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Apache is functioning normally

September 12, 2023 by Brett Tams

It’s not surprising these days to find many homes readied with a backyard pool. Depending on your motives, whether you are a seller trying to add value to your home, or a buyer on the hunt, this topic can be fairly debatable. So, will adding a pool to your backyard add value to your home? Yes…and no.

Typically, putting in the extra dollars and stressors of having a pool installed in your backyard will not substantially increase the value of your home when trying to sell. It would be more beneficial for you to make more physical interior and exterior improvements and additions to the house itself rather than adding an extra asset that may not be appealing to every buyer.

However, there are a few circumstances where a pool may add some value to your property.

1. Everyone in your neighborhood has a pool

If you happen to live in a wealthier and more established neighborhood where most homes have pools, not having one could very likely make it harder for your home to sell. It also could decrease the overall value of the home compared to the others built around you.

2. It won’t take up your whole yard

Similarly, if you can fit a pool into your backyard and still have some leftover yard space this is a huge bonus. Most buyers want the best of both worlds. A pool as well as backyard space for personal hobbies/entertainment purposes.

3. You live in a warm climate

Lastly, if you are located down South or out West, homeowners will most likely be looking for a home with a pool to cool off in because of the hot and humid temperatures. These factors alone or even collectively could potentially add value to your home.

Maximize your chances

Now, as mentioned before, even with the addition of a pool to your backyard, there is still no 100% guarantee of any return on your investment. Nonetheless, if you do happen to add this amenity to your property, you can take a few key factors into consideration that could help improve the selling point.

1. Appropriate design

For one thing, does the design and overall appearance of the pool somewhat coordinate and fit in with the rest of the neighborhood? If yes, you should be fine. If not, you should consider revamping the pool area to conform to the rest of the complementary neighborhood pools.

2. Keep it clean

Next on the list, is it apparent that the pool is clean and regularly kept? Or is it noticeably neglected and never maintained? An unkept pool would scare most buyers by giving the impression that it is too difficult and time-consuming to maintain and keep sanitary.

3. Newer is better

Lastly, how old is the pool? If you are adding a pool to your yard in an attempt to raise the value of your home and sell it, it is crucial to put your home on the market shortly after the pool is finished. You want a new and updated pool to ensure you recoup your costs/investment.

What is the ROI?

Now, the big burning question that everyone is dying to know: Will the money you put into the addition of your pool lead to a comparable increase in the value and sales price of your home?

Obviously, with all home repairs and enhancements, it is critical to not over-embellish your pool area. Whether you are repairing your current pool or building a brand new one from scratch, the goal is to add value to your home in an attempt to sell it.

You want to make sure your design is appealing and tasteful to buyers, not overly dramatic where they will be put off by it. You also want to take into consideration that you probably will not get the full value in return that you initially invested.

The cost alone to just build the pool can range from $30,000-$100,000 depending on how elaborate you want it to be. You then have to factor in extra costs such as filtration, maintenance, and insurance/taxes. While these costs are all very necessary for the addition of your pool, you may not receive the full value and dollar amount you put into it.

The bottom line

While a pool may not add monetary value to the home, it definitely can add value to the overall enjoyment and quality of living. Ultimately, the decision is up to you. Only the homeowner can decide the true return on the expenditure.

Source: totalmortgage.com

Apache is functioning normally

September 11, 2023 by Brett Tams

Andy Dean Photography / Shutterstock.com

Understanding and being prepared for the hurdles you might face as a home seller in the current housing market is not just smart — it’s also essential. From lining up another place to go once your home sells to finding a buyer who’s actually qualified, selling a home isn’t for the faint of heart.

Here are the four biggest challenges for home sellers in today’s market, according to experts.

Finding Another Home To Move To Can Be Tricky

“While low inventory allows homes to sell fairly quickly in most cases, it also can make it incredibly difficult to find somewhere to go within a reasonable time,” said Realtor Dalena Adams of Century 21 Legacy. “Our market has remained highly competitive even with interest rate increases, and so when our sellers become buyers, it becomes a rush for them to find somewhere to go before the sale of their current home closes.”

The Solution

“A few ways to mitigate the stress of making a move once you sell is to ask your agent to help you find somewhere to go — whether it’s a permanent home or a short-term rental — before your house goes on the market,” Adams said. “They can also reach out to local lenders to see which ones offer a bridge loan to cover the purchase of another property while waiting for the home they’re selling to close.

“If those options aren’t a possibility, then they can always discuss the option of a temporary occupancy agreement with any potential buyer before accepting an offer. The temporary occupancy agreement will allow the sellers the option to essentially rent back the house from the buyers after closing while they find another property (this period is typically between 30-60 days depending on the situation).”

The Contract May Not Be Strong and Reliable

“While worrying about where to go is always an issue, sellers also face the issue of whether a contract is actually strong and reliable,” said Adams. “Most agents these days require proof of funds with any offer. That proof can come in the form of a pre-approval letter, a bank letter stating cash is available or a contract on their current home.”

The Solution

“It’s always important when going over offers to look at the facts and verify them before moving forward,” Adams said. “See how thorough the lender was during the pre-approval process, what contingencies are they asking for, how solid is the current contract for the buyers’ home? While there’s never a guarantee that a contract will close, there are certainly plenty of ways to protect sellers to get them the most stable offer possible. While the amount of the offer is obviously important, it’s also paramount to understand the likelihood of that offer getting to the closing table.”

More Concessions Have To Be Made to the Buyer

“It’s always a good time to sell, as there will always be people in need of homes,” said Christina McCollum, a Washington-based regional manager for national lender Churchill Mortgage. “However, a seller may not have the control they once had just a few years ago when the market was red-hot, so we are seeing more and more concessions that favor the buyer. Despite this shift in the balance of power, you should still sell when and if you have to, as real estate is always in need.”

The Solution

“If you are ready to sell, put your best foot forward,” said McCollum. “Clean, tidy homes sell faster. Get with a professional for staging and selling. Consider contingent offers, as buyers need to sell, too. Understand going in that you probably won’t have the amount of control you’d like to, but you can still reach a fair deal.”

Qualified Buyers Can Be Harder To Find

Martin Orefice, CEO of Rent to Own Atlanta, said it can be hard to find qualified, interested buyers in today’s market. “Stubbornly high interest rates have created a situation where even buyers with good credit and a large down payment saved up simply can’t afford the long-term borrowing costs that come with a mortgage at today’s interest rates,” he said.

The Solution

A rent-to-own agreement could be a solution, said Orefice. He said if you go this route, the buyer will need to make a lump sum payment between 1%-5% of the home’s value to obtain the option to buy the property. He also said that they’ll need to make monthly installment payments for years to pay off the property. “Because there are no formal loans involved, it’s possible to end up paying much less in borrowing costs, even when interest rates are high.”

More From GOBankingRates

Source: gobankingrates.com

Apache is functioning normally

September 10, 2023 by Brett Tams

Inside: Are you wondering is Spirit Airlines safe? While Spirit is a low cost option, are their safety measures up to par? This guide dives into their safety procedures and fleet.

When it comes to flying, safety is paramount.

Meet Spirit Airlines, your go-to American low-cost airline.

This leaves everyone wondering is Spirit Airlines safe.

In this post, we will shed light on a question that might have crossed your mind – Is Spirit Airlines safe?

Spirit Airlines, ranked among the world’s top 20 safest airlines, has been a familiar name in the US aviation industry.

Despite its popularity, misconceptions have led some to doubt its safety quotient due to its low-cost airline status.

Rest assured, in this guide, we will delve deep into Spirit Airlines’ safety records and measures, providing you with comprehensive insights on everything you need to know before choosing them for your journey.

Be it their passenger safety awareness initiatives, effective communication strategies, or impressive safety accreditations, we’re aiming to equip you with data-backed information to help you make an informed decision, allaying any concerns you might have about flying with Spirit Airlines.

Is Spirit Airlines Safe?

Yes, Spirit Airlines is generally safe. It’s just as reliable as any other major US airline, and it has never had a fatal accident since it was founded in 1980.

Spirit Airlines ensures rigorous training for its crew members and pilots to handle various situations efficiently.

Remember, while no airline can guarantee a 100% incident-free flight, Spirit Airlines maintains high safety standards.

This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.

Spirit Airlines Safety Record

Maintaining an exceptional safety record is vital to any airline, and Spirit Airlines is no exception. Their commitment to passenger safety is reflected in their pre-flight safety briefings, proactive lines of communication, and strategic safety initiatives. IATA’s assertion that ranking an airline’s safety based on customer reviews is flawed reinforces the credibility of Spirit Airlines.

We delve deep into the safety record of Spirit Airlines, shedding light on their dedication to passenger safety, and the successful strategies they have implemented. A key point here is the absence of significant safety incidents within the past decade.

1. Airline Safety Rating

Safety ratings reflect an airline’s safety record and compliance with aviation standards – they’re pretty crucial when choosing who to fly with.

For Spirit Airlines, the rating is impressively high!

Certification: Spirit holds an Air Operator Certificate from the FAA (source).
Safety record: Even though they’ve had a few emergency landings, Spirit has had no fatal accidents in its history (source).

Remember, though, safety isn’t the entire story. Where Spirit excels in safety, the experience is defined by customer satisfaction and services.

2. Safety of the Spirit Airlines Fleet

The Spirit Airlines fleet is composed completely of Airbus aircraft, with the Airbus A319, A320, and A321 among them.

Modern and reliable, the average age of the aircraft Spirit utilizes is merely six years old with their 200th plane just delivered. This relatively youthful fleet is one reason why Spirit is counted among the top 20 safest low cost airlines worldwide.

Additionally, Spirit Airlines is constantly investing in new technology to augment the safety and efficiency of its aircraft. This commitment to safety and innovation is proven through regular inspections, diligent maintenance, and strict adherence to the manufacturer-recommended service schedules.

3. Flight Safety Protocols

Spirit Airlines, a certified member of IATA, takes passenger safety quite seriously despite its low-cost status.

Here are some of the key safety protocols they follow:

The Spirit team is trained for various emergency situations, including necessary medical measures.
For urgent support, passengers can reach out to an agent using the free mobile app developed by Spirit Airlines. This assures on-the-go assistance.
In adherence to FAA rules, Spirit Airlines provides each passenger with a life vest stowed under the seat or between armrests.
Prior to each flight, passengers are made aware of vital safety instructions through pre-flight briefings such as proper usage of safety equipment and emergency actions.
In-flight safety cards are utilized as visual aids to facilitate a better understanding of these safety guidelines.
Spirit Airlines encourages passengers to report potential safety issues for a quick resolution.

Thus, flying with Spirit Airlines is indeed quite safe.

Note that Spirit Airlines operates under stringent rules set by leading regulatory bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

4. Safety Training of the Crew

When it comes to air travel, safety is king! One crucial aspect is the training of flight crews.

As such, Spirit has a rigorous training program for pilots and cabin crew. Their focus? Emergency procedures, handling tricky weather, and managing complex flight situations.

Let’s see how Spirit Airlines ensures its crew is well-prepared for any scenario:

Regular simulator training keeps the pilot’s skills sharp. Flying virtual skies means quicker, smarter decisions in the real world.
Spirit doesn’t just hire anyone. They’ve got strict criteria, ensuring only qualified, experienced folks join the team.
Continuous evaluations keep the crew’s performance top-notch. Spirit never stops improving its safety standards.
Onboard safety protocols. Crew members undergo safety classes, learning how to respond during emergencies.
Real-life simulated scenarios are part of the training. Fires, water landings, you name it. Spirit’s crew is ready for action!

That’s Spirit Airlines – keeping you secure, one flight at a time!

5. Pilot Qualifications

Pilot qualifications at Spirit Airlines are stringent to ensure safety and operational efficiency.

Each pilot is required to have a minimum total of 1500 hours in fixed-wing aircraft, however, they prefer 2500 hours. They must possess a current FAA First Class Medical Certificate, an unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot License, and an FCC Radio Telephone Operator Permit. This consolidates their hands-on expertise, their medical fitness for flight duties, and their understanding of complex flight communications.

This rigorous screening guarantees that passengers are in the hands of highly skilled professionals capable of managing various flight scenarios.

Also, the good news, they have increased their pilot pay, which attracts higher-quality candidates!

6. Emergency Landing Procedures

Emergency landing procedures are rigorously implemented and followed to ensure the safety and well-being of Spirit passengers.

In the event of an unforeseen complication or hazard, such as equipment failure, bird strikes, or detection of smoke or unknown odors on the aircraft, an emergency landing may be necessitated. Emergency landings can also happen due to severe weather turbulence that can potentially lead to risks during a flight.

Spirit Airlines has a commendable safety record, often resorting to these emergency landings as a safety measure to keep the passengers safe.

Despite having to make a few emergency landings over the past thirty years, it is noteworthy that Spirit has not faced any fatal accidents or crashes during this period.

7. Safety Checks of the Airplanes

Safety checks are the lifeline of any airline industry, making sure your travel from point A to B is as safe as can be.

When you’re traveling with Spirit Airlines, these safety measures are taken to a whole new level.

First and foremost, seasoned mechanics inspect the Spirit aircraft from top to bottom. They check every little component – inspecting engine performance to the seat pitch, ensuring everything functions as it is supposed to.
Moreover, they keep a keen eye on the boarding processes, ensuring the necessity and safety protocols are met to precision. These inspections are not just occasional but happen on-ground prior to every takeoff. This allows any issues spotted during preflight checks to be rectified before the plane leaves the ground.
No stone is left unturned when it comes to the training of Spirit’s staff. The staff undergoes intensive training sessions to equip them with the aptitude to handle unexpected in-flight situations promptly and efficiently. It’s the people behind the scenes who add to your safety during a flight after all.

Remember, when flying Spirit, your safety isn’t just a priority, it’s their mission.

My Experience Flying Spirit Airlines

Flying with Spirit Airlines may be a basic experience, but it’s honestly not all bad. It’s an unpretentious, no-frills airline that delivers exactly what you’re paying for–a cost-effective flight.

Personally, I don’t get why Spirit gets a bad rap because every flight I have taken with Spirit Airlines has always been a good experience.

The cleanliness and modern simplicity of the newly operated Airbus are clean, but the seats remind you of any lack of luxury. Punctuality was another impressive aspect, as both my flights arrived right on schedule, if not a bit earlier.

Many people complain about the absence of an in-flight entertainment system, but it doesn’t affect me as my kids and I were well-prepared with my personal entertainment on my phone and a book as a constant companion – one of my many travel essentials.

Most importantly, Spirit Airlines offers the advantage of budget travel, making it possible to explore more without a steep dent in the wallet.

Personally, I never pay for the extras like seat assignments and carry-on items, so being aware and planning ahead saves you from any surprises.

More often than not, I will purchase the Savers Club as the price to join lowers the airline ticket cost by more than the membership.

Also, I love that Spirit Airlines flies into the newer and much larger terminal at San Diego International Airport!

Pros And Cons of Flying Spirit Airlines

Looking for a cost-effective alternative for your air travel? Spirit Airlines might be the right choice.

Pros of Flying with Spirit Airlines:	Cons of Flying with Spirit Airlines:
– Budget-friendly fares – offers some of the lowest fares in the industry. – Booking is made easy through both Spirit.com and Spirit mobile app. – It owns one of the youngest, most fuel-efficient fleets in the U.S. – Has commendable safety ratings. – Offers the ability to choose your seat for a fee. – Spirit Airlines generally runs on time. In fact, sometimes you may find flights landing slightly early. – Plane hygiene is one area where Spirit does not compromise. They use mostly new Airbuses, ensuring clean and modern interiors. – Most travelers have spoken favorably about the ground and flight crews of Spirit Airlines. They seem to go above and beyond to make passengers comfortable.	– Extra charges apply for baggage. Remember, due to their low-cost model, Spirit encourages minimal luggage. – Upgrading your seat doesn’t offer any additional services. – No free meals or drinks are provided during the flight. You will need to purchase these. – Seats may be uncomfortable for some passengers. – Limited free flight cancellation or rescheduling options. – Lack of legroom could potentially hamper your comfort, especially if you’re tall or traveling long distances. – No inflight entertainment systems. – Overhead space may be limited, and you might have to pay extra for more significant carry-ons.

Pros of Flying with Spirit Airlines:

Cons of Flying with Spirit Airlines:

– Budget-friendly fares – offers some of the lowest fares in the industry.
– Booking is made easy through both Spirit.com and Spirit mobile app.
– It owns one of the youngest, most fuel-efficient fleets in the U.S.
– Has commendable safety ratings.
– Offers the ability to choose your seat for a fee.
– Spirit Airlines generally runs on time. In fact, sometimes you may find flights landing slightly early.
– Plane hygiene is one area where Spirit does not compromise. They use mostly new Airbuses, ensuring clean and modern interiors.
– Most travelers have spoken favorably about the ground and flight crews of Spirit Airlines. They seem to go above and beyond to make passengers comfortable.

– Extra charges apply for baggage. Remember, due to their low-cost model, Spirit encourages minimal luggage.
– Upgrading your seat doesn’t offer any additional services.
– No free meals or drinks are provided during the flight. You will need to purchase these.
– Seats may be uncomfortable for some passengers.
– Limited free flight cancellation or rescheduling options.
– Lack of legroom could potentially hamper your comfort, especially if you’re tall or traveling long distances.
– No inflight entertainment systems.
– Overhead space may be limited, and you might have to pay extra for more significant carry-ons.

Finally, if budget is a priority, Spirit Airlines has you covered. The airline offers highly economical options for both domestic and international travel.

You may come across mixed customer reviews regarding Spirit’s customer service. Make sure you come with the right expectations for a budget airline.

Why is Spirit so cheap?

Why is Spirit Airlines so cheap, you ask? The answer lies in their unique business strategy.

Non-ticket revenue: They adopt a budget-friendly strategy by charging extra for add-ons like seat selection, carry-on bags, and in-flight food and beverages. According to their 2022 financial reports, over half of Spirit’s total revenue per passenger comes from these non-ticket avenues.
Streamlined fleet: Unlike other airlines operating different types of aircraft, Spirit keeps it simple with just one family of aircraft – the Airbus. This significantly cuts down on training and supply chain expenses.
Save on Baggage: You can easily skip checking a bag if you pack everything in your carry-on. Or invest in my favorite seven-pound luggage to save on checked baggage fees!

It’s this clever business model that helps Spirit offer those unbeatable low fares.

FAQ

Yes, it is safe to fly with Spirit Airlines. They have a solid safety record and have never had a fatal incident in their history.

They use modern, digitally enhanced aircraft which provide risk-free journeys.

Despite minor concerns, overall Spirit Airlines offers a safe and affordable travel option. Most people flying Spirit Airlines may not be concerned with how much cash can you fly with!

Both Spirit and Delta Airlines are reputed for their robust safety measures and procedures, each being FAA-certified and upholding the safety standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Spirit ranks among the world’s top 20 safest airlines, while Delta, with its long-standing history of nearly 100 years, may be perceived as marginally safer due to its established stature.

However, it’s important to note that both airlines are committed to ensuring passenger safety and regularly maintain their fleets to guarantee this.

No, Spirit Airlines doesn’t have a bad safety record.

Spirit Airlines has never had a fatal accident in its history.
It was ranked as one of the safest low-cost airlines globally by JACDEC.

Conclusion: Is Spirit Airlines Safe?

In conclusion, your concerns about Spirit Airlines’ safety may be a bit exaggerated.

Spirit Airlines ranks among the top 20 low cost safest airlines.

Over the past decade, Spirit has demonstrated a strong safety record, showing its dedication to passenger safety.

Safety protocols and equipment are prioritized, with crew members undergoing rigorous training to handle diverse scenarios.

Spirit operates with newer aircraft, a move applauded by travel professionals as a cost-effective safety measure.

There have been some criticisms, like limited flight options and cancellations, which should be taken into account in travel planning.

Thus, while no airline can promise absolute safety, Spirit certainly takes measures to ensure passenger well-being.

Don’t forget to get your Amazon travel must haves before your flight!

About Spirit Airlines

Originally established in 1980, Spirit is based out of Miramar, Florida, making the world a little smaller with 60+ destinations across the U.S., Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.

They have established themselves as the low-cost, no-frills airline.

What can you expect when flying with Spirit?

It offers a “Free Spirit” frequent flyer program where you can rack up reward points and exchange them for perks like seat selection and baggage check-ins.
Different seating options to suit your comfort; you can pick Economy Class, Big Front Seats, or Exit Row Seats.
They got your in-flight hunger covered with a variety of snacks and drinks for purchase.
Always stay connected with their Wi-Fi services on specific aircraft.
When flying with Spirit, you can expect strict adherence to their baggage weight and size policies. It’s crucial to be familiar with these restrictions and pack accordingly to prevent any airport hassles.
Got a problem? Their customer support is just a call or email away, round the clock.

So, grab your ticket today and experience a journey filled with comfort, convenience, and cost-efficiency.

Source: moneybliss.org

Apache is functioning normally

September 10, 2023 by Brett Tams

Finding a suitable insurance policy can take time. One option to make the process easier is to work with an independent insurance agent. An independent insurance agent is a third-party salesperson who has a relationship with multiple companies and gets paid a commission when they sell you a policy. Because they aren’t bound to a single insurance company, they can help you compare options across several carriers to find the right policy for you.

What is an independent insurance agent?

An insurance agent represents one or more insurance companies and earns a commission when they sell a policy on behalf of an insurer they represent. Agents can also help customers assess their insurance needs and provide assistance if they need to file a claim.

There are two types of agents: captive agents and independent insurance agents.

A captive agent works for a single company, either as an employee or as an independent contractor. Captive agents may show you price quotes from multiple companies for comparison, but they can only sell you a policy from the company they represent. An independent insurance agent is someone who represents multiple insurers and can sell you a policy from any of the companies they represent.

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Insurance Agents. Accessed Sep 3, 2023.

An independent insurance agent must have a contract with each company it represents. The contract spells out how the agent can act on behalf of the insurer, as well as the commission the agent will be paid.

Major carriers often use captive agents to sell their products. Independent agents generally work with a range of companies, including smaller ones you may not have heard of. Because they’re familiar with smaller insurers that may specialize in certain niches, independent insurance agents may be able to help if you’re having trouble finding affordable coverage or your insurance needs are complex.

How an independent insurance agent can help you

Not everyone needs to work with an independent insurance agent. For example, if you’re shopping for auto insurance on a single vehicle and you have good credit and a clean driving history, you can probably shop for quotes online without enlisting a pro. But there are some situations when independent insurance agents can be particularly helpful.

Auto insurance: If you’ve had multiple crashes or a serious driving violation, like a DUI or reckless driving charge, your insurance company may classify you in its nonstandard category. That means it considers you a high-risk driver.

International Risk Management Institute. Substandard. Accessed Sep 5, 2023.

Independent auto agents can often help you find affordable coverage because they frequently work with smaller companies that are more likely to issue nonstandard policies.
Homeowners insurance: Working with an independent insurance agent can be helpful if your homeowners insurance costs have shot up or you’ve received a nonrenewal notice. A local independent insurance agent will often be familiar with insurers who write policies in your area and can shop for quotes on your behalf.
Life insurance: If you have a pre-existing medical condition, a risky occupation, hobbies an insurer considers dangerous, you could benefit from working with a life insurance independent agent who specializes in impaired risk underwriting. Your agent may be familiar with the carriers who will insure clients with specific risks. The agent may also be able to request information about your situation from the insurer before you formally submit an application.

While a good independent insurance agent can help you find affordable coverage, understand your policy and file a claim, it’s also important to understand what your agent can’t do. For example, many insurance agents want clients to know that they can’t get retroactive coverage for something that has already happened. Also, you shouldn’t wait until after your policy has been canceled to contact an independent insurance agent, as companies view a customer who lets coverage lapse as riskier and may charge higher rates.

How do independent insurance agents get paid?

Independent insurance agents are paid a commission. The commission structure varies based on the type of insurance and carrier.

Typical life insurance commissions range from 60% to 80% of the first-year premiums, with a smaller amount going toward commissions in subsequent years. Some agents don’t earn commissions after the third year of the policy.

For auto and home insurance, typical commission rates are 5% to 15% of first-year premiums. Agents typically earn 2% to 5% on premiums for renewal in the following years.

Keep in mind that an independent insurance agent gets paid a higher commission for selling you a pricier policy. If you’re looking at buying a particularly expensive policy, such as permanent life insurance, consider hiring a fee-only financial planner or insurance consultant to be sure it’s appropriate for you. They won’t earn a commission and can help you objectively assess your needs.

Independent insurance agents vs. brokers

Independent insurance agents and brokers both earn commissions and can help you shop for a policy, but there are a few key distinctions. One key difference is that insurance agents represent the insurance company, while brokers represent a customer.

An insurance broker’s role is to determine the right amount of coverage for the client and search for the best price and terms. However, brokers can’t technically sell you a policy. An agent is needed for underwriting and “binding” the policy, or providing temporary coverage until the final policy is issued.

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

September 10, 2023 by Brett Tams

For many students, one of the most exciting parts of heading off to college is living on their own for the first time. That might mean moving into a freshman dorm or an on-campus apartment or finding an off-campus living space.

Which is better? The answer will depend on your personal preferences, what year you are in school, your budget, and where you go to college. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of living on campus vs living off campus.

Pros of Living On Campus

Many students dream of the day they’ll pack their bags and begin a new life at college. And, for many, a major part of that fantasy involves living on campus. The reason is that living in a freshman dorm with hoards of other students the same age can be a lot of fun.

Living on campus also comes with some other advantages. Generally, arranging on-campus housing is relatively easy, especially for freshmen who may be more likely to get a spot, or may be required to live on campus. Unlike apartment hunting, which can be time consuming and challenging, living on campus can be a more straightforward arrangement and there are generally additional resources provided for students in on-campus housing.

For example, there is generally an RA (Resident Advisor/Assistant) that can answer any questions and help resolve conflicts with roommates. Plus RA’s may run programming for the floor, or dorm, to encourage community and help students meet each other.

Typically, students living in on-campus housing can also purchase a meal plan, which means they don’t need to find time to grocery shop or cook meals when they should be cramming for finals.

Living on campus also means students are conveniently close to all of the resources provided by their school. This not only makes it easier and faster to get to your classes, but also to access on-campus dining, gyms, the health center, libraries, and student recreation centers. Attending on-campus events and getting to a professor’s office hours can also be easier when you’re living on campus.
💡 Quick Tip: Make no payments on SoFi private student loans for six months after graduation.

Cons of Living On Campus

While very convenient and exciting in many ways, on campus housing has its downsides.

For one, dormitory living often involves small spaces and lack of privacy. You may need to share a bathroom with your entire hall. And you may end up living in close quarters with a roommate you don’t know or have much in common with. In addition, finding quiet time to focus on your studies can be a challenge in a dorm.

Another potential downside to living on campus is that you may not have access to a kitchen and will need to eat your meals according to the dining hall’s schedule.

Living on campus can also be more expensive than living off campus.

Recommended: 5 Ways to Start Preparing For College

Pros of Living Off Campus

While you may think that living on campus is the key to having a true college experience, there are actually some benefits associated with living off campus.

Some students may greatly appreciate having a bit of separation from their school life and their personal life, especially as they inch closer to graduation and they begin to plan their transition to the post-college era.

Another major benefit of living off campus is the potential to save some money on living expenses and to have some extra flexibility. Living off campus can be cheaper than living on campus, depending on factors like where the college is located and how close to campus the house is located. Living off campus may also allow you to spend less on food, since you will likely have access to a kitchen and full-size refrigerator.

Another potential advantage of off-campus housing is that you may be able to find a larger living space than you could get in a dorm. Plus, you may have a 12-month lease, which gives the option of staying on campus over the summer to study, get an internship, or find a summer job. (However, this could end up being a con if you are on the hook for a lease when you don’t actually need to be in town.)

Cons of Living Off Campus

While living off campus can provide more flexibility, it may involve having to commute to campus. In some cases, students may be able to find off campus housing within walking distance to school but often you will need to drive. This brings its own set of complications, such as traffic and parking (which on some campuses can be expensive and competitive). Owning and maintaining a car also adds to your college costs.

A commute may also make it less appealing to participate in on-campus events and take advantage of campus amenities like gyms, health centers, and libraries. Spending time with friends may also take more coordination than just walking down the hall.

When it comes to living in off-campus housing, many students may also not be prepared to take on the responsibilities of adult living. While each student’s living situation will vary depending on their specific housing arrangements, many can expect to cook more, clean more, and be more responsible for properly maintaining their off- campus housing. And if they’re having issues with their roommate, there is no RA to help them clear the air.

Keeping School Requirements In Mind

At the end of the day, there is no “best” choice for a college living arrangement. There are so many variables, including the school’s location, the student’s priorities and personality, and how much each option will cost.

One caveat is that some students may not have a choice about whether they live on campus or not. Some colleges and universities require their students to live on campus for a certain amount of years. This is a more common requirement for freshman students, as colleges want them to integrate into campus life and feel engaged and supported.

If you don’t want to live on campus, despite there being a requirement to do so, it’s worth seeing if the school allows students to petition to live off campus. Allowances are sometimes made for students whose families live nearby or who have health issues or specific dietary requirements that can’t be met easily through on-campus dining options.

On the other end of the spectrum, some colleges only guarantee housing on-campus for a certain number of years, resulting in students living off campus at one time or another.

Some colleges and universities provide online resources and other information for students who are interested in living off campus. These resources can help students find housing and make the transition to off campus housing a bit easier.
💡 Quick Tip: Would-be borrowers will want to understand the different types of student loans that are available: private student loans, federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans, Direct PLUS loans, and more.

Financing College Life

Regardless of where you live, you’ll need to figure out how to pay for it. Some students may be able to use the financial aid they receive to help pay for their room and board.

Scholarships may have restrictions on how they can be used, and room and board or rent may or may not be eligible expenses. Review the details of specific scholarships to understand what costs they can help fiance. Student loans can generally be used to pay for tuition as well as living expenses and housing.

There are two types of student loans that you may be able to tap — private and federal student loans.

Federal student loans may be subsidized by the government, which means interest won’t start to accrue until six months after you graduate, or they may be unsubsidized, which means interest begins accruing right away. Either way, you don’t have to start making payments until six months after graduation. Federal loans come with a fixed interest rate set by the Congress annually, and don’t require a credit check.

If federal student loans do not fully cover your costs, you may also want to explore getting a private student loan.
Private student loans are available through private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms vary, depending on the lender. These loans do require a credit check and, generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind, though, that private loans may not offer the borrower protections — like income-based repayment plans and Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness — that automatically come with federal student loans.

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.

SOIS0823021

Source: sofi.com

Apache is functioning normally

September 10, 2023 by Brett Tams

There are few things in this world as exciting as going on vacation. However, sometimes going somewhere is way too expensive, or maybe when the time comes rolling around to take off of work, it isn’t the best time to leave town. There are many people out there with this problem, and surprisingly, there is a great solution.

A staycation, as it is now being called, is taking a vacation from your crazy life while staying in the comfort of your own home. You don’t have to travel far away or spend a lot of money to get the peace and relaxation you would get from going somewhere else.

Use these tips to optimize your staycation experience, and come back to your work life refreshed and ready to go.

Turn Off Phones and Social Media

Vacations are all about taking a break. The best way to do this is to turn off social media, your phone, email, and everything else that constantly nags at you on a daily basis. Put an ‘out of office’ response on your email and phone, and don’t check them until you get back to work. You’ll be surprised at how much more relaxed you will feel.

Turn Time Off

Just like turning off everything digital, cut down on your reliance on time. Though it may not be practical in some situations to throw out time completely, try to ignore it for the most part while you are on vacation.

Remember— you don’t have to be anywhere or do anything. Try putting away most, if not all, of the clocks in your house and don’t set an alarm for the morning. Spend the week just going with the flow, doing what you want, when you want.

Get Someone Else to Clean Your House

One of the best feelings while on vacation is not having to clean up after yourself. So why should this change when you are on staycation? Treat yourself a little and hire a maid service to come and clean your house for you.

It’s very easy to fall into doing chores around the house when you’re at home and on vacation, and needless to say, this will ruin the point of a staycation. Maid services are not as expensive as you may think, and you get the enjoyment of watching someone else doing your chores for you.

Eat Out Every Night

Similar to cleaning your house, cooking is an extra chore that is not necessary when you are on a staycation. Don’t bother yourself with the hassle just because you’re in your own kitchen. Instead, go out every night your on staycation to a new place you’ve never been before. Not only does this get rid of having to cook, but it also gives you a chance to try new places around your town that you probably otherwise wouldn’t. Who knows, maybe you’ll find your new favorite local restaurant.

Do Something You Have Never Done

To make the experience unique, make sure you try something new. It’s likely there are plenty of things in your hometown that you have never tried before, or even heard about. Get on the internet and see what other people visiting your hometown are doing for fun.

If there isn’t anything, see what else is close, but get out and do at least one thing that brings you out of your comfort zone. Perhaps you could go to a tourist attraction, picnic at a national park, go skydiving or bungee jumping—anything that will give you a story and a special memory. After all, a vacation is meant to be filled with the unforgettable.

Hire an In-House Masseuse

Almost no other method works better to relax you than a professional massage. Since you are saving so much money by staying home for your vacation, splurge a little and hire someone to come and pamper you. You’d be surprised how much the stress of work will just melt away. They may be a little pricey, but they’re nothing compared to the price of a week’s stay in a hotel.

Bottom Line

Instead of spending a ton of money to go on vacation to a place that you don’t even know if you’ll enjoy, why not save your money and create the perfect staycation? Not only do you get to plan everything exactly the way you want it, you get to do it all from the comfort of your own home.

Carter Wessman

Carter Wessman is originally from the charming town of Norfolk, Massachusetts. When he isn’t busy writing about mortgage related topics, you can find him playing table tennis, or jamming on his bass guitar.

Source: totalmortgage.com

Apache is functioning normally

September 10, 2023 by Brett Tams

One major issue that has plagued homeowners over the past few years has been a lack of equity, making it impossible to sell without a short sale.

Worse than that, many lacking equity have decided to simply hand in the keys and walk away, a testament to their desperation.

But thanks to recent home price gains nationwide, more and more borrowers are acquiring healthy amounts of equity, plenty enough to throw up a standard sale on the MLS if they’d like.

A new graphic from RealtyTrac illustrates this equity boom, and Honolulu is tops when it comes to the “equity rich,” despite being surrounded by water.

By equity rich, they mean having 50% or more equity in the home. Put another way, having a LTV ratio below 50%, which is quite favorable in the mortgage world.

As you can see, 36% of homes (62,891 total) in the Hawaiian capital are rich in equity, meaning these households could all sell whenever they want to without any trouble (barring the circus that is the mortgage industry messing things up).

San Jose, CA has the second largest percentage of equity rich homes at 35% (131,622 homes), followed by Poughkeepsie, NY at 30% (25,188 homes).

In terms of totals, California has the largest number of equity rich homes at 597,436, or 26% of homes.

It’s followed by New York, NY with 578,785 homes (27%) and San Francisco with 282,793 (29%).

Unsurprisingly, most of these metropolitan areas are quite affluent, and there are probably plenty of cash buyers in the mix, including scores of investors.

They’re also established cities, meaning many homeowners have probably lived in the homes a lot longer than in newer cities such as Las Vegas or Phoenix.

Many Homes in Foreclosure Now Have Equity Too

RealtyTrac also took a look at homes in the process of foreclosure that now have equity thanks to those recent price gains.

Somewhat amazingly, 72% of foreclosures (1,541 homes) in Pittsburgh have some level of equity.

It is followed by Poughkeepsie, NY at 71% (1,065 homes) and Honolulu, HI at 69% (451 homes).

The largest number of homes in foreclosure that have positive equity can be found in Dallas, Texas, likely because of their strict lending rules that limit cash out to low LTVs.

This sheds some light on the causes of the crisis as well, and backs up a study by Fed researcher Steven Laufer that blamed cash out loans for the large number of defaults and eventual foreclosures.

The Data Means More Inventory Is in the Pipeline

What it all means is that there is going to be a lot more housing inventory now and in the near future, assuming homeowners finally pull the trigger.

Apparently a good chunk of them are waiting for prices to rise further before selling, but you’ve got to believe that more and more will take the plunge as prices continue to rise and higher rates thin the eligible pool of buyers.

Additionally, because more homeowners are gaining equity, there will be fewer and fewer short sales and foreclosures. That too should bolster home prices, as distressed sales drag down prices.

These sellers may also become subsequent buyers sooner if they can avoid a fire sale and keep their credit clean, all of which should help the housing market recover.

The only concern is an eventual tipping point where there is too much overpriced inventory. But hopefully that is some years out.

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

Apache is functioning normally

September 9, 2023 by Brett Tams

This transcript was prepared by a transcription service. This version may not be in its final form and may be updated.

Jessica Mendoza: Well, good morning, Harston.

Harston Jones: Good morning. How are you?

Jessica Mendoza: I’m well. How are you?

Harston Jones: Oh, just fine. Considering.

Jessica Mendoza: Yesterday I had a call with a man named Harston Jones. He’s 62, recently retired, and is based in Atlanta, Georgia. He lives in a home he bought in 1998.

Harston Jones: It’s a ranch style home, on about a half acre. It’s a very diverse community. It’s very convenient to a lot of important areas of Atlanta.

Jessica Mendoza: Right. And location, location, location. You have to choose the community that you want to live in.

Harston Jones: Absolutely. I got lucky on that.

Jessica Mendoza: Like a lot of people, Harston took out a mortgage when he bought his home. A few years later, he got a second mortgage on the house. It was a home equity line of credit for up to $50,000 and Harston used that money to renovate his property.

Harston Jones: Some major repairs had to be done. All the windows had to be replaced. I needed to put a roof on the house. I needed to fix the driveway, it’s a pretty long driveway. Things like that I needed to get done.

Jessica Mendoza: Soon after Harston took out that second mortgage, the financial crisis of 2008 happened.
Banks were getting bailed out, home prices were crashing, and a lot of people, like Harston, lost their jobs. Many stopped making payments on their home loans. Some banks stopped sending out statements for those loans, giving people the impression their loans had been canceled. Harston was one of them.

Harston Jones: And I thought it was over. And then I got this surprise letter in exactly three years ago this month.

Jessica Mendoza: Since then, Harston has been embroiled in a legal fight to keep his home, a fight that other homeowners across the country are also going through.
Welcome to the Journal, our show about money, business, and power. I’m Jessica Mendoza. It’s Friday, June 23rd.
Coming up on the show, how zombie mortgages are coming back to stalk American homeowners.
The financial crisis was a chaotic time for the housing market. Home prices were falling, people were losing their jobs, struggling to pay their mortgages, and that led to a wave of foreclosures. Here’s our colleague Ben Eisen.

Ben Eisen: A lot of people lost their homes, because when you don’t pay your mortgage, the lender has the right to foreclose on your house and so there were tons of foreclosures. There were a lot of people that went to their mortgage company and modified their loan. Basically got the company to change the terms of the loan so that they could get back on track with payments. And then there were some loans that just kind of disappeared.
The lender, for whatever reason, wasn’t going to foreclose on the house, but they also weren’t going to get repaid back. And so a lot of these banks, they just kind of wrote down the value of the mortgage, basically saying, “We are going to recognize a loss on her own balance sheet for having made these mortgages.” And at that point, depending on just what the lender does with that mortgage, they might stop sending statements to the borrower.

Jessica Mendoza: And why would the bank do that?

Ben Eisen: Banks were under pressure to clean up their balance sheets. They had tons and tons of these loans and that had all soured at once. Not every bank had the appetite to kind of go through with all of these foreclosures, so sometimes they didn’t do that, and instead they basically just kind of ignored the loan for a bit.

Jessica Mendoza: Banks call this charging off a loan.

Ben Eisen: This is basically the technical term for what a company that is in the business of lending money does when they’re not going to be able to collect money on that loan and they need to basically get it off their balance sheet. They charge it off. They just basically take the losses on it.

Jessica Mendoza: Banks all over the US started charging off second mortgages because it seemed like homeowners wouldn’t be able to repay. And this is what Harston says he thought happened to his second mortgage.
He had stopped payments on his second mortgage during the time when he was out of a job. When he was able to restart payments, he got back in touch with his bank.

Harston Jones: I called them when I got stable again, and they told me the mortgage is charged off. And I thought it was over.

Jessica Mendoza: Your bank said that it was charged off?

Harston Jones: Yes. When I saw charge off, I said, “Hey, it’s charged off.”

Jessica Mendoza: But Ben says there’s actually a big difference between canceling a loan and charging it off.

Ben Eisen: That doesn’t mean the loan went away. That simply means the bank is deeming that mortgage uncollectible.

Jessica Mendoza: So just saying like, “It’s not worth the trouble. We’ll take the loss. Moving on.”

Ben Eisen: Exactly.

Jessica Mendoza: Many homeowners, including Harston, thought they could move on too. Then one day, in the spring of 2020, a letter arrived for Harston. It was a pretty ordinary looking letter.

Harston Jones: It wasn’t clear from the outside. I said, “Why are these people contacting me?” And I opened it up and it was an official accelerated foreclosure letter with all the mouse print for like four or five pages.

Jessica Mendoza: The letter was from a law firm representing an investor called IslandCap. It said that IslandCap was now the owner of Harston’s second mortgage. And because Harston had missed a decade of payments, IslandCap was threatening to foreclose on his home.
As you were reading it, what was going through your mind?

Harston Jones: I couldn’t believe it. I was saying, “How could this happen?” I was very confused, but when I tell you that was one of the lowest points of my life to get that notice. It was awful. It was awful. It was a nightmare.

Jessica Mendoza: It turns out that Harston’s second mortgage hadn’t died. His bank had sold his loan to new owners. Banks do this all the time.

Ben Eisen: Often what they do is they just sell them off, to whoever wanted to buy them. They might say, “This loan is no longer worth 100% of its original value, but we might be able to sell it for 5% of its original value.” And then all of a sudden it enters this new world of investors who are buying it because they think there’s some value to be squeezed out of it.

Jessica Mendoza: These investors buy the mortgages for pennies on the dollar, waiting for a day when house prices go back up and it makes sense to start collecting monthly payments again.

Ben Eisen: And that’s what happened with a lot of these mortgages. They changed hands, sometimes many times, and went from an investor to investor. At some point, it lands in the hand of an investor who says, “You know what? I’m going to go to the homeowner and tell them that they have a new mortgage company and they have to start paying again or they have to make up for all those missed payments or I’m just going to foreclose on the house.”

Jessica Mendoza: But Harston wasn’t going to give up his home without a fight.
That’s coming up.
After receiving that letter from IslandCap’s lawyers, Harston says he jumped into action. He started contacting attorneys to figure out what his options were.

Harston Jones: What else could I do? I needed help. I needed representation. I needed somebody who understood what’s going on.

Jessica Mendoza: At first, IslandCap didn’t say how much money Harston owed. But they eventually asked for about $95,000, which included interest and late fees on top of a $43,000 loan. Harston’s attorney tried to negotiate with IslandCap over a repayment plan or settlement. When the Wall Street Journal reached out to IslandCap, the company said it’s in the business of buying defaulted mortgage loans from banks at a discount. And that if the borrower simply restarts loan payments, IslandCap would take no further action. But Harston and IslandCap couldn’t reach an agreement.

Harston Jones: And we tried to negotiate with something reasonable, but they won’t budge. And I knew why they were doing it, because in one of the last correspondences we had with them, they said, in clear writing, “because he has so much equity in the property.” I knew that’s what it was all along. But they even said it out loud that the reason they’re not given up on this, in so many words, they said it clear as day, “because of the amount of equity he has in the property.”

Jessica Mendoza: We ran this point about Harston’s home equity past IslandCap, but didn’t get a response. Our colleague Ben says that higher home prices are the reason so many zombie mortgages are coming out of the woodwork now.
The US housing market has been on a tear lately. Home values have been soaring. And after years of making payments on their first mortgages, homeowners have built up a lot of equity in their homes.

Ben Eisen: And the equity is important because that is the value of your home and if somebody owns the right to foreclose on that home, the thing that they’re foreclosing on has gotten a lot more valuable or the thing that they’re using to demand payment has gotten a lot more valuable.

Jessica Mendoza: In other words, the more valuable a house is, the more profit there is for the second mortgage holder, after all the other home loans have been paid off.

Ben Eisen: So what we’re seeing today really kind of comes from this place of there’s a lot of value in these homes so it’s now worth my while to go and try to use that old loan to squeeze some money out of it.

Jessica Mendoza: This experience left Harston feeling like the system is unfair. He tried to settle with IslandCap, but he also sued them. Harston argued that IslandCap hadn’t shown proof that it had the right to foreclose on his home, but his case hasn’t succeeded.

Harston Jones: My attorney made it clear the statutes don’t support us, but something needs to be updated. And that’s what I was hoping somebody would step in and say, “Okay, this is something that needs to change. It’s not fair to these people who didn’t realize this was going on, that their charged off loans were being sold again.” I just thought by principle, somebody would see this is clearly wrong. At one step or the other, I thought one jurisdiction or another would say, “Okay, we have to stop this. But nobody stepped up.”

Jessica Mendoza: In Washington, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has started looking into this issue of zombie mortgages and held a hearing about it in April. But for now, Ben says there isn’t usually much homeowners can do if investors threaten foreclosure.

Ben Eisen: And I think what’s so jarring for people is just to go from this place of, “I haven’t thought about this debt in 10 years,” to, “Oh wow, all of the financial gains that I’ve accrued since I thought that debt went away are now in jeopardy.” It really shows sort of the flip side of rising home values. We think of the housing market rising being mostly a good thing. You’re building generational wealth and such. If you have some sort of zombie or ghost in your closet or whatever it can kind of bring that out of the woodwork because all of a sudden you have something that is a lot more valuable than it was. And that’s really what we’re seeing here.

Jessica Mendoza: At this point, Harston has been fighting to keep his home for three years. And now he’s exhausted most of his options. He says he sometimes gets calls from property developers who want to buy his home. Selling would potentially give Harston a way out, by giving him the money to end his dispute with IslandCap. But-

Harston Jones: I just say, “I’m not interested.” I just say, “No, thank you.”

Jessica Mendoza: And so you wouldn’t consider selling your home to an investor, like that’s not-

Harston Jones: No.

Jessica Mendoza: -that’s not a path you’re-

Harston Jones: Not in my plans.

Jessica Mendoza: Harston says his last resort might be to declare personal bankruptcy. He still hopes to find a way to keep his home.

Harston Jones: I was told to contact a bankruptcy attorney. So I did pay a bankruptcy attorney. I went through the process. My attorney said, “Do you want to have that ready just in case?” Because he and the bankruptcy attorney both said, “We’re not going to let you lose your house, Harston.” So that gave me, once I got over the fact that I might have to file bankruptcy, it was easier to deal with. I have resolved the fact that if I have to, I have to. I’m a different person than I was three years ago. I’m not freaking out about anything. I’m not freaking out about if that’s my last option. I’m okay now. I’m okay. I’m not losing any sleep anymore because I know it’s like the kill switch. If I have to pull it, I will. And I’ll file bankruptcy.

Jessica Mendoza: That’s all for today, Friday, June 23rd. The Journal is a co-production of Gimlet and The Wall Street Journal. Additional reporting in today’s episode from Nicole Friedman. The show is made by Mahara Dhoni, Annie Baxter, Arianna Beau, Katherine Brewer, Maria Byrne, Pia Gadkari, Rachel Humphreys, Ryan Knutson, Matt Kwong, Kate Linebaugh, Annie Minoff, Laura Morris, Enrique Perez de la Rosa, Sarah Platt, Alan Rodriguez Espinoza, Heather Rogers, Jonathan Sanders, Pierce Singgih, Jeevika Verma, Lisa Wang, Catherine Whelan, and me, Jessica Mendoza. Our engineers are Griffin Tanner, Nathan Singhapok, and Peter Leonard. Our theme music is by So Wiley. Additional music this week from Peter Leonard, Bobby Lord, Nathan Singhapok, Griffin Tanner, and Blue Dot Sessions. Fact checking by Sophie Hurwitz.
Thanks for listening. See you on Monday.

Source: wsj.com

Apache is functioning normally

September 9, 2023 by Brett Tams

The pandemic has catalyzed a re-evaluation of our priorities, ushering in an era of conscious living. As we veer towards sustainable lifestyle, home décor and furnishings assume an impactful role in reducing carbon footprint while also sprucing interiors. Décor and furnishings brand, Objectry takes the center stage in the narrative, bringing sleek, eco-friendly, and luxury décor pieces. Its creations highlight traditional crafts like woodwork, ceramics, metalwork, and stonework which are given a contemporary spin with minimalist design.

From Organic collection

Amongst its ouvre, the brand unveils a limited edition sustainable collection, Organic. It includes furniture made from various solid woods, adorned with twigs and branches that appear effortlessly crafted by nature itself. The biophilic and functional design is evident in articles such as the live edge shelf, which can serve as a TV console or a wall-mounted shelf, unique opposite chairs, shelf mirrors, salt and pepper cellars, uneven cake sets, and stools.

Wooden shelves

The pieces make the spaces feel homely and decluttered, thanks to the design vision of founder Aanchal Goel. The graduate from Symbiosis Institute of Design has travelled the globe to bring craft, traditions, modernity, architecture and practicality, together in a décor piece. Telling us what inspires her for design, Aanchal shares, “I think my curiosity began while travelling abroad. There was a dearth of designed products and furniture for homes in India while it was available in abundance all over Europe and America. When I started with Objectry in 2015, the idea was to explore a very minimal and clean aesthetic in a country that loved to decorate everything. Reducing elements down to the essentials of a material and function is something we’ve actively participated in as a design studio.”

Stools

Aanchal’s sense of minimalism is influenced by modern buildings like Martyr’s Memorial in Baghdad, Lous Kahn’s work in Dhaka, Frank LLyod Wright’s Mousetrap and many more. She tells us, “The simplicity of form and function displayed in such buildings were a starting point for the studio. Besides that, I come from a family of design enthusiasts who would redo the interiors of the house every few years, which helped reimagine the same space many times over. Something about that helped build a sense of imagination to recreate and reimagine an existing space with many permutations and combinations.”

Cake holder

The same philosophy of minimal and geometric décor guides the pieces so they look like extensions of nature. Elaborating more on the sustainable aspect of the edit, Aanchal shares, “Anything that can find its way back into the earth without harming the planet, is what sustainability means for us. This collection is a limited edit that cannot be replicated since no two pieces will ever look the same. Besides that, the materials used are biodegradable. That makes the natural ageing process of the wood evident in each piece.”

Stools

On styling spaces with the collection’s pieces, Aanchal suggests, “Keep them in a space with ample natural light to be able to marvel at the rawness of nature. The promised imperfection in every piece is worthy of being seen through the many shades of light during the day.”

Rs. 1,175 upwards. Available online.
Mail: [email protected]
Twitter: @RanaPriyamvada

Source: indulgexpress.com

Apache is functioning normally

September 8, 2023 by Brett Tams

Kelly Clarkson, the first-ever American Idol winner and writer of early aughts hits such as ‘Since U Been Gone’ and ‘Because of You’ is seemingly unstoppable. Her 2009 song ‘My Life Would Suck Without You’ still holds the record for the biggest jump to number one in the chart’s history, and she has hosted her own talk show since 2019. Kelly’s latest venture has brought her into the world of design, and we are here for it. One look at the Kelly Clarkson Home collection provides infinite fall decor ideas.

The Voice judge and mom of two became the world’s first American Wayfair brand partner in 2020, launching the Kelly Clarkson Home collection in 2022. This exclusive assemblage of furniture and decor is inspired by the artist and her Texan roots. The pieces are bright and stylish to reflect Kelly Clarkson’s personality. They also have a distinctly Southern flair inspired by their eponymous designer.

The chart-topping singer’s collection has all the pieces you could possibly need from living room furniture to dining room furniture, to lighting and decor, and even outdoor furniture. Each style is available in a range of colors, perfect for your fall color scheme.

sylvan extendable dinihg table by kelly clarkson home at wayfair

To celebrate the fast-approaching fall, we scoured the collection for the chicest, and coziest pieces from Kelly Clarkson Home at Wayfair.

Autumnal decor is all about warmth. Colors like browns and other warm neutrals, jewel tones, and deep burgundy reds come to mind: everything needed for a color scheme that mimics the changing of the leaves at this time of year. Cozy fabrics like luxurious cashmere and snuggly wool blends are also a must as a crisp chill creeps into the air. The Kelly Clarkson Home collection serves all of this and more.

From fall table decor to homey throw blankets, our top picks from the collection will get your home ready for spooky season. Shop below.

Weathered Pumpkin Set

This set of two waterproof pumpkin decorations is hand-painted in a weathered hue that makes them look like real gourds. The larger pumpkin is 6′ high and the smaller is 5′ tall. The weathered pumpkins make the perfect addition to all fall table setting.

Saffron and Light Gray Rug

A yellow, blue, and light gray rug will add a touch of brightness and coziness to your living room this fall. Made of polypropylene, this stylish rug is power loomed in Turkey to withstand significant foot traffic and stains. Available in several sizes for any room.

Remy Cotton Throw Pillow

This decorative pillow is your coziest cable-knit sweater in pillow form. The 20″ square cover is made of 100% cotton with a plush feather and down pillow insert included. The hand-curated by Kelly Clarkson pillow is perfect for snuggling up on the sofa or as a throw pillow on the bed.

Handmade Chunky Throw

This cozy, 100% acrylic throw blanket is perfect for nestling with a mug of tea this autumn. It is double-knitted by hand for a stylish, chunky look. The 60 inch length gives the blanket the perfect amount of drape on the couch or at the end of the bed. Available in 9 muted hues.

Cotton Table Runner

This textural table runner is made of ivory cotton for long-lasting style. The boho chic look of the tasseled ends and decorative pom poms grants this table linen a warm and cozy feel. Perfect for all of your fall dinner parties and long enough that it allows you to place an autumnal centerpiece on top.

Timber Pillar Candles

This 3-piece set of pillar candles comes in a stylish timber color, perfect for September and beyond. The clean burning candles are made of refined food-grade paraffin, large enough to burn for 100 hours. All wicks are made of 100% cotton from the United States.

Source: yahoo.com