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Apache is functioning normally

November 1, 2023 by Brett Tams

How America shops is shifting in a fundamental way.

Shoppers are turning to discount stores such as Dollar Tree, ALDI, and Big Lots more often, driven largely by spiking inflation, which peaked at 9.1% in June 2022. These days, shoppers are increasingly asking themselves, Why pay more? as they place a higher premium on value.

According to SoFi’s Discount Shopping Survey of 1,500 consumers fielded in August 2023, 81% of respondents are currently shopping at discount stores at least monthly, regardless of their income level.

Surely, the impetus may vary:

• For many, discount stores are a vital tool when sticking to a tight budget.

• For others, it might be a way to find splurges, both large and small, at the right price.

Still, though circumstances may vary, a whopping 78% of respondents are laser-focused on snagging the lowest possible prices for items on their list.

While shoppers may have been swayed by ambience and amenities at stores in the past, now it’s all about getting top value for every hard-earned dollar. Sticking to — and stretching — one’s budget is the new black. Also worth noting: Among the ranks of discount shoppers are high-earners pulling in six figures.

SoFi’s proprietary research found intriguing and unexpected facts about just who’s hitting the discount stores, what they are hunting for at these retailers, and why the face of shopping may never be the same again.

Where the Buyers Are: 74% of Respondents Dropped Into Dollar Tree

Curious about which discount retailers are topping shoppers’ lists? According to SoFi’s Discount Shopping Survey, almost three-quarters (74%) of discount shoppers have dropped into a Dollar Tree, where the motto is “Extreme Value Every Day,” over the past year.

It isn’t just those living paycheck to paycheck who are shopping at Dollar Tree:

• 64% of the survey’s highest earners (households bringing in $150,000+) say they’ve bought items at Dollar Tree in the last 12 months.

Discount shoppers are also looking elsewhere to find where the best buys are. Over the past year:

• 65% have shopped at Dollar General

• 42% at Five Below

• 41% at ALDI

• 38% at Big Lots

• 37% at T.J. Maxx

• 35% at Ross Dress for Less

• 35% at Marshalls

Where else are moneywise shoppers queuing up? It turns out that 22% have shopped at HomeGoods, while one in five (20%) has rung up items at brand-name outlets (Nordstrom Rack, for instance).

Discount Stores: The New Social Media Darlings

Reflecting their new status as many shoppers’ go-to destination, discount stores are accumulating hefty followings. As of September 2023, the stats are:

• ALDI USA has 955K Instagram followers; 184K on TikTok

• Dollar Tree has 675K Instagram followers; 76.6K on TikTok

• Five Below has 706K Instagram followers; 214.3K on TikTok

81% Discount-Shop at Least Once a Month

People aren’t just hitting the discount shops for an occasional find. Rather, SoFi’s discount shopping research uncovered that these retailers are quickly gaining traction as routine destinations for shoppers.

• 81% of respondents shop at discount stores at least once a month.

• 38% — practically four out of ten people — shop at discount stores weekly.

• 14% of respondents say you’ll find them shopping at discount stores several times a week. (These may be people who are saving money daily with their shopping habits.)

Compelling find: Close to half of high-income earners (those making $100,000+ a year) say they shop at discount stores at least weekly.

Inflation Surge Drives Shoppers to Discount Stores

If you’re wondering why discount shopping is surging, consider the economic state of our union. After inflation rates fell month after month for a solid year, July 2023 saw an uptick in prices that surely set some people on edge. (Inflation in July 2023 increased 3.2% from July 2022.)

What’s more, the cost of living is soaring. Social Security recipients enjoyed a cost of living adjustment (COLA) to the tune of 8.7% in 2023, one indicator of how steeply the price of, well, everything has been rising.

Indeed, consider this:

• Nearly two-thirds of discount shoppers (63%) say inflation and rising costs have prompted them to shop at discount stores over the last 12 months.

• In addition, nearly half of discount shoppers have ramped things up, with 49% saying they are hitting discount stores more frequently than they did before the inflation surge.

When it comes to defending one’s paycheck against price hikes, bargain-hunting is a smart maneuver. ”Inflation is real for just about all of us,” says David Bakke, a consumer finance expert and writer at personal finance blog Dollar Sanity. “My discount shopping has definitely increased. I find myself spending a lot more time at ALDI, Dollar General, and the like.”

Indeed, inflation is making over the way Americans shop. SoFi’s discount shopping data shows this significant stat:

• 40% of respondents say they “always” search for ways to save on their purchases when shopping.

• Only 2% said they never search for ways to save.

Here are some of the leading tactics discount shoppers have used to cut costs:

• 41% have used couponing websites.

• 40% have subscribed to company emails.

• 31% have followed a company or brand on social media.

• 21% have joined a Facebook group or other online community.

• 18% have followed an influencer on social media who talks about discount shopping.

More Than Half Discount-Shop to Benefit Their Budget

In these challenging economic times, many consumers are embracing budgeting as a way to manage their finances. Almost six out of 10 discount shoppers (58%) say one of the biggest benefits of shopping at discount stores is the ability to stick to a budget.

This holds true for 62% of those with household incomes under $75K, as well as 46% of those pulling in $100K or more.

Other reasons to love these retailers? SoFi’s discount shopper respondents said:

• Regular availability of discounted products (47%)

• The convenience and accessibility of discount stores (46%)

• The ability to find trendy or seasonal items at lower prices (45%)

Another shopping pattern that SoFi’s discount shopping survey uncovered: A significant number of discount shoppers are making most of their purchases from these lower-priced retailers:

• 36% make more than 50% of their purchases at discount stores.

• Almost one in 10 (9%) of those with household incomes of $150,000 or more do more than 75% of their shopping at discount stores.

First on the Discount Shopping List: Groceries

It’s no secret that food prices can trigger sticker-shock, and that’s not just for luxuries like a pumpkin spice latte. Overall, food prices are ratcheting up 5.9% this year, per the USDA’s numbers, which may explain why consumers are hitting the low-cost stores for items they might otherwise buy at a standard supermarket.

According to the SoFi discount shopping research, groceries are the most common purchase made by discount shoppers: 78% buy groceries at discount stores.

And no wonder: These stores often have an array of staples and snacks, from coffee to cookies, and some are putting a health spin on things, as with Dollar General’s “Better for You” selections. Shopping at discount stores can be a solid way to save money on food.

“I shop at discount grocer ALDI,” says Melissa Cid, consumer savings expert with MySavings.com. “Chips, peanuts, cookies, yogurt, and ice cream are 25% to 50% cheaper than at traditional grocery stores.”

After food, the next most popular items:

• Fashion and apparel: 58%

• Beauty and skin care: 49%

• Home decor: 40%

11% Splash Out When Discount Shopping

Think shoppers are only grabbing cereal, socks, and a bottle of shampoo? Not necessarily.

Yes, many people are hunting for lower-priced essentials at the discount stores, but super-low prices are also leading to big-ticket purchases, for some. According to SoFi’s survey:

• 11% of discount shoppers say the most expensive item they’ve purchased at a discount store in the past 12 months cost $250 or more.

Here is what shoppers say are some of the priciest items they purchased at a discount store:

• 18% say it was a fashion/apparel item.

• 16% say it was an electronic item.

• 13% say it was a home decor item.

“Tech gadgets and home essentials top the list of items that I purchase from discount stores,” explains Thomas Paddock, an Amazon FBA Six-Figure Seller and the founder of Learn Retail Arbitrage, an online selling resource. “These categories often carry substantial markups in conventional retail outlets. Discount stores can offer high-quality items at a more
reasonable cost.”

There is, however, a bit of a gender gap when it comes to shopping for certain items at discount stores:

• 36% of men have purchased electronics vs. 27% of women.

• 67% percent of women have made clothing purchases vs. 44% of men.

• Nearly 3x as many men (22%) have made sports/outdoor purchases vs. women (8%).

Finding Fashion at Discount Shops? Yes, Says Gen Z

The SoFi discount shopping stats reveal that 67% of young people (aged 16-24) have purchased fashion and apparel items at a discount store within the last year.

Given that Gen Z is broadly recognized as the first digitally native generation, it’s probably no surprise that social media may have led many of them to these style purchases:

• 30% of respondents aged 16-24 have followed an influencer on social media who talks about discount shopping, vs. 18% of total respondents.

And the presence these retailers have on social media channels is significant. On Instagram, as of September 2023, T.J. Maxx has 2+ million followers, Nordstrom Rack has 1+ million followers, and Ross Dress for Less has 537K followers. All three have tens of thousands of followers on TikTok.

Almost 50% of Shoppers Seek Seasonal Wares

Seasonal and holiday shopping is (very) big business in the U.S., with Halloween spending, for instance, totalling $10.6 billion in 2022.

“Here today, gone tomorrow” items are part of the allure of discount stores, where goods can be found at a rock-bottom price. Consider these numbers from the SoFi survey:

• 45% of discount shoppers say one of the biggest benefits of discount stores is the availability of lower-priced trendy or seasonal items.

• 65% of discount shoppers are hunting for clearance or end-of-season items.

• 70% of women look for clearance and end-of-season deals at discount stores vs. 56% of men.

More Than Half of Discount Shoppers Spend Serious Time Bargain-Hunting

The new wave of smart shoppers are dedicated bargain-hunters. They will invest hours to get a great deal. In fact, more than half (51%) will spend between one and three hours extra to find savings or specific items at discount stores. A dedicated 4% are willing to spend five hours or more. (Of these, 63% have a household income of less than $50,000.)

Discount Shoppers Also Prioritize Availability

Low prices are the leading reason for the popularity of discount shopping, but availability of desired products is another big incentive:

• 52% head to these retailers for the specific items they know they can find there.

Whether it’s a favorite energy bar or shower gel, items that are part of a person’s usual shopping list are a big draw for discount shoppers.

This is especially true of the deep-pocketed respondents to the SoFi survey. Why spend top-dollar on your favorite matcha beverages or other small luxuries when you can buy them for much less?

• 60% of the highest earners (household income of $150,000 or more) say one of the reasons they shop at discount stores is for specific items they know they can find there.

There are a good number of impulse buyers among the aisles though:

• Almost one in five (19%) discount shoppers say they don’t go to the stores looking for any particular item. Rather, they “go in without a plan and buy things that speak to them.”

As for the rest of the respondents to SoFi’s survey:

• More than half of discount shoppers (51%) say they know what they need when they go to a discount store, but are open to buying items not on their list.

• More than a quarter (26%) say they buy what they need and exit ASAP.

• Only 3% say they just browse and rarely actually purchase anything.

And the Biggest Frustration With Discount Shopping Is…

Obviously, there is much to love about discount shopping, as detailed above. But, yes, there are a couple of pain points. Here, the two biggest downsides:

• 38% of discount shoppers say the items they want aren’t always available. That suggests that consumers would buy even more at these retailers if they could find everything they are hunting for.

• 22% say that the biggest downside is that the items are of a lower quality.

It seems that getting what you want, when you want it, may matter even more than an item’s quality.

That said, Thomas Paddock of Learn Retail Arbitrage contends that you can find good quality if you shop smart. “Contrary to general assumptions, not every item in a discount store is of inferior quality. Many times, these are overstock products or emerging brands,” he says. “Discount stores can be an avenue to discover value.”

The Takeaway

As inflation increases, shoppers of all income levels are finding that discount stores can serve their needs. Of the 1,500 consumers surveyed for SoFi’s Discount Shopping Survey in August 2023, 81% say they are visiting discount stores (think Dollar Tree, ALDI, and Five Below) at least once a month. Popular purchases are food, fashion, personal care, and home decor items.

What frustrates discount shoppers when seeking their budget buys? Lack of availability first and foremost, followed by lower quality of some goods.

For anyone looking to make the most of their money, finding the right banking partner can also make a big difference. One that charges low or no fees and offers a competitive interest rate can help you make the most of your finances.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

Better banking is here with up to 4.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2023 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a deposit to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate.

SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/24/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet..

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.

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Source: sofi.com

Apache is functioning normally

November 1, 2023 by Brett Tams

As the autumn leaves fall and the air grows chill, the timeless allure of classic Halloween movies beckons us once again to the eerie and fantastical realms they depict.

Films like Beetlejuice, Hocus Pocus, The Addams Family, Sleepy Hollow, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Friday the 13th have become staples of the season, drawing us into worlds where the supernatural reigns and the eerie takes center stage.

Yet, beyond the talented actors, eerie plotlines, and haunting soundtracks, there is another essential element that breathes life into these cinematic masterpieces — the sets and interiors.

These iconic films transport us to a realm where witches, ghosts, monsters, and vampires coexist with the living, where the macabre meets the mundane. The interiors of these movies play a pivotal role in setting the stage, creating an ambiance that is both captivating and spine-tingling.

They are the canvas on which the artists behind the scenes — visionary movie directors, stellar production designers, and art directors — paint a rich tapestry of emotions, invoking a unique blend of awe and fear that leaves a lasting imprint on our psyche.

It’s no secret that the setting and backdrop for a movie are of paramount importance, but in the realm of fantasy and horror, this importance is magnified. A well-crafted set can serve as a character in its own right, immersing the audience in a carefully designed world where the surreal becomes reality.

The creaking floorboards, dimly lit corridors, and eerie artifacts scattered about these cinematic interiors hold the power to transport us to the very heart of the narrative, intensifying our connection to the story and its characters.

Reimagining the interiors of our favorite Halloween classics with the help of AI

These classic Halloween movies, some dating back decades, have become an annual tradition for many, a comforting yet spine-tingling journey back to a time when our greatest fear was the monster under our bed.

They’ve left an indelible mark on our hearts and imaginations, making us yearn for the feeling of nostalgia and suspense they offer. In a world that perpetually seeks the new and novel, there is a unique satisfaction in revisiting these timeless classics, like worn pages in a cherished book.

But, what if you could revisit these iconic movie interiors in a fresh, modern light? What if you could reimagine the Addams Family mansion in the 21st century or walk through the halls of Sleepy Hollow with a new perspective? Thanks to the wonders of artificial intelligence and computer-generated imagery, we can now explore these treasured movie settings as if they were born anew.

With a little help from the creative team over at Swift Direct Blinds, we’ll delve into the magic of AI-generated images that recreate the interiors of our favorite Halloween movies. These images provide a modern lens through which we can appreciate the artistry of the original sets while also marveling at the potential for reinterpretation.

By fusing the nostalgia of yesteryears with the technological prowess of today, we bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, offering a fresh look at the beloved and the eerie. Join us as we embark on a journey to unearth the haunted beauty of classic Halloween movie interiors, rekindling our love for the timeless and the macabre in a new, hauntingly realistic light.

#1 Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice, directed by Tim Burton, has solidified its place in cinematic history as a beloved cult classic. Released in 1988, the film has retained its charm, continuing to enchant audiences with its darkly whimsical and quirky narrative.

Set in the afterlife and the realm of the deceased, Beetlejuice introduces us to the Maitlands, a recently deceased couple who find themselves trapped in their own home. When the Deetz family moves in and begins to alter their beloved residence, the Maitlands seek the help of the titular character, Beetlejuice, an obnoxious and mischievous ghost.

What sets Beetlejuice apart and contributes to its enduring popularity are its aesthetics. The film’s production design and set decoration transport us to a world that is a delightful blend of the gothic and the absurd.

The Maitland’s haunted house is a marvel of grotesque beauty, filled with eccentric and grotesque details that are meticulously crafted to perfection. And AI managed to capture all of its magic in recreating an interior design inspired by the 1988 movie, as we’ve seen above.

#2 Sleepy Hollow

Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow, released in 1999, is a modern classic that has left a lasting mark on the world of fantasy and horror cinema. This adaptation of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow starring Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci transports us to a hauntingly atmospheric world where mystery and the supernatural reign supreme.

The story unfolds in the eerie, fog-shrouded town of Sleepy Hollow, where the legendary Headless Horseman terrorizes the inhabitants. Ichabod Crane, a skeptical constable from New York, is sent to investigate the grisly murders attributed to this decapitated specter.

As he delves deeper into the macabre secrets of the town, Ichabod discovers a web of dark conspiracies, and the line between the living and the dead becomes chillingly blurred.

Sleepy Hollow is beloved for a multitude of reasons, but its aesthetics play a crucial role in its appeal.

Tim Burton’s signature style is on full display in this film, and it’s impossible not to be entranced by the hauntingly beautiful world he creates. The movie’s visuals are a mesmerizing blend of Gothic and Victorian influences, rich in dark and brooding atmospheres.

The misty, moonlit woods and decaying manors of Sleepy Hollow are brought to life with an enchanting and eerie allure.

The film’s muted color palette, dominated by deep blacks, blood reds, and smoky grays, lends it an unmistakable sense of foreboding. The costumes, too, are meticulously designed to capture the essence of the period, making the characters feel like they’ve stepped out of a haunting painting.

And the interiors AI conjured in the image above beautifully reflect the moody aesthetics of the world Burton created.

#3 Friday the 13th

Friday the 13th (1980), is a beloved classic in the slasher genre. The film follows a group of camp counselors who, while trying to reopen a summer camp, are terrorized by an unknown assailant. As the body count rises, the identity of the killer becomes a chilling mystery.

This film is cherished for its role in popularizing the slasher subgenre and its effective use of suspense and tension. Its aesthetics, though simpler compared to other horror films, play a significant part in its appeal.

The movie’s camp setting, with its rustic cabins, dense woods, and isolated lakeside, creates a sense of vulnerability and fear.

See also: Is it Real? Michael Myers’ house in ‘Halloween’

The dark, shadowy cinematography and gruesome practical effects contribute to the film’s enduring reputation as a quintessential slasher classic. Its iconic killer, Jason Voorhees, has become a symbol of horror, and the film’s aesthetics remain an integral part of its enduring legacy.

And here’s how the movie’s aesthetics translates into interior design:

#4 The Nightmare Before Christmas

The 1993 stop-motion animated masterpiece The Nightmare Before Christmas

has carved a special place in the hearts of audiences as a holiday classic. This enchanting film, directed by Henry Selick and produced by Tim Burton, takes us to the whimsical worlds of Halloween Town and Christmas Town.

The story revolves around Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who stumbles upon Christmas Town and becomes captivated by the holiday’s joy and cheer.

Determined to bring Christmas to his fellow residents, Jack embarks on a misadventure that blurs the lines between the macabre and the merry, resulting in a heartwarming and visually stunning narrative — that AI managed to transform into eccentric interiors that blend both the eerie and cheerful visual elements of the Halloween classic.

What makes “The Nightmare Before Christmas” so beloved are its unique aesthetics. The film is a visual marvel, with its meticulously crafted stop-motion animation creating a surreal and captivating world.

The character design, with its array of eccentric and endearing denizens, including Jack Skellington, Sally, and Oogie Boogie, is both spooky and lovable. The contrast between the dark, Tim Burton-inspired Halloween Town and the cheerful Christmas Town is an aesthetic triumph that underscores the film’s central theme of transformation and discovery.

#5 The Addams Family

The Addams Family, the 1991 cinematic adaptation of the classic TV series, remains a beloved classic known for its quirky characters and distinctive aesthetics.

Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, the film brings the delightfully macabre Addams family to life on the big screen. The family’s eccentricities, from Gomez and Morticia’s passionate yet gothic love to Wednesday’s morbid fascination and Pugsley’s appetite for destruction, add a refreshing twist to the family comedy genre.

Aesthetically, the film is a visual feast.

The production design immerses viewers in the eerie and opulent world of the Addams mansion, which becomes a character in its own right. The mansion boasts a foreboding exterior and lavish, cobweb-covered interiors filled with bizarre artifacts and contraptions.

And while the exterior of the opulent house is by no means easy to replicate, AI quickly reimagined the interiors of the Addams family house, carefully incorporating the movie’s key themes and aesthetics.

The film’s color palette combines dark, moody tones with vibrant pops of color, capturing the whimsical and Gothic elements that set it apart from conventional family comedies.

The Addams Family embraces the macabre without losing its sense of humor, making it a unique and enduring classic that celebrates the unconventional while reminding us that there’s beauty in embracing the bizarre.

#6 Hocus Pocus

Another Halloween classic, Hocus Pocus (1993) has cast its spell on audiences for decades, becoming a cherished tradition during the spooky season.

The original movie — a much-awaited sequel was released in 2022 — weaves a captivating tale of three witch sisters resurrected on Halloween night in modern-day Salem, Massachusetts, and the trio’s quest for immortality.

Related: The wonderfully witchy Hocus Pocus Houses & filming locations for the new movie

The film’s enduring appeal lies in its enchanting blend of humor, supernatural elements, and timeless aesthetics. The Sanderson sisters, played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, infuse the story with their zany yet malevolent charm, making them iconic Halloween figures.

The film’s witty and light-hearted approach to witchcraft and the supernatural, coupled with the nostalgic ’90s setting, creates a perfect blend of family-friendly Halloween spookiness with aesthetics that continue to captivate both young and old alike.

And they translate into some equally charming interiors that perfectly capture a timeless and whimsical Halloween atmosphere.

Visually, Hocus Pocus captures the essence of Halloween with its cozy small-town setting, complete with quaint colonial houses and a centuries-old cemetery.

The film’s visuals evoke the quintessential Halloween ambiance, replete with autumnal colors, jack-o’-lanterns, and the sisters’ distinctive witchy attire. The Sanderson sisters’ spellbinding concoctions and magical mishaps, rendered through practical effects, add a touch of enchantment to the film’s aesthetics, making it a feast for the eyes.

#7 Little Shop of Horrors

The 1986 cult classic is celebrated for its unique blend of musical comedy and horror. Directed by Frank Oz, the film tells the story of Seymour, a meek floral shop worker who discovers a peculiar plant with a ravenous appetite for human flesh. As the plant, Audrey II, grows and demands increasingly gruesome sacrifices, the story takes dark and humorous twists.

The film’s beloved status can be attributed to its entertaining combination of humor and horror, with a cast that includes Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, and Steve Martin. Little Shop of Horrors offers a fresh take on the B-movie horror genre, using catchy musical numbers and witty dialogue to add an unexpected charm to the story.

Aesthetically, the film features a distinct 1960s urban backdrop with a color palette reminiscent of comic book aesthetics, easily replicated by AI when creating Little Shop of Horrors-inspired interiors.

The imaginative design of Audrey II, a menacing and larger-than-life carnivorous plant, is a visual highlight, blending seamlessly with the film’s darkly comedic themes.

The film’s aesthetics play a crucial role in making it memorable, creating a world where the bizarre and the hilarious intersect, ensuring Little Shop of Horrors remains a beloved classic for those who appreciate its quirky charm.

More stories

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Inside Guillermo del Toro’s spine-chilling Bleak House: A treasure trove of horror memorabilia

Source: fancypantshomes.com

Apache is functioning normally

November 1, 2023 by Brett Tams

Woman’s World aims to feature only the best products and services. We update when possible, but deals expire and prices can change. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Questions? Reach us at [email protected]

We know it’s the week before Halloween, but it’s not too late to grab the perfect Halloween decor! Whether you’re looking for the perfect finishing touches to complete your Halloween home or you haven’t even begun to decorate, Amazon has you covered with all kinds of Halloween decor.

The online retailer has more than just indoor decorations and spooky decor for your yard. If you’re in need of Halloween costumes, party supplies, Halloween candy, costume makeup, pumpkin carving supplies, and more, Amazon has what you’re looking for!

Where to Buy Halloween Decor: Amazon Prime Members Have Access to Fast, Free Shipping

Get Halloween decor to your front door fast with Amazon Prime. If you’re an Amazon Prime Member, you’ll get your Halloween decorations fast and easy with two-day shipping! Signing up to become a Prime Member is easy for those who don’t already subscribe.

18 Halloween Decorations to Turn Your Home From Bare to Scare

Halloween Kitchen Decor

Buy from Amazon, $40

Let your friends and family know what you’re serving up this Halloween with this spooky coffin-shaped letter board! It’s the perfect kitchen or dining room accessory for listing menu items, but it can really be used anywhere in the house. It’s available in black, orange, or purple and comes complete with 500 white and black characters so you can create a custom sign for your home.

Buy Now

Halloween Bathroom Decor

Buy from Amazon, $18

Keep your bathroom smelling fresh this fall with this pumpkin spice soy wax candle. It’s infused with fall scents like pumpkin, cinnamon, clove, and vanilla and small enough (9 oz.) to place on the back of a toilet or vanity in your home’s powder room to mask any unwanted odors this Halloween!

Buy Now

Halloween Home Decor

Buy from Amazon, $30

These adorable mini knit pumpkins are ideal for your mantle or can create a beautiful centerpiece for your coffee table or dining room buffet this fall. They’re hand-made by a small business in Wisconsin, stand 2.5″ x 2″ tall, and come in a set of 12 fall colors sure to fit with a variety of home decorating styles.

Buy Now

Halloween Door Decor

Buy from Amazon, $26

Welcome guests this Halloween with this ghoulish front door sign. The “Welcome” illuminates to greet your guests and trick-or-treaters alike! This wreath comes in three options: the ghost pictured here, a moon wreath with a black cat, and an alien sign that reads “You were warned.”

Buy Now

Halloween Table Decor

Buy from Amazon, $31

Dress up your table this Halloween with these adorable light up ghost figurines. Each little ghost has a different expression and body type that gets illuminated by LED lights in a beautiful warm white glow. From mantles to dining room tables, decorative shelving, and more, there’s no wrong way to decorate with these ghosts!

Buy Now

Halloween Porch Decor

Buy from Amazon, $10

Illuminate your yard with these creepy glowing ghosts this Halloween. Each kit comes with three ghosts adorned with witch hats that light up. When night falls, they will seem to float in the air, creating a mysterious atmosphere on your property for your guests or passerby.

Buy Now

Pastel Halloween Decor

Buy from Amazon, $27

This set of decorative pumpkins feature traditional pumpkin shapes and are painted in harvest white and pastel pink, then lightly brushed with gold and topped with whitewashed stems. They’re also available without the gold brushing detail as well as more traditional Halloween color options. Use them in a decorative bowl to create a centerpiece, on your mantle, or in a powder room to create a festive fall ambiance.

Buy Now

HALLOWEEN WALL DECOR

Buy from Amazon, $9

This kit comes of 120 bat stickers is made of waterproof PVC, making them the perfect indoor or outdoor decor! The bats come in four ranging sizes with wings that can be folded any way you like. Use them on interior or exterior walls to create a spooky vibe anywhere around your home.

Buy Now

Halloween Mantle Decor

Buy from Amazon, $7

100% anti-crease polyester fabric ensures a lightweight, durable, and fade-resistant black lace spiderweb perfect for your Halloween mantle, dining room table, or buffet set-up. It’s 18×96 inches and can be used in plenty of other ways, too, including over a doorway or window or as a backdrop for your Halloween photo shoot.

Buy Now

Black Cat Halloween Decor

Buy from Amazon, $20

Illuminate your yard this Halloween with this set of decorative black cats. Their eyes glow with purple LED light to create a mysterious and dark atmosphere on your property. They can be turned on automatically or set with a timer to glow for six hours at a time.

Buy Now

Halloween Window Decor

Buy from Amazon, $10

Illuminate your window this Halloween with a spell book, cat, and cauldron light set! Set it and forget it this Halloween with these timed LED light shapes, which also come in a set that has a pumpkin, spider, and witch hat.

Buy Now

Indoor Halloween Decor

Buy from Amazon, $24

Use these flickering flameless hanging candles throughout your home this Halloween to achieve a spooky atmosphere! Each tapered candle is equipped with barely-there fishing line that makes them easy to hang from ceilings, mirrors, and more. The best part is that they’re controlled with a magic wand that only requires one AAA battery.

Buy Now

Halloween Witch Decor

Buy from Amazon, $30

Install this quintessential crashing illuminated witch to any tree in your yard for a hilarious addition to your Halloween decor. Long straps on each hand and ankle make it easy to install, remove, and reuse year after year. The steel wire in the broom makes it adjustable and customizable, too! Available in warm white or orange lights, this crashing witch is a must-have.

Buy Now

Cute Halloween Decor

Buy from Amazon, $24

Dress up your couch, power recliner, or porch swing this Halloween with these adorable ghost throw pillows! They’re made from an ultra-soft polyester velvet material that’s durable but soft to the touch. Each set comes with three pillows that range in size (12″x16″, 13.5″x16″, 17″x16″).

Buy Now

Gothic Halloween Decor

Buy from Amazon, $15

If you’re a lover of gothic Halloween decor, these artificial eucalyptus stems are ideal for your home. Each pack comes with 24 pieces of black faux eucalyptus stems (13.4 inches in length) ideal for centerpieces, entryways, and more.

Buy Now

Living Room Halloween Decor

Buy from Amazon, $12

Have throw pillows you want to dress up for the Halloween holiday? This set of four throw pillow covers is perfect! With quotes like “It’s Just a Bunch of Hocus Pocus” and “Sanderson Sister’s Black Flame Candle Company,” they’re perfect for any fan of Hocus Pocus! Available in white and black, white, black and orange, or colorful options, these throw pillow cases will fit into any Halloween home decor.

Buy Now

Chic Halloween Decor

Buy from Amazon, $25

This rustic book tower features burlap ribbon wrap and is accented with the words “spells”, “curses”, and “brews” in a typewriter style print that’ll make the perfect addition to your bookshelf, coffee table, or window display this Halloween. Plus, these open like a box and are hollow inside, so they can double as secret storage!

Buy Now

DIY Halloween Decor

Buy from Amazon, $10

Create your own custom Halloween decorations with this DIY wood set complete with spiders, bats, pumpkins, witch hats and eight other varying styles. These decorations can be stained or painted any way you like, then hung with the cotton rope each kit comes with to easily transform your home for the Halloween holiday.

Buy Now

Get festive with these Halloween decorations! Shop these and more from Amazon.

Want more Halloween ideas? Keep reading!

Halloween Cakes: 14 Spooky Good Recipes

These Old Halloween Photos Will Get You in the Spirit

Halloween Dinner Ideas: 22 Frightfully Fun Recipes

Questions? Reach us at [email protected]

Source: yahoo.com

Apache is functioning normally

October 31, 2023 by Brett Tams

Verification, HELOC, POS, Servicing Transfer Products; Webinars Today and Tomorrow; Fannie’s Solid Earnings

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Verification, HELOC, POS, Servicing Transfer Products; Webinars Today and Tomorrow; Fannie’s Solid Earnings

By:
Rob Chrisman

52 Min, 10 Secs ago

“Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.” Corporate changes are the name of the game. Atlanta’s Crescent Mortgage’s bank owner is aligning all mortgage facets of the enterprise and moving to “retail only” and eliminating third party. Rather than wind down, Colorado’s Universal Lending is inking an agreement with Lower LLC in a partnership setting up Universal Home Loans being in the same markets as a division of Lower LLC and improve its competitive position. Every discussion that I’ve had with real estate agents lately involves a) thousands of agents leaving the business due to the lack of… business, and b) how 8 percent mortgage rates have absolutely ground transactions, and even interest in looking at properties, to a halt. Meanwhile, I’m having similar conversations with loan originators as a) NMLS licenses are declining, and b) 8 percent mortgage rates have ground activity to a halt. From a broker-dealer’s perspective, BAML’s trade desk reported that, “Supply limped into the weekend, closing at 1.2bn amid a light rate move, dragging the 5 day average to 1.8bn.” (Today’s podcast can be found here, sponsored by Richey May, a recognized leader in providing specialized advisory, audit, tax, technology and other services to the mortgage industry for almost four decades. Hear an interview with Richey May’s Seth Sprague on the servicing marketplace, strategic planning, and returns to profitability from an advisory perspective.)

Lender and Broker Software, Products, and Services

On this Halloween, don’t get tricked: Stop and think before you click. The human element is the easiest target for cyberattacks, from phishing emails to phone calls. However, with proper training, your team can become your greatest defense against these attacks. In an industry that values sales goals, it’s tempting to pursue every mortgage lead without hesitation. But recent data reveals the dangers of careless clicking. In 2022, social engineering was the top attack vector, even for the best teams. Discover how to strengthen your human cybershield here and reach out to Richey May’s cybersecurity experts to assess and define your cybersecurity training needs.

“BOO! No tricks here, only treats! Did you know that even the leanest of teams can leverage the same enterprise ecosystem technologies as the largest players in the mortgage industry? For purchasers of mortgage assets, Blue Water (“Blue Water Financial Technologies Services, LLC”) has turnkey solutions available that can dramatically widen your funnel. For example, SuperTransfer™, ensures that you receive docs and data from any number of sellers exactly in your stacking order and format with exception remediation* built into the process. Buy directly from sellers or buy from aggregators to access hundreds of sellers. Blue Water technology can help drive your valuation-based pricing* to target your footprint and return objectives- at the loan level. From pricing, valuations, transactions, transfer, QC, to boarding, Blue Water makes it easy to scale up your pipeline. *Patent pending. Connect with our expert Sales Team today.”

Maximize your return on every loan with better secondary pricing and industry-leading technology. To achieve profitable mortgage lending, you need solutions built for your bottom line. Maxwell’s tech-enabled platform enhances each step of the process, from point of sale to the secondary market. You’ll gain competitive secondary market pricing on a wide array of products, including non-QM and jumbo, and full-service fulfillment support on both wholesale and mini-correspondent offerings. Maxwell Capital customers leveraging Maxwell Point of Sale close 36 percent more loans than top competitors, increasing and accelerating closes, while built-in business intelligence tracks and benchmarks performance. Schedule a call with our team to learn more about Maxwell Capital and Maxwell Point of Sale to ensure profitability on every mortgage origination.

“Take your Encompass® experience to the next level with the Encompass Essentials – 10 Free Tools Package from KensieMae, where seamless enhancements await at no cost. We get it; this market can be tough, and we’re here to make it a little easier… for free! No gimmicks, no hidden fees, and no strings attached. Our free tools package includes 10 simple, but powerful, time-saving tools trusted by thousands of lenders, and they won’t cost you a dime. Installation is a breeze, and upgrades are on the house. Whether you’re a new KensieMae customer or already part of the family, these tools are our gift to you. Save time, reduce frustration, and streamline your workflow with tools like Doorbell, Navigation Buttons, and Macro Automation. Your lending business deserves these game-changers, so why wait? Claim yours today and supercharge your operations with the Encompass Essentials – 10 Free Tools Package!”

We all remember the houses that give the full-size candy bars just like we remember the houses that give toothbrushes and raisins. Why should your digital mortgage experience be any different? Borrowers remember a slick, easy-to-use loan app, and just like the neighborhood kids, will tell you where to go and what to avoid. Be the full-size candy bar house with LiteSpeed by LenderLogix.

Symmetry Lending has some very exciting news: As of tomorrow, November 1, Symmetry is enhancing the Borrower-Paid Broker Fee payouts on its Standalone HELOCs! Mortgage loan officers and brokers can now earn 1.5 percent on the Symmetry Standalone HELOC draw amount, with no maximum payout. Symmetry will also continue to allow for a $500 borrower-paid broker fee on its Piggyback HELOC solution. This increased payout on Symmetry’s Standalones offers a big opportunity to increase your income while the first mortgage market remains challenging and slow. In fact, HELOCs, especially Standalone HELOCs, continue to gain a lot of interest, with homeowners looking to this lower-interest financing solution to make renovations and repairs to their current home, versus buying a new home at a high interest rate, offset debt and increase cash flow in an inflationary economy, increase their home value in preparation for a future sale, and more! Don’t wait until it’s too late! Talk to your clients about the benefits of a HELOC before someone else steals this business opportunity from you. Contact Symmetry to learn more about their HELOC solutions, pricing, and industry-leading speed and service.

Verification Products

Truv is saving Lenders 60-80 percent over competitors. That’s the savings of multiple full-time employees. For example, Compass Mortgage saved roughly 60 percent in verification costs and maintained their same conversion rate. “Truv has given us the ability to lower costs, all while speeding up the verification process and providing better employment data” said Justin Venhousen, COO, Compass Mortgage. Stop wasting money. Contact TRUV today to discuss how we can help you with your income, employment, insurance, and asset verifications.

It may be spooky season, but don’t let the risk of buybacks frighten you. Reports of falsified data are on the rise, and buybacks have become an increasing problem for mortgage lenders. Requesting paper paystubs or W-2s from the applicant may be your default method of verification, but it can be burdensome for both you and the applicant, and fake pay stub generators are easily accessible via the web. Scary! Third party verification of income through The Work Number® is one of the best ways to mitigate risk, helping to reduce potentially costly buybacks. Available for use by credentialed verifiers with permissible purpose under the FCRA, The Work Number database provides instant access to 163 million current employment records directly from 2.9 million employers and payroll providers. With buybacks on the rise, why use paper-based processes when instant GSE-approved options exist?

The 8 percent mortgage rate housing market is here, and it’s time for lenders to get lean and cut out complicated fluff. Truework is saving lenders $100 on every VOI/Eby connecting every major verification method into a single platform. With one-stop verification, you can verify income for 95 percent of applicants and replace expensive and clunky legacy systems. Now is the time to sharpen your processes and with Truework Income, lenders are accelerating applications and cutting verification costs.

Fannie Mae Earnings

This morning Fannie announced that it had $4.7 billion of net income for the third quarter of 2023, with net worth reaching $73.7 billion as of September 30. It is certainly being “recapitalized!” Net income decreased $295 million in the third quarter of 2023 compared with the second quarter of 2023, primarily driven by a decrease in benefit for credit losses, partially offset by an increase in fair value gains. Fannie acquired approximately 224,000 single-family purchase loans, of which more than 45 percent were for first-time homebuyers, and approximately 45,000 single-family refinance loans during the third quarter of 2023.

Tune in Today and Tomorrow

Today, Halloween, is the next Mortgages with Millennials with Kristin Messerli and Robbie Chrisman. Tune in every Tuesday at 10AM PT to the weekly video show designed to empower mortgage professionals to tap into the millennial market. This show demystifies the psychology of first-time homebuyers and offers strategies to win more market share with a key segment of the market. Sign up for a weekly reminder with the link to join and a sneak peek into the next episode. Top Millennial producer Sean Herrero is today’s guest.

A shout out to Lender Toolkit and its 2024 Supercar event in Las Vegas to kick off ICE Experience 2024 on March 18! The company is offering early bird discounts on sponsorships, but only until October 31. Imagine your logo on an exotic car with your clients and prospects behind the wheel. And yours truly will be doing a live podcast! To get the deal on sponsorships reach out to Brent Emler or grab the sponsorship form.

Join the AEI Housing Center for the 12th Annual AEI Housing Conference, today, Oct. 31st and Wednesday, Nov. 1st, both in-person and online.

Looking for more in-depth commentary on weekly mortgage news? Register here for “Mortgage Matters: The Weekly Roundup” presented by Lenders One. Every Wednesday at 2:00 PM EST/11:00 AM PT is a dive into a range of mortgage-related topics, including market trends, interest rate fluctuations, innovative mortgage products, and industry advancements. This week’s episode features Charlotte Brown, Qualia’s VP of Product Design, discussing pain points in the closing process and working with title and escrow.

Capital Markets

Both a big federal budget deficit and a clearer path for the economy to return to low inflation without a recession are putting upward pressures on interest rates that will likely persist into next year. The December fed funds futures are nearly certain there will be no change at this week’s meeting that begins today and concludes tomorrow, and the probability for a hike in December at the subsequent Federal Open Market Committee meeting has fallen from around one-in-three a month ago to one-in-four currently. We still have the jobs report on Friday.

We also have the quarterly refunding data this week with investors preparing for increased issuance on longer dated tenors, as Treasury officials attempt to offset a widening budget deficit. There was some intraday speculation yesterday that the quarterly refunding statement for the U.S. Treasury could show increased borrowing needs for Q3, but the release showed that the Treasury plans to borrow $776 billion in Q4, which is $76 billion below the estimate from three months ago. Keep in mind that the last few Treasury auctions didn’t go well, so the bond market will be sensitive to these.

Today’s busy month-end economic calendar is under way with the Q3 Employment Cost Index (+1.1 percent, slightly higher than Q2), where a 1.0 percent quarter-over-quarter increase was expected, the same as the prior quarter. Later this morning brings Redbook same store sales, August house prices from S&P/Case-Shiller and FHFA, Chicago PMI for October, Dallas Fed Texas services, and several Treasury auctions. We begin Halloween with Agency MBS prices better than Monday afternoon by .125-.250 and the 10-year yielding 4.82 after closing yesterday at 4.88 percent; the 2-year is at 5.03 percent.

Jobs and Transitions

“First Community Mortgage (FCM) continues to experience remarkable growth, having doubled our branch locations, spanning from coast to coast. Despite challenging market conditions, FCM continues to thrive, committed to expansion. As a state-chartered lender, FCM loan officers can originate in 48 states, unlocking a world of opportunities. Our dedicated transition team is ready to support you during your first 120 days, ensuring the journey to FCM is seamless and successful. Our unique business model is tailor-made to empower our leaders with the support and flexibility they need to cultivate their businesses and deliver exceptional customer experiences, yielding outstanding results and a significantly higher income potential. Our unwavering commitment to enhancing your experience shines through in our substantial investments in technology, aimed at simplifying your workload and unlocking your full potential for business growth. Come along with us and discover the possibilities. Contact Bret Head or visit us online.”

Brokers and correspondents should know that Arc Home, a leading Non-QM and Non-Agency lender, is delighted to announce the appointment of Brian Devlin as President. Brian brings more than two decades of diverse industry experience, making him the ideal leader to guide Arc Home through its next phase of growth. In addition to his role as President, Mr. Devlin is set to assume the position of CEO following a transition period with current CEO, Richard Bradfield, who will embark on new opportunities. Brian shared his excitement, saying, “Joining Arc Home is an incredible opportunity to collaborate with the best professionals in the industry. We’re committed to providing top-notch Non-QM and Non-Agency products, processes, and service to our valued clients.” To learn more, click here, or reach out to your Arc Home Account Executive. Find out why this leadership addition, along with our top-tier products and pricing, makes Arc Home your go-to partner for Non-QM and Non-Agency lending in 2024.

As part of its ongoing growth and expansion, top tier Third Party Origination Go (TPO Go) announced the hiring of Katie Plezia, Kim Kriel, and Brice Waterman as Account Executives who will be instrumental in driving sales production and operational excellence. Each brings more than twenty years of mortgage industry experience across all lending channels, including roles in sales production and management as well as operations management, and are regarded as top performers, having received multiple awards and recognition for sales production, including rankings among the top 10 AEs in the country for several consecutive years. Adam Millstein, VP and National Sales Manager shared, “Katie, Kim, and Brice’s passion for this business is evident and their respective patterns of success are enviable. They exemplify the type of people that we want and need to represent the TPO Go brand as we continue on our journey, and I can’t wait for the great things we’ll do together.” TPO Go is a national mortgage wholesaler, offering Fannie, Freddie, Ginnie, niche renovation lending products such as VA, 203k, Fannie Mae Homestyle and Freddie Mac’s Choice Renovation, USDA, VA, TPO GO 100/Chenoa, and a proprietary TPO GO first-time homebuyer program to brokers.

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

Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com

Apache is functioning normally

October 31, 2023 by Brett Tams

Thanksgiving decor can look just as good outside the home as it can inside. From beautiful wreaths and garlands, to pumpkins and cozy lights, these festive decorations are all about making your home look and feel more cozy, special, and seasonal.

The beauty of outdoor Thanksgiving decor is that you can use a lot of the same items that you would use for outdoor fall decor and even outdoor Halloween decor, so many of these decoration ideas can be embraced from the beginning of fall all the way through to Thanksgiving – then it’s time to start getting creative with outdoor Christmas decor.

Spruce up your outside space with outdoor Thanksgiving decor

fall flower and foliage inspiration for your front door, or are looking to decorate with pumpkins on your front porch, our ideas can elegantly elevate your exterior so it’s beautifully in sync with the season.

1. Pumpkins

(Image credit: Studio McGee)

This seasonal squash is synonymous with fall, Halloween, and Thanksgiving decor, and is probably the most traditional and popular seasonal decoration of them all.

Whether you style your outside space with pumpkins freshly picked from a day out at the pumpkin farm, or opt for a more contemporary look with stylish faux pumpkins that can be used year after year, it doesn’t get easier than placing a pretty pumpkin by your front door.

Here, interior designer Shea McGee from Studio McGee has created a beautiful blend of traditional Thanksgiving decorations with more modern color palettes. The scattered pumpkins in a palette of pastel shades perfectly complement the planters and their home’s white exterior. Shea says of the design, ‘our wreath (currently sold out but our Oversized Fall Leaf Wreath can create a simple effect) is from our Target for Threshold line, we tied a pretty fall-hued ribbon around the top of it to add some more interest.’

For some further inspiration, take a look at Shea’s similar Halloween porch look below.

Faux Pumpkins & Gourds

Lit Woven Pumpkin

Full Moon Pumpkins (Set of 5)

Studio McGee, with her husband Syd in 2014. They later launched their e-commerce brand, McGee & Co, and starred in their very own Netflix show, Dream Home Makeover.

2. Wreaths and garlands

(Image credit: Balsam Hill)

A traditional festive decoration that beautifully celebrates the colors of fall and seasonal plants and flowers, a wreath or garland can add wonderful texture, color, and shape to your outside space. Wreaths are perfect for sitting pretty on a front door, and garlands can be used to decorate door frames and porch railings.

Whether you fancy embracing a Thanksgiving craft and having a go at making your own Thanksgiving wreath from flowers, branches, and foliage gathered from your yard and garden, or opt for an artificial design (we love Balsam Hill’s Autumn Abundance collection) you can never go wrong with styling your outside space with stylish natural accents.

Autumn Abundance Foliage – Wreath

Autumn Abundance Foliage – Garland

Autumn Abundance Foliage – Swag

fall planters filled with fall flowers and plants for fall color’ says designer, Chantelle Malarkey. ‘It’s great to get bunches in reds, oranges, and purples.

‘Or, for a more modern Thanksgiving decor idea, why not try styling your outside space with some pretty pampas grass? It’s one of my all-time favorites to style with, both indoors and outdoors, and can add a unique, neutral texture to your Thanksgiving decor.’ Pampas is perfect for using in a minimalist Thanksgiving scheme.

In this colorful outside space by @carlosriveracruet, the front porch area has been elegantly uplifted by pumpkins, a unique hanging foliage basket on the door (a great alternative to a wreath), and pretty pots filled with orange, yellow, and white flowers.

Chantelle Malarkey

Outdoor Fortune lanterns from Pottery Barn are great for using all year round too, creating a wonderful seasonal scene that can look just as good at night as it can during the day.

Designer and landscaping expert Ward Dilmore also suggests, ‘as the sun sets, create a cozy and warm atmosphere with string lights. Hang them across your outdoor area or wrap them around porch railings. These lights not only provide illumination, but will add a magical touch to your Thanksgiving gathering.’ These Connectable String Lights from Balsam Hill are perfect – and they can be used for your outdoor Christmas lighting ideas too.

Ward Dilmore

Liz Marie Galvan has created at her farm, featuring cushions, throws, and decorations from the Target x John Derian Thanksgiving collection.

Square Pillow Fall Pumpkin, 18″

Quilted Throw Blanket Fall Mums, 50″x70″

Assorted Fall Paper Decor Pack

fall porch ideas for some further outdoor seasonal inspiration.

Embracing festive window decor, similar to Halloween window decor ideas, can also help to elevate your outdoor Thanksgiving scheme. Hang wreaths and lights in the window or style a window ledge with a stack of pumpkins, perfect for creating a cozy seasonal display that can be appreciated both inside and outside of the home.

Source: homesandgardens.com

Apache is functioning normally

October 27, 2023 by Brett Tams

Internal Audit, Verification, Broker, Marketing Products; Training and Webinars Next Week

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Internal Audit, Verification, Broker, Marketing Products; Training and Webinars Next Week

By:
Rob Chrisman

1 Hour, 17 Min ago

The unofficial Chrisman LLC sarcastic slogan is, “We do this not because it is easy, but because we thought it would be easy.” Hopefully, there are no lenders out there with that slogan, as residential lending, done the right way, is not easy. Sometimes residential lending seems discombobulated. Sometimes things settle down and become more orderly: recombobulated! (Workflow and improved lender efficiency are the topics of today’s Mortgage Collaborative Rundown featuring Donielle Geiser with Thrive Mortgage.) Not only is our biz not easy but it is also unpredictable. 2024 is shaping up to be another tough year for mortgage originations due to the market environment, and every basis point will matter. Capacity still needs to be right sized across the industry, and the market and your competitors will force that to happen. Would you rather have profitability or market share? If you’re losing money what difference does market share make? If you don’t have a HELOC or 2nd program, find one. Even companies like Rithm Capital (parent of New Rez, doing about $4 billion a month and who have done better than expected) are forecasting a dismal Q4 and a challenging 2024. (Today’s podcast can be found here, sponsored by Visio Lending and its top notch broker program. Visio is the nation’s premier lender for buy and hold investors with over 2.5 billion closed loans for single-family rental properties, including vacation rentals. Listen to an interview between Robbie and me on the Commentary’s editorial process and its evolution over the years.)

Lender and Broker Software, Products, and Services

Are you looking for a cost-effective way to build your personal brand and capture demand in this challenging market? Do you want to be top of mind for the prospective home buyers in your market? If so, and you want a simple, easy-to-use suite of marketing tools to position you above your competition, then you need to subscribe to Tabrasa One! Tabrasa One is a brand new, all-in-one marketing platform with first-class marketing capabilities, from email marketing campaigns to impactful social media to leading-edge video to insightful market intelligence from our legendary Mortgage Market Guide, all rooted in a mortgage-specific CRM foundation. Tabrasa One can deliver unparalleled marketing impact for you at an unprecedented low cost. Sign up now: www.tabrasa.io.

In this market, hustle is everything. You can’t afford to waste a single deal… Or a single minute. That’s why ReadyPrice has launched Shop, Lock, Deliver. It’s an innovative platform designed to help independent mortgage brokers and their lenders save time and money. Now you can shop competitive loan offerings from multiple lenders, get rate lock guarantees in real time, receive underwriting findings, and deliver the borrower’s complete loan file to lenders, all on a single platform, at no cost to brokers. It’s already helping brokers around the country thrive and compete in the toughest market. Multiple lenders. One platform. Zero b.s. Come check us out today.

Get ready to energize your teams and learn new insights to win more business! Join Rocket Pro TPO with a live audience of 500 brokers Tuesday (11/7) at 1:30pm ET for their next IGNITE Live meeting, hosted by Executive Vice President, Mike Fawaz! Streaming from its All Access event in Detroit, find out how Rocket Pro TPO offers its partners more certainty, speed and expertise with Crews, the Credit Upgrade Team and the SOS Scenario Team, all dedicated to serve you. Talk to them to optimize your strategies around recent product changes including a Home Equity Loan CLTV/FICO expansion, more available census tracts for Purchase Plus and more LTV flexibility on VA, and up to 100% LTV on loan amounts over $1.5 million! Interested in learning more about a Broker or Non-Delegated Correspondent partnership? Contact Rocket Pro TPO to learn more.

Save $100 on every application with Truv! Orion Lending slashed their annual expenses by $300,000 and boosted their conversion rate by 32% using Truv’s income and employment verification solution. “Truv transformed our verification process, expanding our reach and cutting costs,” asserts Richard Plummer, EVP of Operations at Orion Lending. Stop the financial bleed. ContactTRUV today to discuss how we can help you with your income, employment, insurance, and asset verifications.

What’s an internal audit anyway and do you need one? An internal audit acts as a third line of defense for your mortgage operation. It provides comprehensive assurance based on the highest level of independence and objectivity to evaluate the effectiveness of management’s internal controls. This function should advise your mortgage operation on plans to achieve the company’s strategic, operational, financial and compliance goals. An effective internal audit should go far beyond just checking a compliance box; it should be an integral part of protecting your company. If you want to ensure you’re adhering to regulatory requirements and demonstrating good faith business practices, a Richey May internal audit is a good fit. If you’re looking to be Fannie Mae approved in the future or want to maintain your approved status, it’s required. If you’re unsure whether you need an internal audit, ask one of Richey May’s experts today or learn more here.

Training and Webinars Next Week

A good place for longer term conference planning is to start is here, and click on “events” for conferences in the future.

Today, Friday the 27th is The Mortgage Collaborative’s Rundown covering current events in the mortgage market for 30-45 minutes starting at noon PT, 3PM ET in “The Rundown”. Today’s features Thrive Mortgage’s COO Donielle Geiser.

Tuesday, Halloween, is the next Mortgages with Millennials with Kristin Messerli and Robbie Chrisman. Tune in every Tuesday at 10AM PT to the weekly video show designed to empower mortgage professionals to tap into the millennial market. This show demystifies the psychology of first-time homebuyers and offers strategies to win more market share with a key segment of the market. Sign up for a weekly reminder with the link to join and a sneak peek into the next episode.

Join the AEI Housing Center for the 12th Annual AEI Housing Conference, Tuesday, Oct. 31st and Wednesday, Nov. 1st, both in-person and online.

Looking for more in-depth commentary on weekly mortgage news? Register here for “Mortgage Matters: The Weekly Roundup” presented by Lenders One. Every Wednesday at 2:00 PM EST/11:00 AM PT is a dive into a range of mortgage-related topics, including market trends, interest rate fluctuations, innovative mortgage products, and industry advancements. Listen to a unique mix of age perspective, expertise, and charisma to the screen, ensuring that the information is not only educational but also entertaining. This Wednesday’s features National MI!

The Knowledge Coop’s new membership platform offers all state and federal Continuing Education courses in an engaging and exciting video format that you’re sure to actually enjoy. Want to give yourself a sharper competitive edge? They also offer in-depth training on specific topics like VA Loans and FHA within their Coop Academy. Get access to industry experts and connect with other mortgage professionals all in one space. Use Code Chrisman10 for 10 percent off your first year of membership here.

Join the Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC) on Wednesday, November 1, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET for its third public hearing focused on appraisal bias, the residential appraisal process, and associated regulations. ASC provides federal oversight of state appraiser and appraisal management company (AMC) regulatory programs and monitors and reviews the Appraisal Foundation. The ASC is a subcommittee of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC).

Join MBA of Florida on November 2nd, 1:00 – 5:30 PM for a Loan Officer Summit at Orlando Museum of Art. Attendees will enjoy an interactive panel of top producing loan officers. This will be a moderated panel with opportunities for Q&A.

On November 2, the Montana Association for Mortgage Professionals is having a dinner at Stockman Bank in Missoula (321 W. Broadway).

Spend Time with the Best… Register for the MBAF LO Summit on November 2, beginning at 1:00pm at the Orlando Museum of Art. Enjoy interactive panel of top producing loan officers, conversation with realtors as they discuss best practices and relationship building in the real estate industry, Speaker Amir Syed of Growth Only Coaching plus networking and happy hour.

Become a Certified Veterans Lending Specialist, CoAMP is partnering with NAMB to bring their exceptional CVLS course to Denver on Friday, November 3rd, 8:30 AM – 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time. The certification training will cover VA lending basics in addition to advanced topics to set yourself apart. You will take the certification exam immediately following the course, upon passing you will be presented with your CVLS certification and marketing materials.

Friday the 3rd is The Mortgage Collaborative’s Rundown covering current events in the mortgage market for 30-45 minutes starting at noon PT in “The Rundown”.

Capital Markets

Higher rates. But rates are already high, and the bond market is doing the Federal Reserve’s rate-setting work for it. U.S. economic growth accelerated in the third quarter to a 4.9 percent seasonally adjusted annualized pace, signaling the economy remains resilient in the face of higher rates and still-elevated prices. That’s not necessarily good news for the Fed, as the central bank pumps the brakes on interest rate hikes in the wake of rising long-term bond yields and geopolitical turmoil. While persistent strength in demand could put the inflation descent in jeopardy, the report doesn’t change much for policymakers and the FOMC is still expected to leave rates unchanged at next week’s meeting while reinforcing the case for restrictive monetary policy near-term.

The overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figure was powered by strong consumer spending, which rose 4 percent, strong government spending, and a sizable build in inventories which bumped up the investment portion. It should also be acknowledged that the core Personal Consumption Expenditure Price Index was up 2.4 percent in the third quarter, slowing significantly from 3.7 percent in Q2 and 4.9 percent in Q1. Across “the pond,” the European Central Bank refrained from raising rates for the first time in ten meetings, noting that underlying inflation has eased and is expected to continue decelerating but ECB President Lagarde refused to say that the peak rate has been reached, adding that it would be premature to discuss rate cuts.

Fed favorite PCE for September kicked off today’s calendar (+.4 percent). The core Personal Consumption Expenditure price index increased .3 versus 0.3 percent month-over-month expected and 3.7 percent year-over-year expectations and 0.1 percent month-over-month and 3.9 year-over-year previously. Personal Income was +.3 percent and Personal Spending was Later this +.7. morning brings final October Michigan sentiment, remarks from Fed Vice Chair of Supervision Barr, and more earnings from Wall Street. We begin the day with Agency MBS prices unchanged from Thursday’s close and the 10-year yielding 4.86 after closing yesterday at 4.85 percent.

Jobs

Mortgage Equity Partners (MEP), a growing IMB headquartered in Massachusetts, continues to build upon its growth strategy. In addition to several recent high-caliber new hires on the sales and management team, MEP has done it again. Rick Dionne has joined the team as Vice President, Sales Business Development. Rick will use his extensive experience to help recruit best-in-class loan officers and branch managers and help them unlock their potential through branch partnerships. Rick has a wide range of industry knowledge obtained over many years in various management and leadership roles, most recently with Supreme Lending. MEP has also scored a big win in the Southeast by bolstering its presence in South Carolina under the leadership of Area Manager Jimmy Atkins. Jimmy is very well respected in the Southeast mortgage market and has held leadership positions at Gateway, Finance of America, and, most recently, Go Mortgage. Rick Dionne and Jimmy Atkins are top-level players in the mortgage space and will be instrumental in the continued growth of MEP. We are honored to have them on the team,” said John Cabral, Executive Vice President of Sales. To learn more about MEP, visit here.

UMortgage is proud to welcome Patton Gade, the nation’s #1 originator of VA loans, per the 2023 Scotsman Guide rankings, as its National Director of Military Lending. In his role, Gade will lead UMortgage’s Division of Military Lending and a team of experienced VA Loan Originators. This team is dedicated to offering the strongest loan products to VA borrowers and education to dispel the common myths surrounding the VA homebuying process. UMortgage is a proud homeownership advocate for our country’s veterans, active service members, and military families. In 2023, nearly 20% of the loans originated by UMortgage LOs were VA loans, well above the national average of 12% per the Congressional Budget Office. Joining an already prestigious team of VA-focused LOs which includes Jay Bunte, Jimmy Hobson, and Tyler Carlston, Gade plans to further increase the service UMortgage offers to our country’s service members. If you want to know why top producers continue to join the UMortgage platform to grow their business and create life-changing opportunities through homeownership, follow this link to connect with some of our standout LOs.

“Stronghill Capital, LLC, a fast-growing Austin, TX-based Wholesale and Correspondent lender, is hiring! We’re looking for experienced Account Executives with an existing book of business who are interested in growing in the Non-QM space. Stronghill specializes in investor residential/DSCR loans, offering unique programs specifically for investor clients. For our 5-10 Unit properties and our 2-8 Unit Mixed Use investment loans, we offer a DSCR ratio of 1.00. For 1-4 Unit properties, your investor clients can qualify using rental cash flow only with a DSCR ratio of 0.75. If you’re interested in being a part of a dynamic company with responsive leadership, sharp price execution, and a commitment to being competitive in the Non-QM space, contact Matt Brammer. As we continue to expand, we are open to discussions in all regions across the country.

Citizens has recently launched a nationwide Private Bank to help facilitate growth in wealth management, improve capabilities in the high-net-worth segment and expand in key markets. Citizens Private Bank will provide holistic, high-touch client service to high-net-worth individuals, families, and businesses, including private family foundations, nonprofit, multifamily and commercial real estate, life sciences, private equity, and venture capital firms. In an effort to better serve Private Bank clients, who often have unique mortgage needs, Citizens has enhanced its relationship lending capabilities to better reward customers for their business and are further evolving our already best-in-class products and services. We’re looking for talented mortgage loan officers who want to join a team who is playing offense and growing our capabilities each and every day. If you are looking to help customers achieve the dream of home ownership and want to learn more about Citizens, contact Sean Reilly or visit us here.

Logan Finance continues to set new Non-QM growth records in Q3! “We continue to see tremendous growth as the industry turns to us as the trusted, reliable partner in Non-QM lending,” says Don Pace, Logan CEO. “In addition to our high-touch service, we continue to expand our Non-QM product suite to encompass a broader set of niche lending needs.” To help support Logan’s tremendous growth, Logan has acquired industry veteran Aaron Samples as Chief Revenue Officer and continues actively hiring superstar account executives. Recent Logan family members include Jesus Gomez, Kelly Stovall, Will Clark, Chris Murphree, and Greg McDonell. If you’re a Non-QM Superstar and want to learn more about Logan’s growth, visit Loganwholesale.com and Logancorrespondent.com or contact Aaron Samples.

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Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com

Hanover Mortgages

The Refined Mortgage Lending Company & Home Loan Lenders

Halloween

Apache is functioning normally

Reimagining the interiors of our favorite Halloween classics with the help of AI

#1 Beetlejuice

#2 Sleepy Hollow

#3 Friday the 13th

#4 The Nightmare Before Christmas

#5 The Addams Family

#6 Hocus Pocus

#7 Little Shop of Horrors

Apache is functioning normally

Where to Buy Halloween Decor: Amazon Prime Members Have Access to Fast, Free Shipping

18 Halloween Decorations to Turn Your Home From Bare to Scare

Verification, HELOC, POS, Servicing Transfer Products; Webinars Today and Tomorrow; Fannie’s Solid Earnings

Apache is functioning normally

Spruce up your outside space with outdoor Thanksgiving decor

1. Pumpkins

2. Wreaths and garlands

Apache is functioning normally

California home’s Halloween decorations include lasers

Apache is functioning normally

You can find them all on Amazon, and they can be delivered to your door in 24 hours if you’re an Amazon Prime member. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to shop.

Internal Audit, Verification, Broker, Marketing Products; Training and Webinars Next Week

Apache is functioning normally

Elevated rates are making a dent in the mortgage volume

The housing market remains resilient

Where the Buyers Are: 74% of Respondents Dropped Into Dollar Tree

Discount Stores: The New Social Media Darlings

81% Discount-Shop at Least Once a Month

Inflation Surge Drives Shoppers to Discount Stores

More Than Half Discount-Shop to Benefit Their Budget

First on the Discount Shopping List: Groceries

11% Splash Out When Discount Shopping

Finding Fashion at Discount Shops? Yes, Says Gen Z

Almost 50% of Shoppers Seek Seasonal Wares

More Than Half of Discount Shoppers Spend Serious Time Bargain-Hunting

Discount Shoppers Also Prioritize Availability

And the Biggest Frustration With Discount Shopping Is…

The Takeaway

Reimagining the interiors of our favorite Halloween classics with the help of AI

#1 Beetlejuice

#2 Sleepy Hollow

#3 Friday the 13th

#4 The Nightmare Before Christmas

#5 The Addams Family

#6 Hocus Pocus

#7 Little Shop of Horrors

Where to Buy Halloween Decor: Amazon Prime Members Have Access to Fast, Free Shipping

18 Halloween Decorations to Turn Your Home From Bare to Scare

Verification, HELOC, POS, Servicing Transfer Products; Webinars Today and Tomorrow; Fannie’s Solid Earnings

Option 1: Copy and send this link

Spruce up your outside space with outdoor Thanksgiving decor

1. Pumpkins

2. Wreaths and garlands

California home’s Halloween decorations include lasers

You can find them all on Amazon, and they can be delivered to your door in 24 hours if you’re an Amazon Prime member. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to shop.

Internal Audit, Verification, Broker, Marketing Products; Training and Webinars Next Week

Option 1: Copy and send this link

Elevated rates are making a dent in the mortgage volume

The housing market remains resilient