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From bayous to beignets, Cajun cuisine to the coast, Louisiana is filled with amazing waterfront towns and picturesque cities. With their sparkling waves and tan sands, boating and kayaking, sightseeing and fishing, the Louisiana beach towns are some of the best you’ll find. Whether you’re moving to the state or hoping to relocate to the coast, there are many beachfront towns to check out in Louisiana

But if you’re not sure what beach towns in Louisiana to check out, we’ve got you covered. To help you find the right coastal area, Redfin has put together a list of 5 Louisiana beach towns from Grand Isle to New Orleans. Let’s explore some of the state’s top beaches, listed in alphabetical order, and you might just be tempted to move there.

#1: Grand Isle

Median home price: $328,000 
Grand Isle, LA homes for sale
Grand Isle, LA apartments for rent

Starting off our list is Grand Isle, a barrier island along the Gulf of Mexico, home to just about 1,000 people. There are plenty of beaches to explore living in Grand Isle such as Elmer’s Island Beach and Grand Isle Beach. Living in Grand Isle, you can explore Grand Isle State Park and grab a meal along the waterfront.

#2: Jean Lafitte

Median home price: $100,000 
Jean Lafitte, LA homes for sale
Jean Lafitte, LA apartments for rent

Another one of Louisiana’s great coastal towns to consider buying a home in is Jean Lafitte. Located along Bayou Barataria and Lake Salvador, there are plenty of things to do in this charming small town. Make sure to explore Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve or take a fishing charter.

#3: Lake Charles

Median home price: $184,000 
Lake Charles, LA homes for sale
Lake Charles, LA apartments for rent

With about 81,100 residents, Lake Charles is situated in Southwest Louisiana. You’ll find there are lots of beaches to explore on a warm Louisiana day – Lake Charles Beach, North Beach, and Prien Lake Park. If you find yourself moving to Lake Charles, explore downtown Lake Charles, check out the many lakefront parks, or golf at one of the courses. 

#4: Mandeville

Median home price: $354,030 
Mandeville, LA homes for sale
Mandeville, LA apartments for rent

Home to beautiful beaches like Mandeville Lakefront, there are countless places to spend a beach day. About 13,100 people live in Mandeville, where you can also hike along the Mandeville Trailhead, explore Mandeville State Park, and check out the shops and restaurants by the water.

#5: New Orleans

Median home price: $343,500 
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,650 
New Orleans, LA homes for sale
New Orleans, LA apartments for rent

Finishing off our list is none other than the iconic port city of New Orleans. You’ll find gorgeous beaches such as Indian Beach, Lincoln Beach, and Pontchartrain Beach. In New Orleans, you can explore the French Quarter where you’ll find historic landmarks, Bourbon Street, and one-of-a-kind cuisine, check out a concert or live show, and take a steamboat cruise along the Mississippi River.

Note, this list is not comprehensive of all the beach towns in Louisiana. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during June 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com June 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.

Source: redfin.com

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When you think of New York, chances are you’re thinking of New York City, home to towering skyscrapers, bustling city life, theater, nightlife, and one-of-a-kind cuisine. But New York state is known for much more than the “Big Apple” – and one of those things is its stunning beach towns. With white sands and sparkling blue waters, there are many idyllic New York beach towns to consider moving to in the state.

But if you’re not sure what coastal cities in New York to check out, we’ve got you covered. To help you find the right coastal area, Redfin has gathered a list of 11 awesome New York beach towns from Coney Island to the Hamptons. Let’s explore some of the state’s top beaches, listed in alphabetical order, and you might just be tempted to move there.

#1: Babylon

Median home price: $565,000 
Babylon, NY homes for sale
Babylon, NY apartments for rent

Beginning our list is Babylon, one of many towns located along Long Island. About 210,400 people live in this coastal New York town where you’ll find beaches like Southards Pond Park. Living in Babylon, take a stroll around Argyle Park, check out the downtown area, or hop on the Great South Bay Bridge to explore Captree Island.

#2: Brookhaven

Median home price: $600,000 
Brookhaven, NY homes for sale
Brookhaven, NY apartments for rent

Another one of New York’s great coastal towns to consider buying a home in is Brookhaven, home to 482,400 residents. There are plenty of beaches to visit like Bay View Beach and Fireplace Neck Tidal Wetlands Area, and you can also explore the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge.

#3: Coney Island

Median home price: $370,000 
Coney Island, NY homes for sale
Coney Island, NY apartments for rent

One of New York City’s many iconic neighborhoods, Coney Island has about 24,700 residents. There are lots of beaches to explore on a warm New York day like Brighton Beach, Coney Island Beach, Manhattan Beach Park, and Seagate Beach. Make sure to ride one of the many amusement park rides like the Cyclone Roller Coaster, grab one of the many iconic boardwalk treats, and stop by the Coney Island Lighthouse.

#4: The Hamptons

Median home price: $1,250,000 
The Hamptons, NY homes for sale
The Hamptons, NY apartments for rent

A collection of quaint villages, mainly known for their summer homes for New York City residents, the Hamptons are one of the most recognizable beach areas in the state. With communities like East Hampton, Sag Harbor, and South Hampton there are lots of beaches you’ll want to spend time at. Some of these beaches include Coopers Beach, East Hampton Beach, Indian Wells Beach, Sagg Main Beach, Two Mile Hollow Beach, and W. Scott Cameron Beach. You’ll find plenty of other activities like surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, or lounging at one of the beaches, visiting historic sites like Montauk Point Lighthouse or the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center, or strolling down Main Street in East Hampton where you’ll find many farm-to-table restaurants and local shops.

#5: Islip

Median home price: $465,000 
Islip, NY homes for sale
Islip, NY apartments for rent

Home to beautiful beaches like Islip Beach and Town Beach, there are countless places to spend a beach day in the charming town of Islip. There are about 330,900 residents living in Islip, but there are plenty of quaint spots to check out overlooking the Great South Bay. Other than a beach day, you can explore the Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge and stop at one of the local restaurants in Islip.

#6: Montauk

Median home price: $1,320,000 
Montauk, NY homes for sale
Montauk, NY apartments for rent

The quaint coastal town of Montauk has about 3,600 residents, making it another great place to add to your list. Montauk is located at the eastern end of Long Island where you’ll find stunning beaches such as Amsterdam Beach State Park, Ditch Plains Beach, Kirk Park Beach, and Lake Montauk. In Montauk, you can check out the views at Hither State Park, spend the day at Fort Pond, and hike through Camp Hero State Park.

#7: Orient

Median home price: $1,150,000 
Orient, NY homes for sale
Orient, NY apartments for rent

With roughly 1,000 people calling this area home, Orient is a great beach town to consider living in. Some beaches you can visit include Long Beach, Orient Beach, and Truman Beach. You’ll have easy access to what makes this hamlet special, so make sure to visit Orient Point County Park and check out the downtown area.

#8: Rockaway Beach

Median home price: $599,000 
Rockaway Beach, NY homes for sale
Rockaway Beach, NY apartments for rent

A neighborhood of Queens, Rockaway Beach has a population of close to 13,500. There are plenty of scenic beaches to explore including the namesake Rockaway Beach. If you’re going to call this beachfront neighborhood home, plan time to stroll through the downtown area and check out the beachfront parks.

#9: Shelter Island

Median home price: $1,100,000 
Shelter Island, NY homes for sale
Shelter Island, NY apartments for rent

There are amazing beaches on Shelter Island, such as Gibson Beach and Wades Beach, all perfect for a picnic. Living in Shelter Island, make sure to spend the day exploring Mashomack Preserve, check out downtown Shelter Island, and take the ferry to nearby North Haven.

#10: Southold

Median home price: $1,480,000 
Southold, NY homes for sale
Southold, NY apartments for rent

Roughly 5,900 people live in Southold where you’ll find beaches like Cedar Beach Park, Goldsmith’s Inlet Park, Goose Creek Beach, Horton Lane Beach, Paradise Shores Beach, and Town Beach. Other attractions in Southold include having a meal at a waterfront restaurant, exploring the downtown area, or spending the evening at one of the local wineries.

#11: Staten Island

Median home price: $615,000 
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,600 
Staten Island, NY homes for sale
Staten Island, NY apartments for rent

This coastal town has a population of 475,600 and there are lots of beaches to spend time outside at. In Staten Island, you can visit Cedar Grove Beach, Crescent Beach Park, Great Kills Beach, Midland Beach, New Dorp Beach, South Beach, and Wolfe’s Pond Beach. There’s always something to check out while living in Staten Island, like visiting the Staten Island Museum to learn about the island, checking out the historic town of Richmond, and exploring the Greenbelt Nature Center and its many hiking trails.

Note, this list is not comprehensive of all the beach towns in New York. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during June 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com June 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.

Source: redfin.com

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More home buyers are being tempted onto the market by the incredibly low mortgage rates being offered, but they’re becoming increasingly frustrated at the limited choice of homes for sale.

The combination of an unseasonable surge in buyer demand and reduced housing inventories, there simply aren’t enough homes to satisfy everyone who’s looking, CNBC reported.

Indeed,
housing inventories nationwide fell 2.5% in September, compared to
the same month one year ago. But the situation gets even worse when
we consider the most affordable segment of the market. According to
CNBC, inventory of homes priced at $200,000 or less is down 10%
compared to a year ago, while the $200,000 to $750,000 segment saw no
change. Unfortunately, economists believe inventory in that price
range will also fall in the coming months.

“If,
or better yet, when inventory in this segment begins to take a
downturn, the vast majority of home buyers are going to feel its
effects as their options rapidly dwindle,” George Raitu,
realtor.com’s senior economist, told CNBC. “September inventory
trends, especially in the mid-market, may be the canary in the coal
mine that we could be headed for even lower levels of inventory in
early 2020.”

The
most likely result of this growing demand for homes and the shortage
of available options is that home prices will rise, which may
eventually help to reduce demand and balance things out.

But
right now, buyers are being increasingly tempted to have a look due
to the low mortgage rates on offer. According to Freddie Mac, the
30-year fixed-rate mortgage hovered around 3.5% in September, well
below the average of 5% we saw last November. And both new and
existing home sales have increased simultaneously, as rates decline.

Even
worse, it seems builders are unable to make up the shortfall. Robert
Dietz, chief economist of the National Association of Home Builders,
told CNBC that new construction is unlikely to be fast enough to
provide buyers with the options they want at affordable price points.
He said that just 10% of sales of newly built homes are priced at
$200,000 or less, whereas that percentage was at 40% just ten years
ago. He adds that the new home market is undersupplied by around 1
million housing units overall.

“We’ve
faced what has been called a perfect storm of supply-side
challenges,” Dietz said. “There has been an ongoing labor
shortage, we lack the necessary land and lots to build homes, we’ve
had building material cost concerns, and then probably the most
important factor has been higher regulatory costs since the Great
Recession.”

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]
Latest posts by Mike Wheatley (see all)

Source: realtybiznews.com

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HousingTech is curating the Start-Up Zone at the NAHB’s International Builders Show Feb. 9-12, which is an annual event for the housing industry that draws 100,000 people to Orlando.

This year it will be a virtual gathering, but it will be its usual powerful platform for showcasing the industry’s most interesting, exciting, and promising companies – this is all about connecting customers, capital, and media to companies that are poised to transform the industry with the solution/service/product that they are bringing to the market.

We are looking for emerging companies, 3 years or younger, to be among 25 that are featured in the Start-Up Zone and compete for Most Innovative Company 2021. Applications should be submitted prior to December 15.

Apply NOW

Source: geekestateblog.com

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What you learn in real estate school will help you pass your licensure exam, but it won’t prepare you for running a real estate business. On today’s podcast with 30 Under 30 Honoree Cheyenne McGriff, we discuss what you don’t learn in real estate school. Tune in for tips that will help you get a running start with your new real estate career. In addition to covering where to get business, we discuss dual agency, mentorship, and the benefits of being transparent with clients.

Get 10+ hours of mastermind-level content 100% FREE. Register at Carrot.com/Rockstar today!

Listen to today’s show and learn:

  • About Cheyenne McGriff [4:47]
  • One of the benefits of real estate: flexibility [6:29]
  • Putting family first [8:57]
  • Scaling with your sphere [9:51]
  • Representing both sides in a real estate transaction [12:22]
  • Why the support of a team is so important [19:16]
  • What it’s like working with a seasoned agent [21:02]
  • The No. 1 thing Cheyenne learned from her real estate mentor [22:31]
  • How to avoid bad real estate deals [23:50]
  • The problem with real estate classes [26:39]
  • An alternative to transaction coordinators [27:45]
  • The benefits of buyer’s agents [28:59]
  • How Cheyenne McGriff got into real estate [31:36]
  • Cheyenne’s advice for new real estate agents [36:53]
  • Learning by doing in real estate [39:22]
  • Where to find and follow Cheyenne McGriff [41:28]

Cheyenne McGriff

Cheyenne McGriff is a 20-something small town girl who left a stable career that she liked to pursue entrepreneurship and building a life that she loves. Cheyenne is a wife, a dog mom and a singer. She is a connector, a community builder and a full time REALTOR. She is a South Dakotan, through and through.

Cheyenne says ‘Ope way too often. She loves that they have more cows than people. Cheyenne constantly waves at strangers. She brags about living in the beautiful Black Hills and Badlands.

Related Links and Resources:

It might go without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway: We really value listeners like you. We’re constantly working to improve the show, so why not leave us a review? If you love the content and can’t stand the thought of missing the nuggets our Rockstar guests share every week, please subscribe; it’ll get you instant access to our latest episodes and is the best way to support your favorite real estate podcast. Have questions? Suggestions? Want to say hi? Shoot me a message via Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or Email.

-Aaron Amuchastegui

Source: realestaterockstarsnetwork.com

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What’s the first sign that a movie is going to be bad? I’ll go first. When you can tell that the trailer used all its best footage. Sometimes you can just tell, and it never fails to prove true. After someone asked for other examples in an online film forum, here is what moviegoers had to say.

1. Multiple Comedy Trailers Highlighting the Same Joke

When you have seen multiple trailers for the same comedy movie, and they are all centered around the same joke or laughing point, that’s when you know something is up. One individual pointed out, “That’s usually the only joke in the movie.”

2. The Remake of a Previously Successful Movie

If a film or film franchise was already successful, what reason do you have to try to make a reboot? Many agreed, “Feels like it’s just a safe money-grab. It would be cool if movies that didn’t do so hot get reworked into good movie remakes, but I guess that’s too much of a risk for studios to bother with.”

3. Visual Effects and Celebrity Presence

When the only focal point of the film is the significant celebrity presence or the overwhelming reliance on visual effects to captivate the audience, get yourself out of there; it’s going to be a stinker, my friend.

4. Death by Exposition

Exposition in a film can be a helpful tool to move along plot points, highlight character traits, or even just illuminate specific details. What is not helpful is when there is a character giving an exposition to a fellow character who should already know what’s going on.

5. Multiple Writers, Lack of a Clear Idea

We have all seen movie credits that list multiple writers without realizing the correlation to the incoherent plot of the story. It doesn’t always happen, but when there are more than two or three writers, the film can lack coherency. It’s like “the too many cooks in the kitchen mentality.”

6. It’s the Best Movie of the Year, in Late March

It’s a clear sign that the movie has a good chance of flopping when advertised as the “Best Movie of the Year” or “The #1 Movie of the Year.” How can a studio declare something so daring at such an early stage in the year? It’s insane.

7. Someone Is Shrugging on the Ad Poster

Several people shared, “I like to imagine that when they take the photo shoot for the movie posters and promotional material, the lead actor/actress just shrugs like ‘I don’t know what I’m doing here or why I took this gig, but a paycheck’s a paycheck I guess.”

8. Production Took How Long?

Several filmaholics noted the film Chaos Walking. “It changed screenwriter, director, and production company so many times over ten years. It was sold on it being a Charlie Kauffman movie starring Daisy Ridley and Tom Holland. But, unfortunately, Kauffman left in 2013; Ridley and Holland filmed it over years due to so many reshoots and failed screenings.”

9. Snack Refill Without Pausing the Movie

For us, adamant movie viewers, a great perk to home movie viewing is the ability to pause, rewind, etc., as we please. When you have to get up within the first five to ten minutes of the movie and don’t feel the need to pause it, you know this movie isn’t going to be too good.

10. The Trailer Can’t Hide the Terrible Acting

When a well-edited trailer can’t hide how terrible the dialogue of a film is, there’s no hope for the movie at all. You have to remember that the trailer is what visually draws the moviegoer in. If the studio can’t manage to put their best foot forward at the most crucial time, you can’t expect much for the rest of the movie.

Source Reddit

Image Credit: Shutterstock – Denis Makarenko

Who is one actress you can never stand watching, no matter their role?  After polling the internet, these were the top-voted actresses that people couldn’t stand watching.

10 Actresses People Despise Watching Regardless of Their Role

These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

We’ve all heard the famous adage that “no publicity is bad publicity,” and while it tends to be accurate, there are certainly exceptions. But what about those few stars who stay out of the limelight and get along without a hint of trouble? 

These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Have you ever known someone and thought you liked them—until you learned about their hobbies? Then you get to know them and then you’re like, “Wow, red flag.” Well, you’re not alone.

These 10 Activities Are an Immediate Red Flag

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Some celebrities definitely seem to enjoy the limelight and keep working to stay in the public eye. While others quickly move out of the spotlight. Many of these actors and actresses stepped out of the spotlight to live a more private life without constant media pressures.

10 Celebrities That Made the Big Times Then Disappeared Off The Face of the Earth

Image Credit: Troma Entertainment

We’ve all been there – sitting through a movie that we can’t help but cringe at, but somehow it still manages to hold a special place in our hearts.

These 10 Terrible Movies Are Still People’s Favorites



About the Author



Source: financequickfix.com

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Since the dawn of streaming, thousands of services have popped onto the scene. As you look for the best streaming service out there, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. After all, there are just so many options vying for your attention.

So, how can you determine which streaming service offers you the absolute best value? Today I’ll dive into the details with a breakdown of the top eight streaming services that offer the most bang for your buck.

Let’s dive in!

What’s Ahead:

Overview of the best values in streaming

Streaming service Best for Cost Free trial Are there commercials? Popular shows and movies Add-on options
Netflix Diverse interests $8.99 to $17.99 per month No No Narcos, Bridgerton, Ozark, The Queen’s Gambit, Virgin River N/A
Disney+ Families with young children $8.99 to $13.99 per month No No The Mandalorian, WandaVision,The Lion King, Mulan ESPN+
Hulu (with ads)
Hulu Currently on-air TV shows $5.99 to $64.99 per month Yes Yes, at the lowest price point The Handmaid’s Tale, This is Us, Cruel Summer Disney+
ESPN+
HBO Max
SHOWTIME
STARZ
CINEMAX
Amazon Prime Video Free shipping shoppers $8.99 per month, or included in your Amazon Prime Membership Yes No The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Goliath, The Main in the High Castle Included with your Amazon Prime Membership
HBO Max Movie buffs $14.99 per month No No The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, FRIENDS: The Reunion N/A
Crackle No-cost streaming Free N/A Yes Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, Going From Broke, War N/A
Sling TV Live TV $35 to $50+ per month No Yes NFL Network, HGTV, AMC, Bravo, BBC, ESPN, TLC SHOWTIME, STARZ, EPIX, CineFest, CineMoi, Comedy Dynamics, etc.
Peacock Classic sitcom aficionados $0 to $9.99 per month Yes Yes, with some content The Office, Parks and Recreation, Downton Abbey, Modern Family N/A

Netflix

  • Types of content – Originals, TV shows, documentaries, movies.
  • Cost – $8.99 to $17.99 per month.
  • Number of shows – About 15,000 titles.
  • Free trial – No.
  • Year created – 1997.

No conversation about streaming services would be complete without including Netflix. As the original streaming giant, it is not surprising that Netflix still offers its customers great value. 

In fact, the streaming giant offers 1,326 TV shows and 4,339 movies to viewers within the U.S. This large number of titles translates into thousands of hours of content for subscribers.

Although Netflix originally hosted popular shows created by other networks, the company has pivoted to focus its efforts on creating original content in recent years. As this transition occurs, some popular titles have left the streaming platform while new shows and movies are created exclusively for subscribers.

Over time, the cost of streaming Netflix has risen. However, it is still a relatively affordable way to gain access to thousands of hours’ worth of content. You can explore the exclusive titles before signing up to ensure there’s something you are interested in. 

Learn more about Netflix.

Disney+

  • Types of content – Originals, TV shows, documentaries, movies.
  • Cost – $7.99 to $13.99 per month.
  • Number of shows – About 7,000 TV episodes and 500 films.
  • Free trial – No.
  • Year created – 2019.

Disney+ launched late in 2019. Although the entertainment giant was not the first on the streaming scene, it picked up over 100 million subscribers in just 16 months. The draw of Disney’s extensive catalog of original movies and TV shows has drawn new subscribers quickly.

Through Disney+, you’ll have access to different branded content, including National Geographic, the Star Wars universe, the Marvel universe, and Disney classics. Of course, there are thousands of hours of content that Disney has created in its long history on the streaming platform. But the CEO, Bob Capek, has also announced that Disney+ intends to add at least 100 new titles to the platform each year. 

Beyond this extensive library, Disney+ gives you the option to bundle with ESPN+ and Hulu for just a few dollars a month. With that, you’ll have access to everything in Disney+ and live sports!

All in all, Disney+ is a perfect option for families with a wide range of interests. 

Learn more about Disney+.

Hulu

  • Types of content – Originals, network channels, TV shows, documentaries, movies.
  • Cost – $5.99 to $64.99 per month.
  • Number of shows – About 2,700+ titles.
  • Free trial – Yes.
  • Year created – 2007.

Hulu is a streaming platform that has been available for many years. However, what sets this service apart is the ability to stay up to date with shows that are currently airing on TV. 

With that, you’ll have the option to cut your cable expenses and switch over to a streaming service. Not only will you have access to the latest episode, but also the previous seasons of most shows. In addition to shows that are airing on major networks, Hulu also offers some original content. 

A disadvantage of Hulu is that a base subscription won’t provide a commercial-free experience. At the $5.99 price point, you’ll gain access to the platform. But you’ll still have to suffer through commercials. You’ll need to pay $11.99 per month to enjoy your shows without sitting through commercials. 

An interesting feature offered by Hulu is the Live TV option. With this option, you’ll gain access to over 75 channels without getting cable. If you worry about missing your shows live, then this streaming service could be the best option for you. 

Learn more about Hulu.

Amazon Prime Video

  • Types of content – Originals, TV shows, documentaries, movies, sports.
  • Cost – $8.99 per month, or included in your Amazon Prime Membership.
  • Number of shows – About 24,000 movies and 2,100+ shows.
  • Free trial – Yes.
  • Year created – 2006.

Amazon Prime Video is known for offering worthwhile original content.

The depth of their original content library is shallower than what streaming giants like Netflix and Disney+ can offer. However, there are still many hidden gems in the Prime Video library. Additionally, the recent purchase of MGM by Amazon should dramatically boost the number of titles available through Prime Video. 

If you are worried about missing out on sports, Amazon has you covered. Beyond TV shows and movies, Amazon also offers Thursday Night Football games. Additionally, recent deals with Comedy Central and Nickelodeon have brought more content to the platform for children and families looking to laugh.

As a streaming service, Amazon Prime Video offers a lot of value. But you can get even more bang for your buck if you choose to access Prime Video through an Amazon Prime membership. At $12.99 per month, you’ll get free shipping on thousands of items. Plus, access to this extensive content library.

Learn more about Amazon Prime Video.

HBO Max

  • Types of content – Originals, TV shows, documentaries, movies.
  • Cost – $14.99 per month.
  • Number of shows – About 2,000 titles.
  • Free trial – No.
  • Year created: 2020.

HBO Max is a relatively new streaming service, but HBO has been around for a while. In fact, you’ve probably heard of HBO’s track record for creating outstanding original content.  For example, Game of Thrones was an HBO original that took the world by storm. 

Not only does HBO have a track record for creating outstanding original content, but the platform also has exclusive movie rights to some of the latest movies. So if you are a movie buff that wants access to the newest movies as soon as possible, HBO Max is likely the way to go for Warner Bros. Pictures’ movies. 

Although the sheer amount of content available on HBO is less than other platforms, the quality of the content is stellar. All things considered, you may choose to go with HBO Max for the quality, but you might miss out on the quantity available on other platforms. Of course, there is only so much TV you can stream. With that, HBO Max may have plentiful content for your needs. 

Learn more about HBO Max.

Crackle

  • Types of content – TV shows, documentaries, movies.
  • Cost – Free.
  • Number of shows – About 1,000+ movies and 70+ TV shows.
  • Free trial – N/A.
  • Year created – 2004.

Crackle is a free streaming service that you can access by creating an account. Although the platform is free, you’ll have to put up with commercials to stream any content. 

With a large amount of free content, you’ll find that the quality is hit or miss. The platform itself is a little bit outdated, but overall, it is relatively easy to navigate once you figure out the different groupings.

Essentially, you’ll have to decide if you are comfortable sitting through commercials while watching your TV shows. Since the price is free and there are some interesting titles, you can always give Crackle a try.

Learn more about Crackle.

Sling TV

  • Types of content – Network channels, sports.
  • Cost – $35 to $50+ per month.
  • Number of shows – About 5,000 titles.
  • Free trial – No.
  • Year created – 2015.

If you are hanging onto your expensive cable package just so that you can watch a handful of channels, then Sling TV is the answer you’ve been looking for. You’ll be able to choose which collection of channels you want to pay for. 

With over 45 channels available in a package, it is likely you’ll find everything you are looking for. If not, you’ll have the opportunity to add on additional channels for an extra fee. With that, you can essentially customize your cable experience and cut down on costs.

When you pay for Sling TV, you’ll be able to watch the selected channels live. Plus, you’ll be able to watch on-demand shows through your DVR. 

Overall, Sling TV provides a great option for anyone looking to cut cable without letting go of their favorite channels.

Learn more about Sling TV.

Peacock

  • Types of content – Originals, TV shows, documentaries, movies.
  • Cost – $0 to $9.99 per month.
  • Number of shows – About 20,000 hours of titles.
  • Free trial – Yes.
  • Year created – 2020.

As a relatively recent creation, Peacock offers a lot of standout content. Most notably, fans of recent hit sitcoms will be impressed with the binge-worthy lineup, including The Office, 30 Rock, and Parks and Recreation.

The new platform offers a fairly deep collection of content. Plus, you’ll have the ability to watch for free if you don’t mind sitting through commercials.

If you have a penchant for rewatching your favorite comedies, then Peacock offers a worthwhile service. Additionally, the NBC-owned platform seems committed to adding content that will range beyond their hit comedies.

Learn more about Peacock.

How we came up with our list of best values in streaming

As we explored streaming services, we looked at a variety of factors when pulling out the best of the best. We researched the price, the quality of the content available, the quantity of content available, and other unique features that make each platform stand out. The selections above were chosen to represent the best available in a range of categories. 

What is a streaming service?

A streaming service is a platform that provides a media format that can be consumed continuously. As a user, you won’t need a lot of storage space to access the media.

In this article, we’ve looked at streaming services that provide video content. However, there are also streaming services that offer audio content, such as Spotify or Pandora. 

Why should you use a streaming service?

Affordability

The average household cable package costs around $217 per month. That’s a lot of cash that you could use to accomplish other things, like building your retirement savings or saving up for your next vacation.

Streaming services offer an affordable way to cut your entertainment costs without missing out on enjoyable content.

Commercial-free options

There are not too many of us that enjoy sitting through a commercial. After all, there are only so many hours in a day. You don’t want to waste precious time sitting through an annoying commercial. Many streaming services offer commercial-free options to help you eliminate this annoying distraction. 

Killer content on your schedule

A streaming service allows you to watch the shows you want to when you want to. Instead of trying to time your TV watching, you can simply press play whenever.

This freedom doesn’t mean that you have to watch mediocre shows. In fact, the streaming services above offer access to some of the most popular shows and movies available. 

Flexibility

When you sign up for a streaming service, you may not be locked into a contract. So if you run out of content that you want to watch on a particular platform, then just cancel until a new show piques your interest. 

Why shouldn’t you use a streaming service?

You don’t watch any TV

If you don’t regularly watch TV, then a streaming service might not be worth it. Consider whether or not the amount of time you spend watching TV justifies a streaming expense. 

Limited sports options

If you are a sports fan who wants to watch particular games, do some research about where the games will be available. In some cases, you may not find a streaming service that offers access to the sporting events you care about. 

Most important features of a streaming service

Here’s what to look for as you explore your streaming options:

Cost

First things first, make sure that the streaming service you choose fits into your budget. Otherwise, you might want to go with one of the many free options. 

Content

The content available on a streaming platform will really help you determine whether or not you want to purchase it. Although there is an abundance of content out there, you’ll need to decide for yourself what interests you the most.

For example, my husband is a big Star Wars fan, and I love Disney movies. With that, we decided to go with Disney+ for our streaming service of choice.

Source: moneyunder30.com

Apache is functioning normally

United Airlines is offering passengers affected by the weeklong delays and cancellations 30,000 frequent flyer miles following a bumpy recovery and a string of bad publicity.

“I know this week was hard,” United wrote in an email from Chief Customer Officer Linda Jojo on Saturday to impacted passengers, and obtained by TPG. “Really bad weather, air traffic control issues and some of our own operational challenges led to a rough experience for you and many of our customers.”

Customer service email from United. UNITED AIRLINES

Severe thunderstorms spurred widespread travel disruptions last weekend, however, United fared far worse than the other U.S. airlines, as it led in cancellations and delays in the days following the inclement weather.

As a result of the thousands of cancellations and delays United reported within the week, thousands of travelers were left stranded in airports across the country, scrambling for backup flights ahead of July 4, reported to be one of the busiest travel weekends on record.

According to United, the email was sent to customers with trips between June 24-30, and who were delayed overnight or had their flights canceled.

United told TPG via email, “Customers will get a follow-up email later next week with simple steps to automatically add 30,000 miles to their account (existing MileagePlus members will have one path, non-MP members will be given instructions on how to sign up and receive their miles).”

United initially blamed the Federal Aviation Administration for the disruptions, but the carrier also faced staffing issues, with its chapter of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA reporting long wait times for scheduling.

To add fuel to the fire, Kirby also chartered a private jet from Teterboro Airport to Denver as the Chicago-based carrier struggled to restore its operations. United said it did not pay for Kirby’s flight.

Kirby apologized for flying on a private jet as United faced operational woes in a memo sent to staff.

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“Taking a private jet was the wrong decision because it was insensitive to our customers waiting to get home,” he wrote.

As of Saturday afternoon, United seemed to be on the road to recovery, tallying 523 delays and 56 cancellations, according to FlightAware. Still, 19% of its flights on Saturday were delayed as of 4:48 p.m. ET with most of those delays again coming from its Newark hub.

Flight Aware cancellations and delays chart.

“Providing these miles is the right thing to do,” Kirby wrote in the email to passengers. “After all, you put your trust in us and expect more.” Customers will receive a follow-up email with how to claim the miles.

United told TPG, “This gesture is in addition to the many other ways we’ve been helping our customers whose travel has been impacted this week, including things like: providing vouchers for hotels and meals, offering amenity carts with snacks and beverages, and giving customers future travel credits and miles.”

Interestingly, United does not suggest it would reimburse all affected customers for costs incurred during the meltdown as Southwest did after a similar mess during Christmas.

“This has been one of the most operationally challenging weeks I’ve experienced in my entire career,” Kirby wrote to employees in a memo first reported by CNBC.

Related reading:

Source: thepointsguy.com

Apache is functioning normally

Here we go with another week. There’s not a lot happening in the market right now, so mortgage rates are remaining relatively flat. We do have several chances for rates to move around this week as a string of inflation data is set to get released.

Our recommendation continues to be for borrowers to take action sooner rather than later. Read on for more details.

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Market Outlook 3.12.18 from Total Mortgage on Vimeo.

Where are mortgage rates going?                                         

Inflation data could impact rates this week

On Friday, we got an unusually strong monthly jobs report for February. Financial market participants welcomed the positive data, and moved more into stocks and out of government bonds.

This caused the yield on the 10-year Treasury note, which is the best market indicator of where mortgage rates are going, up to 2.90%. It’s inched down a little to 2.89%, but that’s a very minor decline.

Today should be a relatively calm day in the markets, as there’s not much happening on the economic front other than a few Treasury Auctions. There’s definitely the potential for some market turbulence later on in the week, though, as we have several important economic reports out.

First up is the February Consumer Price Index reading tomorrow morning. The one drawback in the monthly jobs report on Friday was the weaker than expected average hourly earnings reading.

This puts some pressure on the CPI reading as investors look for signs of rising inflation. Analysts are calling for a rise of 0.2% from the previous month, so that’s the baseline investors will be looking for.

A reading above or below that mark will cause the greatest market reaction. If it comes in higher, we could see stocks and, subsequently, mortgage rates, go up. Vice versa if it comes in low.

After that, we’ve got more inflation data on Wednesday with the Producer Prices reading and the Retail Sales report. There are a few reports out on Thursday as well but nothing too major.

That brings us to Friday, where we’ll wrap up the week with the Industrial Production report. If you’ve been following current mortgage rates at all, you know that they’ve been on the rise.

Last week rates rose in the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey for the ninth consecutive week. We’ve seen the average rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage in the PMMS creep up over fifty basis points (one basis point = 0.01) since the start of the year.

That’s no small increase. It’s also not the end of the climb. According to many analysts, we will see the average rate on a 30-year fixed move another fifty basis points by the time 2019 comes around.

The ascent hasn’t been as rapid in recent weeks, but rates have continued to move higher nonetheless.

Rate/Float Recommendation                   

Lock now to try and get the best rate

With mortgage rates expected to continue rising throughout the year, the smart decision for many borrowers is to lock in a rate on a purchase or refinance sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the greater the risk you’ll be paying more with a higher mortgage rate.

Learn what you can do to get the best interest rate possible. 

Today’s economic data:                                 

10-Yr Note Auction

Notable events this week:                

Monday: 

  • 10-Yr Note Auction

Tuesday:    

  • NFIB Small Business Optimism Index
  • Consumer Price Index

Wednesday:      

  • PPI-FD
  • Retail Sales
  • Business Inventories
  • EIA Petroleum Status Report

Thursday:        

  • Jobless Claims
  • Philadelphia Fed
  • Empire State Mfg Survey
  • Import and Export Prices
  • Housing Market Index

Friday:       

  • Housing Starts
  • Industrial Production
  • Consumer Sentiment
  • JOLTS

*Terms and conditions apply.

Carter Wessman

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

Source: totalmortgage.com