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Apache is functioning normally

October 26, 2024 by Brett Tams

Vice President Kamala Harris is pledging to increase the housing supply and make it more affordable, especially for first-time home buyers.

She’s preaching to the choir of voters who rank housing affordability as a top-three issue in the election — about 25%, according to the results of a survey by Ipsos and Redfin, released on Oct. 15. Unsurprisingly, more renters (31.6%) rank housing affordability as a priority issue compared to already existing homeowners (17.1%).

The current housing affordability crisis is the result of the construction industry’s sluggish return to form following the 2007-2008 housing collapse and the basic laws of supply and demand. As is, there isn’t enough housing available for the number of buyers: The housing deficit grew to 4.5 million in 2022 up from 4.3 million in 2021, according to Zillow, a real estate website.

Housing shortages push up prices and keep them high. When a lack of available housing is combined with years of persistently elevated mortgage rates, it becomes even harder for would-be first-time homebuyers to break into the market.

Then, as fewer people trade renting for home ownership, it puts pressure on the rental market, keeping those prices high, too. As a result, shelter, which includes both home buying and renting, has remained the greatest factor in core inflation growth for years.

The only way to effectively combat a lack of affordable homes is by building more housing. Harris’ housing plans are ambitious — and possibly unrealistic, experts say.

Build new housing

Harris has outlined policies aimed at creating 3 million new housing units over the next four years — a 50% increase over the current rate of home building, according to the nonprofit Urban Institute.

In an Aug. 21 Washington Post editorial, Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody’s Analytics, and Jim Parrott, a housing expert at the Urban Institute, called her plans “the most aggressive supply-side push since the national investment in housing that followed World War II.”

To achieve her end goal, Harris wants to provide several tax incentives to kickstart construction:

A new Neighborhood Homes Tax Credit to construct or rehabilitate 400,000 homes in lower income communities. The homes must be owner-occupied. The incentive would operate similarly to the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) in that states would receive an allocation of credits for specific projects based on local need.
A tax cut for builders that construct affordable starter homes.
A $40 billion innovation fund to incentivize state and local governments, as well as private developers and homebuilders, to find new strategies to expand the housing supply, primarily through regulatory reform and cutting red tape.
Open up certain federal lands for new housing developments. Her campaign has not specified which federal lands.

An analysis of Harris’ proposal by the Urban Institute says Harris’ plans to increase new housing are not out of line with historic standards. But 50% growth is still a daunting task, and would rely on a number of factors outside a president’s direct control. “What she’s proposed will probably only go sort of halfway or part of the way in achieving that, because achieving a 50% increase in housing production is gigantic,” says Yonah Freemark, a principal research associate in the Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy Center at the Urban Institute and the research director of the Land Use Lab at Urban.

Other observers see the 50% target as unrealistic. “For anyone who has any knowledge of commercial real estate and the housing industry, that seems like an unachievable number,” says Brian Connolly, assistant professor of business law at the University of Michigan. “But good for her for trying to get there.”

“What she’s proposed will probably only go sort of halfway or part of the way in achieving that, because achieving a 50% increase in housing production is gigantic.”

Yonah Freemark, research associate, Urban Institute

However, her proposals could help spur more construction even if they don’t reach the target, says Connolly. He adds that if the government supports homebuilding through new tax incentives that make it more profitable to build new housing and attract skilled labor, then it could make a meaningful impact on the housing supply.

Harris would need Congress to enact much of what she pledges to do. Of the innovation fund, for example, Connolly says, “She couldn’t just sort of pluck $40 billion out of thin air to deliver to the local government; that would be something that would presumably require congressional authorization.”

What there is bipartisan appetite in Congress for, says Freemark, is reducing regulatory restraints on construction. He says there may also be support for expanding the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, which goes toward acquiring, rehabilitating or constructing rental housing for lower-income households. The Democratic National Committee includes expanding LIHTC in its platform.

Make home buying more affordable

A cornerstone of Harris’ housing plans aims to make home ownership — the most traditional vehicle for wealth-building in America — more accessible to first-time buyers. She pledges to provide up to $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time home buyers and an unspecified, greater amount of assistance for first-generation homebuyers.

Starter-home buyers could use the help since those homes are much more expensive than they were before the pandemic — 51.1% higher than August 2019, according to a Redfin report released on Sept. 30. But there is one recent positive sign for buyers: Starter homes are less expensive now than a year ago for the first time since August 2020. Homebuyers currently need to earn $76,995 annually to afford a home at the median price of $250,000.

There are already places in the U.S. that provide down payment assistance, so Harris’ proposal isn’t new per se, but its size and scope is, says Freemark. “I think that it has the potential to be quite impactful in terms of expanding access to home-purchasing for a large segment of the population that currently, simply, doesn’t have the ability to assemble enough funds,” he adds.

But when it comes to how assistance is delivered, the devil is in the details. “It will take a lot of thought and, potentially, some experimentation on the part of agencies and others that would be implementing this strategy,” Freemark adds. “Also, this is a potentially very expensive program, so I’m not sure I’ve heard broad enough support in Congress.”

It’s much easier to increase demand than it is to increase supply, says Ed Pinto, a senior fellow and co-director of the AEI Housing Center at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank, and Harris’ down payment assistance plan would serve to add buyers to what is now a strong seller’s market. “Unless that were to change, any efforts along the lines of demand increases would lead to substantial increases in prices,” says Pinto.

Connolly agrees. “If we’re not building those housing units and we’re providing people with $25,000 in credits to go out and buy within a stock of housing that is not sufficient, that’s going to result in bidding up housing prices,” he says.

Still, providing credits to first-time homebuyers could be something that both sides of the aisle support, says Connolly. “I tend to be a little more of an optimist about the bipartisan nature of this problem,” he says.

Make rent more affordable

About two-thirds of all homes are owned by the people who live in them, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The other third are occupied by renters and Harris has plans to make their lives less expensive, too. The natural outcome to her plan to make home ownership more accessible would be freed-up rental housing. But she also wants to target corporate landlords in two ways:

End rental price-fixing practices by landlords of large multi-family units that raise rents based on algorithms. She is calling on Congress to pass the Preventing the Algorithmic Facilitation of Rental Housing Cartels Act.
Remove tax benefits for large corporate landlords that own single-family rental homes. She is calling on Congress to pass the Stop Predatory Investing Act.

Freemark says that generally, there hasn’t been much support from Republicans in Congress to fund housing affordability policies for renters. If Democrats gained control in both houses, then there is some potential to expand funding for those purposes, he says.

But there has been some bipartisan interest in stopping large private investors from purchasing a large share of homes in communities throughout the country, says Freemark. “Getting that policy right is not obvious,” he says. “Just because you don’t like private investors doesn’t mean they’re not playing an important role in the overall housing market. And, you know, you’re playing with a very large industry when you start talking about sort of critiquing the ownership of large corporations. So I don’t know. I’m a little skeptical”

Meanwhile, Connolly isn’t so sure that focusing on price-fixing will be impactful in alleviating high rent prices. “I’m a bit skeptical that, you know, going after representing algorithms is really going to result in decreases in rent or slowed appreciation of rent,” he says. “But to the extent that there’s any impact on the rental market at the margins, that might be possible.”

Cut red tape

Experts agree that reducing regulatory burdens to building new housing is necessary and has bipartisan support. Both candidates have, at least, nodded to that need — Republicans in their party platform and Harris with her $40 billion innovation fund.

“Republicans tend to be more pro-business; they tend to provide tax breaks to businesses,” says Connolly. “And Democrats want to see more housing supply and housing affordability. So that looks like a good way to kind of, you know, marry those two sides of the aisle.”

Still, authority over housing regulations is concentrated at the local level, so there may be limits to what Congress can achieve on the issue.

Open up federal lands for housing

In the past former President Donald Trump has floated a vision of 10 “freedom cities” on undeveloped federal lands (his utopian vision for these cities also includes flying cars). Harris has also said she supports opening up federal lands to build housing, but hasn’t provided details.

The Federal Government is the largest landholder in the country (the Bureau of Land Management, or BLM, manages one in every 10 acres in the U.S.) so there’s an inventory of possible land available for development. But there’s a key difficulty with the proposal, says Freemark: “A lot of federal land is not land you would want to build housing on.”

Connolly agrees: “When you look at the map of U.S. federal lands, a lot of them are in very lightly populated areas across the western U.S. where there’s not going to be any demand for housing. There may be federal properties that are underutilized in larger cities that would be appropriate places to build housing … but at this point, I think that proposal, you know, from both sides of the aisle is really unclear in terms of its scope and where that would occur.”

The majority of government-owned land is in the West, and there is precedent for opening it to home building. In July, the Bureau of Land Management announced actions that it said would create thousands of affordable housing units on federal land in Nevada.

Pinto is optimistic about the possibilities. “In areas where there’s plenty of land, you could build an entirely new city,” he says. “Let’s take Utah … the federal government owns [the majority] of land in Utah. Half of that land we’ll call ‘Smokey the Bear’ — national parks, national forests, national monuments, things like that. The other half is just owned by the Bureau of Land Management.”

Trump’s deportation plans could stymie construction

Housing hasn’t been the focus of Trump’s campaign, but the cornerstone promise of his campaign — deportation of millions of undocumented immigrants — could have a direct impact on the housing market.

Trump has claimed that his deportation plans would free up housing, but experts say it would actually worsen the housing crisis since the construction workforce is largely reliant on immigrant labor.

Immigration has not been at the root of the U.S. housing crisis, says Connolly. “To the extent that you have migrants who are, generally speaking, low income or very low income people entering into the market … they’re facing much more dire circumstances than people who are trying to buy their first home or something like that,” he says.

But what Trump’s deportation plans could do is exacerbate a shortage of construction workers.

“I would suspect it is causing some concern for home builders and people in the building industry, because immigrant labor has long been a source of labor for the building industry and not just immigrants from Central and South America, but going back across really our entire history,” says Connolly. “Think of Italian bricklayers, Irish laborers in the 1800s and early 1900s. We have always relied on immigrant labor for work in our building industry. And yeah, the idea that we’re going to go deport a bunch of immigrants, you know, particularly in a time period when we need to be building housing is particularly bad policy.”

Freemark says, “Trump deporting millions of people would be horribly destructive for the housing market. It would make it very difficult to build homes throughout much of the country and it would increase the cost of homes.”

NerdWallet’s 2024 election deep dives

What would the Trump economy look like? Find out where former President Donald Trump stands on economic issues like battling inflation, medical debt, jobs, health care, housing, child care, small businesses and more.

How Trump and Harris aim to address your health care When it comes to health care, the candidates have been light on the details. Harris has focused on things like lowering prescription drug prices; expanding Medicare care coverage; and restoring federal abortion rights. Trump says he supports IVF coverage, but wants to leave abortion to the states. He also said that he has only a “concept” of a plan to replace the Affordable Care Act.

Smart Money’s 2024 Presidential Election Series

Hosts Sean Pyles and Anna Helhoski discuss the grand economic promises made by presidential candidates and the intricate realities of presidential influence on the economy to help you understand the real effects on your daily finances.

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images News via Getty Images)

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

October 26, 2024 by Brett Tams

A newly converted five-story building in Manhattan’s hip Tribeca neighborhood is nearing completion, and it’s now launching its first unit on the market.

The boutique condominium at 85 Worth St., aptly dubbed “85 Worth”, consists of only five units — four loft residences and a penthouse — with interiors expertly curated by celebrated New York-based designer Paris Forino.

And it pairs its historic, 19th-century Italianate façade with some upscale finishes and smart home tech, including innovative lighting, keyless entry, and smart locks. It even comes with a private AI assistant called JOSH that can assist with tasks like dimming the lights, closing the shades, or playing music.

Loft 3 at 85 Worth, a nearly 4,000-square-foot residence with three bedrooms and four baths is now up for grabs for $11.5 million, with the powerhouse Eklund | Gomes Team at Douglas Elliman holding the listing.

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History meets modernity at the newly converted boutique condo project

Photo credit: Evan Joseph / Douglas Elliman

“This captivating new development, where history melds with modernity, is truly something special,” said John Gomes, cofounder of The Eklund | Gomes Team at Douglas Elliman.

“From Paris Forino’s elegant interiors and the cutting-edge tech built into each of the vaulting residences down to the subterranean residents-only club and storage spaces, 85 Worth will absolutely resonate with clients looking for a one-of-a-kind living experience in New York City.”

The building’s exterior retains its 19th-century Italianate façade

Photo credit: Evan Joseph / Douglas Elliman

Located among the low-lying buildings and cobble-stoned streets in the sparsely populated Tribeca East Historic District, 85 Worth blends in with its surroundings, retaining its 19-century Italianate, white marble façade, and architectural details like molded window surrounds, band courses, balustrades, and bracketed cornices.

85 Worth consists of 4 luxury lofts and one penthouse

Photo credit: Evan Joseph / Douglas Elliman

Yet the interiors of the 1920 building have been transformed to accommodate five upscale units, consisting of four luxury lofts and one penthouse, plus two subterranean levels where the amenities are housed.

Each of the three-bedroom, four-bathroom loft residences — including the newly listed one — spans nearly 4,000 square feet of floor-through space with ceilings up to 13 feet high and south-facing windows.

Upon completion, the penthouse will feature two spacious en-suite bedrooms that open onto one of two terraces with stunning city views and ample entertainment space.

The interiors bear the signature of lauded designer Paris Forino

Photo credit: Evan Joseph / Douglas Elliman

In charge of updating the interiors for modern luxury living was Paris Forino, the Australian-born, New York-based designer who founded the celebrated Paris Forino Design, a full-service boutique design firm that’s no stranger to thoughtful conversions of historic buildings.

Who approached the design process by honoring the bones of the building

Photo credit: Evan Joseph / Douglas Elliman

Paris shared that, “When approaching the design, my primary focus was on complementing the remarkable, original architectural details of the building with a striking yet natural palette. Ash wood is used extensively throughout the apartment. It is light, warm and serene. We paired this with very distinct and dramatic stone choices creating a modern and very sumptuous design.“

Smart features in the residences include a private AI assistant called JOSH

Photo credit: Evan Joseph / Douglas Elliman

85 Worth is not all about its looks though. The condo conversion also brought a series of smart home features to the newly appointed units, including a KETRA lighting system, Sonos speakers in every room, keyless entry via LATCH, and a virtual doorman system called Butterfly.

But the coolest feature is the private AI assistant called JOSH, which can help with tasks around the home, like amplifying or dimming lights, opening or closing the shades, or playing personalized music selections.

Loft 3 has three bedrooms, three baths, and approx. 4,000 square feet of luxe interiors

Photo credit: Evan Joseph / Douglas Elliman

The first unit to hit the market at 85 Worth is a nearly 4,000-square-foot loft with three bedrooms and four marble-clad bathrooms. The south-facing unit has tall, 11.4′ high ceilings and occupies an entire floor of the newly converted Tribeca building.

See also: With prices ranging from $560K to $1.75M, these Manhattan condos won’t last long

Two subterranean levels of amenities, which house the Club Worth

Photo credit: Evan Joseph / Douglas Elliman

85 Worth also features two subterranean levels that give each home two sizeable storage rooms and house Club Worth — an exclusive club for future residents.

Upscale amenities at Club Worth include a state-of-the-art fitness center, sauna, steam room, meditation room, massage room, music listening room, children’s imagination room, teen gaming room, and more.

Enjoying the best of what Tribeca has to offer

Photo credit: Evan Joseph / Douglas Elliman

“With its uncommon degree of privacy and seclusion, Tribeca has become one of the most coveted neighborhoods among A-list celebrities and high-net-worth individuals,” said Fredrik Eklund, co-founder of The Eklund | Gomes Team who’s spearheading the marketing initiatives for the building. “85 Worth will undoubtedly add to that allure.”

In addition to the nearby Hudson River Park and Piers 25 & 26, which offer public amenities such as sand court volleyball, skateboarding park, children’s playground, tennis and basketball courts, kayaking, and more, residents of 85 Worth will enjoy easy access to Tribeca’s many dining and shopping options.

Listed with a powerhouse team with MDLNY cachet

Photo credit: Evan Joseph / Douglas Elliman

Spearheading marketing and sales efforts for the boutique condominium project is the Eklund | Gomes Team at Douglas Elliman. One of the largest independent residential real estate brokerages in the United States, the team is led by Million Dollar Listing New York Star Fredrik Eklund and John Gomes, one of the most highly respected luxury real estate brokers in the country.

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Source: fancypantshomes.com

Apache is functioning normally

October 25, 2024 by Brett Tams

Maybe you’ve just moved into your new apartment and want to make it smell clean and fresh or you’ve been dealing with persistent pet odors due to a furry friend’s accidents. Whatever the reason, bad odors can really put a damper on your mood – and sometimes your health, too. Whether you’re renting an apartment in Scottsdale, AZ, settling into a home rental in Kansas City, or finally buying your dream home in Albuquerque, NM, nobody wants to live in a place that smells bad.

To get you started on your purifying journey, ApartmentGuide reached out to a wealth of experts to offer tips on how to banish bad odors for good. Read on to learn more and make your place smell fresh again.

1. Start with a deep clean

If you are looking for how to get rid of bad odors in your apartment, experts recommend starting with a thorough deep cleaning, but first get some fresh air in the place. “The first step to removing harsh odors is to open up the windows and doors and get as much fresh air in that area as possible,” says Rachel Seavey, professional organizer and coach with Collector Care.

Next, you’ll want to get into deep clean mode. “You must do a thorough deep clean before disinfecting or sanitizing with a disinfectant and odor eliminator – an air freshener probably won’t give you a lasting result,” recommends Hank Williamson, President of The Maids of the Triad, a cleaning company that services North Carolina. “Your carpets have likely retained odor so you will need to vacuum and clean them. If your walls have absorbed cigarette smoke or other odors you should wipe them down with a vinegar and water mixture – using a microfiber mop greatly assists. If your refrigerator has odor, dispose of dated food and thoroughly clean it; you may use baking soda or coffee grinds to absorb any remaining odor. Next, open the windows, turn on fans, and change air filters.”

Jonathan Herrera of Master Clean Bay Area, agrees that starting with a deep clean is the best way to get rid of odors before a more focused solution. “A deep clean focusing on floors, bathrooms, living areas, and the kitchen can significantly reduce harsh odors in an apartment,” says Jonathan. “By thoroughly cleaning these areas, we eliminate trapped dirt and lingering smells. Our go-to products are Simple Green and dish soap. Simple Green not only cleans but also helps disinfect, making it an effective solution for neutralizing odors while ensuring a hygienic environment. Regular deep cleaning of these high-traffic areas can help maintain a fresh-smelling space, especially when dealing with persistent smells from cooking, pets, or moisture.”

2. Clean your garbage cans

Aside from taking the trash and recycling out frequently to ensure that smells don’t linger, you need to be sure you’re properly cleaning your bins to get rid of bad odor that may be building. “I recommend garbage receptacles to be cleaned at least once every two weeks,” says Omar Arroyo of Blue Sea House Cleaning, a house cleaning company serving California and Monterey Peninsula. “Start by making a mix of about a half gallon of water, two teaspoons of liquid dish soap, and three teaspoons of baking soda. Pour the mix into the garbage receptacle and let it soak for about five minutes. After five minutes, scrub, rinse, and dry it with a towel or paper towel. Your garbage receptacle will be odor-free for about two weeks.”

3. Be smart about the scents you use

Instead of just masking the smell with candles and air fresheners, try using scents that do a great job of neutralizing odors. “Certain fragrance notes like citrus, lavender, and eucalyptus are excellent for freshening up spaces and neutralizing harsh odors,” adds the team at Be Layered, a fragrance company. “These notes work by not just masking smells but by refreshing the air with clean, natural scents. For a cozy and long-lasting effect, warm notes like vanilla, musk, and sandalwood can create a comforting atmosphere while also combating unpleasant smells.”

The team at Cleany, an NYC-based cleaning company, agrees, “Odor-absorbing candles with scents like lavender or eucalyptus can mask and refresh harsh smells, especially in small spaces like bathrooms or kitchens.”

4. Simmer a solution on the stove

Another classic trick to get rid of bad odor is to simmer a natural mixture on the stove. “We all love a home that smells wonderful. In fact, our sense of smell is the sense most closely tied to memory,” shares Alejandra Fortin, founder and CEO of This is Home, a cleaning, organizing, and interior design company based in Houston. “A great way to make your home smell amazing and give you that cozy feeling inside, especially during the holidays, is by warming water on the stove and adding cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom, an orange and a lemon into the hot pot. Leave it there simmering and it will quickly have your entire home smelling like the holidays and will put you and your family in the best mood!”

If you’re looking for another concoction to try, consider Edgar Villafranco’s remedy from We Leave Clean, a cleaning company with locations based all over the country. “For stubborn odors, especially from cooking or pets, try simmering a pot of water with slices of lemon, a few sprigs of rosemary, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract for 30 minutes,” says Edgar. “The steam from this natural mixture not only freshens the air but also neutralizes lingering smells, leaving your home smelling clean and inviting.”

5. Use a steam mop

Steam mops are a great chemical-free and eco-friendly way to get stains and smells out of your floors. “At NeatO, we find that one of the best defenses against harsh odors in our clients’ homes is by using a quality steam mop like the Shark Genius, along with a light spritz of diluted Pine-Sol on the mop pad,” says NeatO Cleaning, a Los Angeles-based cleaning company. “The heat and moisture from the steam helps lift dirt and stains, while simultaneously killing odor-causing bacteria. The spritz of Pine-Sol doubles down on eliminating bacteria while leaving a clean scent that lasts.”

6. Reduce laundry odor

If you’ve got smells baked into your clothes, try using some vinegar in your next load. “For laundry odors, use a quarter cup of white vinegar in the wash. White vinegar neutralizes laundry odors and surprisingly makes clothes smell fresh and clean,” says Beth McGee, author of Get Your House Clean Now: The Home Cleaning Method Anyone Can Master.

7. Get creative with dryer sheets and fabric softener

A lot can be done with simple household items to clean up your space. Take some tips from Greg Strine of Dream Cleaning, a top-rated home cleaning service in Chicago, and get your space spelling good with what you have on hand. “Start by taking dryer sheets and putting them in each vent. This will absorb odors in the ducts and create a clean scent from the duct work. Some furniture just needs to be thrown out, but try unzipping the cushions and putting a dryer sheet inside a couch cushion. Leave it there for three weeks and smell how this helps with your furniture,” says Greg.

“Lastly, take a small bowl with one cup of coarse salt, add two tablespoons of rubbing alcohol and mix. Then add four to six ounces of fabric softener and put it under the couch. This will help eliminate odor, keep insects away, and add a clean fragrance to your property.”

8. Tackle your garbage disposal

If a bad odor is wafting from your garbage disposal, it might be time to focus your cleaning efforts on this area. “To quickly combat a bad smell in your garbage disposal, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar, which will create a fizzing reaction that helps break down odor-causing particles; then run cold water to rinse thoroughly,” recommends NYC house cleaner Sunnyside Clean.

9. Use a combination of white vinegar mixed with baking soda

A quick and natural cleaner can be made by combining white vinegar with baking soda. As an easy way to tackle pet-related harsh odors, listen to Sarina Ocal of MissionCat Cleaning, a cleaning company servicing both the New Jersey and New York area.

“To get rid of bad odors, especially pet-related ones, use a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda. Apply it directly to the stained area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub gently,” recommends Sarina. “For persistent smells, you can also try an enzyme-based cleaner to break down odor-causing compounds.”

Luis Da Silva, CEO of My Cleaning Angel, a residential and commercial cleaning company based in Tampa, Florida, seconds this method of removing bad odor. “To remove harsh odors in your apartment, use a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda — vinegar neutralizes odors while baking soda absorbs them.”

10. Combine vinegar and water

For an easy cleaner, combine vinegar with water. This creates a quality cleaner that is non-toxic and friendly to most surfaces. “To neutralize lingering smells, we wipe down surfaces with a vinegar solution, which disinfects and freshens the space,” shares the team at Superb Maids NYC.

This solution can also be used on fabrics and carpets. “Use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle to mist fabrics and carpets, allowing it to dry completely – vinegar neutralizes tough odors without leaving a lasting smell,” shares Lisa Shultz, owner of Anderson Carpet Cleaning Inc.

11. Use baking soda and vinegar on their own

Together, baking soda and vinegar are a force to be reckoned with, but they offer special benefits on their own. “Vinegar is a powerful odor neutralizer – fill a bowl with white vinegar and leave it in a smelly room overnight to absorb strong odors,” suggests the team at Cleany.

Baking soda is also powerful at absorbing odors on its own. “For general odor removal, we use baking soda on carpets and upholstery, allowing it to absorb odors before vacuuming,” says Superb Maids NYC.

If you combine all products – a water and vinegar solution with baking soda – you can do a lot of good. “For more stubborn smells, such as pet odor or lingering food aromas, sprinkle baking soda over the affected area and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb the odor. Then, spray a 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar, let it fizz for a minute, and wipe clean. This method is natural, safe, and leaves surfaces odor-free!” advises Camden of ClothesLyne, a laundry service with locations along the East Coast.

Using organic products like baking soda and vinegar can be a great way to clean without using harsh chemicals. “We always use organic products that our professional cleaners prepare to leave the areas shiny, clean, and smelling clean,” says Heromaid, a house cleaning service in the Bay Area and Los Angeles. “For organic cleaning products, we recommended vinegar, baking soda, and sometimes hydrogen peroxide to remove harsh stains.”

12. Tips for cleaning with store-bought products

If you’re looking for something stronger that you can buy at the store, Cleaning Glow, an office, AirBnB, and house cleaning service, has got you covered with their recommendations to get rid of bad odor.

“1. To get rid of general odors throughout your room, use compact OZONE Spray. It can kill bacteria and viruses in seconds.

2. Use Arm & Hammer Extra Strength Carpet Odor Eliminator to get rid of odors stuck in carpets.

3. Mix 1 hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water and a small dish soap; spray to remove pet odor stains.

4. Place activated charcoal bags in various rooms to absorb offensive smells without covering them.”

13. Clean up pet stains and leftover odor

We love our furry friends, but they can wreak havoc on the quality of our spaces. If you’ve got pets that struggle with accidents, give this section a read and try out some of these tips to get rid of bad odor and stains.

“For pet odors, sprinkle baking soda generously on the area and let it sit overnight to absorb smells before vacuuming it up; follow with a light mist of white vinegar for extra odor-neutralizing power,” suggests Lisa Shultz, owner of Anderson Carpet Cleaning Inc. “Treat urine stains by first blotting up as much liquid as possible, then apply an enzyme-based cleaner specifically designed to break down proteins that cause lingering smells.”

It may be tempting to just mask the urine smell if the job seems too mighty, but you need to be using a cleaner designed for pet stains. “For pet stains that are causing odors, use an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for protein-based stains like animal waste. This way, the source of the odor is broken down and removed, not just masked,” says Beth McGee, author of Get Your House Clean Now: The Home Cleaning Method Anyone Can Master. “If the stain is on fabric like furniture or carpet. Test a hidden area first to be sure it won’t damage the fabric.”

Professional cleaners do have favorites when it comes to products of pet stains. “If you identify you have a pet odor problem due to naughty or incontinent pets, we always suggest using Naturals Miracle, which is all-natural and uses enzymes,” recommends Rachel Seavey, professional organizer and coach with Collector Care. “You spray a small amount on the area and let it go to work. It is all natural so it’s safe to use around your fur babies.”

Another favorite of professional cleaners is Arm and Hammer Pet Fresh Powder. “If you have a harsh odor coming from your carpets and don’t want to call your carpet cleaning company, start by buying Pet Fresh powder that you can find anywhere,” says Seattle Steamers, a carpet cleaning company in Seattle. “Next, spread it on the carpets. Agitate the carpets using a broom and let it set for an hour. Then vacuum the carpets and you’re done!”

Now, it does matter whether the stain is old or new – this will change the method by which you attack the stain. “Urine is one of the few things that will change on the pH scale from an acid (new urine stain) to an alkaline (old urine stain) over time,” shares Carpets by Chris, a carpet repair company based out of Mukilteo, Washington.

“For this reason, it is necessary to clean a new spot with a different product than you would with an old spot. Since a new spot is acidic, you want to use an alkaline like ammonia to break the chemical bond and remove the urine. Conversely, if the urine stain is old, then more than likely it has changed from an acid to an alkaline. This means we need to use an acid like white vinegar to break the alkaline, chemical bond. To do this, simply saturate the stain with the chemicals, apply a dry towel to the spot, and stand on it multiple times to soak up as much as possible. If there is a visible stain, use a 35% solution of hydrogen peroxide. Mist it on the stain and let sit. This is very effective in getting rid of the urine stain.”

14. Use an ozone generator

Sometimes odors stick around and don’t want to leave. If your place is like this, it might be worth it to look into a different type of solution. “In more persistent cases, we use activated charcoal to absorb odors or deploy an ozone generator,” says the team at Superb Maids NYC.

“Ozone generators are highly effective at eliminating tough odors, such as those from smoke, mold, or pets, by releasing ozone (O₃), which breaks down odor-causing molecules. This method reaches areas that standard cleaning cannot, making it ideal for deeply embedded smells. However, ozone generators must be used in unoccupied spaces, as ozone can be harmful to humans and pets during treatment. After use, we ventilate the area thoroughly before allowing re-entry, ensuring the space is fresh and odor-free.”

15. Get rid of smoke

Maybe you’ve just moved in and your apartment smells like cigarette smoke – not the best thing in the world to be around all the time. Well, an ozone generator is actually a great way of solving this issue. “To remove smoke odors, use an ozone machine to purify the air quickly, but follow the directions for use carefully,” says Beth McGee, author of Get Your House Clean Now: The Home Cleaning Method Anyone Can Master. “You can buy one for a reasonable price or many rental companies have them available.”

If purchasing or renting an ozone generator is out of the question, Beth has another tip for getting rid of smoke. “Wipe surfaces with vodka and distilled water to neutralize smells. The alcohol in vodka kills odor-causing bacteria. As it evaporates, it takes the smells with it,” says Beth. “Lightly spray vodka diluted with water onto fabric, carpet, or surfaces and let it air dry. It works great for smoke or musty odors and doesn’t leave a strong scent behind.”

The team at Cleany also has a tip for getting rid of smoke. “For persistent smells like smoke, placing bowls of activated charcoal around the room can help absorb unwanted scents,” they say. Lisa Shultz, owner of Anderson Carpet Cleaning Inc., seconds this idea and adds another tip. “For smoke or musty odors, place bowls of activated charcoal or coffee grounds in the room for 24 – 48 hours to absorb odors naturally,” says Lisa.

Source: apartmentguide.com

Apache is functioning normally

October 25, 2024 by Brett Tams

Do you want to learn how to make money as a travel photographer? Photography can be an exciting way to get paid to travel. If you enjoy taking pictures and traveling, this might be your dream job. Lots of people love seeing photos from different places, and you could be the one to share them….

Do you want to learn how to make money as a travel photographer?

Photography can be an exciting way to get paid to travel. If you enjoy taking pictures and traveling, this might be your dream job. Lots of people love seeing photos from different places, and you could be the one to share them.

Traveling full-time for around 10 years was an amazing experience for me. I have been able to visit beautiful places, meet new people, and take tons of pictures. I have also met many, many travel photographers – from National Geographic freelance photographers to YouTubers, travel print sellers, and more.

If you love taking great photos while visiting new places, becoming a travel photographer could be a great way to make money.

Best Ways To Make Money as a Travel Photographer

Below are the best ways to make money as a travel photographer.

Recommended reading: 25 Best Travel Jobs To Make Money Traveling The World

1. Sell stock photos

Selling stock photos is a great way to make money as a travel photographer. You can upload your best travel pictures to popular stock photo websites.

These sites let people buy and use your photos for their projects. When someone buys your photo, you get paid a fee.

Some popular stock photo sites are Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, iStock, Depositphotos, and Getty Images.

Most of the pictures within this blog post are stock photos, and I use stock photos all the time, as do other businesses. They are very helpful!

Recommended reading: 18 Ways To Get Paid To Take Pictures

2. Elopement photographer

Becoming an elopement photographer can be a fun way to make money with travel photography. Elopements are small, intimate weddings that usually happen in beautiful locations like on the beach, in the mountains, and more.

As an elopement photographer, you’ll capture special moments for couples in beautiful places.

To get started, build a portfolio that showcases your landscape and portrait photography skills. Couples want to see your ability to capture both the natural beauty of a location and the emotions of the day. You may also want to research popular elopement destinations and familiarize yourself with these places so you can recommend ideal spots for couples.

Pricing many times should cover your travel expenses and services, so make sure to think about the location when setting your rates.

I follow a few travel wedding photographers online and I’m always amazed by how beautiful their pictures are!

Recommended reading: How I Make $20,000 A Month As A Family, Maternity, and Newborn Photographer

3. Host photography workshops

Photography workshops can be a great way to make money as a travel photographer. You can share your skills and knowledge with others who want to learn more about taking better pictures.

I know several people who have taken in-person photography workshops, and I have personally taken an online one. So, I know how helpful they are!

Photography workshops that you can teach may include:

Camera basics: Teach participants how to use their camera’s settings. Many people have cameras that they do not use to the fullest (there are so many buttons on cameras these days after all!).
Lighting: Explain how to work with natural light, use reflectors, or set up artificial lighting to improve pictures.
Portrait photography: Teach how to pose subjects and work with natural backgrounds to capture stunning portraits, whether in a studio or outdoor setting.
Travel photography: Focus on capturing landscapes, cityscapes, and cultural elements during travel. Talk about how to tell a story with your photos.
Night and low-light photography: Teach how to shoot in challenging lighting conditions, like at night, during concerts, or in dim indoor settings.
Building a photography portfolio: Show participants how to curate their best work, create a cohesive portfolio, and market themselves for potential clients or opportunities.
Editing travel pictures for social media: Teach participants how to edit their travel photos for platforms like Instagram or blogs.

I recommend thinking about what you are good at and what you think your audience would be interested in learning about. By tailoring these topics to the interests of your audience, you can create a workshop that’s helpful and sells well.

4. Start a travel blog

Starting a blog is something I know well because I’ve been blogging for over 10 years. When I first started, I had no idea it would turn into such an amazing journey, allowing me to travel the world and share my experiences. Blogging has given me the opportunity to connect with people who share similar interests, as well as make money doing something that I enjoy.

Starting a travel blog can be great if you want to learn how to make money as a travel photographer. You can share your photos and stories with people who love to explore new places.

To become a travel blogger, pick a blog name that’s easy to remember and shows what your blog is about. Use a platform like self-hosted WordPress to set up your blog, and focus on creating good content by sharing your best travel photos and blog posts (try to post at least once a week so your audience stays interested).

Once you get more visitors to your blog, you can make money in different ways. You can use affiliate marketing (such as by linking to your travel gear on Amazon), write sponsored posts, or sell your photography services and prints. Travel companies and tourism boards might also want to work with you if your blog has great photos and content that fits their needs.

Recommended reading: How To Start a Travel Blog and Make Money

5. Sell prints online

Selling prints online can be a great way to make money from your travel photos. Many people love decorating their homes and offices with beautiful travel images.

If you want to learn how to become a travel photographer by selling travel prints, you can start by creating an online store to showcase and sell your best travel prints. Platforms like Shopify or Etsy make it easy to set up a shop quickly.

I have many friends who sell prints from their travels. They specialize in animal photos, landscape photos, urban cities, and more. I actually just recently bought a print from one of them to put on my living room wall.

Pricing is important and you can look at what other photographers charge for similar prints to get an idea of what you should charge.

Don’t forget about shipping. Make sure to factor in packaging and mailing costs when setting your prices. You want to protect your prints during shipping.

6. Work with brands or tourism boards

You can make money as a travel photographer by collaborating with brands and tourism boards. These groups tend to need great photos to show off their products or places so that they can get more customers/visitors.

I have worked with many brands and travel boards/companies over the years, and I think it can be a great way to make money with travel photography. One of my very first side hustle gigs that I got through this blog (the one you’re reading right now) was because I reached out to a resort in the Caribbean and pitched them ways that I could improve their website. They paid me as well as gave me free resort stays (so that I could take pictures and become an expert on the property).

You can wait for them to reach out to you, or you can contact travel companies, hotels, and tourism offices yourself. You’ll want to show them your best work and tell them how you can help.

7. Start an Instagram

Instagram is a great way to share your travel photos and make money. You can start by creating an account and posting your best pictures.

You’ll want to post often to keep your followers interested – at least once a day, especially in the beginning, is usually what is recommended.

You can make money on Instagram by working with brands, and they might pay you to take photos of their products, or you could get paid to share a photo of a hotel or tour company.

As your account grows, you can sell your own products too. This could be things like photo prints or editing presets.

While I do not make a large income from my Instagram account (it’s not my main business), I have made thousands of dollars from my income over the years. It is a fun way to make an income and it pushes you to take better pictures.

8. Create and sell Lightroom presets

Making Lightroom presets can be a fun way to earn money as a travel photographer. Presets are like filters that make editing photos easier and faster.

I have personally bought Lightroom presets from travel photographers, and I like how easy they are to use on my personal travel photos.

People buy presets because they save time and help create a consistent, professional look for their photos. Presets allow people like you and me to apply popular aesthetic styles with just one click, making it easy to stay on trend without needing advanced editing skills. They’re also a great learning tool for beginners who want to improve their photo editing techniques.

To create presets, start by editing a photo in Lightroom. Play with the settings until you’re happy with how it looks. Then, save these settings as a preset.

You’ll want to share photos on Instagram and other social media sites using your presets. As your photos become popular, your followers will most likely ask you about your presets – I see this being asked all the time!

Once you’ve made a few presets, it’s time to sell them. You can sell them on your own website or on online marketplaces for photographers.

I recommend that you show before and after photos so buyers can see what your presets do. This helps them decide if they want to buy.

9. Sell your photos to magazines or travel publications

A popular way to find travel photography jobs is to sell your photos to magazines or travel publications. This could be small travel websites or even something as large as National Geographic.

Magazines and travel publications are always on the lookout for great photos.

You can start by researching different magazines and publications and look for ones that match your photography style and travel locations.

Take time to study their guidelines as each magazine has specific rules for photo submissions. You’ll want to follow these rules carefully to increase your chances of getting accepted.

When you’re ready, reach out to the photo editors. Send them a brief email with a few sample images. Keep it short and sweet.

If they like your work, they might ask for more photos. They could even give you assignments to shoot specific places or events.

Now, this can be a hard way to make money with travel photography, so remember that patience is key. It might take a while to hear back from editors, and don’t get discouraged if you face rejections at first (because you will most likely hear “no” in the beginning).

10. Start a YouTube channel

Starting a YouTube channel can be a great way to make money as a travel photographer. You can share your adventures and photography tips with viewers around the world.

I follow many, many travel YouTubers – sailors, RVers, adventurers, those who are trying to visit every country in the world, and more.

Travel YouTubers are fun to watch because they take you on exciting trips to beautiful places. They show you destinations you might not have seen before and share their own stories, tips, and experiences.

Recommended reading: How Much Do YouTubers Make?

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about how to make money as a travel photographer.

Can I make money from travel photography?

Yes, you can make money from travel photography. There are many ways to earn income by taking pictures during your travels. You can sell your photos to stock websites, work with brands, sell prints, or start a travel blog.

How hard is it to get into travel photography?

Getting into travel photography takes work, but it’s not impossible. You need to practice your skills and build a strong portfolio. It’s also important to network and market yourself. With time and effort, you can break into this field.

How to make money as an adventure photographer?

Adventure photography is a fun niche. You can sell your action shots to outdoor brands or magazines. You can also sell prints, start an adventure blog, and work with tourism boards.

How much do travel photographers make a year?

Travel photographers make a varying amount of money, and this is because travel jobs are so different. Some photographers make around $40,000 per year. I know an elopement photographer who makes over $200,000 a year. Others earn much more or less.

What steps should I take to start a career in travel photography?

If you want to start a career in travel photography, I recommend that you improve your photography skills such as by taking a photography course and learning how to correctly use a camera and all of its features. Also, building a strong portfolio of your best work, such as by creating a website to showcase your photos, is a good idea.

What skills should I learn to succeed in making money as a travel photographer?

Skills that you should learn so that you can make money as a travel photographer include learning to use your camera well (such as by studying up on composition and lighting) as well as practicing editing photos.

Is it possible to make a living just by taking photos while traveling?

Yes, it’s possible to make a living as a travel photographer. But it usually takes time to build up to a full-time income. Many travel photographers combine different income streams and they might sell photos, lead tours, and write about their travels.

How To Make Money as a Travel Photographer – Summary

I hope you enjoyed this article on the ways to make money while traveling with photography.

If you love taking photos and traveling to new places, becoming a travel photographer might be the perfect job for you.

For over 10 years, I traveled full-time and met many successful photographers who made money by capturing beautiful moments on their trips, and they were able to pursue their passions doing this.

Whether it’s selling photos online, taking pictures at elopements, or teaching others how to improve their photography, there are many ways to earn money while traveling as a professional photographer.

Are you interested in learning how to make money as a travel photographer?

Recommended reading:

Source: makingsenseofcents.com

Apache is functioning normally

October 23, 2024 by Brett Tams

Like most U.S. airlines, Delta charges passengers to check a bag when they travel on domestic itineraries. The first bag is $35, and must be no more than 50 lbs.

A second bag costs $45 and follows the same Delta baggage weight policy. This fee also applies on flights to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Other international itineraries receive one free checked bag per passenger.

The Delta baggage calculator can give you the exact requirements for your trip. It analyzes all the factors into your destination, eligible waivers and number of passengers to alert you to the amount you would owe for standard or overweight bags.

How to pay

You can pay for a checked bag during the check-in process for your flight online or at the airport by using a kiosk with either in cash or in miles. Remember that most domestic Delta airports are now “cashless,” and you may need a credit or debit card.

Checked bag restrictions

Overweight/excess bag fees are determined by the number of bags, the size of the bag and the weight of the bag. Here is what you can expect to pay for bags that exceed these limits:

51-70 lbs: $100.
71-100 lbs: $200.
Over 100 lbs: Not permitted.
Third checked bag: $150.
Fourth-10th checked bag: $200 each.
Oversized bag exceeding 63-80 inches in length/width/height: $200.
Oversized bag exceeding 80 inches in length/width/height: Not permitted.

Travelers can pay extra to check as many as 10 bags per person on most domestic Delta or Delta Shuttle flights (Delta Shuttle flights are the airline’s air shuttle service in the Northeastern U.S.). Up to four bags may be checked on Delta Connection carrier flights, the regional airlines that operate under Delta.

It’s important to note that Delta may limit the number of excess bags it carries on some flights if not everyone is allowed to check the standard two pieces. They would be on a standby basis and may travel on the next available flight.

Here are some key exceptions to the Delta luggage weight limits:

When flying to/from Key West, Florida, all passengers are only permitted one checked bag.
Excess baggage weight is not permitted on Delta Connection flights.
Military travelers on orders can check as many as five bags (up to 100 lbs each) for free. When traveling for personal reasons, they can check two bags (up to 50 lbs each) for free with proper military identification. If traveling in Premium Select, they can check three bags (up to 50 lbs each), and if in first class or Delta One, three bags (up to 70 lbs each).

How to avoid Delta baggage weight fees

There are several ways to avoid paying Delta bag fees.

Flying internationally

When flying all other international flights, most Delta passengers can check their first bag for free, no matter their cabin, status or fare. Basic economy passengers do not earn this benefit. Additional weight and size limitations for international flights include:

51-70 lbs: $100.
71-100 lbs: $200.
Over 70 lbs: not permitted on flights to Europe/United Arab Emirates/North Africa/South Africa.
Over 100 lbs: not permitted on all other flights.

Restrictions on number of bags and size of bags vary depending on the destination country.

Elite status

One of the many perks of SkyMiles Medallion status is being able to check bags for free. This benefit also applies to up to eight companions traveling with the Medallion member on the same reservation.

SkyMiles Silver Medallion: One free checked bag up to 70 lbs on domestic flights and 50 lbs on international flights.
SkyMiles Gold Medallion: Two free checked bags up to 70 lbs on domestic flights and 50 lbs on international flights.
SkyMiles Platinum and Diamond Medallion: Three free checked bags up to 70 lbs on domestic flights and 50 lbs on international flights.
Any SkyMiles Medallion member in Premium Select: Three free checked bags up to 70 lbs on domestic flights and 50 lbs on international flights.
Any SkyMiles Medallion member in first class or Delta One: Three free checked bags up to 70 lbs on all flights.

Premium cabin

In addition to more space and additional food and beverage options, those traveling in premium cabins receive extra bag perks, too (no matter what their elite status tier).

Delta Premium Select: One free checked bag up to 50 lbs.
First, business and Delta One: Two free checked bags up to 70 lbs.

Credit cards

The real value sinks in if traveling with others because they can check one bag for free, too. Up to eight additional companions on the same reservation as the cardholder can check one bag for free.

The only bummer about this benefit is that this perk does not apply when departing from Paris Charles de Gaulle or Amsterdam.

These are the eligible cards with this benefit:

At $35 per bag (per way), that’s a savings of $630 if you travel as a group of nine. That can really take the sting out of paying an annual fee for any of Delta’s credit cards. Frequent flyers can actually come out ahead when you consider the perks of several Delta cards, like SkyClub access with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card(annual fee: $650; see rates and fees ).

If you do not have a Delta co-branded credit card, but still want to save cash, there are other workarounds, too. Many cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express and Chase Sapphire Reserve® , come with travel credits tied to the card.

When spending money with Delta, bag fees would be refunded up to a certain amount. American Express requires that you designate Delta as your preferred airline at the beginning of the year. You would receive up to $200 back. Chase offers up to $300 with no specified airline requirement. Terms apply.

Top cards for Delta flyers

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Annual fee

$0 intro for the first year, then $150

Earning rates

• 2 miles per $1 on purchases made directly with Delta and at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.).

• 1 mile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.

Terms apply.

• 3 miles per $1 on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and on hotel purchases.

• 2 miles per $1 at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.).

• 1 mile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.

Terms apply.

• 3 miles per $1 on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.

• 1 mile per $1 on other eligible purchases.

Terms apply.

Other benefits

• First checked bag free.

• Priority boarding.

• No foreign transaction fees.

Terms apply.

• Companion certificate (main cabin).

• First checked bag free.

• Priority boarding.

• No foreign transaction fees.

Terms apply.

• Airport lounge access.

• Companion certificate (first class, Delta Comfort+ or main cabin).

• Credit for application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry

• First checked bag free.

• Priority boarding.

• No foreign transaction fees.

Terms apply.

Learn more

Carry-on bag restrictions

The bag you bring on board should follow a combined length, width and height limit of 45 linear inches with the size restrictions also being 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches tall. There are sizers at the check-in and gate areas for travelers to measure their luggage; this includes handles and wheels. Interestingly, there is no weight limit for carry-on bags as long as they follow these size metrics.

If you are flying from Beijing or Shanghai, however, Delta will require the carry-on to be 22 lbs or less.

Delta makes exceptions for musical instruments, strollers, car seats and nursing mother accessories. There are no size limits for these items although they must be able to securely fit in the cabin.

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, see this page.

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, see this page.

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card, see this page.

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, see this page.

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, see this page.

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, see this page.

How to maximize your rewards

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

October 22, 2024 by Brett Tams

Montana is a state known for its wide-open spaces, breathtaking natural beauty, and a rugged, independent way of life. But like any state, living in Montana comes with both benefits and challenges. This article dives into the pros and cons of living in Montana to help you decide if it’s the right place for you.

Is Montana a good place to live?

Life in Montana is defined by its striking landscapes, from the towering Rocky Mountains in the west to the rolling prairies in the east. The largest city, Billings, offers a small but growing urban center with a mix of retail, entertainment, and industry jobs. Other notable cities like Missoula and Bozeman are hubs for adventure and home to top-tier universities, including the University of Montana and Montana State University. While urban areas are expanding, much of Montana retains a rural, frontier atmosphere, where people value space, privacy, and self-sufficiency.

Montana state overview

Population	1,084,225
Biggest cities in Montana	Billings, Missoula, Great Falls
Average rent in Billings	$1,425
Average rent in Missoula	$1,295
Average rent in Great Falls	$1,525

1. Pro: An outdoor paradise

Montana is an outdoor lover’s dream, providing access to some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. With two major national parks, Glacier and Yellowstone, plus countless state parks and wilderness areas, there’s no shortage of adventure. Whether you’re into hiking, fishing, skiing, or simply soaking in the views, you’ll find an outdoor activity for every season.

Insider scoop: For a true local experience, visit the hidden gem of Hyalite Canyon near Bozeman. It’s a favorite spot for locals, offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and ice climbing in the winter—without the crowds you’ll find in the national parks.

2. Con: Long, harsh winters

Montana winters can be brutal, especially in the northern and mountainous regions where temperatures can plummet well below freezing. Heavy snowfall and icy roads can make daily life challenging, and cabin fever is a real concern during the months of subzero temperatures. For those not accustomed to cold weather, the winter season can be a major downside. Cities like Great Falls and Helena regularly see snowfall starting as early as October and lasting through April.

Insider scoop: Embracing the winter is key—head to Bridger Bowl near Bozeman for some of the best skiing in the state, or check out Missoula’s winter markets for fresh produce and handmade goods that bring a bit of warmth to the coldest months.

3. Pro: No sales tax

Montana is one of the few states in the U.S. with no statewide sales tax, making it a good place for those who want to stretch their money further. Whether you’re buying a new car, furniture, or groceries, you’ll save a bit more on each purchase compared to states with high sales taxes.

4. Con: Limited public transportation

Montana’s sprawling geography and low population density mean that public transportation options are limited. Most residents need to rely on their own vehicles to get around, even within cities. Rural areas are especially challenging for those without a car, as bus and train routes are virtually non-existent outside of the larger urban centers. Ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft are also less common, making transportation a potential headache for those without a reliable vehicle.

5. Pro: Low population density

Montana is one of the least densely populated states in the U.S., with only about 1.08 million residents spread over its vast landscape. This means plenty of room to breathe, privacy, and fewer crowded public spaces. The low population density is perfect for those who value solitude or are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of larger cities. Even in towns like Billings or Missoula, you won’t feel overwhelmed by crowds.

6. Con: Expensive housing in certain areas

While Montana is often associated with affordable living, certain cities, particularly Bozeman and Missoula, have seen a surge in housing prices in recent years. Driven by an influx of new residents, these cities now have a housing market that rivals much larger metro areas. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Great Falls is around $1,525, while Billings averages $1,425. For long-time residents, this increase in housing costs is a notable con.

Insider scoop: If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider cities like Helena, where rental rates are lower, averaging around $1,125 for a one-bedroom apartment.

7. Pro: Growing job market in certain sectors

While Montana has traditionally relied on agriculture, mining, and tourism, the state’s job market is expanding in sectors like tech, healthcare, and education. Cities like Bozeman have become tech hubs, attracting startups and remote workers looking for a better quality of life. The healthcare industry is also thriving, with hospitals and medical centers in cities like Billings and Missoula offering numerous job opportunities.

8. Con: Potential risk of wildlife

Living in Montana means sharing the landscape with a variety of wildlife, from deer and elk to bears and mountain lions. While these animals add to the state’s natural charm, they can also pose risks, especially if you live in rural or mountainous areas. Bears are particularly common near Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, and it’s not unusual to see warnings about wildlife encounters on hiking trails. Keeping bear spray handy and securing garbage bins are common practices in many parts of the state.

Travel tip: Always make noise when hiking in bear country to avoid startling wildlife, and store food securely when camping to keep critters at bay.

9. Pro: Slower, laid-back lifestyle

Montana offers a slower pace of life that’s hard to find elsewhere. The state’s rural charm, wide-open spaces, and small-town atmosphere make it perfect for those looking to escape the stress of city living. Even in the larger cities like Billings or Great Falls, the pace is far more relaxed compared to the hustle of metropolitan areas. People in Montana tend to value a work-life balance and outdoor recreation, making it an ideal place for those looking to unwind and live a simpler life.

10. Con: Montana is windy

Montana is known for its windy conditions, especially in the eastern plains and mountainous areas. The state’s wide-open spaces and high-altitude landscapes create an ideal environment for strong winds, particularly during the winter and spring months. In cities like Great Falls, Helena, and Livingston, it’s not uncommon to experience wind gusts exceeding 50 mph, which can make outdoor activities less enjoyable and even hazardous. The wind can also lead to increased heating costs in the colder months, as it amplifies the chill factor.

Pros and cons of living in Montana: Overview

Pros	Cons
An outdoor paradise	Long, harsh winters
No sales tax	Limited public transportation
Low population density	Expensive housing in certain areas
Growing job market in certain sectors	Wildlife encounters
Slower, laid-back lifestyle	Montana is windy

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

October 22, 2024 by Brett Tams

Newly re-listed for $6,950,000, a meticulously renovated Texas mansion wows with its elegant interiors, generous proportions, and vibrant outdoor areas — all within a short drive from Dallas and Fort Worth.

Located in a prestigious gated community in Flower Mound, Texas, the massive 6-bedroom home has all the charm of a classic English manor. And it pairs its stately exterior with the finest modern finishes, including a Tesla Solar roof, smart home tech, and beautifully updated interiors.

For country music lovers, it comes with the added appeal of being owned by the family of beloved singer-songwriter Loretta Lynn, whose grandson currently owns the property. Ready for a quick tour?

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