Buying

Apache is functioning normally

While mortgage rates remain higher than they were during the housing market’s booming pandemic years, Moody’s Ratings has predicted them to finally start declining over the next few years in a new report.

Exactly a week ago, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, better known as Freddie Mac, reported that the average rate for a 30-year-fixed mortgage—the most popular among U.S. borrowers—had reached 7.1 percent, a record high for this year so far.

Read more: How to Find the Right Mortgage for You

Moody’s Ratings’ experts believe mortgage rates will come down—just not as quickly as homebuyers might wish for. The financial research company is currently estimating that mortgage rates will remain higher “than the extremely low levels during the decade of aggressive central bank stimulus that preceded the past two years” in the coming months, but will likely reach around 6 percent or somewhat less by the end of 2025.

This is good news for aspiring homebuyers who have been squeezed out of the market by skyrocketing home prices and high mortgage rates, which climbed as a direct consequence of the Federal Reserve’s aggressive rate-hiking campaign to combat the rise of inflation last year.

An aerial view shows a subdivision that has replaced the once rural landscape on July 19, 2023 in Hawthorn Woods, Illinois. Mortgage rates are likely to come down to 6% by next year, Moody’s Ratings…
An aerial view shows a subdivision that has replaced the once rural landscape on July 19, 2023 in Hawthorn Woods, Illinois. Mortgage rates are likely to come down to 6% by next year, Moody’s Ratings experts predict.

Scott Olson/Getty Images

While most analysts expect the central bank to lower interest rates this year, the Federal Reserve has so far failed to do so, as the latest data on the cost of living show that inflation remains higher than expected at 3.48 percent in March. The Federal Reserve does not directly set mortgage rates, but any rise in interest rates impacts new mortgage lending.

Read more: Compare Low Rates With the Best Mortgage Lenders

Higher mortgage rates led to a drop in demand in late summer 2022 due to the unaffordability of buying a home for many Americans; but the price correction that followed this slide in demand was rather modest. In spring 2023, prices started climbing back up across the country, as the supply of homes remained low.

While the historic shortage of homes in the U.S. can primarily be traced back to the fact that the country has under-built following the bursting of the housing bubble and the financial crisis of 2007-2008, high mortgage rates have also caused many homeowners to hold on to their homes instead of putting them on the market.

“Many U.S. homeowners have low fixed-rate mortgages that they are reticent to give up, which is constraining existing property listings and sales,” Moody’s wrote in the report.

Faced with a growing demand for new constructions and mortgage interest rate buydowns, the company’s experts expect home prices to avoid significant decline in the coming months, sliding by a moderate 5 percent this year after falling 6.6 percent in 2023.

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Source: newsweek.com

Apache is functioning normally

Decent Data and Palatable Powell

By:
Matthew Graham

Wed, May 1 2024, 4:49 PM

Decent Data and Palatable Powell

Bonds managed modest to moderate gains after digesting all of the morning’s economic data and events.  None of the reports were too exciting and one might conclude that traders were slightly more interested in buying bonds regardless of the data.  Yields flat-lined in stronger territory ahead of the Fed.  The announcement itself was largely as-expected.  The same could be said of the press conference, but with the qualification that Powell definitely stopped short of expressing as much concern about inflation as the recent data justified.  Rate cuts aren’t likely any time soon, but the next move is still seen as much more likely to be a cut rather than a hike.  Markets also appreciated Powell’s reiteration that the Fed wouldn’t hesitate to do what it needed to do based on the data/economy without considering political implications.

    • ADP Employment 
      • 192k vs 175k f’cast, 208k prev
    • TSY refunding announcement
      • increases in shorter part of the curve
      • no increases in 10yr and up
      • small buyback announced
    • S&P Manufacturing PMI
      • 50.0 vs 49.9 f’cast, 51.9 prev
    • ISM Manufacturing
      • 49.2 vs 50.0 f’cast, 50.3 prev
    • ISM Prices
      • 60.9 vs 55.0 f’cast, 55.8 prev

08:59 AM

unchanged overnight and modestly stronger after ADP/Treasury.  MBS up an eighth.  10yr down 2.3bps at 4.66

09:46 AM

Slightly stronger leading up to S&P PMI.  No reaction afterward.  MBS up 7 ticks (.22).  10yr down 3.2bps at 4.65

10:05 AM

No major reaction to 10am data. 10yr yields are down 4bps at 4.643 and MBS are up nearly a quarter point.

02:18 PM

Modestly stronger after Fed.  10yr down 4.2bps at 4.462.  MBS up a quarter point

02:47 PM

Additional gains as Powell press conference continues.  MBS up half a point.  10yr down 10bps at 4.587

 Download our mobile app to get alerts for MBS Commentary and streaming MBS and Treasury prices.

Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com

Apache is functioning normally

The number one rule of the marketplace is to understand your customer. Knowing what they need, what they want and what they fear is fundamental for success. The housing market has shifted. Today it’s dominated by baby boomers who make up 39% of all homebuyers and 52% of all home sellers.

Known as “Peak 65”, in 2024 more than 12,000 people per day will turn 65. The massive age wave is cresting over the next three years, and by 2030 all boomers will have turned 65. This has baby boomers deeply concerned about retirement, as they are scrambling to prepare for life after work. The expensive and limited housing inventory today has created a scarcity mentality, that has Realtors struggling to provide appropriate housing for an aging population.

The Retirement Trifecta

To retire successfully, to meet the challenges and manage the risks boomers face, they will need to secure their own personal, Financial Trifecta of: 

Income for living, care for aging and housing forever.

These critical needs are the fundamentals of retirement planning, and “Peak 65” demographics will largely reshape housing, real estate and lending for decades to come. 

To understand your boomer customer is to know what they fear most. In this age of longevity, when the boomer generation must plan for decades of life after work, the big fear is running out of money. In my experience of serving boomers for more than four decades, the biggest fear is the loss of their independence, and becoming a burden on their children if they run out of money.

Accommodate the trifecta

Those Realtors, builders and originators who choose to serve this massive market shift, will need to accommodate the Retirement Trifecta. Baby boomers value relationships with those providers, that customize solutions to fit their needs and wants to retire. 

Again, the trifecta is:

  1. Income for living: In retirement, a boomer must establish sufficient and sustainable streams of income to meet the rising costs of living longer, in this new inflationary era.
  2. Care for aging: Aging is a family affair that requires both financial as well as care-giver strategies, with the cash to pay for it. 
  3. Housing forever: Boomers must secure housing that is safe and appropriate for aging, through all the stages of retirement.

Housing costs will likely be the number one expense through retirement. Because 78% of boomers surveyed want to age-In-place, costs of home modification and maintenance will need to be carefully planned out.

Boomers in pursuit of their Trifecta will need us to understand and accommodate the urgent demands of their retirement. A housing professional’s value proposition must extend beyond building and selling homes and originating mortgage loan transactions.  The housing industry must provide real solutions to the challenges that a rapidly growing, elder centric population demands. The industry professionals with the vision to adapt their services will be those who will thrive and help usher in a great new era of American housing.

The housing wealth solution

The baby boom generation has created more housing wealth than any other generation in history. Today, boomers have approximately 13 trillion in available home equity. Boomers home equity will likely grow past 20 trillion by the end of this decade. Today, boomers are living in the very asset needed to help provide for their personal Retirement Trifecta.

To solve the problems we face, and unleash the possibilities of the future, we as an industry must elevate the scope and purpose of our work. We need inspired home-building that includes universal design. We need Realtors trained in matters of aging-in-place, who are committed to guiding senior buyers into buying decisions that will provide housing security for the long-term. We also need a growing professional class of strategic mortgage planners committed to providing home equity conversion solutions that address the demands of the Retirement Trifecta.

From my experience as a home builder, and a mortgage planning specialist, having sat down at more than 4,000 kitchen tables, serving the housing needs of homeowners since 1976, this truth I confidently share with you.

“The single most impactful quality of life decision people make, is the home in which they choose to live.”

Home is where family happens, and we who provide housing have the great privilege, through our life’s work, to make the dreams of those we serve, the possible dream.

To contact the editor responsible for this story: [email protected]

Source: housingwire.com

Apache is functioning normally

Mortgage rates rose for the fifth consecutive week, but so far it has had limited influence on this year’s spring home purchase season, Freddie Mac commented.

The 30-year fixed rate mortgage increased by 5 basis points this week to 7.22%, tying a level last seen at the end of November, the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey found.

For April 25, the 30-year FRM was at 7.17%, while for the same week in 2023, it averaged 6.39%.

For the 15-year FRM, the average rose three basis points, to 6.47%, from 6.44% and a year ago at this time, the 15-year it averaged 5.76%.

“With two months left of this historically busy period, potential homebuyers will likely not see relief from rising rates anytime soon,” Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist, said in a press release. “However, many seem to have acclimated to these higher rates, as demonstrated by the recently released pending home sales data coming in at the highest level in a year.”

According to LenderPrice data posted late morning on Thursday on the National Mortgage News website, the 30-year FRM was at 7.36%, nearly 10 basis points lower than it was at the same time last week, 7.457%.

One of the elements in pricing mortgages, the 10-year Treasury yield, has remained elevated, even though it was down from one week ago, when on April 25, it peaked at 4.74%. By April 29, it closed at 4.61%.

This reflects market conditions following the Federal Open Market Committee’s decision at its April/May meeting not to change short-term rates. Investors, who once thought a June cut was likely, have backed off that position.

Rates are likely to remain in the 7% range in the future, said Richard Martin, director, real estate lending solutions for analytics firm Curinos, which also tracks mortgage rate data. He added that while he expects rates to fall a bit by the end of the year, he is a little more bearish than Fannie Mae’s latest outlook.

In terms of the impact on mortgage rates, the Fed’s decision was anticipated and already priced in.

“I like to characterize it as no one predicted the level and pace of increases no one’s going to predict the level and paces of decreases,” Martin said. If the FOMC was to cut rates, it would likely be closer to the end of the year.

On April 30, the first day of the FOMC meeting, the yield moved higher again, by a little over 7 basis points to just shy of 4.68%. However, the next day, it went down to 4.60%.

As of mid-morning on Thursday, the 10-year yield was almost 4 basis points higher.

Where mortgage rates currently are makes the environment tough for mortgage originators and title underwriters, but is good for companies that are “servicing-heavy,” said Bose George in a commentary issued after the FOMC meeting.

“Despite the headwinds around mortgage volumes, stable home price appreciation should remain a positive for mortgage credit,” George said.

Martin expects rates to hold in the current range, as does Redfin’s economic research lead Chen Zhao.

“The Fed meeting is unlikely to push mortgage rates down — but the good news is that it won’t push them up, either, which could have happened if the Fed took 2024 rate cuts off the table,” Zhao said in a press release. “Even though housing costs shouldn’t climb much more, they will remain elevated for the foreseeable future, which could push more buyers away.”

Martin is leaning towards a mild recession occurring in the future, noting the U.S. economy is not yet out of the woods.

The 10-year Treasury is just one influence on mortgage pricing; the other is the primary-secondary market spreads related to securitization activity.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell noted that the Fed will reinvest any proceeds from mortgage-backed securities run-off over $35 billion into Treasuries. That translates into lower purchase activity

“While this is in line with market expectations, we think this will continue to be negative technical for agency MBS,” George said.

It is not just those spreads that could influence pricing, Martin said, noting the record per-loan production losses originators suffered last year.

Homebuyers are still suffering from interest rate shock, said Jeremy Sicklick, CEO of real estate firm HouseCanary. “With mortgage rates creeping over 7%, many buyers and sellers alike seem to be holding out for rate cuts in the months ahead before jumping into the housing market,” Sicklick said in a press release.

HouseCanary data found the median price of all single-family listings rose 3.2% over a year ago, while closed listings rose 8%.

“With high mortgage rates and surging home prices tamping down market activity, we expect to see a subdued spring buying season continue throughout May, despite inventory increases,” Sicklick declared.

But besides higher rates, the problems around inventory and affordability remain.

“I think we’ve got to solve for those in concert,” Martin said. “Lower rates will help but I don’t think it’s enough to really materially move that needle.”

Source: nationalmortgagenews.com

Apache is functioning normally

It’s the fifth-largest retailer in the country and it’s already doing at least $6 billion in home furnishings, but if Home Depot ever gets really serious about the category, it could change absolutely everything in the market. And that may be coming sooner than many people realize.

Early next month, Home Depot will run its second Decor Days online promotional event, and it may be just a taste of how the home improvement giant is planning to expand its business in this category. With the remodeling and DIY segments slowing as the housing market continues to stall, home decor represents perhaps its greatest area of potential growth after the professional builder and contractor sector. (The company is already targeting the latter with both organic and external moves.)

Right now, home decor—at least, as Home Depot narrowly defines it (decor plus storage)—represents only about 4 percent of the company’s $152 billion a year in annual revenue, or about $6 billion. However, a broader interpretation of the category that includes flooring and appliances takes that figure up to around 19 percent, or about $29 billion. And by the brand’s broader-still delineation of its business, it says “decor”—which one can assume also includes lighting, some gardening, and kitchen and bath products—represents almost one-third of its overall annual revenue, clocking in at about $50 billion. (All numbers are based on the company’s 2023 fiscal year.)

As the home furnishings industry tends to define “decor” (furniture, home textiles, housewares, rugs, and decorating merchandise like wallpaper), very little is actually found in Home Depot stores. There are rugs, carpeting, wallcoverings and a selection of window treatments, but not much more. The rest of these merchandising categories are sold online, where the offerings are extensive, including cookware, small appliances, furniture and tabletop.

That’s why Decor Days, set for May 2 to 6—a shopping period leading up to Mother’s Day—is an online-only event. Following the more limited debut of this promo last October, the second iteration has expanded to feature furniture, mattresses, lighting, rugs, wall art and kitchen tools, said the company in a release. The product selection will include brands such as KitchenAid, Tempur-Pedic and Ember, as well Home Depot’s private labels, Home Decorators Collection and StyleWell.

For Home Depot, this is the latest step in its on-again, off-again romance with home furnishings. In 1991, it launched its Expo Design Center concept, an upscale, broad-based big-box store that emphasized solutions for full kitchen and bathroom projects, as well as furnishings and decorating products. The brand eventually built the business up to more than 50 locations and at one time talked about operating as many as 200. But it never got there—and while the company didn’t break out the sales of this nameplate, one can assume the gradual store closings signaled it wasn’t successful. Finally, in 2009, it shuttered the last of the 34 still in operation and walked away from the concept.

The company also dabbled with another spinoff, Floor Store, which was launched in 2000 and grew to seven locations and a call center, primarily in Texas. Again, the brand said the concept wasn’t performing as well as it had hoped before it shut down seven years later. Both of these divisions, it should be noted, were dissolved during the period of the 2008 housing crisis, when Home Depot’s overall business was severely challenged.

In 2017, Home Depot purchased The Company Store, an online retailer of primarily home textiles and soft furnishings, and it appeared to be a step closer to building out that business within its overall operation. The subsidiary continues to operate both as a stand-alone brand and on the Home Depot website, but has not been positioned as a critical part of the decor mix.

Home Depot’s archrival, Lowe’s, is also targeting the home decor segment, though it doesn’t break out its revenues specifically for the category. Lowe’s likely does more in-store decorating business than its competitor, as its customer base skews a little more toward female shoppers. Recently it, too, launched private-label furnishings and decor brands, also with larger assortments offered online.

Now that Home Depot is generally quite sound financially, in spite of a post-pandemic industry-wide slump, it is substantially expanding its pro builder business by buying up other suppliers as well as adding dedicated distribution centers (Lowe’s has a similar strategy). The company says that even though pro builders represent only 10 percent of its customer count, they generate about half of its overall annual revenue.

So, where does that leave decor? Far behind—but still potentially Home Depot’s next big driver of growth.

____________

Warren Shoulberg is the former editor in chief for several leading B2B publications. He has been a guest lecturer at the Columbia University Graduate School of Business; received honors from the International Furnishings and Design Association and the Fashion Institute of Technology; and been cited by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN and other media as a leading industry expert. His Retail Watch columns offer deep industry insights on major markets and product categories.

Source: businessofhome.com

Apache is functioning normally

The following Prime Opinion Review is a sponsored partnership with Prime Opinion. Welcome to my Prime Opinion Review! If you want to earn extra cash from home on your own schedule, I recommend trying out Prime Opinion. This honest review of Prime Opinion is going to explain what Prime Opinion is, how Prime Opinion works,…

The following Prime Opinion Review is a sponsored partnership with Prime Opinion.

Welcome to my Prime Opinion Review!

If you want to earn extra cash from home on your own schedule, I recommend trying out Prime Opinion.

This honest review of Prime Opinion is going to explain what Prime Opinion is, how Prime Opinion works, and how you can make extra money with paid online surveys on Prime Opinion each month.

I have been taking surveys for years, and I think it’s an easy way to make extra money in your spare time at home.

Yes, you can actually earn PayPal cash and free gift cards for something that you can do while watching TV or when you just have a few spare minutes.

All you need is an internet connection and a device like a phone, laptop, computer, or tablet to get started with Prime Opinion.

Quick summary: Prime Opinion is a survey website that allows people to earn money by sharing their opinions from home. It’s a simple concept: you share your thoughts, and they pay you for it.

I signed up for Prime Opinion personally and have started taking surveys to test it out for you, my reader. One thing I really love about Prime Opinion so far is the amount of surveys that are available. Already on the first day, there were 49 surveys that I could get started with, with more being added all the time. This is a lot more than I usually see available on survey sites!

Please click here to sign up for Prime Opinion and get up to a $5 free bonus (500 free bonus points). You can also use the code “MakingSenseofCents10” to get 10% more points for each completed survey in the following 7 days after signing up.

Prime Opinion Review

Below is my Prime Opinion review.

Prime Opinion homepage screenshot

What Is Prime Opinion?

Prime Opinion is a website where you can earn money by sharing your opinions through online surveys. These surveys often ask about everyday things like household products, TV shows, or sports teams. It’s a way to make money from home just by taking surveys on the internet.

Prime Opinion has several user-friendly features that make it easy for people to earn extra money. If you’re getting into paid surveys, here are some things you’ll like about Prime Opinion:

  • The platform is easy to use, so you won’t have trouble navigating it. You can easily find and complete surveys without getting lost on the site.
  • Whenever you log on to Prime Opinion, you’ll find a lot of available surveys where you can earn real money. It doesn’t matter if it’s morning or night; you can earn money in your free time.
  • There is a welcome bonus of up to $5 for signing up.
  • You can complete daily streaks and participate in their leaderboard contests to earn even more points and prizes.
  • They have a referral program where you can receive a 10% commission on all points that your friends earn when they sign up through your referral link.
  • Instant payments (literally less than 2 minutes) via PayPal, Venmo, ACH or via hundreds of gift cards available.
  • 24/7 live chat support in case you have any questions.

According to Prime Opinion, as I was writing this review on Prime Opinion, there were 1083 surveys available in the United States. Plus, the average user earned $11 the day before. So, as you can see, there are definitely surveys to be found here!

Now, I do want to say that Prime Opinion will not make you rich. No survey site will do that. But, you can easily earn a little extra money in your spare time from home.

After signing up for Prime Opinion, you’ll see your dashboard where you can take your first survey.

How Prime Opinion works

Joining Prime Opinion is easy and free and many users even start earning on their first day!

Here’s how to sign up for Prime Opinion and make extra money taking surveys:

  1. Join the panel – Registration is easy. Just sign up with your email by clicking here.
  2. Find surveys – Once logged in, you’ll find a list of surveys you’re eligible to take. You pick the surveys you want to work on based on the time you have and the earnings you’re aiming for.
  3. Pre-survey questions – Before starting a survey, you’ll need to answer some initial questions. Don’t worry, this is just to make sure the survey fits you.
  4. Take the survey – After qualifying, you’ll be directed to the actual survey. Fill it out, have your say, and once finished, you’re taken back to the Prime Opinion site.
  5. Get rewarded – For each completed survey, you earn points immediately. These can be turned into cash or gift cards whenever you want.

You can comfortably take surveys with Prime Opinion using any online device, such as your smartphone or computer. You have control over when and which surveys to take based on information like estimated time and payout for each survey.

It’s common to come across situations where you don’t qualify for a survey. You might answer a few questions and then see a message saying that you’re not the right fit for that particular survey. This is normal with survey sites. Keep trying, and look for other surveys that you may qualify for.

Note: The answers for the pre-survey questions need to be accurate and detailed so the you have more relevant surveys available.

Why does Prime Opinion pay you?

When you share your thoughts on Prime Opinion, you’re helping brands and companies improve their products and services. Companies pay Prime Opinion for the market research that they collect.

Your feedback is important to them because it gives them insight into what people like and don’t like.

There were many surveys available for me to try.

What kind of questions are asked in surveys?

You might be wondering what kind of questions are asked in surveys – makes sense!

Usually, you’ll be asked about your opinions on different products or services, your preferences on different things, and sometimes, more personal details like whether you have pets or kids at home.

Here are examples of the types of questions you might be asked in paid online surveys:

  1. Frequency activities – “How often do you dine out each month?”
  2. Value importance – “When considering products, how much does price influence your decision?”
  3. Feature preferences – “What specific features do you look for when buying [insert product]?”
  4. Usage patterns – “How frequently do you use [insert service/product]?”
  5. Income details – “What is your annual income?”
  6. Lifestyle choices – “What activities do you enjoy during your free time?”
  7. Recent purchases – “Have you bought any gadgets or home appliances recently? What did you choose and why?”
  8. Research habits – “Do you research products before making a purchase?”
  9. Grocery shopping – “How often do you shop for groceries each month?”
  10. Media consumption – “How many hours per week do you spend watching TV or movies?”

These questions are straightforward and don’t require any special expertise to answer! Sometimes the answers are multiple-choice, and sometimes you will be asked to write a sentence or two.

The goal is to gather information about your needs and interests, which helps companies determine what products or services might appeal to you. Your feedback is helpful because it influences how companies develop and sell products.

When you’re ready to cash out, just click on “SELECT REWARDS” when you’re logged in on the Prime Opinion website.

How to cash out with Prime Opinion

The withdrawal process from Prime Opinion is simple. You can withdraw your money through many different options once you reach the required points for cash-out.

You can redeem your points for PayPal cash, direct bank transfer, Venmo, virtual Visa card, as well as for gift cards to retailers and places such as Amazon, Apple, eBay, Kroger, Starbucks, Target, Walmart, and more.

There are even 46 different options for charity donations that you can choose from.

Before you withdraw your earnings, you’ll need to reach the redemption threshold. This is the minimum number of points you must have to start the cash-out process.

The redemption threshold depends on the method you want to use. For example, bank transfer redemptions start as low as 125 points ($1.25) and some gift card transactions start at 100 points ($1.00).

Note: The higher the welcome bonus chosen, the higher the threshold will be for the first redemption. After that the redemption threshold is low.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about getting paid to take surveys with Prime Opinion.

Is Prime Opinion legit?

Yes, Prime Opinion is a legitimate survey site. On TrustPilot, Prime Opinion has 11,000 reviews with an excellent rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Some of the positive Prime Opinion reviews that I read on TrustPilot talked about how users liked the low payout amount, how there are always a lot of surveys available, and how easy the site is to use.

How much does Prime Opinion pay?

Your earning potential on Prime Opinion can vary and surveys typically pay between $0.50 and $5.00 each ($5 is the highest-paying survey they have available).

How much is 1,000 points on Prime Opinion?

Each point on Prime Opinion is worth $0.01. 1,000 points are equal to $10. 500 Prime Opinion points are equal to $5.

Is my personal information safe with Prime Opinion? Is Prime Opinion safe?

Prime Opinion prioritizes user privacy and implements measures to keep your personal information secure. However, I always recommend that you read the privacy policy for any survey company that you join.

How long does it take for Prime Opinion to pay out?

Before you can withdraw your earnings on Prime Opinion, you’ll need to reach the redemption threshold. This threshold varies based on the redemption method you choose. For example:

  • Bank transfer redemptions start as low as 125 points ($1.25).
  • Gift card reward options start at 100 points ($1.00).

Once you reach the required points, you can start the cash-out process using your preferred redemption method. This may be one day or it may be a week or more. It just depends on how many surveys you answer and the length.

How do you get paid on Prime Opinion?

You get paid in points on Prime Opinion, which you can redeem for PayPal cash, gift cards, or donations to charities.

How do I withdraw money from Prime Opinion?

Once you’ve reached the payout threshold, you can withdraw your earnings directly to your PayPal account or choose other redemption options such as free gift cards.

Is Prime Opinion free?

Yes, joining and using Prime Opinion is completely free. There are no hidden fees.

Prime Opinion Review – Summary

I hope you enjoyed my Prime Opinion Review.

If you want to earn extra money without committing to a lot of hours or another job, answering fun surveys at home could be a good option for you to explore.

Prime Opinion is a legitimate survey platform that pays you to complete surveys, and that’s their sole focus. They have plenty of surveys for you to answer and you have many options to redeem your points, including different gift cards and cash payouts.

Plus, this site also has a monthly leaderboard contest so that top earners can get additional bonus earnings.

If you’re interested in earning money by sharing your opinions and thinking about signing up, learning about Prime Opinion is a great way to begin increasing your income.

I really like how easy it is to earn money by answering online surveys. You can take surveys while watching TV, waiting for food to cook, doing chores, and more. It’s super flexible and convenient, allowing you to do it right from your phone or computer.

Please click here to join Prime Opinion and get up to a $5 free bonus.

Do you like to take surveys to earn extra cash? What other questions do you have for my Prime Opinion Review?

Source: makingsenseofcents.com

Apache is functioning normally

It’s time to pack up and embark on your new adventure.

Making the move from an apartment to a house is a significant step in many people’s lives. It often signifies a transition to a new stage, whether it’s starting a family, advancing in your career, or simply desiring more space and freedom. While apartment living has its perks, such as convenience and lower maintenance, upsizing to a house offers numerous advantages that can greatly enhance your quality of life.

A deeper look into moving from an apartment to a house

Breaking down what upsizing truly means creates a less overwhelming experience.

More space

One of the most obvious advantages of moving from an apartment to a house is the increase in living space. Houses typically offer larger rooms, additional bedrooms, and more storage options, allowing you to spread out and enjoy more privacy. This extra space is especially beneficial for growing families or individuals who work from home and need a dedicated office space.

With more space, however, comes more stuff. Kelly Dever, founder of Your Right Hand Mom, recommends setting intention into place before you upsize. “Begin your upsizing journey by downsizing your belongings,” Dever notes. “A thorough declutter session before you pack means you only bring items that add value and joy to your new home. This not only simplifies moving but also eases the organization process in the larger space.”

Dever also notes this will create ease around filling your new space. “As you settle into your new house, systematically assign a home for every item. This practice wards off the sprawl of random clutter and cultivates an environment where order prevails.”

Ronda Bowen, of The Well Caffeinated Mom, echoes that decluttering is important when moving into more space. “If you have boxes of random things (referred to as doom boxes), go through those boxes, declutter them, and repack them where they belong,” Bowen emphasizes. “When you arrive in your new space, do your best to unpack your home within the first couple of weeks of living there to avoid new clutter.”

Decoration and personalization opportunities

Upsizing your home will allow for more space to show your creative side in design, Jamie Mitri, founder and CEO, of Moss Pure shares. “Upsizing creates the opportunity to add wall art to your wall space and do it in a unique and custom way. For example, you can own a larger, custom piece of wall art, like one by Moss Pure, instead of several smaller pieces of art,” Mitri explains.

“Moss Pure creates stunning spaces using live moss wall art that doubles as an art filter and stress relief device. The live moss stays alive in the patent-pending design indefinitely without needing watering, sunlight, or maintenance. And it’s totally customizable to your space.” Unique decoration opportunities, like Moss Pure, can transform your house into a personalized sanctuary that reflects your taste and style.

Going from small decorating and living space to almost double the space can also be challenging and overwhelming. Ana with Mrs. American Made, recommends not jumping immediately to buying a ton of new furnishings and decor. “My best advice is to decorate and organize with secondhand items,” Ana suggests. “It’s better for the environment and more eco-friendly. There are so many gently used unique, useful, and cute items out there that it doesn’t make sense to buy new and at full price.”

For those who prefer to ease their way into decorating a larger space, Shay Moné recommends starting with simply painting the walls. “Paint is the easiest way to elevate a space, and a fresh coat of any shade of white can do the trick,” Moné explains. Her top six creamy white paint colors are:

  • Ivory Lace / Sherwin Williams
  • Swiss Coffee / Benjamin Moore
  • Farrow’s White / Farrow and Ball
  • Aged White / Sherwin Williams
  • White Sand / Sherwin Williams
  • Calm / Benjamin Moore

Outdoor living

Many apartments lack outdoor space or have limited access to communal areas. Moving to a house often means gaining a backyard, patio, or garden where you can relax, entertain guests, and enjoy outdoor activities. Having your own outdoor space provides opportunities for gardening, barbecuing, or simply soaking up the sun on a lazy afternoon.

Privacy gained from moving from an apartment to a house

Houses typically offer greater privacy compared to apartment living, where you may share walls, floors, or ceilings with neighbors. With more space between you and your neighbors, you can enjoy a quieter and more peaceful environment, free from the noise and disturbances often associated with communal living.

Investment potential

Owning a house can be a smart long-term investment, as real estate tends to appreciate in value over time. Unlike renting, where your monthly payments only benefit the landlord, homeownership allows you to build equity and potentially profit from property appreciation.

While apartment complexes often foster a sense of community through shared amenities and social events, living in a house within a neighborhood offers a different type of community experience. You can get to know your neighbors, participate in local events and activities, and become involved in neighborhood associations or volunteer groups. Building relationships with your neighbors can enrich your life and provide a support network within your community.

Maintenance responsibilities

Unlike renting, where maintenance and repairs are typically handled by the landlord, homeowners are responsible for maintaining their property. This includes tasks such as lawn care, snow removal, and regular upkeep of the house’s exterior and interior. While this additional responsibility requires time and effort, it also allows homeowners to take pride in their property and ensure it remains in good condition.

Homeownership responsibilities

Upsizing to a house often comes with higher expenses compared to renting an apartment. In addition to mortgage payments, homeowners must budget for property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, utilities, and ongoing maintenance costs. It’s important to carefully evaluate your financial situation and create a realistic budget to ensure you can afford the additional expenses associated with homeownership before moving from apartment to house living.

Your upsizing journey begins here

While moving from apartment to house living or otherwise upsizing may induce stress, Megha with Crafts N Chisel reminds us of the beauty in this exciting life change. “Transitioning from an apartment to a house presents an exciting opportunity to elevate one’s design and decorating experience. A well-adorned environment fosters mental agility, with walls and tables adorned with vibrant art and uplifting themes promoting a healthy mind and body,” Megha shares. “Harmony is achieved by aligning the color scheme of artworks with that of furniture and furnishings while ensuring proportional sizing and placement. This balance enhances both the beauty of art and the space it inhabits.”

By taking the time to consider these factors and truly embrace the excitement of the upsizing adventure, you’ll be equipped to make a decision that feels right for you and your loved ones. Sure, there may be hurdles along the way, but the potential rewards of homeownership just might be worth it. From having more space to call your own to the joy of customizing every nook and cranny, owning a house can be a deeply fulfilling journey that enriches your life and creates lasting memories for you and your family.

Wesley is an Atlanta-based writer with a degree in Mass Communication from the University of South Carolina. Her background includes 6 years in non-profit communication and 4 years in editorial writing. She’s passionate about traveling, volunteering, cooking and drinking her morning iced coffee. When she’s not writing, you can find her relaxing with family or exploring Atlanta with her friends.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

A mortgage rate is highly subjective and can vary for a variety of reasons.  A news story that provides an outright level like 7.5% requires context and qualification.  Some online advertisements (especially among builders) could still be showing rates in the high 6’s.  Some borrowers will be seeing rates of 7.625 or higher. 

Loans with less than 25% down will have higher and higher costs, either in terms of upfront closing costs or the rate itself.  Investment properties incur significant extra costs as do lower credit scores (you start getting hit for anything under 780 in many cases these days).  

These are just a few considerations to illustrate the point that a 30yr fixed rate isn’t necessarily apples to apples. Fortunately, we can control for most of the variables by only ever looking at the same scenario, free from most of the subjective adjustments.  We can also control for the practice of advertising lower rates by quoting them with implied discount points (extra upfront cost that goes toward “buying down” the prevailing rate). That’s one of the reasons the MND index is higher than Freddie Mac’s weekly survey.

All that to say, 7.5%+ might not be the exact rate you see today, but after adjusting for everything we can control, that’s the most prevalently quoted top tier conventional 30yr fixed rate again today.  It’s the 3rd time we’ve seen 7.5 in the past 2 weeks.

Today’s increase followed the release or the Employment Cost Index–one of the economic reports the Fed watches closely in determining rate policy.  In not so many words, it suggested higher momentum in price pressures than previously expected.  This wasn’t necessarily out of line with any of the other recent inflation-related reports, but the confirmation was worth a bit of extra weakness in rates nonetheless.

Speaking of Fed rate policy, we’ll get the latest Fed announcement tomorrow.  There’s zero chance of a cut (or a hike), but the Q&A portion is always worth some potential volatility in the afternoon.  

Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com