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Efficiency, AVM, POS Products; MI, Wholesaler, Correspondent News; STRATMOR M&A Interview

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Efficiency, AVM, POS Products; MI, Wholesaler, Correspondent News; STRATMOR M&A Interview

By:
Rob Chrisman

Wed, Nov 22 2023, 9:42 AM

“I threw my phone from the roof, and it broke. I guess airplane mode wasn’t working.” Plenty of folks will be traveling soon. Here’s some trivia for tomorrow at the dinner table! (One wonders if residential lending is heading in this direction) … But there are only 12 passenger airlines in the United States. That’s up from 10 just a few years ago but down from about 80 airlines at the peak industry in the 1980s due to a series of bankruptcies and mergers. Four of those companies (Delta, United, American, and Southwest) control 80 percent of the market, with the remaining 20 percent being low-budget airlines that are increasingly struggling. The average airline fare has declined 13 percent over the past year, and that’s been causing issues for the companies that specialize in lower fares, as many of their customers are now seeing the big guys as more accessible than before. (Today’s podcast can be found here, sponsored by Candor. Candor’s patented automated underwriting decision engine, CogniTech, is a state-of-the-art, 100 percent machine platform that can handle infinite loan scenarios. Hear an interview with the STRATMOR Group’s Garth Graham on M&A activity in 2023 and trends in the space heading into 2024.)

Lender and Broker Software, Products, and Services

With increased regulatory focus on property-valuation bias, lenders need robust risk-management processes in place. The recently released interagency proposals on AVM quality control and ROV-process guidance are designed to prevent valuation bias and help ensure industry stakeholders follow fair-lending practices. Watch our complimentary on-demand webinar to learn how you can prepare, and implement the tools needed to support the proposed AVM standards and ROV guidance.* Our experts discuss how to identify potential bias in valuations, ways to mitigate bias risk, how to monitor AVM and appraisal compliance with fair-lending requirements, and more. Watch this timely and important webinar here. *Check with your compliance or legal department for information on complying with applicable law.

Pipeline as dry as your mother-in-law’s turkey this time of year? Moisten it up with LiteSpeed by LenderLogix.

From zero to correspondent in 60 seconds… Building a correspondent channel requires exceptional customer service, precise execution, & immediate responses. Regular way, it’s costly & inefficient. Blue Water has solved this. Our comprehensive Correspondent-as-a-Service (CAAS) solution allows firms of ANY size to quickly streamline their operations and get up and running. Automated bidding provides instant pricing via email, branded portal & bid desk for sellers facilitated by our tape crack features and customizable seller settings. Ingest multi-seller tapes, price different product types, access agency pricing and LLPAs. (“Blue Water”) will integrate with your LOS for point and click onboarding, help you transfer loans, and manufacture clean product. Choose an optimal Servicing execution, best-ex in-bound loans and drive volume. Make $, grow your business and pay as you go with no upfront cost. From pricing, valuations, transactions, transfer, QC, to boarding, Blue Water makes it easy to scale up your business. Connect with our expert Sales Team.

Orion Lending slashed its annual expenses by $300,000 and boosted its conversion rate by 32 percent using Truv’s income and employment verification solution. “Truv transformed our verification process, expanding our reach and cutting costs,” asserts Richard Plummer, EVP of Operations at Orion Lending. Stop Overpaying. Highlights include impacting $300,000 annually in savings as a result of increased conversion rates, 32 percent end-to-end conversion rate, an increase of $100 in savings per application, implementing Truv in a couple of weeks, and reduced the loan manufacturing time and approval process by several days. Contact TRUV today for your income, employment, insurance, and asset verifications.

Miscellaneous Wholesaler, Correspondent, and MI News

Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions announced the release of its new DSRC Loan Calculator, providing borrowers with a quick and straightforward tool to estimate whether or not a property’s expected cash flows are sufficient to repay the mortgage loan. In tandem with Angel Oak’s DSCR Loan program, the DSCR Loan Calculator helps you show borrowers what their monthly fixed payment or monthly interest only payment would be depending on the option they seek.

Fifth Third Correspondent Lending News 2023-7-11.13.23 discusses Final Document Reminders, and Fannie Mae Products 2-4 Unit LTV.

PRMG Product Update 23-52 clarifies information on Expanded Access including multiple Financed Properties requirements for Pime and Plus connect, prepay is no longer allowed in KY and LA. Also, due to prepay not being allowed in KY, Investor Premier is no longer eligible in KY. Updates to Choice Products Profile and/or Expanded Guidelines which includes revisions to investment properties standard prepay penalty amount and increased maximum interested party contributions. Revised guidelines for Short Term Rental income. Updates to Product Profile and/or Expanded Guidelines on Choice Stretched Prime and Choice Non-Prime, Choice DSCR, and Closed End Second Products.

Reach more clients with loan programs that allow Manufactured Homes. LoanStream Mortgage knows the complexity of financing these types of homes and can help your borrowers attain a mortgage by offering a variety of loan solutions to fit their needs. Loan Programs allowing Purchase & Refinance Manufactured Homes include Conventional – Fannie Mae FNMA, RefiNow, FHA, VA, MaxONE. The following are not allowed on these programs: Non-QM / NanQ, Conventional – Freddie Mac – FHLMC, USDA, and Jumbo ONE.

Did you know that borrowers can turn cash-only properties into their dream homes with a renovation loan? When homes don’t meet the minimum property requirements (MPR), Plaza Home Mortgage® has the solution. Renovation loans can help elevate homes to meet MPR standards, and the improvements can even take place after the closing process. What’s more, qualified borrowers can be approved based on the future value of the improved property, making this option accessible to even first-time homebuyers. Renovation is becoming an increasingly popular strategy in today’s high-cost, tight inventory housing environment. Plaza Home Mortgage® makes it easy to capture more business in this growing lending segment. We offer multiple renovation loan options and have a department of dedicated renovation specialists to walk you through every step.

An ADU, or Accessory Dwelling Unit, is defined as an additional unit on a residential lot in addition to the main house (or main multi-family building). Recently in Los Angeles County, Orange County and California as a whole, new laws SB9 & SB10 and guidelines regarding ADU’s have been modified to allow for more ADU construction as a way to help solve the CA Housing shortage. The newer laws allow for much higher density in transit rich areas or urban infill areas. Visit 17th Street Capital for Lending Criteria & Guidelines.

The availability of 2-1 Seller Paid Buydown options with CalHFA programs from Kind Lending. This new option will be offered on both CalHFA Conforming & CalHFA FHA 1st loans: the Seller or Agent may provide buydown funds, subject to the standard IPC limits, Lender paid buydowns are not offered. Buydowns are allowed for conforming and high balance loan amounts. The borrower is qualified at the note rate fully amortized (not the buydown rate).

National MI announced updates and clarifications regarding underwriting changes to support affordable housing initiatives, effective November 18, 2023. View National MI Announcement Bulletin: UW 2023-04, and Servicing Guide for details. Additionally, National MI posted a Rescission Relief Guide in alignment with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac retirement of Covid-19 forbearance requirements for all forbearance evaluations with an evaluation date on or after November 1, 2023, including evaluations for new forbearance plans and evaluations for extensions to existing Covid-19 forbearance plans.

Arch MI noted, “In response to Fannie Mae’s recent Desktop Underwriter Release Notes expanding LTV ratios for 2- to 4-unit properties and to further support affordable housing, Arch MI reminds our customers that our EZ DecisioningSM Program allows 2 to 4 units at a maximum 95% LTV ratio as follows…” (See the bulletin for full details.)

Radian MI revised its Eligibility Matrices to include One Underwrite (AUS) to reduce the minimum FICO from 700 to 620 for 3-4 unit properties.

MGIC reminded clients of the tools that can help turn renters into first time home buyers.

Capital Markets

Markets largely shrugged off the release of Fed minutes from the November meeting yesterday as old news with no surprises. Minutes showed that policymakers see room for additional tightening if incoming data shows insufficient progress toward slowing inflation, but they would also like to see more evidence to suggest that inflation is slowing toward the central bank’s target. Yes, the markets are pricing in rate cuts as early as March of 2024, but the markets and the Fed have been on different pages for most of the post-pandemic economy. Higher-for-longer rates have created a frozen U.S. housing market as homeowners are reluctant to sell and buyers are squeezed. The U.S. 30-year fixed mortgage rate has risen 460 basis points over the past three years.

Existing home sales fell 4.1 percent in October to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.79 million, according to the National Association of Realtors. That is the slowest pace of sales since August 2010. Sales were down 14.6 percent from one year ago, though the median home price rose 3.4 percent to $391,800, the fourth consecutive month of year-over-year price increases. Sales continue to be hurt by persistent lack of housing inventory, high prices, and the highest mortgage rates in a generation. The inventory of unsold existing homes grew 1.8 percent from the previous month to the equivalent of 3.6 months’ supply at the current monthly sales pace. Multiple offers are still occurring, especially on starter and mid-priced homes, even as price concessions are happening in the upper end of the market.

As U.S. bond yields continue to fall, mortgage applications increased 3.0 percent from one week earlier, the third straight increase according to MBA. That kicked off today’s economic calendar, and was followed by October durable goods orders (soggy), and weekly jobless claims (209k, down from 231k, better than expected). Later today brings final November Michigan sentiment, Treasury announcing the auction sizes for next week’s 2-, 5-, and 7-year notes, and Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey. Unlike Friday, today is not an early close, but it is likely to trade like one. We begin the last full session of the week with Thanksgiving looming tomorrow and an early close on Friday with Agency MBS prices better .125-.250 and the 10-year yielding 4.38 after closing yesterday at 4.42 percent.

Employment and Transitions

“It is with great pleasure that GHMC TPO announces the latest addition to our esteemed sales team: Mr. Tom Carroll. Tom assumes the role of National Account Executive, overseeing our Midwest region. We are excited about Tom joining our team and eagerly anticipate the opportunity for you to benefit firsthand from his experience and exemplary customer service. Furthermore, GHMC TPO has successfully completed the transition into the First Colony Mortgage family. We are on a mission to be the first choice of loan officers nationwide by offering consistent competitive pricing, superior service, and best in class technology. Check us out here or email Rex Hagood.”

“SWBC Mortgage fosters an environment where our Loan Officers can thrive and continue to provide exceptional service to their clients and partners, even during tough times. One of the most successful ways our team has stayed connected and engaged this year is by hosting educational workshops across the country. One in particular features Blake Hastings, SVP Corporate Strategy & Chief Economist at SWBC. As keynote speaker of 12 workshops, he has covered local and national economic analysis and provided dynamic forecasts for the coming months. Support is more important now than ever before. Because SWBC Mortgage has the right resources available to our teams, we are able to navigate challenges with resilience, while continuing to grow in a down market. To learn more about career opportunities at SWBC Mortgage contact Scott Brown, EVP of Retail Sales or visit us here.”

Movement Mortgage is helping builders and buyers navigate the high-rate environment with its new Lock It & List It program. Designed for new home builders, the program allows builders to lock in and buy down an interest rate today, PLUS pay up to the maximum amount of seller contributions toward closing costs. With Lock It & List It, builders can attract new buyers with competitive interest rates and closing cost savings, give buyers rate confidence with one free float down, and meet many buyers’ needs as the program is available for 30-year conventional, VA and FHA loans. By empowering builders to enhance home affordability and attract a broader pool of buyers, Movement is revolutionizing how builders navigate the complexities of today’s real estate landscape. Learn more here and contact Movement today to get locked in!

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Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com

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Putting your child on a plane unaccompanied by another parent or other adult can be a stressful experience, especially when you’re watching them take off solo for the first time. You may not be sure what is required before, during and after takeoff.

If you have questions about unaccompanied minors on flights, learn what to expect and how to prepare.

What is an unaccompanied minor?

Different airlines have different guidelines and rules for unaccompanied minors, depending on their age and the route the minor is flying. Generally, an unaccompanied minor is between the ages of 5 and 14, though the upper end of the age range varies, with optional unaccompanied minor services sometimes available for older travelers up to 17.

Registering younger travelers as unaccompanied minors is typically required, depending on the airline.

How traveling as an unaccompanied minor works

When you purchase airfare for an unaccompanied minor, you are purchasing extra services to help their travel go smoothly while giving the crew a heads-up that a child is traveling solo.

Some airlines provide kids with wristbands or lanyards at check-in. On domestic flights, adults will often be given a pass to take unaccompanied minors to their gate and pick them up upon arrival. If the child is permitted on an international flight, airlines are likelier to send an agent to accompany them to and from the plane.

Whoever picks them up must show a valid form of ID and sign for their release.

Kids may have access to special kid-friendly lounges during travel if they’re available during connections. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, for example, offer these lounges in a handful of airports in the U.S. Delta and American also allow unaccompanied minors to board first and receive extra attention from flight attendants. Many even get to meet the pilots.

Keep in mind many airlines impose restrictions on what flights unaccompanied minors can book. For example, some don’t permit international travel or layovers longer than two hours, while others only allow travel on nonstop flights.

How to book an unaccompanied minor flight

Flights for unaccompanied minors usually have to be booked differently than flights for typical adult passengers and they are always accompanied by additional fees. Every airline is different, but some charge one fee per traveler, others one fee for a group of siblings.

Most airlines allow you to book unaccompanied minor flights online, but some, like American Airlines, require booking by phone. When searching for flights, select how many people will be flying from the appropriate age-group menu. Then, during checkout, you may be asked if they’re traveling without an adult.

If unaccompanied minors are traveling without an adult, you may have to include more info about the traveler, the people dropping them off and picking them up, plus additional emergency contact information. Some airlines, like JetBlue Airways, may also require you to submit this information in writing at the airport.

An unaccompanied minor fee may also be added to your total cost at this point, though some airlines require you to pay at the airport during check-in.

Every airline’s process is slightly different, so check their rules and regulations before booking so you know what to expect.

Check-in

When you arrive at the airport, you’ll likely have to check in in person (as opposed to online) to ensure all the necessary guardian paperwork is completed, the child receives any identifying articles — like a wristband or lanyard — and the guardian gets their gate pass.

Getting to the airport earlier than usual is a good idea to ensure everything is sorted before you accompany your child to the gate if permitted.

Airlines that allow unaccompanied minors and their fees

While there may not be a “best” airline for unaccompanied minors, each offers a little something different in the way of fees, age restrictions and more. Here’s a peek at the policies for a few major U.S. airlines.

  • Southwest Airlines: Southwest is unique in that it only allows children 5-11 to travel as unaccompanied minors with no option to book the service for older children. If they are within this age range, they either must be traveling with someone over the age of 12 or booked as an unaccompanied minor. The service costs $100 per traveler per direction of travel. 

  • Delta: Travelers ages 5-14 are considered unaccompanied minors on Delta and are required to register as such, while children ages 15-17 can voluntarily opt to use the program. It costs an additional $150 each way but covers up to four children on one booking.

  • United Airlines: Kids 5-14 are required to use United’s unaccompanied minor program if they’re traveling alone or with someone under 18, but it’s optional for kids 15-17. It costs $150 per one-way flight for up to two children, and an additional $150 per direction of travel for every two kids after that.

  • American Airlines: You can request your child be treated as an unaccompanied minor when they’re 15-17, but it’s required for kids 5-14 traveling alone or without someone who is at least 16. The fee is $150 per one-way flight, but it covers siblings traveling together.

  • JetBlue: Kids ages 5-14 must register as unaccompanied minors on JetBlue. However, if children are accompanied by someone who’s at least 14, it’s not required. The fee is $150 per direction of travel for each minor. You’ll have to fill out a JetBlue Unaccompanied Minor Form and bring three copies to the airport with you.

  • Alaska Airlines: Kids between 5-12 traveling alone or with travelers under 18 are required to use Alaska’s Junior Jetsetter program, but kids from 13-17 can opt in if they wish. It costs $50 per child per direction of travel for direct flights and $75 for connecting flights (when they’re allowed).

  • Hawaiian Airlines: Hawaiian considers an unaccompanied minor anyone who’s 5-11 and traveling without an adult or someone who’s at least 15 (18 for international flights). Travelers between 12-17 can register as a minor if they wish. It’s $35 per flight segment per passenger within Hawaii and $100 between Hawaii and North America. The fee covers up to two children.

Bottom line

When booking airfare for an unaccompanied minor, it is important to know what restrictions your preferred airline imposes, be prepared for required fees, and arrive at the airport early so you can complete any necessary paperwork before you and/or your child head to the gate. Do your research beforehand and everyone will be set up for a less stressful travel day — minors included.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

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With three natural forests, 45 state parks, 13 major lakes, 2 mountain ranges and 9,000 miles of streams and rivers, Arkansas has earned its nickname as The Natural State. The southern state is loaded with outdoor attractions and features many communities with affordable apartments. But where are the cheapest places to live in Arkansas?

Arkansas average rent prices

Major cities like Little Rock, Bentonville and Fayetteville are more well-known since they have major attractions like the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, headquarters of Walmart and home of the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, respectively. But Arkansas’s rent price still averages significantly lower than many states, where it’s not unusual to drop one or two thousand bucks a month on a one-bedroom. Texas is about $1,276 on average while a one-bedroom in Tennessee is $1,307 on average.

Although Arkansas on the whole has seen a monthly rent increase of 5.1 percent in the last year, you can still find a great place for less than $1,000 a month since the average one-bedroom is $807.

The cheapest cities in Arkansas for renters

Budget-conscious renters will appreciate the fact that all of the cities on this list fall below the state average. Take a look at the 10 cheapest places to live in Arkansas, based on one-bedroom rent prices.

10. Benton

Source: Rent./The Greens at Longhills
  • Average 1-BR rent price: $658
  • Average rent change in the past year: 1.77%

A suburb of Little Rock, Benton is located between Little Rock and Hot Springs along I-30. The family-friendly community offers residents great schools, an active downtown, farmers market, food trucks and locally-owned shops. In 2017, a former airport became the new River Center, which features a senior center, convention center, aquatics center, fitness classes and more to residents of Benton.

9. Bryant

Source: Rent./The Greens at Hurricane Creek
  • Average 1-BR rent price: $656
  • Average rent change in the past year: 2.85%

Located in the center of the state and near the capital of Little Rock, Bryant has a suburban feel to its community. From organizing ways to increase recycling to promoting adopt-a-street programs, the community of Bryant comes together to improve their neighborhoods and services.

8. Jonesboro

Source: Rent./The Landing at Greensborough Village
  • Average 1-BR rent price: $640
  • Average rent change in the past year: 8.10%

The fifth-largest city in Arkansas, Jonesboro sits on the northeastern corner of the state. The West Washington Avenue Historic District features 13 historic properties from 1890 to 1930. Locals enjoy having access to Craighead Forest Park, a city-owned park located on Crowley’s Ridge that features a 60-acre fishing lake, camping facilities, hiking/biking trails and nature areas within Jonesboro city limits.

7. Sherwood

Source: Rent./The Links at Sherwood
  • Average 1-BR rent price: $633
  • Average rent change in the past year: 2.02%

Another suburb of Little Rock, Sherwood is about 10 minutes from the major city and in the center of the state. Delta Dental of Arkansas has its headquarters in Sherwood and most recently, Wipro Limited, a global information technology and consulting company, shared it will open a new delivery center in the city. Expect neighbors to say hello as you walk the dog or ride your bike with your kids in this tight-knit community.

6. Marion

Source: Rent./Angelo’s Grove
  • Average 1-BR rent price: $632
  • Average rent change in the past year: 2.40%

Located along the Mississippi River and just shy of 10 miles from Memphis, TN, Marion offers its residents a quality school system and active youth, family and civic engagement. Marion residents appreciate living in a small town and being able to access big-city attractions and amenities within a short distance.

5. Conway

  • Average 1-BR rent price: $597
  • Average rent change in the past year: 0.76%

Located in central Arkansas, Conway is known as the City of Colleges since it’s home to three post-secondary educational institutions. The city, which includes Lake Conway, one of the largest man-made game and fishing commission lakes in the country, is also home to a thriving economy filled with restaurants and retailers.

4. Russellville

  • Average 1-BR rent price: $567
  • Average rent change in the past year: 2.44%

The Arkansas River Valley runs through Russellville and the city, which has more of a suburban feel to it, takes advantage of its natural amenity with events, such as the three-day Arkansas River Valley Bike Fest. The city also offers 14 parks, a skateboard park and softball and baseball complexes. Locals and visitors can fish, hunt, kayak and canoe in the Arkansas River Valley. Russellville is also home to a major public university: Arkansas Tech University.

3. Texarkana

  • Average 1-BR rent price: $553
  • Average rent change in the past year: 2.36%

Located on the southwest border of the state and across the state line from its twin city of the same name in Texas, the city features five golf courses, Little League teams, local bands and more to keep residents entertained. Texarkana also is home to one of only two U.S. Post Offices that sits in two states at once. Don’t miss an opportunity to get a photo in Arkansas and Texas at the same time with the Texarkana Federal Court House in the background.

2. Fort Smith

  • Average 1-BR rent price: $502
  • Average rent change in the past year: 6.53%

Nestled right at the Arkansas and Oklahoma border on the northwest side of Arkansas, Fort Smith’s slogan is “Where the New South Meets the Old West.” The third-largest city in Arkansas is loaded with history. The Fort Smith Museum of History captures much of it for locals and visitors alike. Elvis fans will appreciate that they can still visit Fort Chaffee’s Barbershop and see where the singer received his famous Army buzz cut.

1. Pine Bluff

  • Average 1-BR rent price: $440
  • Average rent change in the past year: 0.00%

Home to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the city of Pine Bluff also features a number of cultural attractions including the Arkansas Railroad Museum and the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. Locals and visitors can take a walk along downtown Pine Bluff and learn some interesting historical facts about the city through the colorful murals that grace its downtown buildings.

The most expensive places to live in Arkansas

While this list features some of the cheapest places to live in Arkansas, here are some of the most expensive places to call home in this state.

Methodology

Rent prices are based on a one-year rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.’s multifamily rental property inventory as of August 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.

We excluded cities with insufficient inventory from this report.

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.

As a Chicago-based freelance writer, Megy Karydes has covered everything from space-aged tomato seeds grown in a Chicago Public School to Chicago Blues musician Lurrie Bell. Her work has been featured in USA Today, Travel + Leisure, Midwest Living magazine and other national and regional media outlets. When she’s not out exploring the city with her two children and husband, she’s perfecting her air hockey technique.

Source: rent.com

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In today’s hyper-connected world, travelers enjoy internet access wherever they are. In-flight Wi-Fi used to be a novelty, but now it’s necessary to stay competitive with other airlines.

JetBlue Airways offers all passengers free Wi-Fi so they can stream videos and music, send and receive emails, shop online and more.

Learn more about JetBlue Wi-Fi, including how to connect, how much it costs and how it compares to other airlines.

Does JetBlue have Wi-Fi?

Yes, JetBlue has Wi-Fi — cheekily called Fly-Fi — on most of its flights, with service provided through Viasat.

However, the availability of Fly-Fi on JetBlue flights varies based on the type of plane and which route it is flying. Additionally, weather and other variables may affect your ability to log in and use the internet during your trip.

JetBlue Fly-Fi internet is available on all JetBlue-operated flights across the contiguous United States. It’s also available on re-styled Airbus A320, A321neo and A220 aircraft that fly to its Caribbean and Central America destinations.

Additionally, JetBlue offers expanded transatlantic coverage on Airbus A321 long-haul flights.

How much does Fly-Fi cost?

JetBlue does not charge to access its in-flight Wi-Fi service. Fly-Fi is free for all passengers, even if you don’t have elite status or hold the airline’s credit card.

You can also connect as many devices to Wi-Fi as you’d like without extra charges.

JetBlue Fly-Fi cost vs. other airlines

While JetBlue customers get free Wi-Fi on unlimited devices, other airlines may charge fees for every device you connect. Here’s a quick summary of how much you’ll pay per device to connect to in-flight Wi-Fi on other airlines:

  • American Airlines: Starting at $10 per device.

  • Delta Air Lines: Free, with a SkyMiles account.

  • Southwest Airlines: $8 per device; free for A-List Preferred members.

  • United Airlines: $10 for access on U.S. domestic and short-haul international flights. This cost is reduced to $8 for MileagePlus members, and all T-Mobile customers get free Wi-Fi on all flights. Costs for long-haul international flights vary based on destination.

How to connect to JetBlue Wi-Fi

Follow these simple steps to connect to JetBlue Wi-Fi:

  1. Connect to the “Fly-Fi” Wi-Fi network.

  2. If you’re not automatically redirected to the Fly-Fi page, open your browser and go to www.flyfi.com.

  3. Follow the instructions and watch a short advertisement to connect.

What services does JetBlue offer on Fly-Fi?

Once you’re connected to Fly-Fi on your JetBlue flight, you can use many internet services, including:

  • Text messaging.

  • Internet browsing, including email.

  • Streaming movies or TV shows.

  • SiriusXM music and radio shows.

  • DirecTV channels (not available outside the continental U.S.).

🤓Nerdy Tip

When shopping on Amazon through the in-flight portal, you’ll earn 3 TrueBlue points for every dollar you spend. However, rewards are not available on transatlantic flights.

JetBlue Fly-Fi recapped

Free Wi-Fi from JetBlue is one of the many reasons why its customers rate the airline so highly. With JetBlue Fly-Fi, you can stream videos, browse the internet, shop online and more at speeds up to 20 Mbps.

Passengers can link an unlimited number of devices, so you can easily switch between your mobile phone, tablet and laptop without paying extra.

Frequently asked questions

(Top photo courtesy of JetBlue Airways)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

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With flights getting more expensive around Thanksgiving and the winter holidays, you may be inclined to use accumulated points and miles to try to save some money. About 30% of holiday travelers plan to use points and miles to pay for travel expenses in 2023, according to a NerdWallet survey conducted by The Harris Poll of more than 2,000 adults.

That might have been a dependable money-saving strategy five or 10 years ago, back when airlines published award charts that clearly showed how many points or miles you’d need to book a flight. But most U.S. airlines have switched to dynamic award pricing, meaning the cost in points can fluctuate as much as cash prices do.

So in many cases, holiday flights on points are no longer the deal they once were — and can be high enough to make your jaw drop. In fact, you might get a lower cent-per-point value than usual if you’re not careful.

What the data says about holiday travel on miles

NerdWallet does an annual analysis of the value of airline miles. Conducted in August, the analysis looks at redeeming miles for flights 15 days in advance, for flights 180 days in advance, and for holiday flights. (For the latter, NerdWallet looked at flights departing Dec. 22, one of the busiest days to fly around the winter holidays, and returning Dec. 29.) The results show that airline miles are generally worth less around the last week of December.

If you’re flying domestically, there are two ways to think about getting maximum value for miles.

  • One would be to use the airline miles that are worth the most around the holidays, so you’ll need fewer miles than you would if you booked a similarly priced flight on another airline. In that case, your best bet would be to fly American Airlines or Southwest Airlines, because both airlines’ miles are worth 1.5 cents, the highest holiday valuation of the domestic airlines in the analysis. 

  • The alternative is to use airline miles that have the greatest value at the holidays relative to other times of the year. The analysis found that miles on Frontier Airlines are actually worth more at the holidays, although that comes with some caveats. Meanwhile, miles on Southwest, Delta Air Lines and Spirit Airlines had the same value on holiday redemptions as on nonholiday flights.

If you’re flying internationally, you have other options to maximize your miles.

1.5 cents per mile is good for holiday travel

Among U.S. airlines, American and Southwest have the highest-valued miles when redeemed for holiday flights. Their miles are worth about 1.5 cents per dollar during the holidays. For American, this is slightly lower than its usual valuation at 1.7 cents per dollar. For Southwest, the 1.5 cents per point is the same as nonholiday travel redemptions.

To determine the redemption value of miles, divide the cash price of the flight by the number of miles required to get it.

Holiday travel valuation (per mile)

Nonholiday travel valuation (per mile)

Difference between holiday travel and nonholiday travel valuation (per mile)

Alaska Airlines

1.3 cents.

1.4 cents.

-0.1 cent.

American Airlines

1.5 cents.

1.7 cents.

-0.2 cent.

Delta Air Lines

1.2 cents.

1.2 cents.

No difference.

Frontier Airlines

1.3 cents.

1.1 cents.

-0.2 cent.

Hawaiian Airlines

1.2 cents.

-0.2 cent.

JetBlue Airways

1.3 cents.

1.5 cents.

-0.2 cent.

Southwest Airlines

1.5 cents.

1.5 cents.

No difference.

Spirit Airlines

No difference.

United Airlines

1.1 cents.

1.2 cents.

-0.1 cent.

Frontier Airlines is the only airline that fared better in the analysis than usual. Its holiday valuation of 1.3 cents per point is slightly higher than its normal baseline of 1.1 cent. However, this cost considers only the base fare — added fees for seat selection or baggage might decrease your value per point.

To maximize your points, consider international airlines

The highest-valued miles during the holidays don’t come from U.S.-based airlines. If you’re planning on vacationing during the holidays and aren’t tied to a specific location, you could blow the 1.5-cents-per-point mark out of the water if you were to fly, say, ANA (All Nippon Airways) or Singapore Airlines to Asia.

Not only do both airlines consistently rank as the world’s best in Skytrax’s rankings, but they also still have award charts, so their award flight prices generally don’t go up as much as the dynamic prices in other programs. ANA’s miles are worth 2.8 cents per mile during the holidays, the same as usual. Singapore’s miles are worth 2.1 cents per mile during the holidays, up from 1.5 cents usually.

If you haven’t flown these airlines recently (or ever), you might still be able to book with miles if you have a travel credit card that transfers to either of these airlines’ loyalty programs. ANA is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, and Singapore Airlines is a transfer partner of both AmEx and Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Use the same strategies to save as you would on flights booked with cash

If the price in miles makes your head spin, remember that the principles for saving are the same for flights booked in cash and points. To reduce the cost of holiday flights, you can try:

  • Flying on less popular days. Less demand equals lower cash prices. And less expensive flights mean they usually cost less in miles, too. According to Transportation Security Administration data, you’ll want to avoid days like the Sunday after Thanksgiving, which is generally the busiest single travel day in U.S. airports all year. 

  • Use a combination of miles and cash. Delta and United offer the choice of paying for your fare partially in miles and partially in cash, which is a nice option if you don’t have sufficient miles for the fare you’re booking. Booking through your credit card’s travel portal also yields a miles and cash option. Lastly, consider other ways to unbundle your travel like paying cash for a one-way flight and miles for the way back.

  • Go international when everyone else is going domestic. Thanksgiving week can be a cheaper time to travel abroad because it’s not a holiday in other countries. If you’re thinking about going abroad around the end of December, consider Thanksgiving instead.

You may be feeling the squeeze on holiday travel because it seems too expensive right now. Flight cash prices can still feel high, even though data from the consumer price index actually indicates that they are lower than they were before the pandemic (September 2023 airfares were about 6.5% lower than airfares in September 2019.) Redeeming miles can be a good way to lower your travel costs, but make sure you’re not spending more miles than it’s worth.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Arizona’s largest airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, is located about four miles from downtown Phoenix. A focus city for both American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, Phoenix Airport is the 10th busiest airport in the United States by aircraft movements.

If you have a trip to or from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport in the near future, this guide, which includes information on how to get to the airport by public transport, terminal details and what lounges are available, is for you.

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport quick facts

  • Airport code: PHX.

  • Address: 3400 E. Sky Harbor Blvd.

  • Number of runways: Three.

  • Number of terminals: Two — Terminal 3 and Terminal 4.

  • Transport between terminals: PHX Sky Train.

  • Daily flights served: 1,200.

  • Daily passenger count: 125,000.

Phoenix Airport map

For PHX Sky Harbor terminals and an interactive map, visit this page.

Airlines with service to Phoenix airport

Nearly two dozen airlines, both U.S.-based and international, operate flights to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Depending on the carrier you’re flying, you’ll be departing from one of the terminals below.

TSA PreCheck lines at Phoenix airport

Both terminals have TSA PreCheck lines, so if you’re a member of the Trusted Traveler Programs, you can use the following checkpoints to breeze through security:

Terminal 3

  • North checkpoint.

Terminal 4

  • Checkpoint A.

  • Checkpoint B.

  • Checkpoint C.

  • Checkpoint D.

Getting to and from Phoenix airport

Bus

Two bus lines serve Phoenix Airport: Route 13 and Route 44. Route 13 stops near the airport’s operations building, west of Terminal 3, and at 24th Street PHX Sky Train Station. Route 44 stops at the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station.

Train

Take the free Sky Train to the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station and head to the Valley Metro Rail platform. You can use the light rail to reach Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa.

Ride-hailing apps

Both Lyft and Uber operate in the Phoenix metro area, meaning you can request a ride to and from the airport.

Rental car companies at Phoenix airport

If you need to rent or drop off a vehicle, you can take the PHX Sky Train between the rental car center and the terminals.

The following car rental companies have offices at the car rental center at Phoenix Airport:

Phoenix airport lounges

Terminal 3

  • Location: Near Gate F8.

  • Hours: 4:45 a.m. to 12 a.m.

  • Location: At the intersection of E and F gates, mezzanine level, next to Passage by Hudson.

  • Hours: 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  • Location: Near Gate E3.

  • Hours: 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Terminal 4

  • Location: Above Gates A7 and A9.

  • Hours: 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

  • Location: Between Gates A19 and A21.

  • Hours: 4 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Admirals Club, Concourse B

  • Location: Above Gates B5 and B7.

  • Hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Escape Lounge – The Centurion® Studio Partner

  • Location: Across from Gate B22.

  • Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  • Location: Across from Gate B22, on the upper level.

  • Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

USO Lounge

  • Location: Level 2, East End, near B and C elevators (pre-security).

  • Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Restaurants at Phoenix airport

If you don’t have lounge access, you can grab a bite at many restaurants available at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The eateries include national chains as well as some local establishments.

Shops at Phoenix Airport

A slew of retail shops is available for passengers looking for last-minute items in between flights. Among the traditional travel swag, you’ll also find some merchandise showcasing the spirit of the American Southwest.

Frequently asked questions

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

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With passport applications taking up to 13 weeks, many travelers are looking for beach destinations that don’t require a passport. The Caribbean features numerous tropical destinations with luxurious resorts, relaxing beaches, clear blue water —and destinations that are accessible without a passport.

One Caribbean destination travelers love is Puerto Rico. It’s an easy flight from the U.S., uses the American dollar and English is commonly spoken in the tourist areas of the island. But, one of the main questions travelers ask is, “Do you need a passport to go to Puerto Rico?”

Learn more about this island destination, including the best time to travel to Puerto Rico, the most popular attractions and whether you need a passport in order to visit there.

Where is Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island that is about a 2.5-hour flight from Miami. The primary airport in Puerto Rico is Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. Airlines that service Puerto Rico include, but are not limited to:

  • American Airlines.

  • Air Canada.

  • Delta Air Lines.

  • JetBlue Airways.

  • Southwest Airlines.

The island is located between the Dominican Republic and the British Virgin Islands, and it is due north of Caracas, Venezuela. It is the smallest and most eastern island of the Greater Antilles.

How do you get to Puerto Rico?

Nearly 20 commercial airlines offer flights to Puerto Rico, which receives more than 1,300 nonstop flights per week. The Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is the main airport in Puerto Rico and is the busiest airport in the Caribbean. It is located in the Carolina district of Isla Verde, which is about 20 minutes from the heart of San Juan.

This chart highlights direct flight times from popular U.S. airports.

Departure city

Nonstop flight time

Fares starting at

4 hrs 0 mins.

4 hrs 8 mins.

Chicago-O’Hare

4 hrs 49 mins.

Dallas-Fort Worth

4 hrs 48 mins.

4 hrs 45 mins.

Houston-George Bush

4 hrs 36 mins.

2 hrs 38 mins.

4 hrs 46 mins.

2 hrs 57 mins.

Philadelphia

3 hrs 56 mins.

Washington

3 hrs 55 mins.

What time zone is Puerto Rico in?

Puerto Rico is in the Atlantic Standard Time Zone, which is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

When is the best time to travel to Puerto Rico?

The island is close to the equator, which means that it has warm temperatures most of the year. Throughout the year, the temperatures range from highs of 83 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit and lows from 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The warmest months of the year are June to October, and the coldest are December to February.

Beyond the temperature, rainfall and hurricanes may also affect the weather during your visit. Puerto Rico gets an average of 62 inches of rain per year. While you can expect it to rain every month of the year, it gets the most rain from July to November, and the least from January to March.

When is hurricane season in Puerto Rico?

Based on its location, hurricanes are a major concern when visiting Puerto Rico. Hurricane season typically lasts from June through November. If you plan on traveling during these months, book your flight with a credit card that offers travel protections or buy a separate travel insurance policy to protect your trip.

Are there any festivals that I should attend during my visit?

During your trip, you may be able to enjoy some of the island’s many annual festivals, events and celebrations. A few of the festivals you may want to experience include:

  • Fiesta de los Reyes Magos (January): Locals throw parades featuring the Three Wise Men who pass out presents to children.

  • Festival del Frío (February): This event celebrates the coldest peak in Puerto Rico with carnival rides, local artisans, food, music and more.

  • Carnaval Ponceño (February or March): This festival lasts a full week and ends the day before Ash Wednesday. It features colorful parades and long-snouted vejigantes, plus the coronation of the Carnival Queen.

  • Noche de San Juan (June): The unofficial celebration of San Juan — locals jump backward into the ocean seven times for good luck.

  • Nochebuena (December): On Christmas Eve, locals gather with friends and family to eat, drink and sing. Many hotels and restaurants host special Christmas dinners to celebrate this event.

What are the most popular attractions in Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico offers numerous attractions and experiences that you can’t find in the continental U.S. Here are a few of the most popular attractions that you can plan your trip around.

  • Old San Juan: Cobblestone streets line this area of the island that offers 500 years of history. It features numerous landmarks, such as El Morro, Castillo San Cristóbal, Cuartel de Ballajá and La Fortaleza.

  • El Yunque Rainforest: Located on the eastern side of the island, this is the only tropical forest in the U.S. National Forest System. It is home to more than 240 types of trees, birds and frogs and spans more than 28,000 acres. You must make reservations in advance.

  • Islands of Vieques and Culebra: These two nearby islands offer some of the world’s best beaches. You can visit for the day or book a stay at a local campground or bed and breakfast.

  • Bioluminescent Bays: Puerto Rico is home to three of the world’s five bioluminescent bays. These “bio bays” offer a glow-in-the-dark experience when you paddle or splash the water.

  • La Cueva del Viento: This cave is located in the Bosque Estatal de Guajataca forest. There are many trails in the forest, one of which leads you to La Cueva del Viento. Visitors can climb a wooden staircase to explore the cave.

Can I book a room using hotel points in Puerto Rico?

Yes, there are numerous hotels where you can book rooms with points in Puerto Rico. Examples include:

  • Abitta Boutique Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection (Choice Hotels): Starting at 16,000 points per night.

  • Aloft San Juan: Starting at 24,000 points per night.

  • Caribe Hilton: Starting at 70,000 points per night.

  • Holiday Inn Ponce & Tropical Casino: Starting at 25,000 points per night.

  • Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico: Starting at 20,000 points per night.

  • Wyndham Palmas Beach and Golf Resort: Starting at 15,000 points per night.

Do you need a passport to visit Puerto Rico?

When visiting this island paradise of Puerto Rico, do you need a passport? It depends on what type of passport you have. Regardless of where you’re traveling from, you should always have a valid ID, like a driver’s license, state ID card or passport with you.

U.S. citizens

As a U.S. citizen, when you visit Puerto Rico, do you need a passport? The answer is no. As a territory of the U.S., you do not need a passport to visit Puerto Rico. It is one of several places Americans can travel without a passport.

Non-U.S. citizens

However, when you live in another country, you do need a passport for Puerto Rico. For foreign citizens, the same rules apply to Puerto Rico as if they were visiting the continental U.S. or any state in America.

The bottom line about visiting Puerto Rico

When booking your trip to Puerto Rico, you may be wondering, “Do I need a passport for Puerto Rico?” If you have a U.S. passport, the answer is no.

Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, therefore, you can travel without needing a passport. This Caribbean island destination has frequent flights from across the U.S. and it offers warm weather, numerous attractions and a variety of hotels you can book with points.

Frequently asked questions

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Apache is functioning normally

American Express has added ‘family’ language to their Everyday card, but not to their Everyday Preferred card. If you already got the bonus on the Everyday card, you can still get the bonus on the Everyday Preferred card, but if you already had the Everyday Preferred card, you can no longer get the bonus for signing up to the Everyday card.

You may not be eligible to receive the welcome offer, intro APRs, and intro plan fees if you have or have had this Card, the Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card or previous versions of these Cards. You also may not be eligible to receive the welcome offer, intro APRs, and intro plan fees based on various factors, such as your history with credit card balance transfers, your history as an American Express Card Member, the number of credit cards that you have opened and closed and other factors. If you are not eligible for the welcome offer, intro APRs, and intro plan fees we will notify you prior to processing your application so you have the option to withdraw your application.


We’ve recently seen Amex add similar family language to the Blue Cash card, the Gold card, and Delta card. They’ve also recently combined the various versions of the Platinum card into one family as well .

Hat tip to Award Wallet

Source: doctorofcredit.com

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Apache is functioning normally

The United States, as has most of the world, has made stricter and stricter building codes over the years. However, the United States does not have any national building codes the states or local cities make their own rules. I have found the states or areas with the strictest building codes also have the highest prices. The harder it is to build or repair homes, the more expensive they become because people stop building, and when they do build, they have to raise the price for it to make sense. So what areas have the strictest building codes in the US?

How do building codes change over time?

100 years ago there were basically no building codes. Anyone could build whatever they wanted, wherever they wanted with some minor restrictions. Over time, the government decided that houses and commercial properties were not safe enough and there needed to be standards set for construction and even repairs. Some cities, states, and counties choose to have stricter codes than others and the federal government has let local governments make those decisions.

You can see how building codes have changed over time by looking at houses built in different eras. 100 years ago some houses were built with amazing carpentry and we often hear “they don’t build them like they used to”. There were also many houses that were built like shacks that have since fallen down. I have bought many of those shacks as a real estate investor and am surprised many of those houses lasted as long as they did.

You can see improvements in houses by looking at houses from different eras. Houses that are 100 years old may not have any windows in the basement where egress windows are now required. Houses from 50 years ago had very little insulation whereas houses now are required to have a minimum amount. You used to be able to put three layers of shingles on a roof and now most areas only allow one. Areas close to the coast may require hurricane glass and reinforced structures.

The stricter building codes make houses safer and more energy efficient but they also make them more expensive.

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What areas do not have building codes?

Believe it or not, there are still some areas in the US that do not have building codes! These states do not have building codes:

  1. Alabama
  2. Arizona
  3. Colorado
  4. Illinois
  5. Mississippi
  6. Missouri
  7. North Dakota
  8. Tennessee
  9. Texas
  10. West Virginia
  11. Wyoming

While these states do not have standard building codes, the local cities and counties usually do. I live in Colorado and while there is no standard building code for the entire state, Denver and Boulder have some of the strictest building codes in the nation. Louisville, where the Marshall Fires occurred in 2021 requires fire sprinkler systems in all new houses although they did remove that requirement for houses destroyed in the fire!

Here are some counties without building codes (from https://offgridgrandpa.com/states-and-counties-with-no-building-codes/):

  • Delta County in Colorado
  • Montezuma County in Colorado
  • Arcosanti Urban Laboratory in Arizona
  • Brewster County in Texas
  • Wonder Valley in California
  • Marfa County in Texas
  • Terlingua Texas
  • Miller County Missouri

In these areas, you might be able to get away with building whatever you want as long as you are not in a city with more strict codes but remember codes can always change!

Do you need to get building permits?

What areas have the strictest building codes?

I found it interesting but not surprising that the areas with the strictest building codes tend to have the highest prices. When you look at the list below the most strict areas are definitely the most expensive as well.

1. San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA 1.18 18

2. New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA 1.04 57

3. Providence-Warwick, RI-MA 0.93 14

4. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA 0.73 22

5. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 0.73 48

6. Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA 0.68 18

7. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 0.66 16

8. Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL 0.66 35

9. Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ 0.64 11

10. Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA 0.60 18

11. Madison, WI 0.60 13

12. Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD 0.48

13. Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY 0.47 10

14. Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO 0.41 16

15. Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA 0.32 10

16. Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH 0.30 44

17. Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN 0.30 14

18. Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton, PA 0.30 10

19. Syracuse, NY 0.25 11

20. Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI 0.24 22

21. Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ 0.22 14

22. Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN 0.17 12

23. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 0.17 49

24. Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT 0.14 14

25. Portland-South Portland, ME 0.13 16

26. Kansas City, MO-KS 0.13 17

27. San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX 0.10 10

28. Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY 0.05 12

29. Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA 0.01 15

30. Lancaster, PA −0.01 14

31. Columbus, OH −0.01 17

32. Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX −0.04 16

33. Pittsburgh, PA −0.06 56

34. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI −0.10 48

35. Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI −0.10 94

36. Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA −0.12 27

37. Worcester, MA-CT −0.23 16

38. Cleveland-Elyria, OH −0.28 19

39. Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI −0.31 24

40. Rochester, NY −0.38 26

41. Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC −0.38 12

42. Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN −0.38 26

43. Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI −0.42 60

44. St. Louis, MO-IL −0.51 37

You can read up on how they made the list and what the numbers mean here: https://realestate.wharton.upenn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/w835.pdf

Why do tougher building codes make it more expensive to build?

You will find that the most expensive places in the world and the US tend to have the strictest building codes. It is not real estate investors that push up prices as many people claim, it is the government. The harder it is to build and repair houses, the more expensive they are going to be when they are built. The harder it is to build houses, the fewer houses that will be built which will also cause an imbalance in the housing market driving prices up even further. You will also find fewer investors in these areas because it is hard to build, expensive to own, and a pain to do business in those areas.

Conclusion

Building codes do make houses safe and more energy efficient but they also make houses more expensive at a time when houses are becoming less and less affordable. If you are pushing for stricter building codes and more energy-efficient homes, you are also pushing for higher prices. While homes in the US seem to be out of range for many people thanks to high-interest rates, remember the US actually has the 5th most affordable housing in the world.

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Categories Real Estate

Source: investfourmore.com