At first glance, the contrast of the natural setting with the steel-and-concrete structure at 53 Major Lockwood Lane in Pound Ridge, NY, might seem strange.
But there’s actually a very good reason for the aesthetic of the innovative property, which was recently listed for the first time at $1,199,000.
“This is a passive solar home, so it was situated on the land to maximize sunlight at all times of year,” says listing agent Betsy Ronel. “It was designed by the renowned environmental architect, Michael Kwartler and completed in 1981.”
A “passive” solar home is one that has windows, walls, and floors made to collect, store, reflect, and distribute solar energy for a year-round temperate interior.
This particular private, sun-filled oasis offers three bedrooms, an office, loftlike living spaces, an open kitchen, and an entire wall of windows.
The home’s thoughtful design is optimized for natural light and year-round views. Plentiful custom windows face the surrounding 5-acre, forested property, which comes with access rights to the adjacent Hawkins Lake. And the serene space isn’t far from other recreational pursuits.
Plus, Pound Ridge is known as a “creator’s haven,” Ronel notes. “Residents here get the best of it all: privacy and quiet yet access to everything.”
In this case, “everything” includes chic shops and restaurants in the downtown area, as well as ample outdoor adventures, annual events, and other local activities. Several major train stations and retail destinations are also within 20 miles of Pound Ridge.
“This town appeals to all walks of life,” Ronel says. “Artist, scientist, maker, equestrian, people watcher, small towner, weekender, full timer, families, and singletons of all ages and backgrounds enjoy it here.”
One mortgage lender making a big splash of late is NewRez, short for New Residential Investment Corp.
Thanks to their 2019 acquisition of Shellpoint Partners LLC, which was the parent company of New Penn Financial, they now have a robust loan origination platform to flank their expansive loan servicing business.
They are a publicly-traded company worth billions of dollars that has quickly become a top-20 mortgage lender nationwide.
The company also has joint ventures in place, including one with Shelter Mortgage known as Homeowners First Mortgage.
It provides mortgage financing to home buyers represented by real estate brokerage First Team Real Estate in Southern California.
NewRez and Shelter also have a partnership in place with a San Francisco-based company called Landed, collectively known as Landed Home Loans, which offers down payment assistance to teachers and other school employees.
In July 2020, NewRez created its 16th joint venture with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty, which will be known as “Home Sense Lending LLC.”
It will serve home buyers throughout New England via 500 licensed real estate agents that work at the brokerage.
In September 2020, they launched “Sanctuary Home Mortgage,” a collaboration between NewRez and Shelter Mortgage Company, and Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty.
Then in December 2020 created “Mission Mortgage,” which will be headquartered in Washington, D.C. and service clients there and in Maryland and Virginia.
The pair’s newest joint venture is called “Coast One Mortgage,” a partnership with the Schmidt Family of Companies, a family-owned real estate brokerage.
NewRez Fast Facts
Founded in 2008, originally known as New Penn Financial
A direct-to-consumer mortgage lender based in Fort Washington, PA
Also runs a correspondent lending and wholesale division
Licensed to lend in 49 states and DC (pending approval in NY state)
Funded $61 billion in 2020 (a top-20 lender nationwide)
2,600+ employees and 616,000+ customers served
How to Get a Mortgage with NewRez
They say they’ve got cutting-edge technology and proprietary systems, including the NewRez app and “ezhub,” which is their digital mortgage offering.
It allows you to document income and assets electronically and take advantage of various automated underwriting tools.
Their smartphone app lets you to apply for a mortgage and make monthly mortgage payments once your loan is closed, assuming they service it too.
It’s also possible to get the loan process started online by filling out a short form on their website, at which point a loan advisor will make contact to guide you along.
You can also simply call them up directly or use their loan advisor directory to get in touch with someone specific if you’ve been referred.
Either way, you’ve got options when it comes to applying for a loan with NewRez.
Loan Types Offered by NewRez Mortgage
Home purchase and refinance loans (rate/term and cash out)
Home renovation loans and construction loans
Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA loans
Specialized products for self-employed borrowers
Jumbo loans that exceed the conforming loan limit
NewRez offers home purchase loans, refinance loans, and construction loans on all property types, including primary homes, vacation homes, and investment properties.
The company’s 2019 volume consisted of roughly 85% mortgage refinance and 15% home purchase, with 37% of their loans involving cash out to the borrower.
This is probably due to their massive loan servicing portfolio that allows them to get in contact with their many existing homeowners.
They offer both conventional loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, along with government home loans including FHA loans, USDA loans, and VA loans.
You can also get a jumbo home loan from NewRez if the loan amount exceeds the conforming loan limit for your county.
Nearly 60% of their 2019 retail loan volume was conventional, with 25% FHA loans, 15% VA loans, and the remainder jumbo and USDA.
Those looking for a construction loan are in luck because they offer both FHA and VA construction loans, such as FHA 203k, and conventional construction loans like Fannie Mae HomeStyle.
You can get a fixed-rate mortgage, such as a 30-year fixed or 15-year fixed, and possibly other terms in between.
They also offer a variety of adjustable-rate mortgage options, including 5/1, 7/1 and 10/1 ARMs for those looking for a cheaper monthly payment.
NewRez Mortgage Rates
NewRez does not openly advertise its mortgage rates, which is a shame because it’s difficult to know how they stack up relative to other lenders.
You’ll only know their pricing if you fill out a mortgage quote request and/or speak with a loan specialist. Until then, you’re basically in the dark pricing-wise.
That doesn’t mean they aren’t competitive, it just remains an unknown at the moment until more data is collected on that front.
As such, be sure to take the time to shop around – do this regardless of whether they advertise their mortgage rates. You never know if there’s a better rate out there unless you put in the time.
The same goes for lender fees – it’s unclear how much or what they charge, so compare interest rate and fees (mortgage APR) when shopping your loan.
NewRez Mortgage Reviews
Unfortunately, NewRez mortgage reviews are scant at the moment, perhaps because they only recently launched after acquiring New Penn Financial.
The only information I could find was on Yelp, where they had 1.5 stars out of 5, which is obviously pretty dire.
However, if you go to Zillow and search their lender directory by inputting “NewRez” into the bank name field, you’ll see lots of individual reviews for NewRez loan officers.
From there, you can sift through the many names to find the loan officer with the best reviews, then contact that person directly if you want to work with NewRez.
This might be the best way to go for any large mortgage lender because ultimately customer experiences will vary widely when dealing with thousands of different employees.
I took a look at the NewRez loan officer reviews and found that several had perfect 5 out of 5-star ratings or very close to it. Many also indicated that mortgage rates and fees/closing costs were lower than expected.
Let me add that the company has been accredited with the Better Business Bureau since 2009, and has an A+ rating at the moment.
Their customer reviews on the BBB website aren’t favorable, with a star rating just over 1 out of 5. Of course, the BBB customer review rating system is based on complaints, so the rating is typically never very good.
Pros and Cons of NewRez Mortgage
The Good
Digital mortgage process
Expansive suite of loan programs to choose from
They have a free smartphone app
Lots of mortgage calculators on site
Loans are serviced by NewRez instead of being sold off
What to Watch Out For
Do not advertise mortgage rates
No information on lender fees or closing costs
Very limited review information (unclear how well-liked they are)
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.
We often paint celebrities as larger-than-life personas. The reality is that stars are like the rest of us: they get just as frustrated or cranky when things don’t go their way. From being grilled by paparazzi to getting overwhelmed by enthusiastic admirers, many famous people have become notorious for exhibiting signs of annoyance toward dedicated supporters who fail to recognize boundaries. We’ve put together a list of 12 major celebrities who appear seriously ticked off in various fan encounters.
1. Doja Cat
One Redditor said, “I feel like Doja Cat seems constantly annoyed by her stans or fans, or at the very least her followers on Twitter. Honestly as a fan of her music (I don’t follow her too closely on soc med anymore because she constantly seems on the verge of breaking and I feel bad for her) I would dislike my fans too if I were her… Do you know of any other celebrities who seem annoyed by their fans? Whether the irritation is deserved or not (because, let’s be honest, some stans are incredibly entitled), I want to read some stuffff.”
2. Ana de Armas
One user posted, “Ana de Armas blocked Ana de Armas Updates on Twitter…”
Another user commented, “Sorry to burst your bubble, but the blue check Ana is just another fan account. The profile says ‘not impersonating, not Ana; this is a fan account.’”
One user shared, “Yeah, tbf, a lot of the fan-run accounts on social media are borderline unhinged. The way they take ownership of a person they idolize and drag down anyone who even hints at negativity towards them is just crazy.”
Another commenter said, “Totally. I have a tiny YouTube channel (6k subscribers) that I haven’t updated in 2 years, but I’m already weirded out by the parasocial relationships that occur at even that level. People being vehemently mean or terrifyingly obsessed and thinking they get me on a level no one else does (offer to fly me out to his country and take me to an event I’ve never expressed interest in). I can’t comprehend extrapolating that to the level of stardom someone like Doja, Ana de Armas, etc. has. And if I were a more conventionally attractive person like they are, I’m sure the lascivious, obsessive fans would f*ck my image of the world a bit. I eye-roll at woe-is-me privileged… celebrities as much as anyone but I think, while most right-minded people manage to be kind or at least civil to strangers, waiters, annoying colleagues etc., that energy would quickly wear down given the chance to be a celebrity for a week.”
3. Phoebe Bridgers
One user shared, “Phoebe Bridgers has publicly spoken about being frustrated with her fans, and I think she has some song lyrics about being annoyed or not really knowing how to interact with fans, which I get. Parasocial relationships are weird, and in that position, I wouldn’t be able to cope with being approached by crying people who think they know me or worship me, but they’re literal strangers to me.”
Another user validated the singer’s decision, “She’s so valid for that. I’m so glad she spoke up about it because her fans were being absolutely unhinged. There’s caring about a celebrity and there’s being a nut who needs to get a grip. If you’re posting hate and harassing your ‘fave’ for days on end (when [she was] on the way to her fathers funeral, mind you) because the man she was with isn’t the one you prefer, you need to get professional help. I think if that happened to me as a celebrity, I would completely stop interacting with my fans outside of releasing my art. and that seems to be what Phoebe has done. she used to post a lot on twitter and she’s clearly done engaging on that level anymore.”
4. Frank Ocean
One Redditor shared, “Can’t believe no one’s mentioned Frank Ocean.”
“The obvious answer.” replied another user.
One user added, “He was in a bad record deal and dropped a lot of music in a short time frame to get out of it. Since then he hasn’t really dropped anything at all… When he does drop new Frank Ocean merch, it takes months to ship or doesn’t ship out at all. He very rarely tours and when he does he’s notorious for canceling at the last minute. I think the last thing he did before Coachella was Primavera in 2017, and he dropped out the day of.
…
Cut to now, Frank Ocean is headlining Coachella. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people bought $600+ wristbands and flew across the country to see Frank. He shows up to his set over an hour late. He hardly sings, at all (but when he did my god did he sound amazing). Then, he does like a 30 min DJ interlude in the middle of his set, where he’s just jumping around mouthing (not even lip syncing) the words to his most popular songs. He then runs into curfew and ends the set by basically saying ‘That’s it, bye’.
He was supposed to perform again on weekend 2. Allegedly ‘hurt his foot’ and had to pull out, screwing over all the fans weekend 2. A lot of fans (myself included) speculate he had no intentions on ever performing the 2nd weekend. He apparently had some huge elaborate stage design that was going to be super cool, but pulled it at the very last minute and basically spiraled from there.”
One user shared, “Strangely he has a lot of fans who still seem to worship him regardless and make excuses for his extremely flaky behaviour. I’ve attended Primavera Sound in Barcelona a number of times, and remember in 2017 when he was a headline act (he was the absolute top billing that day and on the first line of the weekend poster for context). He cancelled on the day of his performance at incredibly short notice and cited ‘production issues’ (clearly not the case). He was a huge draw for many people (not me personally, but I might have watched his set)—arguably some travelled to the festival for his appearance alone, many from outside Spain.
“His fans rather rabidly attacked the festival organisers on social media in the immediate aftermath of the cancellation, and for several weeks after, with many vowing to boycott the festival and never attend again, even though it was entirely Ocean’s own doing. It was bizarre.
“That year was also one of the best and most eclectic editions PS in memory even without him….”
5. Justin Bieber
One user posted, “Justin Bieber—he doesn’t like it when fans take videos or pictures of him, but would rather have a real conversation with them without a fan or paparazzi shoving a camera in his face. His frustration and annoyance is understandable, especially when fans/paparazzi yell rude things about his wife Hailey or ask ridiculous questions about Selena Gomez.”
Another Redditor replied, “He was also heavily [‘admired’] by his adult fans when he was just a tween.”
One user commented, “Yikes, this too. I was around eight or nine when he first got popular and I remember hearing 20 to 30 year olds thirsting over him. Back then I thought it was normal to have adults talk about him this way because he was famous and seemed so ‘grown up’ to me because I was still a kid. Now that I’m a lot older, remembering this makes me cringe.”
Another user added,”Not only that, but there was also PLENTY of 20-30 even 40+ year old men publicly and constantly calling for violence and… threats against him. Like, dude even if you genuinely disliked him, he was a child?…”
6. Adam Driver
One user also shared, “Adam Driver but that is because so many of them do not know how boundaries work. One of them climbed onto the stage and tried to follow him backstage after a performance of Burn This. A bunch of them say horrible things about his wife and/or wish he was with Daisy Ridley.”
Another user replied, “I saw him on the subway, sunglasses on. He noticed that I noticed him for a brief second, and then I looked away and minded my business. It’s weird in NY. Celebrities can blend in a lot easier.”
7. Leonardo DiCaprio
One Redditor commented, “Leonardo DiCaprio. I don’t think he is annoyed/irritated by his fans but he does seem to be over the media part of it and has been for a long time. I think he gave an interview about the craziness of Titanic and he realized that he didn’t want to be THAT famous, where everyone is following you around. He still wears a mask in public and I know celebrities don’t care about COVID that much lol. He takes his acting and his acting career seriously and I noticed he rarely gives interviews anymore. He seems to be aiming for an ‘old school’ actor legacy.”
Another user replied, “He didn’t seem okay with all the attention back in the 90s either.”
One commenter added, “He appears very closed off to the public and media and despite his millions seems down to earth, shy and funny in the interviews and snippets we have seen and is also very talented and seemingly professional at his job; of course we don’t know him personally but his co stars seem to sing his praises. His dating life overshadows everything else atm. We don’t know anything about the relationship itself, there’s barely any photos. All we know is there’s a pattern of dating someone for 5 years from 20-25 which is weird… But there is an air of mystery around Leo and he’s unproblematic otherwise so I can still enjoy him as an actor for now; his PR team are amazing tbh.”
8. Mitski
One user commented, “Mitski. I wouldn’t say she hates her fans but I think she’s annoyed with a particular group of them. She’s very disappointed about the ‘sad girl’ label they stamp on her music. On Twitter, she expressed frustrations about people recording her concerts the whole time instead of being engaged in the performance. In true Twitter fashion, she got a lot backlash for that…smh…”
Another user added, “The recording epidemic is so real, it’s one thing to record your fave parts, it’s another to literally watch the entire show through your phone screen in the first row. I grew up going to punk shows where people didn’t rly record like that because they were too busy moshing and crowdsurfing (and pre TikTok which might make a difference I guess) and now I’m into indie/indie pop and it’s crazyyy the difference.”
9. Joseph Quinn
One Redditor posted, “Joseph Quinn. He definitely has to be irritated by them.”
Another commenter said, “I’ll never understand why people became just so unhinged around him, it must have been wild to go from largely unknown to so famous you need security.”
One user asked, “PLEASE. THIS. I asked it in another thread and I never really got an answer. HOW did he get such an unhinged fanbase? He had a side role on one season of Stranger Things, but the dedication he’s inspired is like Supernatural cast level.”
One Redditor answered, “I think part of it is when TikTok chooses their Boy Of The Month they all hype each other up/one up each other. Look at how much Bo Burnham or Pedro Pascal blew up once TikTok got into them. It builds off its own attention.”
Another user also added, “Stranger things fandom is majority teens/kids/young adults whose brains aren’t fully developed yet and are extremely parasocial with the cast and always have been since the show began. Unfortunately Joseph and the other new cast members are just their latest victims. With Joseph he’s obviously really impressing executives and producers lately with all the recent castings for him so at least he’ll be free of that overall fandom soon. I feel bad for the rest of the cast that are still in the show for another season and have to still deal with the fans, because every year it just seems to get worse.”
10. Robert Pattinson
One user shared, “Robert Pattinson regards Twilight and its fandom with a delicious mixture of disdain and bewilderment.”
Another user added, “As do I.”
One user commented, “I was a huge twihard from 2009-2012 and I remember the fandom trying to make ANY excuse to prove to ourselves that he didn’t hate the movies lmao.”
11. Ian Somerhalder
One Redditor posted, “Ian Somerhalder went through a phase of yelling at fans lol. And I’m pretty sure he never completed things like virtual chats/ video greetings/and autographs he owed fans who paid for a package during some convention.”
One user replied, “True I remember reading on Twitter about fans who bought greetings and he never did them and they still have not gotten refunds and he just kept on making up excuses. Also back in the days I think he canceled an irl fan event last minute and said he had other plans that came up last minute, but it was a lie because he had known for weeks that he couldn’t go and decided to tell the fans last minute and people had already booked flights, hotels etc so that must have sucked for them. He seems to be a bit messy.”
12 Paramore
One Redditor commented, “Paramore. They don’t hate/dislike their fans, but they explore the parasocial relationship in After Laughter. The song ‘Idle Worship’ is about Hayley seeing a fan with a shirt on her face and the immediate disconnect she felt. To have a perfected version of her plastered on shirts I think made her uncomfortable because she doesn’t feel like she can be the person everyone wants her to be. She’s just a normal person. The next song on the album is ‘No Friend’ which is the outro to Idle Worship and features mewithoutYou’s Aaron Weiss. Weiss chronicles the band’s very public hardships and also reads a long email Hayley sent him about Idle Worship. ‘You see a flood-lit form / I see a shirt design / I’m no savior of yours and you’re no friend of mine.’ Chills. Every. Single. Time.”
Do you agree with the list above? Share us your thoughts and leave a comment!
Source: this Reddit thread.
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With the news this month that the housing market hit a milestone by showing the first year-over-year price decline in recent memory, homeowners who’d considered finally selling their home this year are finding themselves discouraged yet again.
What happened, they might wonder, to the not-so-distant glory days of frantic bidding wars and over-ask offers? Plenty of frustrated owners seem worried that the window for a fast and lucrative home sale might be shutting fast.
But here’s the reality: The U.S. housing market is no monolith. Although it’s true that many of the hottest markets of the past few years have seen prices fall in the wake of higher mortgage interest rates that broadly dampened home shoppers’ buying power, there are still cities where buyers continue to snatch up homes quickly and where sellers are getting their full asking price—or more.
This is why the Realtor.com® data team dug in to find the U.S. real estate markets that most favor sellers. (Sorry, buyers!)
The best places for sellers generally have persistently low housing inventory, strong demand from buyers, and often—but not always—lower prices that have room to swell. These are generally affordable metropolitan areas in the Northeast with a few in the Midwest.
Three of the metros on our list—Hartford, CT, Worcester, MA, and Providence, RI—are so close, you could tour homes in all of them in a single day. Our ranking also has one spot in the South and a somewhat bizarre outlier in California—more on that later.
To figure out if an area is a buyer’s or seller’s market, Pamela Ermen likes to track the change in the number of closed sales per month, compared with the change in the number of new listings per month.
“When sales are going up and inventory is going down, that’s a real seller’s market,” says Ermen, a Virginia Beach–based Realtor® at Re/Max and a speaker and coach at Real Estate Guidance.
Still, sellers who focus solely on low inventory can wrongly conclude that they can list their home at a higher price than an agent might advise. That can lead to their property languishing on the market not receiving strong offers. Meanwhile, buyers who focus only on the number of sales going down might wrongly think there’s less competition. That might result in heartache when they find out the hard way that many homes are still getting multiple offers.
To find true seller-friendly places, the Realtor.com data team looked at the May 2023 listing data for the 100 largest metropolitan areas. Then we ranked each based on the number of days that the median listing is on the market, combined with the portion of listings that have had the price reduced. These metrics tell us where homes are selling faster than average and with fewer sellers having to reduce their price to make the sale.
We selected just one metro area per state to ensure geographical diversity. (Metros include the main city and surrounding towns, suburbs, and smaller urban areas.)
Here’s where sellers can expect the market to be most tilted in their favor this summer.
Median list price: $265,000 Median days on the market: 13 Listings with a price reduction: 1 in 17
Rochester, on the western edge of New York along the southern shore of Lake Ontario, not only is at the top of our seller’s saviors list—it’s also in a class of its own. Rochester had both the lowest number of days on the market and the lowest portion of listings with a price reduction. But this is nothing new for the so-called Flower City.
The metro area has become a mainstay of the Realtor.com hottest real estate markets list. It’s also where sellers are usually still getting their asking price, and where buyers can find one of the largest selections of homes for less than $200,000. Plus, home prices are well below the national median list price of $441,500 in May.
These affordable homes have made the area appealing to locals, out-of-towners, and investors.
“If you’re priced right in our market, you can expect to still sell in about one week,” says Jenna May, a local real estate agent at Keller Williams Realty.
When the market was at its pandemic peak in 2022, and even before anyone had heard of COVID-19, Rochester was still leading the nation in the low number of days on the market. Demand here for homes is high and seems destined to stay that way.
“There are people who are offering $80,000 over listing price and not getting the home,” says May. “It’s that competitive.”
Median list price: $424,925 Median days on the market: 19 Listings with a price reduction: 1 in 14
The capital city of Connecticut is also no stranger to the Realtor.com list of the nation’s hottest real estate markets. Hartford is the largest population hub in the state, with 1.2 million residents.
It also boasts home prices that are about 5% below the national median.
“The Northeast has been well undervalued compared with other markets—and not just for years, but for decades,” says Lisa Barrall-Matt, a senior broker at Berkshire Hathaway in West Hartford.
Homes in the Hartford area have been priced $100,000 less than comparable homes in other markets, Barrall-Matt says, for so long that she began to take it for granted.
Now, she’s feeling vindicated: “I used to say, ‘Why aren’t prices higher?’ Now I’m saying, ‘Where’s the ceiling?’”
Median list price: $622,500 Median days on the market: 24 Listings with a price reduction: 1 in 13
Portland became a popular pandemic destination for Northeasterners looking for a scenic, coastal city with some great restaurants, entertainment, and a brewery scene. The area has a rich history, having a Native American presence dating more than 10,000 years before becoming an early Colonial settlement.
The above-average prices in this artsy city on Casco Bay aren’t keeping sellers from enjoying quick sales. In fact, few listings are getting marked down. The demand for housing here is just so strong. Portland has been featured on our list of the best places to retire in 2022, and it has one of the last year’s hottest neighborhoods: Windham, just on the northwestern edge of Portland proper.
Prices in Portland have grown significantly faster during the pandemic—from May 2019 to now—than they did in most of the country. Where prices rose about 40% nationally, prices in Portland have grown by about 62%. Just since this time last year, prices rose 17%.
A newer four-bedroom home in South Portland that’s within walking distance of Fore River is listed for $650,000, close to the area average.
Median list price: $517,450 Median days on the market: 19 Listings with a price reduction: 1 in 10
Worcester, about 40 miles west of Boston, was nicknamed the “Heart of the Commonwealth” because of its central location in Massachusetts.
This medium-sized metro has a name that’s fun to say, like “rooster” but with a W. But it simply doesn’t have enough homes to match the high interest from potential buyers, according to Nick McNeil, a local Realtor with the Lux Group.
“The amount of demand and the absolute lack of inventory is nuts,” he says. “And there’s not much room for new construction in this area, with tight regulations on what can be built.”
Until there’s some kind of change in the supply and demand dynamic in the area, McNeil says, it’s going to be hard for buyers, and relatively easy for sellers—as long as they’re not also trying to buy.
“The best situation you can be in is if you can sell now,” he says.
Median list price: $384,250 Median days on the market: 25 Listings with a price reduction: 1 in 10
Amid the rolling hills of Eastern Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, about 60 miles northwest of Philadelphia, Allentown has a few things going for sellers right now. The portion of homes with a price reduction is about half the national average, and homes are selling about 40% faster.
Like some other places on this list, the homes in this historic steel town are priced below the national average. But local incomes are a bit higher than average, offering buyers more affordability. That’s helping the real estate market to remain competitive as buyers seek out deals.
Allentown offers a mix of urban, suburban, and rural lifestyles, making it broadly attractive for buyers.
What’s especially notable about the area is the price growth over the past several years. Allentown metro prices have risen by 78% since before the pandemic, ahead of all the other places on this list.
For about the local median price in Allentown, buyers can find a five-bedroom bungalow in the Hamilton Park neighborhood west of downtown Allentown.
Median list price: $374,950 Median days on the market: 29 Listings with a price reduction: 1 in 11
Perched on the western shore of Lake Michigan in southeastern Wisconsin, Milwaukee is known for its breweries, including Miller and Pabst. It’s also where Harley-Davidson was founded. And it’s been a staple of housing affordability for some time.
However, prices have been rising in Milwaukee’s metro area: They rose by around 11% compared with this time last year.
The median number of days on the market is below the average now, just like it was before the pandemic. The same goes for the portion of listings with a price reduction. This is all very good news for home sellers hoping for a quick, profitable sale.
For $375,000, a buyer can get a large, four-bedroom home just 5 minutes from hiking trails, a golf course, and a dog park, all along the shoreline.
Median list price: $386,973 Median days on the market: 29 Listings with a price reduction: 1 in 9
The Virginia Beach metro area, a popular vacation spot for beach, maritime history, and seafood lovers, is another place where incomes are higher than average and home prices are lower.
Last year, sellers could count on getting multiple offers, usually leading to potential buyers bidding up the price, says Virginia Beach–based Realtor Ermen. Now, it’s not as easy to figure out that pricing sweet spot. If the home is listed too high, that’s when there’s eventually pressure to reduce the price.
In the month of May, even with a low number of price reductions, Erman says, “90% of price reductions were made before the listing hit the average time on market.”
That indicates sellers are getting antsy, and probably would have been better off pricing the home lower to begin with. But homes that are priced to sell are still moving briskly.
Median list price: $1,530,000 Median days on the market: 25 Listings with a price reduction: 1 in 9
San Jose is the oddball on this list.
Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, it is one of the most expensive real estate markets in the nation. Homes in this San Francisco Bay Area hot spot cost more than triple the national average, which means real estate attracts a very specific buyer.
Because San Jose is a global technology hub, its population is very diverse, and not just racially or ethnically. Roughly 40% of residents were born outside of the U.S., according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Most significantly, many residents have tons of money to spend, whether they’re high-salaried tech employees or they have had an entrepreneurial startup windfall.
Local real estate agents will tell you that San Jose is simply insulated from many of the market dynamics because the clientele is so wealthy. If they’re making an all-cash purchase, they don’t have to worry about higher mortgage rates. And that’s a big boon for sellers.
Median list price: $539,950 Median days on the market: 31 Listings with a price reduction: 1 in 10
Providence, home to Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design, is a bustling town filled with older homes. About 50 miles southwest of Boston, it’s one of the medium-sized, Northeastern metros on our list that are enjoying especially strong housing markets right now.
Providence prices are significantly above the national average, but compared with nearby Boston, where the median list price is north of $850,000, Providence is a downright bargain.
Plus, it’s got a lot going for it. It boasts beautiful scenery along the Seekonk River, a thriving arts scene, and good jobs. The headquarters for CVS is located in nearby Woonsocket.
In Providence, for $550,000, a little above the local average, buyers can find a midcentury two-bedroom home with classic brick construction about 15 minutes from downtown.
Median list price: $229,950 Median days on the market: 31 Listings with a price reduction: 1 in 9
Home prices in this Rust Belt city, which has struggled in more recent years, are still dramatically lower than the national average—about 45% less expensive. And with the focus of buyers on affordability, it’s no wonder that Toledo has taken off.
In the past year, median list prices in Toledo have risen by 25% (10% per square foot), which is quite a bit higher than before the pandemic.
For less than the median list price in Toledo, buyers can get a massive, six-bedroom home in Toledo’s Old West End neighborhood, just northwest of downtown.
Ever since I can remember, I’ve had a wild imagination and, consequently, a lot of big ideas. While this prepared me to be a natural entrepreneur, it wasn’t always enough to make me confident in my ability to pave my own way. After all, it was incredibly rare for me to see folks like me, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, successfully running small businesses in my rural town.
It wasn’t until I met my first LGBTQ+ small business owner, at a Pride event, that I realized that I could turn my big ideas into a business. This is exactly why supporting LGBTQ+ small businesses is so important, not only so that the world can continue to enjoy their amazing goods and services, but so kids like me don’t have to grow up thinking business ownership is out of reach.
This Pride Month, and beyond, I encourage you to try your best to support LGBTQ+-owned small businesses. Here are some of my favorites.
What’s Ahead:
1. Little Woodfords – Portland, ME
When my husband and I first moved in together, we were right down the street from Little Woodfords. I quickly found myself finding every excuse to walk by them, that way I could pop in for one of the most delicious cups of coffee that I have ever had (seriously, their coffee is incredible).
However, what I love about Little Woodfords, even more than their coffee, is the community that they have built from within their tiny little shop. When you walk in, you are greeted with a genuine smile that sticks with you the entire day.
2. Queer Candle Company – New York City, NY
Founded by couple, Ab and Al, Queer Candle Company makes some of the best smelling candles on this planet. If you love candles as much as I do, it will be your new favorite place to shop. Trust me, as soon as you burn their Sweet Grapefruit & Mint soy candle, you won’t want to buy from any other shop.
Supporting Queer Candle Company isn’t just about filling your home with delicious scents. When you buy from them, you are not only supporting Ab and Al, but you are also supporting other members of the LGBTQ+ community. The business is proud to employ other LGBTQ+ people, to work hard at building a sense of community amongst themselves and other similar businesses, and to donate 10% of their profits to the Sylvia Rivera Law Project.
3. Wish Me Luck Tattoo – Chicago, IL
In Chicago, Illinois, it isn’t hard to find a tattoo shop. If you ask me, however, Wish Me Luck Tattoo is where I would book my next session. Wish Me Luck is Chicago’s first Black/Indigenous, queer, and trans-owned shop, and is welcoming to people from all walks of life.
What makes this shop truly special, besides the beautiful art that walks out of it, is its owner, Faith. Faith decided it was time to open her shop after experiencing racism, homophobia, and transphobia at other tattoo shops. So, she hit the ground running and didn’t look back. What she has built is a tattoo shop that is not only inviting to all people, but is a safe place for those who feel unwelcome in other shops to get tattooed.
4. Guardian Brewing Company – Saugatuck, MI
If you love craft beer, good food, and live music, you will want to head towards the shores of Lake Michigan, just 36.5 miles from Grand Rapids. There lies Guardian Brewing Company, which opened in 2018, and features an extensive draft list of 22 craft beers, 14 wines, and 2 hard ciders. Not only that, but they offer cocktails made of local (and imported) liquors, absolutely delicious food, and a 3,500 square foot patio that is dog-friendly. It even features a six-foot gas-fired fire pit!
Best of all: when you visit Guardian Brewing Company, you are also helping support their efforts to make a difference in their community. Every year, they accept applications for philanthropic partnerships where they’ll donate to local organizations. Past recipients have included companies like Saugatuck Center For The Arts, Black Visions Collective, Out On The Lakeshore, and more.
5. Spellbound Sky – Los Angeles, CA
Along Santa Monica Boulevard is Spellbound Sky, a metaphysical shop owned by Mark Phillips and Martin Anguiano. For anyone looking to indulge in a little magic, Spellbound Sky is the perfect place to stop. You’ll find crystals, minerals, ritual candles, and much more.
Mark and Martin chose to open Spellbound Sky back in 2011 after over 20 years in the fashion industry in LA. They both had a mutual love for all things metaphysical and wanted to take the plunge and finally open their doors so they could share their vision with their community.
6. SuLei – Walla Walla, WA
I’m a huge lover of wine, so I felt like I had to include a winery. When I came across SuLei, I knew they were the perfect choice! For Elaine and Tanya, opening a wine cellar seemed like a natural transition, especially since they spent all their time researching (and tasting) wine anyway. The name SuLei was created by Elaine and Tanya to celebrate their partnership. It’s a synonym for “Sulis Minerva”, a Celtic goddess.
With red and white options, paired with names such as “Beet Red” and “Roller Girl Jammer”, you’ll find that SuLei has a lot to offer. Elaine and Tanya use both old and new world techniques when making their wine, and are deeply proud to be one of the growing women-owned and operated wine cellars in Washington.
7. Big Gay Ice Cream – New York City
Big Gay Ice Cream is quickly growing beyond small business status and it is more than easy to see (and taste) why. Their ice cream, which comes in soft serve at their locations, is some of the best that I have ever tried. My favorite? The Monday Sundae, a crispy waffle cone, lined with Nutella, filled with chocolate and vanilla twist, drizzled with dulce de leche, and adorned with whipped cream. What takes this cone sundae over the top, though, is the finishing touch – a sprinkle of sea salt. It is an out-of-body experience.
Big Gay Ice Cream goes beyond just supporting your taste buds and strives to make a real difference in the world. When you support Big Gay Ice Cream, you are also supporting their efforts to aid LGBTQIA+ organizations, education, homelessness and hunger initiatives, children, animal shelters, and more.
You don’t have to live by a Big Gay Ice Cream location in order to enjoy them, though. Big Gay Ice Cream now sells pints in stores.
Summary
Above are just a small handful of LGBTQ+-owned businesses throughout the United States, but it is by no means a comprehensive list. This Pride Month, I encourage you to venture out into your community to find the LGBTQ+-owned business local to you, and to show them your support.
After all, you aren’t just supporting LGBTQ+ business owners, but you are showing the kids with big ideas that their businesses can be successful.
Welcome to the world of Bohemian-inspired home design, where creativity knows no bounds and a free-spirited aesthetic reigns supreme. Whether you’re seeking to transform your apartment in Rochester, NY or add a touch of wanderlust to your suburban home in Orlando, FL, the Bohemian design can transport you to a world of balance, harmony, and unconventional beauty.
In this Redfin, we’ll explore expert tips and advice from professionals in the field to help you achieve the perfect Boho look for your home. Learn from professionals about self-expression, celebrate diverse cultures, and weave your own narrative into your home decor. Whether you’re a seasoned at heart or a newcomer to this design philosophy, these experts will guide you through the process of creating a space that exudes warmth, peace, and the allure of the unconventional.
1. Boho style is all about balance
In Bohemian design, finding balance is key to creating a harmonious and visually pleasing space. While the style embraces eclecticism and the mixing of various elements, it’s important to strike a balance between contrasting elements to avoid overwhelming the senses.
“One common mistake people often make is forgetting that balance is crucial in Bohemian design,” says Josh Cemelich from ABT Modern. “The style’s essence lies in the artful blend of patterns, colors, and textures while maintaining a sense of harmony. An overabundance of elements without careful curation can result in visual clutter rather than a calming, inviting ambiance.”
2. In Bohemian design, there are no rules
In Bohemian design, the beauty lies in its lack of rules and strict guidelines. It’s a style that encourages individuality, self-expression, and a free-spirited approach to decorating.
“I love the freedom that the Bohemian aesthetic offers. It gives me the liberty to mix different eras, such as Twentieth Century pieces, with organic elements like rattan or various woods. The intentional use of eclectic art and sculpture brings in a layer of personal expression that truly embodies the spirit of boho,” says Josh.
“My advice to those embracing a Bohemian-inspired home is to let your space tell your story. Let each piece of furniture, each artifact, each color, and texture echo your personal journey. Remember, in a Bohemian home, there are no rules—only a boundless canvas for your creativity.”
3. Bohemian design is a tapestry of art, culture, and unconventional beauty
Boho design embraces diverse influences from around the world, blending elements of different cultures, eras, and artistic styles.
“Having a Bohemian-designed home is all about celebrating art, beauty, and bold unconventional choices of colors, textures, and patterns that all unexpectedly harmonize together in a delicious collection from all over the world,” shares Studio Mishou.
“Imagine lush rugs, gallery walls of paintings, light fixtures that resemble interesting giant jewelry pieces, fantastic pillows in all kinds of indulgent fabrics, an abundance of color, and art objects that initiate conversations. Basically, a Boho home is like that eccentric aunt who wears fabulous silk caftans, has traveled the world, and hosts the best cocktail parties with people from all walks of life.”
Courtesy of Studio Mishou
4. Incorporate natural elements into your Bohemian inspired home
Utilizing natural elements is a fundamental aspect of Bohemian design, adding an organic and grounding touch to the overall aesthetic. The Bohemian style embraces the beauty of the natural world, bringing in elements such as plants, natural fibers, and raw materials.
“Use natural, sustainable elements such as wicker, rattan, wood, metal, and bamboo, all of which are beautiful and can be utilized in various ways to create an eclectic and grounding ambiance,” recommends Rooms Refreshed.
“Plants are particularly inspiring for creating a Bohemian atmosphere as they bring the essence of the outdoors inside. With a wide range of indoor plant varieties available, mix and match them to create your own living, colorful artwork.”
Courtesy of Rooms Refreshed
5. Add vibrant, colorful expressions for an artistic flair
Bohemian style celebrates the bold and the unexpected, encouraging the use of vibrant hues and expressive palettes throughout the space.
“As an artist who lives and breathes the boho look, I use vibrant color combinations abundantly to create the desired aesthetic. My favorite colors include orange, pink, yellow, bright purple, lime green, and a profusion of teal,” suggests Teresa Stone, Known as the Gypsy Gardener, from The Bazaar On Apricot & Lime.
“My Bohemian home serves as a direct reflection of my artistic expression. My art predominantly revolves around abstract floral themes, and I extend my creative palette beyond canvas by painting on various furniture pieces sourced from thrift stores or stumbled upon curbside..”
Courtesy of Gypsy Gardener
6. Create a look that reflects your personal style
Boho design encourages you to embrace your individuality, allowing your space to become a canvas for self-expression.
“Bohoemian style is about creating spaces that reflect personal tastes and experiences, rather than adhering to specific design rules or trends,” says Luonto Furniture. “ It’s about creating spaces that are not just visually appealing, but also comfortable, inviting, and full of character.”
Courtesy of Luonto Furniture
7. Create a narrative by weaving travel memories into your decor
Capture the spirit of your adventures by incorporating travel-inspired elements throughout your home. Displaying souvenirs, such as maps, globes, or postcards from your journeys, adds a personal touch and sparks conversations about your experiences.
“Travel is a big focus for me and my family. Sometimes it is to an exotic location like Nepal, and other times it is a Sunday drive to the foothills for a hike. Of course, we have photo albums to record the trips, but I like to keep those memories more present by weaving a lot of our travel finds throughout our house, on bookcases and side tables,” shares Cydney Davis-English, Owner and Design Lead for The English Garden.
“We try to avoid tourist stop posters and shot glasses and instead seek out local artists. Making a purchase from a local artist or shop owner doesn’t have to be expensive, and it helps keep those businesses vibrant. Whether it’s a piece of pottery, a small drawing, or even something functional like a candle or kitchen item, these items can help us relive our trips.”
Courtesy of Cydney Davis-English
8. Add floral accents
Embracing the presence of flowers and botanical elements brings life, color, and a sense of serenity to your space.
“Make a living, organic element one of your decorating layers,” says Cydney, a third-generation flower shop owner. “With Bohemian styling, it’s easy for things to appear busy and cluttered. By focusing your flowers on one bold shot of colo, you can add a vibrant touch without overwhelming the visual space. Additionally, keep the plant elements simple by displaying them in unpatterned terra cotta pots or colorful ceramics.”
9. Break up your Boho-chic space into zones
“Just as if you were planning a boho-chic wedding, break up your space into zones that will serve specific functions while fitting the desired theme,” suggests Walt Shepard from Inside Weddings.
For example, create a cozy reading nook with layers of textured pillows, bold-toned blankets, and candlelight emitted from lantern-inspired votives; adorn the dining area with woven place mats, place settings featuring mismatched china in various colors and prints, and organic centerpieces surrounded by bud vases; or curate a bohemian-inspired lounge with a rich velvet or leather sofa, statement vintage chairs, and cozy, soft accents for an eclectic look.”
Breaking up your Boho-chic space into zones is a practical and stylish way to optimize the functionality and flow of your home. By defining specific areas within your space, you can create distinct zones for different activities, while maintaining the overall bohemian aesthetic.
10. Expand your Bohemian space outdoors
Transforming your outdoor area into a bohemian oasis extends your living space and creates an enchanting retreat.
“I believe in embracing the Bohemian design philosophy not only indoors but also in outdoor spaces,” says says Rafael Montilla from Art Miami Magazine. “By utilizing cozy seating areas, layered textiles, and organic materials, you can create a seamless transition between inside and outside, allowing for a holistic boho experience.”
11. Add texture in every room
“Introduce various textures to add depth and visual interest to your space,” suggests Bohemian Hive. “Combine smooth surfaces like glass or metal with textured materials like velvet, fur, or woven fabrics. Textures can be incorporated through rugs, cushions, curtains, or even wall treatments like textured paint or wallpaper.
Another way to do this is by mixing and matching furniture, old, and new decor. Incorporating unique vintage or thrifted pieces adds character to your eclectic design. Explore flea markets, second hand stores, or online platforms to find one-of-a-kind items that can become conversation starters in your space.”
By incorporating various textures, you can enhance the cozy, eclectic, and inviting nature of Bohemian style.
12. Incorporate live plants whenever possible
“Plants are a great, low-cost way to add energy and color to your space, and they really enhance the modern boho aesthetic,” shares Homescaped. Bohemian design is heavy in texture and can be a mix of furniture pieces from different styles to create an eclectic, collected over time look. Think macrame planters and that vintage coffee table you saw at the flea market last weekend, combined with a modern sofa and colorful, vibrant throw pillows. Avoid making everything too matchy-matchy.”
Plants not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home but also contribute to a healthier and more rejuvenating environment.
Courtesy of Homescaped
13. Use Rainbow prisms to add a magical touch to your space
“Rainbow prisms are one of the most inexpensive, renter-friendly, and easy-level DIY ways to enhance your space,” suggests Amelia Dean, Owner of Bohemian Reves. “Using either a suncatcher window sticker or a faceted crystal hung from clear fishing wire, you can place them in a southwest or northeast window or attach them to the ceiling.
Placing these prisms in hallways and small areas can have a significant impact, and using both methods together can create captivating dimensions. For bolder prisms, use round crystals as they keep the energy flowing. For softer prisms, stick to flatter chandelier shapes.”
Courtesy of Bohemian Reves
14. Dry-lay tiles on window sills and room borders
“Renting? Not a problem. I have a small obsession with dry-laying tiles without adhering them to transform window sills and room borders,” says Amelia. “Often, after living with and testing tiles in a space, I’ll either find it validates my decision in the spot I choose or that it could have a more suitable home. Perhaps they are more delicate than you thought or they clash with something else that has changed along the way.
This has saved me countless times. Be sure to keep a flat, solid substrate in mind and only place them in areas that will not be walked on to avoid breaking or damaging the tile. Look for sale tiles or tiles that have less than 1000 square feet left. It’s an amazing way to save money and keep your home diverse and stimulating. Don’t toss your tile samples, they’re often the perfect size for windowsills.”
Courtesy of Bohemian Reves
16. Embrace mismatched furniture
Rather than aiming for perfectly coordinated sets, embrace the beauty of individuality and mix different styles, eras, and finishes.
“The days of matchy-matchy furniture sets are long gone,” shares KB Design. “Especially if trying to achieve the boho look. The more eclectic, the better. If you currently have a more traditional couch set, and trying to upfit on a smaller budget, create the eclectic feel by sourcing a funky coffee table, lamps, playful pillows and low-sitting accent chair. Mirrors, taper candles, books from your travels, and anything else special that speaks personally to you.”
Courtesy of KB Design
17. Invest in Bohemian craftsmanship
Seek out unique, handcrafted pieces that showcase the skill and artistry of local artisans. Look for furniture, textiles, ceramics, and decorative items that are made with traditional techniques and showcase intricate details.
“Enhance your free-spirited Bohemian Lifestyle by showcasing exquisite solid wood creations in your home,” says Bohemian Works. “Add authentic wood accents that embody organic forms, blending functionality and aesthetics seamlessly. From flooring to kitchen doors, create a harmonious living space that celebrates the essence of Bohemian design.”
If you’ve been shopping mortgage rates online, you may have stumbled upon a lender by the name of Lending.com, which is apparently both a lender and a domain name.
Indeed, they decided to brand themselves as a website address because they are a direct-to-consumer mortgage lender that lives exclusively online.
It turns out Lending.com is actually a division of a much larger mortgage company called Finance of America Mortgage, which recently went public.
And that seems to be an emerging trend; larger financial companies creating smaller tech-oriented brands that are highly focused on a particular niche, such as online mortgage lending.
Lending.com Fast Facts
Direct-to-consumer mortgage lender based in Charlotte, North Carolina
Appear to only be a few years old (formerly known as eRates Mortgage)
Owned by a much larger lender called Finance of America Mortgage LLC
Licensed in 49 states and the District of Columbia (not available in NY state)
Offer all types of consumer mortgages including purchase loans, refis, renovation loans, HELOCs, and reverse mortgages
As noted, Lending.com is a dba of Finance of America Mortgage, which means they’ve got the backing of a very large, publicly traded company.
While being big isn’t necessarily a good or a bad thing, it at least gives you an idea of who you’re dealing with – they’re not a small shop.
If you happen to be a homeowner or home buyer in California, they actually do business as Finance of America Mortgage LLC.
And if you live or want to live in New York state, you won’t be able to use Lending.com to get a home loan, at least not at the moment.
However, they appear to be licensed in the other 49 states and DC, which is a good thing for the rest of us.
In terms of their company history, I wasn’t able to track down all the details, but Lending.com was a B2R company as recently as 2017 before the domain name was ostensibly sold to Finance of America.
Simply put, they appear to the online mortgage lender division of FOA, with the valuable domain name the crown jewel here.
Getting a Mortgage from Lending.com
You can call them up directly, apply online, or request a rate quote on their website
They allow you to apply for a home loan digitally with the help of a human lending team
Operate completely online and remotely so you can’t visit a physical branch
Processing, underwriting, and funding all done in-house to streamline and simplify loan process
Lending.com is all about making lending easy, so you can apply by phone or via the website.
If using their website, you simply click on “Apply Now” to get started, at which point you’ll be prompted to create an account.
This will allow you to fill out the loan application at your own speed, save you progress, and revisit it if needed.
Assuming you apply yourself, you’ll be automatically partnered with a loan officer, whose contact information will be listed on the right side of the application screen.
You can email or call that individual to discuss loan options if you want some input, or if you need someone to walk you through the process.
A loan processor will also help you with things like documentation retrieval, satisfying loan conditions, and so on.
Alternatively, you can fill out the rate quote form on their website if you select “buy a home” or “refinance,” at which point someone will reach out to you directly.
You could argue for the second option (or to call directly) if you just want to get pricing first, before diving in and applying.
Regardless, you’ve got plenty of options, whether you’re a DIYer or someone new to the mortgage world.
Loan Types Offered by Lending.com
Home purchase loans
Refinance loans (rate and term, cash out, streamline)
Home renovation loans
Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs)
Reverse mortgages
Conforming loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
Jumbo home loans
Government-backed loans: FHA, USDA, and VA
Fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages in varying loan terms available
While they don’t actually list the types of loans they offer on their website, my assumption is they offer everything (or most things) that Finance of America Mortgage offers.
This means you can get either a home purchase loan, a refinance loan, a cash out refinance, a home renovation loan, a HELOC, or a reverse mortgage.
And the expectation is that you can take out either a fixed-rate mortgage and an adjustable-rate mortgage in varying loan terms.
It is a bit disappointing that they don’t have a page dedicated to available loan programs, but they appear to be keeping things super simple on their website.
Lending.com Mortgage Rates
While their website says, “Low Rates. 24/7,” they don’t actually list their mortgage rates anywhere on their website.
In fact, their website is pretty basic, with no mention of rates or loan programs. The same goes for lender fees, which makes it difficult to assess a lot of things.
However, they do advertise a fair bit on Zillow, so if you’re comparing rates on Zillow, you might come across Lending.com’s rates.
I did a test search on Zillow and found that they offered mortgage rates in line with other online mortgage lenders like Sebonic Financial, which are generally the cheapest around relative to big banks and brand name mortgage lenders.
Additionally, they advertise with $1 lender fees, so if it’s a refinance there’s a good chance you’ll be able to go the no cost refinance route and avoid expensive closing costs, while still securing a relatively low rate.
But it would be nice if they listed their rates and fees on their own website.
Lending.com Reviews
On Zillow, they have a 4.62-star rating out of 5 based on nearly 3,000 customer reviews, which is generally considered great, though perhaps just shy of excellent.
A good portion of borrowers from those reviews indicated that the interest rate was lower than expected, which gives us another clue about their pricing.
You can also filter by loan officer on Zillow, so if you want to fine-tune and pick a specific individual to work with first, this could be one way of going about it. Then simply call that person directly or ask for them by name.
On Bankrate, Lending.com has a 4.3-star rating out of 5 on about 300 reviews, with an 83% recommendation rate.
While Lending.com is not Better Business Bureau accredited, they do have an A+ rating at the moment, which is based on customer complaint history.
All in all, they appear to have good to great reviews from most past customers, though there appears to be some room for improvement.
One nagging issue for me is the brand ambiguity between Finance of America Mortgage and Lending.com, which at times seem to be one in the same.
This could confuse consumers who are unsure of who exactly they’re working with. It kind of reminds me of Quicken Loans and Rocket Mortgage, which are the same company as well.
Lending.com Pros and Cons
The Pros
Can apply for a mortgage digitally online
Lots of different loan programs to choose from including HELOCs
Great reviews from past customers
Free mortgage calculators on site
A+ BBB rating
Backed by a large, publicly-traded company
The Cons
Not licensed in the state of New York
Do not publicize their mortgage rates or lender fees
Website is a little bare-bones (could use more information)
Some brand confusion regarding FOA Mortgage and Lending.com being affiliated companies
An eye-popping structure in Glastonbury, CT, that appears to be floating among the trees is this week’s most popular home on Realtor.com®.
The Cedar Bridge House was designed by architect Wilfred Armster and appears to hover some 50 feet above the wooded lot, anchored to a steel support structure above the garage.
Other offerings you clicked on this week include an affordable tiny home in Colorado, a retro residence in Vermont, and the former home of the Galveston Wedding Chapel in Texas.
For a full look at this week’s 10 most popular homes, keep on scrolling.
Price: $829,000 Why it’s here: This Normandy-style Tudor features many period details: casement, boxed-out windows; stone parapet walls; exposed-beam ceilings; preserved hardwood flooring; and even a window seat.
Offering five bedrooms, this petite castle was built in the 1930s. The living room comes with a stone fireplace and built-in seating.
On the market for just 11 days, the home is already pending sale.
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Price: $210,000 Why it’s here: This adorable and affordable tiny home boasts a modern interior.
Built in 2021, this two-bedroom abode is part of a small-home community. Offering just 670 square feet of living space, the home is bright and airy and features many modern amenities. A floor-to-ceiling electric fireplace can be found in the combined living-dining area.
The first-floor primary bedroom has direct access to a patio. A spiral staircase leads to a second bedroom/loft area. The property is pending sale.
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Price: $149,000 Why it’s here: What a deal! This modestly priced farmhouse needs some TLC, but there’s a lot of charm and character.
The three-bedroom home was built in 1878. Period details include wide-plank floors and arched ceilings. Recent updates include a new metal roof and a modernized kitchen with lots of cabinet space.
The 2.6-acre lot comes with a detached barn with a workshop. The property is pending sale.
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Price: $499,000 Why it’s here: The bland exterior of this home hides a surprising log cabin interior.
The three-bedroom home was custom-built in 2015 on a 10-acre wooded parcel. The two-story living room features a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, and the large windows let in plenty of natural light. Out back, there’s a hot tub.
The home is pending sale.
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Price: $4,900,000 Why it’s here: This enormous, seven-bedroom estate comes with a brick-walled wine cellar, cozy bar, spa with indoor lap pool, fitness center, and home theater.
The 10,159-square-foot floor plan boasts custom millwork and six fireplaces. The wood-paneled library has a coffered ceiling, built-in bookshelves, and a fireplace with an ornate mantelpiece.
The 16-acre lot also features six garages, a carriage house with two apartments, and a tennis court.
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Price: $625,000 Why it’s here: Inspired by midcentury modern style, this home was designed by architect Charles Marks.
The home was built in 1974 on a 14-acre parcel in the Green Mountain State. The bright living room is lined with windows and built-ins, and features a fireplace. The 3,000 square feet of living space includes a dining area with a raised ceiling and sliders that open to a bluestone terrace with an in-ground pool.
The primary suite has a fireplace, built-in bed, and bathroom with cedar walls. The property is pending sale.
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Price: $510,000 Why it’s here: This large, log cabin comes with a matching, four-car garage.
The three-bedroom home features vaulted ceilings and hardwood floors. The great room boasts a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, and the spacious kitchen comes with a curved island with seating. Two en suite bedrooms are upstairs, and the third is located on the lower level.
The 1.4-acre lot is private and wooded.
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Price: $799,900 Why it’s here: This fabulous farmhouse on 6 waterfront acres overlooks the Clinch River. The spot is ideal for launching a boat, kayaking, or fishing.
The three-bedroom, 1,857-square-foot home boasts a two-story family room with a stone fireplace and a kitchen with custom cabinets. Two bedrooms are located on the main level, and the primary suite with a private balcony can be found upstairs.
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Price: $799,500 Why it’s here: Here comes the chance to live at the former site of the Galveston Wedding Chapel!
While the wedding business itself is not for sale, all of the furnishings of the turnkey place are negotiable, according to the listing.
The waterfront property offers Gulf views from the top floors. The chapel is on the main level, and two bedrooms are upstairs.
The 2,211-square-foot interior also includes a formal parlor for cocktails, an elevated area for ceremonies, and an outdoor gazebo for photos.
There are also multiple terraces and patios to take in the views.
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Price: $497,000 Why it’s here: The innovative Cedar Bridge House, designed by architect Wilfred Armster, appears to float among the trees.
Built in 1983, the two-bedroom residence has been on and off the market over the past three years, with an original list price of $530,000. As several calls to the listing agent have gone unreturned, we (and social media) are left wondering why this modern marvel hasn’t sold.
The unconventional, bridge-like design features 2,118 square feet of living space filled with skylights and windows. The stylish kitchen has granite counters, a wine cooler, and high-end stainless-steel appliances, according to the listing. The minimalist living room offers a sleek fireplace.
The primary bedroom includes access to one of two decks. A third deck boasts a hot tub and views of the 3-acre lot.
On the Hawaiian island of Hilo, the last of the 4 larger islands still free of the pressure of rapid expansion and famous for its rainfall and lush jungle vegetation, there’s a magical tropical retreat called Reed’s Island.
Known among locals as Koloiki (“Little Crawling”), Reed’s Island is a 26-acre enclave shaped by the Wailuku River, the largest in the state of Hawaii.
Accessible by a small bridge, Koloiki is only one mile away from historic Hilo but feels like a time capsule of Old Hawaii. Once home to Hawaiian royalty, the island was sold by King Kamehameha IV to businessman William Reed in 1861, hence the name.
Here, on the edge of a bluff adjacent to a double 25-foot waterfall, The Falls at Reed’s Island took shape, a zen, nature-enveloped 2,696-square-foot residence that’s now looking for new owners.
Recently brought to market for $2,495,000 (Rebecca Hirsch-Keliihoomalu with Compass holds the listing), the secluded property was built by the late San Francisco architect David Morton and is one of the area’s most coveted and best reviewed vacation rentals.
Built on the edge of a bluff adjacent to a double 25-foot waterfall on the Wailuku River and surrounded by state and conservation land, the Falls at Reed’s Island is a secluded zen paradise.
With three bedrooms, three full baths and one half-bath, the 2,696-square-foot residence boasts minimalist interiors with locally sourced materials that complement the environment.
Most importantly, each and every room offers closeup views of the rainforest that surrounds it and the nearby falls, creating a truly magical retreat that’s gained quite a reputation among tourists and locals alike.
A long breezeway entry screened from floor to ceiling connects the home’s three living pavilions.
The late San Francisco architect David Morton created this vertical structure to meet the physical challenges of the long and narrow 2.24-acre parcel bordered by 2 gulches, the rainforest and the river — with the result being a home of distinction hailed in the NY Times as well as multiple award-winning travel sites.
The Falls at Reed’s Island nabbed a spot on Frommer’s Top Picks – Rooms with a View and on Homeaway’s ranking of the Top 10 Romantic Properties in the World, further bolstering the property’s appeal among tourists visiting the island.
The secluded home is the area’s best rated vacation rental on VRBO.com, making it a savvy investment opportunity for its future owners.
One review in particular (taken from the property’s own website) summs up the merits of this zen home better than we ever could:
“We are all stunned by the beauty of this home. It’s location atop the volcanic rocks, looking down past ferns at the river or looking upstream at the waterfalls is truly amazing. The house is elegant in it’s simplicity. We all felt immediately comfortable in it. We think this is the most beautiful place we have ever stayed and are sad to be leaving today. I painted watercolors here — so many subjects and views to paint — a kind of Hawaiian Monet’s Garden. There is one problem with this home – we all just wanted to stay here and not go to see anything else.”
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