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In the fast-paced beat of modern living, maintaining a well-organized apartment isn’t just about tidiness — it’s a gateway to a comfortable living space. Whether you’re a seasoned minimalist or just beginning your journey to declutter, mastering the art of apartment organization can transform your home into a productive environment.

From maximizing storage solutions to embracing minimalist principles, these 18 expert tips will guide you through practical strategies to streamline your space, enhance functionality, and cultivate a harmonious environment that reflects your unique lifestyle and preferences. So whether you are renting an apartment in Philadelphia, PA, or a townhouse in Jersey City, NJ, get ready to dive into the essential strategies that experts swear by for achieving a perfectly organized apartment.

1. Start Simply 

Starting simply is important because it prevents feeling overwhelmed and ensures that you can maintain momentum without getting discouraged. Starting small allows you to make steady, manageable progress one step at a time.

“No one likes the idea of taking on the entire home at once. It’s simply daunting and unmanageable. So, my first step advice is to start simply,” says A+ Clutter Clearing of Boca Raton, FL. “By doing so, you’ll find early success which helps you build momentum for another task.”

Some examples of a simple start include a bathroom drawer, linen closet, laundry room, or kitchen junk drawer.

2. Utilize “point of use” storage 

“Point of use” storage refers to the practice of storing items as close as possible to the location where they are used. This method is convenient ensuring that everything you need for a specific task is within easy reach.

Professional-Organizer.com is a firm believer that the term “point of use” storage makes living in an apartment easier. They say, “store items where these are used, whether in a cabinet or cart, in your home.’ You can store office and school supplies in your designated home office space, linens in the bathroom adjacent to that room, and cleaning supplies under each sink. This way you always have access to what you need when you need it.”

3. Vocalize why you are keeping items or donating them

Vocalizing why you are keeping or donating items helps clarify your intentions and reinforces your decision-making process, making it easier to stay focused and committed to your organization goals.

“As you sort through your clothing, vocalize why you are keeping the items or donating it, remarks The Clutter Curator. “We find it’s so helpful to hear the ‘why’ and it will either validate why you are keeping it or, you might hear yourself and laugh a bit and actually donate the item. Our clothing holds a lot of stories, use this time to relive them and let them go.”

4. Store things vertically

Storing things vertically maximizes your available space by utilizing the often-overlooked height of a room.

“Storing things vertically in drawers will give up to 30% more storage space as opposed to laying things down flat,” shares Kate of Home Love Method. “If your apartment is small, this will allow for maximum storage and you’ll be able to find your things easier.”

5. Tuck things away in cabinets, closets, and drawers

Tucking things away in cabinets, closets, and drawers helps create a clean and uncluttered living space. 

“Apartments can feel small and when surfaces are full it can make them feel even smaller. If possible, try to tuck most things away in cabinets, closets, and drawers,” recommends Call Kate Tidy.

6. Try the “one in, one out rule”

The “one in, one out” rule is an effective strategy for maintaining organization by ensuring that for every new item brought into your home, an existing item is removed. 

Jennifer A Dwight Ideal Organizing + Design says, “To keep your closet organized, use the ‘one in, one out’ rule. For instance, when considering purchasing a new pair of shoes, decide which pair you already own will be donated or discarded. By being diligent about this, your closet will stay clutter-free.”

7. Purchase dual-purpose furnishings

Purchasing dual-purpose furniture is a smart way to maximize space in your apartment by combining functionality and storage. 

“Get multi-functional storage solutions. Any furniture that offers extra storage is a plus. Think beds that have built in drawers and ottomans that have extra storage,” states Pretty Neat.

“Dual-purpose furnishings are the unsung heroes of apartment organization,” raves Organized by Keli based in Denver, CO. Sofa beds, storage ottomans, and nesting tables deliver a one-two punch, ensuring you make the most of your limited real estate without sacrificing style or comfort.”

Introduce a storage ottoman that serves as both seating and a concealed space for blankets, magazines, or toys. This versatile furniture piece minimizes visible clutter and offers extra seating for guests,” adds Organize with Lia.

8. Turn hangers backward in the closet

Turning hangers in the closet backward is a simple yet effective method to identify which clothes you actually wear. 

“Turn your hangers backward in your closet. After wearing an item, return the hanger to its normal direction. At the end of the season, you can quickly see what items you have not worn. Consider letting those items go,” recommends Ever So Organized.

9. Set up a charging station for devices

One of the more challenging things to organize in a home is all the electronic devices, such as phones, tablets, and smartwatches. 

“Not only are they always on the move, but they also come with a lot of expensive accessories that can easily get lost. To avoid having these accessories as well as cords spread out all over your home, create a charging station in a centralized area, so that you always have a place to park those devices when not in use,” recommends The Swedish Organizer

10. Add a rolling cart

Adding a rolling cart to your apartment provides portable storage that can be easily moved around as needed. 

Organized Calm says, “Incorporate a slimline rolling cart for versatile, mobile storage in your bathroom. Use it to hold toiletries, cleaning supplies, or extra towels, ensuring everything is easily accessible. When guests visit, simply roll the cart out of sight to keep the bathroom looking neat without sacrificing functionality.”

11. Take your best notes in the shower

Have you noticed how often you get a great idea or think of something to add to your ever-growing to-do list when you’re showering with no way to write it down?

Oh So Organized shares, “A simple and effective organizing solution is to affix (using suction cups) a waterproof notepad and pencil inside the shower.” 

12. Store products in different spots

“A common organizing mistake with small bathrooms is to store all of one product in the same spot,” notes Nonnahs Driskill of Get Organized Already in Pasadena, CA. For example, if you have three tubes of toothpaste, store the extra two in what I call a “drugstore drawer,” which will probably be in a different area of the apartment. You can even put all but one extra roll of toilet paper in another spot.”

13. Use the back of doors

Using the back of doors for storage adds valuable space to your apartment that is often overlooked.

Kate Bosch Professional Organizing remarks, “When organizing a small space like an apartment, don’t forget to use the backs of doors. Hang a clear shoe pocket organizer on this often-overlooked space to hold small gadgets in the kitchen, toiletries, and washcloths in the bathroom, accessories near the front door, cleaning products in a storage closet, small toys in a child’s room, and shoes in your clothes closet.” 

14. Use the most valuable spaces wisely

Using the most valuable spaces wisely in your apartment involves prioritizing storage in areas that are both accessible and versatile. 

“With any size space, the key to maintaining order and organization is to not have too much stuff,” says Life with Less Mess. “If your apartment is feeling messy or chaotic, before you start organizing, start decluttering. When you have limited real estate, be sure to use the most valuable spaces wisely. The most-accessible cabinets should have the items you use most often. The same applies to drawers and shelves. Put items you use less often in harder to reach spots so they won’t be in the way during day-to-day.” 

15. Create categories and add like with like

Creating categories and grouping like items together simplifies organization and enhances efficiency in your apartment.

“This step assists in seeing how much of one category there might be. Bonus, it might aid in removing a few pieces that are unwanted or discovery of ones that might have been forgotten about,” states Organized Simplicity.

“Keep similar items together for easy access. This means mixing bowls stacked in a cupboard, serving platters stored vertically or in a designated area, canned food arranged by type or frequency of use, spices on a spice rack or drawer organizer, or tupperware stacked with their lids in a nearby bin,” adds KAOS Group.

16. Always remember that “less is more”

Remembering that less is more when organizing your apartment encourages a minimalist approach that focuses on quality over quantity. The best part about living in an apartment and trying to stay organized is that many times you have to live simply due to limited storage space. 

“The old mantra of ‘less is more’ is never more applicable than in an apartment where you need things to be multifunctional, like appliances that have dual purposes to minimize taking up too much space, or decorative baskets that serve as design pieces but ultimately help hide your things. This can be accomplished in every room of the house to help save space and stay organized,” shares Decluttered LLC.

17. Designate drop zones

Designating drop zones in your apartment establishes specific areas where items are consistently placed upon entering.  

Charlottesville Organizing remarks, “Designate specific areas in your home as drop zones for frequently used items such as keys, mail, coats, or bags. This prevents clutter from spreading throughout the house to ensure that essential items are easily accessible when needed. Consider using specific tools like bowls for keys, hooks for coats, or bins for pet items to enhance functionality for these zones.”

18. Let go of the past and keep an extra hamper for donation items

Letting go of the past and keeping an extra hamper for donation items allows you to efficiently separate belongings you no longer use or need. 

“Letting go of the past is key to getting organized,” says Tonia Cordi. “Often we hold onto past experiences of not having enough, or the fear of ‘what if’ which keeps us attached to physical belongings, beliefs and thoughts that create clutter in our lives. Before getting started in a room, ask yourself what am I holding onto from the past that is stopping me from letting go and living in the present.”

Once you’ve reflected on what you need to give up. Start by keeping an extra hamper for donation items.

“One system that I always like to set up for clients in their closets is having an extra hamper in their bedroom or closet that is designated just for donation items. Having the extra hamper labeled ‘donations’ already set up, makes it easy for us to make that quick decision of donating when we don’t like something. Rather than trying on a shirt, not liking it, then throwing it back in your closet or drawer, why not throw it in the donation basket right away? Then, when the basket is full, all you have to do is take the garbage bag out and drop it off at the donation center,” shares All About Organizing.

Source: apartmentguide.com

Apache is functioning normally

And in case you’re wondering, it is *very* easy to clean. You can open it up (like the photo on the right) and dump leftover litter back in the box, wash it under a sink, or suck up any leftover litter with a vacuum!

Promising review: “Going from no litter mat for this box to using this new mat, there is a noticeable decrease in litter strewn across the floor, which is what I wanted. The cats certainly don’t mind the texture, so they have no problems with it either. Would recommend.”  —Kelliar

“I was pleased to find that [the litter mat] works very well. The litter falls down the holes and is not seen, so it looks clean all the time. Very few granules are being tracked off the mat, and I see the litter falling down through to the lower layer to be poured out later.”  —LyricMama

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in two sizes and three colors).

Source: buzzfeed.com

Apache is functioning normally

This year’s Atlantic hurricane season might be one for the books. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts up to 13 hurricanes between June 1 and Nov. 30, with as many as seven reaching at least Category 3 status. If the prediction is accurate, this year will be one of the most active Atlantic hurricane seasons on record.

For coastal homeowners, this could mean home damage — even if they live inland.

“You can still see wind damage, even if you’re not experiencing those maximum winds,” says Sarah Dillingham, senior meteorologist at the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, which researches structure safety. With slower-moving storms, homeowners who live farther inland might have roof and soffit damage or lose some trees, Dillingham says.

Many homeowners who live in hurricane zones tend to wait until a storm is tracking toward them to get ready, but that can cause expensive mistakes.

“Being well-prepared for hurricane season is a process that takes time and thought,” says Mellanee Roberts, deputy emergency management coordinator for the City of Pearland in Texas, by email.

Here are seven tips to put you ahead of the weather.

1. Trim or remove trees near your home

“Homeowners should be sure to trim away any tree branches and landscaping that would hit the house in heavy wind,” Roberts said.

According to NOAA, a Category 1 hurricane (the weakest category) is strong enough to break large tree branches. When combined with rain-saturated soil, the winds can also uproot entire trees.

Branches that are weak or dead are the most vulnerable to high winds and can take out your roof or guttering on their way down.

Signs that a tree is in bad shape may include cracking in the trunk, loss of leaves before the appropriate season, abnormally soft roots or a hollow sound when knocking on the trunk.

If you need help removing large branches or taking down an entire tree, Dillingham says, consider calling a licensed arborist.

2. Look for loose or damaged fence boards

Winds over 39 mph are enough to turn items into projectiles, according to the National Weather Service. That means loose or damaged fence boards will be more susceptible to high winds than their secured counterparts.

To give your fence its best chance, fix or replace pieces that won’t stay attached or that show signs of damage.

Securing your fence can also protect your home. If fencing comes loose during a hurricane, the boards can become projectiles that hit your house. By ensuring your fence is prepared for high winds, you are also reducing the chance that storm debris will damage your home.

3. Inspect your roof for loose or damaged shingles

Your roof takes the brunt of hurricane winds, which can exceed 157 mph, according to the National Weather Service. That can lead to missing shingles or tiles, holes from debris and damage where the wind rips away solar panels, satellite dishes or other attachments.

If you see sections of your roof that are discolored after rain, loose or damaged shingles, loose or bent flashing that connects your chimney to the shingles, or cracked vents, it might be time to call in a professional.

Leaks in your attic after a heavy storm are also a sign that your roof could use some professional attention.

4. Clean out your gutters

Slow-moving hurricanes that sit over areas for a long time can dump several inches of rain an hour, as Hurricane Harvey did in Texas in 2017. That means gutters need to be ready to divert the water.

“Making sure that that water can easily be transported off your roof and away from your home — that’s going to be helpful,” Dillingham says.

Removing debris from your gutters will allow water to drain quickly from your roof, and clearing out downspouts will help it flow away from your home, Dillingham says. Also look for signs of damage, such as cracks or loose sections, and call a gutter company for a repair if you notice any potential problems.

5. Check your windows and doors

Hurricane-force winds can drive rain into your home through small gaps in windows and doors.

“If you’ve got a vulnerable opening, your water’s going to try to find a way in,” Dillingham says.

For windows and doors, check that the flashing — a strip of special material installed around the exterior of the openings — isn’t damaged or pulling away from the house. Look for spots where sunlight is coming through and close them with weatherstripping. Add caulking to fill spots along the windowsill that have worn away, Dillingham says.

Dillingham also recommends paying special attention to access points that open inward, such as French doors, which can fail more easily in high winds.

6. Clean out space in your garage

Although bringing loose items indoors is essential before a hurricane arrives — think of all the YouTube videos of trampolines going airborne, Dillingham says — many homeowners don’t think of this step until a storm is on its way.

To get a head start, set aside space now in your garage or shed to store patio furniture, yard decor and kids’ toys so you can quickly clear your property.

Not only does this make things easier when a hurricane is on its way, but also you’ll have space to store items during other weather events, such as strong thunderstorms (and you won’t have to buy another trampoline).

7. Don’t forget the insurance

Learn about the flood risks in your area, even if you don’t think you’re in a floodplain. Make sure you have sufficient insurance coverage to cover hurricane damage.

“Homeowners insurance is not going to cover any losses from storm surge or inland flooding due to rainfall,” Dillingham says. Also, don’t count on a home warranty to help with repairs after a hurricane. Most plans don’t cover any damage related to wind, rain, floods or fire. That includes roof damage from strong winds.

If you need flood or wind insurance, make sure you buy it in time. Most insurers stop issuing insurance policies once a storm is imminent, Roberts said.

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

Whether you’re looking at homes for sale in Charlotte, NC, already renting a home in Atlanta, GA, or looking for your first apartment in Charleston, SC, decorating your child’s room is no easy feat. Their rooms are more than just a place to sleep; it’s a space where they can play, learn, and grow. Designing a kids’ room requires careful consideration of their current needs and future growth, ensuring the space is adaptable and flexible.

From selecting the right color palette to incorporating educational elements and ensuring the room is safe and organized, every detail contributes to creating an environment that nurtures your child’s development and happiness. Taryn Pratt reminds moms and parents alike to keep an open mind when curating a kids’ space. “Don’t underestimate what you can transform your spaces into,” Pratt shares. “Simple is best. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to make your room look nice.”

Inspiring and practical kids’ room ideas

Whether you’re designing a nursery for a newborn, creating a fun and functional space for a toddler, or updating a room to suit the evolving tastes of an older child, these inspiring and practical kids’ room ideas will help you transform a simple room into a magical haven that your child will love and cherish.

1. Embrace fun

Before diving into the journey of decorating your kid’s room, it’s important to channel the fun spirit of kids. “Kids are passionate about their favorite characters and interests, making their interests the center of the decorating = FUN,” Eboni with CR8JOI shares. “Whether it’s Batman, Barbie, sports, or a particular trending “aesthetic”- use toys and color to bring the theme to life. Since childhood interests change like the wind, focus on elements that can be easily updated. A themed pillow or picture, for example, can be easily swapped out.  A themed room can be a joy-filled space where their creativity can shine.”

2. Themed rooms

Themed rooms, like Eboni shared above, can ignite your child’s imagination and make their space uniquely theirs. These spaces can provide a sense of adventure and excitement, creating an environment that stimulates creativity and play. Themes can also serve as an educational tool, teaching children about different worlds and concepts.

  • Space explorer: Use starry wallpapers to give the illusion of outer space, along with glow-in-the-dark ceiling stickers of planets and constellations. A spaceship bed can become the centerpiece, making bedtime an intergalactic adventure. Incorporate elements like moon and star-shaped cushions and posters of astronauts and spacecraft.
  • Nature lover: Create a forest ambiance with treehouse beds and leaf-shaped rugs. Wall decals of animals, trees, and birds can make the room feel like a walk in the woods. Consider adding a small indoor tent or a reading nook with a nature-themed design to enhance the outdoor feel.
  • Fairy tale: Canopy beds draped with soft, flowing fabrics can evoke a princess’s castle or a knight’s tent. Pastel colors and whimsical furniture like mushroom stools and fairy lights can transform the room into a magical kingdom. Add storybook characters on the walls and a treasure chest for toy storage.

3. Educational spaces

Incorporating educational elements into your child’s room can promote learning and curiosity. This approach ensures that learning is seamlessly integrated into daily activities, fostering a love for knowledge from a young age.

  • World maps: Use wallpaper or decals featuring world maps to teach geography. This can be both decorative and educational, helping children learn about different countries, continents, and oceans. Add interactive elements like map pins or stickers to mark places they’ve learned about or visited.
  • Bookshelves: Accessible bookshelves filled with age-appropriate books encourage reading and independence. Organize books by theme or reading level, and create a cozy reading corner with comfortable seating and good lighting to make reading time enjoyable.

4. Multi-functional furniture

Kids’ rooms often require flexibility as they grow. Multi-functional furniture can adapt to their changing needs, maximizing space and usability. Investing in versatile pieces can save money and space in the long run.

  • Bunk beds with desks: Ideal for shared rooms or small spaces, bunk beds with built-in desks provide sleeping, studying, and storage areas. The desk underneath can be used for homework, art projects, or computer time, making efficient use of vertical space.
  • Convertible cribs: Cribs that transform into toddler beds and later into daybeds or full-sized beds grow with your child. “Kids grow fast,” shares Mikayla Taylor. “Opt for an heirloom-quality convertible crib. With this crib, you can update your kids’ room with each stage up to a full-size bed. It’s a nice keepsake to remember those precious baby days as your child grows.” This adaptability ensures that the bed remains a fixture in the room for many years, making it a smart investment.

5. Creative storage solutions

A well-organized room can make playtime and cleanup easier. Creative storage solutions help keep toys, clothes, and books neatly tucked away, ensuring the room remains tidy and clutter-free. John with RAD Children’s Furniture recommends implementing a toy rotation system to keep their room organized and uncluttered. “Display a few toys at a time and store the rest out of sight. Regularly rotate the toys available to the child. This not only keeps the environment tidy but also renews interest and engagement with their toys. A minimalistic approach reduces overwhelm and helps children focus better.”

  • Under-bed storage: Utilize the space under the bed with drawers or bins for toys, clothes, and out-of-season items. This is a great way to keep the floor clear and make use of every inch of the room.
  • Height-appropriate, kid-friendly shelves: Use vertical space for storage by installing shelves for books, toys, and decorative items. Wall-mounted shelves keep items off the floor and within reach, creating a clean and organized look. Choosing shelving that matches your child’s height, such as our infant and 3-tier shelves is another great option, John with RAD Children’s Furniture also recommends. “This design allows children to easily access their belongings, fostering independence and encouraging self-directed play. It also enhances safety, reducing the need for children to climb or reach for items.”
  • Toy chests: Classic and functional, toy chests can double as benches. Opt for designs with soft-close lids to prevent pinched fingers and add cushions on top to provide extra seating.

6. Personal touches

Adding personal touches makes the room feel special and uniquely suited to your child’s personality. These elements can reflect their interests, hobbies, and achievements, making the space truly their own.

  • Customized art: Frame your child’s drawings and paintings to create a gallery wall. This not only showcases their creativity but also boosts their confidence and sense of pride in their accomplishments.
  • Name decals: Wall decals or wooden letters spelling out your child’s name add a personal touch. Choose designs that match the room’s theme and color scheme for a cohesive look.
  • Photo displays: String lights with clips can hold photos, drawings, and mementos, creating a dynamic and ever-changing display. This adds a warm, personal element to the room and allows for easy updates as new memories are made.

7. Interactive play areas

Incorporating areas dedicated to play within the room encourages imagination and activity. These spaces can be both fun and functional, providing a dedicated area for various activities.

  • Reading nooks: Create a cozy corner with bean bags, soft cushions, and shelves of books. A small canopy or tent can make the nook even more inviting, offering a quiet retreat for reading and relaxation.
  • Art stations: Set up a small table with art supplies for drawing, painting, and crafting. Ensure the area is well-lit and equipped with storage for supplies to keep the space organized and ready for creativity.

8. Lighting

Proper lighting can make a big difference in a child’s room, affecting both functionality and mood. Layered lighting ensures the room is versatile for various activities.

  • Layered lighting: Combine ceiling lights for general illumination, wall sconces for ambient lighting, and table lamps for task lighting. This approach provides flexibility and ensures that the room is well-lit for different activities.
  • Night lights: “Using nightlights is also essential to help with any potential nightmares or night terrors that may be happening,” Unnati Patel, certified pediatric sleep consultant and owner of Nested to Rested Sleep Consulting notes. “It also helps provide a clear path at night to the restroom in case they need to use the potty.” 

9. Safety protocols

Safety is paramount in any child’s room. Ensuring the room is secure and hazard-free allows for peace of mind and a safe environment for your child to play and sleep.

  • Furniture anchors: Secure heavy furniture like dressers and bookshelves to the wall to prevent tipping. This is especially important as children may climb or pull on furniture.
  • Allergy considerations: Something you may not have thought of when planning your child’s perfect bedroom space is how to provide a healthy space with regard to allergies, asthma, sensitivities, and general health. from The Allergy Mom, Melissa Scheichl recommends paying extra attention to materials that attract dust mites.

    “Dust mites affect quality of sleep, breathing, and general health and well-being and are attracted to carpeting, upholstery, drapery, stuffed animals, bedding, and mattresses. The dust mite feces can wreak havoc for allergies, asthma, skin sensitivities, etc,” Scheichl warns. “To reduce the effect of dust mites, consider protective mattress and pillow covers that advertise dust-mite protection (they need to be of a particular quality and fabrication to be effective – not just any mattress cover will do – and they need to completely encase the mattress.”Scheichl also recommends purchasing a portable HEPA filter or other indoor air purifier to remove particulate matter from the air in the bedroom.

  • Soft flooring: Use rugs or padded mats to cushion falls and provide a soft surface for play. Choose non-slip options to prevent tripping and sliding.

10. Don’t discount teenage years

As children grow into teenagers, their room becomes a vital personal space that reflects their evolving identity and provides a sanctuary for study, relaxation, and socializing. It’s important not to discount the teenage years when designing a child’s room, as their needs and tastes will change significantly during this period. Creating a flexible and adaptable space ensures that the room can evolve with them, accommodating their growth and changing interests.

  • Reduce clutter: “Your teen has a lot going on in their mind so try to keep things less noisy (in the visual sense),” shares Leyla Preston, founder and editor of Motherhood Diaries. “Studies show that maintaining a serene bedroom environment by minimizing clutter can enhance sleep quality. Make sure the room is free from excessive stimuli beyond schoolwork, including electronic devices that emit blue light to help maintain a conducive sleep setting. Blue light exposure from screens is known to disrupt the circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
  • Tech integration: On the other hand, modern teenagers rely heavily on technology for both schoolwork and entertainment. Incorporate solutions for managing electronics, such as a charging station for devices, a desk with built-in cable management, and adequate outlets. Ensure the room has reliable Wi-Fi coverage and consider adding a comfortable seating area for reading or using a laptop when necessary.

Designing a place where kids can be kids

Designing a kid’s room is a delightful journey that allows you to blend creativity with practicality. By focusing on themes, multifunctional furniture, creative storage solutions, and personal touches, you can create a space that not only looks fantastic but also supports your child’s growth and development. Remember, the best kids’ rooms are those that reflect the child’s interests and provide a safe, comfortable, and inspiring environment for them to thrive.

Wesley Masters works on Redfin’s stellar Content Marketing team as a content writing specialist. She has been with Rent. since 2023 and her previous experiences include non-profit communications, graphic design, and content creation. Wesley lives in Atlanta, GA, and loves outdoor walks, hanging out with her loved ones, and finding new recipes to try on Pinterest. Her ideal home is a brownstone with contemporary interiors.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

Taking off from the Zayed International Airport’s recently opened Terminal A in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, was a special treat, especially considering I was flying on an Airbus A350-1000 in Etihad Airways’ business class, which offered sliding doors at each seat.

From on demand a la carte dining to a new triple-level lounge in the airport, traveling aboard Etihad, one of the national airlines of the UAE, is a unique way to learn about Emirati culture while also enjoying top-notch service.

Etihad’s many partnerships with other airlines puts award flights more easily within reach for those who want to redeem their points and miles. Here is what to expect when traveling business class with Etihad.

The airport experience

Etihad offers chauffeur service in Abu Dhabi for business class passengers, which was easy to book online. My personal driver arrived right on time to take me from my city-center hotel to the new terminal. The driver dropped me off at the business class check-in area, which was bright and airy.

(Photo by Ramsey Qubein)

There was a short wait, and an agent from the first class check-in area flagged me over to check me in. All in all, check-in took two minutes. In addition, there were comfortable seating areas and even refreshments to enjoy before heading through security.

(Photo by Ramsey Qubein)

Terminal A, which just opened in November 2023, is bright and airy. It showcases enormous windows and an undulating roof sculpture that looks like the shape of the region’s desert sand dunes.

After a little shopping, I made my way to the terminal’s new Etihad business class lounge, which has three floors.

Etihad business lounge in Abu Dhabi

Once I arrived at the Etihad Airways lounge for business class passengers, I asked the friendly check-in agent which floor they recommended and made my way to the suggested top floor. A full-service bar and buffet setup proved an interesting way to pass the time.

My flight was departing at 3:05 a.m., which was a difficult time to stay awake for, but surprisingly, I was hungry and helped myself to the large selection of salads and curries on offer. When it was time to board, there was no extra security check, and I was in my seat in minutes.

The business class seat

The 1-2-1 layout in Etihad’s business class meant the seats have spacious side counters and wireless charging surfaces, which worked brilliantly.

(Photo by Ramsey Qubein)

Several storage compartments allowed me to keep my belongings in order, and the enormous touch-screen monitor in front had a wide range of movies and TV shows. Even with a flight duration of 14 hours and 30 minutes, I had barely enough time to even scratch the surface of entertainment options.

(Photo courtesy of Etihad Airways)

The best part of the seat was the sliding privacy door that was unlocked by the crew after takeoff. This keeps movement in the aisle from disturbing passengers while trying to rest. I kept mine closed most of the flight except when eating.

(Photo by Ramsey Qubein)

Waiting near my seat was a large pillow, padded seat cover, blanket and beige Acqua di Parma amenity kit. It had hand lotion, lip balm, eyeshades and socks. Cushioned noise-reducing headphones were wrapped in a compartment to one side with a bottle of water.

I appreciated how often the crew offered to refill my water bottle, as I prefer to stay hydrated in flight.

Meal service

Etihad offers a dine-on-demand service, and I struggled to decide when I wanted to eat and when I wanted to sleep.

Not wanting to miss out, I decided to try a light snack after takeoff and ordered the Arabic mezze with a glass of Chardonnay plus an acai bowl for dessert.

Just what you want at 4 a.m., right?

(Photo by Ramsey Qubein)

It was quite tasty, and I liked how my flight attendant brought out a bowl of warm nuts before serving my food.

After the light snack, I reclined my seat into bed mode and slept for four hours. My plan was to sleep for eight or nine hours and then have a larger meal before landing, but I could not stay asleep.

So what do you do on an Etihad flight when you can’t sleep? Eat again!

I went to the galley to see if there were snacks available. Sure enough, a display of potato chips, chocolate bars and fruit was laid out. I grabbed a few snacks and informed the flight attendant I also wanted to order something more substantial.

Another glass of wine soon arrived along with a tray of lentil soup and a side salad. It was served at the perfect temperature and with a slice of lemon to squeeze onto it.

After this, my next course arrived, Indian paneer curry. Other options on the menu included a roasted chicken dish and local Emirati grouper fish.

(Photo by Ramsey Qubein)

Etihad has a new partnership with Armani Casa to supply its cutlery, dishes and glassware from the brand. It was very elegant and had the appearance of a fine restaurant.

🤓Nerdy Tip

Interestingly, Etihad uses trays in business class rather than putting the dishes one by one on the table like its peers. Still, this made the service more efficient for the flight attendants and did not detract from the presentation.

For dessert, I ordered the cheese plate, which had cheddar, brie and blue cheeses with fresh fruit. After working a little on my laptop, I reclined my seat again to doze until landing.

(Photo by Ramsey Qubein)

The details

I loved how the crew was from different parts of the world. In addition to the Lebanese flight attendant who took care of me, the purser was from Thailand, another flight attendant in my aisle was from Egypt and the pilot was from Ireland.

Etihad has a very international crew, and its uniforms, in hues of beige and purple, made them look like runway fashion models.

The bathrooms were clean and tidy the entire flight, and they had Armani Casa toiletries, although I was surprised and disappointed there were not more products like shaving or dental kits on display.

Another bummer was the lack of air nozzles at each seat, as the cabin was rather warm.

(Photo courtesy of Etihad Airways)

One unique feature about U.S.-bound flights from Abu Dhabi is that the airport has a preclearance facility. This means passengers complete U.S. customs and immigration formalities before boarding, allowing them to land in the U.S. as a domestic passenger.

Unfortunately, the new airport terminal meant that not all U.S. flights were eligible yet for this service, as the U.S. officers worked only during the morning hours. This added some extra time to my itinerary when arriving at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, but normally, this is an excellent reason to connect on Etihad in Abu Dhabi versus other area airports.

How to book Etihad business class

Redeem points and miles

In addition to paying cash for Etihad’s premium cabin, members of its own Etihad Guest loyalty program can redeem miles for the experience.

The airline uses a distance-based chart, which means the number of miles you need varies by flight. This flight clocks in at more than 7,000 miles, which means a business class seat requires 110,000 miles in each direction.

Transfer travel rewards from airline partners

Another popular way to enjoy business class is by redeeming American Airlines AAdvantage miles, as Etihad is one of the carrier’s partners. A one-way business class flight from the U.S. to Abu Dhabi costs 70,000 miles based on its partner award chart.

Smart cards for Etihad flights

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Citi Premier® Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Annual fee

Earning rates

• 5 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 spent per year.

• 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

• 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.

Terms apply.

• 10 ThankYou® points per $1 spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through the Citi Travel site.

• 3 points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases.

• 3 points per $1 on supermarkets.

• 3 points per $1 on gas stations and EV charging stations.

• 3 points per $1 on restaurants.

• 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

• 5 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

• 2 miles per $1 on all other purchases.

Learn more

Etihad impresses on ultra-long-haul flights

Etihad offers an impressive business class product on the A350-1000. If you can’t redeem miles to fly on one of the airline’s first class A380 flights (complete with in-flight shower), this is the next best thing.

To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.

The information related to Citi Premier® Card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.”

How to maximize your rewards

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Want to know what the best businesses that run themselves are? Have you ever dreamed of having a business that runs by itself? Whether you want extra income or a full-time job, these businesses make money without needing you all the time. Having a business that runs itself means more time for you to do…

Want to know what the best businesses that run themselves are?

Have you ever dreamed of having a business that runs by itself? Whether you want extra income or a full-time job, these businesses make money without needing you all the time.

Having a business that runs itself means more time for you to do what you love. This could be more family time, traveling, pursuing passions, or starting another venture. These kinds of businesses are perfect for making your dreams a reality.

Now, that doesn’t mean that all of the businesses below will require zero hours of work from you – they will need varying amounts of time dedicated to them. Maybe some time in the beginning to get it started, some time to maintain it, or even hiring an employee to keep it going or check in occasionally.

Recommended reading: 18 Passive Income Ideas To Earn $1,000+ Each Month

Businesses That Run Themselves

Below are the best businesses that run themselves.

1. Self-service laundromat

A laundromat business can be a great business idea if you want something that mostly runs itself.

With the right setup, you might only need to check in occasionally. Laundromats can give you a steady source of income because people always need clean clothes.

The day-to-day operations of a laundromat include opening the business up in the morning, maintaining machines (the washers and dryers) and keeping the business clean, stocking detergents, and having someone handle the finances. The average self-service laundromat has 2 employees or less, so this is a business where you can outsource that job even.

Running a laundromat can be rewarding and mostly hands-off, making it a popular choice among business owners. If you’re looking for a steady income with minimal daily effort, this could be the option for you.

Recommended reading: Are Laundromats Profitable? How Much Do Laundromats Make?

2. Sell printables

Digital products, such as printables, can be a great way to have a business that runs itself.

Making printables on Etsy can be a great idea because you just need to create one digital file per product, which you can then sell an unlimited number of times. This is what makes it a great passive income opportunity, plus, you can make printables without anything other than just your laptop/computer and internet connection.

Printables are digital products that customers can download and print themselves at home. Examples of printables include:

  • Grocery shopping checklists
  • Gift tags
  • Candy bar wrappers
  • Printable quotes for wall art
  • Patterns
  • Planners
  • Coloring sheets
  • Stickers

These items are designed to be easily printed from a computer or other devices, being convenient for buyers who want to customize and use them right away.

Recommended reading: How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy

Do you want to make money selling printables online? This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.

3. Blogging

Blogging can be a business that runs itself mostly, but it’s not passive, especially at the beginning. It requires a lot of hard work and can take up most of your time when you’re starting out. Over the years, I’ve automated much of my blog so that it runs with about 10 hours of maintenance from me each week.

Starting a successful blog is challenging – it’s not something everyone can easily do!

That said, learning how to start a blog has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. It’s a great way to earn semi-passive income and extra money.

I think it’s one of the best businesses that run themselves, and it’s something that I have been doing for years. I can take weeks off at a time and still earn a great income during that time.

Blogging can generate passive income because you can create a blog post (high-quality content is key) and continue to earn money from it for years. This income can come from affiliate marketing or display advertising. Unlike traditional jobs where you have to work daily to earn money, a blog allows you to make money around the clock – even while you sleep – thanks to the work you’ve already done in the past.

I have a free training that you can take – How To Start A Blog FREE Course. Want to see how I built a $5,000,000 blog? In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.

4. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is a great way to make money with a business that mostly runs itself and can make money in your sleep.

Among these businesses that practically run themselves, this one is my favorite. I’ve earned more than $2,000,000 through affiliate marketing over the years, and much of it is semi-passive. I can earn money while I’m on vacation, without internet, while I’m sleeping, and more.

Affiliate marketing is when you earn money by placing a special link on your website or social media. When people buy something through your link, you get a commission. For example, if you link to a book on Amazon (after joining the Amazon affiliate program) from your website and someone buys it through your link, you earn a commission. Companies like Amazon value good affiliates because they help promote their products and services.

You earn a commission by promoting other companies’ products or services. When someone buys through your link, you get paid.

Now, this doesn’t mean that affiliate marketing completely runs itself. You will need to write the content that draws readers in and find ways to get page views. But, once you get things started, you can earn money without always actively working for it.

Recommended reading: Affiliate Marketing Tips For Beginners – Free eBook

5. Rental real estate and rental properties

Being a property owner and managing properties can be a great way to run a business that makes money on its own.

One way to earn extra money is by listing your property on Airbnb or another short-term rental platform. You can rent out your entire house, apartment, or just a room to travelers looking for short stays.

Another way to earn money is through long-term rentals. Long-term rentals involve renting out a property for an extended period, typically six months to a year or more. For example, you might rent out an apartment or house to a family who will live there full-time.

One advantage of long-term rentals is the stable and consistent income they provide. By leasing your property to tenants for a longer duration, you establish a steady stream of rental payments. This reliability can be particularly appealing for those seeking a reliable source of passive income. Plus, managing a long-term rental is usually less demanding than a short-term rental since you don’t need to clean the property frequently or find new renters regularly.

Whether you rent out your property short-term or long-term, you can lessen your involvement by hiring a property manager to do any of the day-to-day work that may be needed. This can make your rental property business more of a hands-off business model.

Recommended reading: 23 Best Real Estate Side Hustles To Make Extra Money

6. Online courses

Creating and selling online courses can be a great way to earn passive income. Once you develop the content and put it on a platform like Teachable, it mostly takes care of itself.

With an online course, you share what you know with others. Maybe you’re good at math, photography, or playing guitar. You can turn those skills into a course.

Creating online courses is a smart way to take what you know and turn it into a business that runs almost by itself. It can be fun too, and you can help a lot of people at once.

I created Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing, my first online course, several years ago and have earned over $2,000,000 from it.

Creating a course is not the easiest way to start a business that runs itself, but it can be a great way to earn an income around the clock. Most of the work is done in the very beginning, and then there is some maintenance along the way to keep the course updated, help students, and so on.

Recommended reading: How I’ve Made Over $1,000,000 From My First Course Without a Big Launch.

7. Storage facility

Running a storage facility is a great way to have a business that can largely manage itself. Plus, this can be a steady income stream, and many storage facilities have long waiting lists and are in high demand.

Self-storage facilities are places where people store their belongings, like boxes of their keepsakes, vehicles, RVs, and more, in storage units or in a big lot.

Owning a self-storage business can be a way to earn money with low expenses. These businesses usually only need a couple of employees.

Often, when I visit a self-storage lot, it’s just the owner or one employee working, and there are very few customers around. Sometimes, no one is working and I just use a code to go in and out.

Another idea similar to this is to rent out your storage space on Neighbor.

Neighbor.com is a platform where you can rent out your space to people who need storage for their belongings such as boxes, furniture, and even cars. You can list spaces like your driveway, garage, closet, and more on Neighbor.com. It’s similar to Airbnb but for storage – no one stays overnight, just their belongings! Depending on demand in your area and the type of storage space you have, you can earn between $100 to $400 or more each month.

Recommended reading: How To Invest In Self-Storage For Beginners

8. Stock photography

Stock photography is a great way to start a business that will eventually run itself. With this type of business, you take photos and upload them to stock photo websites. When someone buys your photo, you get paid.

Once your photos are online, they can sell again and again too.

Stock photos have many different purposes for websites, companies, blogs, and more. Businesses use stock photos because they may not have the resources to photograph everything they need. Instead, they can use stock photos to improve the visual appeal of their content, website, or business.

I personally use stock photos in my blog posts, as do many others. All the photos in this article are stock photos, actually.

There are several well-known stock photo websites such as Shutterstock, iStock by Getty Images, Adobe Stock, and Dreamstime.

To sell photos on these sites, you’ll need to create a contributor account and upload your images following the site’s rules. Each time someone downloads your photos, you earn a commission.

On stock photo websites, having high-quality photos is very important, but having a larger portfolio also matters. The more pictures you have in your stock photo collection, the more potential income you can generate.

Recommended reading: 18 Ways To Get Paid To Take Pictures

9. Car washes

Running a car wash business can be a great way to earn money with minimal effort. Automatic and self-serve car washes are especially popular because they require less work to manage day-to-day.

A self-service car wash is a place where customers pay to use equipment to wash their own cars.

An automatic car wash is a place where customers drive through a tunnel where machines do all the cleaning.

Starting a car wash can be cost-effective over time. The equipment can handle many customers with little human help. You just need to check the machines and refill supplies.

10. Write ebooks

Creating ebooks can be a great way to generate passive income streams. Once you write and publish an ebook, it can keep earning you money with very little effort.

Writing a book can provide passive income because you only need to write it once, yet you can continue to earn money from it for years. While you may need to do some promotion to keep readers engaged, the writing itself is a one-time effort. This makes it possible for the income to be passive over time.

Plus, you can start by self-publishing an ebook and selling it directly on Amazon or on your own website.

11. Dropshipping

Dropshipping is a popular business model that lets you sell products without keeping any inventory. You simply partner with a supplier who ships the items directly to your customers.

Dropshipping can be a great choice because there are low start-up costs as you don’t need to buy stock or rent a warehouse. This keeps costs down at the beginning.

Plus, there’s a lot of flexibility. You can run your dropshipping business from anywhere with an internet connection. This makes it perfect for those who like to travel or work from home.

There are many different things you can sell in a dropshipping business, such as T-shirts (you could even have a print-on-demand business), home decor, mugs, kitchen tools, pet supplies, and baby items.

12. Run a membership website

Membership websites are a great way to run a business that can almost take care of itself. These are websites where people pay regularly to access exclusive content or services.

Now, these will require work and some maintenance. But, you can earn recurring income 24/7, without actively needing to work.

Plus, as more people join, your income grows without adding lots more work.

Some examples of membership sites can include running a Patreon for your YouTube channel, a stock photo membership site, a paid forum, and an online school.

13. ATM business

If you want a low-maintenance business idea that almost runs itself, you may want to look into ATMs.

ATMs can be great because they don’t need much daily work. Once set up, you just need to check them regularly and refill cash.

To start, you’ll need one or more ATM machines (these typically cost around $2,000 to $10,000), you’ll need to find locations (such as convenience stores, malls, gas stations, etc.), set up the ATM (connect it to a network), and monitor and maintain it.

You would earn money through the ATM transaction fees that people are charged when they withdraw money.

Using ATMs can be a good way to make extra money without a lot of effort. They need some work at first but can become a reliable source of income.

14. Parking lots

Parking lots can be great businesses that mostly run themselves.

People always need places to park, such as in cities, near popular venues, at airports, and at shopping centers. If you can find a good location, your parking lot can bring in steady income without much daily work from you.

To get started, all you need is a plot of land. You can set up pay stations to handle money collection. Some lots even use apps for payments, making the process easier for everyone.

And, with the right setup, you can keep things running smoothly with just occasional cleaning and repairs.

15. App development

If you have technical skills, developing and selling an app can be a way to start a business that operates autonomously.

Creating your own app, whether it’s a useful tool, a fun game, or something else, can be profitable.

Although it requires initial effort and investment, once your app is available in app stores, it can generate revenue around the clock through in-app purchases or with the initial download.

You can create mobile apps like a budget tracker, meal planner, fitness tracker, meditation guide, travel planner, and others that cater to specific needs or interests.

16. Billboards

A billboard business is a great way to make passive income. Once set up, it needs little maintenance. You can rent the advertising space to companies for their ads.

Now, building new billboards isn’t allowed everywhere, but in many places, you can still add them onto your own land or buy one that already exists. You’ll want to check local laws to know more before you begin.

Billboards require minimal upkeep, which makes it a great business that runs itself. Regular checks and occasional repairs are needed. Digital billboards need more maintenance, but they can display multiple ads and increase income.

17. Sell on Amazon

Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) allows sellers to store their products in Amazon’s warehouses. Amazon takes care of shipping to customers, handling returns, and managing customer service for the seller. This setup frees sellers from storing inventory or dealing with shipping logistics.

While you still need to find products to sell, Amazon FBA makes it possible for anyone, even without experience, to earn money selling items like household goods, toys, books, electronics, and more through their platform.

Recommended reading: How To Work From Home Selling On Amazon FBA

18. Vending machine business

A vending machine business can be a great way to earn passive income. With some initial investment and a bit of planning, you can start making money with minimal effort. Vending machines typically need minimal upkeep and the hours are low.

You can start with as little as $1,500 to $3,000, and even buy used or refurbished vending machines to save money.

Vending machines can be placed in high-traffic areas (with permission and an agreement, of course), such as schools, offices, gyms, hospitals, and more. You may need to pay 5% to 25% of your earnings to use their space.

Vending machines run on their own for the most part. You will have to refill the machines regularly and make any needed repairs.

A vending machine business can be a smart way to generate passive income while requiring little hands-on work. With the right location and products, you can see steady profits.

Recommended reading: How To Start A Vending Machine Business – How I Make $7,000 Monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are thinking about having a self-running business, here are some common questions and helpful answers that might guide you in the right direction.

How can I start a business that doesn’t need me to be there all the time?

To start a business that doesn’t need you to be there all the time, I recommend finding a business model that can be easily automated. Examples include online stores using dropshipping or print-on-demand services. These models let you automate order processing and inventory management, reducing your need to be involved in daily operations. Other businesses include running a laundromat, selling printables on Etsy, blogging, rental real estate, and stock photography.

What are some top businesses known for making money while the owner sleeps?

The best businesses known for making money while the owner sleeps include rental real estate, blogging, stock photography, dropshipping, ATMs, developing an app, and selling an online course. These businesses have systems in place that handle most tasks automatically, allowing you to earn money with minimal hands-on management.

How to have a business that runs itself?

To have a business that runs itself, you need to try something like vending machines, ATMs, blogging, stock photography, dropshipping, and more. Then, you can either automate as much as you can, or outsource the hours where something needs to be done (such as refilling the vending machine).

What is the easiest business to start and run?

Among the easiest businesses to start are online stores using dropshipping, vending machines, and digital products like printables. These business ventures require low upfront investment and minimal ongoing management, making them accessible for beginners.

How do you find a self running business for sale?

To find a self-running business for sale, you can look for listings on business-for-sale websites or contact business brokers. Many websites list businesses for sale, such as BizBuySell and LoopNet. Always research and vet any business thoroughly before buying.

Businesses That Run Themselves – Summary

I hope you enjoyed this article on the best businesses that run themselves.

Self-sustaining business examples include online businesses like blogging and affiliate marketing, where you create content or promote products and enjoy passive income.

Even offline options like laundromats and car washes can be mostly self-sustaining, needing only occasional maintenance. Another good example is a vending machine business. You just put your machines in good spots and let them do the work.

Managing a rental business can be another way to have a business plan that doesn’t require a lot of active hours from you.

For me, I have a business that I work a low amount of hours and can run itself for the most part. I have automated a lot to make this possible, as well as have worked a lot of hours in the beginning. I love having a business that can run itself, as it means that I have more time for other things in life.

What do you think are the best businesses that run themselves?

Recommended reading:

Source: makingsenseofcents.com

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MSR Valuation, Non-QM, VOIE, Online Auction, Broker to Banker Tools; Webinars, Events, and Training

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MSR Valuation, Non-QM, VOIE, Online Auction, Broker to Banker Tools; Webinars, Events, and Training

By:
Rob Chrisman

Thu, Jun 13 2024, 11:42 AM

This morning I head to Chicago, IL, a state with 972 licensed mortgage banking companies. Illinois has had its share of severe storm damage (heck, in Sarasota we just had upwards of 10 inches of rain in about 12 hours), and may be joining the ranks of places in the U.S. where the cost of insurance passes the cost of property tax. Coach a borrower through that! The cost and availability of homeowner’s insurance is a big topic in Florida, as is the PACE program. Florida is one of three states (with California and Missouri) that offer this loan program for clean energy. The Florida legislature put some consumer protection provisions into the program, but for various reasons mortgage organizations like the MBAF were sorry to see the bill pass and are working on a veto. For instance, these loans are put into first priority ahead of the homeowner’s mortgage (no one wants to read “predatory” when it comes to any program), and what lender or servicer needs that? (Today’s podcast is found here, and this week’s are sponsored by Richey May, a recognized leader in providing specialized advisory, audit, tax, cybersecurity, technology, and other services to the mortgage industry. Hear an interview with Richey May’s Michael Nougier on best practices for companies to put in place regarding preventing and reporting cybersecurity breaches.)

Software, Products, and Services for Lenders and Brokers

Interest rates are now double where they were in 2022. Tipping over 8 percent at the end of 2023 and hanging in the 7 percent range nearly all of this year, the current interest rate environment is not helping delinquent homeowners. Gone are the days when modifying your mortgage payment was supported by dropping the interest rate. There is a solution. FHA’s Payment Supplement program doesn’t change the terms of the first mortgage. Read Clarifire’s recent blog, “Servicing Answers to High Interest Rate Pressures,” to find out the details of this solution, along with how old pitfalls could impact your implementation of this program and future loss mitigation options. Don’t let old automation cripple your success. Make sure you’re in a position to help your distressed borrowers navigate economic volatility and avoid default with CLARIFIRE ®, a modern, intelligent innovation that’s truly BRIGHTER AUTOMATION®.

National Homeownership Month presents a prime opportunity for the mortgage business. MortgageFlex executives advise lenders to focus on prequalification to engage potential buyers and start conversations about affordable homeownership. The MortgageFlexONE LOS offers borrower-facing tools and direct CRM access to help lenders engage with prospective buyers and jumpstart the sales process. This proactive approach can instill the dream of homeownership in potential buyers’ minds and expand a lender’s client base. To learn more about the tools driving success in today’s market and how to build your business, reach out to John McCrea.

On the heels of the MBA Secondary in NY and almost 100 client meetings, the AmeriHome team wants you to know that they are listening. Based on client feedback, AmeriHome will focus on developing the products and services that its clients need. To enable that, AmeriHome is hiring in several key areas, including underwriters and a Salesforce Admin! Check out the Careers page for details on all open jobs. If you’re a mortgage broker wanting to leverage the advantages of being a banker but are hesitant because of the complexities and risk associated with compliance and closing documentation, AmeriHome’s Emerging Banker program makes it easy with its new Initial Disclosure and Closing Documents Program! Demand is also increasing for Warehouse Lines, MSR financing and Treasury Management Services offered through its relationship with Western Alliance Bank: click for details. Check out AmeriHome’s Upcoming Events, find your sales rep here, or email them to find out more about what AmeriHome can do for you!

For more than 20 years, RealtyBid has had one focus: bringing buyers and sellers together. Today, the online auction marketplace has become the go-to for exciting real estate buying opportunities and an unsurpassed disposition strategy for sellers. With support from a knowledgeable and experienced staff, RealtyBid’s technology makes real estate transactions less cumbersome and more cost effective for all parties. The RealtyBid platform sets a new standard for online real estate auctions. Check out the new look and learn more about the new enhanced features that just rolled out this month here.

“Truv is the only consumer-permissioned VOIE platform approved with both GSEs, solidifying our commitment to delivering top-notch verification services tailored for mortgage lenders, banks, and credit unions. What does this mean for your business? Faster turn times, lower buyback risks, compliance assurance, and reduced operational costs. Read about why this matters for your business here.”

Cookie-cutter solutions no longer cut it. In today’s market, look for non-conventional financing from an industry leader like Flagstar Bank. Flagstar offers three competitively priced non-QM products: Advantage Bank Statement, Advantage, and Advantage Plus loans. Advantage Bank Statement features flexible qualifying guidelines based on 12 months of bank statements, making it a great choice for self-employed borrowers. The other two, Advantage and Advantage Plus, offer 12-month seasoning on derogatory events, 1-year income documentation, asset depletion, and unlimited cash-outs. Flagstar delivers in the non-QM space, with LTVs up to 90%, loan limits from $100,000 to $3 million, and flexible guidelines, including up to 55% DTI. Looking for a government loan? Flagstar has been doing them since its earliest days. Take advantage of their seasoned government underwriting specialists and limited-time LLPA reductions for no-score borrowers. For almost four decades, Flagstar has provided smart lending solutions to its broker partners, and, with $113 billion in assets, they have the strength and resources you can rely on. Start a conversation with your AE today, or click here to learn more.

Events, Training, and Webinars Through Next Week

Over the last three months, the Optimal Blue Mortgage Market Indices has seen an increase of 45 bps, followed by a 25-bps decrease to 6.91 on June 5. This fluctuation is an indication that the rate market has experienced increased volatility over the last quarter. Market volatility makes hedging profit margins significantly more challenging, which can result in your hedge underperforming, impacting profit margins even further. To learn more about advanced hedging concepts, join the Hedging 201 webinar led by Optimal Blue experts on June 18 at 1 p.m. CT. This session will cover essential topics such as pull-through rates, the impact of clean data on your model, loan sale best practices, duration models, as well as position and gain/loss reconciliation. Secure your spot for the Hedging 201 webinar today to gain valuable insights on hedging in a volatile market.

Join Curinos on Jun 18th at 1pm CT for an insightful webinar on margin-management strategies to optimize your mortgage market position, sustain competitive advantage and maximize profitability. In this session, we’ll explore key metrics and methodologies for understanding your current market position, identifying optimal pricing strategies and maintaining a strong go-to-market framework. Whether you’re a seasoned margin-management professional or only peripherally involved in pricing decisions, this webinar offers valuable insights and practical pointers to help you navigate market complexities and achieve sustainable success. Reserve your spot now!

A good place for longer term conference planning is to start is here, and click on “Conference List” for in-person events in the future.

Today will be another episode of The Big Picture at 3PM ET, Rich Swerbinsky is interviewing the esteemed Jodi Hall about all things mortgage.

Simplify the process of reverse mortgages with the Plaza Home Mortgage live session on Thursday, June 13, 11:00 AM PT / 2:00 PM ET featuring Mark Reeve, Vice President of Plaza’s Reverse Mortgage Division.

Join CoAMP and Advantage Credit on June 13th, 5-7 PM at Sheraton DTC for a fun filled Happy Hour that includes networking and an update on current credit issues/practices by Dena Falbo w/Advantage Credit. Admission is free, there will be food and beverages for purchase.

Friday the 14th will see an episode of The Mortgage Collaborative’s Rundown with Melissa Langdale and me covering current events in the mortgage market for 30 minutes starting at noon PT, 3PM ET. We have Austin Lampson who was just highlighted as one of the top 5 female loan originators in the country in 2023 and have been in the top 1 percent of loan originators since 2014!

On June 17, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Eastern), FHA is offering a free, in-person FHA Appraisal Training in Nashville, TN. This training will take an in-depth look at a variety of appraisal-related topics including property acceptability criteria; minimum property requirements; property defects; appraiser responsibilities and requirements.

It’s that time again, Pensford’s Q2 Interest Rate Webinar with JP Conklin takes place June 18th at 1:00pm ET. Topics of discussion include fixed and floating rate forecasts, rate cuts in 2024, hedging costs and strategies, soft landing or recession, disinflation and labor market weakness.

FHA Credit Underwriting Training in Nashville, TN, June 18, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Eastern). This free, in-person training will provide an overview of FHA underwriting procedures and take an in-depth look at a variety of topics including credit, income, and asset (CIA) documentation; manual underwriting; automated underwriting systems (AUS); closing; and more.

Your 2024 Midpoint Reset with Dr. Bruce Lund, June 18th at 2pm ET.

Learn more about HFA Advantage’s features and benefits, eligibility and homebuyer education requirements and new product enhancements, register for a Freddie Mac complimentary webinar on Tuesday, June 18, 2:00 PM -3:30 PM (EST). You’ll also learn more about DPA One®, a new online platform developed to help lenders and loan officers find and match their borrowers to eligible down payment assistance programs through a single, online access point.

Join Texas Mortgage Bankers Association on Thursday, June 20 at 11:30 am – 12:30 pm for an insightful and impactful webinar on Strategies for Growing Builder Business with Nicollette Chapman, Senior Vice President of the Mortgage Division at Zonda, and moderated by Bryan Walker, Director of Business Development at Zonda.

June 20-21, in the one and only Honolulu, the MBAH’s annual conference will take place! No neckties required!

Join TMBA for an insightful and impactful webinar on Strategies for Growing Builder Business, June 20th from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm, with Nicollette Chapman, Senior Vice President of the Mortgage Division at Zonda, and moderated by Bryan Walker, Director of Business Development at Zonda.

FHA’s Office of Single Family Housing, in collaboration with the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Housing Counseling announced the availability of its new, pre-recorded webinar, Overview of Resources for First-Time Homebuyers. For both program participants and prospective homebuyers, this free webinar addresses some key home buying myths, provides an overview of FHA single family mortgage programs, and offers guidance on working with HUD-approved housing counseling agencies. Read HUD’s press release for more information.

The Non-QM Town Hall is back bringing you a deep dive into the market dynamics of Non-QM, sharing secondary market updates, providing insights for seasoned Non-QM professionals, and exploring strategies for newcomers. This Town Hall format fosters an interactive dialogue with our featured Non-QM leaders. The first session is Thursday, June 20 with the State of Non-QM, followed by two sessions aimed at Non-QM’s primary audiences: Business Owners in July and Real Estate Investors in August. Sign up here.

Capital Markets

MCT and Lender Price announced today that they have joined forces to improve mortgage pricing with loan-level MSR values. MCT’s MSR grids now allow Lender Price PPE clients to be more granular, profitable, and efficient when generating their front-end borrower pricing and managing their MSR portfolio. “Lender Price has shown a commitment to providing the top-performing pricing experience for mortgage lenders by integrating the industry’s most granular MSR values,” said Curtis Richins, president and CEO of MCT. Mortgage lenders will save time and money through faster and more strategic best execution decisions, dynamic margin management, and stronger pricing analytics, all in one enterprise pricing engine. “Our collaboration with MCT marks a significant milestone in our mission to provide lenders with innovative tools,” said Dawar Alimi, CEO and Co-Founder of Lender Price. Read the full press release to learn more about this partnership and the advancements improving performance for mortgage lenders.

For you capital markets nerds, Freddie Mac announced it will voluntarily delist its last remaining security trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The bond, Debt Securities Due 2025 (CUSIP 3134A2HG6), trades under ticker symbol FMCC. It was issued in 1998. Freddie Mac will take all necessary steps to delist the bond, including filing a Form 25 with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the NYSE after the ten-day notice period has elapsed. Freddie Mac has not arranged for listing and/or registration of the bond on another national securities exchange or for its quotation in a quotation medium. Freddie Mac expects the last day of trading to be on or around July 1. Freddie Mac voluntarily delisted its common stock from the NYSE in 2010 at the direction of its conservator, the Federal Housing Finance Agency. The continued listing of this bond would subject Freddie Mac to rules and administration that are unnecessary given its status in government conservatorship.

Yesterday, Guaranteed Rate, the second-largest retail mortgage lender in the United States, announced the launch of its first Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (RMBS) deal of 2024, marking the company as the first 100 percent retail non-bank lender to re-enter the securitization space with a Prime Jumbo deal since the pandemic. “This deal highlights the shift in strategy Guaranteed Rate has implemented to prove its commitment to offering robust financial solutions regardless of market conditions. By providing a new outlet for liquidity, the company is doubling down on supporting the industry and its borrowers while banks are exiting the mortgage lending space due to new regulations.”

Yesterday was quite a pivotal day for markets with both the latest CPI inflation reading and FOMC rate decision. May’s inflation data came in softer than expected (good news for the Fed), though the Federal Open Market Committee unanimously voted to leave the federal funds rate target range unchanged at 5.25-5.50 percent. The FOMC is now projecting only one rate cut in 2024, with some participants believing there will be two cuts, compared to the consensus three rate cuts predicted this year at the March meeting. The FOMC also moved up its projection for the terminal rate, reinforcing policymakers’ public calls to keep borrowing costs higher for longer to suppress inflation. For those keeping track, headline CPI was unchanged in the month, the first flat reading since July 2022. Core CPI increased by 0.2 percent, the smallest increase since August 2021.

PPI (-2. percent) and weekly jobless claims (242k) kicked off today’s economic calendar. Later today brings several Treasury auctions that will be headlined by reopened 20-year bonds, 5-year TIPS, and reopened 30-year bonds, Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey, and Fedspeak resumes with New York Fed President Williams delivering remarks. We begin the day with Agency MBS prices better by about .125 from Wednesday’s close, the 10-year yielding 4.26 after closing yesterday at 4.30 percent, and the 2-year at 4.68 after continued inflation news.

Board Member Wanted

The American Credit Union Mortgage Association (ACUMA) is seeking a volunteer board member to join the association’s governing Board of Directors and provide guidance to it and ACUMA on how best to serve its growing membership. “ACUMA is a non-profit association dedicated to advancing mortgage lending opportunities and practices within credit unions. The ACUMA Board of Directors, numbering nine volunteers, sets the association’s governance and provides guidance to the ACUMA President. Board members each serve three-year terms, staggered to maintain experience and continuity while gaining access to new ideas and guidance. Among other things, to be eligible for a full or associate board position the candidate must be employed at an ACUMA member credit union or CUSO. Submit your resume with a request for consideration to ACUMA board member Pam Davis.

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Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com