One of the advantages of apartment living is the community grill. It’s a great place to meet others while you’re cooking out. With football season well underway, grilling out is a favorite weekend pastime.
While you’re meeting new neighbors at the grill, you certainly don’t want to do anything to tarnish your reputation or become known as the “bad guy / girl at the grill” in your building.
Here are a few guidelines to common courtesy at your apartment community’s common grill.
Plan ahead
Reserve the grill and stick with the timeframe assigned to you. It’s rude to reserve the grill at 3 p.m. and then not show up until 3:15.
Don’t monopolize
If it’s a big game day and you know everyone will want to grill at the same time, perhaps you can offer to share the grill. If it’s not large enough to share, then be sure to limit the amount of food you’re grilling. This isn’t the time to grill a month’s worth of meals, or hog all the available counter space.
Clean up
As soon as you’re finished, start cleaning. Another person could be eager to use the grill and they certainly would appreciate a clean grill. Even if another person isn’t waiting, it is your responsibility to clean the grill for the next person.
Share the basics
If you see that someone needs a little something you have – seasoning, foil, charcoal – by all mean, offer it to them if you can spare it. This kindness goes a long way to making new friends or improving your reputation (and you may need the favor returned someday).
Related: Four essential grilling tips
Related: Barbecue like a pro
The grilling area in your apartments is an amenity that really boosts quality of life, while providing a way to meet your neighbors. Being kind and respectful at the grill is always a good idea.
When J.D. announced that this week would be Book Week at GRS, I was excited about a set deadline for tackling a book from my ever-growing reading list. Since micro-finance and micro-credit have been of interest to me for the past four years or so, I decided to read Banker to the Poor: Micro-Lending and The Battle Against World Poverty by Muhammad Yunus. (J.D. reviewed the same book in 2007. Read his take here.)
Nobel Peace Prize winner Yunus is the founder of Grameen Bank, an organization that helps the world’s poorest, especially women, escape poverty through micro-loans, which are small loans given to start a business.
Banker to the Poor chronicles Yunus’ journey from a “bird’s-eye-view economist, teaching elegant theories in a classroom, to a worm’s-eye-view practitioner” and the creation of Grameen, a bank owned by its poor borrowers that boasts a loan recovery rate of 97.29%.
Meeting Sufiya Begum In 1974, professor Yunus, then a Bangladeshi economist from Chittagong University, took his students on a field trip to a poor village. There they interviewed Sufiya Begum, a woman reluctant to talk to them due to the village’s strictly-observed custom of purdah, meaning curtain or veil, that virtually secludes Muslim women from the outside world. Eventually Sufiya came to the doorway and told Yunus and his students about the economics behind the bamboo stools she made. To make one stool, she had to buy 22 cents worth of bamboo with a loan from local moneylenders, who charged her 10% per week. Her net profit was just two cents per stool.
Barely able to feed herself and her family on two cents per day, Sufiya was essentially enslaved to the lenders. She couldn’t save money or invest in her business because she was barely able to eat. All for a lack of 22 cents.
Yunus was shocked to realize that if Sufiya just had access to a loan at a better rate, she could feed, clothe, and house her children and expand her business, raising her family above the poverty line.
The birth of Grameen Yunus collected data on the village to find out how many borrowers were dependent on the moneylenders, finding that 42 people borrowed a little less than $27. He loaned them the money. Yunus writes:
It struck me that what I had done was drastically insufficient…My response had been ad hoc and emotional. Now I needed to create an institutional answer that these people could rely on. What was required was an institution that would lend to those who had nothing.
Yunus fought through red tape from banking institutions, governments, and local customs. With great tenacity, he found a way around numerous roadblocks with a passionate devotion to the people he was serving.
In 1983, Yunus formed the Grameen Bank. Grameen now has 2,564 branches, with 19,800 staff serving 8.29 million borrowers in 81,367 villages. Despite the warnings from traditional bankers, 97% of the loans are paid back. Yunus wasn’t surprised by this, as he knew the poor, who had no cash cushion and no other options, would not blow their one chance to get out of poverty.
A focus on women From the start, Yunus wanted to focus granting loans to women, with a goal of having 50% of the borrowers be female. It was an uphill battle to say the least. Yunus had to fight against customs, religious zealots, and banking institutions that effectively excluded women (they could make deposits, but couldn’t get a loan without the presence of their husbands). From birth, these women are routinely told they are unwanted and should have been killed at birth or starved — that they are just another mouth to feed and dowry to pay.
Additionally, Yunus saw that starvation and poverty were more of a woman’s issue than a man’s. If one family member has to starve so that the others can eat, it’s an unwritten rule that it must be the mother. A man also can throw his wife out at any time, simply by repeating “I divorce thee” three times, leaving her unwanted in her parents’ home or begging on the streets. But when a woman is given the means to support herself, her success focuses on her children and household. Yunus writes:
Though they cannot read or write and have rarely been allowed to step out of their homes alone…they pay more attention, prepare their children to lead better lives, and are more consistent in their performance than men. When a destitute mother starts earning an income, her dreams of success invariably center around her children…When a destitute father earns extra income, he focuses more attention on himself. Thus money entering a household through a woman brings more benefits to the family as a whole.
It took six years to reach the goal of 50% female borrowers. Today women make up 97% of Grameen borrowers.
Grameen around the world As Grameen and its methods expanded, Yunus would constantly hear that micro-lending wouldn’t work in another village or country. But to Yunus, people who were poor — which he defined as not having access to shelter, clean water, and a constant supply of food — had a lot in common no matter the geography.
One of the most touching stories in Banker to the Poor was that of an impoverished 40-something woman who made quilts. Through an interpreter, she told Yunus she was initially afraid when a bank staff member came to see her. Her husband didn’t like her talking to outsiders or leaving her home without him.
Though the staff member told her about the women in Bangladesh who were changing their lives, and she wanted to be like them, things where she lived “were so rough.” She didn’t dare do this herself, saying, “My husband would kill me if I created trouble for him.” The staff member introduced her to other women in the neighborhood, and eventually they formed a group. (Group meetings were a requirement for a loan through the local micro-finance organization, which critics said made it too hard for the poor to borrow money.) The woman eventually took out a loan, quickly repaying it and applying for another. Her quilts are in such high demand, she can barely fill her orders.
This woman, who spoke only Spanish, lived in Chicago, Illinois.
She never thought she’d earn her own money, she told Yunus. In fact, she never thought she’d have any money at all, since her husband never gave her any. In the 15 years that she had lived in America, she didn’t even have a friend until meeting the four women in her group, who she came to regard as sisters.
Today Grameen methods are applied in projects in 58 countries.
The politics of micro-lending Grameen and micro-lending have been criticized by the Right and the Left, and it doesn’t seem to side with either, despite Yunus’ praise for Democratic politicians and criticisms of Republicans. Grameen supports smaller government and criticizes welfare programs that don’t allow people to break out of the poverty cycle — yet it’s committed to social objectives and social intervention in the form of policy packages (without government involvement).
No matter your politics, Banker to the Poor is an inspiring memoir that will give you a new understanding of poverty around the world, micro-lending, and socially-responsible enterprises.
Note: You can read more about Yunus at PBS The New Heroes, a series about 14 social entrepreneurs.
That was a phrase that my father continually beat into my head harder than Lars Ulrich could pound on his bass drum (in case there is a generation gap, Lars is the drummer from the rock band Metallica).
Even though on average college graduates do earn more in the long-run and online colleges are bringing down costs, the current job market is saturated with sustainable careers that don’t necessarily require a degree.
Taking a closer look, it seems a major shift in employer priorities is occurring in certain fields, such as manufacturing and information technology (IT), where soft skills and on-the-job training are deemed more beneficial than a formal educational background.
Individuals bringing these resources to the table are now in high demand, especially since many companies now offer assistantship programs or even paid training for high-achieving candidates.
In this day and age, it just might be more about the right skills than the right schooling.
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25 Highest Paying Jobs Without A College Degree
Margin Department Supervisor
Air Traffic Controller
Automobile Service Station Manager
Real Estate Broker
Landscape Architect
Lead Carpenter
Director of Security
Elevator Mechanic
Cable Supervisor
Flight Services Manager
Freelance Photographer
Personal Trainer
Funeral Director
Commercial Pilot
Truck Driver
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
Firefighter
Emergency Medical Technician
Railroad Jobs
Medical Coder
Information Technology Technician
Criminal Investigator
Brick Mason
Postal Service Worker
Pharmacy Technician
If you have decided to not attend a four-year college right out of high school, or are looking for a fresh start at a new career path, 25 of the highest paying careers with virtually no degree are featured below.
Looking for a fun job that pays well? Scared that the cause of unemployment may be growing? Sign up for free and see who’s hiring in 2023 at www.FlexJobs.com.
Disclaimer: While there are definitely some good paying trade jobs on this list, I still think having a college degree is worth it. Yes, tuition is high and will continue to rise, but the experience, connections, and mindset that college offers are invaluable. Now on to the jobs…
1. Margin Department Supervisor
Average Salary: $74,799
Prior Education: A finance or accounting degree is not required, but knowledge of all basic processes is needed.
On-the-Job Training: Moderate to high training and/or shadowing.
Job Description: A Margin Department Supervisor oversees a company’s credit department, which manages customer credit accounts and approves or denies credit to customers.
As would be expected, approving or denying credit sometimes involves unhappy customers, so you’ll need strong communication and negotiation skills for this role.
Since the scope of the job requires mathematical calculations as well as debt analysis and recognition of accounting principles, make sure you are confident with these basic processes. Some companies may increase pay if you have a degree under your belt.
You’ll also primarily be in charge of ensuring all department employees adhere to federal policies and regulations.
2. Air Traffic Controller (ATC)
Average Salary: $124,540
Prior Education: A college degree is not required, but the nature of the field is very competitive where experience is highly valued. A combination of progressive work experience and formal education is generally preferred.
On-the-Job Training: Rigorous training and testing is required.
Job Description: An Air Traffic Controller is required to pass rigorous testing by the FAA, which includes health checks, as well as mental stability tests. You must initiate the testing process before age 31.
Being an Air Traffic Controller has been voted the most stressful job in the United States for many years because of what the job entails on a daily basis. Air traffic controllers also often work night shifts, weekends, and even holidays.
A typical work day may include monitoring and directing in-air traffic, including routine take off/landing. Sometimes in-air emergencies must be handled, hence the high stress associated with the position.
Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities along with excellent communication skills are highly valued in this role. It does help to know someone already in the business to land a job in this field.
3. Automobile Service Station Manager
Average Salary: $45,204
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may prefer a Bachelor’s degree in management or similar field and/or several years of experience in automotive service management.
On-the-Job Training: Most can obtain this type of position by working one’s way up the ladder through on-the-job experience. Obtaining certification may also be required.
Job Description: Essentially, the role of the Service Station Manager is to run the day-to-day operations of a gas station.
The scope of the work includes setting the gas prices for the day, scheduling and training the rest of the employees who work at the station, ordering new merchandise to keep the shelves stocked, ensuring service station safety, as well as being the direct manager for the other employees.
Some skills that would be helpful in obtaining this job would be good personal skills as well as some managerial and accounting experience.
4. Real Estate Broker
Average Salary: $56,730
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. However, a college degree in finance or related field may prove beneficial.
On-the-Job Training: Even though you must take a couple of classes to obtain your certification, these courses are much less of an expense compared to financing a college degree. Licensure requirements typically vary from state to state.
Job Description: To become a real estate broker you will still need to take a couple of classes to become certified. But still, these courses are still much less of an expense to you compared to financing a college degree.
You will be trying to sell houses as well as filing the paperwork for the transactions. In addition, you will help customers with their loan agreements.
However, if you are considering this career, you should be very friendly and have flexible hours since you will most likely be working on your customers’ schedules.
You typically are self-employed setting your own hours and working on a commission basis. Good negotiation skills along with market research experience will prove helpful in this role.
5. Landscape Architect
Average Salary: $65,760
Prior Education: Typically a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture is preferred. An internship experience is highly encouraged. This job may require you to take some classes at a community college on horticulture as well as landscape design, but these types of courses are not required.
On-the-Job Training: With this career, you will have the option of whether you would like to be becoming certified or not. However, if you are certified, you will have access to larger contracts and a wider scope of work. Most states do mandate licensure, though, and the requirements vary from state to state.
Job Description: If you do not mind getting a little dirty and working hard for a living, then this might be a good career for you. Typical job duties include designing functional yet attractive outdoor spaces and parks for a variety of clients.
Landscape architects spend a large portion of their time creating blueprints and preparing cost analysis reports. You would also analyze environmental conditions for projects and even participate in restoration initiatives.
Make sure you have a good eye for design and a strong work ethic to consider this career. Understanding GIS technologies and project management is a must.
Here’s a how-to guide for starting your own lawn company and making some serious money (in turn being able to and saving some serious money, too!).
6. Lead Carpenter
Average Salary: $51,150
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Most Lead Carpenters begin their careers as skilled apprentices.
This job requires a high amount of experience in the field either through attending a trade school to master technical skills or by being an apprentice to a lead carpenter.
On-the-Job Training: By going to trade school you will actually have to obtain some type of certification, possibly making you more marketable in the field.
Often training includes learning how to expertly handle a variety of power tools, such as power drills or saws.
Job Description: Serving as an apprentice would most likely land you in a job replacing your teacher. Either way, you can be very successful in this type of career if you enjoy working with your hands.
Although highly dependent on the type of industry, job duties may include analyzing construction plans, creating project timelines, and managing and overseeing team production activities.
Carpenters often work in both indoor and outdoor settings and may need to eventually join a union.
7. Director of Security
Average Salary: $78,608
Prior Education: Typically a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field is preferred along with years of experience in related positions.
In reality, this job will involve starting off in an entry level security position before working your way through the ranks to become the Director of Security.
On-the-Job Training: You might also be required to pass a security guard training program, but this will most likely be paid in full by the employer so the actual educational cost to you would be zero.
Depending on the company you will work for, you might also be required to pass a background check as well as some minor health inspections.
Job Description: A typical work day would include reviewing and implementing security department policies along with ensuring relevant local, state, and federal laws and regulations are adhered to. This role may also involve actively participating in training programs with the security staff.
Some good skills to have for this type of job would be some above average physical characteristics, as well as integrity to always choose what is right.
This position often involves being on-call for any emergencies after-hours, so make sure you can fulfill this requirement.
You can also try going the Police Officer route. If you decide to pursue this career, make sure you study with the Police Exam Guide.
8. Elevator Mechanic
Average Salary: $77,806
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Just like the Lead Carpenter job, this job will most likely be acquired through a trade school degree, assistantship, or lots of years of experience. Being an elevator mechanic does have a couple more stipulations, though.
On-the-Job Training: Moderate to high training; may need to attend trade school to contract with large corporations.
Job Description: Lots of major corporations will require you to have a license and work for an insured company, which in this case would then force you to go the trade school route so that you could work on these large corporate jobs.
A typical work day would include repairing elevators and fulfilling routine preventative maintenance when needed. Installing and repairing control systems or adjusting and inspecting safety controls are other common work tasks.
Elevator mechanics should be able to identify and troubleshoot issues quickly and efficiently, and having a working knowledge of elevator mechanics is needed. Most of this industry is unionized, so make sure you are willing to join a union before entering this line of work.
9. Cable Supervisor
Average Salary: $51,112
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. However, technical school education or an internship/assistantship may prove beneficial.
On-the-Job Training: A good way to acquire this type of a position is to either apply for the job with some type of managing/scheduling background or to apply for an entry-level position and work your way up by knowing the business.
Job Description: This career would be in a managerial-type setting. You would be responsible for overseeing the maintenance as well as installation workers setting up cable boxes and internet connections.
Typical work duties would also include interpreting cable specifications, troubleshooting issues with cable equipment, and also hiring and training any new cable technicians.
You would be responsible for the scheduling aspect as well as holding the workers accountable to be where they need to be.
10. Flight Service Manager
Average Salary: $64,042
Prior Education: Typically a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in aviation management or related field is preferred. Completing an internship program is highly suggested.
On-the-Job Training: This career would most likely be obtained through lots of on-the-job experience along with obtaining certification if required.
Job Description: You would be responsible for helping schedule flight crews as well as taking care of customer complaints and filing any necessary paperwork.
This job would require great personal skills as well as lots of patience with unhappy customers. Making sure all passengers have the best onboard experience possible is of top priority for Flight Services Managers.
Airlines can be a stressful arena to work in, so if you are considering this line of work make sure you can keep your cool in the toughest of situations.
11. Freelance Photographer
Average Salary: $36,630
Prior Education: No educational experience required.
On-the-Job Training: This career typically involves both self-education and hands-on training through practice. Natural talent and creativity are highly valued in this field.
Job Description: Being a Freelance Photographer takes dedication to one’s tasks, as well as a great eye for artistic detail. This type of career may also require traveling long distances to be able to acquire the right “shot” for the right story.
In a sense, being a Freelance Photographer can take many forms, such as snapping pictures of nature for magazines, or taking pictures of stories for newspapers, or even being a paparazzi-type photographer and searching for the next big celebrity scandal.
To really make a sustainable living in this field, it may prove helpful to complete some basic business management courses, or to attend training sessions on editing or even lighting techniques.
It’s best that Freelance Photographers have good personal skills and can identify and fulfill client needs and/or requests. If you become a really good photographer, you could even sell your photos on Shutterstock to make some extra cash.
12. Personal Trainer
Average Salary: $38,222
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
This career will most likely require that you are qualified to teach proper physical fitness techniques to clients. Many Personal Trainers have strong backgrounds in nutrition, exercise science, or other related fields.
This certificate is not very difficult to obtain; however, it is relatively cheaper compared to any other type of trade school mentioned above.
On-the-Job Training: Continual through updating or expanding one’s professional certifications.
Job Description: To be successful in this line of work you will most likely want to be a very physically active person yourself, as well as have a passion for this line of work.
A typical work day would include meeting one-on-one with clients to assess their physical fitness needs with the intent of designing an individualized training program.
Personal Trainers also motivate and encourage their clients to reach and even surpass their fitness goals. As a result, good personal and communication skills are a must.
Most Personal Trainers work at gyms, private workout facilities, or provide at-home or virtual coaching services. Some decide to work both inside and outside the home to help facilitate a higher income.
Also, you can try getting your Yoga certification.
13. Funeral Director
Average Salary: $56,850
Prior Education: Educational requirements range from a high school diploma or equivalent to an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Funeral Service Education or related field. Internships are also encouraged.
On-the-Job Training: Licensure is required in the U.S. before taking on a Funeral Director position, and some states may require a certain level of education or the completion of an apprenticeship.
Job Description: You do need some training to become a Funeral Director and possibly certification, but you can eventually make as much as $80,000 a year.
A typical work day would include helping families organize funeral details and complete any corresponding paperwork, such as a death certificate.
Offering counseling to grieving family members and helping to prepare the deceased body for the funeral service are other common duties.
It is important that you be able to handle the macabre, and you do need to have tact and a warm personality since you are dealing with people in difficult situations. Make sure you can accommodate a flexible schedule since visitations and funerals are often on weekdays and weekends.
14. Commercial Pilot
Average Salary: $78,740
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent, but most airlines now require a Bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite for employment.
On-the-Job Training: Moderate to high training is involved. Often the first step is to get your private pilot’s license. You’ll get your flight hours up and be more comfortable in the cockpit.
Job Description: Commercial Pilots fly planes for very specific reasons, such as for rescue operations, aerial photography, aerial tours, or charter flights.
Pilots generally evaluate overall conditions of aircraft, communicate with air traffic control, and monitor engines and fuel consumption, among other routine tasks. Being a team player with strong communication and observational skills is also a plus.
You’ll be spending a considerable amount of time away from home, so make sure you aren’t too much of a homebody. Fatigue and jet lag may also be experienced often.
Excellent observational and communication skills prove quite beneficial in this field of work. You can easily make more than $50,000 if you get on as a commercial pilot at the right airline.
15. Truck Driving
Average Salary: $53,199
Prior Education: Typically a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) and/or high school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
On-the-Job Training: Drivers must complete several weeks of on-the-job training.
Job Description: After completing six to eight weeks of training and obtaining your commercial driver’s license, you can make $45,000. Work your way up to becoming a trainer, and you can clear more than $70,000 a year.
Maintaining a clean driving record is crucial. Truck Drivers must adhere to all traffic laws, ensure cargo is secure for transport, and keep all trucks and equipment in good working condition.
Hand-eye coordination, visual stamina, and mental focus are important qualities to have for this type of position.
To become a Truck Driver you need a Commercial Drivers License or CDL. I recommend using both a CDL Practice Test and CDL Test Answers to help you study up so you can pass.
16. Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
Average Salary: $72,384
Prior Education: A degree in a field like engineering is required by some nuclear power plants, but you do not need a college degree to land a lower level operator job. In some cases, all you need to do in some cases is to simply pass the certification test.
On-the-Job Training: Moderate to high training is required along with possible certification.
Job Description: Nuclear power reactor operators manage nuclear reactors, monitoring them and making adjustments as necessary to ensure the safety of the nuclear power production process.
They also have to perform routine maintenance on the reactors and shutdown on very specific systems. Because the job is quite risky and requires very careful attention to detail, it pays quite well.
It also helps to become efficient in the required computer technologies involved in nuclear power plants. Make sure you can handle shift work and long hours.
17. Fire Fighting
Average Salary: $49,080.
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Any prior training in emergency medical services is a plus.
On-the-Job Training: Completing a physically demanding training program is mandatory along with other certifications.
Job Description: The starting salary for a Firefighter is often just a little more than $30,000, but you can make more than $50,000 a year depending on where you work and whether you reach a supervisory position.
Firefighters must know how to use standard field equipment, such as hoses and ladders, become proficient at providing medical attention to injured victims, and properly handle coming in contact with hazardous materials or wildfires.
Depending on which state you work in, you may need to complete specific training programs, such as high-rise building rescues.
Being a firefighter is a very strenuous and dangerous occupation, and you often must work long shifts and over 40 hours per week. To help you get physically ready for firefighting duty, I recommend you check out Pass the Beep Test, a guide to help you prepare your body for firefighting.
18. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Average Salary: $33,380
Prior Education: Typically a high school diploma or equivalent and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification is required. Completing a postsecondary educational program is common.
On-the-Job Training: Generally there is little to no on-the-job training, but completing levels of certification are more than likely required for most states.
Job Description: If you are about to take your EMT classes to become an EMT, you will be happy to learn that the job outlooks in this field are very promising. However, chances of having a good job in the EMS are given to those who have more EMT certifications (like paramedics).
EMTs are first responders in a medical emergency, assessing victims’ conditions and possibly transporting them to the hospital by ambulance. Often people’s lives are on the line when EMTs arrive on the scene.
The hourly wages can vary from $12.08 (10% of the workforce earns less than this) to $24.77 (10% earn more than this bracket). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2023 the median hourly wages of EMTs was at $17.76 per hour.
19. Railroad Jobs
Average Salary: $59,780
Prior Education: Typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required.
On-the-Job Training: Several months of moderate-level training is standard. Obtaining certifications may also be required.
Job Description: Do you like trains? Do you enjoy traveling? If so, a railroad job might be just for you.
A variety of positions are available, ranging from engineers and conductors to switch operators and management positions. Railroad jobs give you a chance to see new parts of the country while getting paid very well in the process.
Since trains operate every day of the week, expect to work nights, weekends, and holidays in all kinds of weather conditions.
Hand-eye coordination, visual acuity, and communication skills are valuable assets in this industry. If you’re looking at getting a railroad job, here’s a comprehensive guide that shares how to get a job in the railroad industry.
20. Medical Coder
Average Salary: $45,035
Prior Education: Typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required, while an Associate’s Degree is sometimes preferred.
On-the-Job Training: There is little to no on-the-job-training since specific training programs are generally completed as a prerequisite for employment. Completing certifications may also be required.
Job Description: The healthcare industry is currently booming, and you can expect it to continue to rise with the Baby Boomer generation getting older. There aren’t enough doctors and nurses available.
Behind all of the doctors is a team of medical coders typing up detailed reports on what procedures you had done and billing you or your insurance company the amount owed.
According to The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)’s 2022 salary survey, on average medical coders without certification bring home approximately $47,200 per year. However, becoming certified as a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is highly sought after to seek higher pay.
21. Information Technology (IT) Technician
Average Salary: $41,305
Prior Education: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, or certificate program in computer science or related field is typically preferred. A degree is usually not required to land an entry-level position.
On-the-Job Training: Little to no on-the-job training expected since some employers require that candidates complete some level of formal training as a prerequisite for employment.
Job Description: There are a number of career paths within information technology that do not require a college degree.
Starting out you’ll probably conduct support calls on a helpdesk and only make $11-13 per hour. As your skills and experience progress and you get more experience you can easily make $50,000 to $70,000 per year as you get into systems administration and network engineering.
Typically IT technicians diagnose and repair computer malfunctions and install and maintain network systems. Get started on your IT career path by getting some online computer training and certification.
22. Criminal Investigator
Average Salary: $58,582
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Several years of prior experience in law enforcement is encouraged. Some employers do require a minimum of an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice or related field.
On-the-Job Training: Moderate on-the-job training is expected. Most states do require standard licensure for criminal investigators, along with a license to carry an armed weapon.
Training typically involves learning how to properly gather information and conduct remote surveillance, among other routine tasks. Reconstructing accident scenes is also a field-specific skill learned.
Job Description: Criminal investigators are the individuals tasked with interviewing and collecting evidence for specific cases.
Depending on the case at hand, you may be performing background checks, verifying facts and statements, conducting surveillance, searching online records, or gathering information on persons of interest.
You may even need to testify in court or make a physical arrest. This job is fast-paced and often involves working odd hours, weekends, and holidays.
Important skills to have include resourcefulness, inquisitiveness, and integrity. Being able to stay cool, calm, and collected during criminal investigations is integral to performing well in this role.
23. Brick Mason
Average Salary: $42,900
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Many masons also complete extensive apprenticeship programs or specific coursework before employment.
Any previous experience as a construction laborer is acceptable.
On-the-Job Training: Learning the trade is often accomplished through completing apprenticeships and/or on-the-job training shadowing experienced masons.
In these apprenticeship programs, promising candidates learn standard masonry practices, such as construction basics, measurement calculations, and safety procedures.
Job Description: Generally a brick mason uses bricks to construct walls, fences, and other structures.
A typical work day would include reading blueprints, gathering required materials, cleaning surfaces with power tools, and lifting heavy materials for proper alignment.
Brick masons often work long hours in a fast-paced and strenuous environment where becoming injured on the job is common. Protective gear, such as safety glasses, should be worn at all times.
Construction deadlines must be met, so brick masons often work indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather. Important skills to have for this role include hand-eye coordination, physical strength, and attention to detail.
24. Postal Service Worker
Average Salary: $57,260
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. An excellent driving record is a must along with a clean track record.
On-the-Job Training: There is some short-term on-the-job training involved, including passing a written exam, road test, and other standard background checks.
Job Description: Postal service workers generally collect, sort, process, and distribute mail in a timely manner. It’s their responsibility to make sure mail is delivered seamlessly.
They also sell common postal products, such as stamps, and obtain any customer signatures for certified mail.
Important skills to have for this role include a strong focus on customer service and attention to detail.
25. Pharmacy Technician
Average Salary: $31,750
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Complete a postsecondary program in pharmacy technology before employment is acceptable.
On-the-Job Training: Moderate on-the-job training is required, which typically involves passing an exam or specialized program.
You may also need to learn how to operate automated dispensing equipment, and some states may require certification.
Job Description: Pharmacy technicians are responsible for correctly filling, packaging, and labeling customers’ or health professionals’ prescriptions.
You would also be involved in organizing inventory, processing insurance claims, and accurately entering patient information into a computer database.
Having excellent organizational, listening, and customer-service skills is highly valued for this role.
Pharmacy technicians may be required to work nights and some weekends. Make sure you are physically fit enough to spend most of the day on your feet fulfilling orders.
Is Attending College Overrated?
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There’s one thing I know for sure – college is extremely expensive! As the College Board highlights in a recent survey outlining changes in college tuition between 2012-2013 and 2022-2023, tuition is on a steady upward climb that shows no signs of letting up.
In 2023, public four-year in-state tuition is $10,950 for full-time students. This was a 1.8% increase from the previous college year.
There are a vast amount of careers that you can obtain without an actual college degree, but most require either a trade school certification or just time on the job and working your way up through the ranks.
“Formal education will make you a living. Self education will make you a fortune.” – Jim Rohn
Looking for a job? Scared that the cause of unemployment may be growing? Sign up for free at www.FlexJobs.com and see who’s hiring today!
FAQs on High Paying Jobs with No Degree
Are there high paying jobs with no degree?
Yes, there are several types of jobs that do not require a college degree but can still offer competitive salaries. Some examples include web developers, software engineers, medical coders, sales professionals and IT support staff.
What qualifications do I need for these jobs?
What qualifications do I need for these jobs? The requirements for these types of positions vary depending on the job and company, but often include certifications or specialized training in the field you are interested in pursuing.
In addition to technical skills, employers are looking for individuals who demonstrate strong problem solving abilities, excellent communication skills and an understanding of customer service principles.
Q: What are some high paying jobs that don’t require a college degree?
Here are some examples of high paying jobs that don’t require a college degree:
-Commercial pilots: median salary of $121,430 per year -Detectives and criminal investigators: median salary of $81,920 per year -Nuclear power reactor operators: median salary of $94,350 per year -Power distributors and dispatchers: median salary of $83,020 per year -Real estate brokers: median salary of $61,720 per year -Elevator installers and repairers: median salary of $80,180 per year -Web developers: median salary of $73,760 per year -Petroleum engineers: median salary of $137,170 per year -Computer network architects: median salary of $112,690 per year -Medical and health services managers: median salary of $100,980 per year
Are there any high paying jobs that don’t require a college degree, but do require experience?
Yes, there are many high paying jobs that don’t require a college degree but do require experience. Some examples include:
-Commercial pilots: typically require several years of flight experience as a co-pilot before being considered for a pilot position. -Detectives and criminal investigators: typically require several years of experience in a related field, such as a police officer or federal agent. -Nuclear power reactor operators: require extensive on-the-job training and experience. -Real estate brokers: typically require several years of experience as a real estate agent before becoming a broker. -Petroleum engineers: typically require several years of experience in the oil and gas industry before being considered for a position as a petroleum engineer.
It’s that time of year for festive celebrations! One of the benefits of apartment living is extra spaces specially designed for entertaining. Typically, your apartment community’s clubhouse offer far more room than your apartment ever could, allowing you to expand your guest list and have plenty of space for a fun time. You simply have to discover if you’re talking about clubhouse rentals or reservations . . . and then you’re ready to plan your holiday party.
Ask if there’s a fee or deposit required
Clubhouses or lounge area can sometimes be booked for free by tenants – first come, first served – but clubhouse rentals are also common. You might, however, secure yours for only a deposit. These range in price, but as long as no damage in incurred, your deposit will be fully refunded, and you’ll enjoy the benefits of this amenity without any extra costs. Some places charge a clean-up fee. Be sure to ask in advance so you don’t blow your party budget.
These large lounge areas – community centers, really, are often private, in that they have doors, so that only invited guests drop in. Most provide dining tables, seating areas, kitchen facilities and even a bar area, perfect for spreading out a buffet, arranging a potluck, or setting up a drinks station.
Related: How to Throw a Space-Saving Dinner Party on a Budget and Creating a holiday budget
Ask about decor
You’ll want to find out about décor options. During the holidays, many places have their own decorations in place–that’s great because it can save you some money! If not find out the restrictions. Some may not allow items to be hung from walls, or certain items to be brought into the common areas. It’s also wise to inquire about music/entertainment as well as liquor laws. The last thing you want to do it jeopardize your relationship with your association/building and neighbors.
Related: Things to keep on hand for parties
Reserve in advance
Space is limited, and other people are probably having parties around the same time. Unless you can change the time of the party on a whim, you’re going to want to check well in advance to make sure you can get the time you’re looking for.
Be watchful of the time while you’re there
Similar to the above, there are probably other people going to use the clubhouse in close proximity to you. So, even if you’re having a really good time and never want the party to end, you want to keep an eye on the clock so you can make sure to wrap the party up on time.
Read more: 6 Ways to Prevent Guests From Overstaying Their Welcome
Clean up afterwards
You’re using a public space, so don’t make a mess of it. Parties can be messy, but that just means it’s your responsibility to make sure that it’s cleaned up afterwards, ready for the next person to use it. Not only is it the right thing to do, but if you put down a deposit and left a mess, you’re probably not getting that deposit back.
Find out what’s allowed
There are a lot of possible restrictions in clubhouses, so make sure that you know what they are ahead of time. Some things you might want to get cleared up beforehand:
How many people can be in the clubhouse? There’s always a limit, if only just from the fire department.
Is it considered a public or private space? Can you kick out someone who crashes the party? Does this apply just to the clubhouse, or connected areas, such as a pool?
Can you adjust the thermostat? This might not seem like an issue, but when you have 20 people in a room at 73 degrees, it can get uncomfortable.
Is smoking allowed? Alcohol?
It may seem like a hassle but renting out the clubhouse is often a better place to host a party than your apartment. You get a space made for groups, no one will be snooping around your apartment while you’re not paying attention, and you can move on to planning the holiday party you really want to throw.
Want to know more? Check out 8 Steps to Throw a Holiday Part That’s Full of Cheer or Throw a Great Party in a Small Apartment.
I bought my first rental property in 2010 when the market was much different! I bought a single-family home for $97k that rented for $1,050 a month. I know many people would love to go back to those days but the reality is prices will most likely never be that low again in most markets. While I bought a single-family home for my first rental, there are many other types of rentals and I have since bought multifamily, commercial, and mixed-use rental properties. The type of property that is best for beginners in today’s market with high-interest rates and high prices will depend on many factors.
What was my first rental property?
The first property I bought was a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 story house with a 2 car attached garage. The home was built in 2005 and did not need a lot of work. I bought it in Greeley, Colorado and while prices were much lower back then, I still got a great deal. I took my time looking for properties and this was an estate sale. The home needed some paint and that was about it. It was a fantastic property for my first rental. I used Bank of America to get a 25% down investor loan which was not easy but luckily the seller was patient! While properties were cheaper then, it was much tougher to finance them and there were much fewer options for investors.
I later sold that property for $275,000 in 2019 and used a 1031 exchange to buy a commercial property for $600,000. I think buying a single-family rental was an awesome choice for me at that time. However, this property would not be a very good rental now as it is worth around $350,000 and would only rent for $1,700 to $1,800.
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Are single-family rentals good for beginning investors?
I think single-family rentals are great for beginners if the numbers work out. However, with high rates and high prices, the numbers simply don’t work in many areas. There are areas of the country that have cheaper houses that are great for single-family rentals but we aren’t all in those places. Here are some of the pros and cons of single-family rentals:
Pros
Large buyer pool if you need to sell: Single-family homes are attractive to investors and owner-occupants. When buying a rental as a beginner it is smart to have an exit strategy. Maybe the property is not as good as you thought it was or you decide you hate rentals. Can you sell the property? If you need to sell a single-family home you can sell to other investors or owner-occupants. Owner-occupants will often pay more than investors and they are always buying homes even when interest rates are high. Investors may slow down their buying when rates are high.
Easy to rent and manage: Single-family homes appeal to many renters and are usually easy to rent. Tenants also have a tendency to stay in the property longer and take care of it. I have had the same renters for 10 years in some of my single-family rentals. Many tenants will even make minor repairs themselves (not always a good thing) and maintain the yards, perform snow removal, etc.
Easier to find a good deal: In most areas, there are more single-family homes than other types of rentals. Because there are more of them there are usually more for sale and you might be able to get a better deal than on multifamily or commercial where there are much fewer properties.
Easier to finance: Lenders love to finance houses, even as rentals. It is much easier to get a loan on a house than a commercial property, multifamily, or mixed-used property.
More diversification: If your plan is to buy a lot of houses, like my plan to buy 100, it can be a little safer than buying a few big properties. Each house will be in a different area, with different tenants, and one horrible situation won’t destroy all your houses.
You can house hack a single-family home which means you buy as an owner-occupant and rent out part of it while you live there or live there a year and then rent out the whole thing. Owner-occupants get much cheaper loans with less money down.
Cons
Harder to cash flow: The big con with single-family rentals, especially right now is they can be very expensive compared to the rent they bring in. The more expensive the property, the worse the rent-to-value ratio tends to be.
Houses are expensive right now: Most properties are expensive but in some markets, houses are very expensive, and the higher the price, the more money you will need to invest in them.
Tougher to scale: It is tougher to scale when you need to buy a lot of houses to meet your goals. Each purchase takes work to find the deal, finance it, and possibly make repairs. If you buy larger multifamily or commercial it can be easier to scale.
More expensive to repair: It might be more expensive to repair single-family homes than a larger building because a larger building has one roof, possibly one heating system, etc. However, that roof and heating system on the big property will be much more expensive to repair and you will need a lot more money at once, than if you are repairing houses here and there.
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Are small multifamily rentals good for beginning investors?
Multifamily rentals have more than one unit. You could invest in a duplex or a fourplex or a 100 unit property. Multifamily properties can make it easier to scale because you have more units under one roof and the rent-to-value ratios may be better. These pros and cons are for smaller 2 to 4-unit multifamily properties.
Pros
Can have much better cash flow: Multifamily properties are usually valued based on the income they produce. The prices are not driven up by owner-occupants who do not care what a property will rent for.
Somewhat easy to sell: 2 to 4-unit properties are fairly easy to sell still although not as easy as single-family homes. You can still house hack a 2 to 4-unit property which means owner-occupants can buy them. There are not a lot of people looking to house hack but you can still sell to investors and owner-occupants.
Easy to finance: Again, 2 to 4-unit properties are fairly easy to finance but not quite as easy as single-family homes. You can buy as an owner-occupant or get an investor loan with many banks.
Easy to get a good deal on: There are a lot of 2 to 4-unit properties in most markets although not as many as there are single-family homes. It can be easier to get a great deal, although not as easy as houses.
Cons
Harder to manage and rent: 2 to 4-unit properties take more management and usually have more tenant turnover than single-family homes. Tenants tend to move more often, the rents are usually lower, and tenants rarely think of a multifamily as a permanent place to live.
More risk of major loss of income: If you have a few houses and one tenant decides to cook meth in the house it can destroy the house and cause major problems as well as lost rent for months. You still have the other houses to bring in income. If you have a multifamily property and that happens the whole property may need to be vacated for an extended period of time. If you have just one of each, then the risk is about the same.
More expenses: The tenant usually pays all of the utilities and performs the yard maintenance and snow removal on single-family homes. On multifamily homes, the landlord often pays for the maintenance and some of the utilities if not all of them. You may be able to charge higher rent since the landlord is paying those expenses but make sure you account for them.
More fluctuations in value: Multifamily properties are valued based on the income of the property and the expenses. If inters rates go up as they have been, they may be harder to sell or sell for less because investors have to pay less to get the same return. However, when rates go up, rents often increase as well so that could offset a decrease in value (rents would go up on houses as well).
Are large multifamily properties good for new investors?
A lot of new investors want to invest in large multifamily properties. Grant Cardone now tells people to only invest in properties with at least 32 units although he used to encourage house hacking with FHA loans. Large multifamily properties can make a lot of money but they can also be very difficult to buy due to their price and lending is much tougher.
Pros
Easy to scale: You can bring in a lot of rent with one property and add a lot of value with the right deal.
Rent to value ratios: The rent to value ratio may be better on big properties because only investors are buying them and they expect a certain return. The bigger the property the better the numbers may look because very few buyers are looking at those deals.
The maintenance costs can be lower: The costs versus the rent may be lower because you have large buildings under one roof that share the same systems.
Cons
Much harder to finance: The everyday person cannot get a loan for a large apartment building. One of the factors lenders consider is experience and they are wary of lending to new investors on big deals even if you have the down payment.
Less diversification: If there is a disaster at a large complex, you may have a huge problem with no rent coming in for months. Again, these are rare but can happen. You also may have chosen the wrong location and the property doesn’t perform as you thought (I did this with an 8-plex).
Harder to sell: There are few buyers for large complexes and they can take a long time to sell. Interest rates also impact them greatly.
The expenses come in huge chunks: While the overall maintenance costs may be lower based on the investment, they can be huge when they do come. You could spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a roof. Having one roof is not always better. There could be more expenses as well like parking lot repaving, landscaping, common areas, etc.
They are expensive: It takes many people years to save up the money needed for a large complex. The purchase may be worth it, but while you are waiting why not buy smaller deals that build experience and a track record for lenders. The right deals will also bring you cash flow and equity which could make it easier to buy that big deal sooner.
More headaches: Large multifamily properties tend to have the most turnover, the most repairs needed, and the craziest situations. They take much more management and can have more headaches.
Are commercial properties good for beginner investors?
I bought my first commercial property in 2017 and it cash flowed much better than single-family or multifamily properties in my area and was cheaper. A lot of people see my commercial properties and want to invest in that sector right away. However, they come with more risk and are much more complicated.
Pros
Can be cheaper with better returns: In some areas, commercial properties are cheaper and have better returns but they also could be more expensive depending on the area. Small commercial properties are often cheaper than single-family homes.
Can add a lot of value: If you can add a tenant on a long term lease it can add a ton of value., I recently bought a commercial property for $865k that was vacant, then added 4 tenants. That property is now worth $1.5 million but it was not for the beginner.
Long term tenants: Many commercial tenants will stay for years and have leases that run for years. This is great of you have the right tenant but it takes longer to find those tenants. Many of the leases have built in rent increases as well.
Fewer expenses: Some commercial leases are NNN which means the tenants pay almost every expense. These can be fantastic for the landlord but not every commercial lease is set up this way.
Less headaches: Commercial tenants tend to be less needy than residential. They often take care of the property themselves and make sure it looks nice for their business. They expect the rent to increase each year and usually don’t get upset about it.
Owner occupied financing available: Yes you can owner occupy a commercial property. You do not live there, but you run a business out of the property. If you use more than 50% of the space you might be able to get an SBA government loan with 10% down.
Cons
Much more complicated: It takes time top to learn how the lease work, and the differences between NNN and gross. Properties are valued using cap rates which can be difficult to figure out because they vary based on the lease, the tenant, the property, the location, and more.
Harder to finance: Commercial properties are usually the hardest to finance. They come with risk if you lose a tenant and the lenders know this. They have shorter term loans that must be renewed every five or ten years. The lenders will want to see buyers with experience before they lend them money as well. Even the agents and sellers may not take a buyer serious if they don’t have any experience.
More expensive costs: If you have to make repairs it can cost a lot more money as rooftop HVAC, roofs, parking lots, and commercial construction often cost more than residential. The city may require more as well like fire sprinkler systems. Appraisals and inspections are more expensive as well.
Harder to sell: Just like multifamily properties, commercial properties can be much harder to sell because there is a smaller buyer pool.
Environmental issues: A big concern with commercial properties are past or current environmental issues. You may need to get an environmental report that shows there were no hazardous materials on the property or gas tanks, etc. To clean up problem properties it can takes tens of thousands of dollars or more.
Tenants might expect TI: TI stands for tenant finishes and many tenants expect the landlord to fix up the space for them. This can cost a lot of money but also add a lot of value.
If you are buying small commercial properties you may be able to avoid many of these issues but it is still good to be aware of them and especially talk to your lender about them! On some of my smaller commercial deals, I am able to get a local bank to finance them without an appraisal which is awesome.
Are mixed-use properties good for beginning investors?
Mixed-use properties can also be put in the commercial category. Mixed-use means the property can be used for residential and commercial or have both at the same time. I have a few mixed-use properties and love them but they can be tough to finance like commercial. The one benefit is you can live in part of it and work out of part of it. You may be able to get low down payment SBA loans because of this.
What is best for a beginning investor?
There are many different options for beginning investors to buy their first rental. I would be wary of jumping into huge projects without a lot of help from someone with experience. It will be almost impossible to do so unless you have a lot of cash. Personally, if single-family homes cash flow, I think those are the safest and best bet, but small multifamily can work as well.
If you want to dive into how to do all of this I have a book on residential rentals and commercial rentals as well!
Are you curious about how to make your rental smarter? It’s not as hard as you may think.
Even if you consider yourself more crafty than techy, doing things like making your own wrapping paper and such, you don’t have to be afraid of technology and how it can enhance your lifestyle. Step out of your comfort zone and consider doing a little upgrading around your space with some luxury smart home gadgets.
Don’t worry if your landlord won’t install upgraded appliances because there are plenty of smart home gadgets you can use at home, even as a renter.
Need some help brainstorming ideas? We got you.
1. Video doorbell
When you rent a home of any kind, it’s nice to have the added security of seeing who’s out front. Adding a Ring Video Doorbell not only lets you see who’s outside, but you can talk to them through the device. Motion-activated alerts can go straight to your phone, and the doorbell works off your Wi-Fi.
2. Smart thermostat
This may require a little support from the landlord, but if you offer to install a smart thermostat, and let it stay in the rental when you move out, they may be all for it. The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is a great choice because it learns your schedule and the preferred temperatures.
Using this information, this thermostat helps run your home temps efficiently. You also have remote control access to make temperature changes, and it looks really cool and minimalistic up on the wall.
3. Smart speaker
There are so many different smart speakers out there, but sound quality can vary. Pairing the speaker with a brand known for its excellent sound quality and seamless integration with other luxury smart home gadgets creates winning luxury.
The Sonos One Smart Speaker works with Alexa, is easy to set up and uses your Wi-Fi to stay connected. You can put one in every room of your apartment, or use two together to create better living room surround sound.
4. Automatic vacuum
There’s always room for improvement when it comes to cleaning your apartment, even if you’ve got the perfect process in place. Automation is the way to go where you can, so you can keep your home clean without having to sacrifice valuable time. Luxury smart home gadgets that do your work for you are the best, which is why the iRobot Roomba is so popular.
The I7 model is also so much more than just a robot vacuum. This guy has smart- mapping and can empty itself. It will even suggest a cleaning schedule for your home.
5. Virtual assistant
Products like the Amazon Echo may have started showing up in homes to play music, but their capabilities have increased so much that having one is like having your own smart assistant. Sound quality is great, but you also have voice control over your music as well as a selection of other tasks.
The Echo can populate a shopping list, turn lights on and off, answer questions and give you the day’s weather. Voice control is the height of a smart home, and the Echo makes that as simple as saying, “Alexa.”
6. Remote-controlled lights
Don’t let the idea of being able to control your lights remotely intimidate you. The apps are always very user friendly, and you’re just changing out the switch when it comes to the Lutron Caséta system.
Hold on to the original switches to put back when you move out of your rental, but until then, you can now set your lights to auto-dim and turn on and off. This is great for when you’re about to walk into a dark apartment at night or want your lights to go on while you’re away.
7. Wi-Fi air purifier
Yup, even an air purifier can fit into the luxury smart home gadgets category if you know how to shop. The ease of control that the smart features of the TruSense Air Purifier provide makes it possible to clear the air in your home while remotely tracking and testing air quality. The device is also controlled through an app on your phone, filtering out allergens, pet dander, smoke, odors and germs from the air.
Live smarter with the right gadgets
Adding a little automation to your home to make your life easier, and get things done faster, is always a good thing. And, so many devices are getting ‘smart’ these days, you have plenty of options. What luxury smart home gadgets are right for you?
When you buy through links in this article, we may earn an affiliate commission.
A beachfront home that has raised many questions in St. Augustine, FL, is this week’s most popular listing on Realtor.com®.
Situated just steps from the rising tide of the Atlantic, the home “is built to withstand Mother Nature, and it has been doing just that,” the listing states. Yet online reports are mixed. But one mystery seems to have captured our collective attention: How do you get in? There seems to be no obvious way to access the home.
Other real estate that made the popularity list include a designer-owned home on Virginia Beach, a riverfront barndominium in Louisiana, and the sprawling Texas ranch of former pro rodeo cowboy Tuff Hedeman.
For a full look at this week’s 10 most popular homes, keep on scrolling.
Price: $179,900 Why it’s here: Calling all midcentury modern enthusiasts! From the wood-paneled walls to the soaring ceilings, this four-bedroom beauty has it all, including an ultra-affordable price.
Running throughout the 1,679-square-foot home are clean angles, natural elements, and walls of glass. A two-story living room with an exposed-beam ceiling, enormous windows, and a fireplace is the focal point of the home. The primary suite is located on the lower level, and three more bedrooms are on the main floor.
A spacious garage can accommodate four cars, and there’s also a carport.
Beaumont, TX
(Realtor.com)
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Price: $4,500,000 Why it’s here: This magnificent mansion offers front-row views of Virginia Beach’s North End.
The five-bedroom home is said to be owned by “a high-end designer.” While there are no interior photos provided in the listing, it is said to have a double staircase, a chef’s kitchen, and a dining room with a raised fireplace.
Custom-built in 1998, the enormous estate boasts three levels of living space and an elevator to easily transport you to each floor.
Enjoy oceanfront views from the multiple terraces and the rooftop deck.
Virginia Beach, VA
(Realtor.com)
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Watch: Very Un-Florida: $16.9M Gothic Revival Mansion Stands Out in the Sunshine State
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Price: $499,000 Why it’s here: This storybook home is straight out of a fairy tale and comes with a whimsical, multilevel treehouse.
There are three bedrooms in the “Grand Lodge,” along with three more bonus rooms. Throughout the 3,136 square feet of space, you will find wide-plank floors and hand-stacked stone walls. A hand-built ladder leads to a cozy reading nook.
The 1.4-acre lot also comes with a cabin and a pond with a waterfall.
Lords Valley, PA
(Realtor.com)
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Price: $239,900 Why it’s here: This affordably priced, midcentury modern gem offers an authentic step back in time.
Built in 1959, the three-bedroom home boasts wood paneling, stone walls, and abundant windows. The 2,083-square-foot, multilevel interior also features wood-beam ceilings, a retro kitchen, and a lower-level sitting room with a fireplace. Enjoy views of the quarter-acre backyard with fruit trees from the three-season porch.
There is already a contingent offer on the property.
Fond du Lac, WI
(Realtor.com)
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Price: $469,900 Why it’s here: This log home is nestled in the woods just minutes away from the city of Brighton.
Sitting on 10 acres, the three-bedroom, 2,856-square-foot retreat features a two-story entry, a cozy living room with a fireplace, and a primary suite with a cathedral ceilings and a stone fireplace.
A three-season room, patios, balcony, and decks offer great spots to take in the scenic views. Buyers should note the house needs a new roof and windows.
Genoa Township, MI
(Realtor.com)
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Price: $999,000 Why it’s here: This luxurious barndominium offers spectacular views of the Mississippi River.
Built in 2021, the four-bedroom home features 4,800 square feet of living space. The chef’s kitchen features high-end appliances, custom cabinets, and a large center island. A sumptuous primary suite offers dual showers and a soaking tub. An attached shop with multiple roll-up doors can accommodate a large RV.
Enjoy views of the 2-acre lot from the wraparound, covered patios.
Montz, LA
(Realtor.com)
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Price: $69,900 Why it’s here: The low, low price indicates this enormous antique is in dire need of a full restoration.
Built in 1865, this seven-bedroom home offers 5,965 square feet of living space. There are a total of 15 rooms, which could offer up to 12 bedrooms.
A balcony area on the fourth floor and a roof deck would be nice spots to relax. The property could “possibly be rezoned for commercial use,” according to the listing.
Dayton, OH
(Realtor.com)
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Price: $699,000 Why it’s here: This secluded, hobbit-style home sits on 1.3 acres next to Wompatuck State Park.
The 1,805-square-foot, two-bedroom dwelling needs some updates. The interior boasts a cute kitchen with exposed wood beams, a cathedral ceiling, and sliders that open to a deck. A loft area with skylights could be used as a home office. A partly covered deck with a hot tub would be an ideal spot to soak up the picturesque views.
There is already a contingent offer on the property.
Hingham, MA
(Realtor.com)
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Price: $3,900,000 Why it’s here: This sprawling, 77-acre ranch is owned by former world champion bull rider Tuff Hedeman.
It is anchored by a 3,464-square-foot home, which was custom-built in 1997. It features a living room with a two-story rock fireplace and a vaulted, bead-board ceiling. The chef’s kitchen comes with a spacious center island and breakfast bar.
The property also boasts a pool, a two-bedroom guesthouse, a two-bedroom bunk trailer, three barns, a riding arena, and several outbuildings.
Stephenville, TX
(Realtor.com)
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Price: $1,199,000 Why it’s here: This property raises so many questions, starting with how do you even get into the home, let alone insure it?
The two-bedroom abode sits on the beach, on stilts, with no clear way to enter.
Photos of the interior suggest the home needs updates, although the listing says there is a new gas fireplace and a Jacuzzi tub. And you can’t beat the ocean views.
Try spending a night in your own guest room. What seems like an abstract problem quickly turns very tangible, and you’ll see what’s missing or inadequate. To help make sure your guest room is up to snuff, here are ten items every guest room needs:
1. Space in the room and closet for clothing and luggage
Even a small carry-on needs space to avoid getting in the way. Make sure there’s a space for the carry-on to sit out of the way, while still being accessible, especially if you have no dresser or closet space for them.
If possible, though, offer them closet or dresser space. A small set of hangers (5-6 per person) and a couple drawers in a dresser should be more than enough. It’s a bit of an investment, but the payoff is making your guest feel truly welcome, not forcing them to live out of their suitcase.
2. A comfortable bed with lots of pillows and bed covers
You can’t put your old squeaky bed frame into the guest room and expect any couple to get a good night’s sleep. When one of them moves, the squeak awakens them both. Ditto for a comfortable mattress. You can invest in a nice firm mattress during a sale (January is typically hot for mattress sales) and then add a soft, inviting topper.
Don’t stop at the mattress. Add an assortment of different pillows and pillowcases to help set up whatever arrangement is most comfortable for them.
The same goes for bed covers. A heavy down comforter will cater to anyone who likes it warm and offering a variety of quilts and blankets will help let your guest get the bed exactly the temperature they like.
3. A bedside table and reading light
Everyone likes having some things near them when they sleep: a glass of water, a book, or their glasses, to name a few. Guests won’t want to leave them on the floor, so a bedside table is an inexpensive way to make sure they’re easily accessible.
A lamp is another great, inexpensive addition to the bedside table. A lamp with a three-way bulb accomplishes everything a guest might need: soothing bedside light to read by at night and a brighter light to dress by in the morning.
4. Wastebasket
There are a lot of little things you need to throw away and having an obvious place for them to go just helps to smooth things over. Yes, they could just throw out the trash in the bathroom or the kitchen, but saving your guests the hassle of having to leave the room to take care of something so basic will pay off greatly.
5. Convenient power outlets for phones and tablets
Nearly everyone has a cellphone and other devices they need to charge overnight. Give them an easy way to do so, without having to move furniture or crawl around on their hands and knees. Extension cords on either side of the bed will be well received. If possible, find out what type of devices they have ahead of time, and have the correct chargers ready and plugged in ahead of time.
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6. Towels and basic toiletries
Most people bring their own items, but everyone forgets from time to time. Having extra soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, hair dryer, and the like will help cut down on those last-minute trips to the nearest drug store.
Towels might already be in the bathroom, but if it’s a shared bathroom, it’s a good gesture to set out towels separately in the room, to avoid confusion later.
7. Water bottles or drinking glasses
Offer guests a way to have a middle-of-the-night drink. Bottled water on the bed stand is a real nicety, but if your tap water tastes great, a clean drinking glass works just as well.
8. TV channel guide & remote instructions
If your guestroom has a television, spend a few minutes creating a channel guide. Include networks, news and sports channels, special interest channels (History, Smithsonian, Nature, Travel, DIY, Bravo) and movie channels. If your TV has Netflix access, list that too.
Be sure to include directions for turning on the TV, as each remote is different. Test your remote to make sure it’s working and doesn’t need batteries.
Hot Tip: After creating your channel guide, consider laminating it so it lasts a long time and won’t get destroyed by a spilled drink or a tear.
9. A nightlight
A simple low-wattage nightlight lights the way to the bathroom in the middle of the night. You don’t want your guests to bump their shins or ram their toes while they’re in unfamiliar surroundings.
10. A full-length mirror
You probably have guests over for a reason, and that reason is likely an event where appearance is important. A full-length mirror is an obvious help for anyone who needs to dress up for a special occasion. This is especially helpful if there isn’t a bathroom attached to the guest room where they could get dressed.
Bonus Items: Local magazines and map
Okay, we confess, this isn’t a necessity . . . but it certainly makes for a nice welcome, especially for out-of-state guests. You can even use sticky notes in the magazine to point out places you’d like your friends or family to see. Highlight your home on the map with a star. Make sure the magazines are no older than a year.
Hot Tip: If you have grandkids coming to visit, put some age-appropriate magazines into the room.
Related: The Perfect Bar Cart , How to Make Your Guests Feel at Home, What to Do With a Spare Bedroom, Things to Keep on Hand for Parties
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