Consider this common scenario. You really like a house and decide to make an offer. After winning a bidding war and perhaps paying a little more than you wanted, that dream house is yours.
Once it comes time to move in, you start to observe things you didn’t initially notice. Yep, it turns out you have an annoyingly loud neighbor that fires up his Harley every morning at 6am and idles it outside your window because he goes to great lengths to follow proper motorcycle care.
At night another nearby neighbor is blasting bad music and throwing little midweek parties that seem to go on until the wee hours of the night.
It also turns out that your commute to work, despite only being two miles, takes more than 30 minutes. It seemed alright when you visited the house in the middle of the day and on weekends. But it’s not so great anymore.
Helping You Discover the Unknown Factors Upfront
A new partnership between Realtor.com and Airbnb aims to help prospective home buyers avoid these types of scenarios.
They refer to them as “unknown factors” that are typically associated with moving to a new hood.
You might recall the age-old advice to visit the property you’re interested in buying during the day and late at night to see what the vibe is all about.
Is it calm during the day but loud at night? Are there questionable characters having around after hours? Is the street used as a thoroughfare for commuters? It’s hard to determine all of this when you’re being asked to make an offer right away.
And this can be especially difficult when buying a home in a new city or state that you’re less than familiar with. After all, a mere difference of a few city blocks can completely change the picture, nuances only a true local would be able to point out.
Don’t bank on your friendly real estate agent talking you out of a certain home because of these potential issues.
Now to that new solution. If you visit the Realtor website you will now be able to book accommodations nationwide on Airbnb in the neighborhood you’re considering.
The idea is to “live like a local” before actually moving in and getting stuck in a situation that is less than ideal.
When browsing available properties to buy you’ll see an option to “Airbnb before buying.”
This button will appear on the homepage and on listing detail pages (assuming Airbnb isn’t banned there).
You’ll be able to book a short stay in any type of property ranging from a single-family home to condo or loft in the neighborhood of your choice
There is also a Realtor.com “Try Before You Buy” sweepstakes going on at the moment whereby nine lucky winners will get a $500 one-time use gift code redeemable on airbnb.com.
If you don’t feel like spending money on Airbnb, simply follow that advice of checking out the neighborhood and surrounding areas at all times of day and night before buying a house.
Inside: If you have a Visa Gift Card and want to know how to use it on Amazon, you are in the right place. We will show you exactly how to load it to your account.
Do you have a Visa Gift card burning a hole in your pocket? If you do, Amazon is the perfect place to spend it!
There are a few different ways to use your Visa Gift card on Amazon. You can add it to your Amazon account as a payment method, or you can use it to purchase an Amazon gift card.
If you want to learn how to use your Visa Gift card on Amazon, keep reading!
In this post, I will show you different ways and steps how to use your Visa Gift Card on Amazon. You will also learn about the benefits and drawbacks of using a Visa Gift Card on Amazon.
So, if you are ready, let’s get started!
Can you use a Visa gift card on Amazon?
Yes, you can use a Visa gift card on Amazon. You will need to register the card with the bank issuer and then add it as a payment method on Amazon.
Once the card is registered, you will be able to use it as you would any other credit or debit card on the site.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
How can I use a Visa Gift Card on Amazon?
You can use a Visa Gift Card on Amazon by adding it to your Amazon account as a payment method.
To do this, go to the “Payment Methods” section of your account and add the Visa Gift Card as a new payment method.
You will then be able to use the gift card to make purchases on Amazon. Pretty simple.
3 Steps to use a Visa gift card on Amazon
It is quite easy to use a Visa Gift Card on Amazon. You just need to follow some simple steps and you are good to go.
This is how to add Visa gift card to Amazon and the steps that you need to follow:
Step 1: Register your Mastercard, Visa, or Amex gift card with the issuing bank
Registering your Visa gift card with the issuing bank is an essential step to ensure a seamless transaction when using it on Amazon.
By registering the gift card, you not only associate your name and address with the card but also confirm the available balance.
This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of registering your Visa gift card with the issuing bank.
Look for the registration URL or the name of the financial institution on the back of your Visa gift card.
On the bank issuer’s website, you will be prompted to verify the card information. This typically includes entering the card number, expiration date, and the security code located on the back of the card.
After verifying the card information, you will have the option to register the card with your name and address. This step is important as it ensures that the card is associated with your personal information and can be used for online transactions.
During the registration process, you may also be asked to set up a four-digit PIN for added security. While this step is not always required, it is recommended to protect your gift card from unauthorized use.
Remember to keep your gift card safe and secure, just like any other credit or debit card. Now that you have completed this important step, you can proceed to use your Visa gift card on Amazon with confidence.
Step 2: Add your gift card as a payment method on Amazon
Now, the next step is to add your Visa gift card to your Amazon account.
Log into your Amazon account.
Locate the “Accounts & Lists” option, which is typically found towards the top-right corner of the screen. Click on it.
On the account overview page, find and click on the “Your Payments” option. This will open the payment methods section.
Look for the option to “Add a payment method” and click on it. This will prompt you to add a new payment source.
Under the “Add a payment method” section, you will see a button labeled “Add a credit or debit card.” Click on it.
On the next screen, you will be asked to enter the information from your Visa gift card. Input the card number, expiration date, and the name associated with the card. Make sure to enter the information exactly as it appears on the card.
Even though the Visa gift card is not technically associated with any specific address, you will still be prompted to enter an address during the process. Fill in the required address fields as you would with any other card.
Once you have entered all the necessary information, click on the “Add your card” button. This will add your Visa gift card as a payment method to your Amazon account.
The next time you shop on Amazon, during the checkout process, make sure to select the gift card you added as your payment method. You can identify it by the last four digits of the card, which should be displayed alongside the payment options.
Step 3: Use the correct payment method
When using a Visa gift card on Amazon, it is crucial to select the correct payment method to ensure a successful transaction.
I’ll be honest; I have used the wrong method of payment before.
So, lesson learned… It is important to double-check your payment method before finalizing the purchase to avoid any potential issues.
Also, there is no time difference on how long does Amazon take to ship your order.
How do I add a Visa Gift Card to my Amazon Balance?
Adding a Visa Gift Card to your Amazon Balance or Wallet allows you to use the card for purchases on Amazon.
Here is a detailed explanation of how to add a Visa Gift Card to your Amazon Balance:
Log into your Amazon account.
Once logged in, either click on the “Account” option under “Your Account” from the dropdown menu, or hover over the “Account & List” tab in the top right corner of the page and click on “Your Payments.”
In the “Your Payments” section, go to the “Rewards and Balances” tab. You will see the option for Amazon Gift Card. Click on it.
After clicking on the Amazon Gift Card option, click on “Reload your Balance.”
On the “Reload your Balance” page, take note of the amount of money on your gift card. Make sure to enter the exact amount in dollars. Then, click on “Buy Now.”
Next, go to the “Add a Payment Method” tab. Select the “Add Debit or Credit Card” option.
Enter the Visa card details, including the card number, name, CVV or security code, and expiration date.
A simple way to have funds available to use.
What information do I need to use a Visa Gift Card on Amazon?
First, you need to ensure that the gift card has been activated. Activation instructions are usually available on the receipt or on the back of the card itself.
Next, you need to add the Visa gift card to “Add a payment method.”
Most importantly, if the gift card balance is insufficient to cover the entire purchase, you’ll need to add a second payment method to cover the difference or divide up the order into smaller orders.
This is better than needing a gift card exchange kiosk.
FAQ
While Amazon allows you to use Visa Gift Cards as a payment method, they do not allow them to be combined with credit or debit cards on a single transaction. This means that you cannot use a Visa Gift Card in conjunction with another payment method to complete a purchase.
When using a Visa Gift Card on Amazon, you need to keep an eye on your balance and ensure that your purchases stay within that limit. This includes factoring in taxes and shipment costs if you are not a Prime member or if your items do not qualify for free shipping.
If you attempt to make a purchase that exceeds the balance on your gift card, Amazon will decline the payment and ask for an alternative payment source.
Visa Gift Cards cannot be used to purchase an Amazon Prime membership.
Amazon does not allow the use of Visa gift cards for this specific type of purchase.
When using a Visa gift card on Amazon, there are certain restrictions and limitations to keep in mind.
While it is not necessary to register a Visa Gift Card before using it on Amazon, it can be beneficial to track your account balance.
Can you use Visa Gift Cards on Amazon?
Yes! Using a Visa gift card on Amazon is a convenient way to shop for your favorite items while also taking advantage of any funds available on the gift card.
By following the step-by-step guide outlined above, you can easily add your gift card to your Amazon account and use it as a payment method during checkout.
This may complicate how long does Amazon take to refund if you have a return, so make sure you are confident in your purchase.
Just remember to check the balance, enter the gift card information accurately, and use the correct method of payment during the checkout process.
Happy shopping!
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Whether you’re new to tech or an experienced professional, upskilling with a bootcamp can help you advance in your career and potentially increase your earnings.
The average salary after a coding bootcamp is around $70,000 per year, according to a 2017 analysis by Course Report, a website that researches the coding education industry and reviews bootcamps. This average salary could include graduates with an associate degree or higher.
Your earnings can depend on the following factors:
Specialization.
Years of experience.
College education.
Here’s what you need to know about salaries after coding bootcamps and how to maximize your earnings.
What impacts salary after coding bootcamp?
Location
Where you live affects how much you make after completing a coding bootcamp. Tennessee has one of the highest average annual salaries for bootcamp graduates — $72,650 — according to ZipRecruiter, an online job board. Georgia has the lowest average post-bootcamp salary: $46,571 per year.
Here are the top 10 states with the highest salaries after coding bootcamp in the U.S., according to ZipRecruiter.
Average Annual Bootcamp Salary
Massachusetts
Connecticut
Rhode Island
Washington
Source: ZipRecruiter
Specialization
There are several areas to choose from when deciding what to study in a coding bootcamp. Each area requires a different level of tech knowledge and different responsibilities — like managing a team, strategic thinking and interacting with clients.
All of these factors can impact your salary. Generally, the more responsibilities you have — and the more you interact with direct reports, clients and other stakeholders — the more you’ll make.
For example, a development operations engineer — responsible for leading teams in addition to writing code and maintaining software — earns on average $125,636 per year, according to Indeed, an online job search platform. Keep in mind that these jobs could also require college degrees.
A technical support specialist — who is more likely to be behind the scenes developing, monitoring and troubleshooting digital products — earns on average $44,239 per year, according to Indeed.
Experience level
Coding bootcamp graduates can progress in their careers and earn more money post-bootcamp as they gain additional experience.
The median starting salary for bootcampers is $65,000 per year, according to a 2017 study by Course Report. By their second job, graduates make $80,943, on average. The average salary jumps to $99,229 by a bootcamp graduate’s third job.
College education
Most bootcamps do not require a college degree to enroll. That’s one reason it can be attractive to beginners wanting to learn technical skills. But having a four-year degree — in addition to completing a bootcamp — could help you earn more.
Bachelor’s degree holders who completed a coding bootcamp received an average salary of $71,267, according to a 2020 survey by Course report. That’s more than the average post-bootcamp salary of $61,836 for those with no college degree.
Salary could increase with more advanced degrees. If you have a doctorate and complete a bootcamp, you could earn around $83,250 per year, based on the 2020 average post-bootcamp salary reported by Course Report.
But a four-year degree may be significantly more expensive than a coding bootcamp. Think about your learning and career objectives — in addition to your earning potential — to determine if a degree program is worth it.
How to increase your chances of a higher salary after coding bootcamp
The salary an employer offers you should be based on your expected value — something your previous experience will help them measure. Fortunately, a major selling point of coding bootcamps is the experience you’ll gain from practical, hands-on training.
Here’s how to leverage your bootcamp skills to land a higher salary.
Build a portfolio. Your bootcamp work is valuable. Don’t hesitate to show it off. You can even go a step further and develop personal projects to show just how dedicated you are to your career field — and demonstrate a skill set that justifies a higher salary.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Even when you put your work in front of employers, you may not get an offer that reflects your value. But you don’t have to take the first offer you get. You can ask for more. Some bootcamp schools offer career services to help you negotiate your salary and get closer to the pay you deserve.
Frequently asked questions
What are coding bootcamps?
Coding bootcamps are short-term training programs designed to teach practical, in-demand tech skills, like coding and web development.
How do coding bootcamps differ from a degree?
Coding bootcamps typically focus on specialized skills, while a bachelor’s degree in computer science, for example, will cover more general knowledge. Many coding bootcamps are also much shorter than four-year degree programs — but bootcamps are not accredited. That means you won’t graduate from a bootcamp with a degree.
Do coding bootcamps pay you?
Students do not earn money for attending a coding bootcamp. Instead, you’ll pay to attend a bootcamp, like other career-training programs.
How much do coding bootcamps cost?
Tuition for a coding bootcamp can run between $7,800 and $21,000 — with an average tuition price of $13,584, according to Course Report. Some can be free, however. Costs vary by the program’s length, whether it’s in person or online and any additional student services the school offers.
How much can you make after a coding bootcamp?
Bootcamp graduates make $70,000 per year on average, according to a 2017 study by Course Report. Your salary will depend on your location, experience level, specialization and level of education.
Is it hard getting a job after a coding bootcamp?
Your job search after completing a bootcamp will look a lot like any other job search — including networking, highlighting your experience and showing what you’ll bring to the company. Some bootcamp schools offer career services to help students post-graduation.
Anyplace, a marketplace startup that offers people find flexible-term furnished housing, aims to draw digital nomads and other temporary residents to the fold. A recent email outreach from their PR company (EZPR) prompted the following early assessment.
Started back in 2015 with angel capital from East Ventures, Anyplace works with extended stay hotels, serviced apartments, furnished rentals, and co-living companies to supply turn-key mid-term accommodations, has just raised another $2.5 million. The round, headed by UpHonest, FundersClub, East Ventures, and others, should extend the startups reach.
The startup, which prides itself on its B2C core logic, is being billed as a predictability value over Airbnb and other shared property innovations. With a growing roster of longer-term stays from San Francisco to Guadalajara in Mexico, the company says they’re looking to expand to Europe and Asia by 2020. This may, in fact, come to pass, but “listing” 50+ properties in 9 cities for any rental marketplace should not be seen as a market takeover. The market for such an endeavor exists, but here’s where I see Anyplace in the current scheme of things.
The website traffic numbers at Anyplace do not speak of massive volumes of business people relocating at Anyplace offerings, but this says nothing for the company’s mobile app numbers. But, 6 reviews at the iTunes app store do indicate slow uptake, however. A slim Facebook (under 500 likes) presence, along with one social post per 3 months does not a modern digital age game changer make. Ditto for Twitter (111 followers), Instagram (35 subscribers – no posts), and LinkedIn (No posts). The lack of effort here is symbolic of companies I’ve seen hit the TechCrunch “dead pool” before.
In addition, the fact the Anyplace team is searching for backend and full-stack engineers willing who are founding members does not bode well for the extended development this far into the funding. What this means to me is that the CTO and co-founder Kouichi Tanaka is probably doing most of the app and backend development with a very small team. And while this is not a bad thing, it is not $2.5 million dollar investment level staffing. Looking at LinkedIn profiles for Anyplace employees I found the front-end user interface developer, a freelancer from Germany named Martin Broder, iOS engineer Arpit Agarwal, and front-end developer, Michal Ittah of the 17 employees listed for the startup.
I hate pouring cold water on a PR outreach since I once owned one of Europe’s most successful boutique hotel tech PR companies, but there’s some homework left to do at Anyplace, PR and otherwise. Short version, Anyplace needs to step up its game now. The fact they closed this round in 2018 and are only now reaching out for media is another negative for anybody who looks close. Given the massive potential for Alt Living innovations, Anyplace has a big potential, so my cautions should be taken with a grain of industrial salt.
This report at NFX reveals the positive side for Anyplace’s founder and investors. Lifestyle shifts, non-traditional transactions, technology empowered markets, and so forth – make Anyplace a good prospect. The downside is the lack of commitment of both funding and human resource. One thing I really like about this startup is its B2C heart – which flies in the face of Airbnb and the customary access economy giants. In my former business, hoteliers were literally freaking out over lost business to Airbnb. Anyplace-like value can mitigate at least some of this lost revenue. But that’s far off in my view, at a point when this startup has $100 million in funding and 25,000 Facebook fans.
As it stands, Anyplace needs a solid product, a solid marketing team, and a tech PR firm listed at O’dwyer’s if they can afford it. A final note, an old associate of mine, Jason Calacanis of East Ventures, has invested in some of the most successful startups in Silicon Valley history including; Uber, Facebook, and many others. One of Silicon Valley’s most ethical and intelligent investors, I’m surprised Anyplace is not farther along. Jason, get these boys some help, will you?
Phil Butler is a former engineer, contractor, and telecommunications professional who is editor of several influential online media outlets including part owner of Pamil Visions with wife Mihaela. Phil began his digital ramblings via several of the world’s most noted tech blogs, at the advent of blogging as a form of journalistic license. Phil is currently top interviewer, and journalist at Realty Biz News.
Every Realtor should write a book, including you! On today’s podcast with Chandler Bolt, the CEO of SelfPublishing.com, we discuss the benefits of writing a real estate book. Chandler also shares how any Realtor can write and publish a book in record time, even with no writing experience. Listen in and learn how a book will boost your business for years to come.
Listen to today’s show and learn:
How Chandler Bolt got into book writing and publishing [4:16]
Chandler’s first successful company [8:47]
How to identify potential business opportunities and book ideas [10:27]
Why you should write a book [15:29]
Aaron’s books [20:05]
Marketing tactics for your first book [23:17]
How to write a book with no time and no writing experience [31:08]
How Aaron wrote his first book [33:00]
A FREE webinar on book writing for listeners [33:56]
Powerful books that Chandler helped publish [36:06]
Where to find and follow Chandler Bolt [39:06]
Final advice from Chandler Bolt [40:45]
Another reason to write a book: your legacy [42:14]
Chandler Bolt
Chandler Bolt is an investor, advisor, the CEO of SelfPublishing.com, and the author of 6 bestselling books including his most recent book titled “Published.”. Selfpublishing.com is an INC 5000 company for 5 years as one of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the US.
Chandler is also the host of the 7 Figure Principles Podcast and the Self Publishing School Podcast. Through his books, podcasts, YouTube channels, and Self-Publishing School, he’s helped thousands of people write a book that grows their income, impact, and business.
He’s currently spending his time scaling Selfpublishing.com, a company he’s built from 0 to $43M+ in 8 years.
Related Links and Resources:
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Mortgage rates fluctuated again last week, down 5 basis points to 2.95% after managing to pop back up to 3% the week prior, according to Thursday data from Freddie Mac‘s PMMS. Mortgage rates have been hovering around 3% for over a month now, as macro economic factors left the bond market hesitant over the global recovery.
“Mortgage rates are down below three percent, continuing to offer many homeowners the potential to refinance and increase their monthly cash flow,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “In fact, homeowners who refinanced their 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in 2020 saved more than $2,800 dollars annually. Substantial opportunity continues to exist today, as nearly $2 trillion in conforming mortgages have the ability to refinance and reduce their interest rate by at least half a percentage point.”
Low rates not only save homeowners looking to refinance, they also help offset the steep increases in home prices. Steep competition — spurred by low mortgage rates, demographic factors and an improving national economy — is pushing home prices up at the strongest pace in a decade, with sales happening at lightning speed and often for well above list price.
Record low rates lit the fire under what was a scorching hot market in 2020 with some economists speculating rising rates may be the best option for cooling it back down. As rates rise, demand wanes and builders can catch up on the few months of inventory left for hungry borrowers.
“Mortgage rates over 3.75% should change the housing market landscape from its currently overheated state for both the new and existing home sales,” said Logan Mohtashami, HousingWire’s lead analyst.
How lenders can stay competitive as the refi boom slows
Whether lenders want to lower costs or improve performance, outsourcing can strengthen a company’s operations regardless of the housing market.
Presented by: Computershare Loan Services
According to Mohtashami, the new home sector can’t compete with the existing home sales market in terms of price, so when mortgage rates increase, it’s more of a disadvantage to the new home sales market. If new home sales don’t grow, housing construction will slow down.
“We’ll see more inventory come to the market later this year as further COVID-19 vaccinations are administered and potential home sellers become more comfortable listing and showing their homes,” said Lawrence Yun, National Association of Realtors‘ chief economist. “The falling number of homeowners in mortgage forbearance will also bring about more inventory.”
The American dream of homeownership is getting further out of reach for many Hoosiers.
As pandemic-era supply shortages began to return to normal, home prices fell, giving prospective homebuyers hope they could find something affordable. But those hopes were dashed for some who found they could not pay the high mortgage rates, which are currently more than double pandemic lows.
According to Paul Schwinghammer, former president of the Indiana Builders Association, markets will bounce back eventually. But when prices return to “normal,” many will still be unable to afford the investment that sustained previous generations.
“The days of a brand new home at $200,000 are probably very much in our rearview mirror,” Schwinghammer said.
As potential homeowners are pushed into becoming renters due to high mortgage rates, Schwinghammer said the thriving rental market is not the silver bullet to the housing market some think it is.
“That’s not the American dream,” he said.
Homeownership is increasingly expensive
Housing has become more expensive overall in the past several decades.
In 1950, Hoosiers made less — the median household income was $2,827, or about $30,000 in today’s dollars — now the median household income is $61,944. But housing prices have zoomed past that growth.
In 1950, the inflation-adjusted cost of the median home value was around $70,000. Today, the median listing price is $218,000, according to the state housing dashboard. In other words, the cost of housing has tripled, clearly outpacing wage growth in Indiana.
The cause of this gap is hotly debated. Some argue it is due to a decreased supply of housing — in Indiana, 16.8% of existing housing was built prior to 1940, and the percentage of homes built in the 2010s makes up the smallest slice of the housing pie at just 5.3%.
Experts point to the 2008 housing crash as a major factor in the building slowdown. After the crash, the membership of the Indiana Builders Association fell from 7,200 to 3,000, and the industry has been cautious ever since.
While building picked up pace in response to pandemic-driven demand, Indiana still has a 1.04% shortage of housing stock according to FreddieMac — the largest of all surrounding states.
Density, zoning and community opposition
At the most basic level, a housing unit cannot be cheaper than the raw cost to build it. During the pandemic, supply and demand saw timber, copper and other building materials spike in price, which was exacerbated by high labor costs. Schwinghammer argues this raw cost can be further increased by municipal regulations surrounding lot size, materials and aesthetics.
“That’s all well and good, except you’re ruling out homebuyers,” Schwinghammer said.
For affordability advocates, a relatively simple solution is increasing the amount of homes that can be built in an area by reducing lot size. This allows more homes to be built, increasing supply, all at a lower cost to builders, which are hopefully passed onto consumers.
But in practice, housing density is fiercely contested. Examples of density can range from apartment complexes to duplexes, which can be impossible if an area is zoned for single-family use. Other times, things like parking space requirements can thwart density attempts.
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But overwhelmingly, the biggest opposition to denser housing can come from neighbors and community members, whether it’s an apartment complex in Broad Ripple or a controversial zoning change to allow for multifamily housing in certain Bloomington neighborhoods. In fact, a survey of New York developers found that the majority of opposition to developments came from residents.
Ultimately, Indiana joins most of the country in having high rates of single-family detached housing, with the housing type making up 73.1% of all housing in Indiana, according to the state housing dashboard.
A shortage of affordable housing
While housing supply remains low in general, low-income Hoosiers are facing an even bigger gap when it comes to affordable housing supply. According to a Prosperity Indiana report, the state is 120,796 homes short of affordable and available rental homes, which means there are only 39 affordable units available for every 100 low-income renter households. The numbers show Indiana is performing worse than the regional average.
“Indiana is increasingly out of step with its Midwest peers when it comes to affordability and stability,” Andrew Bradley, policy director at Prosperity Indiana, said.
One method of helping low-income renters is Section 8 housing, a federal program that allows income-qualifying individuals to pay subsidized rents. But the program often fails to meet the demand — in Indiana, people are often on waitlists for three to five years before they can get housing, and sometimes the waitlists themselves are closed. There are currently seven waitlists open on the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority website, spanning only about a third of counties.
With state and federal assistance so hard to find, some municipalities have attempted to fill the gap in affordable housing through local regulations.
In Bloomington, where housing is the most expensive in the state, local officials attempted to implement inclusionary zoning in 2017. Inclusionary zoning is a type of policy that requires developers to include a certain percentage of affordable units in their projects instead of trying to individually negotiate more affordable units through incentives.
That same year, the Indiana General Assembly banned municipalities from doing so, putting a direct halt to the city’s plans. Today, Indiana preempts municipalities from enacting four different types of equitable housing policies. In addition to inclusionary zoning, these include short term rentals, source of income nondiscrimination policies and rent regulation. Indiana is the only state in the country to prohibit all four policies.
Bradley said Indiana’s Housing Task Force is focusing too much on building new homes instead of sharing a focus on strengthening protections for tenants and improving current housing stock. He said this is partly due to a lack of representation of everyday Hoosiers on the task force.
He referenced Senate Bill 202, bipartisan legislation focused on tenant protections that was later stripped down to a study bill, as an example of the priorities of the legislature. The bill did not end up passing the House, and was not selected as a summer study topic.
“Suppliers of new housing have dominated the conversation at the Statehouse,” Bradley said.
Homebuyers suffer from high rates
Although commodity prices have decreased 10% across the board, Schwinghammer said, homebuyers are not seeing true relief due to high mortgage rates, which currently hover around 7%. Although mortgage rates have spiked as high as 16% in previous decades, the current rate is higher than pre-pandemic rates of around 4% and pandemic lows of 3%.
Part of this is due to the Federal Reserve’s sharp hikes in interest rates in order to combat inflation.
Ultimately, Schwinghammer said it would take 33% of the average person’s wage to begin homeownership — resulting in the highest debt to income ratio since 2007. Housing is effectively the least affordable it’s been in nearly two decades, he said.
As potential homebuyers are shut out of the market, builders have turned to the build-for-rent phenomenon sweeping the country in order to keep busy. BFR involves communities of single family rental homes that people can live in without making a purchase, allowing people to avoid interest rates.
Schwinghammer said BFR, which once took up 3% of the market, is now 15%.
As people struggle to afford new homes, pre-existing — and often cheaper — homes are selling less because homeowners don’t want to trade in their lower rates for the current 7% interest rate.
But the market is cyclical by nature, Schwinghammer said, and interest rates will likely be declining in a year.
“The natural ebbs and flows of the market will allow that to happen,” he said.
When purchasing life insurance, it is important to have choices. As there are many various needs, policy holders can be better served by being able to essentially “customize” their plans in order to keep up with changes in their lives.
One of the most flexible forms of permanent life insurance is universal life. This type of coverage provides guaranteed death benefit protection, along with a fixed rate of interest on the cash value component of the plan. Cash in the policy can grow on a tax-deferred basis, and because of this, it can grow substantially over time.
Yet, universal life, or UL, also provides so much more than what is offered with more “generic” forms of permanent coverage such as whole life insurance. For example, with a universal policy, if the policy holder’s needs happen to change, then he or she may actually alter the policy to better fit their then-current scenario. This greatly differs from whole or term life policies which are “locked-in” once the policy is in place.
How Universal Life Insurance Works
Universal life is a form of permanent coverage. This type of policy offers the policy holder death benefit coverage, as well as a cash value component. Yet, while this may sound very similar to whole life insurance, universal policies differ in many ways – starting with the fact that these policies can offer much more flexibility.
Similar to other types of permanent life insurance, the cash that is inside of a universal life insurance plan is allowed to grow on a tax deferred basis. However, the policy holder is allowed to move the funds between the cash value component and the insurance component of the policy.
What this means is that the policy holder can in essence change – within certain stated guidelines – the amount of the policy’s death benefit amount. In addition, the policy holder can also change the amount and the due date of the premium as well.
There are also more underlying options that are available in terms of allowing a universal policy holder’s cash value to grow. For example, policy holders can typically choose from a variety of different investment vehicles from both the fixed income and the equity investment markets.
Types of Policies
In addition to regular universal life, there are other variations of the product. For example, there are variable universal life and indexed universal life. Variable universal life insurance is a type of permanent coverage that offers both a death benefit, as well as cash value build up. Just like regular universal life, the policy holder can – within certain guidelines – change both the timing and the amount of the premium.
Rather than growing at a set rate of interest, though, with variable universal life, the funds in the cash component are actually managed professionally (unlike variable life policies that are managed by the policyholder) in underlying “subaccounts” and can be in entities such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. This can allow the opportunity for additional growth. However, it can also present more risk if the market has a negative return.
Overall, variable universal life insurance can provide policy holders with a number of different subaccount options – which can also include fixed option choices that have a minimum rate of interest. These policies also offer flexible premiums, payment schedules, and death benefit options.
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The indexed universal policy option allows policy holders the ability to own permanent life insurance protection, along with a cash value component that provides them with not just a guaranteed interest rate, but also with interest that is based partially on one or more market indexes such as the S&P 500.
With this type of policy, the policy holder may incur a cap that limits the maximum amount of growth that they can attain in a given period of time. However, in return for that, they are also provided with a minimum “floor.” This means that they are also protected against market losses – essentially guaranteeing them that they cannot lose any of their principal.
In many ways, indexed universal life insurance works in a similar fashion as most other types of coverage in that the policy holder pays their premium, and the net premium is then applied to the actual life insurance death benefit.
A portion of the premium is also credited to the policy’s “index” account, which is credited at the index growth rate. Over time, the cash in the policy’s cash portion can grow significantly – especially as the funds are protected against any downside market losses. Over time, the cash can grow substantially – and can be accessed via withdrawals or policy loans.
There are numerous benefits of owning an indexed universal policy. These can include having permanent death benefit coverage, provided that premiums are paid within the grace period and that the policy remains in-force.
As with most other universal life insurance policies, these plans also provide the flexibility to either increase or decrease the policy’s premium, within certain limits. In addition, the policy also offers the ability to increase the cash value portion, yet with downside protection. This can be viewed as a true win-win.
Considerations When Purchasing
When purchasing a universal policy, it is important to keep several factors in mind. First, there should be a good mix of different investment options to choose from for the policy’s cash component. This will help to both increase growth opportunity and to diversify.
It is also a good idea to check for policy guarantees. Most universal life insurance policies will provide at least some form of a guarantee regarding its investment options, as well as the minimum amount of premium that it will take to keep the policy in force. Likewise, it is important to ensure that the universal policy is flexible and can be adjusted in the future.
How Much Will a Policy Cost?
When determining the quote on a universal life policy, there are a variety of factors that are considered by the insurance company. This is because the insurer wants to determine whether it is taking on an appropriate amount of risk, and that it will not have to pay out a large amount of claim soon after it accepts an applicant for coverage.
Some of the key factors that life insurance carriers consider when reviewing an applicant for coverage include the following:
Age
Gender
Height and weight (primarily, weight as it pertains to the individual’s height)
Smoking status
Alcohol consumption
Marital status
Employment and income status
Overall health condition
Family health history
Hobbies (whether or not risky or dangerous hobbies such as sky diving or scuba diving take place)
In addition, policies that are “traditionally” underwritten, will typically require the applicant to take a medical exam, though if needed, we can find those carriers that will offer a policy for life insurance with no medical exam. This will entail meeting with a paramedical professional who will take a blood and urine sample. These samples will be tested for certain types of health ailments that could also pose certain risks to the company in terms of having to pay out a potential insurance claim.
Depending on the applicant’s overall health after all of the information has been reviewed, the insurance underwriters will be able to obtain a much clearer picture of the person’s risk status. At that time, a coverage determination can be made, as well as a premium price can also be determined.
If the individual is considered to be of “average” health – and will also likely have an “average” life expectancy given his or her health – then they will typically be rated as a Standard policy.
If, however, the individual has a slight health issue – but not enough to be declined altogether for coverage – then they will typically be rated as a Substandard. This means that they will still be offered coverage. However, that coverage will be provided at a higher premium rate.
Conversely, if the individual is in excellent physical and mental health, then it could turn out that the insurance company rates him or her as a Preferred. In this case, they will be able to obtain their policy at a lower than average premium rate.
For applicants who are declined for coverage due to health issues, there are other options for coverage. These can include going the route of a no medical exam policy or a guarantee issue policy. In these cases, an applicant will not be required to go through the medical examination in order to obtain a policy. While the premium for this type of coverage is typically much higher than for comparable coverage that is traditionally underwritten, it could be the only option in some instances.
How and Where to Get the Best Quotes
For those who want death benefit protection, along with additional benefits, universal life insurance should certainly be a consideration. These policies offer many advantages, such as:
Death benefit coverage – UL policies provide lifetime death benefit protection – provided that premium payments are made within the policy’s grace period.
Tax-deferred growth – The cash within the policy’s cash value component is allowed to grow on a tax-deferred basis. This can allow funds to increase exponentially, as tax will not be due until the time of withdrawal.
Interest rate guarantee – The cash in the policy’s cash value component is also provided with a guaranteed rate of interest. This means that the growth is guaranteed not to fall below a set level.
Flexibility – Because UL policy holders are allowed to change the amount and timing of their premium payment, these policies come with a great deal of flexibility to grow and alter as one’s coverage needs change over time.
When searching for the best universal life insurance quotes, it is important to ensure that you obtain several different options. This will allow you to compare the policy features – as well as the premium quotes – from a number of insurers, and then to decide on which option will provide you with the best scenario for you and your specific needs.
In doing so, it is typically best to work with an agency or company that has access to more than just one insurance company. When you’re ready to begin your search for universal quotes, we can help. We work with many of the top universal carriers in the market place today – and we can provide you with all of the important information and details that you need that can help you with your purchase decision. We can do so directly via your computer – and without the need to meet in person with an agent. When you’re ready to begin the process, just fill out and submit the form on this page.
. Our experts are happy to assist you with answering questions or concerns, or walking you step by step through the universal quote process.
We understand that the purchase of life insurance can be a big decision. That is why we want to ensure that you have all of the pertinent information that you need in order to make the right decision. We will assist you in the following ways:
Choosing the right type of coverage – whether it be term, whole life, or universal protection;
Determining the proper amount of death benefit
Finding the company that will offer you the benefit – and the premium quote – that will suit your needs, and your budget.
We all want our homes to look attractive and reflect our personal style, and we choose décor items to achieve both goals. Sadly, that sometimes means facing a substantial decorating or renovation cost.
If you plan to live in the house you own for years and years, decorate as you see fit. However, if you live in a rental and could move at any time, or if you plan to sell your home, think twice before investing in furniture, art or any fixtures you can’t take with you. The décor you choose today might not fit the vibe of your next home — forcing you to start all over — and if you plan to sell, some of the choices you make could turn off potential buyers.
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GOBankingRates reached out to people in the real estate and design fields to ask their advice about which décor items are a waste of money. Eight of their ideas follow.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper was a staple in homes in the 1960s and ’70s — look for it the next time you watch a rerun of “The Brady Bunch” or “Columbo” — but it fell out of favor. While you’ll see designers on HGTV shows incorporate wallpaper on some projects today, it’s usually on a sparse basis.
“Wallpaper patterns can quickly become outdated as design trends evolve. Opting for wallpaper with bold patterns or motifs that are currently in vogue might be appealing to you at the moment, but it could potentially look dated in a few years, making the room feel less attractive and in need of updating,” said Boyd Rudy, Michigan real estate associate broker with the MiReloTeam through Keller Williams.
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Themed Décor
Wendy Wang, a home design and renovation specialist, said it’s wise to resist the temptation to decorate according to a theme.
“For instance, a nautical theme with anchor accents, a sailing artwork or a beach theme with shells everywhere; they may seem appealing at first, especially to complement a certain environment or to show personal interests,” said Wang, owner of F&J Outdoor. “These items usually make a room look tacky rather than chic and sophisticated. They also age a space pretty quickly as the novelty wears off.”
Instead, she said to use the themed pieces as a complement, not a focal point.
“I would recommend investing in timeless, classic pieces and incorporate smaller accents to bring out the theme subtly. It’s really about balancing taste and personality with broader appeal,” she added.
Expensive Window Treatments
When it comes to covering windows, one home-design expert thinks you should keep it simple.
“Many people waste money on buying expensive and elaborate curtains to decorate their homes,” said Jessica Wilson, the editor and co-founder of InYouths LED Mirrors. “While these pieces may add visual appeal, they are often a wasteful investment. Fancy curtains can be difficult to clean and maintain, leading to a shorter lifespan compared to simpler window treatments. Additionally, these curtains may not complement future home décor, making them bad for resale value. Their intricate design can also make a room appear cluttered and unattractive. Instead, opt for simpler and more cost-effective window treatments to create an inviting and timeless home.”
Artificial Plants
If you want greenery in your home, real estate industry veteran Pete Evering said you should grow and care for real plants instead of buying artificial ones — especially if you plan to sell your home anytime soon.
“While faux plants may not significantly impact resale value, they can leave a negative first impression on your home, making it look cheap and lacking authenticity,” said Evering, the business development manager at Utopia Property Management. “Their manufactured appearance doesn’t give a natural feel and diminishes the overall visual appeal of the space. Visitors or potential buyers may perceive them as a sign of neglect or a shortcut taken in decorating. Instead of providing the freshness and vitality that real plants offer, faux plants can make a room feel lifeless and uninviting.”
Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
On some of those older TV shows, you’ll see carpeting — not wood, tile or luxury vinyl — on the floors. Sometimes even in the bathrooms. But real estate expert Roman Smolevskiy, the owner of A+ Construction and Remodeling in Sacramento, California, recommended making another choice.
“From a resale standpoint, wall-to-wall carpeting can be a detriment. Many buyers today prefer hardwood or tiled floors, both for their aesthetic appeal and their durability. Carpeting is often associated with allergens and can hide dust, dirt and other pollutants, causing potential health concerns. This can turn off health-conscious buyers or those with allergies.
“Design-wise, carpeting can make rooms appear smaller and dated, affecting the overall attractiveness of the house. With the current trend leaning toward minimalist and modern interiors, carpeting can seem out of place and hopelessly old-fashioned.”
Ornate Light Fixtures
“Picture a lavish crystal chandelier in a minimalist living room or an industrial-style pendant in a classic Victorian. It seems stylish at the time of purchase but is a waste of resources because it can clash with the home’s overall design,” said Zackary Smigel, the founder of Real Estate License Wizard.
“Aside from the aesthetic discord, such a statement piece can be a double-edged sword regarding resale. Potential buyers may find it overbearing or at odds with their taste, forcing them to consider the replacement cost even before purchase. I’ve had clients who loved a house but hesitated because of an ornate, expensive lighting fixture that needed to match their style.”
Water Fountains
Like wallpaper and light fixtures, beauty is in the eye of the beholder when it comes to water fountains.
“Yes, a beautiful water fountain near your home’s entrance or in the center of your backyard can add a touch of elegance to your property and promote a relaxing ambiance,” said Benas Leonavicius, the founder of HomeCaprice.
“However, water fountains can be very expensive décor items in terms of initial expense and installation. If you plan on selling the property in the future, you should also know they don’t add any monetary value to your home. In fact, they could even decrease the value of your home in the eyes of some homebuyers since prominent water features like this require frequent upkeep that could easily outweigh its merely aesthetic benefits.”
Throw Blankets
“One item that I often see people wasting money on when decorating their home is expensive designer throw blankets,” said Pieter Runchman, a Los Angeles interior designer who is the founder and CEO of Floor Theory. “Sure, they may be made with luxurious materials and have a trendy design, but the reality is that most people don’t want to deal with the hassle of getting them professionally cleaned every time they need a refresh. It’s like having a beautiful piece of art that you can’t touch or enjoy without fear of ruining it.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 8 Home Decor Items That Are a Waste of Money