The Artisanal Furnishings Brand Becomes Havenly’s Third Acquisition as The Company Continues to Expand Their Offerings for The Rising Home Consumer.
DENVER , Feb. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Havenly, the country’s leading interior design service and home furnishings company, announced today it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire The Citizenry as part of its ongoing efforts to build a collection of home brands and technologies that appeal to the next generation of shoppers. The acquisition, which is the third brand acquisition in 24 months for Havenly, is indicative of the design & furnishings leader’s growth trajectory as it expands upon its offerings for the digital first home consumer.
Launched in 2014 by Rachel Bentley and Carly Nance, The Citizenry works with master artisans and heritage manufacturers to bring to market beautiful, globally-inspired designs, that are ethically crafted across rugs, bedding, decorative textiles and accents.
“As a personal customer of The Citizenry, I’m thrilled to bring the brand into the Havenly family,” said Lee Mayer, co-founder and CEO of Havenly. “Rachel and Carly’s unrivaled commitment to sustainability, social impact, and support of artisans combined with premium quality and exquisite design is truly something revolutionary in the space, and a big reason why The Citizenry has long been a favorite among our customers. We’re excited to build on the work they’ve done to help usher in the next era of great home brands for the modern consumers.”
In recent years, amidst the increased importance of home, Havenly has been building a design-led ecosystem that offers unparalleled access to talented designers alongside beautiful and functional furniture and decor offerings, driven by the needs and preferences of the next generation of home customers. Havenly has focused on partnering with market leading brands in the direct to consumer space, emphasizing consistent quality and sustainability. The acquisition of The Citizenry expands the company’s offerings in furniture, textiles and home decor by adding a beloved brand for this consumer.
“We are excited to join the Havenly house of brands,” said Carly Nance, Co-founder of The Citizenry. “We truly believe their team is building the next-generation home decor powerhouse, investing in the right tools to fuel the purchase journey and meeting customers with inspiration in the moments that matter most. We bring our rich brand, distinctive product offering, and loyal customer base to fuel that vision.”
The acquisition comes on the heels of Havenly’s purchase of the assets of customizable furniture and upholstery brand, Interior Define. In combination with the 2022 acquisition of The Inside, a direct-to-consumer home furnishing brand known for its customizable pieces and heritage design partnerships, Havenly has solidified itself as a rising market leader in home decor and design.
As part of the acquisition, Rachel Bentley will continue on with the brand as President of The Citizenry, and Carly Nance will transition to serving as an Executive Brand Advisor. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
ABOUT HAVENLY
Havenly is creating home for this generation. Made up of the nation’s largest scaled interior design service, as well as leading brands in home furnishings like Interior Define, The Inside, and The Citizenry – Havenly is bringing a fresh take on home design and home furnishings to the modern home consumer.
Through their design services, Havenly creates hundreds of thousands of designs per year, making them the go-to source for in-home design inspiration across the country. In conjunction with their furnishings brands, Havenly is becoming one of the premier destinations for all things home.
For more information, visit www.Havenly.com, www.InteriorDefine.com, and www.TheInside.com and follow on Instagram at @thehavenly, @interiordefine, and @theinside
ABOUT THE CITIZENRY
The Citizenry is a direct to consumer, socially-conscious home decor brand. The Citizenry partners with master artisans & heritage manufacturers to create exclusive collections of home goods, crafted with the finest materials and time-tested techniques. The brand is setting new standards for transparency and social responsibility in the market – every piece is ethically crafted in fair trade environments.
For more information, visit www.the-citizenry.com and follow The Citizenry on Instagram
For media inquiries, please contact: Adalia Roberts Full Picture [email protected]
Are you eligible for the zero-down USDA home loan?
What if you could secure a USDA home loan that allows you to buy a house with no down payment, competitive mortgage rates, and reduced mortgage insurance costs?
It might sound like a dream, but it’s entirely possible with the USDA mortgage program. Designed to assist low- and moderate-income Americans in becoming homeowners, USDA loans provide incredibly affordable financing options for eligible buyers.
Essentially, USDA mortgages empower individuals to transition from renting to owning, even when they thought homeownership was out of reach.
Verify your USDA loan eligibility. Start here
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>Related: How to buy a house with $0 down: First-time home buyer
What is a USDA loan?
USDA loans are mortgages backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as part of its Rural Development Guaranteed Housing Loan program. The USDA offers financing with no down payment, reduced mortgage insurance, and below-market mortgage rates.
Verify your USDA loan eligibility. Start here
The USDA mortgage program is intended for home buyers with low-to-average household incomes. In order to qualify, you must also purchase a home in a “rural area” as the USDA defines it. Those who are eligible can use a USDA mortgage to buy a home or refinance one they already own.
USDA loans offer nearly unbeatable benefits for qualified borrowers. So if this program sounds like a good fit for you, it’s worth getting in touch with a participating lender to find out if you’re eligible.
How do USDA loans work?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture insures USDA loans. Thanks to government guarantees and subsidies, lenders can offer 100% financing and below-market interest rates without taking on too much risk.
Verify your USDA loan eligibility. Start here
Although the USDA backs this program, it typically isn’t the one lending money. Instead, private lenders are authorized to offer USDA loans. That means you can get a USDA mortgage from many mainstream banks, mortgage lenders, and credit unions.
The application process for a USDA mortgage works just like any other home loan. You’ll compare rates and choose a lender, complete an application (often online), provide financial documents, wait for the lender’s approval, and then set a closing day.
The only exception is for very low-income borrowers, who may qualify for a USDA Direct home loan. In this case, you’d go straight to the Department of Agriculture to apply rather than to a private lender.
Types of USDA loans
For eligible individuals and families looking to buy, build, or renovate a home in a rural area, the USDA offers three main mortgage loan types. The loan programs are as follows:.
Verify your USDA loan eligibility. Start here
USDA Guaranteed Loans
Approved private lenders, such as banks and mortgage companies, provide USDA loan guarantees to qualified borrowers. A USDA guaranteed loan is one in which the government backs a portion of the loan, lowering the lender’s risk and allowing them to offer more favorable terms to the borrower. These loans frequently have low interest rates, no down payment, and more lenient credit requirements. The property must be in an eligible rural area as the USDA defines it, and borrowers must meet household income requirements that vary depending on location and household size.
USDA Direct Loans
The USDA also offers the Single Family Housing Direct loan through the Section 502 Direct Loan Program. These loans are meant to help low-income families buy, build, or fix up small homes in rural areas. The USDA, rather than private lenders, provides funding for direct loans as opposed to guaranteed loans. These loans have favorable terms, such as low interest rates (as low as 1% with payment assistance) and long repayment periods (up to 38 years for eligible applicants). Income, creditworthiness, and the property’s location in an eligible rural area determine eligibility for direct loans.
USDA Home Improvement Loan
The USDA’s Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants program, also known as the Section 504 program, provides financing for home improvements. This program provides low-interest, fixed-rate loans and grants to low-income rural homeowners for necessary home repairs, improvements, and modifications that make their homes safer, more energy-efficient, and more accessible. However, if you’re looking for one, you might have a difficult time finding this type of USDA home loan. They are not widely available from lenders.
USDA loan eligibility requirements
To be eligible for a USDA home loan, you’ll need to meet a number of requirements that vary depending on whether you are applying for a USDA loan guarantee or a USDA direct loan.
Verify your USDA loan eligibility. Start here
Some general requirements, however, apply to all USDA loans, specifically those based on both buyer and property eligibility.
USDA loan property requirements
Eligible rural area
The USDA defines an eligible area in rural America as having a population of 20,000 or fewer. To check if the property you’re considering falls within these designated areas, the USDA’s eligibility site provides all the necessary information. We also provide a USDA eligibility map below.
Single-family primary residence
USDA loans are exclusively available for primary residences. Neither investment properties nor second homes are eligible for this program.
Meet safety standards
The property must adhere to the USDA’s minimum property requirements, which focus on safety, structural integrity, and adequate access to utilities and services.
USDA loan borrower requirements
Income limits
You must meet USDA monthly income limits, meaning your household income can’t exceed 115% of the area median income. Conforming to USDA income eligibility requirements ensures the program is accessible to those it’s intended to serve.
Stable income
Applicants are required to demonstrate a stable and dependable income, typically for at least 24 months, before applying. This helps ensure borrowers can maintain their loan payments.
Creditworthiness
Although USDA loans are known for their flexible credit requirements, creditworthiness is still important. Lenders usually seek a minimum credit score of 640 for guaranteed loans, with USDA Direct Loans potentially having more lenient criteria.
Debt-to-income ratio
Your monthly debt, including future mortgage payments, generally should not exceed 41% of your gross monthly income. However, lenders may make exceptions based on credit score and available cash reserves.
Citizenship status
Applicants need to be U.S. citizens, U.S. non-citizen nationals, or qualified aliens with a valid Social Security number to qualify for a USDA loan.
USDA loan eligibility map
The USDA eligibility map is a valuable online resource for potential borrowers. It helps them identify if a property is situated in an area of rural America that qualifies for USDA home loans.
Verify your USDA loan eligibility. Start here
Users can enter a specific address or explore areas of the map to see if they qualify for USDA guaranteed loans or direct loans by using this interactive map.
1 Source: USDAloans.com, based on Housing Assistance Council data
USDA loan rates
Compared to other home loan programs, USDA mortgage interest rates are some of the lowest available.
Check your USDA loan rates. Start here
The VA loan, specifically tailored for veterans and service members, stands alongside the USDA loan as one of the few government-backed loan programs offering competitively low rates. Due in large part to the security that government subsidies and guarantees provide, both the USDA and VA programs are able to offer interest rates below the market average.
Other mortgage programs, like the FHA loan and conventional loan, can have rates around 0.5%–0.75% higher than USDA rates on average. That said, mortgage rates are personal. Getting a USDA loan doesn’t necessarily mean your rate will be “below-market” or match the USDA loan rates advertised.
How to get the best USDA mortgage rates
Strengthening your financial standing is essential for obtaining the best USDA loan rates. Here are some helpful techniques for improving your personal finances:
Boost your credit score.Improving your credit score is an important step toward getting the best USDA loan rates. Taking steps to improve your credit score before applying for a USDA loan often proves beneficial.
Consider a down payment. While a down payment is not required for USDA loans, it can demonstrate to the lender your commitment to repaying the loan. This could also help lenders find your application more appealing.
Minimize existing debt.Lowering your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) by paying off existing high-interest debts can make you more appealing to lenders. It demonstrates that you are capable of handling your loan and making payments on time.
Shop around for lenders.Exploring loan options with multiple participating lenders is a smart move that can save you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. Comparing their interest rates, fees, closing costs, and loan terms can help you identify the most appealing offer. It’s possible that first-time home buyers will find better options than what USDA loans can offer.
USDA loan costs
When it comes to financing a home purchase with a USDA loan, it’s not just the mortgage rate that you need to consider. You’ll be responsible for various fees and costs, which can add up over time. Understanding these costs upfront can help you make a more informed decision and plan your budget accordingly.
Here’s a breakdown of the expenses you can expect:.
USDA mortgage insurance
The USDA guarantees its mortgage loans, meaning it offers protection to approved mortgage lenders in case borrowers default. But the program is partially self-funded. To keep this loan program running, the USDA charges homeowner-paid mortgage insurance premiums.
Verify your USDA loan eligibility. Start here
Upfront guarantee fee
One of the first costs you’ll encounter is the upfront guarantee fee. This fee is a percentage of the loan amount and is required by the USDA to secure the loan. It’s usually around 1% but can vary. You can either pay this fee upfront or roll it into the loan balance.
Annual guarantee fee
Unlike conventional loans that may not require mortgage insurance, USDA loans come with a monthly mortgage insurance premium. You can expect to pay a 0.35% annual guarantee fee based on the remaining principal balance each year.
The annual fee is broken into 12 installments and included in your regular mortgage payment.
As a real-life example, a home buyer with a $100,000 loan size would have a $1,000 upfront mortgage insurance cost plus a monthly payment of $29.17 for the annual mortgage insurance. USDA upfront mortgage insurance is not paid in cash. It’s added to your loan balance, so you pay it over time.
Inspection fees
Before the loan is approved, the property will need to be inspected to ensure it meets USDA property eligibility requirements. This inspection can cost anywhere from $300 to $500, depending on the location and size of the home.
Closing Costs
Closing costs are a mix of fees that include loan origination fees, appraisal fees, title search fees, and more. These costs can range from 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price. Some of these costs can be rolled into the loan amount, but it’s best to be prepared to pay some of them out-of-pocket.
How to apply for a USDA home loan
Qualifying for a USDA home loan can be a great way to finance a home, especially if you’re looking to buy in a rural area. These loans offer attractive benefits like zero down payments and competitive interest rates.
However, the USDA loan approval process involves several steps and specific eligibility criteria. Here’s a guide on how to apply for a USDA home loan.
Check your USDA loan eligibility. Start here
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Before diving into the application process, it’s important to determine if you meet the USDA’s eligibility requirements. These typically include:
A minimum credit score of 640
A debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of up to 41%
Income limitations, which vary by location and household size
The property must be located in a USDA-eligible area
Step 2: Gather necessary documentation
You’ll need to provide various documents to prove your eligibility, including:
Proof of income eligibility (e.g., pay stubs, tax returns)
Employment verification
Credit history report
Personal identification (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
Step 3: Pre-Qualification
Contact a USDA-approved lender to get pre-qualified for a loan. During this qualifying process, the participating lender will review your financial situation to give you an estimate of how much you can borrow.
Check if you’re eligible for a USDA loan. Start here
Both pre-approval and pre-qualification can give you a better idea of your budget and show sellers that you are a serious buyer.
Step 4: Property search
Once pre-qualified, you can start looking for a property that meets USDA guidelines. Keep in mind that the home must be your primary residence and be located in an eligible rural area.
Working with a real estate agent who has experience with USDA loans can be a big advantage.
Step 5: USDA home loan application
After finding the right property, you’ll need to fill out the USDA loan application. Your lender will guide you through this process, which will include a more thorough review of your financial situation and the submission of additional documents.
Step 6: Property appraisal and inspection
The lender will arrange for an appraisal to ensure the property meets USDA standards. An inspection may also be required to identify any potential issues with the home.
Step 7: Loan approval and closing
Once the appraisal and inspection are complete and all documentation is verified, you’ll move on to the loan approval stage. If approved, you’ll proceed to closing, where you’ll sign all necessary paperwork and officially secure your USDA home loan.
With the loan secured and the keys in hand, you’re now ready to move into your new home!
By following these steps and working closely with a USDA-approved lender, you can navigate the USDA home loan process with confidence. Always remember to consult with your lender for the most accurate and personalized advice.
How do USDA loans compare to conventional loans?
USDA loans and conventional loans both have fixed terms and interest rates, but they’re different when it comes to down payments and fees.
Down payment
USDA loans don’t ask for a down payment, unlike conventional mortgages, which usually require a 3% down payment. FHA loans require a 3.5% down payment. VA loans, like USDA loans, also don’t require a down payment.
Home appraisal
Both USDA loans and conventional loans need an appraisal from an independent third party before the loan is approved.
The home appraisal for a conventional loan determines whether the loan amount and the home’s value match. If the loan amount doesn’t measure up to the market value of the home, the lender can’t get back their money just by selling the house. If you want to know more about the home’s condition, like the roof or appliances, you need to get a home inspector.
For a USDA loan, the appraisal does two things:
Just like with a conventional loan, it makes sure the home’s value is right for the loan amount.
It checks if the home meets USDA standards. This means the home should be ready to live in. For example, the roof and heating should work properly. The appraisal also looks at whether the well and septic systems follow USDA rules.
If you’re looking for a detailed report on the house, hiring a home inspector is still a good idea.
Fees
While conventional loans charge private mortgage insurance (PMI) when you make less than a 20% down payment, this isn’t the case with USDA loans. You don’t need PMI for USDA direct or guaranteed loans.
However, USDA guaranteed loans have a guarantee fee of 1% at closing and then an annual fee of 0.35% of the loan, added to your monthly payment. You can roll the initial fee into your loan amount.
Loan terms
The term for a USDA guaranteed loan is 30 years with a fixed rate. If you get a USDA direct loan, you can have up to 33 years to pay it back. If you’re a very low-income borrower, you might get up to 38 years to make it more affordable.
FAQ: USDA loans
Verify your USDA loan eligibility. Start here
What is the USDA Rural Housing Mortgage and who is eligible for it?
The USDA Rural Housing Mortgage, officially known as the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program, is a rural development loan aimed at helping single-family home buyers. It’s often referred to as a “Section 502” loan, based on the Housing Act of 1949 that created this program. Designed to stimulate growth in less-populated and low-income areas, this rural development loan is ideal for those looking to buy in eligible rural areas with the possibility of a zero-down payment.
What is the income limit for USDA home loans?
The income limit for USDA home loans is based on your area’s median income. To be eligible for a USDA loan, you can’t exceed the median income by more than 15 percent. For example, if the median salary in your city is $65,000 per year, you could qualify for a USDA loan with a salary of $74,750 or less.
Do USDA loans take longer to close?
USDA lenders have to send each loan file to the Department of Agriculture for approval before underwriting. This can add around two to three weeks to your loan processing time.
Can I do a cash-out refinance with the USDA program?
No, cash-out refinancing is not allowed in the USDA Rural Housing Program. Its loans are for home buying and rate-and-term refinances only.
What’s the maximum USDA mortgage loan size?
The USDA does not set loan limits, but your household income and debt-to-income ratio have a limit on the amount you can borrow. The USDA typically caps debt-to-income ratios at 41 percent. However, the program may be more lenient for borrowers with a credit score over 660 and stable employment or who show a demonstrated ability to save.
Where can I find a USDA loan lender, and what loan terms are available?
You can find a USDA loan lender by visiting the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website, which maintains a list of approved lenders for the Rural Housing Program. The USDA Rural Housing loan offers a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage only, with no 15-year fixed option or adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) program available.
Can I receive a gift or have the seller pay for my closing costs with a USDA loan?
Yes, USDA rural development loans allow both gifts from family members and non-family members for closing costs. Inform your loan officer as soon as possible if you’ll be using gifted funds, as it requires extra documentation and verification from the lender. Additionally, the USDA Rural Housing Program permits sellers to pay closing costs for buyers through seller concessions. These concessions may cover all or part of a purchase’s state and local government fees, lender costs, title charges, and various home and pest inspections.
Can I use the USDA loan for a vacation home, investment property, or working farm?
No, the USDA loan program is designed specifically for primary residences and cannot be used for vacation homes, investment properties, or working farms. The Rural Housing Program focuses on residential property financing.
Am I eligible for the USDA if I recently returned to work or am self-employed?
If you are a W-2 employee, you are eligible for USDA financing immediately, as there’s no job history requirement. However, if you have less than two years in a job, you may not be able to use your bonus income for qualification purposes. Self-employed individuals can also use the USDA Rural Housing Program. To verify your self-employment income, you will need to provide two years of federal tax returns, similar to the requirements for FHA and conventional financing.
Can I use the USDA loan program for home repairs, improvements, accessibility, and energy-efficiency upgrades?
Yes, the USDA loan program can be used for various purposes, including making eligible repairs and improvements to a home (such as replacing windows or appliances, preparing a site with trees, walks, and driveways, drawing fixed broadband service, and connecting utilities), permanently installing equipment to assist household members with physical disabilities, and purchasing and installing materials to improve a home’s energy efficiency (including windows, roofing, and solar panels).
Can a non-citizen qualify for a USDA loan?
Yes, along with U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents of the United States can also apply for a USDA loan.
Today’s USDA mortgage rates
USDA mortgage interest rates consistently rank among the lowest in the market, next to VA loans.
USDA loans can be particularly attractive to borrowers seeking optimal financial terms, especially in an environment with elevated interest rates. Prospective homebuyers who meet the criteria for a USDA loan may be able to secure a great deal right now.
To find out whether you qualify for one and what your rate is, consult with a trusted lender below.
Time to make a move? Let us find the right mortgage for you
1 Source: USDAloans.com, based on Housing Assistance Council data
Online interior design startup Havenly is acquiring artisan home décor startup The Citizenry, the company announced today. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Havenly says the acquisition is part of its efforts to build a collection of home brands that appeal to shoppers. The deal marks Havenly’s third acquisition in two years.
Launched in 2014, The Citizenry works with artisans from around the world to produce limited-edition runs of handcrafted home goods. By acquiring The Citizenry, Havenly is expanding its offerings in furniture, textiles and home décor.
Havenly CEO Lee Mayer told TechCrunch that the company’s vision is to create a design-first ecosystem “for the rising, digitally native, home consumer.” The company has been acquiring brands in the home furnishing space over the past three years to expand its portfolio. Last year, Havenly acquired customizable furniture and upholstery brand Interior Define. In 2022, the company purchased home furnishing brand The Inside.
“Havenly customers will have access to shop The Citizenry’s assortment of elevated home décor products that are both beautifully designed and have meaning,” Mayer said. “The Citizenry works with master artisans and heritage manufacturers to bring to market beautifully designed, globally-inspired products that are ethically crafted — from rugs and bedding, to decorative baskets and accents. Havenly customers will have the opportunity to support these makers, while cultivating a truly unique and meaningful home for themselves.”
Havenly’s most recent funding round was its $32 million Series C announced in October 2019. The round brought Havenly’s total amount of funding raised to $57.8 million.
As for The Citizenry, the startup most recently raised $20 million in Series B funding in June 2021. The company opened its first brick-and-mortar store in New York City in 2020. Havenly says it doesn’t have any plans to make changes to the store.
In terms of the future, Mayer says Havenly will continue to try and understand what consumers are looking for from a home design perspective and evolve its product and portfolio to meet those needs, as digitally native millennials become the majority of home buyers and the driving force in home décor and home furnishings.
Mayer says Havenly “sees a generational opportunity to be at the forefront of the conversation as the overall home furnishings and design market modernizes to serve this dynamic customer base.”
After attending college, you might have a hefty student loan you need to pay off, and you might also have some credit card debt you’re ready to eliminate.
Having two (or more) separate payments each month, as well as more than one interest rate, can get messy, and could negatively impact your credit if you don’t make all the minimum payments required. You may be wondering if it’s possible to consolidate student loans and credit card debt together to make things easier.
We’ll look at the differences between debt consolidation, debt refinancing, student loan consolidation, and student loan refinancing, plus explore your options to lower your interest rates and possibly get one single payment for all your student loan and credit card debts.
What Is Debt Consolidation?
There are two different ways you can change what your debt looks like: debt consolidation and debt refinancing.
It’s important to understand that when it comes to loans and credit cards, consolidating is different from refinancing. Refinancing refers to changing the financial terms of a debt. Maybe when you took out your student loan, for example, interest rates were higher than they are now. You might be able to refinance your loan with current, lower rates or you could refinance to extend the loan term.
Debt consolidation, on the other hand, refers to combining more than one debt into a new loan with a single payment. Maybe you have three different credit card balances and you take out a new loan to pay them off. Now, those three credit cards have a zero balance and you’re left with a single monthly payment and a new interest rate and terms with the new loan.
But is consolidating credit cards and student loans together possible? Or are they two different animals?
Consolidating Student Loans
The U.S. Department of Education offers what’s called a Direct Consolidation Loan, which consolidates all your federal education loans that qualify into one new loan with a single interest rate, typically the average of the loans you’re consolidating. When you consolidate federal student loans, you keep federal benefits, such as income-driven repayment plans and student loan forgiveness.
Student loan consolidation may be useful if you have federal loans from different lenders and are making more than one payment per month. However, your interest rate won’t necessarily be lowered, nor will you be allowed to consolidate private student loans or credit card debt.
So, what can you do if you have private student loans you want to consolidate or other loans that don’t qualify for the Direct Consolidation Loan? And what if you want to consolidate student loans and credit card debt together?
Before we get to the solution, let’s talk about consolidating credit cards. 💡 Quick Tip: Get flexible terms and competitive rates when you refinance your student loan with SoFi.
Consolidating Credit Cards
Just like with student loans, you may have multiple credit cards each with their own balance, interest rate, and minimum payment due each month. This can make paying off all this debt next to impossible and feel like you’re treading water as you pay the minimum amount due on each card.
With credit card consolidation, you take out a new personal loan and pay off all outstanding credit card debt. You then have one payment and one interest rate (which may often be significantly lower than some astronomically high rates for credit cards). You’re now making one monthly payment for all your credit card debt. Sounds good, right?
How to Consolidate Student Loans and Credit Card Debts
As discussed, with a Direct Consolidation Loan, you can’t add credit card debt to the consolidation loan. Direct Consolidation Loans are reserved for federal student loans only.
However, if you’re wanting to consolidate both student loans and credit card debts, there are options you can consider.
Personal Loan
One way to pay off different types of debt is with a personal loan. While personal loans may have higher interest rates than you’re paying for your student loans, the rates for personal loans may be significantly lower than credit card interest rates if your credit is good.
By taking out a personal loan, you may be able to pay off all of your student loans and credit card debt. Your debt is now rolled up into one monthly payment with one interest rate.
The higher your credit score, the lower the interest rate you may qualify for with a personal loan. But even if you don’t get a fantastic rate, you can extend the loan term to make your payments more manageable. And, of course, you can usually pay off a personal loan early without penalty, which can cut down on what you’d otherwise pay in interest.
Balance Transfer
If a personal loan isn’t for you, check to see if you have a credit card with a balance transfer offer. Often, credit cards will offer a promotion of 0% on any balances from other credit cards or loans transferred. Take note though: often these promotions end after a year, and then you’re stuck with the interest payment on the remaining balance.
A balance transfer makes sense if you know you can pay off your debts within a year. If you have a large amount of credit card debt or a high student loan, this may not be the best solution if you can’t pay it off quickly. Instead, you might consider transferring the amount of your debts that you know you can pay off within the timeframe.
Alternatives to Consolidation
If you’re hoping to consolidate student loans and credit card debt together, taking out a personal loan or using a transfer balance are two options to explore.
You might also look at a debt reduction strategy, such as the Avalanche Method or the Snowball Method.
The Avalanche Method
The Avalanche Method focuses on paying off your debts with the highest interest rates first. Once those are paid off, you put that money toward the debts with the next highest interest rates, and so on and so forth, until they are all paid off.
The Snowball Method
With the Snowball Method, you focus on the largest balance first. Put extra money toward paying that off, then when it’s paid off, move to the next largest balance.
Continue Payments
Whatever strategy you choose, the key is to keep making payments. And if possible, pay more than the minimum amount due. Even paying an additional $25 a month on a debt will help you pay it off faster and reduce the total amount of interest you pay overall.
Student Loan Refinance Tips from SoFi
Because student loans are often the largest debts people carry (even if they don’t have the highest interest rate), you may want to have a separate strategy for paying off your student loans.
When you refinance student loans, look for loans that offer a longer time period if you want a smaller monthly payment. However, keep in mind that with a longer loan term, you’re likely to pay more in interest over the life of the loan.
Also, if you plan on using federal benefits, it’s not recommended to refinance with a private lender. Instead, look into a Direct Consolidation Loan or refinance your student loans once you’re no longer using federal benefits. 💡 Quick Tip: When rates are low, refinancing student loans could make a lot of sense. How much could you save? Find out using our student loan refi calculator.
The Takeaway
While it may be challenging to consolidate student loans and credit card debt together, you may be able to do so with a personal loan or a credit card balance transfer. Using one of these methods allows you to transfer these debts into a single loan with a single payment and interest rate.
However, if a personal loan or balance transfer credit card isn’t an option, you could consider refinancing your student loans to possibly lower your interest rate and save money each month. The money you save could then be put toward paying off your credit card debt.
With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.
FAQ
Do I lose my credit cards if I consolidate?
Consolidating credit card debt does not cause you to lose your credit cards. It merely wipes out the debt on each card you include in the consolidation.
Will consolidating my student loans lower my credit score?
If you use the Direct Consolidation Loan, this will not impact your credit score. However, if you consolidate your student loans with a personal loan or through student loan refinancing, it may impact your credit.
Can my student loans be forgiven if I consolidate?
If you consolidate your loans with a Direct Consolidation Loan, you’re still eligible for student loan forgiveness. However, if you refinance your student loans with a private lender, you are no longer eligible for federal benefits, including loan forgiveness.
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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
SoFi Student Loan Refinance If you are a federal student loan borrower, you should consider all of your repayment opportunities including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. Please note that once you refinance federal student loans you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans or extended repayment plans.
360training.com, Inc. (360), an online regulated training provider, acquired Mortgage Educators and Compliance (MEC), a mortgage lending training company, both companies announced this week.
Established in 1997, 360 specializes in comprehensive online training solutions for individuals and businesses across industries – including financial services, real estate, healthcare and environmental health and safety.
The acquisition represents 360’s commitment to enhancing the scope of education available to financial service professionals within real estate and mortgage, according to 360.
The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“This collaboration allows us to broaden our educational portfolio and provide an even more comprehensive suite of specialized training programs tailored to meet the evolving needs of financial services professionals,” said 360’s CEO, Tom Anderson, in a statement.
360 plans to expand its course catalog, incorporating a diverse range of mortgage lending training modules covering topics such as lending regulations, underwriting practices and loan origination.
“By combining expertise and resources, we aim to elevate our ability to equip individuals and businesses within the lending sector with specialized knowledge and tools, empowering them to navigate the intricate landscape of financial services with confidence and excellence,” said Samantha Montalbano, COO of 360training.
Approved by the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) since 2009, MEC specializes in online mortgage and financial services professional development.
MEC prides itself as a “one-stop online resource for all things mortgage training and education.”
The firm offers state-specific mortgage loan originator license courses that satisfy national and state-specific requirements as well as tailored courses for existings LOs entering a new state, according to the website.
Growing up without money affects how you live on a daily basis in childhood, and it can have long-term effects into adulthood, even when you begin to have enough money to make ends meet.
When you move from experiencing poverty to maintaining financial stability, there can be some major opportunities to set yourself and your family up for long-term security. But there can also be challenges around changing your mindset and managing your emotions about money. Here are some things to expect when you move from one circumstance to another.
How the experience of poverty can shape your money behaviors
When money is tight on a continual basis, hard decisions often have to be made, such as, “Am I going to pay my light bill or am I going to buy groceries?”
“There’s no right answer, and either way there’s going to be a lack of safety,” says Saundra Davis, a money coach and director of Sage Financial Solutions.
Davis says that lack of safety — i.e., not being able to fulfill all of your needs and living in fear that you’ll lose your income, benefits or housing — “can create what is widely termed as ‘financial trauma,’ which is when an experience with money, or a message passed down from a previous generation, causes us to behave in response to the trauma rather than with thoughtful consideration.”
Family relationships are typically an influential factor in your money habits, and they can also be a major consideration once your financial situation improves. Davis says that thought patterns about money can come from lived experience, but they also come from information passed down through family members.
There can be additional obstacles that might affect you or may have affected your family in the past, such as racial or gender discrimination, mental health issues, substance abuse or disabilities that may have hindered earning enough money for your household to cover its expenses. Systemic obstacles can also be a consideration, such as how public benefits might be cut off once you reach a certain income level, even if you still need financial assistance to pay for food or housing.
Assuming you’ve been able to overcome these challenges, there can be mental hurdles to get over once you’re in a more financially abundant situation. But there are steps you can take to get on track toward achieving your financial goals.
How to change your money mindset and management
Veniecia Robinson, a therapist and life coach, has personal experience in shifting her money mindset. She grew up in a household that faced financial challenges, and she also became a mother at a young age. She recalls paying certain bills only after she had received a service shutoff notice. Once she started school to become an accountant, she decided that she wanted to change these habits and parent her children to understand credit, saving money and how to manage their spending habits.
One of the early steps she took toward financial stability was to start keeping tabs on how much she was spending, which she recommends to anyone who’s working to improve their financial situation.
“It can be terrifying to start tracking your money because once you know, you have to do something about it,” says Robinson.
After she had a handle on her income and expenses, she was able to prioritize the financial goals she had created for herself and come up with a spending plan. For her, that looked like paying her bills first, then allocating the remaining money this way: setting aside money for discretionary spending; saving some money for a rainy day fund; and investing a percentage toward her future.
If you aren’t sure where to start, in addition to tracking your spending, reach out to a fiduciary financial planner — ideally before your money comes in. Fiduciary financial planners have a legal duty to act in your best interest, which means they won’t push you to buy a financial product or service. These financial planners can be found with an online search, or through referrals in your community.
You can also reach out to a financial therapist when thoughts about money are getting in the way of decision-making or if you’re feeling stressed about money. Davis also suggests that people increase their knowledge by reading financial resources and thinking about their emotions around money. Financial education can be found in many sources, including books, classes and online. Start by checking out the personal finance section of your local bookstore or library, or you could look up financial terms online.
If family is a concern, a meeting can be a helpful step to set expectations around money and to discuss how the whole family could benefit from a financial shift. This might entail discussions around how money can be used to provide long-term security versus what it can do in the short term.
“You should give thought to the impact of financial decisions on your whole life,” says Davis. “Recognize that resources can change lives for the better. You should be thinking, ‘What do I want life to look like later?’”
This article was written by NerdWallet and was originally published by The Associated Press.
Housing affordability across the country is especially tough in the nation’s urban areas, but in the country’s largest metros it’s often the suburbs that are the least affordable.
A new Zillow analysis examines the financial burden of housing payments in urban, suburban and rural parts of the country. Finding a home within their budget is the top concern for both renters and home buyers, according to the 2018 Zillow Group Report on Consumer Housing Trends, but where a home is located can affect that budget, forcing many to accept tradeoffs.
Urban home buyers nationwide have to dedicate a larger share of their income to monthly mortgage payments (26.5 percent) than buyers in the suburbs or rural areas do – 20.2 percent and 13.4 percent, respectively. In urban areas of the Seattle metro, for example, buyers would need to dedicate 40.4 percent of their income to monthly housing costs, more than they would have to in either the suburbs (27.4 percent) or rural areas (24.4 percent). The same hold true in less than a third of the country’s largest markets.
The suburbs are the most common destination for today’s home buyers, with 48 percent of all buyers purchasing a home in the suburbs. Yet suburban living is a bigger financial burden for buyers in nearly half of the country’s largest markets (17 of the top 35 metros), compared with the costs of urban or rural housing.
In San Diego, for example, paying for a suburban home requires 40.9 percent of the median household income. Mortgage payments on a rural home would take up 37.3 percent of the median income, and housing costs for an urban home would require 35 percent of the typical income.
“Choosing where to live depends on many factors other than strictly financial terms. The size and space of the home, and the nearby amenities have to meet your needs, or come as close as possible,” said Zillow Director of Economic Research and Outreach, Skylar Olsen. “How close you can come to those ideal options is always limited by what you can afford, and tradeoffs are almost always necessary. Finding a home in your budget can be a stressful process, whether you’re looking to buy or rent. The difference between an urban core or more distant suburb could make all the difference.”
Across the country, renters signing a new lease typically spend more of their income on monthly housing costs than homeowners do, in large part due to still-low interest rates for buyers. The difference between national affordability trends and what is happening in the 35 largest housing markets is more pronounced for renters.
Nationally, rental payments in an urban area require 36.8 percent of the median household income each month, well above the commonly recommended 30 percent. Suburban rents are also slightly above that threshold, requiring 31.8 percent of the median household income. Rural rents nationwide are the smallest financial burden, taking 23.9 percent of the typical income.
Urban rents in the Dallas market take up a much larger share of income than those in suburban or rural areas of the metro. The financial burden for urban renters exceeds the 30 percent standard, with the typical urban rent requiring 38.8 percent of the median income.
However, in about two-thirds of the biggest U.S. housing markets rents are least affordable in the suburbs, where rental supply is slow to grow. Renting a home in the suburbs of Chicago, for example, requires 30 percent of the median income, more than what would be required in either urban or rural parts of the metro.
Mike Wheatley is the senior editor at Realty Biz News. Got a real estate related news article you wish to share, contact Mike at [email protected].
American Financial Resources (AFR) has confirmed that it has entered a definitive agreement to sell 100% of the company to an investment group led by Proprietary Capital. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Craig Cohen, managing member of Proprietary Capital, said the acquisition will build on the firm’s mortgage platform. The Denver-based fund … [Read more…]
I‘m constantly amazed at the fact of how many young people I come across that don’t have any life insurance. While they all have there different reasons, the most common reason I hear is that it’s too early to think about life insurance. I couldn’t disagree more.
Most Important Question
Are you supporting individuals whose livelihood depends on your income? If the answer is yes, it’s time to look at life insurance.
Now, you may be saying: shouldn’t I wait to get a policy? Why should I pay premiums when I have so many other checks to write? Well, the reluctance is understandable: the perception is that life insurance is for old people, and when you’re 30 or 35, chances are you’ve got a long, great life ahead of you. But in financial terms, here is why this can be advantageous.
Healthy is Good
Typically, Americans shop for a life insurance policy in the middle of their life spans – when they are in their forties or fifties. At that time, they may have already fallen into the grip of bad habits (smoking, obesity, heavy drinking) and diabetes, heart disease, cancer or HIV may have entered their health picture. All these conditions can jack up premiums or make it harder to get a policy.
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Term Life Insurance is Cheap
Okay, maybe you won’t have to contend with any of the above health risks at 45 or 50 – but who knows? Buying a term insurance or permanent cash value life policy early in life, before you have to encounter any of these problems, should allow you to pay less expensive premiums. (Presuming you don’t face recurring risks to your health and safety today.) Getting life insurance quotes online are so easy nowadays, with sites like Matrix Direct offering you a free quote in minutes.
Did you know that premiums for standard-risk term life insurance fell 50% between 1994 and 2008?
Premiums have been getting cheaper and cheaper for new term life policyholders, partly because the mortality rate has dropped over the decades. In fact, the non-profit Insurance Information Institute says term insurance premiums have fallen by more than 4% per year since 2000, and the premiums on cash value policies are averaging roughly 5% lower today compared to a decade ago.
Do young singles need life insurance?
Good question. Some financial consultants will tell you there is no pressing reason for it. Yet if you are single, buying a term life insurance policy (or even a permanent life policy) early on could bring you a better deal and potentially guarantee your insurability. I have to admit that I did not do this. But I was fortunate to take out a term life policy early enough that the premiums were still very affordable.
Maybe it’s time. Time passes, things change, and so does your need for insurance. Check out Good Financial Cents 10 Best Life Insurance Companies for great resources to any of your questions. Even if you are insured, it’s important to keep up with change – as an example, the Insurance Information Institute estimates that about a third of families don’t update their life insurance coverage after a new baby comes home. I’m an exception to this stat. Not only did I increase my insurance after having our first child, but I’m now increasing it again with the soon arrival of our second. I increased the amount dramatically so that I won’t have to worry about increasing premiums if we have another child.
If you’re young and you haven’t yet talked to a qualified insurance advisor, think about doing so today – you may be pleasantly surprised how affordable life insurance can be.
While inflation is cooling, interest rates remain high, which puts a damper on Americans’ plans to buy a home or refinance their existing mortgages. The natural question many homeowners are asking themselves in this economic climate: Should I buy a home now at high rates and refinance later, or should I wait for rates to fall? We posed the question to several real estate and mortgage professionals and educators, and their answers may surprise you.
If you’re considering buying a new home or refinancing your current one it helps to know what rate you may qualify for. Find out here now!
When buyers should buy now and refinance later
Robert Johnson, a professor at Heider College of Business at Creighton University, points out that purchase price and mortgage rate are the two primary financial factors potential homebuyers consider when buying a home, but there’s a critical distinction between the two.
“What many fail to understand is that only one—mortgage rate—can be renegotiated,” says Johnson. “Once a home is purchased, you can’t renegotiate the purchase price. What this means, in my opinion, is that if you find a home you believe is priced attractively, I would be more apt to pull the trigger than if mortgage rates are attractive and home prices seem high. In financial terms, you have optionality for the remainder of your mortgage to renegotiate terms. You don’t have that option with a purchase price.”
As the saying goes, “Marry the home, but date the rate.”
Additionally, you may experience other unique benefits if you buy a home in the current climate. “Buyers who are in the market while interest rates are high may have certain advantages that they otherwise wouldn’t, such as less competition and more negotiating power,” states Afifa Saburi, senior researcher at Veterans United Home Loans. “While they still have the option to refinance, potentially more than once throughout their 15- or 30-year mortgage term, they also have the opportunity to build equity and wealth.”
As with many financial questions, the answer may not be cut and dried, as it will depend on your financial situation and forces outside your control. For example, it’s hard to consider mortgage rates in a financial decision when it’s unclear which direction they will move.
Regarding whether to buy now and refinance later or adopt a wait-and-see approach to , economist Peter C. Earle from the American Institute for Economic Research says it’s hard to predict. “Typically, the rule of thumb is that one wouldn’t finance unless the new mortgage rate to lock in is at least 0.75% to 1% lower than the established rate,” says Earle.
“The Fed has jawboned exhaustively about their intention to keep rates at present levels once their hiking campaign is over, but if the U.S. enters a recession, it’s not at all clear that they won’t drop rates. That’s been their playbook since the Greenspan era,” said Earle, referring to Alan Greenspan, the former chairman of the Federal Reserve of the United States.
Not sure what purchase rate you would qualify for? Explore your rates and options here now to learn more.
When buyers should wait until rates drop back down
No matter when you buy a home, the decision should be based on sound financials, namely, whether you can afford the payments and how long you plan on staying in the home long-term.
Brian Wittman, owner and CEO of SILT Real Estate and Investments, cautions: “I don’t believe in the philosophy that buying now and refinancing later is the best course of action. We’re still not sure of the direction of the housing market, including both property values and interest rates. The problem with this particular philosophy is that buying now and hoping that interest rates go down to make your payment better is bad financial planning. If you can’t really afford the payment now, you’ll be overpaying while you wait and hope for interest rates to drop.”
For existing homeowners, the decision to buy now and refinance later, or wait until mortgage rates fall, may come down to your existing home’s mortgage rate. “In general, I’d suggest not selling or refinancing your home if the rates are higher than your existing mortgage, especially if you want to purchase a new house,” advises Michael Gifford, CEO and co-founder at Splitero.
Check your mortgage refinancing rates here to learn more.
The bottom line
If you’ve decided to take out a mortgage now, but have concerns about locking yourself into a high rate, consider getting a mortgage with a float-down option. This feature allows you to lock in your interest rate while also allowing you to take advantage of a lower rate within a specific period.
Not sure whether to buy a home now and refinance it later, or wait for mortgage rates to drop? It may help to know there are other alternatives worth considering. One option is to make improvements to your home using funds from a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC). Tapping into your home equity to upgrade your property may increase its value.