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Apache is functioning normally

December 28, 2023 by Brett Tams

Many Americans are finding tiny houses, or those that measure several hundred square feet in size, are a welcome way to live. They can be both economical and eco-friendly, and some people say they simplify life, which can bring many benefits.

If you’re curious about tiny houses or are currently contemplating one, it’s important to know that financing these dwellings may be different than securing a traditional mortgage. Here’s a guide to tiny houses and how to secure funds to buy or build one.

What Is a Tiny House?

A tiny house is often defined as a home that is between 100 and 400 square feet. In contrast, the median size of a single-family American home is currently 2,014 square feet. That’s five times bigger than the biggest tiny home. Here are some other facts to know about this kind of dwelling.

• Owners live in their tiny homes themselves, rent them out, use them as a small vacation home or even build them as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on the same lot as their primary residence. Tiny homes may be on wheels, or they may sit on a fixed foundation.

• Prefab homes can be delivered complete to the site, or there are modular homes that require some assembly on site. Those who would rather build their own house can hire an architect or draw up plans to their own specifications. There are small homes in all kinds of styles, from a classic Colonial or Victorian to a ranch style or A-frame or ultra-modern design.

• Local zoning rules will determine whether or not a person can build or move into a tiny home. And building codes will determine things like ceiling height.

• Tiny houses may not have good resale value since they are such a specific type of home and are often highly customized. Before buying a tiny house as an investment property, it might be wise to consult a real estate investment professional.

💡 Quick Tip: Before choosing a personal loan, ask about the lender’s fees: origination, prepayment, late fees, etc. One question can save you many dollars.

Tiny House Pricing

In 2023, the average sales price for a single-family home was about $430,300. Tiny homes cost quite a bit less, with an average of $45,000. That price can vary up and down depending on the size of the home, materials used, and amenities (yes, some tiny homes have luxe, spa-style bathrooms, for example). The price of the building is not the only thing to consider.

Buyers of tiny homes must factor in the price of buying or leasing land on which to place the home if they don’t already own it, as well as the cost of hooking it up to utilities.

If the tiny home is on a foundation, there may be state and local property taxes to pay. If the tiny house is on wheels, though, there likely won’t be property tax assessed.

Recommended: Is Buying a House a Good Investment?

Financing the Land

If property needs to be purchased to have a place to put a tiny home, an option for financing is a land loan. There are three types of land loans: raw land loans, unimproved land loans, and improved loans.

• Raw land loans are for land that’s completely undeveloped with no electricity, roads, or sewer access.

• Unimproved land loans are for properties that have more access to amenities like utilities, but lack utility meters.

• Improved land loans are for land with access to roads, water, and electricity.

The size of the down payment and the interest rate of the loan will depend on what type of loan is needed. For example, lenders may consider raw land to be a riskier option than improved land and require a bigger down payment and higher interest rates.

Mortgages for Tiny Homes

Qualifying for a home loan for a tiny home may be tricky. Some lenders may not be willing to offer first or second mortgages for tiny home financing. However, if a tiny home has a foundation and complies with local building codes, it may qualify for certain mortgages.

Tiny homes may also qualify for what is known as a “chattel mortgage,” a mortgage for moveable personal property. The tiny home acts as security for the loan, and the lender effectively becomes the owner of the tiny home until the loan is paid off and ownership is transferred back to the borrower.

This differs from traditional mortgages that are secured by a lien on the property. Because the size of the loans are typically small, chattel mortgages may have relatively short terms, though interest rates may be relatively high.

Personal Loans

A personal loan can allow individuals access to money that they can use for any personal, family, or household purpose, from paying off credit cards to an effective tiny house loan. Depending on the lender, loan amounts can range from a few thousand dollars to $100,000. When the applicant is approved for a personal loan, they’ll receive the loan amount in a lump sum and pay it back in installments with interest.

Personal loans may be secured or unsecured. Unsecured loans are not backed with any collateral, and the interest rates currently range from about 6% to 36%, depending largely on the borrower’s credit score.

Secured loans are backed by collateral, such as personal savings, a car, or another home owned by the same borrower. They typically come with a lower interest rate than their unsecured counterparts. However, it’s important to note that if a personal loan is defaulted on, the borrower’s assets could be seized by the lender to repay the debt.

Home Equity Loans

The equity someone may have built up in a home they already own can be tapped to finance a tiny home for use as a vacation home, rental property, or ADU. A home equity loan is a fixed amount of money secured by a borrower’s home.

Usually, up to 85% of the equity accumulated in a home can be borrowed, though actual loan amounts will also depend on the applicant’s income and credit history. The home equity loan is repaid with monthly payments over a fixed term. And if the borrower fails to repay, the lender can foreclose on the house.

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) may be another option to finance a tiny home. HELOCs differ from home equity loans in that the borrower doesn’t receive a single lump-sum payment from the lender.

Rather, a HELOC gives the borrower access to a line of credit that can be drawn down, paid back, and drawn down again, if need be, within a certain time period. The HELOC is secured by the borrower’s home, so as with a home equity loan if the debt is not paid, the lender can use the home as collateral.

Loans From Tiny House Builders

A tiny house builder or contractor may be able to help secure financing through unsecured loans based on an applicant’s credit score, or secured loans backed by the value of the tiny home. These tiny-house loans may have longer terms and lower starting interest rates than personal loans, but they may require a downpayment.

RV Loans

If the tiny house has wheels and is certified as an RV by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, an RV loan may be another option for financing. Online lenders, banks, and credit unions may all offer RV loans. In many cases, the tiny house will serve as collateral for the loan, the same way a car would serve as collateral in an automobile loan.

Recommended: Guide to Buying, Selling, and Updating Your Home

The Takeaway

If you’re in the market for a tiny house, you may need to think beyond traditional mortgages. Home equity, HELOC, and personal loans, among other options, may be available forms of financing that can set you on your way to owning the tiny house of your dreams.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.

SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2023 winner for Best Online Personal Loan overall.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SOPL1223025

Source: sofi.com

Apache is functioning normally

December 25, 2023 by Brett Tams

If you’ve served in the military and need a mortgage, then a VA loan might be right for you, whether you’re buying a home or refinancing. Here’s what to know.

What is a VA home loan?

A VA loan is a mortgage guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and issued by a private lender, such as a bank, credit union or mortgage company. A VA loan can make it easier to buy a home because it typically doesn’t require a down payment.

Only qualified U.S. veterans, active-duty military personnel and some surviving spouses are eligible for VA loans. The 1944 GI Bill of Rights established the VA home loan program to help veterans get a foothold in civilian life after World War II.

You might find it helpful to go with a lender and a real estate agent who have experience working with VA borrowers. The home will be subject to a VA appraisal, and an experienced agent will help you avoid homes that won’t meet the minimum required standards.

How does a VA home loan work?

The VA’s guarantee means the government will repay the lender a portion of a VA loan if the borrower doesn’t make payments. This assurance reduces the risk for lenders, which makes it possible for them to offer favorable terms and require no down payment.

VA loan rates are typically lower than offers you’d find for conventional loans. The rate could be fixed, meaning payments will remain the same, or adjustable, meaning that payments could change over time. Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) come with some risk, as you’ll pay more if rates rise.

If eligible, you can complete the VA mortgage application process through a lender of your choice. Many (but not all) lenders offer VA loans, and some lenders specialize in serving VA loan borrowers. It’s a good idea to apply with multiple lenders in order to compare rate offers.

Mortgage loans from our partners

VA home loan eligibility

You’re an active-duty military member or veteran who meets length-of-service requirements (90 days of service during wartime or 181 days of service during peacetime).
You served in the National Guard or Reserve for at least six years, or served 90 days (with at least 30 of them being consecutive) in active duty under Title 32 orders.
You’re the surviving spouse of a service member who died while on active duty or from a service-connected disability and you have not remarried. Surviving spouses can retain eligibility if they remarried after the age of 57 and after Dec. 16, 2003. Spouses of prisoners of war or service members missing in action are also eligible.
You meet the lender’s requirements for credit and income. The VA doesn’t set a minimum credit score for VA loans, but lenders can set their own minimum standards. The lender will also consider your income and debts to evaluate your ability to repay the mortgage.
The property you want to buy meets safety standards and building codes and will be your primary residence. Borrowers are typically required to occupy the residence within 60 days, though this may be extended to 12 months under certain circumstances.

How to apply for a VA home loan

Obtain a certificate of eligibility: A VA certificate of eligibility shows a mortgage lender that your military service meets the requirements for a VA loan. A VA-approved lender can obtain the document for you, which is needed before the loan can close. You can also request the certificate from the VA online or by mail.

Find the right lender: Some VA lenders consider borrowers with lower credit, while others offer a larger variety of VA loan types. Get preapproved with more than one VA mortgage lender to compare their qualification requirements and mortgage rates. Preapproval is nonbinding, but it will give you an idea of what kind of mortgage you qualify for and how much you may be eligible to borrow. Getting preapproved also shows sellers that you are motivated to buy and can qualify for a mortgage.

Find a home: An experienced real estate agent can help you find a home that meets minimum property requirements regarding cleanliness, safety and structural soundness. After you work with your agent to make an offer, the mortgage lender will evaluate your finances and order a VA appraisal to make sure the home meets all the requirements. If your application and appraisal are approved, the final steps are to close on the loan and move into the house. The application process will be essentially the same as when you applied for preapproval, except now you’ll be applying with a specific property in mind.

Pros and cons of VA home loans

Like any type of loan, VA loans have their advantages and disadvantages. Borrowers who may benefit from a VA loan will have to contend with specific fees and eligibility requirements in exchange for features like low rates and no minimum down payment requirements.

Pros

No down payment or mortgage insurance required. Other loan types require down payments and can include an extra cost for mortgage insurance. FHA loans require mortgage insurance regardless of the down payment amount, and conventional loans usually require mortgage insurance if the down payment is less than 20%.
Lower rates. VA loans usually have lower rates than conventional mortgages.
Limited closing costs. Closing costs are the various fees and expenses you pay to get a mortgage. The Department of Veterans Affairs limits the lender’s origination fee to no more than 1% of the loan amount and prohibits lenders from charging some other closing costs.
VA loans can be assumed. This means that when you’re ready to sell your home, you have the option of allowing the buyer to take over your existing mortgage. This can be a selling point if your rate is lower than the current average mortgage rate.

Cons

VA loan funding fee. Although VA loans don’t require mortgage insurance, they come with an extra cost called a funding fee. The fee is set by the federal government and covers the cost of foreclosing if a borrower defaults. As of April 7, 2023, the fee ranges from 1.25% to 3.3% of the loan, depending on your down payment and whether it’s your first VA loan. You can pay the fee upfront or fold it into the loan.
Purchase loans are only for primary homes. You can’t use a VA loan to buy an investment property or a vacation home.
Not all properties are eligible. A VA-approved appraiser will evaluate the home you want to buy to estimate the value and make sure it meets minimum property requirements. Some fixer-uppers may not meet the VA’s minimum standards.

What is the VA loan limit?

The VA loan limit is the maximum amount you can borrow without having to make a down payment. In 2020, limits were eliminated for current members of the military and veterans who have access to their full VA loan entitlement. However, loan limits still apply to borrowers who already have a VA loan or have defaulted on a VA loan.

In 2024, the standard VA loan limit is $766,550 for a single-family home in a typical U.S. county, but it can run as high as $1,149,825 in high-cost areas. It’s possible to get a VA loan even if the home price exceeds the county limit, but you’ll be required to make a down payment. You can use NerdWallet’s search tool below to find the loan limit for your county.

Refinancing a VA home loan

You can refinance an existing VA loan with a standard (also called a “streamline”) refinance loan. This is formally called a VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (VA IRRRL). Just as it sounds, the intention behind these loans is to change the rate of your VA loan, either by qualifying for a lower rate or by switching from an adjustable rate to a fixed rate.

Borrowers who want to access some of their equity or who want to convert their conventional mortgage to a VA loan may be interested in a VA cash-out refinance. This would involve taking on a larger loan, paying off your original mortgage, and pocketing the difference. It’s typically recommended that you use this extracted equity to finance wealth-building expenses, like renovations or repairs to the home.

Types of VA home loans

The VA loan program offers a variety of options, including purchase and refinance mortgages, rehab and renovation loans and the Native American Direct Loan. Here’s an overview.

How many times can you use a VA home loan?

Getting a VA loan isn’t a one-time deal. After using a VA mortgage to purchase a home, you can get another VA loan if:

You sell the house and pay off the VA loan.
You sell the house, and a qualified veteran buyer agrees to assume the VA loan.
You repay the VA loan in full and keep the house. Just once, you can get another VA loan to purchase an additional home as your primary residence.

Mortgage loans from our partners

Frequently asked questions

What is a VA loan and how does it work?

A VA home loan is backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and it offers competitive interest rates with no minimum down payment. They’re offered by lenders such as banks, credit unions and mortgage companies to borrowers who meet the VA’s qualifications. These criteria include length-of-service requirements (with separate requirements for surviving spouses) and minimum standards for property. The lender will also have its own financial requirements, such as a minimum credit score and a maximum amount of existing debts.

How much does a VA loan let you borrow?

The maximum amount that you can borrow with a VA loan comes down to how much your lender is willing to approve. However, there is a ceiling for how much you can borrow with a 0% down payment if you already have an active VA loan or if you defaulted on a VA loan in the past. This figure is $766,550 in most areas and $1,149,825 in high-cost areas.

What is the minimum credit score for a VA loan?

There is no minimum credit score required by the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, individual lenders will have their own qualifying criteria. Borrowers with credit scores of 620 or higher will have an easier time getting approved.

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

December 24, 2023 by Brett Tams

Brickell boasts renovated, LEED-certified and well-designed accommodations and world-class dining options. Read on to find out if Brickell, Miami is a fit.

Where is Brickell in Miami?

Brickell is a mixed residential-commercial slice of south Miami that stretches from the Miami River on its northern border to the Rickenbacker Causeway to Key Biscayne on its southern. Covering the 33129, 33130 and 33131 ZIP Codes, it’s the glitzy sendoff to any traveler on their way to the swaying palms of Crandon and Bill Bragg Cape parks.

Source: Rent.

Brickell overview

Brickell is and always has been central to the narrative of Miami as a playground for the rich and famous. In the early 20th century, it became home to South Florida’s “Millionaires Row” along Brickell Avenue.

The neighborhood eventually morphed into the state’s, and one of the nation’s, largest financial districts as high-rise apartment buildings, luxury hotels and offices took center stage. Today, developers are remaking Brickell into one of the state’s most exciting urban centers.

Studio average rent: $1,854
One-bedroom average rent: $4,401
Two-bedroom average rent: $4,893
Walk score: 88
Bike score: 75
Transit score: 89

Living in Brickell

Life in Brickell is generally regarded as loud, fast and fun. Geared decidedly toward employed young professionals, the neighborhood is known for its dining and nightlife scene set amid imposing skyscrapers. This has helped the area earn its nickname: “The Manhattan of the South.”

Demographics

A famously densely populated neighborhood, Brickell is also a relatively young area, with the median resident age ringing in at 34.6 years old and the average household containing no more than 2 people (family households make up only about 28 percent of all). Almost 80 percent of the crowd is not married and almost 90 percent is white or Hispanic.

By far, management, finance and the law are the most popularly represented professions in the area, with almost a third of all Brickell residents employed in just these positions.

Education

While there is Southside and three private elementary schools in the neighborhood, joined by the downtown campus of Florida International University, Brickell is not generally considered an educational hub. It is only a short car ride from The University of Miami and a selection of other private and faith-based schools, including Key Point Christian Academy and David Posnack Jewish Day School.

Safety

Neighborhood crime data is not available, but the crime index for the City of Miami as a whole is slightly higher than the national average. This comes with a few caveats: First, local crime maps reflect that much of the violent crime driving the city’s index occurs in neighborhoods to the south and west of Brickell. Second, crime in Miami-Dade County has been decreasing steadily year-over-year since 2006. Last year, the county reported 474.3 crimes per 100,000 citizens, a 25 percent decrease from five years prior. Generally speaking, Brickell is a safe part of the city.

Recreation

From shopping at Brickell City Centre to squeezing in a run at Brickell Key Park, it would be impossible to exhaust the recreational options available to you. Not only does the area boast some of the state’s most elegant dining and nightlife, but it’s close to the attractions of Miami Beach and Downtown Miami.

Transportation

Good public transportation is another reason to live in Brickell. The combination of Metrobus, Metrorail and Metromover can connect you to most parts of Miami. Simply acquaint yourself with the orange and green lines and off you go!

Business

Miami is one of the fastest-growing economic centers in the country. The absence of a state income tax and the geographical/historical proximity to Latin America has attracted business from every sector. Most of that action is taking place in Brickell, where job growth is outpacing the national average by almost 10 percent. For any burgeoning entrepreneur, consultant or money manager, Brickell is the place.

10 things to do in Brickell

From shopping to dining, running to relaxing, there is always something to do in Brickell. Simply decide what sort of leisure the day calls for and the odds are better than good that you will certainly enjoy the day here.

Part with your time and money in any of the luxurious shops of Brickell City Centre.
Squeeze in a workout at Brickell Key Park.
Grab a scenic drink with friends on the roofs of the W or the Conrad hotels.
Indulge multiple cravings at once at Casa Tua Cucina food hall.
Bridge generational gaps at the fun and unexpected Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita lounge.
Head across the causeway to Crandon Park or Bill Bragg Cape Florida State Park to soak up the sun.
Take a stroll among the exhibits at the Pérez Art Museum.
Take in 20th-century opulence at the Viscaya Museum and Gardens.
Grab a cafecito at the iconic 24-hour Manolo and Rene Grill.
Catch a game or a show at American Airlines Arena.

Finding an apartment in Brickell

From food to fun to sun, no neighborhood captures both the history and the trajectory of Miami quite like Brickell. If you have the wiggle room in the budget and the energy to keep up with the crowd, then take a look at the rent prices in Brickell and see if you can take the plunge and call it home!

Rent prices are based on a rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.’s multifamily rental property inventory as of June 2021. Our team uses a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets.

The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.

J.D. Candidate at the University of Miami Law School and Officer Candidate with the U.S. Marine Corps, Maxwell is dedicated to public service and a glutton for punishment. He’s also a glutton for pasta, avid home chef and Atlanta food enthusiast with not enough hours in the day or kitchen appliances on the shelf.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

December 23, 2023 by Brett Tams

State officials have revived a popular grant program to help lower-income California homeowners build accessory dwelling units by covering some of the upfront costs. But funding is limited, so demand for aid may soon outstrip the supply of dollars.

The California Housing Finance Agency’s ADU Grant Program offers up to $40,000 to qualified homeowners to cover pre-construction costs of an ADU, including planning and permit fees for the structure. The program exhausted its initial $100 million months ago, causing the agency to stop taking applications; now, $25 million more is available for homeowners seeking help.

Obtaining a grant is not as simple as filling out a form online, however. For starters, applicants have to meet the program’s new income limits. Household income must be less than 80% of the area median income, which translates in Los Angeles County to $84,160. That’s down from 150% of the area median income in the initial round of grants.

Applicants also need to work through a state-approved lender or “special financing participant” because the grants aren’t paid to homeowners — they’re paid to lenders. The CalHFA website lists 18 participating lenders as well as 10 governmental or nonprofit agencies, including Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County, which specializes in affordable housing.

Typically, homeowners must obtain a construction loan for an ADU from a participating lender before seeking an ADU grant. The loan will cover the costs that the grants will reimburse, including architectural designs, permits, soil tests, impact fees, property surveys, energy reports and utility hookups, the agency says. These expenses can make up a sizable portion of the cost of a new ADU, especially one built by converting a garage or other existing structure.

If you haven’t started work on an ADU yet, let alone obtained a loan, you can still get in line for a state grant. Neighborhood Housing Services, which provides construction loans for ADUs, says it will try to reserve a potential grant for anyone who emails it two pieces of information: a current mortgage statement and one month’s worth of pay stubs or other proof of income. The information, which should be sent to [email protected], should also include the person’s legal name, address and Social Security number.

A homeowner who meets the income limits but can build an ADU without a loan can still apply for a grant through NHSLA. But the agency’s construction team would have to manage the project and the grant funds, said Iris Cruz of Neighborhood Housing Services.

Grant applicants will have to sign and submit an affidavit to CalHFA attesting to several things about themselves and their plans, including that they are a U.S. citizen or legal resident; they own and have their primary residence on the property where the ADU is being built; they will use the ADU for permanent housing or long-term rentals; and the ADU will conform to local building and zoning codes. If any of those statements prove to be false, the applicant could face a prison term and a fine of up to $10,000.

The lender, meanwhile, will have to attest that the grant applicant meets the program’s income limits.

Source: latimes.com

Apache is functioning normally

December 22, 2023 by Brett Tams

Ye has had it with Malibu.

The rapper, who’s been spending most of his time in Europe as of late, with paparazzi following him and wife Bianca Censori relentlessly while on tour, has just listed his uber-expensive Malibu pad for sale.

Designed by Pritzker Prize-winner Tadao Ando, the Malibu Road house is one of the lauded Japanese architect’s few projects on American soil — another one being Beyonce and Jay-Z’s $200 million house, also located in Malibu.

When Kanye purchased it, the property was being touted as part beachfront residence, part modernist sculpture, making it a great choice for the artist whose minimalist-yet-daring style choices often grace the front covers of magazines.

But not much is left, as the structure has been altered considerably during Kanye’s ownership.

The Vultures rapper bought the roughly 4,000-square-foot beachfront house just two years ago, in 2021, for a whopping $57.3 million — though it’s worth noting that the property was once listed for $75 million.

Retired Wall Street financier Richard Sachs, best known as the ex-boyfriend of former Full House star Ashley Olson, sold it to the recording artist and Yeezy founder.

Now, Kanye West listed the 4-bedroom, 5-bath Malibu abode for $53,000,000, with Selling Sunset star and Oppenheim Group founder Jason Oppenheim landing the listing.

“I wanted to have a listing with such architectural pedigree,” Oppenheim told PEOPLE, adding that the property’s Malibu Road location is “one of the most desirable areas in the world.”

We don’t know whether that means that the rapper’s house will be featured in the upcoming Season 8 of Selling Sunset, but if you’d like to take a look inside Kanye West’s house in Malibu, Jason already put the pictures up on his Instagram (though it looks like he used the listing photos from the home’s last run on the market):

Ye’s crumbled plans for the property

The Malibu house was no impulse buy.

Kanye West had big plans for his beachfront spread.

First, he said he would work with businessman James Goldstein to make it more like his famous Sheats-Goldstein Residence — another concrete-heavy, modernist abode that bears the signature of lauded architect John Lautner.

Then, according to TMZ, he set out to turn the architectural property into a “bomb shelter from the 1910s,” removing all windows and electricity from the home. Here’s how it looks like now:

The Gutted Crib https://t.co/2yopolYFXY

— Zack (@QueensIceZ) December 20, 2023

In fact, the rapper is even being sued by the former property caretaker and project manager he hired for the remodel.

Tony Saxon, who was reportedly hired in September 2021 as project manager, caretaker, and 24/7 security for the mogul’s Malibu home, is suing West, claiming he’s owed $1 million for the work he did on the property, which included several labor code violations.

“Tony worked as the construction project manager and 24/7 security guard when Kanye was having the home gutted, and Kanye put him through hell, violating numerous labor codes and employment laws in the process,” Saxon’s lawyer, president of West Coast Employment Lawyers Neama Rahmani, said in a statement released after news broke about Kanye selling his house.

“This house was ‘a Picasso on the water’ before Kanye ordered Tony to rip it apart. So, while we’re pleased Kanye may finally have the money to fulfill his obligations to Mr. Saxon, buyer beware.”

Now, what’s left of the Tadao Ando-designed home is a concrete shell exposed to the elements, per Robb Report.

How can Kanye’s house command such a high price in its current state?

If you’re wondering why anyone would consider paying over $50 million for a gutted house, or whether Kanye was completely off-base when setting the price, let us provide some context on how the property was priced.

#1 Location, location, location

We know all too well that location is the name of the game in real estate.

With enough funds, there’s almost nothing you can’t change about a house, except for location and lot size (and even the latter is debatable, as you can always purchase additional lots by convincing neighbors to sell).

But the location is the one fixed component that can command sky-high prices regardless of the state the structure is in.

And Kanye’s house is located on Malibu Road which is, like Jason Oppenheim said, “one of the most desirable areas in the world.”

The entire area is lined with million-dollar houses, often priced well above the $10 million mark. And Malibu in itself is prohibitively expensive, with the median listing price for homes in the area standing at a hefty $6.5 million.

#2 Architectural pedigree

Many million-dollar homes often come with name-bragging rights — and Kanye’s house excels here.

But there’s a whole other level of name-dropping that comes with owning a home envisioned by one of our generation’s leading architects.

Tadao Ando is an award-winning contemporary architect best known for his minimalist concrete structures, which have attracted some of the world’s biggest stars, from Beyonce and Jay-Z — who paid $200 million to buy one of Ando’s Malibu projects, setting a new record for the most expensive home ever bought in Califonia — to West’s ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, who’s currently working with the architect to build a home on an undeveloped plot of land in La Quinta, California.

And Malibu’s architecturally distinct properties often command sky-high listing prices.

For proof, look no further than this $59M Ed Niles-designed house that combines glass, steel and Feng Shui principles or architect Harry Gesner’s former personal home, the $22.5M Sandcastle House in Malibu.

#3 Building costs

Beyond the design element, building the property on the beachfront lot was no easy feat.

Construction required 1,200 tons of concrete, 200 tons of steel reinforcement, and 12 pylons to keep it from sinking into the sand, a feat that undoubtedly required millions of dollars.

#4 Beach access & ocean views

The property has direct access to the beach and offers stunning views of the ocean.

It has three levels with the ensuite guest rooms on the lowest floor, the living room and kitchen on the middle floor, and the master bedroom and rooftop terrace on the topmost floor — all opening up to unobstructed ocean views, a luxury that commands a premium in any market.

Now, it remains to be seen whether Kanye’s listing price is realistic or not, and if his star power coupled with the highly desirable location and the house’s architectural pedigree will attract a buyer willing to pay top dollar for the Malibu pad.

Those of us who are hooked on Selling Sunset already know that Jason Oppenheim isn’t a fan of properties priced over the $50 million mark, so it’s unlikely that he would have taken on the listing if he thought the price was unrealistic.

>> Follow us on Google News for more stories like this, in real time

^{Featured image credit: Google Maps, inset Cosmopolitan UK, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons}

More stories

17 Biggest celebrities that live in Malibu & their million-dollar homes

12 most expensive rapper houses: Drake, Jay-Z, and Kanye in the lead

Alicia Keys’ house in San Diego is a futuristic clifftop mansion

Source: fancypantshomes.com

Apache is functioning normally

December 13, 2023 by Brett Tams

Super Jumbo, HELOC, DSCR, CRM Texting, Servicing Rights, QC Products; Fannie/Freddie Updates

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Super Jumbo, HELOC, DSCR, CRM Texting, Servicing Rights, QC Products; Fannie/Freddie Updates

By:
Rob Chrisman

Tue, Dec 12 2023, 10:14 AM

Today I head to Northern California, home of plenty of technology. The other day I went to the doctor and the receptionist handed me a tablet and said, “Please fill out these medical forms on the screen, which are identical to the ones you filled out earlier online, and have the exact same questions your doctor will ask you later in the exam room.” Great. There’s nothing like old-fashioned printed things. I am sure that menu Quick Response (QR) codes are fine, but plenty of other QR codes are not: beware! “The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warned the public against scanning any old QR code in a consumer alerts blog last week. Naturally, the warning comes down to security and privacy: bad actors can put QR codes in inconspicuous places or send them via text or email, then just sit back and wait for a payday in the form of money, logins, or other sensitive information. Lord knows that the mortgage industry has enough challenges from lousy characters without more of it coming our way! (Today’s podcast can be found here, and this week’s is sponsored by Richey May, a recognized leader in providing specialized advisory, audit, tax, technology and other services to the mortgage industry for almost four decades. Today’s has an interview with Clear Capital’s Kenon Chen putting a bow on the real estate market in 2023 and why 2024 brings reasons for optimism.)

Lender and Broker Products, Programs, and Services

Are you missing out on originating more government-backed loans? A whopping 44 percent of purchase loans for 1–4-unit properties in the top 10 MSAs in the United States would be potentially eligible for down payment assistance. That’s according to a newly released Urban Institute (UI) study. UI partnered with Down Payment Resource (DPR) to analyze 2022 HMDA data and DPA data from the 10 largest MSAs. Among the findings, the report says that across channels, FHA and USDA loans are most likely to be eligible at 80 and 82 percent, respectively and that FHA and USDA loans are generally eligible for a greater number of programs than conventional or VA loans. For more insight into how DPA programs could help you fund more government-insured mortgages, schedule a demo with the DPR team.

TENA Companies, Inc. is your partner for achieving Mortgage Quality Control excellence in 2024 and beyond! In today’s challenging market, Quality Control remains paramount. Protecting the integrity of your firm’s portfolio, maintaining compliance, and reducing risk is critical in the current lending environment. TENA’s industry-leading team of skilled auditors have unmatched experience and knowledge of every facet of Mortgage Quality Control operations, ensuring your firm minimizes risk and stays compliant from Pre-Funding to Post-Closing to Servicing. Our tailored Mortgage QC services and SecondLook Software deliver all the tools needed to ensure loan quality remains high, providing your firm with peace of mind as we enter the New Year. Don’t just adapt; lead with confidence. Contact TENA today to get started and position your firm for Quality Control success in 2024!

“Technology for technology’s sake is useless.” That’s the mindset that drives the mortgage technology experts at ICE as they modernize the American homebuying process via digital solutions built with a purpose. Watch here as HousingWire’s CEO Clayton Collins sits down with Sandra Madigan, EVP of Product Strategy at ICE Mortgage Technology, to discuss the careful consideration it takes to effectively “digitalize” the mortgage industry. You’ll learn how ICE is unifying all parts of the homebuying journey and how that digitalization impacts homeowners, as well as back-office teams who support consumers. Catch the full interview here to hear how ICE is approaching product development and helping to improve the homebuying and homeownership process end-to-end, and which aspects of the mortgage experience the industry needs to digitalize next.

“If Fed fund futures are right, by the time we all meet at next year’s MBA Secondary, the Fed may have already cut once and may even be on their way to a second cut! Right now, MSR valuations are “hanging in there” but Fed cuts will likely erode some of the value from ‘float’ on escrow. Blue Water (“Blue Water Financial Technologies Services, LLC”) can assist lenders to sell bulk MSR, regardless of size. With BlueRATE™, a lender can obtain an instant portfolio valuation and then determine what to sell – whether it be a small geo carve or the entire MSR portfolio. Blue Water can also assist in moving your product quickly with Blue Water’s proprietary SuperTransfer™. With SuperTransfer™, transferring the portfolio to a buyer is easier than ever. Connect with our expert Sales Team to learn more.”

Have you heard about the laws the FCC and the TCPA have implemented for the new A2P 10DLC requirements, to try and stop the junk texting? Hopefully, you have because the fines for noncompliance are serious. Are your salespeople texting their databases? Since ALL texting through mortgage CRMs falls under this federal law, it is imperative that you utilize texting legally and compliantly. What have your CRM providers done to help you navigate this challenging compliance landscape? Usherpa is pioneering the way on this front, making sure they’re texting platform was built to the letter of the law, ensuring that their clients are not exposed and are utilizing texting legally. Click here to learn more about the regulations and what you need to do to be compliant. Share this Infographic with your team.

Correspondent and Wholesale Programs

“Long-term Rental or Vacation Rental? Visio Lending is the nation’s leader in Non-QM Investor DSCR loans for buy and hold SFR rentals with nearly a decade of experience and over $2.5 billion in originations. No-DTI, 30-year terms, rate buy downs, free 45-day rate locks; I/O and Sub-1 DSCR options available. Through our top-notch Broker Program, brokers are able to earn up to 2 points YSP, and 5 points total. Visio Brokers can count on a designated Account Executive and in-house processing.”

Yesterday, December 11, Symmetry Lending launched its new First Lien HELOC! This new solution presents an opportunity for mortgage brokers and loan officers to extend their reach and offerings to even more of their client base, helping to drive new business and extend borrower relationships in a still-challenging market. In addition, brokers will be able to collect 1.5 percent on the draw amount (with no maximum!) for Symmetry’s First Lien HELOCs! This new product launch is a major win for brokers, loan officers, and borrowers alike. Contact your Symmetry Area Manager for more product details and support with presenting this product to your clients.

“Axos Bank’s Wholesale & Correspondent and Warehouse lending teams wish you and yours a happy and prosperous 2024! Our teams are here to help you achieve your goals in the year ahead. Axos’ innovative mortgage solutions include Super Jumbo ($3MM+) loans, buy-before-sell options, and cross-collateralization programs. Check out our rates on our Quick Pricer today or contact J Shoop, National Sales Director, for additional details. And our Warehouse Lending team can help you gain the flexibility and liquidity that’s needed to become a top originator in today’s market. With our expanded product eligibility, investor relationships, and extended cutoff times (6:15 p.m. ET), achieving success has never been easier. Take the opportunity to meet our team at the IMB conference in New Orleans Jan. 22-24. To secure a meeting time, simply reach out to Eric Nelepovitz and Justin Castillo via email, or call 888-764-7080.

Conforming Conventional News

Freddie Mac has launched DPA One® to help mortgage lenders quickly find and match borrowers to down payment assistance programs nationwide. DPA One is an innovative new tool that aggregates and showcases down payment assistance programs in a single, standardized, insights-rich tool so lenders can quickly and efficiently access and compare programs to help make home possible for more families. Loan officers and down payment assistance program providers can visit the DPA One website for more information and to request a demo.

Fannie Mae posted Lender Letter LL-2023-09, confirming Conforming Loan Limit Values for 2024. The new loan limit for most of the country will be $766,550 — a 5.56 percent increase over the 2023 limit and is effective for whole loans delivered to Fannie Mae and loans in MBS pools with issue dates on or after Jan. 1, 2024. View the Loan Limit Look-Up Table.

Fannie Mae is partnering with Freddie Mac to develop standardized subordinate lien documents. This is part of a comprehensive effort to expand access to down payment and closing costs assistance programs. Access down payment assistance information.

Freddie Mac Guide Bulletin 2023-24 announced updates pertaining to 2024 conforming loan limit values, An additional 10-day pre-closing verification type, Cash-out refinance mortgages, Condominium projects, GreenCHOICE Mortgage® enhancements, Market condition adjustments. Watch the Q4 2023 Policy Highlights Video. See highlights from all of the Guide updates this quarter in the Q4 2023 Policy Highlights video.

The Uniform Property Dataset (UPD) was implemented into Fannie Mae’s Property Data API on December 1st and is now available for lenders to use with Fannie Mae’s value acceptance + property data offers. Use of the UPD will be required as of April 1, 2024, when Fannie Mae’s proprietary Property Data Standards v6 will be retired. Visit the UPD page for more information.

Capital Markets

Hasbro, the toy company, is laying off 1,100 of its employees, equal to 20 percent of its workforce. An isolated situation or an indication of the overall economy?

The Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee’s two-day meeting kicks off today in Washington D.C. The Fed is nearly assured to maintain interest rates at current levels of 5.25 percent to 5.50 percent for its last decision of the year. The Fed’s policy statement will likely acknowledge the recent decline of inflation and the bank will release its latest dot plot, which will indicate how many rate cuts the Fed expects next year. Chair Powell will likely emphasize that the Fed is still willing to hike if inflation proves stickier than expected. Forecasts are for the Fed to make the first rate cut of this cycle in June.

Outside of the Fed, there was a 10-year note auction yesterday and there is a 30-year bond auction today. The $37 billion 10-year note auction met underwhelming interest, but the market held its ground. The 10-year Treasury yield has fallen around 80 basis points from its mid-October peak as more confidence that the Fed will start reducing interest rates in the next six months has been priced into the markets. Agency MBS have followed to some extent, but prepayment fears are not helping MBS investor appetites.

Prior to the start of the FOMC’s two-day meeting, today’s economic calendar kicked off with the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index for November. More importantly, the consumer price index for November is also out. Headline CPI came in +.1 percent, +3.1 percent year over year, versus 0.0 percent month-over-month and 3.2 percent year-over-year previously. Core CPI increased .3 percent as expected month-over-month and 4.0 percent year-over-year expectations. Later today brings the aforementioned $21 billion reopened 30-year bond auction and the Federal budget for November. Remember that the last 30-year bond auction was weak, so this one will be closely watched. We begin the day with Agency MBS prices better than Monday afternoon by a solid .250, the 10-year yielding 4.16 after closing yesterday at 4.24 percent, and the 2-year at 4.65.

Employment

Movement Mortgage is looking ahead to more in 2024! Movement is investing in LOs through its More in ’24 bootcamp, a ground-breaking curriculum designed to help build momentum in business and drive new levels of success in 2024. Weekly coaching call topics include mining for gold in your database, setting a strategy for your 2024 business plan, creating stellar follow-up systems, building referral partnerships that last and more. More in ’24 is just one of the ways Movement is helping LOs close out 2023 strong and set a plan to jump start 2024. Are YOU ready for more in ’24? Reach out to Sarah Middleton, Movement’s Chief Growth Officer, today to learn more about Movement! Plus, Movement offers new loan officer hires 90 days of free one-on-one coaching with Movement top producers. Reach out today and join the Movement!

A veteran group of mortgage bankers is interested in purchasing a small wholesaler in good standing and that has its “tickets” with Fannie, Freddie, and Ginnie. Loan production volume is not a priority. Interested parties should send me a confidential note for forwarding.

Download our mobile app to get alerts for Rob Chrisman’s Commentary.

Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com

Apache is functioning normally

December 12, 2023 by Brett Tams

Looking for the best coupon sites? Coupon sites can help you save money, get free gift cards, and even allow you to get free stuff. Everyone likes getting a good deal. Using coupons is a great way to save money on things you buy every day. Now, with online shopping becoming more popular, there are…

Looking for the best coupon sites?

Coupon sites can help you save money, get free gift cards, and even allow you to get free stuff.

Everyone likes getting a good deal. Using coupons is a great way to save money on things you buy every day. Now, with online shopping becoming more popular, there are websites that give you a lot of good deals. These sites not only have discounts and codes to save money but also share useful tips to help you save even more.

Key Takeaways

Coupon sites are an easy way to save while shopping online.
The best coupon sites have a variety of money-saving options including cash back, promo codes, and even price checking.
My favorite for cash back is Rakuten.
My favorite promo code browser extension is Capital One Shopping.
My favorite for saving money on gas is Upside.

Recommended reading: Is Couponing Worth It?

15 Best Coupon Sites To Save Money Every Day

Below are the top coupon sites that I recommend trying out.

1. Rakuten

Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates) is a popular cash back site that gives you cash back on a wide range of items that you can buy online, and you can earn free money for spending how you normally would online.

I have been using Rakuten for years and it is so easy to use, plus it’s free! In fact, I just received my most recent Rakuten payment yesterday for $60.

You simply choose a store where you want to buy things, like Walmart, Target, Sephora, Chewy, or Old Navy on the Rakuten website. (You will start at Rakuten’s homepage, their app, or via their browser extension). Then, you click on the store through Rakuten’s platform, and you shop online there just like you usually do.

The cash back is activated automatically, and it will be added to your account without any extra work needed from you.

Rakuten earns a commission for directing you to the store where you shopped, and they share some of that money with you as a reward. This helps you save money and adds a little extra to your pocket.

Please click here to sign up for Rakuten for free.

2. Capital One Shopping

Capital One Shopping automatically applies coupon codes for many different online stores. Using Capital One Shopping is free, and it’s a browser extension that works with all the main web browsers.

I personally have this browser extension installed on my laptop, and it’s been a no-brainer.

Capital One Shopping is a great promo code site because it automatically adds coupon codes while you shop online. This saves you time and money since you don’t have to search for coupon codes yourself.

This is one of the best automatic savings sites because you don’t need to do anything extra. The Capital One Shopping browser extension does all of the work for you. It checks different coupon codes when you’re checking out and automatically uses the best coupon codes for your purchase.

It’s free to use Capital One Shopping, and it is a browser extension that works with all major browsers.

You shop as you normally do, and the Capital One Shopping app works quietly in the background. I have it on my laptop, and it’s amazing. It helps me find the best deals without any extra effort on my part.

You can sign up for Capital One Shopping here.

3. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a rewards site where you can get cash back when shopping online and find coupons and promo codes to use.

Some sites listed on Swagbucks where you can get cash back or use promo codes include Kohl’s, Macy’s, Walmart, Amazon, and more.

I personally have been a member of Swagbucks for around 10 years now, and I have earned over 110 free gift cards by using their rewards platform. So, I definitely believe in this site!

Plus, there are also many other ways you can earn points on Swagbucks such as watching videos on their website, scanning your receipts, answering polls, and even searching the web using their search engine.

Here’s how Swagbucks works:

You join Swagbucks through my referral link, and receive a $10 bonus.
Earn points by using their coupon codes or cash back links.
Then, you can redeem your points for PayPal cash or gift cards (such as to Amazon or Walmart).

And, that’s it! It’s very easy.

4. Upside

Upside gives cash back on gas that you buy for your car at gas stations, giving you even more ways to save on your everyday expenses.

Upside helps you find gas stations where you can get cash back on your purchases. Just sign up for a free account, and then use the Upside app to find nearby gas stations.

You can get up to $0.25 cash back per gallon at gas stations, which can add up quickly for doing something that you already have to do (filling up your gas tank).

Plus, there are more than 50,000 locations nationwide, such as Shell, Phillips 66, BP, Casey’s, and more.

You can check out Upside here to learn more.

5. Fetch Rewards

Fetch Rewards isn’t exactly a coupon site, but you do get to earn points for your normal everyday shopping. I use it each time I go grocery shopping!

With Fetch Rewards, you get points by taking pictures of your receipts and submitting them through the Fetch Rewards app. This works for receipts from any store, whether it’s a grocery store, clothing store, restaurant, gas station, and more.

Afterward, you can exchange the points you’ve earned for gift cards.

Here’s how Fetch Rewards works:

Shop like you normally would.
Scan your receipt with your cell phone after you’re done shopping.
Earn points on Fetch Rewards automatically.

You can sign up for Fetch Rewards here.

6. RetailMeNot

RetailMeNot is a site that has coupons, promo codes, and cash back offers.

They have a deal finder extension which automatically applies coupon codes as well as gives you cash back up to 10% when you shop online.

Popular stores available through RetailMeNot include Amazon, Target, Ulta, Lowe’s, Zales, American Eagle, and more. There are over 30,000 stores available on this site, so I’m sure you’ll find some easy savings by using this platform.

7. Honey

Honey (also known as PayPal Honey) is a browser extension that finds coupon codes for you when you shop online.

You simply just install the Honey browser extension, and then it automatically finds and applies available coupon codes and promo codes to your shopping cart so that you can save money. It works with over 30,000 stores, such as restaurants, clothing stores, travel booking, and more.

You can then redeem your points for cash, gift cards, or PayPal shopping credits.

You can learn more about Honey by clicking here.

8. Groupon

Groupon has deals on experiences, products, and services in your local area, and you can find discounts on dining, entertainment, travel, and more, all designed to help you save while supporting local businesses.

You’ve probably heard of Groupon before, but perhaps you haven’t used it in a while. Yes, it is still around and my sister actually uses Groupon all the time! I haven’t used it in forever, but I plan on changing that – I simply just forgot about how great this platform is.

You can use Groupon to get deals where you live, such as for restaurants or spas near you. Or, you can also use them when you’re on vacation to get deals on activities (such as tours), admissions to museums, discounted restaurant meals, and more.

For example, here are some deals on Groupon that I found:

A massage for $46.75 (full price is $75)
A meal at a restaurant for $21.38 (full price is normally $35)
Admission to an aquarium for $14.96 (normal price is $24.99)

Here’s how Groupon works: You simply browse on the Groupon site for a deal you’re interested in. You then buy it directly on Groupon. Then, to use it, you simply go to the business and present your Groupon to get your deal (make sure to follow any terms too).

Please click here to find Groupon deals near you.

9. Ibotta

Ibotta is an app that gives you cash back on your grocery purchases (as well as many other stores). You can check out offers, upload your receipt, and receive cash back credited to your account.

You can get cash back at places such as Home Depot, Best Buy, Walmart, Sam’s Club, and your local grocery stores.

You can earn cash back both online and in-store with Ibotta, making it unique compared to other companies. Additionally, you can link your preferred loyalty cards to your Ibotta account, and Ibotta will automatically use loyalty discounts for you.

Please click here to sign up for Ibotta.

10. Coupons.com

Coupons.com has both printable and digital coupons for groceries, household items, baby items, pet care, and personal care products. So, whether you are looking to use coupons for your online shopping or if you want to use them in person at the store, this is a great site to start using.

Plus, it is free!

Coupons.com is used by over 2,000,000 people each year, and they share over 2,000 working coupons each month.

For their free printable coupons, you simply can browse on their site for the coupons that you want to use, print them out, and bring them to the store with you.

11. SlickDeals

SlickDeals is a deal-sharing community where users post and vote on the best deals they find online, with categories ranging from tech to clothing. This is also what sets SlickDeals apart from other coupon sites – the deals are found and shared by people like you and me.

They share coupons, promo codes, and discounts available for you to use.

Over 12,000,000 shoppers use SlickDeals each month, and they have saved over $10 BILLION since the site was started.

12. Amazon Coupons

Amazon Coupons are discounts and deals on products sold on Amazon’s website.

They are super simple to use too!

When you’re shopping for something on Amazon, sometimes it will show you a coupon next to the price. You simply “clip” the coupon before adding the item to your cart, and the discount will be applied at checkout.

I see these all the time and recently used one to save $2.25 on a train set for my daughter. All I had to do was click on the green coupon button next to the price when on the sales page for the train set on Amazon. It couldn’t be any easier!

Another way to use coupons on Amazon is to go to the Amazon Coupons homepage, and see what coupons are available to you.

Some coupons that I see on Amazon Coupons right now include $15 off a pair of walking shoes, 50% off a toaster, and more. There are a ton of coupons available in many different categories such as health, grocery, beauty, electronics, home, toys, and more.

13. Hip2Save

Hip2Save is a blog-style coupon site that shares the latest deals, coupons, and money-saving tips.

This site shares coupons and deals information on many different stores such as Amazon, Aldi, Walmart, Target, Walgreens, and more.

In my opinion, this is one of the best coupon websites, because they help you in so many areas related to saving money and finding the best deals on stuff.

What I love about Hip2Save is that this site shares where you can find the best deals (such as for specific toys or gaming systems) as well as the best deals at a specific store (such as Aldi Weekly Finds Under $10). It’s nice to see what items are currently at a low price and where to buy them.

So, instead of just sharing coupon codes, this platform shares so much more so that you can save the most money and not miss out.

14. The Krazy Coupon Lady

The Krazy Coupon Lady has deal alerts, coupon matchups, discount codes, and money-saving tips for popular stores. They share up-to-date information on the best deals and teach you how to become a smarter shopper.

Some of the stores that you can find deals for include Amazon, Target, CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Barnes & Noble, Kroger, and more.

This is a great all-around website that will help you to save more money.

15. Brad’s Deals

Brad’s Deals is a site that shares deals, coupons, and even has shopping guides. Over 5,500,000 people use Brad’s Deals each month, and over $200,000,000 is typically saved each year by their readers.

When Brad’s Deals comes across a good deal, they share it as a blog post so that people don’t miss out. For example, they may share a quick blog post on how you can get luggage for cheap or a good deal on leather gloves that they recently came across.

These deals are all handpicked personally by their team, so you know that these deals are real and not a waste of time.

What Makes A Good Coupon Site?

So, after reading about all of the different top coupon sites above, what actually makes a good coupon site?

As you read above, there are many different coupon sites, so where should you start?

Different things work for different people, so here are some things to look for when choosing a coupon site:

Wide range of coupons – It’s easiest when a coupon site has coupons for many different stores so that you can use just one coupon platform.
Up-to-date coupons that aren’t expired – A good coupon site should regularly update its coupon database to make sure that you always have access to the latest deals and discounts.
Easy to use – The easier to use, the better. I really like browser extensions because they are set-it-and-forget-it; they will automatically apply coupon codes for you. Other things to think about related to this include if the site is available on your cell phone, such as for Android devices or iOS.
Reliability – One thing I dislike about some coupon sites is that they give you coupon codes that don’t work. So, it’s a waste of time. Some coupon sites are much better than others and give you real coupon codes (such as the sites above).

You may also want to think about if you are looking for a site that has mainly online retailers or if you are looking to find deals on in-store purchases as well.

The Different Kinds Of Coupons

Another area to think about is the different kinds of coupons and discounts that you may come across.

Manufacturer’s coupons

Manufacturer’s coupons come from the product manufacturer, giving you a discount on their item at any store selling it. These coupons usually last longer and can be found in newspapers, magazines, or online. You can also combine them with store coupons for more savings. Examples include coupons from companies like Procter & Gamble, General Mills, Tide, and Colgate.

Store coupon

Store coupons are meant for a specific store, like Target or Walmart, and can only be used there. You can find store coupons in weekly flyers or on the store’s website, and they are usually designed to get customers to shop at their particular store. For example, you may see a store coupon where a grocery store is giving $5 off any purchase over $100.

Cash back

Cash back offers give you back a part of your purchase as savings. So, you may get 5% back on a purchase at an online clothing store for simply shopping on a cash back rewards site. Unlike coupons, you need to join a cash back website or app, such as Rakuten, Swagbucks, or Ibotta. What’s great about cash back sites is that you can also combine them with other coupons or discounts so that you can save even more money. For example, you can use coupon codes and a cash back website on the same exact purchase.

Coupon code

Coupon codes are combinations of letters and numbers used online to get discounts during checkout (for example, a coupon code could be BLACKFRIDAY123). They are usually tied to a particular product or retailer and can sometimes be used alongside other promotions. You can discover coupon codes on coupon websites, retailer sites, or in promotional emails. Coupon codes are a quick and convenient way to save money on your online purchases, making them a valuable tool for smart shoppers.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Coupon Sites

Below are common questions about coupons and how to find the best coupon sites.

What is the best website to get coupons?

My favorite sites to get coupons and discounts include Rakuten, Capital One Shopping, and Upside.

Where do extreme couponers get their coupons?

Extreme couponers get their coupons from many different places, such as newspaper inserts, store sale flyers, online coupon websites like SmartSource, and even by searching on a company’s social media or their website. By using these different sources, extreme couponers can find the most coupons available to them and even build up stockpiles of items at a much lower cost than the retail price.

Recommended reading: 8 Ways To Be An Extreme Cheapskate

Where can I find the best printable coupons?

Websites such as Coupons.com, SmartSource, and RetailMeNot have a lot of different printable coupons for use in stores. To find the best printable coupons, you will want to visit these printable coupon websites and search for the products or brands that you want to buy. Of course, always make sure to check the expiration dates and any specific terms and conditions before printing.

What browser extensions can I use to find coupons?

My favorite coupon code browser extension is Capital One Shopping. This type of tool automatically searches for and applies the best coupon codes to your purchase during the checkout process (and then chooses the highest dollar discount), which makes it easy to save money without spending time manually searching for deals and coupon codes (which can be quite annoying and time consuming). Coupon code browser extensions are available to download on different browsers such as Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and more.

Best Free Coupon Websites – Summary

I hope you enjoyed this article on how to find the best coupon sites.

Just like online stores have changed how we shop, coupon websites have also made saving money different. We don’t need to cut out paper coupons anymore (but, you definitely can if you want to as there are printable coupon sites listed above as well!).

Now, we can find lots of online coupons and digital discounts with just a few clicks.

The best coupon sites give us different ways to save money, like getting cash back or using promo codes. They have options for almost every kind of shopper.

Do you use any of these top free coupon sites? Why or why not?

Recommended reading:

Source: makingsenseofcents.com

Apache is functioning normally

December 9, 2023 by Brett Tams

Home prices continued to fall during the fourth quarter, with more than three-quarters of the zip codes covered by First American CoreLogic’s LoanPerformance Home Price Index (HPI) showing declines from the third quarter.

“Of the 7,472 ZIP codes tracked by the LoanPerformance HPI, home prices in 5,691 (76.16 percent) of these ZIP codes have decreased over the last three months,” said Damien Weldon, vice president, collateral and prepayment analytics for First American CoreLogic, in a statement.

Despite the dismal fourth quarter, the annualized trend was found to be a bit more moderate, with only about half the zip codes studied showing a decrease in value.

“Year-over-year, however, just 4,028 (53.91 percent) of the ZIP codes we track indicate decreasing property values,” added Weldon.

As expected, continued weakness was found in states like California, Florida, Nevada, and Ohio.

The Cleveland, Ohio metropolitan area led the fourth quarter decline with a 7.51 percent quarterly drop in value, followed by the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, CA with a 6.55 percent decline, and St. Louis with a 6.52 percent tumble.

For the 12 months ended December 31, 2007, the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA metro saw home prices fall 18.18 percent, the largest decline of all areas covered.

“There continues to be strong variation across individual states. For example, according to this latest data release, 97.67% (967) of the ZIP codes we track in California exhibited negative declines year-over-year whereas in New York the comparative number is just 51.39% (240)” added Weldon.

The Honolulu, HI metro exhibited the largest annual home price increase, rising 13.81 percent over the last 12 months, despite pulling back 1.25 percent over the last quarter.

See the complete report here.

Check out the map below:

(photo: mykl roventine)

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

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December 8, 2023 by Brett Tams

There’s no universally right or wrong way to dress for an interview. It’s all about wearing crisp, clean clothing that matches the employer’s dress code and expectations, experts say.

Below, we’ll discuss how to pick your interview attire, the different types of professional dress codes and what to avoid wearing to an interview.

What to wear to an interview

Check the company’s dress code when deciding what to wear to an interview, recommends Purdue Global, an online university in the Purdue University system.

Look for photos of employees, either in the office or in a company photo, on the company’s website or LinkedIn page. Note how they’re dressed and whether they’re posing formally or casually.

Unless its employees wear a uniform, most companies adhere to one of these three dress codes: smart casual, business casual or business professional.

Consider the industry you’re interviewing in. Companies in law, finance or politics tend to adhere to more traditional dress codes. Tech or media companies tend to have more casual dress codes.

If you’re interviewing for a job that would require a uniform, including in a retail, restaurant, gym or medical setting, opt for business casual for those job interviews, recommends Coursera, a company that hosts open courses from universities and organizations online.

Dress for a position one level higher than the job you’re interviewing for, experts recommend. So, if most employees wear chinos and a casual button-down shirt, for example, go for slacks, a tucked-in shirt and a blazer.

Ask your interviewer about the company’s dress code if you’re still unsure of what to wear. If you’re working with a recruiter, you can plainly ask for advice on what to wear to an interview.

If you’d be asking the company’s hiring manager, consider asking, “How do employees dress in the office?” or “What kind of clothing is appropriate for this workplace?”

What is a smart casual dress code?

Smart casual is the most informal of the three professional dress codes. It emerged in recent years as more companies loosened their dress codes, per the Society for Human Resource Management.

Smart casual is relaxed but polished. You could wear trendier clothing and accessories from your personal wardrobe as long as they’re fit for a professional environment.

Companies in newer or creative industries — such as tech, media or advertising — may adhere to this dress code. Examples of smart casual workwear include:

Well-fitting pants — chinos, pleated pants or linen pants.
Dark blue or black jeans.
Sweaters, henleys, button-up shirts, or trendy blouses.
Loafers, flats or clean tennis shoes.
A clean, ironed T-shirt under a blazer.
Solid colors or stylish patterns.

What is a business casual dress code?

Business casual is more formal and conservative than smart casual but still doesn’t require you to wear a full suit.

Businesses across many different industries adhere to this dress code. It’s a popular dress code among employers and is considered appropriate for job fairs, networking events or professional meetings.

Business casual workwear can look like:

Chinos, khakis or dress pants and a belt.
A clean button-up, dress shirt, formal blouse or tucked-in polo shirt.
Closed-toe shoes, like Oxfords, brogues, loafers or flats.
A blazer.
Solid, neutral colors with minimal patterns.

What is a business professional dress code?

Business professional is the dressiest of the professional dress codes.

Older, more traditional industries — such as law, finance, professional services or politics — tend to adopt a business professional dress code. Executives and other high-ranking employees may also adhere to this dress code.

Some examples of business professional workwear include:

A suit and dress shirt.
Tailored pants, a dress shirt and a tie.
A dressy business skirt and formal blouse.
Heels, dress shoes or formal loafers.
Conservative, non-distracting jewelry and accessories.
Dark, solid colors, such as blue, black or gray.

What not to wear to an interview

Unless you’re interviewing at a beachside surf shop, avoid these items of clothing, according to Zippia, an online recruiting and careers platform:

Graphic T-shirts.
Casual sandals or flip flops.
Tank tops or sleeveless shirts.
Athleisure, sweats or pajamas.
Ripped jeans or pants.

The quality of your clothing is also important. Don’t wear items that:

Are stained or soiled.
Have holes or tears.
Are unwashed or dirty.
Are visibly old, faded or worn.

Outside of your clothing, pay close attention to your personal grooming. Career experts recommend you run through this checklist list before you leave for the interview:

Hair is brushed or neatly combed and styled.
Fingernails are clean.
Deodorant has been applied.
Shoes are clean and free of mud or dirt.

One more tip

It’s important to wear clothing that aligns with the employer’s dress code, but that’s not the only thing that matters.

What you wear can help you feel comfortable and confident. And wearing clothing that shows off your personality can help people at the company get to know you.

So, if you feel a yellow blouse mirrors your sunny disposition, go for a shade that’s cheery but not neon. Striking that right balance can be tricky but it’s worth the effort. It’s like the old saying goes: look good, feel good.

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