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Here’s yet another post in my growing series of wondering if home prices are too high.

Earlier this week, Black Knight Financial Services noted that home prices increased to within 3.8% of their all-time highs set back in June 2006. Other home price indexes (and specific metro areas) are spitting out new record highs.

That may scare some folks, including myself, as I tend to be a bit more conservative when it comes to massive year-over-year home price increases.

It has been about 10 years since home prices were defying expectations and now they appear set to finally surpass those old unsustainable highs.

If you’re wondering why home prices have risen so much since bottoming around 2012, the answer is pretty simple.

Home prices got way too cheap after the crash and inventory has remained very tight in spite of a flood of foreclosures. That, plus super low mortgage rates sprinkled in, has driven home prices higher and higher for months on end.

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  • The fact that sentiment is still mixed
  • Tells me that this housing recovery still has legs
  • It’s also important to remember that recoveries have ups and downs
  • Just like downturns, and they play out longer than anticipated

But now we’re getting a little irrational again, at least in my opinion. I’ve been hearing that ill-fated sentiment of “Buy a house now or you may never get the chance!” SMH.

Usually when people start saying things like that it isn’t long before it all goes very wrong. But as I noted in recent posts, we aren’t quite there yet.

Indeed, a return to bubble-era home prices doesn’t mean the bottom is just going to fall out. Clearly this has played out in history many, many times. Otherwise how would we reach new highs to begin with?

There’s no inherent problem with higher highs, but how quickly we get there could pose a threat, and overshooting the mark is also a major concern.

A commentary released this week by Freddie Mac titled, “How to Worry About Home Prices,” attempts to answer that very question. But they even admit it’s a tough one to answer.

However, they do outline a strategy we can use to determine if and when we’ll be facing another crisis thanks to unsustainable home prices.

Start with the PTI

  • Consider the price-to-income ratio (PTI)
  • Which is used to determine if home prices are outpacing wages
  • This can tell us if the current trajectory is sustainable
  • Or if affordability will begin to erode and take the housing market down with it

It rhymes with DTI, but is actually the price-to-income ratio used to determine if home prices have outpaced incomes.

Freddie refers to it as the “clearest indicator of the long-run sustainability of house prices,” although still not entirely sufficient on its own.

Basically you can use this metric to determine which metros in the United States require further scrutiny.

The median PTI ratio between 1993 and 2003 was 3.5, so this is seen as “normal” according to Freddie.

It climbed as high as 4.8 in 2005 before the housing bubble popped, and as low as 3.2 in 2011 when everyone lost confidence in the housing market.

We’ve since returned to 4.0, which is above the norm but just below 4.1, which Freddie calls an “outlier threshold” and says separates the “usual” and “unusual” values of the PTI ratio.

In other words, we’re getting into murky territory again, but that alone is not reason to freak out, at least not yet.

Then Ask Why the PTI Is High

  • Assuming the PTI in your city is high historically
  • You need to determine why it’s elevated and if it’s above normal range
  • Then you need to dig down and find out if a high PTI is warranted
  • Based on things like employment growth (think tech scene in Seattle) or if it’s financially driven by things like easy credit (uh oh!)

We need to know why the PTI is high for a given metro to see if it points to another housing bubble.

In red-hot San Jose, home to Silicon Valley, the PTI is a seemingly very high 9.6, but the outlier threshold for that specific region is 9.4. So while elevated, it’s just above its already historically high level.

Then consider Dallas, where the PTI stands at just 3.4, but is actually above its outlier threshold of 3.2.

This is why you have to examine each metro carefully, instead of attempting to determine if the entire nation is under or overvalued, or evaluating a PTI without historical and geographical context.

Once we have our PTI, we need to ask three main questions to determine if a bubble is imminent.

Are there nonfinancial reasons for the high PTI ratios?

If a given metro’s PTI is elevated for nonfinancial reasons, then it could be perfectly fine because bubbles are financially driven.

For example, if the region is growing rapidly because of employment demand in a specific industry, high home prices may be perfectly acceptable and sustainable.

Limited supply is also driving home prices much higher.

Additionally, the PTI ratio may be thrown off because of income inequality – put simply, if richer people are the ones buying homes they may actually have the income to absorb higher home prices. So it’s not a perfect science.

Conversely, if home prices are rising rapidly for no apparent reason (such as easy credit) you might start to worry.

Are credit conditions deteriorating?

Next, we have to ask if credit conditions are going downhill. As of now, mortgage underwriting is not even comparable to what it was before the previous crisis, and that’s a very good thing.

There aren’t many stated income loans being originated these days, nor are borrowers allowed to finance investment properties with zero money down and 620 credit scores.

Most of today’s mortgages are fully-documented, fixed-rate mortgages with nothing exotic whatsoever.

In short, standards are a lot higher than they were and should stay that way for the foreseeable future. The only risk is these new 3% down mortgages, which could pose a threat as home prices continue to rise.

If borrowers are putting next to nothing down simply to qualify because home prices have outpaced incomes, we could have a problem.

The good news is that hasn’t happened too much lately. In fact, limited inventory and intense competition is forcing buyers to put more money down to beat out other offers.

Is leverage increasing?

Lastly, we need to determine if leverage is increasing. Essentially, if mortgage debt is rising relative to home equity. At the moment, this isn’t the case.

In fact, mortgage debt has declined while homeowner equity has increased. This gives homeowners a bigger cushion between what they owe and what their properties are worth.

If they face some sort of financial crunch, those with a healthy cushion can sell if need be and probably still take in a tidy profit (and walk away with some cash in their pocket to use for rent and other needs).

During the prior crisis, you couldn’t sell your home for more than the bloated mortgage balance, which led to even more downward price pressure and tons of short sales and foreclosures.

As noted, we aren’t at that point yet and everyone appears to be paying off their mortgages. You don’t see too many interest-only loans, and definitely no pay option arms. This means today’s homeowner is actually building equity, unlike the crop of owners back in 2006-2007.

So where does that leave us? Well, the Freddie researchers conclude that aside from a few potential trouble spots, “we don’t need to worry about house prices — yet.”

A bit ominous but pretty spot on.

The issue is that the way the housing market works, we’re bound to repeat history in the future.

As home prices climb further out of reach, financing is eased to accommodate new buyers. We’re already seeing that.

These buyers wind up purchasing too much house for their budget and when the housing market naturally cools off, they’re left with very little equity and a massive mortgage (and accompanying housing payment).

I don’t see a scenario where it won’t play out like this…it’s basically ingrained in the market. So the next housing bubble is a matter of when, not if.

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

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Form a connection with one of these Connecticut college towns.

As a small state nestled in the heart of New England, Connecticut boasts a rich history, numerous charming towns and a strong academic tradition. With a mix of prestigious private universities and esteemed public institutions, Connecticut offers an array of options for students of all walks of life seeking higher education.

In this article, we’ll explore the best college towns in Connecticut. Get ready to discover what makes these towns exceptional places to live, learn and grow into the person you were always meant to become.

Home to the prestigious Yale University, New Haven is a city steeped in history and academic excellence. As one of the oldest cities in the United States, New Haven is known for its beautiful architecture, including the iconic Gothic-style buildings of Yale’s campus.

Downtown New Haven offers a vibrant cultural scene, with a diverse array of restaurants, bars and shops. Foodies will especially appreciate the city’s culinary offerings, which range from mouthwatering pizza at the renowned Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana to upscale dining at Union League Café. The city also boasts several theaters, including the Shubert Theater and the Yale Repertory Theatre, which host a variety of performances throughout the year.

For those who enjoy spending time outdoors, New Haven’s numerous parks, like East Rock Park and Edgewood Park, provide convenient walking, jogging and picnicking opportunities. The city’s location along the Long Island Sound also means that beaches, like Lighthouse Point Park, are always just a short drive away.

As the capital city of Connecticut, Hartford is home to several colleges and universities, including Trinity College, University of Hartford and University of Saint Joseph. With its bustling downtown and rich history, Hartford offers a unique college experience in a metropolitan setting.

The city is known for its cultural attractions, like the Connecticut Science Center and the Mark Twain House and Museum. The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including Broadway shows, concerts and comedy acts.

Hartford also offers a diverse food scene, with tons of restaurants, cafés and bars to suit every taste. The city’s nightlife is lively, with plenty of venues hosting live music, trivia nights and other events geared toward the college-age crowd.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Hartford’s parks, like Bushnell Park and Elizabeth Park, offer a welcome respite from city life. The nearby Farmington River also provides opportunities for kayaking, tubing and fishing.

Located in the picturesque countryside of eastern Connecticut, Storrs is home to the University of Connecticut. With a population of just over 16,000 full-time residents, Storrs is a quintessential college town, offering a close-knit community and a peaceful setting for students to focus on their studies.

The town’s charming downtown area features ample shops and restaurants and hosts a number of events throughout the year. The Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry, located on the University of Connecticut campus, is just one of the many unique cultural attractions that showcase the arts in this cool college town.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in Storrs and the surrounding area. The Nipmuck State Forest and the Fenton River offer opportunities for hiking, biking and fishing. The nearby Horsebarn Hill provides stunning views of the campus and surrounding countryside, making it a popular spot for picnics and scenic sunsets.

Located along the Long Island Sound, Fairfield is home to Fairfield University and Sacred Heart University. With its beautiful coastline, historic downtown and strong sense of community, Fairfield offers a charming and classic New England setting for college students.

The town’s downtown area, known as Fairfield Center, is filled with shops, restaurants and cafés. The Fairfield Theatre Company, located in the heart of downtown, hosts live concerts, theater performances and film screenings, making it a cultural hub for the community on and off the college campuses.

Fairfield’s coastal location offers numerous opportunities for beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts. Jennings Beach and Lake Mohegan are popular destinations for swimming, sunbathing and kayaking. The town also boasts several parks, like the picturesque Fairfield University Campus and the tranquil Connecticut Audubon Society at Larsen Sanctuary, which offer opportunities for walking, jogging and birdwatching.

Hamden is home to Quinnipiac University. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and a strong sense of community, Hamden offers a serene setting for college students seeking a quiet, suburban college experience.

The town’s main street, Whitney Avenue, is lined with local shops, unique restaurants and cool coffee shops, providing students with a variety of dining and shopping options. Hamden also hosts several annual events, including the Hamden Summer Concert Series and the Hamden Arts and Crafts Fair, which showcase the town’s commitment to fostering a vibrant community.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Hamden’s countless parks and green spaces. Sleeping Giant State Park, named for its unique, slumbering giant-shaped ridgeline, offers miles of hiking trails and breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, a multi-use trail that runs through the town, provides opportunities for walking, biking and rollerblading without having to leave town.

As an honorable mention on our list of best college towns in Connecticut, Middletown is home to Wesleyan University. Located along the Connecticut River, this vibrant college town offers a diverse array of cultural attractions, dining options and recreational opportunities.

Downtown Middletown, known for its bohemian vibe, features eclectic shops, art galleries and a wide variety of restaurants, including vegetarian and vegan options. The town is also home to several theaters, like the Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts and Cultural Center, which hosts a range of performances and events throughout the year.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in Middletown and the surrounding area. The Connecticut River offers opportunities for boating, fishing and kayaking, while nearby Wadsworth Falls State Park provides miles of hiking trails and a picturesque waterfall.

There’s a cool Connecticut college town just for you

Connecticut is home to some of the best college towns in New England, each offering a unique blend of academic excellence, charming surroundings and vibrant cultural attractions. Whether you’re drawn to New Haven’s historic charm, Hartford’s bustling capital city atmosphere, Storrs’ picturesque countryside, Fairfield’s coastal beauty, Hamden’s welcoming community or Middletown’s bohemian vibe, there’s a college town in Connecticut that’s perfect for you.

Find your favorite college town, pick an apartment complex that’s close to campus and fill out your application today.

Source: rent.com

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Last Updated on February 2, 2023 by Mark Ferguson

Turn-key rental properties can be a great option for investors looking to get cash flow without a lot of work. They are also a great option for investors who cannot find cash-flowing properties in their state and must invest in a different area. Turn-key rental properties are fully repaired, rented, and managed by a property manager. Buying a turn-key property allows a long-distance investor to buy a property that cash flows with minimal work. I own a lot of local to me real estate, and I have bought a turn-key rental as well out of my area. You must be very careful with the property you buy and the company you use. While turn-key rentals can help investors buy cash-flowing rentals in different markets, it can also be a risky investment.

What is a turn-key rental property?

Some consider a turnkey property to be a house that is remodeled and needs no repairs, but for this article, we are talking about rental properties that are set up to make money right away. I consider turn-key to mean the home needs no repairs and has a tenant and property management in place. Make sure you and whomever you are talking to about turnkey properties have the same definition of turn-key!

There are many companies that will sell turn-key rentals to real estate investors, but be very careful when using these companies. Some are great and some have caused investors huge losses. Make sure you vet whatever company you use.

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What are the advantages of turn-key rental properties?

One of the biggest problems for many investors is finding affordable properties that will make money. Turn-key rentals are often located in areas that have low prices and relatively high rents.

Here are a few advantages to buying turnkey rentals and why I bought a turn-key rental:

  1. Easy to find: You can buy a turn-key property very quickly from turnkey providers who have a stock of turn-key properties available to purchase. Turn-key companies can have a large inventory of turn-keys because the properties are providing cash flow and are making money while the company owns the properties. You do have to know the right turnkey companies to work with.
  2. Less work than a normal rental: Turn-key properties are already rented, managed, and repaired. You do not have to find contractors, property managers, or real estate agents.
  3. Provide cash flow from day one: The first day you buy a turn-key, it will have a tenant in place paying rent. You do not have to worry about how long the repairs will take or how long it will take to get a tenant.
  4. Provide a great return: Most turn-key rentals provide 10 to 15 percent returns. The return begins right away and takes little work to maintain because a property manager takes care of the house for you.
  5. Provide diversification: Buying turn-key rentals in different markets of the country gives you diversification.
  6. Can be bought for cash: Many foreign investors have trouble buying properties because they cannot get financing. Turn-key rentals can be as inexpensive as $30,000, making them easier to buy with cash.
  7. You can invest your retirement savings: You can invest a self-directed IRA or 401k into turn-key rentals.

What are the disadvantages of turn-key properties?

While there are many advantages to buying a turn-key rental property there are disadvantages as well:

  1. Turn-key rentals are usually priced at retail value or even above retail value. I like to get a great deal on my rentals and that is why I have not bought more turn-key rentals.
  2. It can be tough to know where to buy a long-distance rental or keep track of it. You must have a great property manager to make sure the home is maintained and managed right.
  3. Not all turn-key companies are reputable and many take advantage of long-distance buyers because they do not see the property.
  4. There may not be as much cash flow with a turn-key property than if you buy it yourself.

How can you find turn-key rental properties?

There are many turn-key rental property providers throughout the United States. Some companies are specific to local markets such as Memphis, Ohio, Missouri, Florida, Texas, Chicago, and Wisconsin while other companies have properties all over the country. The properties vary in price, rent, financing options, and returns, but a good turn-key property will cash flow. Even with cash flow, I would advise investors to spend time researching the property manager and the area they want to invest in before buying any turnkey property.

A Google search for turnkey rentals will get many results for property managers and houses for sale that are not rented. I have spent a lot of time researching turnkey companies and have met with turnkey companies in person. I have met a lot of turnkey company operators and only met a couple that I trust! Fill out the form below and I will refer a company to you I trust. Your information will not be given to anyone or used for anything except a turn-key rental property company to talk to you about turn-key rentals.

The company I used for my turn-key rental is not one I would recommend and is not selling turn-keys anymore. This is a different company and I have talked to many investors who used them with success.

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Do I invest in long-distance turn-key rental properties?

I had always bought my rental properties in Colorado until 2015. That was when prices became too expensive here to get good rentals. I bought one turn-key property in Ohio that has done okay for me. I have no plans to buy any more turn-key properties because I prefer to find deals on my own in my local market. If I can find the deals I can get a discount which is a huge advantage with real estate. I may buy in other states but I would buy with a real estate agent who is able to search for more houses, but just what the turn-key company owns. A good agent can also find property managers and even contractors. I have a few agents like this across the country in areas with good rent-to-value ratios.

How much do turn-key rental properties cost?

Every turn-key property is different and every location for turn-key properties is different. I have seen turn-key rentals that are repaired, rented, and managed that range from $35,000 to $150,000. I have not seen turn-key properties in higher price ranges because it is much harder to cash flow on a higher-priced rental property than on a lower-priced one. The lower-priced turn-key rental properties usually provide better cash flow and may be a good option for foreign investors who have a hard time getting a loan on properties in the United States.

Can you make money with a turn-key rental property?

I normally do not buy rental properties that are turn-key ready, because they usually cost more. I rarely buy homes that are fixed up, because they usually are not a great deal. Rental property number nine, which I just got under contract, is the closest thing to a fully repaired property that I have purchased (or that I will have purchased). It needed a bit of paint, but that was about it. In a perfect world, I would love for all the rentals I buy to be repaired and rented before I buy them, which is one advantage of turn-key properties.

When I buy my rentals, they usually need work and I get a discount for the money and time I have to put into repairing them. In fact, it is less helpful to buy a home that needs repairs than purchasing a home fixed up, unless you can get a great deal. It is harder to have built-in equity on a turnkey rental, but you do not have to spend time repairing the home, renting it out, or finding a property manager.

When would investing in a long-distance turn-key property be a good idea?

I have had many people reach out to me about investing in rental properties, but they do not know how to start because their market is too expensive. When starter homes are $300,000 or more in an area, it is almost impossible to cash flow on rental property unless you pay cash for it. When you pay cash, your returns are not nearly as good as if you can get a loan (as long as the property cash flows). Rents are almost never high enough on a $300,000 home to cash flow, no matter where you live.

The down payment on a $300,000 property is going to be at least $60,000 unless you use a technique to buy with less money down. Then you have to add closing costs, reserves, repairs, and other costs associated with buying a rental property. I can buy two or three cash-flowing rental properties in my market, where someone in a more expensive area would only be able to buy one that may not cash flow at all. I never invest for appreciation, which is what many people are forced to do in these areas.

If you are in an area with very expensive homes or very low rents compared to home prices, you may want to consider long-distance investing and possibly long-distance, turn-key investing.

Diversification with turn-key rental properties

Many people like to spread out their risk when investing and rental properties are no different. If all of your properties are in one place, it could be riskier if something were to happen to that area. I have all of my rental properties in one place; one reason I like the idea of an out-of-state property is that it would provide diversification.

What is the difference between long-distance investing and long-distance turn-key investing?

Long-distance investing is simply investing in real estate outside of your local market area. You are still in control of the purchase, the renovation, and finding a property manager. This can be a great way to invest if you have a great team that can handle all of these aspects for you or if you are able to travel to handle them yourself. However, it takes a lot of time and work to buy a rental property in another state; you have to control the entire process of finding the property, repairing it, renting it, and finding a property manager.

Why do you need to do due diligence on a turn-key rental property?

Turn-key rental properties are typical houses that have been purchased by a turn-key company, renovated, rented, and have a property manager put in place. An investor still has to perform due diligence when buying a turn-key to ensure the properties are as advertised. The turn-key companies know their clients are out-of-state and they may try to fudge their numbers a bit to make more money on a deal. It does not hurt to have an inspection done on any property you buy even if the turn-key company says the home is completely repaired.

How can an out-of-state investor determine the value of a home

I wrote an article here about how to determine value. Even if a property cash flows great, an investor still does not want to pay much more than market value for a home. It is not easy to determine market value from a long distance, but it is possible. The best way to find out what a home is worth is to get an opinion from a local real estate agent.  You can also use websites like Zillow or Trulia, but I would not count on them to be very accurate.

How can you find a real estate agent to provide a price opinion?

I wrote an article about how to find a great agent here, but many agents will be wary of providing values to an out-of-state investor. My advice is to be perfectly honest with the agent and tell them you are trying to verify if a price on a home is market value. Tell them your situation and see what they say. You should be able to find an agent or two who will give you ballpark values. You may even find an agent who knows of more turn-key properties in the area.

If you want a detailed value you can even order a BPO (broker price opinion) from a real estate agent. Most REO agents perform BPOs for banks on distressed properties. For $75 to $100 you should be able to find an agent who can complete a BPO report. Try looking on usreop.com, nrba.com or reonetwork.com for experienced REO agents. The agent should have their own BPO form they can use that provides three sales, three active comparables and they should know exactly what a BPO is.  If not, find another agent.

How can an out-of-state investor determine fair market rents?

Not only does an investor need to know that they aren’t overpaying for a turn-key property, but they also need to know that the rents are accurate. It is possible a property manager or turn-key company rented a home for more than market rents by charging a premium to an unqualified tenant. You don’t want to buy a turn-key, have the tenant stop paying and then find out the home was rented for more than it should have been.

The best way to determine rents is to call a few property managers in the area. Tell them you are an investor, are buying some homes, and need a property manager. This serves a few purposes; it gives you an idea of market rents, the property manager can let you know if a property will be difficult to rent, and you can interview property management companies in case you need a new one.

You can also check Zillow for rental rates, but again they may not be accurate. You can also look at Craigslist, the classifieds, or check out this article for more tips on determining rental rates.

How to determine if your property management company is good on a turn-key property

The most important piece of a long-distance rental property is the property manager. A bad property manager can cause thousands of dollars in losses through lost rent or damaged property. This article on how to find a great property manager can help you determine if the property manager the turn-key uses or referred you to is any good. Make sure you ask the property management company what kind of screening process they use to check tenants; background checks, credit checks, references, income, and job verification. It is best to let the company tell you what they do and not suggest these screening processes to them.

In some cases, it may be difficult to contact the property management companies. A lot of turn-key companies sell hundreds of properties a year and the property managers do not have time to talk to hundreds or even thousands of prospective buyers.

What can you do if the rents, values, or property management is off on a turn-key?

The first thing you want to do is make sure you discover any issues before you buy a turn-key property! It will be difficult to get any recourse after the fact, although some turn-keys offer rent guarantees and buyback programs.

If you discover a problem before you buy a property, talk to the turn-key. Tell them what the issues are and see what they offer. The more facts and information you can back up your numbers with the better. You may be able to negotiate a better price or have them help you find a new property manager.

This is a great time to see how customer service-oriented the turn-key company is as well. Will they work with you and try to come up with a solution or become defensive? If they won’t try to help at all, then you have a great idea of how good they will be to work with after you buy a property and there is a problem.

Are turn-key rental properties a good option for foreign investors?

Foreign investors can buy homes in the United States, but it is hard for many of them to get financing. Traveling to the U.S., researching markets, finding real estate agents, closing on properties, and then repairing and renting properties is very difficult when you live in another country. Turn-key rental properties make it much easier for foreign or any long-distance investor to invest in rental properties. If you buy a turnkey rental property, you might not make as much money as if you did all the work yourself, but the time and money saved may be worth the cost.

Are turn-key rental properties a good option for self-directed IRAs?

You can invest money from a self-directed IRA into real estate. When you use an IRA to buy real estate, the IRA is buying the property and all income and expenses must go through the IRA. Some turn-key rental properties specialize in self-directed IRA investing and can help investors invest from their IRA into rental properties.

Can you buy turn-key rental properties with less than 20 percent down?

Some turn-key rental property providers offer seller financing that can be used to buy turnkey proprieties for less than 20 percent down. The trade-off with putting less money down is a higher interest rate and loan costs. Rates may be as high as 9 or 10 percent on seller-financed turn-key properties.

Conclusion

Turn-key rental properties are a great way to invest for cash flow when cash flow is hard to find in your market. Turn-key rental properties are also a way to invest in rental properties without having to repair or rent out the house or having to find a property manager. However, it is hard to get a great deal on turnkey rentals because turn-key providers want compensation for all the work they do.

How can you get more detailed information on specific turn-key properties?

If you would like a custom report on turn-key rental properties and more information on turn-key rental property companies, please fill out the form below. Your contact information will not be given to anyone, except a turn-key rental property company.

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Categories Rental Properties

Source: investfourmore.com

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We’ve all been there. We’ve walked through those fake mini-apartments inside that giant blue box and suddenly feel like we need to pick up and move to Scandinavia. The appeal of the aesthetic is easy to understand. Design driven furniture that perfectly balances form and function feels fresh, light and livable. The color palettes are typically neutral. Every piece in a room commands its own attention.

These spaces aren’t overwrought. Or crammed with crap you don’t need. The colors, shapes and materials feel timeless. House plants and textiles are used for additional texture and both warmth and life. I’d glad come home to any of the rooms above.

What if you could get design-focused furniture like what we see here, that is high quality, affordable, ships straight to you and easy to assemble? Enter Greycork. The new furniture startup, founded by three graduates of the Rhode Island School of Design caught my eye the second an email about them hit my inbox. Greycork has spent years and hundreds of design iterations working to create classic, well-built pieces you can order online and quickly assemble upon arrival – without any tools. Oh and it all looks dang good too. Everything is made of solid hardwood – baltic birch ashwood and solid ash hardwood. Everything is manufactured in the United States. And sold at prices you can actually afford.

When you’re pulling together your first apartment or looking to create that first essential layer of foundational pieces in a room, it’s always smart to lay a good foundation. Greycork is proving you don’t have to shell out your life savings to do that. That approach looks really good to me.

Here’s how to recreate that refined Scandi-inspired look at home:

SHOP THE LOOK: bowl/ pendant light  / table light / pillows / coffee table / sidetable / hanging plants/ sofa / bookcase

images pic 1 / pic 2 / pic 3

this post is in partnership with greycork. all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. thanks for supporting collaborations we’re excited about and that have kept apartment34’s doors open.

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Source: apartment34.com

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Have you heard about Fetch Rewards? My Fetch Rewards Review will show you how to earn free gift cards by simply snapping a picture of your receipts with your phone. That’s it – Fetch is really that easy!

Fetch Rewards is a cash back and gift card cell phone app that rewards you for purchases that you’ve already made.

With this app, you can scan your grocery receipts (from any grocery store or wholesale club, any time) and earn free gift cards.

Plus, Fetch Rewards is free. You don’t have to pay money to sign up or to use the app.

I will explain more in my Fetch rewards app review, but with Fetch, you earn points when you submit your receipts to the Fetch Rewards app from any grocery store, clothing store, restaurant, gas station, and more. Yes, ANY!

Then, you redeem your points for gift cards (to places such as Target, Amazon, or Apple) and other rewards.

All you have to do is take a picture of your receipt with your cell phone and easily earn points.

Here’s how Fetch Rewards works:

  1. Shop like you normally would
  2. Scan your receipt after you’re done
  3. Earn points on Fetch Rewards

You can sign up for Fetch Rewards here. 

Content related to my Fetch Rewards review:

Fetch Rewards Review

 

What is Fetch Rewards?

I want to start my Fetch Rewards review with some basic information about the company and app. Fetch Rewards is based out of Madison, Wisconsin, and this shopping app has helped millions of people save money with the tap of a button as you simply scan physical and digital receipts.

Every month, over 11,000,000 people use Fetch Rewards. It is super easy to use Fetch and receive free gift cards.

I keep saying it’s simple because it really is! Every time you shop or dine out, you can scan your receipt into the Fetch Rewards app.

You can scan receipts from any grocery store, clothing store, pet store, home improvement store, club store, restaurant, gas station, and more. Basically, anywhere you shop, you can snap a picture of the receipt and scan it into Fetch.

You can even use your digital receipts from online purchases such as Amazon, Target, Instacart, and more by connecting your online accounts.

If you have a receipt, then you can scan it!

You earn points when you submit your receipts, and Fetch pays you in points that you can redeem for gift cards. 

There are many redemption options. Here are some of the places you can receive gift cards from:

  • Starbucks
  • Dunkin Donuts
  • Amazon
  • Target
  • Visa gift cards
  • Airbnb
  • Old Navy
  • Ulta
  • Barnes & Noble
  • Bass Pro Shops
  • Instacart
  • Sam’s
  • BJ’s
  • Best Buy
  • Lowe’s

And so many more!

You can also decide to put your points towards charitable organizations, such as The Red Cross or the Clean Water Fund. You can even use your points to enter sweepstakes in the Fetch app.

Don’t worry, I’ll explain more about how to redeem your points further down in my Fetch Rewards review.

 

How does Fetch Rewards work?

Here’s how Fetch Rewards works:

  1. Sign up and download Fetch Rewards by creating an account or connecting a Google or Facebook account account, and then make a password for your account.
  2. Go shopping like you normally do.
  3. Scan your first receipt and earn points. To do this, you simply go to your Fetch Rewards app and click on the orange circle at the bottom of your screen that says “Snap.” You then take a picture of your receipt. If you have a digital receipt, you can just tap on the blue circle instead.
  4. Redeem your points for gift cards, make charitable donations, enter sweepstakes, and more.

I have personally used Fetch to prepare for my Fetch Rewards review, and I can promise you it’s just that simple!

 

How much can you earn with Fetch Rewards?

The amount you can earn on Fetch Rewards really depends on your spending, whether you are completing the Fetch Special Offers, and so on.

Because I am writing this Fetch Rewards review, I wanted to use the app for a while to give you the best review possible, and I was able to earn around $56 in free gift cards in 2-3 months by simply spending how I normally do. I didn’t put any additional effort in the app other than just scanning my shopping receipts.

As you can see, Fetch Rewards clearly won’t make you rich, but you can easily make a little extra money shopping like you normally do.

I also don’t think that I spent more than 20 minutes total in the Fetch app. It’s easy to use and only takes like 10 seconds to scan a receipt. You don’t have to do anything else.

 

What stores can I use for Fetch Rewards?

The great thing about Fetch Rewards is that you can use any retailer or store where you buy groceries, from big box stores, to mom and pop stores, to drug stores, convenience stores, hardware stores, liquor stores, gas stations, club stores (such as Costco), and more.

With any receipt I get, I scan it into the Fetch Rewards app. It takes less than a minute, and you earn points with every scan – so easy!

Plus, you don’t have to jump through any hoops to get points. You don’t need to pre-select the offers in the Fetch Rewards app or scan barcodes, plus there are no surveys or ads. Simply go shopping at your favorite retailers just like usual.

You simply scan your receipt after you are done shopping and earn points.

 

How many receipts can I scan on Fetch a day?

Fetch Rewards allows you to submit 35 receipts within a 7-day period. Electronic receipts that are processed on your account do not count toward the 35 receipt limit.

Other things to know about using Fetch Rewards:

  • Fetch Rewards works for stores located in the United States and Puerto Rico.
  • You have 14 days to scan your receipts to earn points.
  • When you scan your receipts, your receipt must include the store name, the items that you bought, the date of your purchase, the store’s address, and the total amount that you spent. All of that information is included on your receipt.
  • If you scan a receipt with a participating item from the Special Offers tab, then you will get bonus points.
  • If you have a long receipt, you simply just snap more pictures to make sure that your whole receipt is included.
  • You should never make fake receipts or scan the same receipt twice in order to try and get more points. This violates Fetch’s terms of service. Always be honest!

 

Does Fetch Rewards take gas receipts?

Yes, you can scan your gas receipts with Fetch Rewards.

If you’re looking to earn even more from your gas station purchases, then I recommend Upside.

Upside is an app that helps you find gas stations, groceries, and restaurants where you can earn cash back. You simply sign up for a free account, and then look at the Upside app to find places near you.

You can earn up to $0.25/gallon cash back at gas stations, up to 30% back on grocery purchases, and up to 45% back at restaurants.

You can check out Upside here to learn more.

Fetch Rewards Special Offers

What receipts give you the most points on Fetch?

There are several main ways that you can earn points on Fetch Rewards, such as:

  1. Scanning receipts. When you purchase something, whether it be online or in-person, you can take a picture of your receipt with your cell phone and earn points. Every time you scan a receipt in the app, you will receive a minimum of 25 points.
  2. Complete special offers. When you are logged into your Fetch Rewards account, you can see what products will give you the most points. As you can see in the image above, you simply just go to the Fetch Rewards App and go to the Discover tab. There, you will see what items will earn you the most points and extra points. Special offers can give you anywhere from 250 points to even over 5,000 points. New special offers are added almost every day too, so even if you don’t see something today, there may be something that interests you tomorrow. Now, you don’t have to look at the Discover page if you don’t want to – it’s simply just another way to earn more points. You can just use Fetch Rewards and scan your receipts without ever doing anything else in the Fetch Rewards app.
  3. Refer friends and family. Sometimes, you can receive around 2,000 to 4,000 points by referring a new user. You can simply head to the Refer A Friend tab in the Fetch Rewards app to find your referral code.
  4. Joining the Huggies Rewards+ Club. If you use Huggies diapers, you can earn up to 50,000 points by simply purchasing certain Huggies items, such as Huggies Diapers or Huggies Little Movers. Plus, you can get Huggies special offers points as well which are quite high as well.
  5. Save on prescriptions. With Fetch, you can also save on your prescriptions. GoodRx is a free prescription price comparison tool that anyone can use. Simply head to your “Me” tab and click on GoodRx. You can then show this card when paying for prescriptions. You’ll get 10,000 points on your first prescription purchase, and then 1,500 points for future purchases and refills.

For me, I mainly just scan my receipts and refer others to Fetch Rewards. But if I wanted to earn more, there are several other great ways to increase the amount of rewards points that I can earn.

 

How many points equal a dollar on Fetch?

On average, 1,000 points equals $1 in rewards.

10,000 points is equivalent to around $10.

 

How do I redeem a free gift card from Fetch Rewards?

To redeem a Fetch reward, you will simply go to your Fetch account, and look at the bottom of the app. Look for the Rewards tab and tap on that.

Here, you will see what you can use your points on, such as:

  • Gift cards up to $50
  • Sweepstakes entries
  • Charitable organizations
  • Fetch merchandise, such as t-shirts

Then, you click on the button that shows how many points you want to use.

Next, you click on the orange button that says “Get My Reward” at the bottom.

You will then be asked to confirm that this is what you would like to do. It typically takes around three days to process your redemption request.

Once your reward is ready, you will get a notification. You can then go to your Rewards tab, then click on “My Rewards” to find your reward. Here, you will see your gift card code so that you can redeem your gift card at the company that you have chosen.

What’s the Fetch bonus code?

Fetch Rewards does not currently have an active bonus code. But, once they do, I will update this and let you know.

 

What is the catch with Fetch Rewards? How does Fetch Rewards make money? What does Fetch Rewards do with your receipts?

These are all great questions, and they are definitely things I want to cover in this Fetch Rewards review.

Fetch Rewards is so easy to use, but what’s in it for them? Why do they give out rewards and free gift cards just for scanning your receipts?

Fetch Rewards is paying you for the data they get from your receipt. They don’t see your name or other private or personal information. Instead, they are observing trends in shopper behavior. They then use this information to help their partners better understand their customer’s shopping habits.

Fetch Rewards also makes money by finding good deals for those who are signed up for Fetch Rewards. The Special Offers section in the Fetch Rewards app is an area where companies pay to be featured in this list, sort of like an advertisement. Companies know that they can get a lot of people looking at their company in the Fetch Rewards app, so they pay Fetch Rewards for this advertisement.

 

Is Fetch Rewards safe?

Yes, Fetch Rewards is safe to use.

They go through many steps to protect your personal information, and all of the data that they collect is anonymized and aggregated with everyone else’s, so your personal information is never shown.

Also, your receipts only show the last five digits of your credit card number, so you don’t have to worry about that being shared either because Fetch can’t see it.

 

Do my Fetch Rewards points expire?

If your Fetch Rewards account is not used for 90 days, then your points will expire. Your account will receive inactive status if you haven’t submitted any receipts or redeemed any rewards in a 90-day period.

This means that you just simply need to scan a receipt or redeem your Fetch points so your points never expire. If you get in the habit of scanning your receipts every time you shop, you shouldn’t have a problem with expiring points.

It’s very easy to stay active as pretty much everyone spends money in a 90-day period.

 

Is Ibotta or Fetch better?

Fetch Rewards and Ibotta are very similar.

Fetch Rewards is a little easier to use than Ibotta because all you need to do is scan your receipt into the Fetch Rewards app, and then you are done. With Ibotta, it’s more like clipping coupons and takes a little more time, but you may be able to earn a little more with Ibotta.

The great thing is that you can use the same exact grocery receipt for both Fetch and Ibotta. So if you have the time, you can try using both to earn even more rewards and free gift cards. This will allow you to increase your earnings by doing very little extra work.

Here’s how Ibotta works:

With Ibotta, you simply create an Ibotta account, unlock rebates and rewards, go shopping, verify your purchases, and then get cash.

You can redeem rebates from over hundreds of stores, such as Walmart, Target, Kroger, Publix, Walgreens, Home Depot, Old Navy, Chewy, and more.

You can also earn cash back online and in-store with Ibotta.

Ibotta is one of the easiest money making apps because you’re making money shopping like you normally do. They pay in cash or gift cards to Amazon, Starbucks, and other stores.

 

Is Fetch legit? – Fetch Rewards Reviews

Yes, Fetch Rewards is legitimate.

I looked through other online Fetch app reviews and found it’s rated 4.8/5 in the App Store with over 2,600,000 ratings.

In the Google Play store, the average Fetch app review is 4.6/5 stars with over 475,000 reviews on Fetch rewards and over 10,000,000 downloads.

You can see even more Fetch Rewards reviews on Trustpilot.

 

How do I contact Fetch Rewards?

If you have any questions or concerns with Fetch Rewards, you can contact them at [email protected].

You can also go to your app, click on the “Me” tab on the bottom, then click on “Help Center,” then “Contact Us.”

Here’s a screenshot of my Fetch Rewards Account. In 2 months, I have earned 55,566 points, which is equal to a little over $50 in free gift cards.

My Fetch Rewards Review

I hope you enjoyed my Fetch Rewards review. I have been using it for several months now and it is very easy to use.

Fetch Rewards rewards shoppers for shopping at their local supermarket and other popular retailers.

With Fetch Rewards, you can start earnings points by submitting both physical receipts and e-receipts so that you can turn your points into Amazon gift cards, Visa gift cards, and more. There’s no coupon clipping and it is very easy to use.

Simply just upload receipts that you have and earn Fetch Rewards points.

You can upload receipts from retailers such as Target, Walmart, Costco, Publix, Kroger, Walgreens, Home Depot, and more. Small stores, big stores, and everything in between.

This is a must-have shopping app that will help you to save more money, without spending a lot of extra time or effort on your end.

You can sign up for Fetch Rewards here.

Do you use Fetch Rewards? What other questions do you have for this Fetch Rewards review?

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Source: makingsenseofcents.com

Apache is functioning normally

Life insurance is one of the most important investments that you can ever make for your loved ones. If something tragic were to happen to you, and you didn’t have life insurance coverage, then your family would be responsible for a mountain of debt and other expenses.

It’s important that you find the best plan for you. That means that you’re going to need to compare the different types of plans and you will need to find the best insurance company for you. Every insurance company is different, all of them have different products and will give you different rates based on their medical underwriting and rating system.

When you are considering the purchase of a life insurance policy, it is vital to ensure that you have the right type and amount of protection for your specific needs. You should also ideally research the life insurance company you are considering buying the policy through. Here, the company should be reliable and stable financially, and it should also have a good name for paying out its policy holder claims. One insurer that meets these parameters is EquiTrust Life Insurance Company.

The History of EquiTrust Life Insurance Company

EquiTrust Life Insurance Company is one of the smaller life insurance and annuity providers in the overall insurance market place. While EquiTrust is not typically thoughts of as being a household name, the company is known for offering an excellent selection of quality financial vehicles that can help consumers with growing and protecting their wealth. These consist primarily of single premium life insurance policies and indexed retirement annuities.

Through its products, the company focuses on offering new financial ideas that can substantially help its customers to meet their specific needs. It also prides itself on its stellar customer service. EquiTrust has a broad range of niche products, so the company’s policy holders can be more assured that they will be able to change, add, and alter their products or product mix, as their personal and family financial needs change over time.

In many ways, EquiTrust can be considered as more of a niche insurance company, as they tend to specialize in indexed products – namely indexed life insurance and indexed annuities. Because of this, consumers who are in the market for this type of financial product will find a lot to choose from in EquiTrust Insurance Company’s product mix. This applies particularly to those who are seeking the opportunity to grow funds on a tax deferred basis, while at the same time keeping their principal safe.

EquiTrust Life Insurance Company Review

Many of the insurance products that are offered by EquiTrust Life Insurance Company include underlying equity and index related financial vehicles – which can help policy holders with increasing their opportunity for a higher return.

The company works in conjunction with Guggenheim Partners – a global investment and advisory company – which provides portfolio management for many of EquiTrust Life Insurance Company’s products.

Equitrust has more than $14 billion in invested assets – of which a majority are considered to be investment grade. However, a certain percentage of these assets are not deemed to be investment grade (in the investment class of A or better), which in turn, can make the insurer ratings agencies a bit more leery about the company’s overall financial strength in the event of a downward moving market. Equitrust Life Insurance Company is headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Insurer Ratings and Better Business Bureau Grade

EquiTrust Life Insurance Company is considered to be stable financially, and because of that, the company has earned the following ratings from the insurer rating agencies:

  • B++ from A.M. Best Company
  • BBB+ from Standard and Poor’s

The company also has earned a Comdex rating of 43.

Also, even though EquiTrust Life Insurance Company is not currently an accredited business of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the BBB has given the company a grade of A+, based on a range of A+-F.

In the last three years, EquiTrust Life Insurance Company has settled four customer complaints (of which one complaint has been closed within the past 12 months). Of the four total customer complaints, three were regarding complications with the company’s product and service, and the other was regarding advertising and sales issues.

Life Insurance Coverage Offered by EquiTrust Life Insurance Company

EquiTrust offers many options for life insurance coverage. Because of this, policy holders can choose the option that best fits their needs – and, they may also be able to change or alter their coverage as their needs evolve.

All the life insurance plans that are offered through EquiTrust are permanent, meaning there is death benefit protection and a cash value/savings component. The funds that are inside of the policy’s cash value can grow and compound over time on a tax deferred basis. There is no tax due on the increase of these funds until the money is withdrawn by the policy holder.

Even if an individual has certain medical conditions, it can still be possible to qualify for a life insurance policy through EquiTrust. This is because there are no medical tests or exams required to obtain coverage.

The life insurance policies that are offered by EquiTrust include the following:

Wealth Max Bonus Life

With the Wealth Max Bonus Life plan, the policy holder will be able to get stock market and multi-asset index-linked earnings in the cash value. This policy is a single premium index life insurance plan, so there is just one single lump sum premium required, and then the policy will be considered paid up. Also, there is a 12 percent bonus that is added to all premiums.

Wealth Horizon Life

The Wealth Horizon Life plan is also a single premium life insurance policy that offers both stock market and multi-asset index-linked earnings. This plan has highly competitive rates so that the cash value could grow quite a bit over time. The policyholder can borrow against the cash value at any time to do any number of things: debt pay off, vacation, or even supplement retirement income.

Wealth Sure Life

The Wealth Sure life insurance policy also requires just one single premium to purchase the plan. Here, the policy holder will get a declared rate of return that is set by EquiTrust.

Wealth Pay Life

The Wealth Pay life insurance option from EquiTrust is a fixed premium life insurance policy, meaning that the premiums will be due annually or monthly by the policy holder. The premiums could alternatively be paid via the money in a single premium annuity. In this plan, the return of the cash value is also linked to stock market performance and the performance of a multi-asset underling market index.

EquiTrust Burial Insurance

When the time comes to plan for the future, it is important to consider any and all of your current and future financial obligations. These can include any mortgage and other personal debts that you’ve incurred, as well as the ongoing living expenses of those in your life who count on your income for their everyday living expenses. One item that is sometimes overlooked, though, is that of funeral and other final costs. But doing so could end up putting your loved ones and survivors in an awkward financial position, as they may need to dip into savings or other assets to get the costs paid.

Today, the average cost of a funeral in the United States runs between $8,500 and $10,000.This is especially true when you consider the price of a memorial service, flowers, and related transportation, as well as other items like a burial plot and a headstone.

Many families just simply do not have this amount of money that is readily available, so they may end up having to take it out of savings – or worse yet, put these expenses on a credit card (in turn, leaving them in financial hardship for months, or even years, to come). In any case, having life insurance can mean the difference between your loved ones being able to move on, or having to drastically change their lives – during an already difficult time for them.

Other Products and Services Offered

EquiTrust Life Insurance Company also offers retirement annuities. These products can allow you to save money on a tax deferred basis, and then to obtain a guaranteed lifetime income stream in the future. This revenue can continue coming for the remainder of your life – regardless of how long that may be.

EquiTrust offers four types of annuities. These include the following:

  • Index – With an index annuity, the return on the funds is based on the performance of an underlying market index, such as the A&P 500. When the index performs well, an excellent return can be gained. If, however, the underlying index performs poorly for a given period, the account is solely credited with a 0%. This can allow for ongoing protection of principal, regardless of what occurs in the market. EquiTrust offers several different options regarding index annuities. These include the Market Twelve Bonus Index, the Market Power Bonus Index, the Market Booster Index, the Market Ten Bonus Index, the Market Value Index, the Builder Bonus Index, and the DynaMARC Index.

  • Multi-Year – The multi-year annuity – Certainty Select – allows you to lock in a competitive rate of interest for a duration of 3, 5, 6, 8, or 10 years.
  • Traditional Fixed Rate – With EquiTrust’s Choice Four options, you can choose from a variety of different durations, with annual reset interest.
  • Immediate – With an immediate annuity, the income payout can begin either now or later – and, it can be for a set number of years, or for the remainder of your life. EquiTrust’s immediate annuity product is the Confidence Income plan.

Although many of the products that are offered by EquiTrust Life Insurance Company may be suitable only to a small segment of the population, for those who do fit into this niche, the product offerings can be quite attractive.

How to Get the Best Premium Rate on Life Insurance Coverage from EquiTrust Life

If you have been seeking the best premium rates on life insurance coverage from EquiTrust Life Insurance Company – or for that matter, from any life insurance carrier – then it is recommended that you work with an independent life insurance agency that can offer you suggestions from multiple insurance companies. That way, you will be able to shop and compare the policies, coverage, and premium prices of many different options. Once you’ve looked at your options, you can choose the one that will work best for your needs, and for your budget.

When you are ready to move forward in this life insurance policy comparison, we can help. We are an independent life insurance broker, and we work with many of the leading insurance carriers in the industry today. We can support you with gathering all the appropriate details that you need to make a smart purchase – quickly and stress-free.

We can provide you with many different life insurance policy quotes, all from your computer. If you are prepared to make a purchase, then all you need to do is just simply here and fill out our short quote form.

We know that the process of shopping for life insurance coverage can be somewhat overwhelming. There are a lot of different variables that you need to think about – and you want to make sure that you are going in the right direction regarding coverage, benefits, and premium price.

But the good news is that all of this can be accomplished when you are working together with an experienced life insurance ally on your side. So, contact us today – we’re here to help.

Source: goodfinancialcents.com

Apache is functioning normally

Frank Lloyd Wright is undoubtedly one of the most influential architects of all time.

A champion of organic architecture, a philosophy he promoted throughout his career that focuses on the harmony between human living and the natural world — incorporating buildings into their surroundings — Lloyd Wright designed more than 1,000 structures in his lifetime, out of which 532 were actually built.

Credited with building some of the most innovative spaces in the United States, Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous works include the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, the striking Fallingwater in Mill Run, Pennsylvania, Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona, Hollyhock House in Los Angeles, California, Robie House and the Illinois Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois, the Tokyo Imperial Hotel in Inuyama, Japan, and the famous Blade Runner-featured Ennis House.

But of the hundreds of architecturally distinct homes he built in the span of his 70-year career, Lloyd Wright’s own home in his native Wisconsin has the most interesting — and downright tragic — backstory.

While undoubtedly one of the legendary architect’s best works, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin house was the site of a gruesome attack that took the life of Wright’s girlfriend and her two children.

It also burned to the ground (more than once), growing bigger every time the architect had to rebuild it. So let’s take a look at the storied history of Taliesin.

What is the story of Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright’s personal home in Wisconsin?

The American architect was born and raised in the Driftless Area of Wisconsin, which left a lasting impression on his young mind and inspired many of his most iconic works. 

At the age of 29, in 1896, Wright built a windmill on the Taliesin estate, on land that belonged to his mother’s family.

The project, requested by his aunt, was the first in a series of developments that over the years became part of the 600-acre Taliesin estate as we know it today. 

Wright would return to his homeland of Taliesin in 1911, under more controversial circumstances.

In the early 1900s, Wright was married to Catherine Lee Tobin, had six children, and was living in Oak Park, Illinois.

He was then tasked to design a house for his friend and neighbor Edwin Cheney when he fell in love with his friend’s wife, Mamah Borthwick Cheney.

In a daring and controversial move, the two lovers ran off to Europe, where their affair flourished, and when they returned to the U.S., they wanted a place to call their own, far from the judgmental eyes of the public.

That’s when Frank Lloyd Wright decided to leave his Chicago family behind, return to his roots and build a house for himself and Mamah in the secluded hills of Taliesin. 

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin I — the “love cottage” with a harrowing story

Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin I, as we now call it, was completed in 1911 near Spring Green, Wisconsin, to serve as the home of Wright and Borthwick.

The earliest known image of Taliesin I, taken in the winter of its construction in 1911-12. Southwest elevation. Photo credit: Henry Fuermann and Sons, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The home/studio that Wright created is the quintessential representation of the architect’s Prairie School design. 

Wright described the 12,000-square-foot house as ‘low, wide, and snug,’ and that’s exactly what it is.

The house, which was named after the Welsh bard Taliesin — and translates into ‘radiant brow’ — was the result of Wright’s attempt to blend man-made structures and materials with nature and the elements. 

The house had an open-space design, with windows placed so that the sun could come through in every room at every point of the day.

A closer look at Taliesin, WI, though it’s worth noting that the original house was significantly smaller. Photo credit: Stephen Matthew Milligan, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

All the materials used in the construction were locally sourced, in an effort to seamlessly integrate the house with its surroundings. 

Wright was a big fan of Japanese culture and architecture, and he was inspired to bring a taste of Japan to Taliesin, as well. The architect’s home included an artificial lake stocked with fish and aquatic fowl, a water garden, as well as a ‘tea circle’ in the middle of the spacious, green courtyard. 

The home that Wright built was stunning, and to this day it remains one of his most beautiful creations.

The beauty of Taliesin, however, did not do much to impress those living in nearby communities, who disapproved of Wright’s relationship with Borthwick.

At the time the couple lived in Wisconsin, Borthwick had divorced Cheney, but Wright was still married, as Catherine Tobin refused him a divorce. Due to the scandalous aspect of their relationship, locals and media dubbed Taliesin ‘the Love Cottage.’ 

Nonetheless, the couple lived happily at Taliesin, joined by Mamah Borthwick’s two children and a number of household workers and employees.

Among those employees were Julian Carlton, a handyman and servant, and his wife Gertrude.

In 1914, the 31-year-old worker started acting strangely, becoming more and more paranoid and staring out the windows holding an axe. Given his strange behavior, Wright and Borthwick decided to let the couple go, and they gave Carlton and his wife notice in mid-August.

The events that followed the next day, on August 15, 1914, were so shocking that Taliesin will unfortunately forever be associated with them. 

That August day, while Wright was away on business, Julian Carlton attacked Mamah Borthwick and her two children, ending their lives.

He then turned against the other members of the household, after which he set the house on fire.

His killing spree ended the lives of Borthwick, her two children, as well as two other workers and their young boy.

Frank Lloyd Wright (left) surveys damage after the Taliesin I attack in 1914. Photo credit: Albert Rockwell, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Following the attack, Carlton hid in the basement’s fireproof furnace and swallowed hydrochloric acid in an attempt to end his own life. Somehow, he survived, and he was arrested and taken into custody.

While awaiting his trial and sentencing, he died of starvation, as the acid he swallowed had burned his esophagus to the extent that he could no longer eat.

Carlton’s wife was luckily not in the house at the time, as she was waiting for her husband to join her on a train to Chicago.

Taliesin II – Frank Lloyd Wright rebuilds his Wisconsin house

Taliesin I was, in large part, destroyed, and Frank Lloyd Wright was left heartbroken, losing the love of his life and the beloved home that they shared.

He was so devastated that he couldn’t even bring himself to hold a vigil or a formal funeral for Borthwick, instead burying her in an unmarked grave in a nearby graveyard. 

However, Wright soon got back on his feet and decided to rebuild Taliesin.

Sketches of Taliesin WI. Photo credit: See page for author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

By the end of 1914, he had built Taliesin II, and had found companionship in Miriam Noel, who sent him a condolence letter after that summer’s massacre. 

Wright, however, only settled in at Taliesin II in 1922, after he finished work on the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.

RELATED: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis House also known as The Blade Runner House

He was finally granted a divorce by Catherine Tobin, and married Miriam Noel in 1923. The marriage, however, was doomed to not last, as Noel’s erratic behavior, later diagnosed as schizophrenia, led to a tense relationship between her and Wright. 

Noel eventually left Wright and moved out of Taliesin II in 1924. One year later, in an eerie turn of events, Taliesin II burned to the ground due to faulty wiring, and Wright was back to square one.

However, like a phoenix, Taliesin would rise from the ashes once again.

Taliesin III – Wright rebuilds it once more, but the costs drive it into foreclosure

Even after two fires tried to destroy his work, Frank Lloyd Wright was not ready to give up on Taliesin, and he rebuilt it once again, as Taliesin III.

Each time the architect had to revamp Taliesin, the house grew bigger.

In its third and final form, Taliesin featured 37,000 square feet, and all the buildings on the estate combined totaled no less than 75,000 square feet on 600 acres of land. 

Inside Taliesin, arguably the most impressive of Frank Lloyd Wright’s houses. Pictured here: the living room of the imposing property. Photo credit: Stilfehler, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The third reconstruction of Taliesin did, however, create a pretty big dent in Wright’s pockets, and he was severely in debt at the time work on Taliesin III was finished.

In 1927, the Bank of Wisconsin foreclosed on the property, and the architect moved to La Jolla, California, forced to leave his beloved hilltop home behind.

His fans and students, however, devised a plan to have the revered architect reunited with Taliesin.

Darwin Martin, a former client of Wright’s, formed a company dubbed Frank Lloyd Wright Inc., to issue stock on the architect’s future earnings. Various other clients and students purchased stock and ended up successfully bidding on Taliesin for $40,000, giving it back to Wright. 

SEE ALSO: The Chemosphere House and 6 other striking John Lautner-designed homes

Thankfully, the innovative design and historic importance of Taliesin were recognized by Wright’s clients and admirers, and the efforts to preserve and keep the estate alive paid off.

In January 1976, Taliesin was named a National Historic Landmark District by the National Park Service. More than three decades later, Taliesin was one of the buildings included in The 20th Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a selection of eight buildings designed by the architect across the U.S. 

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Today, Taliesin is a historical and architectural gem, and Frank Lloyd Wright fans can visit the estate on professional, guided tours.

If you’re an architecture fan, a student, or design aficionado and you’re ever traveling near Spring Green, Wisconsin, you don’t want to miss out on the chance to visit Taliesin. 

Frequently asked questions

Where is Taliesin?

Frank Lloyd Wright’s house in Wisconsin, Taliesin, is located at 5481 County Road C, Spring Green, WI 53588, USA, about 2.5 miles south of the village of Spring Green in the Driftless Region of southwestern Wisconsin.

What does the word Taliesin mean?

Taliesin is a gender-neutral name of Welsh origin, meaning “radiant brow” made famous by a 6th Century Welsh bard who is said to have performed at the courts of three different kings. Lloyd Wright reportedly named his house in Wisconsin Taliesin to signal that was “of the hill,” not on it, building it below the hillcrest, on its brow rather than its crown.

Did Frank Lloyd Wright rebuild Taliesin?

The legendary architect had to rebuild his Taliesin house in Wisconsin twice. The first time was in 2014 after a gruesome attack by employee Julian Carlton who ended the lives of Wright’s then-girlfriend, Mamah Borthwick and her two children, and then set the house on fire. The second time was in 1925 when Taliesin burned to the ground due to faulty wiring.

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Source: fancypantshomes.com

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Are you one of Beyonce’s Single Ladies? Member of the Lonely Heart’s Club? Whether you celebrate your singleton status or just can’t find a decent date, having a bigger pool of eligible candidates to draw from certainly helps your chances. Apartment Guide has dug deep into the data to help uncover the cities where you can find the most single folks in the United States and how the data differs between men and women in that metro area. If you’re single and looking for your next move, here’s where to start.

U.S. Cities With the Greatest Percentage of Single Men

U.S. Cities with the Greatest Percentage of Single Women

This data is sourced from Maponics based on self-reporting households. Single households are defined as households with no children under the age of 18 in which the head of the household is unmarried. Household is defined by the US Census Bureau as one or more people who occupy a housing unit.

When it comes to finding single men, it would appear that heading out west is the way to go. Six of the top 10 cities with the greatest percentage of single men are in California; more specifically around Los Angeles. It seems that L.A. isn’t just great for movie stars and fancy cars, it’s also great for finding single guys!

Great spots for finding single ladies, on the other hand, seem to be sprinkled around the entire country. The Midwest claims the top two spots, with Gary, IN and Detroit, MI coming in strong with slightly over 22% of self-reporting households claiming to be single women. That’s a pretty packed ladies night.

So why does it seem that the percentage rates of single women households are significantly higher than the men? It would appear it comes down to population. According to US Census Bureau demographic information of the United States in 2014, there were about 125.9 million adult women as compared to 119.4 million adult men. That’s a difference of 6.5 million.

Are you currently single and looking for love? Would you ever consider moving to widen your dating pool? Let us know below!

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When you start shopping for life insurance, you can be overwhelmed with the number of options that you have. There are hundreds and hundreds of life insurance companies on the market. How in the world are you supposed to decide which one is the best for you?

That’s why I’m here to help. I’ve reviewed dozens of different insurance companies to give you an idea of which one might work best for you.

Life insurance is one of the most important investments that you’ll ever make for your family, and it’s vital that you make the best decision for your family. One of the most important factors that you should consider is the type of life insurance policy that you are going to buy. There are several different kinds of coverage that you will need to review based on your needs.

In addition, it is also recommended that you review the background of the insurance company you are considering buying this type of coverage through. That is because you will want to ensure that the carrier is strong financially and that is has a good name in the industry for timely payment of its policy holder claims. One insurance carrier that meets these points is Erie Insurance Company.

The History of Erie Life Insurance Company

Erie Insurance Company has been in the business of offering coverage protection to its customers for nearly 100 years. The company was founded in the early 1920s when two employees of the Pennsylvania Indemnity Exchange decided to form their own insurance carrier.

In moving forward with their new company, H.O. Hirt and O.G. Crawford raised more than $30,000, and won over 90 stockholders – all from a hand written business plan. Then, in April of 1925, the Erie Insurance Exchange opened its doors.

Over the years, the company has grown and expanded exponentially, adding many different types of coverage, such as home owners, motorcycle, boat, life, business, and personal valuables coverage.

Erie Life Insurance Company Review

Today, Erie Insurance Company has more than 5,000 employees who serve its customers and policy holders. The company’s products are offered via approximately 12,000 independent insurance agents across the United States.

In addition to providing a variety of insurance coverage’s, Erie Insurance Company gives back to the communities in which it serves. For example, the company is involved in entities such as Meals on Wheels, coaching little league sports, and with helping people to rebuild following natural disasters and catastrophes.

Erie is considered to be a strong and stable life insurance company from a financial standpoint. The company has also been listed as number 411 on the 2016 Fortune 500 list. (The company made its initial debut on this list back in 2003).

Also, for the fifth year in a row, Erie Insurance was given the “Highest Satisfaction with the Auto Insurers Shopping Experience” award in the J.D. Power 2017 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study. Out of a possible score of 1,000 Erie obtained a score of 879.

BBB Grade and Ratings

Due to its strong financial foothold, Erie has received very high ratings from the insurer rating agencies. Here, the Erie Insurance Group has earned an A+ (Superior) rating from A.M. Best and Company, and the Erie Family Life Insurance Company has earned an A.M. Best grade of A (Excellent).

In addition to its high insurer ratings, Erie Insurance has also been given a grade of A+ (on a scale of A+ to F) from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Although Erie Insurance is not an accredited member of the BBB, the company has closed out a total of 59 customer complaints over the past three years (of which 16 were closed out during the past 12 months).

Of the total 59 customer complaints that Erie has closed via the BBB, 39 had to do with problems with the company’s product and / or service, and 15 had to do with billing and / or collection issues. An additional two were in regard to advertising and / or sales issues, two had to do with delivery issues, and the remaining one was in regard to the company’s guarantee and / or warranty issues.

Life Insurance Coverage Offered by Erie Life Insurance Company

Erie Insurance offers a variety of different life insurance coverage options to choose from. These include both term and permanent policies. With a term life insurance policy, death benefit protection is offered, without any type of savings or cash value build up. Because of this, the premium that is charged for term life insurance is usually much lower than that of a comparable permanent plan.

With a term life insurance policy, coverage is purchased for a certain period of time, such as 10 years, 20 years, or even 30 years. Typically, these policies will have a fixed amount of death benefit, as well as a fixed premium charge for the life of the plan.

Erie Insurance offers level term life insurance protection, and policies can be chosen in time periods of 10, 15, 20, or 30 years. This coverage can be purchased starting at age 0, and in many instances, the policy holder will have the opportunity of converting the term policy over into a permanent life insurance policy – which can then provide coverage for the remainder of the insured’s lifetime.

With Erie, there is oftentimes no medical exam required on its term life policies of up to $90,000 in death benefit protection. All an applicant has to do is just simply answer a few health related questions. And, because there is no blood work or medical exam results to wait for, this coverage can usually be approved and issued within just days (or possibly even sooner).

The company also offers permanent life insurance coverage. With a permanent life insurance policy, there is death benefit protection, as well as cash value build up. The assets that are inside of the cash component of the policy can grow on a tax deferred basis. Essentially there is no tax due on the gain until these funds are withdrawn.

Erie Insurance offers both whole life and universal life for permanent life insurance coverage. With a whole life insurance policy, the insured will have guaranteed life insurance protection with a death benefit amount that will not decrease – even as he or she ages throughout the years.

These whole life plans also offer guaranteed cash value, as well as a set premium that will not be raised – even if the insured contracts an adverse health condition in the future. Plus, the insurance company cannot cancel the policy for any reason, if the premium is paid.

There are several different premium payment options that a whole life insurance policy holder can choose from – based on what suits their needs the best. There are also several different riders that may be added to the whole life insurance coverage – some at no additional charge.

Just like with the term insurance policies, whole life insurance plans through Erie offer a fast and easy application process. For those who wish to purchase coverage of up to $90,000, only a new medical questions need to be answered.

Whole life insurance protection from Erie can be purchased for adults and children (or other younger relatives, such as grandchildren and nieces / nephews). These plans can help the younger insureds to build up savings in a tax deferred manner, and to attain guaranteed insurability in the future.

Erie Insurance also offers universal life insurance. Universal life, or UL, is another form of permanent life insurance coverage.  In many ways, UL is considered to be more flexible than whole life. This is because the policy holder – within certain guidelines – may choose how much of the premium will go towards the death benefit, and how much will go into the cash value portion of the policy. They may also be able to change the due date of the policy’s premium, based on their changing needs.

Universal life insurance can be advantageous for individuals and for business owners, as it offers guaranteed cash value, as well as the ability to get policy loans with tax free income potential.

These types of life insurance plans can also be ideal for a wide variety of coverage needs, such as:

  • College expense planning
  • Estate planning
  • Income replacement
  • Charitable giving
  • Wealth transfer
  • Inheritance
  • Mortgage balance payoff
  • Payoff of personal or other types of debt balances
  • Retirement income planning
  • Deferred compensation plans
  • Business continuation coverage
  • Key person coverage

While a universal life insurance policy offers both death benefit coverage and cash value, the premium on this type of coverage may be more affordable than that of a whole life insurance policy, depending on the insured’s specific parameters.

Burial Insurance

If you’re worried about leaving those you care about with funeral and final expenses, having a burial insurance policy can help. Today, the average cost of a funeral can be in the range of $8,500 to $10,000 – especially when factoring in items like the memorial service itself, along with flowers, transportation, and music, as well as a burial plot and a headstone.

Burial insurance – which is also oftentimes referred to as funeral insurance or final expense life insurance – is a type of coverage that will pay out a benefit quickly to your named beneficiary so that final expenses can be paid…and so that your survivors don’t have to dip into saving or use credit to pay these costs. With that in mind, having a burial insurance policy can be one of the greatest gifts you give to your family.

Before you purchase a burial insurance policy, though, it is important that you have a good idea of the type and the amount of coverage you’ll need. For example, you may want to only cover the anticipated cost of a funeral service. Or, alternatively, you may also want to add in some additional protection so that your loved ones can pay off other debts, such as final medical expenses and / or the cost of hospice care.

Other Products and / or Services Offered

In addition to just selling life insurance policies, Erie Insurance Company offers a long list of valuable products and services. These include the following:

  • Auto Insurance
  • Motorcycle Insurance Coverage
  • Insurance Coverage for Car Collectors, ATVs, and RVs
  • Insurance for Teen Drivers
  • Boat Insurance Coverage
  • Home Owners Insurance
  • Renters Insurance Coverage
  • Condo Insurance
  • Mobile Home Insurance
  • Personal Valuables Insurance
  • Flood Insurance
  • Retirement Solutions
  • Personal Catastrophe Liability Insurance
  • Identity Theft Recovery Coverage
  • Business Insurance

Erie also offers various industry insurance packages that can be fit to companies in a variety of different industries, such as auto services, contractors, hotels and hospitality, landlords and property owners, manufacturers, offices and professional services, restaurants, retail, and wholesaler-distributors.

Looking For The Best Premium Rates on Life Insurance Coverage from Erie Insurance?

If you are seeking the best premium rate on life insurance coverage from Erie Insurance Company – or from any insurer – it is recommended that you work together with an independent life insurance agency or broker. That way, you will be in a better position to compare, side-by-side, the coverage and the premium prices of numerous insurers – but in an impartial manner. You can then determine which will be best for you.

When you are ready to shop around, we can help you. How? We work with the best life insurance providers. We can provide you with the important details that you need for making a well-informed decision – and we can do this for you directly from your own computer. When you are ready to proceed, just simply fill out our short quote form.

We get that buying life insurance coverage is a big decision. There are many different parameters to keep in mind – and you want to be sure that you are going with the right type and amount of coverage through the best insurance company.

This process of purchasing life insurance protection can be made so much easier by working with an aid on your side who can guide you through the entire way, from beginning to end. So, contact us today – we’re here to help.

Source: goodfinancialcents.com