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Well, 2019 is set to come to a close. It’s certainly been an interesting year (and decade), surely one to remember.

But now it’s time to look forward to what 2020 might bring with regard to the housing market, mortgages, and so on. Let’s dive in.

You can see my 2019 predictions here.

1. Mortgage rates will go down

As always, we tackle mortgage rates first. The forecasts have been wrong year after year lately, with most pundits calling for an end to the ultra-low rate era.

But over time, it has become apparent that this is simply the new normal for rates. They probably aren’t going back to 5-6% anytime soon.

Instead, expect 30-year fixed rates closer to 4%, as they have been for years now. In 2020, we might even see new all-time lows if the election, Brexit, or other geopolitical events really shake things up.

If you’re a home buyer or a refinancer, 2020 will be yet another favorable year in the financing department.

2. Home prices will go up (limited inventory, but not a seller’s market)

Now let’s talk home prices, which don’t have a clear correlation with mortgage rates. No, one doesn’t go up while the other goes down, despite many assuming that.

While we’ve already seen the really stellar years of appreciation since bottoming nearly a decade ago, the end of home price appreciation isn’t quite here yet.

In fact, 2020 should be another solid year in terms of home price growth, likely mirroring the 5-6% gains seen in 2019.

That means even more home equity for those who already own a home, and perhaps a little less sticker shock for those in the market to buy, with prices not all that different from the year prior.

If your wages have increased since then, it may not look all that bad, especially if low interest rates make your home loan financing that much more affordable.

I believe we’ll continue to see a healthy balancing of the housing market between buyers and sellers, though some markets nationwide will continue to be more competitive than others due to a serious lack of supply.

3. Builders will build more homes

Speaking of housing supply, expect home builders to really ramp up their building in 2020.

Fannie Mae is forecasting almost 1 million single-family starts next year, representing a near-10% increase from a year earlier.

That should begin to ease demand in areas that need it, though it may take more than a year or two for it to really show since these projects take time to be completed and marketed to buyers.

The question is will home builders get it right this time around, or overshoot the mark again?

4. Low down payment mortgages will dominate purchases

With regard to financing those new home purchases, I expect a lot of low-down payment mortgages to be involved.

I’m talking the 3% down offered by Fannie and Freddie, 3.5% from the FHA, along with zero down from the VA, USDA, and other individual lenders.

It seems low- and no-down is back en vogue, especially with competition a bit lower in today’s housing market.

Again, this could be an ominous sign we are returning to the dark days of the early 2000s. However, the underlying mortgages should still be a lot cleaner.

5. More quick refis from recent home buyers

I also expect the trend of buy-to-refi to continue in 2020. Many of those who refinanced in 2019 had just acquired their mortgage, but thanks to rate improvements, it was beneficial to refinance just months later.

This drove a lot of refinance volume in 2019, and probably will do the same next year.

As I said, we could see new all-time lows in mortgage rates, so recent buyers, along with not-so-recent buyers, may benefit from a rate and term refinance (or cash-out).

That’ll be great news for mortgage lenders who rely on refis to post big numbers, as the purchase market will likely be just marginally higher than in 2019.

It also means you can do better your second time around if you made some missteps on your first mortgage go-around.

6. More iBuying replacing traditional real estate agents

The disruptors have been around for some time now, and they continue to grow market share and take from the traditional channels.

This includes iBuyers, such as Offerpad, Opendoor, and Zillow Offers, who are gently pushing out real estate agents with their instant all-cash offers.

Unfortunately, these companies are keeping more for themselves in exchange for a little convenience. As I’ve said, homeownership requires constant work.

Part of that is putting in the time/effort to buy and sell a home thoughtfully. You can rush it if you want, but it’ll cost you. Potentially a lot.

7. Cash out refis will be big

While the number of cash out refinances has increased in recent years, the total dollar volume is still a drop in the bucket compared to the early 2000s.

Expect more homeowners to cash in on their home equity in 2020 as mortgage lenders look for new strategies to boost their own pipelines.

With more homeowners ageing in place or simply not moving because there’s nowhere to move, they may instead pull out cash to make much-needed renovations. Or simply to pay for other stuff.

Americans are sitting on a ton of equity, so it’s really a matter of when, not if. And they’ve been sitting on it for a while…

8. Faster digital mortgages will become the norm

Mortgages have been getting faster and faster in recent years thanks to advances in technology.

Nowadays, borrowers have the ability to seamlessly connect financial accounts to an application, forgo a home appraisal, or participate in an eClosing.

We’ve been hearing claims of mortgages in a week, a matter of days, or with the push of a button.

In 2020, I think we get closer to the elusive instant-mortgage, thanks to wider spread adoption of existing and new technologies.

Speed and convenience is becoming more of a selling point for mortgages, so look for a greater number of lenders to offer things like on-time guarantees.

Of course, getting it right (and for a good price) is more important than getting it done fast.

9. Mortgage broker share will rise

Not all mortgages can be streamlined. Some continue to take time, whether it’s because the borrower is self-employed, the property is unique, or some other unconventional scenario.

One group that excels when it comes to tricky or outside-the-box stuff are mortgage brokers. They’ve been actively gaining back market share since nearly going extinct after the Great Recession.

And 2020 will probably be another banner year for the group, thanks in part of better technology leveling the playing field, and a more diverse origination mix.

They’ve also got a new group doing a better job communicating the benefits of using a mortgage broker.

10. We’ll be one year closer to the next housing crisis

While I do see 2020 being another solid year for both real estate and mortgage, it might be time to start thinking about what’s next.

This housing rally has gone on for quite a while, and we’re certainly well into the late innings in terms of bust to recovery to expansion.

We’ve probably still got a few more good years, but that window is really beginning to narrow.

There’s a lot to start worrying about if we want to avoid making the same mistakes that felled us a decade ago.

My hope is we don’t overbuild and throw underwriting standards out the window again, damaging another generation that seems to finally be warming to the idea of homeownership.

Happy New Year!

(photo: Marco Verch)

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

Apache is functioning normally

Babies can change a parent’s life in all kinds of wonderful ways. But make no mistake, raising a child doesn’t come cheap. As many new families discover, one of the biggest costs they face is diapers.

Newborns go through as many as 10-12 diaper changes per day, and a typical disposable diaper costs anywhere from $0.20 to $0.30. This means on an average day, a parent may spend $2 to $3 just on diapers.

It’s no wonder some parents are looking into cheaper — and potentially more environmentally friendly — alternatives, such as cloth diapers. Let’s take a closer look at both types of diapers, the cost of cloth diapers vs. disposable diapers, and what the potential savings could mean for a family’s budget.

What Are Disposable Diapers?

Soft and ultra absorbent, disposable diapers are designed to hold waste products of babies and young children. They were invented in the 1940s and widely adopted in the 1980s, when they became more practical and affordable. Today, some 95% of parents in the U.S. use disposable diapers for their infants.

The three layers of this type of diaper include a soft layer against the baby’s skin, an inner layer made of a super absorbent polymer that holds moisture, and a waterproof outer layer so the diaper doesn’t leak.

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How Much Do Disposable Diapers Cost?

As the chart below shows, the cost of disposable diapers can vary widely by brand. Keep in mind that you may pay more or less for your diapers, depending on where you live and shop and whether you decide to buy in bulk.

Diaper brand Total unit cost # of diapers Cost per diaper
The Honest Company $59.99 160 $0.37
Pampers $45.99 140 $0.32
Seventh Generation $28.18 80 $0.35
Huggies $52.99 198 $0.27
Hello Bello $34.99 128 $0.27
Mama Bear Gentle Touch from Amazon $32.70 196 $0.17
Up & Up Diapers from Target $30.99 192 $0.16
Luvs $39.97 294 $0.13
Parents Choice from Wal-Mart $17.48 162 $0.11

Prices as of May 2023

Pros and Cons of Disposable Diapers

As you figure out which type and brand of diaper works best for you and your family, there are some general pros and cons of disposable diapers to keep in mind.

Pros

•   Convenient

•   Less laundry than cloth diapers

•   Highly absorbent

•   Caregivers may be more familiar with using a disposable diaper

Cons

•   Can be expensive

•   Contributes to waste in landfill

•   May contain adhesives, dyes, fragrances, or chemicals, which can irritate baby’s skin

Disposable Diaper Factors to Consider

Price is a big factor, yes. But if you’re thinking about starting a family, there are other considerations to think about when it comes to disposable diapers.

Health and Comfort

One of the most important factors in the disposable vs. cloth diaper debate is finding a solution that keeps you and your baby happy and healthy. If you don’t have the time for extra laundry, for instance, disposable diapers may be the way to go.

Convenience

Disposable diapers are convenient, especially when you’re on the move. Just toss the waste away in the nearest garbage can.

Price

Babies go through a lot of diapers. An infant generally requires up to 12 diaper changes a day for the first year, and a toddler needs around eight. This means parents should expect to purchase around 3,000 diapers per year. How much of a dent could that put in the household budget? Let’s do the math: Disposable diapers typically cost between $0.20 to $0.30 each, which means new parents should plan on budgeting around $870 per year.

Environment

According to the EPA, disposable diapers account for more than 4.1 million tons of waste each year. Those diapers tend to end up in landfills, and the materials don’t easily degrade. If you’re uncomfortable with that thought, you may want to consider cloth versions. However, keep in mind that they require energy and water to clean.

Recommended: Common Financial Mistakes First-Time Parents Make

What Are Cloth Diapers?

Cloth diapers are made of cloth that’s absorbent, reusable, and washable. They usually have at least two layers, including a waterproof outer layer to keep the diaper from leaking and an inner absorbent layer. There are several different types:

•   Flats: Flat diapers are a flat piece of thick fabric without an absorbent middle that can be folded in a number of ways around the baby. They are secured with safety pins or snaps.

•   Prefolds: Prefolds are rectangular-shaped piece of fabric with an absorbent middle. They’re secured with safety pins unless snaps are sewed in.

•   Fitted. Fitted diapers are an absorbent cloth diaper that’s fitted with elastic at the legs and waist but does not have a waterproof cover.

•   Pockets. Pocket diapers have a pocket on the inside of the diaper for an absorbent insert as well as an outer waterproof layer.

•   All-in-ones (AIO). AIO diapers have an outer waterproof layer and inner absorbency, but there is no removable insert. AIOs are the cloth diaper equivalent of a disposable diaper since all of the layers are built in.

•   All-in-twos. Like a combination of AIOs and pocket diapers, all-in-two diapers have an insert, but it sits directly on the baby’s skin instead of in a pocket.

•   Hybrid. A hybrid diaper has a disposable insert with a reusable cover. They create more waste and are more expensive than other types of cloth diapers.

How Much Do Cloth Diapers Cost?

There’s typically a large upfront investment in cloth diapers and accessories, such as a wet bag, pail liner, or cloth wipes. Depending on the type of cloth diapering system you use and how much you’re planning to buy, you could end up spending between $390 and $1,250. Flat cloth diapers, for instance, cost around $2.50 each. If you’re planning on purchasing a fitted cloth diaper, be prepared to spend more. A typical one costs around $14.24 each.

When you’re creating a family budget, it can help to see how much you’re spending on diapers — and everything else. A spending app can help you keep an eye on your finances.

Pros and Cons of Cloth Diapers

The diaper type you choose ultimately comes down to preference and budget. However, there are some benefits and drawbacks you may want to consider as you make your decision.

Pros

•   Reusable

•   May have a smaller environmental footprint

•   Produces less waste

•   Softer fabric and natural fibers that may be more breathable

•   Attractive designs

•   Can help you decrease diapering costs, especially when going from one child to two

Cons

•   Larger upfront cost

•   Inconvenient

•   Requires more laundry

•   Require more electricity and water

•   Many daycare center will not accept cloth diapers

Cloth Diaper Factors to Consider

Beyond the cost of disposable diapers vs. cloth, there are other important factors to consider.

Health and Comfort

Cloth diapers are usually made from breathable fabrics, like cotton and hemp, which can feel soft on baby’s skin. Proponents also tout the benefits of the diaper’s natural materials, which generally don’t have artificial materials, such as plastic, absorbent gelling materials, or adhesives.

Convenience

While you can certainly manage a cloth diaper change when you’re on the go, it’s usually not as convenient as a disposable diaper. (You’ll need to carry the soiled diaper in a wet bag until you get home and can drop it in the washing machine.) What’s more, if you’re planning to use daycare, check if the center will accept cloth diapers — many don’t.

Price

Cloth diapers can cost anywhere from $2.50 to $21 each. If you plan on buying 25 diapers for each size your child will need — newborn, small, medium, and large — then you could spend between $700 and $2,100 on 100 diapers.

Recommended: How Much Does it Cost to Raise a Child to 18?

Environment

Cloth diapers have a different environmental impact than disposable diapers. Instead of piling up in a landfill, a cloth diaper is washed and used over and over again. However, they can use up twice as much water to produce as a disposable diaper. Plus, you’ll need to use electricity and water to launder dirty diapers, which could be an issue if you live in a state that experiences droughts or routinely restricts water or energy usage.

Cost of Cloth Diapers vs Disposable Diapers

Cloth diapers can require a significant upfront investment of anywhere from $390 to $1,250 — and that’s not including the cost of extras, such as using a diaper laundering service. However, that initial fee may end up being less than the $870 per year many parents spend on disposable diapers.

Reasons to Choose Cloth Diapers vs Disposable Diapers

As with many other parts of parenting, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to diapering. However, if cost is a determining factor — and your caregiver or daycare center is on board — cloth diapers may be the way to go. Plus, since this type of diaper is washable and reusable, it means it’s one less item ending up in a landfill.

The Takeaway

Disposable diapers are incredibly popular among parents and for good reason. They’re convenient, highly absorbent, and, compared to cloth diapers, less expensive. On average, parents spend around $870 per year on diapers. And while it’s true that cloth diapers do require a hefty upfront investment of $390 to $1,250, they may have a smaller environmental footprint. Plus, they’re usually made of fabric that’s softer, breathable, and more natural, which some parents may prefer. All of those factors are important when you’re budgeting for a baby.

That said, diapers are just one line item in the family budget. Whether you’re saving up for their college education or looking for ways to lower monthly bills, using a money tracker app can help you manage your overall spending and saving. The SoFi Insights app connects all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see all of your balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score monitoring, plus you can get other valuable financial insights.

Stay up to date on your finances by seeing exactly how your money comes and goes.

FAQ

Is it cheaper to use cloth diapers or disposable?

It depends on how much use you get out of your cloth diaper. However, generally speaking, over time, it’s cheaper to use reusable cloth diapers, even when accounting for the cost of electricity and water needed to launder dirty diapers.

What is the average cost of cloth diapers per month?

Cloth diapers have a larger upfront cost but a lower monthly cost. If an initial investment of $500 is spread out over 30 months, for example, the cost comes out to around $17 per month.

How many disposable diapers does one cloth diaper replace?

The average baby uses 8,000 diapers by the time they’re potty trained. And let’s say you invest in 100 cloth diapers, or 25 diapers for each size your child will need until they’re potty trained. This means each cloth diaper could potentially replace up to 80 disposable diapers.

Photo credit: iStock/FotoDuets

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Technology startups are considering whether or not it’s necessary to return to the office, and for those who think it is, they’re also rethinking what that office should look like.

Maria Gothsch, chief executive of Partnership Fund for New York City, told The Washington Post that many tech startups will decide that they want office space. She said many will decide against moving to a remote workforce on a permanent basis, even though companies like Twitter have already said they plan to do exactly that.

The thing is, the office serves as a place for people in their 20s and 30s to meet people.

“If you are not addressing that desire of that demographic—to give them a place to work—you are potentially impeding your ability to recruit those people,” Gotsch told the Post.

One tech startup that’s already reconsidering its office footprint is MikMak, an e-commerce software company. Its founder and CEO Rachel Tipograph recently broke her 18-month lease on a New York City office building at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and is now planning to sign a new lease once a vaccine has become widely available. She said her employees are free to move anywhere in the U.S. however, as the next lease she signs will be something more akin to an event space rather than a traditional office.

“I’m calling it a hub,” Tipograph told The Wall Street Journal. “You’ll do new employee onboarding, big team meetings, maybe fancy client presentations. But you don’t come there 9 to 5 every day to get work done.”

But while startups are re-imagining their offices spaces for the post-pandemic era, other more established companies are lining up more traditional office space in big cities. Facebook for example, recently signed a lease for 730,000 square feet of office space in the Farley Building on Manhattan’s West Side. Meanwhile, Amazon has said it plans to add 900,000 square feet of office space in Dallas, Denver, Detroit, New York City, Phoenix and San Diego.

Still, commercial office landlords are growing concerned, as more than 3 million square feet of office space in Manhattan alone was put up for rent during the third quarter. With so much space available, some landlords are now offering more flexible lease terms to attract companies back.

One such company is Two Trees Management, which operates several buildings in the New York area that house hundreds of startups. Faced with numerous startups that have deserted its offices in recent months, it’s now offering more flexible leases to startups that can be as short as just six months. Previously, its standard leases were offered for a minimum of three years.

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

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

The Blue Fire Group operates a number of web-based marketing tools for the real estate, mortgage, and title industries, including:

  1. Buying Buddy – An IDX plugin capable of integrating into agent or team websites built on WordPress, Squarespace, Webflow, and more. Features include advanced IDX search, as well as lead management & tracking.
  2. Bluefire Sites – Semi-custom and custom WordPress IDX websites and lead management.
  3. Single Property Sites – Templated property websites for individual listings. SPS has additional marketing features like SMS text and call capture, QR codes, and auto-generated PDF flyers.

Paul Eastwood has led the Blue Fire Group since it’s conception in 2002.

What we like: IDX solutions not owned by any one brokerage/franchise are a dying breed, but the Blue Fire Group has withstood the test of time.

Learn More

Source: geekestateblog.com

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Get ready to unlock a treasure trove of invaluable insights and expert advice that will revolutionize your vacation rental property. In this Redfin article, we dive deep into the world of vacation rentals, revealing powerful strategies to make your property shine and leave guests in awe. From savvy investments that boost your property’s allure to crafting an unforgettable resort-like experience, forging strategic partnerships, and crafting personalized guest interactions, we’ll equip you with the knowledge to exceed expectations and achieve unrivaled success in the fiercely competitive world of vacation rentals.       

Whether you own a vacation rental property in the enchanting city of Orlando, FL, or the picturesque town of San Marcos, CA, this comprehensive resource is tailored to elevate your rental business to new heights. Here are 18 transformational secrets to maximize guest satisfaction, earn rave reviews, and propel your property to the one of the most sought after homes in the area.

1. Make your rental stand out

“To maintain a five-star rental property, you’ll want to go above and beyond tenant expectations. Our data shows that including a washer and dryer, upgrading to newer appliances, and providing freshly painted walls in neutral tones will not only make your rental stand out, but also make the process of finding great tenants faster,” recommends Doorstead. “Moreover, by ensuring access to a responsive property manager, you can guarantee that all aspects of the home are well taken care of, truly enhancing the tenant experience.”

2. Pretend your vacation rental is a five-star resort

“The most important thing to remember about managing a vacation rental is that this is the hospitality business, not the landlord and tenant business,” shares Todd Ortscheid, Co-Owner of Revolution Rental Management. “You have to think of what you’re offering more like a hotel or resort than a traditional rental property. This means cleanliness, fast response time, desirable amenities, and a well-maintained property. The more you think of your property as a five-star resort, the better off you’ll be.”

3. Consider creating strategic partnerships

 “We recommend partnering with a company that specializes in exclusive vacation rental portfolios. If your property is a top-tier, five-star rental, it’s essential to align it with a company whose branding and services cater to the discerning needs of luxury clientele,” recommends Gary Doss, Co-Owner of SoCal Vacations. “Larger companies that offer a broad range of properties may not be able to meet the high expectations and unique demands of this premium market segment.”

4. Personalize communication 

“To ensure a successful guest experience, effective communication plays a pivotal role. It is crucial to make your guests feel genuinely welcomed, leaving a lasting impression. One way to achieve this is by remembering their return and incorporating delightful surprises. Consider offering their favorite snacks accompanied by a bottle of wine, arranging fresh flowers, and providing a personalized welcome message upon their arrival,” recommends Ellie Paget, CEO of HomeSlice Stays.

“Prompt responsiveness is of utmost importance when it comes to addressing guest requests or concerns. Aim to respond to them in a timely manner, never exceeding a 15-minute timeframe. This level of attentiveness demonstrates your commitment to their satisfaction and enhances their overall experience.

By prioritizing personalized communication, you can create an exceptional guest experience that fosters satisfaction and builds positive relationships.”

5. Decorate with style

“When it comes to guest experience and satisfaction, décor has the potential to make a significant difference in how guests perceive your rental property. To ensure an exceptional experience, it is crucial to infuse your property with chic and stylish decor, incorporating appealing color schemes and well-curated furnishings,” recommends Ellie Paget.

“To achieve a truly unique and captivating aesthetic, consider leveraging the expertise of our dedicated team. They can assist you in designing your home, helping you create an environment that not only catches the attention of potential guests through eye-catching marketing images but also provides a one-of-a-kind experience during their stay.

By investing in stylish decor and enlisting professional guidance, you can elevate your rental property’s overall appeal, command top dollar, and leave a lasting impression on your guests.”

6. Make sure you have security and safety measures

“To prioritize the safety and security of your guests, it is important to emphasize on security and safety measures. Install reliable locks, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers. Provide clear instructions on emergency procedures and ensure your guests feel secure throughout their stay. A focus on safety gives guests peace of mind and contributes to their overall satisfaction,” recommends Damir Dumo from Chalet.

“Smart locks with rotating access keys for each guest are must-haves nowadays. We use a smart home automation system that can be remotely managed for all of our homes.”

7. Leverage guest’s reviews 

“Pay attention to guest feedback and reviews,” says Damir Dumo. “Actively seek feedback from your guests and use it to improve your property and services. Address any concerns promptly and implement suggestions that align with your goals. By consistently evolving based on guest feedback, you’ll maintain a high level of guest satisfaction and enhance your reputation as a top-notch rental property.

Ask for a five-star review on the day the guest checks out. If it wasn’t a five-star experience, ask the guest to give feedback directly to you.”

8. Discover your secret formula to winning a rave review

“We’ve found that rave reviews are the secret to creating successful, five-star rental properties,” says ALL IN. “This begins with maintaining excellent communication with our owners, guests, and community management teams. Maintaining a meticulous standard of cleaning, offering modern amenities, and assuring attention to every detail are non-negotiables that must always be upheld as a standard.

We invite the input of our guests and respond promptly to their questions, needs, and feedback. Creating memorable experiences keeps them wanting to share their experience with others.” 

9. Elevate your guest’s stay with tailored upsells 

“When catering to today’s travelers, it’s important to go beyond providing accommodation and focus on creating memorable experiences. Enhance your guests’ stay by offering exciting upsells and activities that align with your property’s location,” says Kennedy Williams from Mount.

“For instance, if you’re near a beach, consider providing e-bikes, or if you’re situated by a lake, offer kayaks. By incorporating these quality add-ons and upsells, you eliminate the guesswork and reduce trip planning stress for your guests, ensuring your property is a memorable stay for all the right reasons.”

10. Elevate your guest experience through realistic promises and delightful surprises

“The top-performing property managers consistently prioritize the basics of a well-maintained property, comfortable beds, and clean linens to create a memorable guest experience. They also excel in attentive guest communication, providing timely and personalized responses that make guests feel valued and supported,” mentions Hostaway.

“They’re also careful in setting realistic expectations by promoting property highlights without overpromising, along with adding delightful touches like unique decor, outdoor games, or welcome gifts, further enhancing the guest experience.”

11. Thoughtfully prepare your guest’s needs before they arrive

“Take the time to think about your guest experience from their perspective,” recommends Floorspace. “By anticipating their requests, you can provide the amenities, information, and special touches that will make their stay seamless and memorable, while also reducing the amount of communication required. 

It’s also helpful to keep in mind the benefits of providing a positive guest experience, which can’t really be overstated. Not only will you garner more five-star reviews, but you’ll also increase your chances of repeat and direct bookings.”

12. Set a competitive pricing strategy

“One thing that often gets overlooked is pricing strategy. You can have high occupancy throughout the year, but if your pricing is not competitive, you will not reach your highest earning potential,” recommends Humberto Pacheco, CEO of Naya Homes. “You will need to research similar listings in your area and take into account factors such as location, size, amenities, and seasonal demand.”

13. Automate communication

“Automating communication in a natural tone through templates or automated messages streamlines your interactions with guests while maintaining a personalized touch,” suggests Alex Withorn from  Thorn Point Vacation Rentals. “This approach allows you to experiment with different messaging strategies, refine your communication based on guest responses, and deliver consistently excellent customer service without guests realizing it’s not manual correspondence.

Investing effort in repeat business can significantly contribute to ensuring another great review. By fostering strong relationships with guests and providing exceptional experiences, you increase the likelihood of them returning, resulting in positive reviews from satisfied repeat guests.”

14. Harness the power of preemptive reviews

“When you give guests a five-star review, specifically letting them know before they leave their own review can encourage reciprocity and forgiveness. By expressing gratitude and acknowledging their positive experience, you create a positive feedback loop that encourages guests to leave similarly favorable reviews,” says Alex Withorn from Thorn Point Vacation Rentals

“Being upfront about expectations and educating guests about the review process is crucial for ensuring positive reviews. Transparent communication sets the stage for mutual understanding and helps guests provide feedback that aligns with their expectations, leading to more favorable reviews.”

15. Ensure your guests have a streamlined experience checking in and checking out 

“Being in the cleaning industry for so long, I found that attention to detail, open communication, consistency, and streamlined processes leads to a five-star rental experience,” says Celestial Cleaning Service. “Every little thing counts, from beginning to end. The way your entrance is presented with wine and chocolates and a personalized letter, to the ease of checking out. Ensuring all staff members associated with delivering a five-star experience is up to date with your standards in delivering a great experience is key.”

16. Create a cleaning schedule

“To ensure a consistently high standard of cleanliness and maintenance in your vacation rental, it is important to establish a comprehensive cleaning schedule. This schedule should encompass tasks that need to be performed daily, weekly, quarterly, and seasonally,” recommends Jacqueline Barbosa from  Morfin Cleaning Services.

“Examples of such tasks include carpet cleaning, window washing, and high dusting. Consider small details such as re-caulking, checking batteries, lightbulbs, filters, and even painting the unit if necessary. It is crucial to use quality products and professional cleaning services to ensure that every area, including appliances and windows, receives proper care.

Attention to detail is key when managing a rental property. In platforms like Airbnb, linens and bedding should be in excellent condition, and all appliances must work properly. Guests should have access to all necessary amenities such as toilet paper and soap, and a complete set of cooking utensils should be provided. It is important to regularly inspect these details and replace anything that is worn or damaged.”

17. Conduct inspections

“To maintain a high-quality vacation rental, it is important to regularly inspect, maintain, and upgrade the unit, including appliances and amenities,” says Jacqueline. “Providing a comprehensive guide for guests, which includes information on internet access, streaming services, local attractions, and useful tips, enhances their experience. 

“Essential amenities and toiletries such as toilet paper, soap, and dish soap should be provided and regularly restocked after every visitor. Maintaining open communication with guests, checking in upon arrival, and seeking their feedback throughout their stay are key to providing excellent customer service and ensuring a positive guest experience.”

18. Provide uninterrupted guest service anytime, anywhere

“Providing a smooth and memorable guest experience is essential to maintaining a five-star rental. This involves communicating promptly with guests (no matter what time of the day or night), solving guest problems in a timely manner, and giving guests the tools to create the vacation of their dreams,” shares Sam Ripley from LocalVR.

19. Provide perfectly maintained appliances, ample storage space, and an inviting ambiance for your guests

“When it comes to keeping a five-star rental property, I recommend that all appliances and technology be well maintained and in excellent working condition,” suggests Norma Reyen, Professional Organizer and Owner of Simply Fresh Interiors.  “I also recommend making sure that there is enough storage space, such as drawers, cabinetry, shelving, and hanging options. Having an appropriate amount of storage allows for a clean and decluttered space that all guests can enjoy. Lastly, maintaining a fresh-smelling home with good lighting and an airy ambiance will make your rental home memorable.”

20. Monitor booking requests

“Be communicative and professional, but warm and friendly. Don’t allow anyone to book without maintaining a standard; for example, guests must have previous and recent positive five-star reviews,” recommends Michael Skomina, from Host Easy BnB. “Liaise with your cleaners and laundry service, as they are the crux of the business and the most important asset to your success. Follow up and inspect after cleans; if necessary, guide and provide feedback in positive ways to help your services provide the best possible standard that you desire.”

Source: redfin.com

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For those in the mortgage space, there are a myriad of technology solutions claiming to help streamline lending operations and improve efficiency. These workflows help title and settlement companies track how data and decisions flow from initiation to outcome. Yet, somewhere along the steady stream of tasks, we’ve lost the personalized touch. When investing in a technology that someone else designed to automate workflows, it’s important to ask — how do I make this workflow work for me?

Workflows are slightly different for most title and settlement companies since each has underlying processes and specific needs. That’s why the key is in implementing a platform that’s flexible enough to handle each unique need so you can maximize your offerings — your flow. After all, technology should serve the experts and work for them, not force the experts to change their processes to fit a predetermined workflow.

Digital workflows should supplement expertise, not replace it

This obsession with workflows revolves so much around what the technology can do, that we forget the real reason why the technology was built and who it was designed to serve in the first place. Lenders and title and settlement providers are trying to reach the same outcome — a frictionless mortgage closing process. Each stage in the process is as unique as the people who run it, their skill sets and the customers they serve. Although they are working toward the same goal, there are differences between the services they provide and the resources they use.

Title and settlement companies have to manage multiple systems across two industries — lenders’ closing portals and title underwriters’ title production systems. The technology they use should complement their processes and optimize what they do, not replace the expertise they have spent decades building and developing. When title and settlement providers leverage a workflow that supplements their expertise, they strengthen their existing domain knowledge in things like assessing risk, answering customers’ questions, addressing title policy creation and complying with complex regulations.

Improving relationships, not just processes, for a better overall lending experience

Workflow optimization should translate to “making my day better” or “making my work better,” and yet, it does not always make personal relationships or business relationships stronger. For the technology to improve relationships with referral partners and consumers alike, the tech design must be superior to analog or manual processes in every way possible.

In the mortgage space, the adoption of new technologies can have a significant impact with several benefits, such as faster processing, increased accuracy, improved security and cost savings. By leveraging these benefits, title and settlement providers can offer a better experience for borrowers, which ultimately leads to more satisfied customer relationships and increased business success.

For title and settlement providers, the COVID-19 pandemic showed us how remote tools can enable business continuity. It wasn’t just about how to tackle the process remotely but how the technology can create a remote session that’s frictionless, easy and enables the end consumer to walk away with that personal touch. This is where “workflows” come into play in a meaningful way. The problem is not “the process” the way many vendors imply — the problem is prescriptive technology. If the tech is easy to use, it will be adopted.

Even if only a few in the office are adopting a new way of getting things done, that means more flexibility and additional reach to more consumers. Ensuring that the use of technology in workflows is available, intuitive and smooth for all users will lead to a better overall lending experience.

The future of digital mortgage is delegation

Title and settlement agents are in the business of people. Adopting a digital solution that’s amendable to an existing process and is easy to use makes experts more effective. In short, title and settlement companies can serve their customers in newer, better ways. Delegate to technology to unlock the freedom to do more of what title and settlement professionals do best. That flexibility allows different teams to tailor their workflows to their unique needs and preferences, improving collaboration and productivity.

It can also integrate with other systems and applications, which helps the business improve efficiency, boost collaboration, reduce delays and achieve better results overall. The technology used to enhance a workflow should be one that provides flexibility. It should allow the consumer to accentuate the opportunities in their operations and not simply be a solution that offers rigid business processes just for the sake of technology adoption. The promise of technology is that it should adapt to you and enhance your way of doing things. When mortgage professionals choose a customizable digital solution, it creates a frictionless mortgage closing process for all.

It helps title and settlement companies drive digital transformation, not just for the sake of adopting a more modern solution, but for creating better operational efficiency and deal capacity. Deliver a seamless customer experience in a workflow that works for you, so you can get back to what matters most: people.

This piece was originally published in the April/May issue of HousingWire magazine. Click here to view the full issue.

Angel Hernandez is the head of industry and regulatory affairs at Stavvy.

Source: housingwire.com

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Last Updated: May 27, 2023 BY Michelle Schroeder-Gardner – 38 Comments

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclosure for more info.

We’ve all seen them – 0% financing on certain items such as cars, electronics, appliances, jewelry, and more. The offers seem great and you may even be wondering what the catch is.

Well, I know what the catch is. Actually, there are many catches.

If you’re careful, a 0% financing offer can be a good deal. I’m not going to say that they are always bad because I know they aren’t.

I have taken part in several 0% financing offers. Some took place before I realized what the catches were (yes, I will admit that one time when I was younger I didn’t read the fine print, but thankfully I never had to experience any of the negatives), but now I’m much more careful about them due to the fact that I know there may be consequences.

Yes, some companies are great at sharing what the consequences may be, but I know that there are some companies that don’t make everything so obvious.

Below are some of the many things you should think about when it comes to 0% financing offers.

You may still have to pay interest.

The biggest catch of a 0% financing offer is that you may end up having to pay interest still. And, if you do, the amount may be significant.

If you don’t pay your monthly bill on time, you may have to start paying interest immediately, plus pay interest for all of the previous months or years as well. This is because you have basically voided the 0% financing contract and you will revert to their normal terms, which may be an interest rate of 25% or more.

This applies even if you are on your very last payment for the financing offer!

You may accidentally miss a payment.

Even if you just accidentally miss a payment (such as if you had a crazy month and forgot about a bill), then you may still have a problem. You may have great credit, a great savings rate, and more.

However, mistakes happen.

This mistake could cost you a great deal of money if you forget to make a payment on a loan that you are receiving a 0% interest rate on. So, even if you make all of the payments except for the very last one, you will be charged interest for the life of the loan, which may be thousands of dollars.

Related: How I Manage My Finances So I Can Save Time and Worry Less

You may spend more because you aren’t paying for the item upfront.

There’s a reason why retailers and companies often provide these great offers.

One of the main reasons is that by offering a monthly payment option, the average person is likely to spend more money at a company. Things can seem more affordable and attainable to the human mind when it’s broken up into a much smaller monthly payment.

Before you decide to sign up for a 0% financing offer, you should make sure that you can actually afford the payment and the whole cost. Remember, just because you think you can afford the monthly payment now, things may change in the future and you may be stuck paying for all of the interest charges as well.

Your credit may be damaged.

The last negative for 0% financing offers is that you may harm your credit. Your credit score may be damaged and you will be increasing your credit utilization rate.

If you plan on using your credit in the future for something big such as a new home, you may want to turn down the 0% financing offer because you may actually hurt your chance at a good interest rate on a mortgage.

Related: These 4 Mistakes May Be Holding You Back From A Good Credit Score

There are ways to take advantage of these offers.

Like I said above, I have taken advantage of several 0% financing offers. There are ways to be smart and make the purchase you are about to make worth it.

Here are my tips:

  • Mark the monthly payment date on your calendar. Whether you put it in your phone as a reminder or if you mark your kitchen calendar each month, this is a great idea so that you do not accidentally forget to make a payment.
  • Be careful about what you can actually afford. Just because whatever you are buying is on a monthly payment plan, it doesn’t mean that you should rack up tons of debt. Still be realistic about what you can afford.

Have you ever taken advantage of a 0% financing offer? Why or why not?

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Source: makingsenseofcents.com

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“Work, work, work, work, work, work. Retire.”

That’s how New York University professor Sewin Chan described the traditional retirement path at a symposium several years ago. However, that path may be changing. Her research indicates that approximately one-third of retirees from 1992 to 2004 reversed their retirement. Today, the path might look more like this (as Chan illustrated in her PowerPoint presentation): “Work, work, work. Retire (for a bit). Work. Retire?”

I re-discovered these little quotes by reading through past issues of my newsletter, which is about planning for — and living in — retirement. However, as I’ve written before, I’m a retirement expert who doesn’t plan on retiring. I’m not sure it’s best for most people’s health or wealth. And it might be just too dang risky. Plus, I like what I do, where I do it, and the people I do it with. Of course, I still save for retirement because who knows if I’ll feel the same way 30 years from now.

On the other hand, “work, work, work, work, work, work” doesn’t sound like much fun, either. But as Chan’s presentation suggested, the traditional work/retire chronology may not be the best model. Rather than saving all the retirement for the end of your life, perhaps it’s possible to rearrange the order by taking a break mid-career, gradually ratcheting down the work week, or working fewer weeks out of the year.

With this in mind, I flipped through the pages of my newsletter (eight years’ worth), looking for examples of people who have taken the retirement road less travelled. Here are a few tales I uncovered.

That “Work Just 48 Minutes Each Weekday” Guy
The first example came from an article I wrote in 2008, about a book you’ve likely heard of: The Four-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss. How was then-30-year-old Ferriss able to support himself on less than a day’s worth of work per week? He created his own business and then outsourced everything else. Ferriss checks email just once a week. Another option he suggested: Become a key employee, and convince your boss to let you work from home. But instead of being at home, you’re in Berlin, Beijing, or Buenos Aires. Again, outsource as much as you can by engaging the services of companies such as Your Man in India, and email your work to the office.

While not a realistic plan for most people, Ferriss makes some worthwhile points for those looking for an alternative to “9-to-5 till you’re barely alive.” He distinguishes people who are “deferrers” — those who lead hard-charging careers in pursuit of the Holy Grail of retirement that is decades away — from the “New Rich,” who have loads of time and flexibility, and “distribute recovery periods and adventures (mini-retirements) throughout life on a regular basis and recognize that inactivity is not the goal. Doing that which excites is.”

“Personally,” he writes, “I now aim for one month of overseas relocation or high-intensity learning (tango, fighting, whatever) for every two months of work.”

My first reaction to reading his book was: Clearly, this person doesn’t have children. (I have four — that I know of.) But beyond that, Ferriss makes some provocative arguments with some catchy phrases. There’s much more to his philosophy, tips, and tricks. You can read more of what Ferriss thinks of retirement from this this interview J.D. did with him in 2008.

Supersave Your Way to Early Retirement
I’ve spilt a good deal of cyber-ink writing about safe withdrawal rates in retirement — the amount retirees can spend each year and be reasonably sure their portfolios will last as long as they do. For many years, I cited the work (and the actual words) of John Greaney, who retired from his engineering career in 1994 at age 38 and founded RetireEarlyHomePage.com. How did he do it? Once his school loans were paid off by age 25, he began saving 25% of his salary. As his income increased over the years, his savings rate reached 40% to 50%.

Reduce Living Expenses, Retire Sooner
Fred Brock, author of Retire On Less Than You Think, moved to Kansas after retiring from The New York Times. He sold his house in New Jersey and bought a newer house in Kansas with cash. “The absence of a mortgage payment was effectively an increase in salary,” he wrote. “In addition, our property taxes dropped from $9,000 a year to about $2,700.”

Live All Around the World
Keeping housing costs down is also how Ferriss is able to work so little, but he does it on a global scale. He calls it geoarbitrage — “to exploit global pricing and currency differences for profit or lifestyle purposes.” This strategy is also used by Motley Fool contributors Akaisha and Billy Kaderli, who retired at age 38 and live on less than $30,000 a year by staying in low-cost but exotic countries, such as Thailand, China, and Ecuador. You can read more about how they do it in this GRS interview from last summer.

Reduce Living Expenses by Living on Wheels
You know the cliché about people retiring to an RV? People really do it — and it’s inexpensive. Ron and Barb Hofmeister did it for 14 years after retiring in their 50s. They explain in their book, Movin’ On: Living and Traveling Full-Time in a Recreational Vehicle, that their living expenses ranged from $1,500 to $3,000 a month, but it can be done for much less. “The lifestyle can be adjusted to almost any income,” Barb told me in 2005. Those numbers have likely risen bit over the past seven years, but not drastically. One strategy they used: When gas prices were high, they stayed in one place longer.

Change Careers Instead of Retiring
A few years ago, Sheryl Garrett, founder of the fee-only Garrett Planning Network, told me the story of a 52-year-old woman who made just $13,000 a year. She had saved $55,000, and asked Sheryl what to do with it. Sheryl asked her, “What would you really like to do in life?” She responded, “I have always wanted to be a nurse.” After running the numbers, they decided that spending that money on a nursing degree was the best investment. Now the woman has a higher income and a new career, one she says she could enjoy well into traditional retirement age. As even Ferriss conceded in The Four-Hour Workweek, “Full-time work isn’t bad if it’s what you’d rather be doing. This is where we distinguish ‘work’ from a ‘vocation.’”

Turn Your Hobby Into Your Income
Back in the early days of my newsletter, a subscriber named Doug Short became very active on our discussion boards, providing excellent answers to a whole range of financial questions posted by other subscribers. Doug started out as an English professor, and then became a consultant for IBM, mixed in some work at GlaxoSmithKline, and eventually retired. Along the way, he built up his website construction skills and financial know-how, eventually combining the two to create a little site that conveyed economic data and history visually. It eventually showed up in places like CNN and Barron’s, and the site was bought by Advisor Perspectives (which now pays Doug to actively maintain the site in his “retirement”).

Closer to home, the founder of the very site your eyes now gaze upon might have a thing to say about turning a sideshow into the main event.

It may take years, and may never completely replace a full-time salary, but having a source of income from doing something you enjoy can add a very interesting variable to your retirement calculus.

The Retirees, They Are A’Changin’
We will see a continued variance in what “retirement” looks like over the next couple of decades. Some of that, frankly, will be due to millions of people not having enough to retire, and fewer traditional defined-benefit pensions to save them. But it will also be due to people re-thinking the whole idea of retirement. According to the Kaufmann Institute, the 55-64 age group accounted for 20.9% of new entrepreneurs in 2011, compared to 14.3% in 1996. Starting businesses isn’t just for young folks.

And you? What kind of retirement do you have planned? Know of any other examples of folks who worked a different path? Perhaps we’ll start a retirement revolution!

Source: getrichslowly.org

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Death does not only cause sorrow. Deaths usually come with high bills and financial troubles because of the combination of the lost paycheck and the extra expenses tagged on from the funeral and hospital. The average funeral can cost as much as $10,000 or more.

This type of situation can be avoided with life insurance, but dedicating your entire life to a specific plan is not necessary. You can find 15 year term life insurance that covers you and pays those close to you in case you die.

Choosing a 15 Year Term Policy

Throughout changes in jobs and situations, you are going to need to need different policies. You need to be able to cover everything, which means children, home, significant other, expenses, and all other things that may enter your life after a few years.

A policy that lasts your entire life might not be suitable, especially when you are still expecting these types of changes. Those are more for people who have more stability, people who expect to need that same amount throughout the years. A lot of people buy 30-year term policies, but so many things can change in those three decades.

Having your first child, having more children, getting married, kids graduating college, etc. all of these things are going to drastically impact your life insurance needs. So, why would you purchase a policy that lasts 30 years, or your whole life?  

Choosing a 15 year term life insurance policy is coverage that lasts for a certain amount of time in your life, allowing you to change it to whatever is suitable later.

20 Year Vs. 15 Year Term Life Policy

It is vital that you consider your specific needs for now and in the future. While one thing might be true at this moment, like several or a lack of children, things change.

You might have a child, causing you to require higher amounts, or a current one grows up and you no longer need the high amount you were paying for before. Maybe you plan to have enough money saved up that will make your life insurance policy an unnecessary expense.

There are plenty of reasons that a person may choose a shorter policy instead of a longer 30-year plan.  Look at a 20-year term vs 10-year term and figure out which is best for where you are and expect to be.

This can help you to avoid surprising while still have an amount of money saved away that does the job.

What Term Policy is Best For You?

There is no need to worry about a term policy not covering you. The only difference in coverage is how long it will last, after all.

Once you find yourself in a situation where the amount received does not match the amount needed, you can change it to ensure there are no holes or that you are not overpaying for something worth much more than you need.

Since finances do play a big role in living a stable, happy life, the right insurance policy from one of the top life insurance companies makes a dramatic difference. You can be sure that you have enough money now and well into the future, and that your family and loved ones will after your passing.

Being insured is a necessity, but you need to take into account your current and future situations. If you do not think about where you may be, you might end up in an undesirable situation that does not match your financial needs.

By looking at 20 year term vs 10 year term policies, you can figure out what is right for you and have the ability to change it in the future in case your life does change.

For example, let’s say that you go with a 10-year term policy. You’ll enjoy that affordable coverage for the next decade, but after that, you lose your insurance coverage and you’ll have to reapply for another policy.

Now that it’s been ten years since your last application, your rates are going to be higher than they were before. It could be a smarter decision to go with a longer policy, but maybe you only need 15 years of coverage.

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The Importance of Life Insurance

Life insurance is one of the best purchases that you can make for you and your loved ones, regardless of the term that you choose. If something tragic were to happen to you tomorrow, would your family be able to pay off all of the debts that you would leave behind? Would they be able to replace the income that you used to provide?

If you’re like most people, you have a mortgage, car payment, credit card bills, and more. All of those unpaid expenses would be left to your loved ones. That’s not exactly the legacy that you wanted to leave behind.

Life insurance will not only give your family plenty of money if you were to pass away, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing they will be taken care of if tragedy were to strike tomorrow. Before you purchase a policy, sit down and calculate all of the debts that you would leave behind. Make sure that your life insurance plan is large enough to cover all of those expenses.

The other purpose of life insurance is to replace your income. If you have family members or loved ones that rely on your annual salary, then you need a policy that will give them the funds to find another income.

Because there are so many different factors that you have to consider, picking the perfect policy for you can be difficult. There are hundreds of companies that all have different types of policies, how are you supposed to decide the one that fits your needs? You could spend hours and hours calling insurance agents, researching companies, and comparing different plans, or you can let us do the work for you.

The best way to ensure that you’re getting the lowest rates available is to receive quotes from dozens of companies before you choose one. This comparison shopping will help you save money every month, but it can be time consuming.

It doesn’t have to be, we can help. Fill out the form on the side and all the lowest quotes from the highest rated companies will come to you. You won’t have to keep answering the same questions over and over.

We will provide the best quotes based on your situation and the type of policy that you want.

Aside from helping you find the best policy and the lowest rates, we can also answer any questions that you have about 15-year term life insurance policies, whole life insurance policies, no medical exam policies, or any other questions that you have about life insurance. Our agents are experts on the life insurance field and can help you make well-informed decisions to protect you and your family against whatever life is going to throw at you.

Source: goodfinancialcents.com