents said they’d first need to be sure the relationship was the real thing. According to the survey, 68% of adults would only consider relocating after being with someone for at least six months. Just 20% said they’d consider doing so for a partner they’ve been with for a shorter time than that.

Meanwhile, a somewhat stubborn 12% said they’d never relocate to be with a partner at all, no matter how much they loved them.

“Overall, Americans are fairly open to the idea of moving for love, and a quarter of adults have actually done so,” the survey researchers said. “And most people who relocate to pursue a romantic relationship … [find] resettling nearer to a romantic partner has a solid chance of succeeding, sustaining, and paying off even when you don’t stay together.”

Mike Wheatley is the senior editor at Realty Biz News. Got a real estate related news article you wish to share, contact Mike at [email protected].
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Source: realtybiznews.com

Apache is functioning normally

[Note from editor: The “Mastermind Showcase” highlights companies and news from members of the GEM. Today’s showcase: Zenlist.]

Zenlist is a collaborative search experience for agents and their clients that supplements MLS inventory with pocket/coming soon listings. Their collaboration experience is tailored to include all members of the home buying process for streamlined communication.

Currently operating only in Chicago, the SF based company announced they will soon be expanding to the SF-Bay Area and Boston. Since being founded in 2015 they have received $1.3 million in funding.

Represented in the GEM: Eileen Romito

What we like: Zenlists’ use of pocket listings empowers their agent’s buyers with access to unique inventory.

Learn More

Source: geekestateblog.com

Apache is functioning normally

A federal judge on Friday sentenced a downtown Los Angeles real estate developer to six years in prison for providing cash bribes to former City Councilmember Jose Huizar, then attempting to hide the transaction from investigators.

Dae Yong Lee, who also goes by David Lee, was found guilty last year of giving $500,000 in bribes in exchange for the approval of a 20-story residential tower on Olympic Boulevard and Hill Street. He was also convicted of wire fraud and obstruction of justice.

Lee, appearing before the judge, apologized for his actions, saying he had created “much pain and heartbreak” for his wife, his family and the people around him.

“Due to my greed and ambition, I did something I will regret for the rest of my life,” the Bel-Air resident told the court.

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U.S. Dist. Court Judge John F. Walter said he took into account letters sent to the court from Lee’s family and supporters, particularly his wife’s characterization of him as “a good man who made a huge mistake.” But Walter said Lee’s crimes — bribing an elected official and then ordering a subordinate to falsify his company’s internal record of that transaction — merited a sentence that would serve as “a warning to others.”

“The court must send a message to discourage others who are in similar situations from engaging in similar crimes,” he said.

Lee, the first figure in the Huizar scandal to go on trial, was also ordered to pay a $750,000 financial penalty. His development company, 940 Hill, was separately sentenced to five years of probation and fined $1.5 million.

The case against Lee and 940 Hill was among the more sensational of the schemes spelled out in the federal indictment of Huizar, who pleaded guilty to racketeering and tax evasion charges earlier this year. During Lee’s trial, a former Huizar aide testified that he twice picked up paper bags of cash from a consultant working for Lee, saying the money was intended for Huizar and distributed in stacks of $100 bills.

George Esparza, who worked as Huizar’s special assistant, described during the trial how, at one point, he delivered $100,000 in a Don Julio tequila box to the council member’s Boyle Heights home in 2017.

A onetime aide to former City Councilmember Jose Huizar, who testified last year in the trial of businessman Dae Yong Lee, admitted delivering a Don Julio tequila box filled with cash to his boss’ home.

(U.S. District Court)

Esparza, who later pleaded guilty to a single racketeering charge, took copious notes on his criminal activities, at one point writing the words “Giving cash to CM Huizar 2/10/2017” on a napkin. He then photographed the napkin.

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Huizar, who served on the council from 2005 to 2020, is scheduled to be sentenced in December. Esparza, who is also awaiting sentencing, may still be called as a witness in an upcoming trial stemming from the Huizar case.

Prosecutors had asked for Lee to be sentenced to seven years in prison, saying it would dissuade others from engaging in political corruption. In their filing, they repeatedly highlighted Lee’s wealth, saying he “enjoyed a lavish lifestyle” and had extensive real estate holdings.

In 2015, Lee proposed the construction of a $170-million high-rise a few blocks east of the L.A. Live entertainment complex. His project soon drew opposition from a group of construction trade unions, which threatened to slow or halt the approval process for his project, adding millions in additional development costs.

Lee agreed to provide Huizar, who represented much of downtown and wielded enormous power over real estate decisions, a cash bribe to ensure that the council member would oppose the union challenge, prosecutors said.

“He wasn’t under financial pressure, like some people are,” said Assistant U.S. Atty. Cassie Palmer. “He had a lot of money and wanted more.”

Attorneys for Lee requested leniency, asking for a 20-month sentence. Lee’s devotion to his family, his friends and his faith all warranted a lower sentence, his lawyers said.

“The limited window of conduct that was presented at trial does not accurately reflect the hardworking, honest person that he has been in all other aspects of his life,” wrote Lee’s attorney, Ariel A. Neuman.

During Friday’s hearing, Neuman objected to the prosecution’s repeated focus on his client’s wealth. He also argued that Lee was receiving disparate treatment when compared to Huizar, who has admitted responsibility for a much greater amount of criminal activity.

Huizar reached a plea agreement earlier this year in which prosecutors agreed not to seek more than 13 years in prison. Walter, the federal judge, told the defense lawyer he will not be bound to that agreement when he issues his sentence.

Huizar is one of several high-profile figures at City Hall to face criminal charges in recent years. Former City Councilmember Mitchell Englander, who stepped down in 2018, pleaded guilty three years ago to providing false information to investigators, which resulted in a 14-month prison sentence.

Former City Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas was convicted earlier this year on conspiracy, bribery and fraud charges and is awaiting sentencing. Meanwhile, Councilmember Curren Price is fighting perjury, embezzlement and conflict-of-interest charges, which were filed by the district attorney’s office earlier this year.

Assistant U.S. Atty. Mack Jenkins said he hoped that Lee’s sentence would serve as a deterrent to political corruption. He pointed out the judge’s sentence was nearly four times longer than the one sought by Lee.

“We think future criminals will take note of that,” he said.

Source: latimes.com