Thrift shopping is a great way to spruce up your home decor without breaking the bank. What’s great about thrift stores is that many of them also have an eclectic collection of items that you can either use as-is or alter in some way to make them suitable for your home. Not only does this give you a huge amount of creative freedom when picking out your home decor, but it’s also a fun way to design a home that has a look that’s uniquely yours.
Whether you’re a thrift shopper yourself, or you’re starting to see the value of thrifting, here are some of the top home decor items that you should buy the next time you go shopping.
Big Furniture
“If you’re looking to furnish your home, you can find some incredible deals at thrift stores on dressers, dining tables, chairs, and more,” said Samantha Landau, consumer expert at TopCashback. Other pieces of furniture you can find include coffee tables, bedside tables and even ottomans.
“Sometimes, these items need a bit of refurbishment or additional pieces before they can be functional, but that isn’t always the case,” Landau said. “For example, you may be able to find a nice wooden dining table at a Goodwill without the chairs, or you may get lucky and find a full dining set that includes chairs — so it’s important to be patient when thrifting for larger furniture items because you never know what’s going to be in stock when you go to shop.”
Mirrors
Mirrors are another essential part of any home’s decor. They can go in the bathroom, hallway, master bedroom, guest room or even in the living room. And if you’re looking for an assortment of designs and shapes, thrift stores won’t disappoint. You may need to buff or repaint the frames, depending on what you’re going for and the current quality.
Lamps and Other Light Fixtures
Not only are lamps and other light fixtures a common feature in thrift stores, but they’re also a fun way to decorate your home. You can often find simple table lamps or standing lamps, but your local thrift store may also have fun or funky options in various colors and shapes.
Artwork
The types of art you can find when thrifting range from clay bowls to acrylic or watercolor paintings to figurines. Whatever the case, many thrift stores carry different types of artwork that you won’t see anywhere else. And since art is a key part of making your home unique, chances are you’ll be able to pick out some pieces that nobody else has.
Picture Frames
Picture frames can be pricey, especially if you go to a big retailer like Michael’s or Hobby Lobby. The cost depends on things like the frame size and material. For example, a simple 5-by-5-inch picture frame from Michael’s costs around $5. Larger picture frames or ones made with higher quality materials tend to come with a higher price tag.
But if you go to a place like Goodwill, you can typically save money on picture frames. This is especially beneficial if you have a lot of photos that need frames, or if you want something with a different style.
Holiday-Themed Decorations
Thrift shops are a good place to find items that are meant for a holiday that’s already passed. Instead of paying full price for things like Christmas lights, an artificial tree or holiday-themed decor, you can hit up a local thrift store and start preparing for the next holiday.
The same goes for off-season items as many thrift stores carry off-season home decor and other items. For instance, you may be able to find a winter tablecloth in spring or a fall-themed kitchen mat.
Vases and Pitchers
From hard plastic to glass to ceramic, thrift shops often have vases — some of which have a distinctly vintage look. Some also carry pitchers, which you can either use to water your plants or hold flowers and other small household plants.
Dishes and Other Kitchenware
Whether you’re looking for a new coffee mug with a neat design or you’re ready to replace your current serving dishes with something different, check out the local thrift store. You can find anything from vintage styles to modern ones.
Other types of kitchenware to scope out the next time you go shopping include cutting boards, coffee pots, plates, bowls, glasses and other kitchen appliances or accessories.
Suitcases and Bags
When you think of home decor, you might not immediately think of suitcases or other types of luggage. But you can add a lot of style to any room with some strategically-positioned suitcases and bags. You can use them to store old mementos or sentimental family items. Or you can prop them open and put your keepsakes on display.
Baskets and Bins
Bins and baskets come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles, so there’s a good chance you’ll see something you like when thrifting. For example, you might find a set of wicker baskets that you can keep towels, pillows or sheets in. Or you could score a couple of bins for your child’s — or pet’s — toys.
Rugs and Mats
Nothing ties a room together quite like a couple of well-placed rugs and mats. As with any fabric, you’ll want to thoroughly clean any of these that you pick up second-hand. And you may need to keep an eye out for stains, holes and other signs of wear and tear. But otherwise, thrifting can do wonders for your home decor.
Where To Go Thrift Shopping
When it comes to thrift shopping, there are plenty of cool places to check out. “The typical thrift stores, like Goodwill and Salvation Army, are a great place to start, but you’ll also want to consider any locally-run thrift stores,” Landau said. “These local stores often give you the best finds when it comes to home decor because people who are donating items typically associate Goodwill and Salvation Army as clothing-only thrift shops. And sometimes, these thrift chain stores only accept clothing depending on the size of the store, so keep that in mind as you’re hunting for home decor deals.”
Another option is the Facebook Marketplace, since you can often find furniture, home decor, dishes and similar items there. A lot of people selling on this platform are in a rush, and so they sell these goods at a steep discount — especially if you’re willing to pick them up.
“Regardless of where you end up thrifting, you might not find what you’re looking for on your first trip, so you’ll want to regularly stop in to see what they have,” Landau said. “You should also consider expanding the range of local thrift stores that you visit to a 50-mile radius, for example. This will give you plenty of options to find the best items for your needs, style and budget.”
Do you want to tour a Houston apartment without leaving your couch? Got your eyes on an apartment in Baltimore, but don’t want to deal with the traffic?
A virtual apartment tour is the perfect way to check out a property before you commit to anything. They’re great for potential tenants who live outside the area or would rather tour from the comfort of home.
The up-and-coming virtual tour is a convenient and safe time-saver for renters, leasing agents, and property managers across the country. Here’s how to get the most out of your private walkthrough.
What is a virtual apartment tour?
During a virtual apartment tour, you’ll use your smartphone, computer, or tablet to tour an apartment unit. A leasing agent, property manager, or landlord usually serves as your tour guide during a live tour.
“Virtual tours create immersive experiences that effectively communicate the apartment’s potential to renters and help them make informed decisions,” says Gabriel Esteban of Plus Render.
Virtual tours allow renters to “walk through” the space and look at the unit and overall apartment complex. Some tours allow you to speak with someone on the property and ask questions along the way.
There are three main types of virtual apartment tours:
Live video call tour: A live tour is the most hands-on option. An on-site representative will walk around the unit to show you the space and answer your questions in real time.
Recorded video tour: A recorded tour shows the apartment from the first-person point of view, but it isn’t in real time. The person recording the video has complete control over the pace of the tour and what is (and isn’t) shown.
3D virtual apartment tour: A 360° camera and specialized software create a premade 3D rendering of the apartment. Renters “navigate” through the unit by clicking around in different parts of the unit, similar to the 3D home tour many people use when they consider buying a house on Redfin.
Any virtual tour can provide a handy way to view an apartment without being there in person. However, many people find live tours the most helpful since they can ask live questions and make requests on the spot. Here’s how to prepare ahead of time:
6 things to look for during a live virtual apartment tour
A live tour gives you the power to ask questions on the spot. Researching the apartment and complex beforehand gives you a leg up during the tour.
1. Floor plan and layout
The floor plan could determine how well the space functions for your needs and how comfortable you’ll feel living inside. Do a little homework ahead of time to understand how the space is laid out before you see it virtually. If you have to focus too much on the layout during the tour, you could miss other details like worn fixtures or poor lighting. If you have any questions or concerns, write them down and look (or ask) for answers during the tour.
“Embrace an immersive perspective,” says Alex Narvaez of Superior Property Management. “Tenants should ask about the morning sun’s trajectory, whether the kitchen is spacious enough for their gourmet cooking sessions, or if the balcony can accommodate their favorite hammock. It’s vital to understand amenities, parking policies, and rent payment logistics. Unleash your lifestyle onto the apartment to ensure it suits you, not just on paper, but in practice. Truly “living” the space through a virtual lens is paramount.”
Jaime Sanford from Prime Property Group adds, “When embarking on virtual apartment tours, it’s crucial to gather vital information to make an informed decision. Start by finding out about the apartment’s layout, dimensions, and storage options to assess if it suits your needs and belongings.”
2. Spaciousness of rooms and total size of the unit
Knowing the layout, you can ask your virtual tour guide questions that help determine the furniture placement if the unit isn’t a furnished apartment. Use the tour to decide whether certain areas might feel cramped. This could help you determine if you want to pursue this unit or look into a bigger one or a different complex altogether.
“Be sure to ask for a floor plan or blueprint or at least room dimensions after you conduct your virtual tour,” says Nate Morris of Laker Real Estate. Also, ask the person giving the tour for the ceiling height, which is normally not included in standard blueprints. When you’re doing a virtual showing, the camera can tend to make spaces feel bigger than they really are. You’ll want to make sure you understand the actual square footage of the space and the measurements of things such as wall space in relation to things such as windows and doors. This allows you to better plan for furniture layouts and interior decorations.”
3. Storage options
It always helps to know how much space you’ll have for storage, especially if you have a lot of stuff. Ask your tour guide to open cabinets and closets to see whether they’re big enough for your clothes and other belongings. If you like the unit but storage is lacking, you might consider buying storage furniture ahead of time to bump up your storage space. For example, opting for a storage ottoman instead of a traditional ottoman adds precious cubic feet of storage space to your home.
4. Natural lighting and views
A camera doesn’t always display light accurately, so schedule your virtual tour during a time of day with ample natural light. Ask your virtual tour guide to stand in the middle of each room and pause in each direction to see how light fills the space. Spend more time in the main living areas and rooms with outdoor views. Ask the guide to place the camera next to the window to preview your view from each room.
5. Functionality and signs of wear and tear
If you were there in person, you’d probably open cabinets, look closely at finishes, explore appliances for wear and tear, and get a general feel for the apartment’s cleanliness.
Ask your tour guide to slow down while they show the kitchen or kitchenette to get an up-close look at cabinets, countertops, light fixtures, and appliances. Do the same for the flooring, ceiling, and walls.
Ask your tour guide to test water pressure in the kitchen and bathroom, then turn appliances on and off to verify that they function. Look closely at windows, doors, and locks to ensure they’re in good working order. Keep a watchful eye out for any signs of moisture or water damage, which can lead to harmful mold in the apartment.
6. Outside condition and curb appeal
Take your time in the entry area and lobby, noting the number of people coming and going. Note the condition of each area. Look at the staircases and elevators and see what kind of shape they’re in. How well property management maintains the interior and exterior can tell you a lot about how the complex is maintained overall.
10 questions to ask during your virtual apartment tour
1. Which changes can I make to the apartment?
Adding personal touches to a new apartment truly turns it into your space, but not all changes will be allowed. Find out which types of changes they’ll allow, and whether you’ll need to reverse your changes when you move out. For example, if you can’t paint or put up shelves, you’ll need a backup plan for decor.
2. Which amenities does my lease include?
Utilities may or may not be included in your lease. If tenants are responsible, find out about typical monthly utility costs to help determine how much you’ll need to budget. If the landlord does pay for the utilities, are cable or internet included? Apartment amenities might also include fitness centers, pools, on-location laundry, and community rooms.
3. Where will I park?
Find out how on-site parking is handled, whether in an open lot, a covered parking spot, or a garage. Ask about any costs involved and how spaces are situated, including potential inconveniences like tandem parking. A unit with assigned spots is highly regarded since it means you’ll never have a problem finding a place to park.
4. What’s the guest policy?
Knowing the building’s guest policy can save you a lot of trouble, especially if you plan to host parties or have groups of people over for dinner. Ask about any limits to the number of guests, including how long they can stay. That way, you’ll stay in your property manager’s good graces.
5. What’s the pet policy?
If you want to bring a pet into your apartment, find out if the building allows them. Ask about any size and breed restrictions. Some facilities charge tenants a pet deposit and an additional monthly fee and may even require your pet’s vaccination records. A landlord has the power to turn down specific breeds if their insurance policy prohibits them.
6. Are there any plans to update the building?
Construction is messy, noisy, and generally inconvenient. If there are plans to renovate, you’ll want to know how long the project will take ahead of time. Completed renovations will reward you with an up-to-date living environment or new amenities if you can live with the inconvenience during construction.
7. How do I pay my rent?
You want to be able to pay your rent quickly and easily. Ask if the property manager accepts bank transfers or provides an online payment portal. Some landlords and property managers still require a physical check.
If you plan to start your lease in the middle of a pay period, ask if they prorate the rent. If so, you’ll only pay for the portion of the month you’re living in the unit.
8. How are emergency repairs handled?
Ask your tour guide if there’s an emergency repair number to call and how quickly you can expect a response. Ask for information about how to submit apartment maintenance requests for non-emergency repairs.
9. Which security features does the complex have?
Feeling safe and secure is an important part of any rental home. Ask whether there’s a door or gate buzzer for access and if a security guard monitors the area. Is there a fire escape on your floor? What’s the nearest exit in case of an emergency?
10. Which shops and services are nearby?
Learn what’s in the neighborhood. Ask your guide about any notable shops, services, and restaurants within short walking or driving distance. It never hurts to come prepared with some research of your own too. Get a head start by skimming any online resources geared toward that area, like this Atlanta city guide, for example.
4 tips for 3D apartment tours
1. Know how a 3D tour works
A 3D virtual tour offers 24/7 access to images of the apartment unit, with interactive views from every angle inside the apartment. A 3D tour allows potential tenants to change views while viewing each room. They can then decide whether or not to schedule an in-person walkthrough.
2. Understand how to navigate inside a 3D tour
A 3D virtual tour will feature one or more of these views:
Inside view: This view lets you virtually walk through any room in the unit and zoom in wherever you want. It helps you get an idea of what you’ll see walking through the actual apartment.
Dollhouse view: This is an outside perspective like you’re looking at a doll house. You’ll see the whole room and rotate around to view it from different angles.
Floor plan view: This shows you the room layout, just like an architectural drawing or blueprint. It’s usually a bird’s eye view looking down.
Measurement view: This displays measurements for wall lengths and ceiling heights for each room and the unit overall. It provides the specific size and layout for the kitchen, bathroom, living area, bedroom, and all other rooms in the unit.
3. Verify that all the appliances work
Another key component to verify during a virtual tour is whether all the appliances are in working order. This can be difficult to verify virtually if you don’t specifically ask. “Ask for a video of all the working appliances in the property to ensure that everything is fully functional,” says Lena Stevens of Dwellsy. “This should include faucets, lights, fans, garbage disposals, and more. The same applies to water pressure – ask for a video showing the shower running so you know that you’re going to get the shower you want.”
4. Know when a 3D tour is most useful
A 3D virtual tour is best served before you schedule a live virtual tour or in-person walkthrough. After you explore the apartment on your own time, you can decide if you want to take the time to get a more in-depth look.
Why should you tour an apartment virtually?
A virtual apartment tour can help you pre-qualify an apartment before visiting in person. They’re a convenient, time-saving way to eliminate the properties you don’t like before you invest more time into your search. If a virtual tour checks all your boxes, you can check it out in person, address any concerns, and fill out an application.
Virtual tour tips if you’re renting out an apartment
Virtual tours are great for renters, but they can be a great tool for landlords. Here are a couple of things to consider if you’re a landlord planning on offering virtual tours.
Virtual tours can benefit landlords as well as tenants
“While most tenants would still prefer to see the rental unit in person before signing a lease, incorporating a virtual apartment tour offers some benefits to both landlords and tenants,” says Meng Chen, founder of PortfolioBay. “For landlords, sharing a pre-recorded tour video with multiple prospects can reduce the number of physical showings required.”
Keep security in mind
“Virtual apartment tours provide a convenient and flexible method for potential tenants to explore properties at their own pace, it also opens the door for on-demand touring while potential tenants drive past your property,” says Roel van de Ven of Keyrenter Property Management Miami West. “To safeguard against scams, it is crucial to prioritize safety. Always request identification before sharing the lockbox code, and regularly change the code to prevent unauthorized access. Moreover, in today’s digitally driven society, renters often prefer receiving information about rent payments, parking policies, and amenities digitally, allowing them to review the details at their convenience.”
Having the office done is Such. A. Relief. From day one, I set out to create a space that would really help get the team’s creative juices flowing. I wanted ideas to literally bounce off the white walls. But trying to stay minimal can be a bit tricky – design is very much in the details when every piece counts. And when you’re working on a budget making the perfect choices definitely took more time than expected!
But as promised, we’re breaking down some of those details today and over the next couple of weeks!, first focusing on the upgrades to the walls. We found affordable, simple and most importantly fun ways to really make the space feel brand new!
We spend the vast majority of our time glued to screens, so I really wanted to capture wall space for old school inspiration. I used to have boxes and boxes of magazine tears, people – that I moved cross country…twice! As we worked on the redesign, we always kept our eyes peeled for new and interesting ways to display pieces of tangible, physical inspiration. That hunt became the source for our most economical DIY yet! Can you guess what it was??
We’d been seeing metal grates pop up all over our fave Scandinavian blogs, so we decided to try and make one ourselves! A simple trip to the hardware store yielded the perfect large scale wire grating for $7! To take it a little beyond junk yard chic, we simply laid it down on some cardboard and spray painted it white. Now it simply hangs from picture hooks. We call it our modern pin board and we’re all obsessed.
The grate is the perfect solution for an awkward wall space that needs some visual interest it hangs on this weird blank spot right before you enter the bathroom!. It adds texture and interest all on its own, but we use it to hang styling ideas for upcoming shoots, odd knick knacks and our favorite art for a seriously cool 3-D statement!
Since half of the team is facing a wall when sitting at our new co-working desk the now iconic Strut Table from Blu Dot, btw!, we needed something inspiring to look at there too. Instead of doing a typical gallery wall, we loved the idea of creating a rotating inspiration shelf. With acrylic clipboards from Muji they proved more economical than these gorgeous ones from Russel & Hazel! and a simple picture rail, we have a chic and quickly interchangeable moodboard to display our most recent magazine musings!
In our book, no office is complete without a bar and we wanted ours to be a highlight of the space! We started out by creating a black statement wall painted with Flat Silhouette by Martha Stewart Living for The Home Depot. Keeping with the minimal style, we floated a clean-lined Ikea console with white lacquer doors and Ikea-hacked it with a customized black surface aka $10 black contact paper purchased on Amazon! Then we brought in one major piece of artwork. This is an especially meaningful piece, as we commissioned our very own Editorial Director to make it! Bianca recently discovered this stunning hidden talent you may remember the piece she did in her own living room here! and her gorgeous abstract ink on canvas really brought the wall to life inquire about your own piece here!.
When it came to lighting, we didn’t have the luxury of installing a “major moment” over our new desk due to a concrete ceiling, so we figured out how to work with the tracking lighting that was already there. We used a simple custom brass pendant made by studioPGRB! to make a stunning, singular statement. We also added a monochromatic black wall sconce by OneFortyThree to instantly upgrade our lighting game!
Finally, we created a mini-gallery moment in our “creativity corner.” Still wanting to keep things as uncluttered as possible, we focused on four art pieces all with a similar color palette and gold frames. The two new ones are original works by fave artist Jennifer Ament and the last little detail is simply a hand-painted watercolor card that we slapped up, unframed, but it totally rounded out the moment. The fresh combo made us fall in love with our favorite art piece from the original design all over again – our Life Magazine image of Vegas showgirls playing chess backstage! J’adore.
That’s detail on just a few of our favorite mini moments around the office. We hope you can see how the simplest changes can have the biggest impact on a room. Next week we’ll break down the creativity corner, the supply closet remember our most popular DIY to date! and what’s on our prop shelves! Stay tuned.
original photography for apartment 34 by Aubrie Pick // moodboard image 1 via Lotta Agaton // 2 via Design Sponge // 3 via Style At Home // 4 via Trendenser // 5 via Stylizimo // 6 via Rebecca Centren
Average mortgage rates tumbled yesterday following a first-class inflation report. In some cases, they are now back below 7% for an excellent borrower wanting a conventional, 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage. Phew!
First thing, markets were signaling that mortgage rates today might fall but perhaps only a little. However, these early mini-trends often switch speed or direction later in the day.
Current mortgage and refinance rates
Program
Mortgage Rate
APR*
Change
Conventional 30-year fixed
7.122%
7.147%
+0.15
Conventional 15-year fixed
6.297%
6.321%
+0.1
Conventional 20-year fixed
7.34%
7.403%
+0.03
Conventional 10-year fixed
6.872%
6.985%
+0.05
30-year fixed FHA
7.065%
7.685%
+0.02
15-year fixed FHA
6.503%
6.972%
+0.16
30-year fixed VA
6.75%
6.959%
+0.25
15-year fixed VA
6.625%
6.965%
Unchanged
5/1 ARM Conventional
6.75%
7.266%
Unchanged
5/1 ARM FHA
6.75%
7.532%
+0.11
5/1 ARM VA
6.75%
7.532%
+0.11
Rates are provided by our partner network, and may not reflect the market. Your rate might be different. Click here for a personalized rate quote. See our rate assumptions See our rate assumptions here.
Should you lock a mortgage rate today?
The chances of mortgage rates falling far and for long later this year improved yesterday. That day’s inflation report helped a lot.
But I reckon we’ll probably need a heap more similarly rate-friendly data in order to bring about that significant and sustained fall. And, while it’s possible such a heap will be delivered quickly, it’s probably more likely we’ll see any improvements late this year or sometime in 2024.
So, my personal rate lock recommendations remain:
LOCK if closing in 7 days
LOCK if closing in 15 days
LOCK if closing in 30 days
LOCK if closing in 45 days
LOCK if closing in 60days
However, with so much uncertainty at the moment, your instincts could easily turn out to be as good as mine — or better. So let your gut and your own tolerance for risk help guide you.
>Related: 7 Tips to get the best refinance rate
Market data affecting today’s mortgage rates
Here’s a snapshot of the state of play this morning at about 9:50 a.m. (ET). The data, compared with roughly the same time yesterday, were:
The yield on 10-year Treasury notes tumbled to 3.81% from 3.91%. (Very good for mortgage rates.) More than any other market, mortgage rates typically tend to follow these particular Treasury bond yields
Major stock indexes were higher. (Bad for mortgage rates.) When investors buy shares, they’re often selling bonds, which pushes those prices down and increases yields and mortgage rates. The opposite may happen when indexes are lower. But this is an imperfect relationship
Oil prices decreased to $75.65 from $75.94 a barrel. (Neutral for mortgage rates*.) Energy prices play a prominent role in creating inflation and also point to future economic activity
Goldprices rose to $1,964 from $1,959 an ounce. (Neutral for mortgage rates*.) It is generally better for rates when gold prices rise and worse when they fall. Gold tends to rise when investors worry about the economy.
CNN Business Fear & Greed index — held steady at 81 out of 100. (Neutral for mortgage rates.) “Greedy” investors push bond prices down (and interest rates up) as they leave the bond market and move into stocks, while “fearful” investors do the opposite. So lower readings are often better than higher ones
*A movement of less than $20 on gold prices or 40 cents on oil ones is a change of 1% or less. So we only count meaningful differences as good or bad for mortgage rates.
Caveats about markets and rates
Before the pandemic and the Federal Reserve’s interventions in the mortgage market, you could look at the above figures and make a pretty good guess about what would happen to mortgage rates that day. But that’s no longer the case. We still make daily calls. And are usually right. But our record for accuracy won’t achieve its former high levels until things settle down.
So, use markets only as a rough guide. Because they have to be exceptionally strong or weak to rely on them. But, with that caveat, mortgage rates today might fall. However, be aware that “intraday swings” (when rates change speed or direction during the day) are a common feature right now.
Important notes on today’s mortgage rates
Here are some things you need to know:
Typically, mortgage rates go up when the economy’s doing well and down when it’s in trouble. But there are exceptions. Read ‘How mortgage rates are determined and why you should care’
Only “top-tier” borrowers (with stellar credit scores, big down payments, and very healthy finances) get the ultralow mortgage rates you’ll see advertised
Lenders vary. Yours may or may not follow the crowd when it comes to daily rate movements — though they all usually follow the broader trend over time
When daily rate changes are small, some lenders will adjust closing costs and leave their rate cards the same
Refinance rates are typically close to those for purchases.
A lot is going on at the moment. And nobody can claim to know with certainty what will happen to mortgage rates in the coming hours, days, weeks or months.
What’s driving mortgage rates today?
Yesterday
Yesterday’s consumer price index (CPI) was a real tonic for mortgage rates. Comerica Bank’s chief economist said that “the fever is breaking“ for inflation.
And The Wall Street Journal (paywall) suggested: “Inflation cooled last month to its slowest pace in more than two years, giving Americans relief from a painful period of rising prices and boosting the chances that the Federal Reserve will stop raising interest rates after an expected increase this month.“
Note that the Journal’s writers (and many others) still expect a rise in general interest rates on Jul. 26. And that might limit how far mortgage rates can fall in the short term.
But other things could also limit the extent and duration of further decreases in mortgage rates. More and more people are talking up the possibility of a “soft landing.“ That refers to the Fed successfully driving down inflation without throwing the country into a recession.
But those of us wanting lower mortgage rates were kind of hoping for a recession. Of course, we didn’t want the bad stuff for the wider population. But mortgage rates tend to fall when the economy is in trouble and rise when it’s doing well.
So, while some falls in mortgage rates might be on the cards later in the year or in 2024, they might not be as big as we’d once been able to hope.
The rest of this week
This morning’s producer price index (PPI) for June was nothing like as important to mortgage rates as yesterday’s CPI. It and tomorrow’s import price index (IPI) are generally seen as secondary inflation measures. But, with markets hyper-sensitive to inflation news right now, they’re worth observing.
Today’s PPI was probably good for mortgage rates. The headline figure (PPI for final demand) came in at 0.1% in June, compared with the expected 0.2%. Just don’t expect it to have as positive an effect as yesterday’s news.
Please read the weekend edition of this daily report for more background on what’s happening to mortgage rates.
Recent trends
According to Freddie Mac’s archives, the weekly all-time low for mortgage rates was set on Jan. 7, 2021, when it stood at 2.65% for conventional, 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages.
Freddie’s Jul. 6 report put that same weekly average at 6.81%, up from the previous week’s 6.71%. But Freddie is almost always out of date by the time it announces its weekly figures.
In November, Freddie stopped including discount points in its forecasts. It has also delayed until later in the day the time at which it publishes its Thursday reports. Andwe now update this section on Fridays.
Expert forecasts for mortgage rates
Looking further ahead, Fannie Mae and the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) each has a team of economists dedicated to monitoring and forecasting what will happen to the economy, the housing sector and mortgage rates.
And here are their rate forecasts for the current quarter (Q2/23) and the following three quarters (Q3/23, Q4/23 and Q1/24).
The numbers in the table below are for 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages. They were both updated in June.
In the past, we included Freddie Mac’s forecasts. But it seems to have given up on publishing those.
Forecaster
Q2/23
Q3/23
Q4/23
Q1/24
Fannie Mae
6.5%
6.6%
6.3%
6.1%
MBA
6.5%
6.2%
5.8%
5.6%
Of course, given so many unknowables, the whole current crop of forecasts might be even more speculative than usual. And their past record for accuracy hasn’t been wildly impressive.
Find your lowest mortgage rate today
You should comparison shop widely, no matter what sort of mortgage you want. Federal regulator the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found in May 2023:
“Mortgage borrowers are paying around $100 a month more depending on which lender they choose, for the same type of loan and the same consumer characteristics (such as credit score and down payment).”
In other words, over the lifetime of a 30-year loan, homebuyers who don’t bother to get quotes from multiple lenders risk losing an average of $36,000. What could you do with that sort of money?
Mortgage rate methodology
The Mortgage Reports receives rates based on selected criteria from multiple lending partners each day. We arrive at an average rate and APR for each loan type to display in our chart. Because we average an array of rates, it gives you a better idea of what you might find in the marketplace. Furthermore, we average rates for the same loan types. For example, FHA fixed with FHA fixed. The end result is a good snapshot of daily rates and how they change over time.
How your mortgage interest rate is determined
Mortgage and refinance rates vary a lot depending on each borrower’s unique situation.
Factors that determine your mortgage interest rate include:
Overall strength of the economy — A strong economy usually means higher rates, while a weaker one can push current mortgage rates down to promote borrowing
Lender capacity — When a lender is very busy, it will increase rates to deter new business and give its loan officers some breathing room
Property type (condo, single-family, town house, etc.) — A primary residence, meaning a home you plan to live in full time, will have a lower interest rate. Investment properties, second homes, and vacation homes have higher mortgage rates
Loan-to-value ratio (determined by your down payment) — Your loan-to-value ratio (LTV) compares your loan amount to the value of the home. A lower LTV, meaning a bigger down payment, gets you a lower mortgage rate
Debt-To-Income ratio — This number compares your total monthly debts to your pretax income. The more debt you currently have, the less room you’ll have in your budget for a mortgage payment
Loan term — Loans with a shorter term (like a 15-year mortgage) typically have lower rates than a 30-year loan term
Borrower’s credit score — Typically the higher your credit score is, the lower your mortgage rate, and vice versa
Mortgage discount points — Borrowers have the option to buy discount points or ‘mortgage points’ at closing. These let you pay money upfront to lower your interest rate
Remember, every mortgage lender weighs these factors a little differently.
To find the best rate for your situation, you’ll want to get personalized estimates from a few different lenders.
Are refinance rates the same as mortgage rates?
Rates for a home purchase and mortgage refinance are often similar.
However, some lenders will charge more for a refinance under certain circumstances.
Typically when rates fall, homeowners rush to refinance. They see an opportunity to lock in a lower rate and payment for the rest of their loan.
This creates a tidal wave of new work for mortgage lenders.
Unfortunately, some lenders don’t have the capacity or crew to process a large number of refinance loan applications.
In this case, a lender might raise its rates to deter new business and give loan officers time to process loans currently in the pipeline.
Also, cashing out equity can result in a higher rate when refinancing.
Cash-out refinances pose a greater risk for mortgage lenders, so they’re often priced higher than new home purchases and rate-term refinances.
How to get the lowest mortgage or refinance rate
Since rates can vary, always shop around when buying a house or refinancing a mortgage.
Comparison shopping can potentially save thousands, even tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Get multiple quotes
Many borrowers make the mistake of accepting the first mortgage or refinance offer they receive.
Some simply go with the bank they use for checking and savings since that can seem easiest.
However, your bank might not offer the best mortgage deal for you. And if you’re refinancing, your financial situation may have changed enough that your current lender is no longer your best bet.
So get multiple quotes from at least three different lenders to find the right one for you.
2. Compare Loan Estimates
When shopping for a mortgage or refinance, lenders will provide a Loan Estimate that breaks down important costs associated with the loan.
You’ll want to read these Loan Estimates carefully and compare costs and fees line-by-line, including:
Interest rate
Annual percentage rate (APR)
Monthly mortgage payment
Loan origination fees
Rate lock fees
Closing costs
Remember, the lowest interest rate isn’t always the best deal.
Annual percentage rate (APR) can help you compare the ‘real’ cost of two loans. It estimates your total yearly cost including interest and fees.
Also pay close attention to your closing costs.
Some lenders may bring their rates down by charging more upfront via discount points. These can add thousands to your out-of-pocket costs.
3. Negotiate your mortgage rate
You can also negotiate your mortgage rate to get a better deal.
Let’s say you get loan estimates from two lenders. Lender A offers the better rate, but you prefer your loan terms from Lender B. Talk to Lender B and see if they can beat the former’s pricing.
You might be surprised to find that a lender is willing to give you a lower interest rate in order to keep your business.
And if they’re not, keep shopping — there’s a good chance someone will.
Fixed-rate mortgage vs. adjustable-rate mortgage: Which is right for you?
Mortgage borrowers can choose between a fixed-rate mortgage and an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM).
Fixed-rate mortgages (FRMs) have interest rates that never change, unless you decide to refinance. This results in predictable monthly payments and stability over the life of your loan.
Adjustable-rate loans have a low interest rate that’s fixed for a set number of years (typically five or seven). After the initial fixed-rate period, the interest rate adjusts every year based on market conditions.
With each rate adjustment, a borrower’s mortgage rate can either increase, decrease, or stay the same. These loans are unpredictable since monthly payments can change each year.
Adjustable-rate mortgages are fitting for borrowers who expect to move before their first rate adjustment, or who can afford a higher future payment.
In most other cases, a fixed-rate mortgage is typically the safer and better choice.
Remember, if rates drop sharply, you are free to refinance and lock in a lower rate and payment later on.
How your credit score affects your mortgage rate
You don’t need a high credit score to qualify for a home purchase or refinance, but your credit score will affect your rate.
This is because credit history determines risk level.
Historically speaking, borrowers with higher credit scores are less likely to default on their mortgages, so they qualify for lower rates.
For the best rate, aim for a credit score of 720 or higher.
Mortgage programs that don’t require a high score include:
Conventional home loans — minimum 620 credit score
FHA loans — minimum 500 credit score (with a 10% down payment) or 580 (with a 3.5% down payment)
VA loans — no minimum credit score, but 620 is common
USDA loans — minimum 640 credit score
Ideally, you want to check your credit report and score at least 6 months before applying for a mortgage. This gives you time to sort out any errors and make sure your score is as high as possible.
If you’re ready to apply now, it’s still worth checking so you have a good idea of what loan programs you might qualify for and how your score will affect your rate.
You can get your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com and your score from MyFico.com.
How big of a down payment do I need?
Nowadays, mortgage programs don’t require the conventional 20 percent down.
In fact, first-time home buyers put only 6 percent down on average.
Down payment minimums vary depending on the loan program. For example:
Conventional home loans require a down payment between 3% and 5%
FHA loans require 3.5% down
VA and USDA loans allow zero down payment
Jumbo loans typically require at least 5% to 10% down
Keep in mind, a higher down payment reduces your risk as a borrower and helps you negotiate a better mortgage rate.
If you are able to make a 20 percent down payment, you can avoid paying for mortgage insurance.
This is an added cost paid by the borrower, which protects their lender in case of default or foreclosure.
But a big down payment is not required.
For many people, it makes sense to make a smaller down payment in order to buy a house sooner and start building home equity.
Choosing the right type of home loan
No two mortgage loans are alike, so it’s important to know your options and choose the right type of mortgage.
The five main types of mortgages include:
Fixed-rate mortgage (FRM)
Your interest rate remains the same over the life of the loan. This is a good option for borrowers who expect to live in their homes long-term.
The most popular loan option is the 30-year mortgage, but 15- and 20-year terms are also commonly available.
Adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM)
Adjustable-rate loans have a fixed interest rate for the first few years. Then, your mortgage rate resets every year.
Your rate and payment can rise or fall annually depending on how the broader interest rate trends.
ARMs are ideal for borrowers who expect to move prior to their first rate adjustment (usually in 5 or 7 years).
For those who plan to stay in their home long-term, a fixed-rate mortgage is typically recommended.
Jumbo mortgage
A jumbo loan is a mortgage that exceeds the conforming loan limit set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
In 2023, the conforming loan limit is $726,200 in most areas.
Jumbo loans are perfect for borrowers who need a larger loan to purchase a high-priced property, especially in big cities with high real estate values.
FHA mortgage
A government loan backed by the Federal Housing Administration for low- to moderate-income borrowers. FHA loans feature low credit score and down payment requirements.
VA mortgage
A government loan backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. To be eligible, you must be active-duty military, a veteran, a Reservist or National Guard service member, or an eligible spouse.
VA loans allow no down payment and have exceptionally low mortgage rates.
USDA mortgage
USDA loans are a government program backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They offer a no-down-payment solution for borrowers who purchase real estate in an eligible rural area. To qualify, your income must be at or below the local median.
Bank statement loan
Borrowers can qualify for a mortgage without tax returns, using their personal or business bank account. This is an option for self-employed or seasonally-employed borrowers.
Portfolio/Non-QM loan
These are mortgages that lenders don’t sell on the secondary mortgage market. This gives lenders the flexibility to set their own guidelines.
Non-QM loans may have lower credit score requirements, or offer low-down-payment options without mortgage insurance.
Choosing the right mortgage lender
The lender or loan program that’s right for one person might not be right for another.
Explore your options and then pick a loan based on your credit score, down payment, and financial goals, as well as local home prices.
Whether you’re getting a mortgage for a home purchase or a refinance, always shop around and compare rates and terms.
Typically, it only takes a few hours to get quotes from multiple lenders — and it could save you thousands in the long run.
Current mortgage rates methodology
We receive current mortgage rates each day from a network of mortgage lenders that offer home purchase and refinance loans. Mortgage rates shown here are based on sample borrower profiles that vary by loan type. See our full loan assumptions here.
Your home is your sanctuary, and it should reflect your personality and style. Decorating your home can be a fun and rewarding process, but sometimes it can be challenging to make your decor stand out from the crowd. If you’re looking to give your home a unique and distinctive look, here are some tips to help you achieve that goal:
Mix and Match
Feel free to mix and match different styles and textures. Pair modern furniture with vintage accessories, or mix bold patterns with neutral colors.
Use Color
Color is a powerful tool in home decor. Choose a color palette that reflects your personal style, and use it throughout your home. You can also add pops of color with accessories like pillows, throws, and artwork.
Incorporate Art
Art can add personality and depth to your home decor. Choose pieces that you love and that reflect your interests and style. You can also create your own artwork, or display family photos and mementos.
Add Texture
Texture can add warmth and interest to your home decor. Use natural materials like wood, stone, and woven fabrics to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Play with Lighting
Lighting can create mood and ambiance in your home. Use a combination of overhead lighting, table lamps, and accent lighting to create a layered and dynamic effect.
Embrace Quirkiness
Don’t be afraid to embrace your quirks and unique interests in your home decor. Display your collections, showcase your hobbies, and incorporate unexpected elements like a vintage typewriter or a funky piece of artwork.
DIY
DIY projects can be a great way to add a personal touch to your home decor. Create your own artwork, refinish old furniture, or repurpose thrift store finds to create one-of-a-kind pieces.
By following these tips, you can make your home decor more distinctive and reflective of your personal style. Remember, the key is to have fun and be creative. Your home is a reflection of who you are, so make it a space that you love, and that truly feels like yours.
And by “it all,” we mean other people. There are plenty of folks who value solitude and privacy as much in their apartment hunt as air conditioning and storage space.
The good news is, by knowing the right factors and variables to look for, you can find yourself that secluded dream apartment where you can shut the world out as much as you wish.
Communal spaces to avoid
For privacy seekers and introverts, how and where you are forced to interact with your neighbors might be a key factor in choosing an apartment. It may be best to avoid complexes and buildings that include a lobby or sitting area you must walk through to get to stairs or an elevator – this is a prime location for neighbor interaction. Same goes for public spaces such as activity rooms and pools. If you’re not planning on utilizing these amenities, save your money if your complex charges extra for these features.
The most social location in any multi-unit dwelling is the laundry room. It’s a good place to be in a confined space with your neighbors, whether you wish to or not. So it may be in your interest to look for an apartment with an in-suite laundry that’s large enough to meet your needs. Same goes for communal trash disposal rooms, an issue easily solved by finding a building with a trash chute right on your floor. And if you’re lucky, you can even uncover a rental where the mail gets delivered your right to your door so you can avoid cluster mailboxes.
Stairwells and end units
The actual location of your apartment within the complex is just as important for people looking for privacy. Shared stairwells are a terrible place to run into a neighbor you’re not interested in talking to, and being trapped in an elevator with them is even worse. Instead, try to find an apartment with a private exterior staircase to your unit or a first-floor unit with a door opening directly to the outside.
As well, end and corner apartments are great for privacy seekers. Most buildings have stairwells – often made for emergency escape but also regularly accessible – capping the end of hallways which are great for a quick skulk out the building.
The most advantageous feature of that corner or end unit is only sharing a wall with one neighbor. You have an entire side of your apartment with no noise creep, banging, television blare and overheard spousal spats. You can keep all that silence to yourself.
Windows and outdoor spaces
Balconies and porches are wonderful places to enjoy your privacy. A wide open space to stretch your arms and speak to nobody. But are you on display when you’re enjoying your outdoor space? While apartment hunting, walk out onto the balcony and determine if it’s possible for people across the way to see you, even from inside their apartment.
Trees out the back of the unit are great to stay secluded, but if you’re visiting the unit in the summer, don’t forget that those trees may be leaf-bare all fall and winter. End units and apartments that back up to empty spaces are helpful to ensure your privacy, but see if your next door neighbors can easily lean over their railings into your private space and start an unwanted chat.
It’s not just balconies that are a concern. When on your apartment search, check all the windows to see how easily a neighbor – or stranger walking by – can peek in on those rare occasions when you have not drawn the blinds. Even on an upper floor, an across-the-way neighbor can be an unwanted looky-loo even by accident, so be sure to investigate all angles.
Location, location, (secluded) location
Obviously, the most central factor in maintaining your privacy during the apartment hunt is where you look. Investigate the neighborhoods and subdivisions you’re looking in and get a feel for how sociable the people are.
Who is outside? Where is the park? How close to a commercial district is it? With a little research and a lot of privacy radar, you’ll find the perfect apartment to enjoy your uninterrupted peace and quiet.
Michael is a Philadelphia-based writer with a variety of interests, including music, concerts, TV, politics, travel and sports. His background includes a decade as a programming executive in network television, six years as a marketing executive at a technology company, and time at two magazines and two advertising agencies. He currently works as Craft Beer & Brewery contributor for the Visit Philly Greater Philadelphia Tourism Bureau and sits on the board of a non-profit law firm that assists veterans with disabilities. Michael is a proud Syracuse grad (Newhouse) who has lived in Wichita, Albany, Chicago, Washington DC, Boston and beyond.
They say your home is the museum of your life. I’m first to admit I can take that to a bit of an extreme. I’ve just always loved decorative objects. I find them on trips, the flea market, random boutiques. They always remind of the time and place where I found them. Thankfully, with all the styling we do around here these days, my accessories collection now comes in very handy! We decided to kill two birds with one stone with the Apartment 34 office redesign: store all our props and use them for our own decor!
When it comes to styling office shelves – especially when you’re working with a lot of accessories, the key is to keep things from getting totally overwhelming. In our case, there was editing involved although you might not be able to tell!. In order to avoid a hot mess, we styled the bookcases with a cohesive neutral color palette in mind: white, gray, creams and tans. A few pops of green, blue and bronze keep it from feeling too monotonous. Anything that didn’t work in our color scheme got stored out of sight.
Another shelf styling rule of thumb is to create vignettes in threes. Each shelf got its own mini-threesome or two!. We grouped bowls, candles, vases and the like. Be sure to always vary the heights of your accessories to create balance!
Stacks of books and my never ending collection of Vogues! also helped break up horizontal lines and offer additional texture. There’s something about books that immediately warms up a space.
We also incorporated a variety of our glass objects vases, carafes & even a selection of my favorite wine bottles to keep the shelves from feeling visually heavy. Adding in plants we picked a rubber leaf and snake plant injected the entire space with life duh but I also love their different shapes and textures.
We broke up the all the business we’ve got going on at our coworking desk by creating a distinct seating area on the opposite side of the room. It’s a lovely spot for group brainstorming sessions, magazine browsing and general decompression from screen time! I mixed a traditional sofa with more modern chairs and sweet white enamel side table. I used the art to inject the area with color.
Finally, you may remember our office supply closet DIY from last year. Well, now we get to fully enjoy it because we removed the supply closet doors! I was pleasantly surprised how much it opened up the room. Now all we see is all that great bright white space, styled desk supplies yes you can be picky about your office supplies and it DOES make a difference.
Even with all our details proudly on display the office feels more open, more spacious and really inviting. By keeping our edit tight and the floor plan spread out we keep the room feeling overtaken by stuff. Now when we’re working on our next shoot everything we need is right at our fingertips!
original photography for apartment 34 by Aubrie Pick
Spirit Airlines is known for its low fares and plentiful flights to popular vacation destinations. But because of the airline’s pricing model, choosing your seat and most other services beyond the ticket itself will cost you extra when flying Spirit.
Before you book your ticket, here’s what to know about seat selection on Spirit Airlines, including the types of seats available and how much they might cost.
Spirit Airlines seat assignment
As an ultra low-cost carrier, the rule of thumb on Spirit is that seat selection isn’t free, and customers can expect to pay for seats on each leg of their trip.
The only travelers who don’t have to pay a seat selection fee are Free Spirit elite status members, who get free seat selection as one of the program’s perks.
When booking, you can pay for seat selection and baggage as part of a bundle. Alternatively, you can choose your seats individually as a trip add-on during booking or anytime after — even at check-in.
Do I have to select a seat on Spirit Airlines?
Travelers hoping to fly as cheaply as possible can skip paying for seat selection altogether. In that case, the airline will randomly assign them a seat at check-in.
Yes, that means you could end up sitting apart from your travel companions: The airline states it can’t guarantee travelers will be assigned seats next to each other, even if they booked the tickets on one reservation.
However, the airline says gate agents and flight attendants will try to provide adjacent seats “when possible” for travelers ages 13 or younger who are traveling with an adult.
Notably, this assurance is not enough to meet the U.S. Department of Transportation’s new recommendations that airlines guarantee adjacent family seating for no additional cost.
Spirit Airlines seat types
Unlike other airlines that have a wide range of seat types and classes of service, it’s pretty straightforward on Spirit — there are just three options to choose from.
Standard seats
Spirit’s standard seats represent the vast majority of seats on the aircraft. You can buy a standard seat a la carte or purchase it as part of a bundle — which we’ll discuss in a moment.
While you may want to equate a standard seat to economy class on another airline, don’t expect much besides a place to sit. As a budget airline, you’ll generally have to pay for anything else you want, from soda and snacks to carry-on bags and other services.
Premium seats
On Spirit, premium seats are exit row seats that come with a bit of extra legroom but also require passengers to be able and willing to assist in an emergency. This means travelers under the age of 15 can’t choose these seats, per federal guidelines.
Big Front Seats
While Spirit doesn’t have a true first class, it does offer wider seats with more legroom at the front of the aircraft. The airline calls the seats in this section the Big Front Seats.
With eight or ten such seats available on each flight — depending on the aircraft — Big Front Seat passengers get up to 32% more legroom when compared to standard seats. There’s also no middle seat, as all Big Front Seats are either window or aisle seats.
Spirit Airlines seating chart
On the web, there are a few ways to see the Spirit seating chart. You can take a sneak peek before choosing a flight by selecting “seat map” on an itinerary you’re considering.
Once you do that, you can view seat types and availability on the plane, as shown in this example flight from Newark, New Jersey to Orlando, Florida.
When it comes time to select a seat while booking, the seat map will show the price of each seat. When you select a seat, a pop-up box will display the price, along with an image and additional information, like whether it’s an aisle or window seat.
If you’re selecting seats as part of a bundle, you’ll choose your seats using the same type of map, but seats included in the bundle will be listed at $0.
How to pick seats on Spirit Airlines
When it comes to selecting a seat on Spirit, you have three main options:
Pay to select seats a la carte while booking, or anytime up until check-in.
Pay for a bundle that includes seat selection, baggage and other benefits such as priority boarding.
Skip seat selection and pay nothing. This option will result in the airline randomly assigning you a seat at check-in.
Spirit Airlines seat selection fees
Seat assignment prices can vary dramatically based on the flight and the seat you choose. Spirit advertises the price for a standard seat as starting at $5 per flight and climbing as high as $200 under the most expensive circumstances.
The price of a Big Front Seat ranges from $12 to $750 per route, and will be pricier than standard seats for the extra space. You can also save money by paying to upgrade to a Big Front Seat on the day of your flight, but there’s always a chance there won’t be any available.
In NerdWallet’s analysis of airline seat fees, Spirit Airlines is the second most expensive among major U.S. airlines, at an average of $20 per seat per flight. Spirit trails only its budget airline counterpart, Frontier, in that ranking.
With such a wide range of prices, let’s see what these fees look like in practice. We priced out a summer weekend trip from Baltimore/Washington International Airport in Maryland to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida, with a base fare coming in at $229 round-trip. On the leg to Florida, seat selection fees start at $17 for a standard seat toward the back of the plane.
If we want to sit closer to the front of the plane, standard seats go for $18 or $27. Exit row seats are $33, while the larger, extra-legroom Big Front Seat costs $110.
For the return trip, the cheapest seats start at $20.
If we aren’t paying for extra baggage, and if we select the least expensive seat each way, our $228 ticket ultimately comes out to $265.
Spirit Airlines fee bundles
Instead of paying for seats separately, you can pay for one of Spirit’s bundles. These include a checked and/or full-size carry-on bag, a standard seat and other services for one price.
Like the seats themselves, the costs of the bundles vary by flight. And keep in mind you’ll need to pay for the bundle for both the outbound and return flight.
Before choosing a bundle, you’ll want to decide what services you need and then price out the best option.
Here’s what you get with Spirit’s two main bundles:
Seat selection
Other services included
Just For You Bundle
Standard seats included.
Shortcut boarding and one checked bag or one full-sized carry-on bag.
Bundle It Combo
Standard seats and premium (exit row) seats included. Big Front Seats not included.
Shortcut boarding, checked bag and full-sized carry-on bag, plus one free flight change allowed.
For our hypothetical trip from Baltimore to Fort Lauderdale with a $229 base fare, the Just for You bundle costs $69 each way. The Bundle It Combo tacks on $130 each way.
So if we decide to add on the Bundle It Combo, we would pay $489 — which might not be such a good deal.
If we only want one part of a bundle’s offerings — for example, a carry-on bag — and don’t need seat selection or priority boarding, it might make sense to skip the bundle and pay for the carry-on bag separately.
Spirit Saver$ Club
Members of Spirit’s subscription-based Saver$ Club receive discounts on seat selection for themselves and up to eight travel companions, along with other benefits like expedited security access, early boarding and ticket flexibility.
The program costs $69 for a 12-month membership, with 18-month and two-year memberships also available.
Spirit Airlines seat selection for elite members
One of the most useful perks of Spirit Airlines elite status is the ability to select a seat for free. Spirit’s seat selection benefits for elite status members are as follows:
Free Spirit Silver members get complimentary seat selection at check-in and may be able to move to an exit row seat prior to departure at no cost.
Free Spirit Gold members get complimentary seat selection when booking, including exit rows.
If you’re a frequent Spirit flyer, you can work toward Free Spirit elite status through flying and everyday spending using the Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard®. Cardholders earn 1 Status Qualifying Point (SQP) per $10 spent on eligible purchases.
For context, it takes 2,000 SQP to reach Free Spirit Silver and earn complimentary seat selection at check-in. Gold status is earned once you reach 5,000 SQPs.
Spirit Airlines seat selection recapped
When flying a budget airline like Spirit Airlines, you should go in expecting that your ticket only gets you a spot on the plane and a personal item that fits under the seat. Anything else, including choosing your seat, will cost extra.
When booking a Spirit Airlines flight, a little research and strategy can help you save money. Figure out your greatest areas of need— whether it’s a full-sized bag, shortcut boarding or selecting a seat — and then compare the price of bundling your add-on services or paying for them individually.
And, if you’re planning to fly Spirit regularly, supplementing your flying with an airline-branded credit card is a great way to help you reach elite status and earn free seat selection.
(Top photo courtesy of Spirit Airlines)
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:
Living in a studio apartment can be both challenging and exciting. With limited space, it’s essential to make every square foot count while creating a stylish and functional living environment, whether you live in a Sacramento apartment or you’re looking for apartments in Little Rock. If you’re looking to transform your studio apartment into a cozy and well-designed space, here are ten tips to consider for styling a studio apartment.
1. If you opt for a designer, find one who understands your lifestyle
When seeking the assistance of an interior designer, it’s crucial to choose someone who understands your lifestyle and specific needs. A designer who specializes in small spaces can offer creative solutions tailored to your preferences, ensuring that your studio apartment reflects your personality and enhances your daily activities.
“Home is a psychological experience,” says Christopher Travis, CEO of Truehome Design.Build. “Find a designer who listens to who you are and how you live. It is not the building that matters. It’s the experience you have when you move into that space.”
2. Use room dividers strategically
Creating defined spaces within a studio apartment can help create a sense of separation and privacy. Use room dividers strategically to delineate areas such as the bedroom, living room, and dining space. Consider options like bookshelves, curtains, or folding screens that can be easily moved or adjusted as needed.
“When styling a studio apartment, you have to create more with less,” according to Alexis Schuchert of Detroit-based interior design company Concetti Studio. “To do so, consider your paths of travel and what multi-functional furniture can be used to give you different living areas in one space. For example, you can float your sofa to create a divide in the room, use room dividers to create privacy and install a Murphy bed to maximize space.”
3. Get a media console
Investing in a media console serves multiple purposes in a studio apartment. Not only does it provide a designated spot for your television, but it also offers additional storage for media devices, books, and other items. Opt for a console with built-in shelves or drawers to maximize functionality while minimizing clutter.
“When designing a studio apartment, choose wisely,” says Robyn Branch of Robyn Branch Designs. “One of my constant pieces is a media console. It can house so many things and anchor your space as well as define the room. You can use it as a satellite bar and have extra storage.”
4. Be selective when bringing items into your studio apartment
Clutter can quickly make a small space feel overwhelming. Be mindful of the accessories you choose for your studio apartment and aim for a minimalist approach. Select a few meaningful pieces that contribute to the overall aesthetic while ensuring they serve a practical purpose.
“Clear the clutter- less is more,” says designer Julia Weinberg of Julia Robin Interiors. “Be choosy about which accessories and furniture you put in your apartment. Each piece on display should be either functional or beautiful (ideally both), and fit in with the overall design scheme. Get rid of anything else.”
5. Choose a cohesive color scheme
To create a sense of unity and flow in your studio apartment, select a cohesive color scheme. Opt for light and neutral shades to make the space appear more open and spacious. Add pops of color through accessories or artwork to inject personality and visual interest without overwhelming the overall aesthetic.
“Less color is more when it comes to choosing a paint color scheme for your walls,” says Janine from Fluff + Puff Staging and Redesign. “Try to avoid any dark or bright paint choices. Stick to just one or two neutral colors and by using the same color in one area, your space will feel more cohesive and larger.”
6. Embrace natural light
Maximize the natural light in your studio apartment to create an open and airy atmosphere. Use sheer curtains or blinds that allow sunlight to filter through while maintaining privacy. Mirrors placed strategically can also help bounce light around the space and give the illusion of a larger area.
7. Maximize your bedroom storage space
In a studio apartment, the bedroom area often shares the same space as the living room. To maintain a sense of separation and maximize storage, consider investing in furniture pieces with built-in storage capabilities. Opt for a bed frame with drawers underneath or a wardrobe with extra shelves to keep your belongings organized and out of sight.
Paige Loperfido from Decor and More Designs recommends wall mounted bedside storage with sconces above. “This frees up space on the nightstand, and keeps the room feeling less cramped while also giving a cozy hotel feel.”
8. Emphasize vertical storage
When horizontal space is limited, look up. Make use of vertical storage solutions to maximize your studio apartment’s storage capacity. Install floating shelves, wall-mounted hooks, or hanging organizers to keep your belongings off the floor and utilize every available inch of space.
9. Utilize versatile decor
Versatility is key when decorating a studio apartment. Look for furniture and decor items that can serve multiple functions. For example, a storage ottoman can be used as a coffee table, extra seating, and a hidden storage solution. A foldable dining table can double as a workspace during the day and a dining area when needed.
“The key to styling studio apartments is to marry function with beauty,” says Ashlie Adam, principal designer at Ashlie Adam Interiors. “When space is limited, it is important to have items serve more than one purpose. For example, you could select an ottoman for sitting but that opens up and has storage space.”
Maria Parra of Styly Home adds, “”Multifunctional furniture, for example, an ottoman that can also be used to store some blankets, is always a good idea for studio apartments because they are perfect for small spaces”
10. Keep it organized and tidy
Finally, maintaining an organized and tidy studio apartment is crucial for creating a visually pleasing environment. Implement storage solutions that work for you, develop a routine for decluttering regularly, and find homes for all your belongings. A well-organized space will not only make your studio apartment look more appealing, but also enhance your daily living experience.
When The Sound of Music hit the big screen in March 1965, audiences fell in love with the von Trapp family.
The hills and the movie theaters alike became alive with the sound of music, dance, and romance thanks to Maria and her crew.
As the third highest-grossing film of all time, The Sound of Music stole our hearts, as did the film’s stars Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer as Maria and Georg.
And these are just a few of our favorite things!
That’s why today, we’re taking a look at another big part of the musical family’s legacy: the Trapp Family Lodge in the United States. Continue reading about the family’s majestic alpine lodge that sits on 2,500 acres in the Green Mountain State.
How the von Trapps landed in the United States
The family’s homestead has more than just raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.
As the story goes, the von Trapp family escaped their native Austria as the Nazis took over their beloved homeland.
The family’s daring escape led them to none other than Vermont in the United States.
Before officially moving to the New England region of the US, they toured the country in the early 1940s as the Trapp Family Singers.
They soon settled in Stowe, Vermont, on a farm with sweeping mountain vistas reminiscent of their beautiful native land. The house they lived in at the time was called “Cor Unum”, which means “one heart”.
How Trapp Family Lodge came to be
In the summer of 1950, the von Trapps opened their rapidly expanding, 27-room family home/lodge to guests.
After a devastating fire in 1980, the home was replaced by the Trapp Family Lodge, a 96-room alpine lodge situated on 2,500 acres.
Offering guests a variety of indoor and outdoor resort amenities, the entire property is owned and operated by the von Trapp family.
How to get the von Trapp experience
Located at 700 Trapp Hill Road in Stowe, VT guests are greeted with wide, open arms at the stunning Vermont resort.
After the fire in 1980, the lodge was expanded, rebuilt and reopened to the public in 1983. And in 2000, the west wing was added.
Open all year long, the resort offers a year-round indoor heated pool and hot tub, along with an outdoor pool during the summer months.
Guests are treated to world-class dining with three different restaurants serving farm-to-table cuisine.
There are plenty of trails to explore, tours of the sugar house (via snowshoes during the winter), and brewery tours of the onsite brewery, to name a few of the fun activities.
And did we mention the ski hill?
Of course, there’s much to check out, including family photos, movie posters, playbills and more von Trapp family memorabilia on display at the Trapp Family Lodge.
Bring your family to the family lodge
Grab the kids and pack your bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens!
The Trapp Family Lodge is a great place to explore the great outdoors with your family, while getting a huge dose of movie memorabilia.
Maria and Captain von Trapp are survived by their children Johannes and Rosmarie, many grandchildren, as well as many great-grandchildren.
You might run into one (or many of them) while visiting the lodge as they are the owners and operators of the exclusive Vermont resort.
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