Citi announced today that it will let borrowers stay in their homes for six months if they agree to a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.
In exchange for the deed on their property, homeowners will also get a minimum of $1,000 for relocation assistance and counseling, as well as coverage for certain property expenses if Citi determines the borrower can no longer afford them.
Borrowers must continue to pay utilities on their own, though homeowner’s association and escrow fees will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
So what’s the catch? Well, as part of the agreement, homeowners must maintain the property in its current condition and agree to bi-monthly meetings with relocation specialists.
The upside with a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure is that the borrower is released from the mortgage liability, but the obvious downside is losing their home.
The win for the bank/mortgage lender is avoiding foreclosure costs, and the possible damage/theft to the home that comes with that; the program may also reduce downward pressure on home prices.
The pilot program, which is expected to help as many as 1,000 families in places Texas, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey and Ohio, will begin on February 12.
To be eligible for the program, dubbed the “Foreclosure Alternatives Program,” borrowers must be at least 90 days delinquent, occupy the property in question, and hold a first mortgage with clear title owned by CitiMortgage.
Homeowners will only be considered for the program after being evaluated for a permanent loan modification; for those who don’t qualify, CitiMortgage will also explore the possibility of a short sale.
“At CitiMortgage, we’re committed to finding every solution possible to help families facing foreclosure. However, the reality is that not every homeowner has the financial ability to remain in their home,” said Sanjiv Das, CEO of CitiMortgage, in a release.
“The goal of the program is to help homeowners make a smooth transition into the next chapter of their lives. The Foreclosure Alternatives Program is another tool in our ongoing efforts to find creative, innovative ways to help our customers across a variety of difficult financial situations.”
Late last year, mortgage financier Fannie Mae unveiled a foreclosure prevention tool called the “Deed for Lease Program,” which allowed borrowers to lease their homes after agreeing to a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.
If you’re wondering which mortgage company originated the most home loans last year, stop wondering and take a look.
Most people know Wells Fargo is king when it comes to mortgages, and 2015 was no different. But what about the other top 39 lenders?
Well, thanks to some great visualization software from Tableau and some generosity from Richey May and Co., we can see who the major (and slightly less major) players are.
The graphs below are based on Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data, which covers about 95% of all residential mortgages. The raw data was made readable thanks to the pair mentioned above.
Wells Fargo Remained Mortgage King in 2015
Unsurprisingly, San Francisco-based Wells Fargo retained its crown as the top residential mortgage originator in 2015, registering volume of $119.2 billion.
That gave it about 7.3% of the total market share in the United States. While it might not seem like a lot, its closest competitor had nearly half that share.
For the record, its market share has fallen for the past couple years, from 10.5% in 2013 to 7.8% in 2014.
Before we talk about the others, let me add that Wells’s production was 88% conventional and just 5% FHA. There was a sliver of USDA lending in there too.
As far as transaction type, 52% was for a home purchase and 48% was for a refinance.
Quicken Grabbed the Second Spot
Coming in a relatively close second was Quicken Loans, with $74.6 billion in total volume representing a 4.6% market share.
The nonbank mortgage lender saw its market share rise just slightly from a year earlier, but volume was way up from the $55.8 billion seen in 2014.
While conventional loans made up the lion’s share of its production (70%), FHA accounted for a decent chunk (19%) and VA home loans accounted for 11%.
After their very public lawsuit with the Department of Justice over alleged faulty FHA underwriting, my guess is FHA lending will be a lot lower in 2016.
More interestingly, 80% of their total production was refis, with just 20% of volume involving a home purchase. We’ll see if Rocket Mortgage can eventually propel them to the top.
Chase took the third position overall with $62.7 billion in total production, representing a 3.8% market share. That was up from $42.2 billion and 3.5% a year earlier, respectively.
The big New York City-based bank doesn’t seem to like FHA lending seeing that 98% of their production was conventional. It was split fairly evenly between refi (56%) and purchase (44%).
Bank of America came in fourth with $51.9 billion and 3.2% market share. Production was actually up from 2014 but market share still slipped slightly.
They too eschewed FHA, with 96% of production coming via the conventional route. Refis accounted for 59% of production with 41% purchases.
Rounding out the top five was Loan Depot, a nonbank that managed to grab about 1.6% of total market share on a healthy $25.8 billion in production.
The company exhibited a solid mix of lending, with 68% conventional, 18% FHA, 14% VA, and a bit of USDA as well.
They too had a heavy share of refis (67%) versus purchases (33%), which is common with the nonbanks.
People tend to get purchase mortgages from the big banks they already do business with, though it’s not always the case.
The lower half of the top 10 included the likes of US Bank, Flagstar, Citi, Freedom Mortgage, and Caliber Home Loans.
You can see the rest of the names in the graphic above.
Independent Mortgage Lenders Saw Gains in 2015
As you can see from this graph, independent mortgage lenders have been chalking gains over the past few years as the big boys lose market share.
The indie group saw its market share rise from 36% in 2013 to 45% last year. Part of that had to do with the rising number of independent mortgage companies. Perhaps they’ll surpass 50% in 2016.
Meanwhile, the large commercial banks saw their market share fall from 54% in 2013 to just 45% in 2015. The number of commercial banks has also dwindled, which could explain some of the decline.
Credit unions have held a fairly steady ~5% share for the past several years and mortgage companies owned or affiliated with a depository have held a similar share.
And now a few more interesting tidbits:
Top conventional mortgage lender in 2015: Wells Fargo Top FHA mortgage lender in 2015: Quicken Loans Top USDA mortgage lender in 2015: PrimeLending Top VA mortgage lender in 2015: Freedom Mortgage Top purchase mortgage lender in 2015: Wells Fargo Top refinance mortgage lender in 2015: Quicken Loans
Mortgage rates are basically flat again today. The Fed meeting, although not a major policy event, is still in focus for financial market participants right now.
You never know what will happen in the Eccles Building so we could see rates adjust tomorrow when the concluding statement is issued. Read on for more details.
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Market Outlook 4.30.17 from Total Mortgage on Vimeo.
Where are mortgage rates going?
Rates move sideways as Fed meeting begins
The Federal Open Market Committee kicks off its two-day meeting today.
Financial market participants are moving slightly out of bonds and into stocks ahead of the event, pushing up Treasury yields.
The yield on the 10-year Treasury note, which is the best market indicator of where mortgage rates are going, is up a couple basis points to 2.96%.
Mortgage rates tend to follow in the footsteps of the 10-year yield, so we’re seeing some mild upward pressure today.
While the Fed meeting is certainly on investors’ radar, there’s no reason to expect a massive swing in rates tomorrow afternoon.
It’s virtually guaranteed that the FOMC members will vote to keep the nation’s benchmark interest rate, the federal funds rate, unchanged from the prior meeting.
In fact, the language and tone are both expected to be little changed from the previous meeting.
Rate/Float Recommendation
Lock now before rates rise
Mortgage rates are holding at some of the highest levels of the year, but they are poised to continue moving higher.
If you’re considering buying a home or refinancing your current mortgage, it’s more likely right now that rates will rise than fall, so you’re best bet would be to lock in a rate soon.
Learn what you can do to get the best interest rate possible.
Today’s economic data:
FOMC Meeting Begins
The Federal Open Market Committee will begin a two-day meeting today. The event will end tomorrow with a written announcement out at 2pm.
PMI Manufacturing Index
The PMI Manufacturing Index hit a 56.5 for April.
ISM Mfg Index
The ISM Mfg Index came in at a 57.3 for April.
Construction Spending
Construction spending fell 1.7% month over month, putting it up 3.6% year over year.
Notable events this week:
Monday:
Personal Income and Outlays
Chicago PMI
Pending Home Sales Index
Dallas Fed Mfg Survey
Tuesday:
FOMC Meeting Begins
PMI Manufacturing Index
ISM Mfg Index
Construction Spending
Wednesday:
ADP Employment Report
EIA Petroleum Status Report
FOMC Meeting Ends
Thursday:
International Trade
Jobless Claims
Productivity and Costs
PMI Services Index
Factory Orders
ISM Non-Mfg Index
Friday:
Employment Situation
Fedspeak
*Terms and conditions apply.
Carter Wessman
Carter Wessman is originally from the charming town of Norfolk, Massachusetts. When he isn’t busy writing about mortgage related topics, you can find him playing table tennis, or jamming on his bass guitar.
In an effort to get a pulse on the industry and learn more about the tools available to help real estate agents grow their businesses, I sat down with Robert (Bob) Burns, Real Estate Coach, Trainer and Consultant with Leader’s Edge Training, to discuss the resources they offer for real estate professionals.
While there’s no shortage of training available in the marketplace for agents, I quickly learned that for those real estate agents who want to take their career to the next level there is a vacuum in the real estate training space that few – besides Leader’s Edge – are addressing.
In our discussion, Bob shared the fact that “there’s a whole other side of this conversation [i.e. agent training] that’s not talked about nearly enough, and that’s management…the management side of the real estate business. There’s little to no training available.”
Why is this important?
As an agent, maybe you’re thinking that’s no big deal…I’m great at selling, how hard can it be to manage a brokerage?
Ask anyone who’s done it though, and you’ll quickly realize that it’s a lot tougher. For example, how do you know if your commission plan is truly competitive in the marketplace?
Or if you have the right financial reports with the key information you need to manage the brokerage well? Are things slipping through the cracks, or are you on top of every little thing that needs done?
Maybe you were in management before you got into real estate. That’s great, but were you managing employees or independent contractors?
It’s different, you know…the dynamics are definitely not the same.
For example, if you were a sales manager in the retail industry the methods and processes you used to manage employees will not be the same as the ones you need as the manager of a brokerage firm.
“It becomes not about telling people what to do and having, you know, all of that discipline and structure,” said Bob, “it really is an exercise in leadership in generating followership, and building relationships and trust so that these independent contractors that are like, herding cats, will actually follow you to where you want to bring your organization. And that’s a whole other skillset for most people to develop.
“So I love working with managers to help them with their leadership skills, to build followership and also with the nuts and bolts of actually managing their service delivery, their financials, their process…all the stuff that’s required as kind of foundational to their business so they can do the fun leadership stuff and getting people to follow them and recruit agents to their firm and retain them so they stay and help their agents build their business.”
Interested in learning what makes him tick, I asked Bob about how he got into the business.
“I have basically only ever worked in the real estate business. I came out of college with an education background that I didn’t want to use. I found out that education wasn’t for me and I went in an interview with a local real estate company in South Minneapolis – Coldwell Banker Burnett.
“They walked me through the process to get licensed. I became licensed and started my career as a 20 year old kid trying to live in an apartment, trying to help people with their most valuable asset – their home – so I had to learn fast.
“What I love the most about it [real estate] is that your output is pretty much in proportion to the input. In other words, the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. The harder you work, the more you earn and the better you do.”
[PULL QUOTE HERE] “It’s really a meritocracy, and I love that about real estate.”
“Anyone with the right drive, and the right work ethic can come into real estate and make a respectable living for themselves and their family.”
But what should real estate agents expect from the training offered by Leader’s Edge Training?
There are four components to the training; learning, practice, implementation and accountability.
“With adult learners,” said Bob, “especially in a professional environment, we’ll tend not to just learn something for the sake of learning…it needs to be applicable.”
Agents who enroll in the training offered by Leader’s Edge will not only learn something new, they’ll have the opportunity to learn in a very specific way that will help them really retain what they learn.
They’ll learn through implementation and practice, in an environment where it’s safe to practice the skill before the stakes get high.
Also, agents will experience accountability.
Unlike other training programs there’s no “here’s what you need to know, go do it and have a nice day,” agents receive true accountability that will help them implement what they’ve learned in a practical way.
Their coach will question them…“did you do what you said you would? How did it go? What worked? What didn’t work?”, etc.
Bob noted that continuing education for most agents is thought of as “more of a passive, ‘getting my hours in’ type of learning.” Highlighting what makes him different, he notes that, “The training that I provide is more about making a behavioral change in your business, so you can run a more successful practice.”
If you’re an agent who wants to “create change and growth in your business, that leads to making more money and helping more people,” you’re just the kind of agent who would benefit from Leader’s Edge Training.
“The core program that I deliver with Leader’s Edge Training is a “six week, one day a week in-person course,” said Bob. “It’s an advanced course in real estate; everything you need to know and then some to run a successful business. We do before and after measurements; we’re very big on measurement.
“The average participant increases their business 217% versus what they were doing before they took the class,” continued Bob.
“The other component to it, is that while they’re with me during that six week period of high accountability, high motivation – and this really positive environment – the average participant in the class that I deliver will close six transactions that can be traced back to the activities they did with me in the course. It’s very, very measurable.”
In addition to the training, Leader’s Edge offers agents two other resources that can help them grow their business; an app and a podcast.
“The ‘Agent Success’ app that we developed allows you to put in your business goals as a real estate agent,” said Bob. “And it breaks those goals down into quarterly, monthly and weekly activities that you need to complete on a regular basis to reach those goals.
“So if you want to make a certain amount of money in real estate, you put in those goals; you put in how many weeks a year you want to work, and then every day when you wake up the app tells you exactly what to do, how many calls you need to make, how many mailers you need to do, how many doors you need to knock on, how many social media posts you need to make…it spells it all out for you.
“And you can keep track of your activities as you do them, much like a fitness app such as My Fitness Pal or Fitbit or whatever…you can track your activities. And it will kind of assign you points based on the activities that you’ve done. And if you do those activities, you’ll reach your goals and the app help you get to where you want to go.
“It’s available in the iTunes Store and in the Android Google Play Store. We’ve opened it up to everybody; it’s not just Leader’s Edge clients…we want to contribute to the growth of the real estate industry as a whole.
“We’ve made it available for free to all real estate professionals… they can go out and download it and start using it today.”
Without question, in my experience most real estate professionals love to help others achieve success. One such way they can do that is by sharing their knowledge through podcasts.
Bob’s podcast is called “How They Won” and is available on a number of platforms.
“Every week I interview top real estate professionals, mostly real estate agents,” said Bob, “but also people connected to the real estate industry…and they share the secrets of their success.
“The interviews are typically around 30 minutes, and while some episodes have gone as long as 60 minutes I try to keep it 30 to 40 minutes so you can listen as you walk around your commute or on the treadmill or the elliptical at the gym.
“There’s been a tremendous response…real estate agents like to learn from each other.
“And the other thing about about “How They Won”… as I was doing my market research, I noted that there are a handful of real estate podcasts that are out there.
“I’m a big podcast fan…I love podcasts…but the real estate podcasts that are out there, in general, with the exception of a very, very small few, from a quality and organization standpoint, I just find very difficult to listen to.
“So my goal with “How They Won” was to launch something that was of a very high, professional, listenable quality,” continued Bob, “and that was organized and succinct in a way that listeners could actually implement in a short period of time.
“For their time investment, I wanted them to be able to actually implement some of the things that they learned in the podcast.”
At the time of this writing we’re facing a moratorium on physical gatherings, so I asked Bob how he was adapting to the changes brought by the Coronavirus epidemic.
“What I’m doing right now, is a lot of what’s called mindset and motivational work. It’s very hard in this environment for people to do the right things; to hold themselves to a certain standard. They lose track of the discipline of running their business. You’re not going to close as many real estate transactions in this kind of environment.
“So the focus has shifted from a lot of action-based tasks (e.g. make these contacts, knock on these doors, or send out this mailer,) to more of a ‘where are you’, ‘where’s your head at today’. As a real estate agent what are you thinking about? How can we implement some structure in your day so that when we do wake up to a sunrise in the first day of a post COVID-19 real estate market you’re ready…you won’t miss a beat when the light turns green again.”
Taking the cue, I asked a question that I’m sure is on a lot of peoples’ minds; especially those of us in the real estate industry.
“What do you think the real estate industry as a whole is going to look like…at least for the United States after we get the ‘all clear’ so to speak?”
“It’s really hard to say,” said Bob. “I think it comes down to some basic economic factors. The biggest driver historically of real estate, contrary to what almost every written article wants you to believe, is not interest rates.
“Interest rates are not the biggest driver of the real estate market…it’s employment.
“Just like, you know, the old adage in real estate is ‘location, location, location’… the economics of this industry is ‘employment, employment employment’.
“So depending on how quickly we can get home buyers and home sellers back to work is going to shape whether this is a V shaped recovery or a U shaped recovery.
“For example, if you want to buy a house, typically you’re going to need a mortgage to buy it. Mortgage Lenders aren’t going to lend you money if you don’t have a job.
“So these four levels that we’re seeing in these layoffs; if we’re able to kind of sustain those small, medium and large businesses through however long this is, whether it’s weeks or months, if we’re able to keep those businesses open and they’re able to bring their workforce back to work, then I think this whole thing will have a very little impact on the real estate business as a whole.
“It’ll be a setback, but we have a whole bunch of built-up demand happening behind this dam. And when we’re back open for business, all of that pent-up demand is going to be satisfied. And we’re going to see a fast and full recovery.
“If on the other hand, we’re not able to keep these small, medium, large businesses to the point where they’re able to bring their workforce back in, and these unemployment claims that we’re seeing are permanent rather than temporary, I think it’s going to be a much slower recovery as new businesses have to become established to take the place of businesses that didn’t survive.
“And those business have to grow organically, and eventually get back to the point where they can have a payroll where we did pre COVID-19, then I think you’re looking at a much more protracted recovery or a much, much longer recovery if that happens.”
So what should agents be doing now, as we’re in a state of flux?
Unfortunately, we’re in uncharted territory right now, but one things that is vital for every agent to consider is to take the time to work on their mindset.
Social distancing, and in some cases, stay-at-home orders can wreak havoc on your mindset if you let it.
Pay attention to what you read, and what you listen to. Take care of yourself, your family, and your business and when possible, take advantage of this time to expand your knowledge so that you can hit the ground running when the time is right.
Anita Clark is a Warner Robins Real Estate Agent helping buyers and sellers in middle Georgia with all of their home buying or selling needs.Whether she is selling new construction homes, assisting first-time buyers, or helping military relocating to Houston County, she always puts her customers needs first.
The Medieval period was a time characterized by rampant violence, widespread diseases, and limited technological advancements. Despite the various challenges of the era, people had to eke out a living and, as a result, often had to take on jobs that were perilous and repugnant. Many workers faced physical harm or even death. We’re exploring some of the most dreadful jobs that people had to endure during the Dark Ages.
1. Executioner
During the Dark Ages, one of the most dangerous and dreaded jobs was that of the executioner. The executioner was responsible for carrying out sentences of capital punishment, which often included beheadings, hangings, and burnings at the stake. The job was unpopular and considered taboo in society, resulting in executioners being ostracized and shunned. However, despite the risks and stigma, executioners helped to maintain law and order during this period of history.
2. Tanners
During the Dark Ages, tanners had the hazardous and unpleasant job of transforming animal hides into leather goods. They used toxic chemicals, such as lime, urine, ammonia, and formaldehyde, to remove hair and flesh from the skin and to tan the hides. Exposure to these chemicals led to chronic health issues, including respiratory problems and skin diseases. The pungent smell of tanneries made Tanner social outcasts, and they were shunned by others. Despite the risks and social stigma, tanners were in high demand as their products were essential to the economy.
3. Plague Burier
The Plague Burier was a dangerous and gruesome job during outbreaks of the bubonic plague. Workers were hired to collect and bury the dead, exposing themselves to the highly contagious disease. The job was also emotionally taxing, as they had to handle the bodies of friends and family members, often without protective gear or proper burial equipment. Despite the risks, the job was essential in preventing the spread of the disease and ensuring the health of the community.
4. Rat Catchers
During the Dark Ages, rat catching was a crucial profession that involved trapping and killing rats, which were considered significant problems and disease carriers. Rat catchers would use a variety of methods such as traps, trained animals like dogs and ferrets, and poison to catch rats, mainly in urban areas where there was a higher concentration of people and waste. Despite its importance, rat catching was often viewed negatively and stigmatized as a dirty job associated with the lower classes. Nonetheless, rat catchers played an essential role in controlling the rat population and preventing the spread of diseases.
5. Gong Farmer
The gong farmer was a profession during the Dark Ages that involved the cleaning and maintenance of privies and cesspits. The workers used shovels and buckets to remove waste and disposed of it outside the town or city. Although vital to public health, the job was stigmatized, and gong farmers were considered lower class and shunned by society. They often had to work at night to avoid being seen. Despite these challenges, gong farmers played an important role in promoting sanitation during the Dark Ages.
6. Leech Collector
Leech collectors were individuals responsible for gathering medicinal leeches from freshwater environments such as rivers and ponds. They would collect the leeches using their bare hands or special tools and then sell them to medical professionals for use in bloodletting procedures. The profession was physically demanding and potentially dangerous due to the risk of diseases and poisonous leeches. Although bloodletting was not always effective and could harm patients, leech collecting remained a common profession until modern medicine made it largely obsolete.
7. Sin Eater
During the Dark Ages, sin eaters were hired to eat food placed on the chest of a deceased person as a ritual to absolve the sins of the departed. The belief was that the sins of the deceased would be transferred to the sin eater, allowing the person to go to heaven without carrying their sins. Sin eaters were often outcasts from their communities and were paid a small fee or given food and drink for their services. Although the practice was not officially recognized by the Church, it was widely accepted among common people, particularly in rural areas. The tradition continued into the 19th century but eventually declined as Christianity became more widespread.
8. Groom of the Stool
The Groom of the Stool was a personal attendant to the English monarchs. The primary responsibility of the groom was to assist the king with his personal hygiene, specifically with the elimination of waste. This job was highly coveted, as it gave the Groom access to the king’s inner circle and could lead to positions of power and influence. However, the job was also considered unpleasant and degrading by many, and the role gradually lost its significance as the practice of private elimination became more common.
9. Fuller
Fullers were individuals in the Dark Ages who were responsible for processing raw wool and turning it into a finished textile. They used various techniques such as soaking, pounding, and stretching to clean and thicken the wool. The job was physically demanding and required long hours of labor, often with low pay. Fullers were also exposed to a variety of chemicals and harsh substances, such as urine and soap, that were used to treat the wool. This exposure led to a variety of health issues, including skin diseases and respiratory problems. Despite the dangers and difficult working conditions, fullers played an important role in the textile industry and were highly valued for their skills.
10. Lime Burner
The lime burner was a profession in the Dark Ages that involved producing quicklime by heating limestone in a kiln. This process produced a highly caustic substance that was used in various industries, such as construction and agriculture. However, the job was extremely dangerous due to the exposure to toxic fumes and the risk of explosions from the kiln. The lime burners were also looked down upon by society and were often associated with criminals and outcasts. Despite the hazards and stigma, lime burners played an important role in the economy of the medieval period.
These are 10 Things That Completely Destroyed The Love in a Relationship
There’s no question that relationships can be confusing, but here are some of the top things to avoid if you want to keep your relationship healthy!
10 Actors and Actresses People Refuse to Watch Ever Again
We all have a favorite actor or actress, but most of us have a least-favorite as well. Check out this list of actors and actresses people never want to see performing again!
Top 10 Worst Human Inventions of All Time
Some inventions are world-changing, and some of them, well, they change the world in the wrong ways. Here are some of the worst inventions Redditors could think of.
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10 Terrible Fads People Are Glad Died Out
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In our current state of “cancel culture,” many celebrities have gone under the axe for past behaviors returning to bite them. But what famous person essentially canceled themselves because they couldn’t stop being stupid? After a poll on the internet, these are the top-voted celebs.
1. Kanye “Ye” West
Someone noted that Kanye West went off the deep end so quickly it’s staggering. “It was like ruining his legacy was his full-time job.” Several Swifties confessed to hating Kanye since the infamous 2009 VMA scene, when he got on stage, took the mic from Taylor Swift, and announced it should have been Beyoncé.
However, the majority were primarily against his anti-Semitic rhetoric and statement about “liking” Hitler on Alex Jone’s show InfoWars in December of 2022.
2. Ezra Miller
There are conflicting beliefs about Ezra Miller. While many acknowledge that they canceled themself with the allegations of grooming a minor, their violent outbursts, and arrests, others defended him.
“Their friend took their own life, and they spiraled into a severe depression. I wouldn’t call that stupidity.” “How are they canceled? Warner Brothers are going ahead with The Flash movie.”
3. Azealia Banks
Azealia Banks was on the path to becoming the next big female rap name in the early 2010s after her ‘212′ song exploded onto the scene. Her EP received widespread acclaim and universal praise for her style and lyricism.
However, one user claimed, “But the woman is a literal sociopath, and Rihanna was ready to take her under her wing. She completely sabotaged that relationship so fast. Azealia Banks is a maniac.”
4. Anthony Weiner
Anthony Weiner lost his job in Congress because he sent pictures of his junk while married to a minor. Then, while on his campaign trail for New York City Mayor, he does it again and gets caught again because he’s a moron. One person joked, “Seriously, if my name was Weiner, I think I’d be hyper-conscious of the implications.”
5. Antonio Brown
Antonio Brown would be known as one of the greatest receivers in NFL history. However, he couldn’t stop burning bridges and doing dumb things. Someone noted, “Now all he’s thought of is the biggest running joke in NFL history.”
6. Andy Dick
Several people stated that Andy Dick lived up to his last name. He’s been in a lot of trouble for substance abuse. Rumor is that he gave narcotics to Phil Hartman’s wife, Brynn Hartman, after years of sobriety. Some alleged it may have pushed toward the tragedy in 1998 when she took bother her’s and Phil Hartman’s lives.
Additionally, Andy was sentenced to 90 days in jail after being convicted of sexual battery for groping an Uber driver and ordered to register as a sex offender. However, in January 2023, he still had not registered and was arrested for public intoxication.
7. Jussie Smollett
Jussie Smollett planned a hate crime with two Nigerian extras on the set of the show Empire. One user informed people that he filed a fake police report about two White Trump lovers.
He claimed that these men shouted racial and homophobic slurs, elaborating that one poured bleach on him while the other placed a noose around his neck.
“He also told police the men shouted “MAGA country” during the attack, a reference to the Trumpist political slogan “Make America Great Again.”
8. Charlie Sheen
Charlie Sheen is a notorious bad boy in Hollywood. He has been on a roller coaster of drug and alcohol abuse. Additionally, he had marital issues with Denise Richards and reports of domestic violence. Sheen also made derogatory remarks about Chuck Lorre, resulting in his termination from Lorre’s show, Two and a Half Men.
Charlie Sheen also announced in 2015 that he is HIV positive, resulting in an “increase of online search queries for HIV prevention and testing, later dubbed the Charlie Sheen effect.”
9. Chevy Chase
One user noted that Chevy Chase put some real effort behind his demise. That guy has put decades of work into canceling himself. Another noted he was an original cast of Saturday Night Live.
However, he alienated people during those days and returned as a guest host multiple times. “The last time he was so toxic, he was banned from appearing again.”
10. Roseanne Barr
We all remember when Roseanne Barr decided to Tweet some racism in 2018, following the release of her show’s reboot, The Connors. So she attempted to blame her words on the Ambien sleeping pills she took. Ambien said, “Racism is not a known side effect.” Ultimately, she was fired from the show that successfully went on without her.
Source: Reddit.
Who is one actress you can never stand watching, no matter their role? After polling the internet, these were the top-voted actresses that people couldn’t stand watching.
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These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People
We’ve all heard the famous adage that “no publicity is bad publicity,” and while it tends to be accurate, there are certainly exceptions. But what about those few stars who stay out of the limelight and get along without a hint of trouble?
These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People
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Afro-pop music has been growing in popularity worldwide over the past few years, and Nigeria has been a hub for some of the genre’s most talented artists. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best Afro-pop musicians from Nigeria. From Burna Boy’s socially conscious lyrics to Yemi Alade’s activism and advocacy work, these artists have contributed to the rise and success of Afro-pop music in Nigeria and beyond.
1. Burna Boy
Burna Boy is a Nigerian Afro-pop singer, songwriter, and musician who rose to fame in 2012 with his debut album “L.I.F.E.” His music often addresses political and social issues, and he is known for his powerful vocals, socially conscious lyrics, and unique sound. Burna Boy has received several accolades for his music, including a Grammy nomination, and he is also involved in philanthropic activities through his organization “Reach.” He has collaborated with many international artists and is one of the most successful Afro-pop musicians of his generation.
2. Yemi Alade
Yemi Alade is a dynamic Nigerian singer/songwriter who took the music world by storm. Alade’s fame came in 2014 with her chart-topping single “Johnny,” which catapulted her to stardom and earned numerous accolades. Yemi Alade’s music is a mix of Afro-pop, R&B, and highlife with lyrics addressing love, relationships, and the meaning of life. Her hit albums include “King of Queens” (2014), “Mama Africa” (2016), and “Woman of Steel” (2019). But Yemi Alade is also an actress, with appearances in several Nigerian films and shows. Alade is a philanthropist too, and advocates for gender equality, working with organizations that support women and girls in Nigeria and across the globe. Alade has received countless awards and nominations for her music, including the Best Female West Africa at the 2015 African Muzik Magazine Awards and the Best International Act at the 2016 BET Awards. In 2020, Yemi Alade was honored with the ELOY Awards for Female Artist of the Year and the African Entertainment Legend Awards for Female Artist of the Year. Yemi Alade is an exceptional artist and activist who is using her talent to promote African culture and female empowerment.
3. Rema
Rema, whose birth name is Divine Ikubor, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter hailing from Benin City. He developed a passion for music at a young age and began creating music in his teenage years. In 2019, Rema became a sensation with the release of his self-titled debut EP, which featured chart-topping hits like “Dumebi,” “Iron Man,” and “Corny.” His distinctive blend of Afrobeat, trap, and pop propelled him to stardom in Nigeria and beyond. Since then, Rema has released several successful projects, including “Bad Commando EP” (2019), and the “Rema Compilation” (2021). He has also collaborated with numerous international artists, such as Becky G, Manny Norté, and Skepta. Rema’s music frequently addresses themes of love, youth, and success. He is recognized for his catchy melodies, smooth delivery, and versatile style. His seamless blending of various genres and distinctive approach to music have earned him praise. Rema is also engaged in various charitable efforts. He has leveraged his platform to advocate for better education and healthcare in Nigeria.
4. Simi
Simisola Kosoko, professionally known as Simi, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress, and she began her career as a gospel singer before transitioning to mainstream music and gaining fame with her hit single “Tiff” in 2014. Simi’s music combines afrobeats, pop, and R&B, with lyrics touching on themes of love, relationships, and societal issues. Apart from her music career, she is also an accomplished actress, having appeared in various Nigerian movies and TV shows. Simi has won numerous awards for her music, including Best Female Vocal Performance at the 2018 Headies Awards and Album of the Year at the 2019 Headies Awards, and has been actively involved in philanthropic activities supporting education and healthcare in Nigeria.
5. Fireboy
Fireboy, a Nigerian singer and songwriter, was born Adedamola Adefolahan in Abeokuta, Ogun State. After studying English language at Obafemi Awolowo University, he signed with YBNL Nation in 2018, founded by rapper Olamide. Fireboy’s music blends Afrobeat, R&B, and soul, exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. He gained recognition with his debut album “Laughter, Tears, and Goosebumps” in 2019, featuring hit songs like “Jealous” and “What If I Say.” Fireboy has won awards for his music and supports philanthropic causes like education and healthcare, making him one of Nigeria’s best artists.
6. Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress. Tiwa began her music career as a backup vocalist for international artists such as George Michael and Mary J. Blige, before moving to Nigeria to pursue her own music career. She gained mainstream success in 2010 with her debut single “Kele Kele Love” and has become an influential female artist in Nigeria. Tiwa’s music is a blend of afrobeats, R&B, and pop, with lyrics that explore themes of love, relationships, and female empowerment. She has released a lot of successful work, including “Once Upon a Time” (2013) and “Sugarcane” (2017). Tiwa has won several awards and nominations for her music, including the Best African Act at the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards. She has also been recognized for her involvement in the #EndSARS protests against police brutality in Nigeria in 2020.
7. Davido
Davido, born David Adedeji Adeleke, is a renowned Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, but grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. He comes from a wealthy family: his father was a successful businessman. Davido began his music career in 2011 and gained fame with his debut single “Back When” in 2012. He is known for his blend of afrobeats, hip-hop, and pop, with lyrics celebrating success and wealth. Some of his popular songs include “Dami Duro,” “Fall,” “Assurance,” and “Fem.” He has won numerous music awards, including the Best International Act at the 2018 BET Awards and the Artist of the Year at the 2018 Headies Awards. He has also collaborated with local and international artists such as Chris Brown, Meek Mill, and Nicki Minaj. Apart from music, Davido founded Davido Music Worldwide (DMW) record label, which helped launch the careers of many Nigerian artists. He also supports charitable causes such as education, healthcare, and youth empowerment.
8. Wizkid
Wizkid, whose real name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He started his music career in 2001 and gained recognition in 2010 with the release of his debut album “Superstar.” Wizkid’s music is a blend of afrobeats, reggae, and hip-hop, and he is known for his unique voice, catchy hooks, and infectious beats. He has collaborated with several artists, including Drake, Beyonce, and Skepta, and has won numerous awards for his music, including the Best International Act at the 2017 MOBO Awards and the Best African Act at the 2016 MTV Europe Music Awards. Wizkid is also involved in philanthropic activities and has used his platform to support causes like education and healthcare.
9. Tems
Tems is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer known for her alternative R&B, soul, and afrobeats sound. She gained recognition with her debut single “Mr. Rebel” in 2018 and has since released successful projects like “For Broken Ears” and “If Orange Was A Place.” Tems has collaborated with several local and international artists and has won awards for her music. Tems’ music is also characterized by her powerful voice and soulful delivery, which have earned her comparisons to iconic singers like Nina Simone and Lauryn Hill. Her distinctive sound and artistic vision help her standout in Nigeria’s vibrant music scene, and she is poised for success in the years to come. She is also involved in philanthropic activities and advocates for social justice and human rights.
10. Falz
Falz, born Folarin Falana, is a multi-talented Nigerian artist who has made an impact on the music and entertainment industries, and the legal profession. His music blends afrobeats and highlife, and has been praised for lyrics that address corruption, inequality, and police brutality. Falz is also an accomplished actor, starring in several Nigerian movies and television shows, and a qualified lawyer, with a law degree from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom and a barrister and solicitor of the Nigerian Bar Association. Falz’s impact on Nigerian society extends beyond his artistic and legal achievements. He has been recognized for his involvement in the #EndSARS protests against police brutality in Nigeria in 2020. He has also been vocal about issues such as women’s rights and better governance in Nigeria. Falz has won numerous awards for his music and acting, including Best Supporting Actor at the 2015 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and Best Rap Album at the 2016 City People Entertainment Awards. He has also been named one of the most influential young Africans by Forbes Africa and included in the annual “30 Under 30” list by Forbes Magazine.
11. Kizz Daniel
Kizz Daniel is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer, whose real name is Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe. He gained mainstream success in 2014 with his hit single “Woju.” Daniel’s music is a blend of afrobeats, highlife, and contemporary R&B, with lyrics that focus on love and relationships. He has released several successful albums, including “New Era” (2016) and “No Bad Songz” (2018), and has collaborated with several local and international artists. Kizz Daniel has won numerous awards for his music and is considered one of the most popular and successful musicians in Nigeria today.
12. Patoranking
Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, also known as Patoranking, is a Nigerian reggae-dancehall singer and songwriter. Born on May 27, 1990, in Lagos, he started his music career in 2009 but achieved mainstream success in 2013 with the hit single “Alubarika” featuring Timaya. His music addresses themes of love, social justice, and personal struggles and has won him numerous awards, including the Best African Act at the 2015 MTV Europe Music Awards. Patoranking is also known for his philanthropic work, including the Patoranking Scholarship Programme, which supports underprivileged children’s education in Nigeria.
In conclusion, Afro-pop music is a genre that continues to grow and evolve, with countless talented artists contributing to its rich and diverse soundscape. From the socially conscious lyrics of Burna Boy to the infectious rhythms of Yemi Alade, these 12 musicians have made an indelible mark on the Afro-pop world. There’s no doubt these artists will continue to captivate audiences with their music, activism, commitment to promoting African culture.
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It’s difficult to visit any news site without seeing some mention of cryptocurrency. Most people sit there and simply think, nope, crypto’s way too much risk for me. And they’d be right. Crypto is an incredibly volatile asset, but, there’s a “safer” way to invest in it.
An investment in blockchain ETFs (blockchain is the technology cryptocurrencies run through) is a great way to diversify your portfolio. It’s also an excellent way to participate in the growth of this emerging technology while limiting your exposure to the potential risk that comes with cryptocurrencies and other ICOs.
In this article, I will discuss how investing in blockchain ETFs works, as well as the best ways for you to invest today.
What’s Ahead:
A step-by-step guide on how to invest in blockchain ETFs
If you decide to purchase a blockchain ETF, it’s a good idea to make sure you are buying one with an established track record of returns. Below, I’ve outlined a basic, step-by-step guide to investing in blockchain ETFs.
1. Open a brokerage account
To invest in a blockchain ETF, the first thing you need to do is open a brokerage account. If you already have one, that’s great. Otherwise, head on over to your preferred broker and open an account with them. Just make sure that you take note of any fees that the account charges.
You’ll also want to ensure they sell the specific blockchain ETF you’re looking to invest in. It’s important to remember that every brokerage account is different. Some may offer special promotions or have discounts on certain fees for new customers. You’ll want to consider this when choosing your broker.
2. Determine the amount you want to invest
Once you’ve opened a brokerage account, you should determine how much you’re willing to invest. Remember that a blockchain ETF is typically priced based on the total value of assets it holds. This means that if a share is worth $100 and an ETF has 100 shares, then each individual share would be worth $1.
It pays to do some research into what type of blockchain ETFs other investors are investing in and how much they’ve invested – this will give you a sense of where a good starting point is.
Public, for instance, allows you to track and follow other people’s investments. So, you can follow someone who knows the blockchain space and replicate their investments if you wanted.
Whatever you decide, make sure you don’t invest more than you can afford to lose. While blockchain ETFs may be “safer” than buying something like cryptocurrency directly, there’s still the potential for risk.
3. Find the ticker symbol of the blockchain ETF you want to buy
Okay, now you’ve figured out where you’re going to invest and how much you’re going to invest. So it’s time to search for the specific blockchain ETF you want to buy.
The first step is to find the ticker symbol of the blockchain ETF you’re looking for. This will be a short three- or four-letter abbreviation representing the fund and its corresponding company – it’s typically listed in small print at the top left corner of your screen. It looks like this: BLOK, for the Amplify Transformational Data Sharing ETF, if that’s one you’re interested in.
A quick Google search for “blockchain ETFs” should give you a list of some out there – so do your due diligence, and find one that looks the most appealing to you.
Once you’ve found it on your screen in front of you, look for a small box that says “symbol” or “ticker symbol.” It should be right under the fund’s name. Copy this string of letters into your browser by highlighting them with the cursor as selected, then paste it into your brokerage’s search bar.
4. Place an order for that ETF
Once you’ve located the blockchain ETF you want to invest in, it’s time to place an order. You have a few different options for order types when buying a blockchain ETF:
Market order – Market order is an order to buy or sell a security at the current best price available in the market.
Limit order – A limit order is an instruction to buy or sell a security at the specified price below or above the current market price.
Stop limit order – When you place stop and limit orders together, they work as one large trade with two parts: first, if the price reaches your set “stop” point, it will execute your “limit” instructions.
Do whatever makes the most sense for you and your investment goals, but don’t worry about the differences too much. The key here is to get invested in a blockchain ETF.
5. Set up automatic contributions and investments (if you can)
By now, you’ve hopefully invested in a blockchain ETF. But you’ll want to keep the momentum going. To do that, set up an automatic investment plan.
You can automate your investments so that when you set a new goal, say buying a house or saving for retirement, every week or month, the predetermined amount gets invested in blockchain ETFs on your behalf- and you never have to worry about it again.
This is also one of those things where doing something simple now could save you from some major hassles later. Because, before long, blockchain will be everywhere.
What is a blockchain ETF?
A blockchain ETF is a security that tracks the performance of blockchain-based assets. ETFs are composed of individual securities, such as stocks, bonds, or commodities.
An investment in a blockchain ETF is an indirect way to invest in the technology’s underlying infrastructure and protocols which currently power cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, but will soon be used for much more than just finance.
Right now, you can’t purchase a Bitcoin or cryptocurrency ETF in the U.S., so if you want to invest in blockchain ETFs, they’re best suited as a long-term investment.
The investments are decentralized and transparent, making them immune not just to manipulation but also to fraud. As a result, blockchain technology provides some of the greatest opportunities for investors who don’t have much time to delve into individual companies or venture capitalist firms with different levels of risk.
Two of the most popular blockchain ETFs are the Reality Shares Nasdaq NexGen Economy ETF (BLCN) and the Innovation Shares NextGen Protocol ETF (KOIN). Both of these ETFs track stocks that are involved in the implementation of blockchain technology.
The Reality Shares Nasdaq NexGen Economy ETF is made up of companies like:
Amazon.
Bank Of America.
Facebook.
Google.
The Innovation Shares NextGen Protocol ETF focuses on emerging startups rather than established firms and includes a wider range of investments as well.
Where to buy a blockchain ETF
If you want to buy a blockchain ETF, you can do so through your brokerage account or a robo-advisor.
The easiest way to invest in blockchain ETFs is by using online investment platforms such as E*TRADE.
E*TRADE offers access to specific funds that you couldn’t otherwise buy on exchanges like the Reality Shares Nasdaq NexGen Economy ETF and the Innovation Shares NextGen Protocol.
Many robo-advisors, such as Betterment, also offer access to blockchain ETFs in some of their portfolio options.
If you have a brokerage account with Robinhood or TD Ameritrade, then they may also provide investment funds that include blockchain ETFs within them. Regardless of the platform you are using, buying a blockchain ETF is the easiest way to invest in blockchain.
Benefits vs. risks of buying blockchain ETFs
There are many risks and benefits to investing in blockchain ETFs. But, first, let’s start with the benefits.
Benefits of investing in blockchain ETFs
They have a low cost. The biggest benefit of investing in blockchain ETFs is the low cost. You can invest as little or as much as you want, and it’ll all be allocated to your chosen stocks automatically by a fund manager, who will take care of everything for you.
ETFs are often less risky. There’s also very little risk involved with investing in these types of funds because they are highly diversified.
No minimum amount required most of the time. Another great aspect about them is that there’s no minimum amount required – so even if you only have $20 to spare, that could still make an impact. Finally, one last big upside is getting exposure to many different companies just from one company investment.
Risks of investing in blockchain ETFs
Less consistency. First, you will not get the same consistency as investing in a more traditional fund, like an S&P index fund, for instance. This is because blockchain ETFs (along with crypto) may sometimes move irrationally.
More unknowns. It’s hard to know what companies you’re specifically invested in, so if there is an issue with one company and it causes a domino effect, then your investment might take a hit. For this, I recommend doing deep research on the ETF and seeing which companies it holds and how they’re positioned in blockchain technology.
Higher fees than other ETFs. Finally, the fees can be slightly higher than other ETFs on the market because of how they work. They also have no minimum amount required, which could end up costing you even more money.
Summary
Blockchain ETFs are an exciting new way to invest in blockchain technology while also mitigating your overall level of risk. If you’ve been hesitant to jump into this space because you’re unsure where and how to buy Bitcoin, or if you don’t understand the difference between Ethereum and Ripple, now is a good time to learn more about these types of investments before it’s too late. Always research before jumping into any type of investment.
It’s difficult to visit any news site without seeing some mention of cryptocurrency. Most people sit there and simply think, nope, crypto’s way too much risk for me. And they’d be right. Crypto is an incredibly volatile asset, but, there’s a “safer” way to invest in it.
An investment in blockchain ETFs (blockchain is the technology cryptocurrencies run through) is a great way to diversify your portfolio. It’s also an excellent way to participate in the growth of this emerging technology while limiting your exposure to the potential risk that comes with cryptocurrencies and other ICOs.
In this article, I will discuss how investing in blockchain ETFs works, as well as the best ways for you to invest today.
What’s Ahead:
A step-by-step guide on how to invest in blockchain ETFs
If you decide to purchase a blockchain ETF, it’s a good idea to make sure you are buying one with an established track record of returns. Below, I’ve outlined a basic, step-by-step guide to investing in blockchain ETFs.
1. Open a brokerage account
To invest in a blockchain ETF, the first thing you need to do is open a brokerage account. If you already have one, that’s great. Otherwise, head on over to your preferred broker and open an account with them. Just make sure that you take note of any fees that the account charges.
You’ll also want to ensure they sell the specific blockchain ETF you’re looking to invest in. It’s important to remember that every brokerage account is different. Some may offer special promotions or have discounts on certain fees for new customers. You’ll want to consider this when choosing your broker.
2. Determine the amount you want to invest
Once you’ve opened a brokerage account, you should determine how much you’re willing to invest. Remember that a blockchain ETF is typically priced based on the total value of assets it holds. This means that if a share is worth $100 and an ETF has 100 shares, then each individual share would be worth $1.
It pays to do some research into what type of blockchain ETFs other investors are investing in and how much they’ve invested – this will give you a sense of where a good starting point is.
Public, for instance, allows you to track and follow other people’s investments. So, you can follow someone who knows the blockchain space and replicate their investments if you wanted.
Whatever you decide, make sure you don’t invest more than you can afford to lose. While blockchain ETFs may be “safer” than buying something like cryptocurrency directly, there’s still the potential for risk.
3. Find the ticker symbol of the blockchain ETF you want to buy
Okay, now you’ve figured out where you’re going to invest and how much you’re going to invest. So it’s time to search for the specific blockchain ETF you want to buy.
The first step is to find the ticker symbol of the blockchain ETF you’re looking for. This will be a short three- or four-letter abbreviation representing the fund and its corresponding company – it’s typically listed in small print at the top left corner of your screen. It looks like this: BLOK, for the Amplify Transformational Data Sharing ETF, if that’s one you’re interested in.
A quick Google search for “blockchain ETFs” should give you a list of some out there – so do your due diligence, and find one that looks the most appealing to you.
Once you’ve found it on your screen in front of you, look for a small box that says “symbol” or “ticker symbol.” It should be right under the fund’s name. Copy this string of letters into your browser by highlighting them with the cursor as selected, then paste it into your brokerage’s search bar.
4. Place an order for that ETF
Once you’ve located the blockchain ETF you want to invest in, it’s time to place an order. You have a few different options for order types when buying a blockchain ETF:
Market order – Market order is an order to buy or sell a security at the current best price available in the market.
Limit order – A limit order is an instruction to buy or sell a security at the specified price below or above the current market price.
Stop limit order – When you place stop and limit orders together, they work as one large trade with two parts: first, if the price reaches your set “stop” point, it will execute your “limit” instructions.
Do whatever makes the most sense for you and your investment goals, but don’t worry about the differences too much. The key here is to get invested in a blockchain ETF.
5. Set up automatic contributions and investments (if you can)
By now, you’ve hopefully invested in a blockchain ETF. But you’ll want to keep the momentum going. To do that, set up an automatic investment plan.
You can automate your investments so that when you set a new goal, say buying a house or saving for retirement, every week or month, the predetermined amount gets invested in blockchain ETFs on your behalf- and you never have to worry about it again.
This is also one of those things where doing something simple now could save you from some major hassles later. Because, before long, blockchain will be everywhere.
What is a blockchain ETF?
A blockchain ETF is a security that tracks the performance of blockchain-based assets. ETFs are composed of individual securities, such as stocks, bonds, or commodities.
An investment in a blockchain ETF is an indirect way to invest in the technology’s underlying infrastructure and protocols which currently power cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, but will soon be used for much more than just finance.
Right now, you can’t purchase a Bitcoin or cryptocurrency ETF in the U.S., so if you want to invest in blockchain ETFs, they’re best suited as a long-term investment.
The investments are decentralized and transparent, making them immune not just to manipulation but also to fraud. As a result, blockchain technology provides some of the greatest opportunities for investors who don’t have much time to delve into individual companies or venture capitalist firms with different levels of risk.
Two of the most popular blockchain ETFs are the Reality Shares Nasdaq NexGen Economy ETF (BLCN) and the Innovation Shares NextGen Protocol ETF (KOIN). Both of these ETFs track stocks that are involved in the implementation of blockchain technology.
The Reality Shares Nasdaq NexGen Economy ETF is made up of companies like:
Amazon.
Bank Of America.
Facebook.
Google.
The Innovation Shares NextGen Protocol ETF focuses on emerging startups rather than established firms and includes a wider range of investments as well.
Where to buy a blockchain ETF
If you want to buy a blockchain ETF, you can do so through your brokerage account or a robo-advisor.
The easiest way to invest in blockchain ETFs is by using online investment platforms such as E*TRADE.
E*TRADE offers access to specific funds that you couldn’t otherwise buy on exchanges like the Reality Shares Nasdaq NexGen Economy ETF and the Innovation Shares NextGen Protocol.
Many robo-advisors, such as Betterment, also offer access to blockchain ETFs in some of their portfolio options.
If you have a brokerage account with Robinhood or TD Ameritrade, then they may also provide investment funds that include blockchain ETFs within them. Regardless of the platform you are using, buying a blockchain ETF is the easiest way to invest in blockchain.
Benefits vs. risks of buying blockchain ETFs
There are many risks and benefits to investing in blockchain ETFs. But, first, let’s start with the benefits.
Benefits of investing in blockchain ETFs
They have a low cost. The biggest benefit of investing in blockchain ETFs is the low cost. You can invest as little or as much as you want, and it’ll all be allocated to your chosen stocks automatically by a fund manager, who will take care of everything for you.
ETFs are often less risky. There’s also very little risk involved with investing in these types of funds because they are highly diversified.
No minimum amount required most of the time. Another great aspect about them is that there’s no minimum amount required – so even if you only have $20 to spare, that could still make an impact. Finally, one last big upside is getting exposure to many different companies just from one company investment.
Risks of investing in blockchain ETFs
Less consistency. First, you will not get the same consistency as investing in a more traditional fund, like an S&P index fund, for instance. This is because blockchain ETFs (along with crypto) may sometimes move irrationally.
More unknowns. It’s hard to know what companies you’re specifically invested in, so if there is an issue with one company and it causes a domino effect, then your investment might take a hit. For this, I recommend doing deep research on the ETF and seeing which companies it holds and how they’re positioned in blockchain technology.
Higher fees than other ETFs. Finally, the fees can be slightly higher than other ETFs on the market because of how they work. They also have no minimum amount required, which could end up costing you even more money.
Summary
Blockchain ETFs are an exciting new way to invest in blockchain technology while also mitigating your overall level of risk. If you’ve been hesitant to jump into this space because you’re unsure where and how to buy Bitcoin, or if you don’t understand the difference between Ethereum and Ripple, now is a good time to learn more about these types of investments before it’s too late. Always research before jumping into any type of investment.
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