Apache is functioning normally
We often watch HGTV for contemporary design quirks that may influence how we decorate in the future – but sometimes, designers remind us of historical features that have an unwavering place in modern homes. And this is the case with Jenny Mars.
The Fixer to Fabulous designer has renovated countless historic houses around Bentonville, Arkansas, meaning she is often tasked with accentuating their original charm and features. Her solution often involves installing wall paneling – a century-old decorating trick that instantly emphasizes the home’s heritage. However, we don’t need to live in a historic home to experiment with this technique.
website, Jenny accentuates a living room by installing wood paneling to maintain the original charm of the room while creating a luxurious aesthetic – and designers understand why this look is so timeless.
Wooden paneling first emerged as a form of wall decor in the 13th century, when King Henry III imported wood from Norway and used it to line his rooms at Windsor Castle. In the decades and centuries that followed, decorative paneling evolved into a fine art.
This feature has excellent thermal insulation properties, but alongside its practical assets, homeowners, designers, and artists alike have used wood paneling for its ornate aesthetic – seen firstly in the embellished linen-fold paneling that became popular in the 15th century.
Today, wood paneling is similarly admired for its good looks – hence why it is so admired by the likes of Jenny Marrs. But what makes it so eternally sought-after? New York-based designer, Artem Kropovinsky, says it comes down to three key factors.
‘Firstly, wooden panels are admired for their timeless charm, that stems from their natural origin,’ he says. ‘Secondly, their adaptability allows for customization to match any home decor style. And thirdly, their durability ensures longevity. Lastly, they instill a sense of warmth and sophistication in any setting.’
design trends are rooted far in the past. And we would say that’s the case with Jenny Marrs’ go-to.
Source: homesandgardens.com
Apache is functioning normally
Foreclosure sales jumped 31.9 percent last month in the Golden State, following a 35 percent increase a month earlier, but many potential sales are being held back, according to ForeclosureRadar data.
Notices of Default, which are the first step in the foreclosure process, fell 4.2 percent from April, and were down 3.1 percent from a year ago.
Notices of Trustee Sale, which set the auction date and time, increased a hefty 42 percent from April and 24.1 percent from a year earlier, indicating foreclosure sales are likely to rise in the months ahead.
However, of foreclosure sales currently scheduled, 40 percent are being postponed to a future date at the mortgage lender’s request, while another 33 percent are being held back based on a mutual agreement between lender and borrower
“While many complain that lenders are foreclosing too aggressively, and others claim a wave of foreclosures sales is imminent, the data actually shows that lenders are doing everything possible to delay foreclosure,” says Sean O’Toole, founder and CEO of ForeclosureRadar, in a release.
“The reality is that we have very few homeowners being foreclosed on when viewed as a percentage of those scheduled to be foreclosed on, in default, delinquent, or upside down in their mortgage.”
That may be because the majority of foreclosure sales taken to auction continue to be returned to the lender, with 87.9 percent failing to sell to third-parties in May.
This is despite the fact that 83 percent of sales taken to auction last month had a discounted opening bid that averaged just 58.6 percent of the loan value.
Lenders may intentionally be holding back sales for a number of reasons, including capacity overload, accounting tricks to minimize banks losses, and efforts to minimize home price declines; this is what many now refer to as the shadow inventory.
Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com
Apache is functioning normally
The Making Home Affordable program may be further expanded to help more underwater homeowners refinance their mortgages.
Though mortgage rates have crept up in recent weeks, current mortgage rates are more favorable than they have been in the past few years.
However, many homeowners have been unable to take advantage of the low rates thanks to loan-to-value (LTV) constraints, among other things.
The Home Affordable Refinance program currently has a LTV ceiling of 105 percent, meaning even those with no equity or private mortgage insurance can take advantage of the program.
But many borrowers have lost so much equity over the past few years that the FHFA is considering raising that ceiling to as much as 125 percent LTV, according to a Bloomberg report.
Originally, FHFA director James B. Lockhart noted that the line was drawn at 105 percent so loans could be securitized, and also due to capacity constraints.
However, the Obama Administration seems keen to boost participation in the program by easing eligibility, though some argue that it’s too little, too late, as mortgage rates have increased about a point in the past month.
One “mortgage strategist” who spoke with Bloomberg said the enhanced LTV limits could reach another 10 percent of borrowers with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans, but another four percent are even deeper underwater.
Then there are the jumbo loan holders, who still seem to be out of luck, and the private-label mortgages, which tend to carry the highest default rate.
A month ago, Fannie Mae said it received more than 233,000 eligible Home Affordable Refinance applications, with 51,000 having LTV ratios between 80 percent and 105 percent.
Related: How to refinance with negative equity.
Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com
Apache is functioning normally
In California, the majority of homeowners who have pondered selling in the past year haven’t because they can’t find a replacement home.
You’ve heard about inventory constraints and those obviously affect existing homeowners as well unless they make the odd choice to rent after selling.
I actually don’t have problem with renting if you can sell your home for a tidy profit and lie low until the next downturn, or least until home prices cool off, but it’s probably not a common way of thinking.
[New trend of selling current home before buying another.]
35% of Californians Have Pondered a Sale
Per the inaugural 2015 Survey of California Homeowners conducted by the California Association of Realtors, some 35% of homeowners have considered selling this year.
But of those folks who have, 64% are reluctant to do so because the home they want to buy next isn’t affordable.
Typically, homeowners will sell and move up to a bigger and better property thanks to the equity they accrue while living in their first home.
They can use the money for the down payment and generally take on a larger monthly payment because of wage increases and so forth. The larger home should also accommodate their growing family.
This is how the housing ecosystem works – they move up and first-time buyers come along and purchase their old homes.
But because homes are so expensive (again), the system is completely out of whack.
California Real Estate Isn’t Affordable
The problem is pretty clear – home prices in the Golden State are silly expensive. In fact, CAR even admitted this last week in a separate report, noting that only seven of 32 counties in the state had properties the typical median-income household could afford.
And the affordable counties aren’t on the coast or necessarily near bigger cities either. Think central and inland.
Consider the fact that in the first quarter of 2012, a median income of just $56,324 was needed to purchase a median-priced home in California.
Fast-forward to the second quarter of 2015 and that figure surged to $96,160, thanks to unhealthy home price appreciation. How many people do you think doubled their income over the past three years?
For the record, 99% of that required income increase was directly attributed to home price increases.
Amazingly, the home price increases over the past few years still don’t seem to be adequate, as 56% of survey respondents said they would sell if their home value increased.
So apparently home prices, as bloated as they are, aren’t even high enough yet to get some people on the move. And it’s unclear whether these people would be able to buy after home prices climbed that high.
Move Out of State?
One option is to sell your California home and get out of town, like way out of town. A different state actually.
Some 45% of California homeowners have considered packing up and leaving, with Texas the top destination at 15%.
It was followed by Oregon (11%), New York (9%), and Arizona and Nevada both tied at eight percent.
The obvious issue with moving out of state is that you might not have a job lined up in another state, and even if you do, it might complicate your ability to qualify for a mortgage.
There’s also the issue of moving kids to different schools and away from their friends (and your friends if you care?), and perhaps less home price appreciation to look forward to in those aforementioned states.
Ultimately what this tells us is home prices in California have far outpaced wage growth and are probably at unhealthy levels. But this was all deemed necessary to get underwater borrowers back above water.
Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com
Apache is functioning normally
When you’re a renter, it can feel like all the transformative DIY projects are reserved for homeowners. But just because you rent doesn’t mean you can’t spruce up your space.
That’s right: Rental-friendly upgrades exist. And the best part? Many improvements can have a major impact on your space without blowing your budget.
1. Create an Accent Wall
Spicing up your walls doesn’t have to cost a fortune, nor must it require gallons of paint. For just a few bucks a roll, you can buy washi tape and create a custom accent wall that won’t ruin the paint job. Or, if you’re able to spend a few extra dollars, you could also invest in removable wallpaper.
2. Update Light Fixtures
Light fixtures in rentals are notoriously drab and tend to provide uneven lighting. Fortunately, there is no shortage of lighting options to help you brighten up your space. A recessed lighting conversion kit, for instance, is fairly inexpensive, easy to install, and allows you to hang a pendant or other light fixture. Not sure your landlord would approve? You can always buy some decorative lamps or even string lights to help amp up the brightness and style of any room.
3. Install Radiator Shelving
In older units, rusty radiators can be a renter’s nightmare. But luckily, there are some rental upgrades — like installing radiator shelving — that can disguise even the most unattractive units. You can DIY a custom shelving unit to work around your radiator, upgrade some shelving from a local thrift store, or even order one online.
4. Buy Matching Bookshelves
Bookshelves are a simple way to upgrade the decor and add much-needed storage space. Placing tall, matching shelves on either side of a TV, couch, or even a bed could bring some serious style (and space) to a small room, plus allow you to display photos or art without putting holes in the wall.
5. Apply Contact Paper
Do you have older appliances you’d like to freshen up? For just a couple bucks, you can invest in some stainless steel contact paper to make them at least look shiny and new again! Contact paper also comes in a wide variety of colors and styles that you can use to liven up your cabinets and refresh your countertops.
6. Replace Pulls & Knobs
This is another budget-savvy, rental-friendly upgrade that can add some flair to your home. Replace your door handles, kitchen cabinet knobs, and any other pulls with something more your style. Affordable, stylish knobs can be found on sites like Etsy and Amazon, and in stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot. Be sure to hang on to the original knobs so you can swap them back in before you move out.
7. Install a Bike Mount
If you own a bike but are short on storage, install a bike mount or other bike storage solution. Just make sure your landlord is okay with the installation since it may require some drilling.
8. Try Large Floor Mirrors
Sometimes more is more. Exhibit A: an oversized leaning mirror, which can serve double-duty as a luxe decoration and a functional mirror.
9. Invest in Houseplants
Want to add some life to your rental — literally? Look no further than a houseplant. If you don’t have a green thumb, explore hardy varieties, like air plants or even artificial plants.
10. Upgrade Your Showerhead
Installing a new showerhead is a quick, effective way to upgrade your bathroom. You could start reaping the rewards the very first time you turn on the faucet. Make sure to hang on to that original showerhead so you can reinstall it when you move out.
Recommended: How Much Does a Shower Remodel Cost?
11. Set up Room Dividers
Need to carve out space for a home office? Or maybe even make room for a closet? Buying or creating stylish room dividers can provide an instant rental update. And when you need a larger space, simply close the dividers.
12. Use a Pantry Organization System
Help bring order to the busiest spot in your home: the kitchen. Pantry organization systems come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and varieties, so you should be able to find one that works for your home and budget.
13. Update Your Blinds
It can be easy to forget about window coverings. But freshening up your blinds or curtains can add a new visual element to the room, frame a window, or help brighten the space.
14. Install Sticker Flooring
When you’re considering places to upgrade, don’t forget to look down. Changing up the flooring — even temporarily — can make a room feel brand-new. One option to consider if you have a tile floor is removable tile stickers, which come in a variety of styles, sizes, and price points.
15. Create a Kitchen Backsplash
You can also use removable stickers to freshen up a kitchen backsplash, which is a much easier and cheaper option than replacing the tiles. New to this type of project? There are online video tutorials you can watch that will show you how to get the job done.
Recommended: Renovation vs. Remodel: What’s the Difference?
16. Replace Light Switch Covers
Don’t sleep on the small details — sometimes, they can have a major impact. One example of this is swapping out basic light switch covers with ones that match the decor of your rental. Plus, new covers are generally affordable and easy to install.
17. Buy a New Kitchen Faucet
There’s something to be said for upgrading the items in your rental that you use every day, such as the kitchen faucet. Installing a new faucet is a fairly simple DIY project, provided you know how to shut off the water to your sink and use a wrench. If you’re unsure how to do either, though, you can enlist the help of a plumber. Just be sure to put the old faucet in storage so you can swap it back before moving.
18. Find a Stylish Toilet Seat
Let’s be honest: Most rentals come with a basic toilet seat. When yours just won’t do anymore, it may be time to upgrade to something more modern and comfy. You can find a wide variety of options online or in stores.
19. Paint the Molding and Trim
Before selecting color swatches, you may want to double-check with your landlord that painting is allowed. Many landlords welcome you painting your molding and trim, since it’s an easy, affordable way to update a rental.
20. Invest in Good Rugs
Quality rugs can run well into the thousands of dollars. But there are less-expensive options that are also durable and stylish. Besides protecting your flooring, a good rug can also visually anchor a room and help absorb sound.
No matter the price of your rug, you may want to consider purchasing renters insurance to protect it and your other valuables against losses.
The Takeaway
When you’re a renter, you may not be able to rip out walls or change out kitchen cabinets. But there are still simple, effective ways to transform your space without breaking the terms of your lease. While these sorts of jobs tend to be affordable, you can easily rack up quite the bill if you plan on tackling several home improvement projects at once.
That said, if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get some renter-friendly updates done, see what SoFi can offer. With a SoFi Home Improvement Loan, you can borrow between $5K to $100K as an unsecured personal loan, meaning you don’t use your home as collateral and no appraisal is required. Our rates are competitive, and the whole process is easy and speedy.
Turn your home into your dream house with a SoFi Home Improvement Loan.
Photo credit: iStock/CreativaStudio
SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
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.
SOPL0723013
Source: sofi.com
Apache is functioning normally
When moving to a new apartment, naturally, you want all your personal possessions to arrive safely and in one piece. But, in even the best-laid moving plans, accidents happen and things get broken. While the odd shattered plate isn’t a big deal, you want to take extra care to protect more valuable, fragile items like pictures, framed artwork and big mirrors.
These packing hacks and moving tips will help ensure your valuable artwork, mirrors, pictures and wall art survive the difficult and unpredictable moving process and arrive in one piece.
Why does my canvas art, artwork or mirrors need special packing and protection?
Packing framed art, mirrors, large pictures, framed photos and art pieces requires specially-designed packing materials and methods. This is on account of their large size, delicate glass or mirror surfaces and elaborate, fragile frames. All sorts of things could go wrong when moving these valuable items, from broken glass to punctured canvases.
In the case of an unprotected canvas painting, you want to ensure the oils or paints don’t get scratched. This applies to framed artwork, as well as good, high-quality picture frames that are also expensive and valuable. Shattered glass or wood splinters from fractured frames also puts you or your movers at risk of injury.
Protecting these fragile pieces goes beyond the practical, though. Paintings, photographs and artwork can have tremendous sentimental value, such as treasured family photos that are one-of-a-kind and irreplaceable.
In the case of artwork, you may also have a monetary incentive to keep it safe. Maybe you have a famous painting in your possession or managed to acquire an art piece from an up-and-coming artist. If you’ve invested a lot of money in your art collection, you want to protect your financial investment.
Finally, in the case of moving mirrors, you want to take extra care. It’s seven years of bad luck if you break it.
Getting the right packing material like moving boxes and bubble wrap
You’ll need the right supplies to get artwork, mirrors and pictures safely from Point A to Point B.
Basic packing materials include:
- Bubble wrap
- Packing tape
- Cardboard boxes
- Packing paper (brown paper or craft paper)
- Plastic wrap or cling wrap
- Masking tape
- Extra protection (wadded newsprint, Styrofoam peanuts, etc.)
Make sure the moving boxes are roughly the same dimensions but slightly larger than your artwork so you can add extra padding and protection. If you need lots of boxes, there are ways to get them for free.
Depending on the type of item being moved, you’ll also need to get the following:
Mirror boxes
While you can use flat picture boxes to move mirrors, you’ll have better success with a mirror box. Mirror boxes have four separate adjustable box sections that fit over a mirror. Their thick, heavy-duty cardboard can handle up to 65 pounds.
Flat moving box for pictures and artwork
In addition to a flat picture box, you’ll also want cardboard corner protectors to keep frame corners from being damaged. If you’re transporting a particularly awkwardly-shaped piece of art like an entire sculpture, you may even need a wooden crate for such heavy objects.
How to pack wall art for moving
Before starting to pack paintings or other types of wall art, make sure you have a flat, solid surface to work on that’s clear of debris.
- Organize your wall art by size. Sometimes, you can stack small- and mid-sized canvases and pack them together in one box, provided each is individually protected by paper and bubble wrap.
- Pair each piece of art with the right-sized moving box that fits its horizontal and vertical dimensions. Make sure each box is slightly larger than the frame so you can fit extra protection like cardboard corner protectors and bubble wrap around the artwork.
- Use masking tape or painter’s tape to put a giant X over the glass cover. If the frame glass breaks, it won’t shift around as much or shatter completely.
- If the artwork in question doesn’t have a glass covering, protect the exposed painted face with palette wrap or several layers of plastic wrap
- Put cardboard corners onto the corners of the picture frames
- Similar to wrapping a present, wrap the artwork in packing paper and tape in place
- Wrap with an extra layer of bubble wrap
- If you have extra space in your moving box, stuff it with more padding like crumpled newspaper or packing peanuts for added protection. This extra cushion protects the artwork from being jostled too much during moving.
- Do a final check of your wrapping job to make sure you securely tape everything down
- Gently slide the wrapped artwork or painting inside the prepared box, tape the box shut and rattle the box to see how secure the picture feels inside. If it’s shifting around too much, add extra filling to the box.
- Once you’re satisfied the artwork won’t move too much, seal the box closed with packing tape and label the outside as “fragile” and list its contents
How to pack pictures for moving
Packing large pictures for moving has almost the same process as moving wall art and other flat art pieces. But, there’s one extra step you can take to protect that valuable family photo.
After using the masking tape to put an X over the glass, cut out and put a large piece of cardboard, cut to size, over the glass.
You can also use a packing tube to roll up pictures and prints for easier transport.
How to pack mirrors for moving
Packing mirrors for moving has a similar process as packing wall art or pictures, but with some key differences. You’ll still want a flat work face that’s free of clutter.
- Give the mirror a quick clean before wrapping it up for the move. That way, it arrives at its new home nice and spiffy.
- Use masking tape to put a big X over the mirror’s reflective surface. The tape helps absorb shock and strengthens the reflective glass against damage.
- Put large pieces of cardboard, cut to the right size and shape, over the front and back of the mirror and tape them in place so they won’t shift
- Wrap and tape the mirror in packing paper as you would wrap a present
- On top of the packing paper, wrap a layer or two of bubble wrap and tape it down. You can also wrap the bubble wrap with plastic wrap for extra strength.
- Make sure everything is thoroughly taped down
- Slide the different sections of the mirror box onto each corner of the mirror until they overlap and fit snugly with no gaps. Securely tape along the cardboard edges and at all joined corners.
- Gently shake the box to see if the mirror rattles too much. If it does, try to fit the box more snugly over the mirror or add extra protection with more wrapping layers.
- Label the outside of the box as fragile
How to transport mirrors, artwork, pictures and wall art in moving trucks
In the case of artwork, wall art, pictures and mirrors, you should load and store these fragile items on the moving truck in a vertical position. Standing vertically and stacked against a flat surface like the wall of the truck or other tall boxes, the box can better absorb pressure and shock.
Transporting mirrors, wall art and pictures horizontally increases the risk of damage. Other boxes could fall onto them and they won’t shift or move as much during transit. Just make sure they’re firmly set in place to prevent their moving boxes from falling over.
Can I hire professional movers?
Absolutely! If you don’t feel comfortable transporting these types of items yourself, you can always bring in the pros and hire a moving company to do the heavy lifting.
In fact, there are moving companies that actually specialize in transporting artwork. They’ll know exactly how to wrap and pack artwork to prevent damage and can even store and transport it under the right climate conditions. To find movers that offer this service, you can look for fine art movers in your area. Like most movers, they can likely give you a free quote. Remember to tip well!
Go the extra mile to protect your wall art, mirrors and pictures while moving
Moving is stressful enough without worrying that your cherished artwork, beloved pictures or favorite big mirror will break in transit. That’s why it’s important to follow the proper steps to pack them securely ahead of moving house.
Source: rent.com
Apache is functioning normally
Greensboro, NC, is a city nestled in the heart of North Carolina that offers a unique blend of southern charm, affordability, and community spirit. With its rich history, thriving job market, and vibrant cultural scene, Greensboro and neighboring Winston-Salem have tons to offer residents and visitors alike. But is Greensboro, NC, a good place to live? Luckily, we’ve got you covered.
If you’re looking at homes for sale in Greensboro or apartments for rent and are considering making the move, this Redfin article is for you. We’ll dive into 10 pros and cons of living in Greensboro to help you decide if the city is right for you.
5 pros of living in Greensboro, NC
There’s a lot to love about living in Greensboro, from strong universities to plenty of outdoor recreation. Here are five of the best reasons to make the move.
1. Affordable housing costs
Greensboro’s housing costs are much less expensive than other areas in the US. For example, the median sale price of a house in Greensboro is $285,150, $140,000 below the national average. If you’re looking to rent an apartment in Greensboro, the average one-bedroom unit will cost $1,082, which is far below the national average. These low housing costs make Greensboro an attractive option for those looking for an affordable place to live in a desirable part of North Carolina.
2. Central location
Greensboro’s central location and proximity to Winston-Salem makes it a convenient base for exploring other areas and attractions in the state. It’s within driving distance of popular destinations like the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Outer Banks, and the vibrant cities of Raleigh and Charlotte, offering opportunities for day trips, sporting events, and weekend getaways.
3. Outdoor activities
Greensboro’s central location and lovely natural surroundings offer endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. The city is dotted with parks, trails, and green spaces, such as Guilford Courthouse National Military Park and Bur-Mil Park, which are perfect for history buffs and those looking for running, biking, and more. For longer adventures, you can visit the Uwharrie National Forest or Morrow Mountain State Park, both of which offer miles of forest, open space, campgrounds, and scenic vistas.
4. Vibrant arts and culture scene
Greensboro has a thriving arts and culture scene that caters to a wide range of interests. The city is home to various art galleries, theaters, and museums, including the Greensboro Science Center, the Weatherspoon Art Museum (part of the University of North Carolina), and the historic Carolina Theatre. With hundreds of options for children and adults, you’re sure to find something to love.
5. Community events
Greensboro has a strong sense of community and hosts celebrations, markets, parades, concerts, and other events year-round. Some of the most popular events include the Greensboro Food Truck Festival, the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market, the Festival of Lights, and the Summer Solstice Festival. Additionally, on the first Friday of every month, downtown Greensboro comes alive with art galleries, studios, and shops opening their doors for extended hours.
5 cons of living in Greensboro, NC
Like with any city, there are downsides of living in Greensboro. Here are five to keep in mind.
1. Weather
Summers in Greensboro can be hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius). However, the temperature rarely dips below freezing except during winter cold snaps, meaning winters are fairly pleasant.
The city’s location in central North Carolina means it’s also prone to occasional severe weather events such as hurricanes, thunderstorms, and tornadoes. While direct hurricane strikes are very rare, the area can still receive dangerous winds and rain during a storm. If you’re thinking of making the move, ensure your home is prepared for hurricane season.
2. Public transportation
Greensboro’s public transportation system, called the GTA, is not as extensive as in larger cities, and there is no local subway or railway system. This means that most people travel by private vehicles, and owning a car is often necessary for commuting and getting around the city. If you aren’t a fan of driving, biking can be a great option to get around town.
3. Low walkability
Greensboro’s sprawling urban design and infrastructure have generally not prioritized pedestrian-friendly environments. The city has a walkscore of just 29, meaning you’re likely to need a car to commute and do most errands. Also, Greensboro’s hot and humid summers can discourage people from walking long distances, particularly during storms and heat waves.
4. Nightlife
While Greensboro offers a range of dining options, bars, and entertainment venues, the nightlife scene may not be as vibrant as in larger cities. Residents seeking a bustling and diverse nightlife experience may find the options relatively limited in comparison.
If you are in the mood for a night out, there are still a few popular options, including The Bearded Goat, Boxcar Bar and Arcade, and Elm Street Lounge.
5. Job diversity
While Greensboro has a strong job market, it is more focused on specific industries such as manufacturing, education, and healthcare. This can limit job options for individuals working in sectors that are not as well-represented in the area. However, nearby cities like Raleigh and Charlotte offer more diverse job markets and commuting options for those seeking a wider range of employment opportunities.
Source: redfin.com
Apache is functioning normally
Located on the western coast of Florida along the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa is a modern city steeped in history. The city is known for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cultural scene, meaning there are hundreds of reasons to make it your new home. Whether you’re seeking year-round sunshine, outdoor adventures, or a diverse culinary experience, this city has something for everyone and offers world-class options for living, working, and playing. But is the area right for you?
If you’re looking at homes for sale in Tampa or are just curious about what the area has to offer, this Redfin guide is for you. To give you a taste, here are 7 reasons to move to Tampa, FL.
1. Affordable cost of living
The cost of living in Tampa is lower than many other US cities, especially when compared to nearby cities like Miami and Orlando. Housing costs, in particular, are much lower than other Florida cities. For example, the median sale price in Tampa is $441,000, compared to $590,000 in Miami and $522,000 in Fort Lauderdale. Apartments in Tampa are also much cheaper than nearby areas, with the average unit costing around $1,540, compared to nearly $2,800 in Miami and $1,820 in Orlando.
2. Pleasant climate
A great reason to move to Tampa is its climate. The city boasts a pleasant subtropical climate with mild winters and plenty of sunshine year-round. If you enjoy warm weather, Tampa’s average temperature of 73 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius) may be ideal for you. However, it’s important to note that summers can be very hot and humid, with temperatures reaching into the 90s and even 100. And, in the next 30 years, heat waves will become more common and extreme. Winter temperatures, on the other hand, are some of the nicest in the country.
3. Beautiful beaches
Tampa is surrounded by stunning beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach are renowned around the world for their pristine white sand, clear turquoise waters, and breathtaking sunsets. There are also luxurious resorts and other attractions perfect for any day and mood. Living in Tampa gives you easy access to these and dozens of other coastal paradises just an hour away.
4. Outdoor activities
With its favorable climate and unique environment, Tampa offers a wide range of outdoor activities. From boating, fishing, and kayaking, to hiking, biking, and golfing, there’s something for everyone. Consider renting a kayak or bike at Sharkey’s or going on a fishing adventure with Shallow Point Charters. If you’re in the mood for a longer trip, visit one of several picturesque parks and nature reserves, such as Everglades National Park or the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve.
5. Cultural scene
Tampa has a vibrant cultural scene with numerous art galleries, museums, theaters, and performance venues. The Tampa Museum of Art, the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, and the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts are just a few of the cultural attractions the city has to offer.
The city also hosts numerous events and celebrations, such as Summer Nights at Busch Gardens and the Gasparilla Parade. No matter your mood, you’ll find something to love.
6. Sporting events
Tampa is a city passionate about sports. The area is home to three major professional teams: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL), and the Tampa Bay Rays (MLB). The city has also hosted many major sporting events, such as the Super Bowl and the NHL all-star game.
The city is also home to the Tampa Mayhem in the USA Rugby League and the Tampa Bay Cannons in the AUDL (ultimate frisbee).
7. Culinary delights
Tampa offers a diverse and vibrant culinary scene with a wide range of dining options. From fresh seafood and farm-to-table restaurants to international cuisine and food festivals, food lovers will find an abundance of flavors to explore. Consider visiting Ulele for Native American fusion, or Oak & Ola for modern takes on American classics. There are also options for more casual dining located around the city, such as Coco’s Food Truck and Westchase BBQ.
Source: redfin.com
Apache is functioning normally
Lennar Corporation, one of the nation’s largest homebuilders, announced on Monday that Rick Beckwitt, co-CEO and co-president, has decided to retire and resign as a member of the board of directors, effective on September 1, 2023.
Beckwitt, who joined the company in 2006 as executive vice president, has held the CEO position since April 2018. In 2020, he was joined by Jon Jaffe as co-CEO and co-president. Jaffe will be president and co-CEO with Stuart Miller, who is Lennar’s executive chairman.
During his 17 years at Lennar, Beckwitt helped the homebuilder weather the collapse of the housing and finance industries amid the Great Recession of 2008. In addition, Lennar said in a statement that Beckwitt stabilized and fortified the firm’s foundation to grow.
“With the help of Rick’s partnership over these past 17 years, we are very well positioned for continued growth, improved productivity, and innovation in the future,” Miller said in a statement.
Jaffe added, “Over the last years, we have grown revenues and improved efficiencies across the Lennar platform.”
More recently, Beckwitt helped Lennar navigate the most challenging housing market in decades. Surging mortgage rates resulted in cancelations and reduced profits for Lennar and other homebuilders, who still had persistent supply chain issues and worker shortages.
In the second quarter of 2023, the company reported $871 million in net earnings attributable to Lennar, compared to $1.32 billion in the same period last year.
But the company sees a recovery on the horizon. In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Miller called for an end to falling housing prices, he said had come down “about 10%.”
Miller, commenting on the company’s second-quarter 2023 earnings, said that Lennar “Continued to see the housing market normalize and recover from the Federal Reserve’s 2022 aggressive interest rate hikes in response to elevated inflation.”
“As consumers have come to accept a ‘new normal’ range for interest rates, demand has accelerated, leaving the market to reconcile the chronic supply shortage derived from over a decade of production deficits.”
For the first time in nearly a year, homebuilder confidence in June moved into positive territory thanks to strong consumer demand, limited competition from the existing home sales market, and an improving supply chain, according to the National Home Builders Association.
Homebuilders, however, are also looking at the single-family rental market. In December, according to a Bloomberg report, Lennar offered to sell some 5,000 homes to investors in the SFR market. Lennar in 2021, with partners Allianz Real Estate and Centerbridge Partners, launched a subsidiary to acquire and operate SFR and multifamily properties.
Lennar’s shares, which reached $116.91 in December 2021, closed at $130.37 on Monday afternoon, down 2.87%.
Source: housingwire.com
Apache is functioning normally
How will a Biden-Harris presidency impact real estate markets? What habits can you change to make 2021 your business’ best year yet? Discover the answers to these questions and more on this special Real Estate Rockstars episode featuring the best real estate podcast clips of November 2020.
Listen to today’s show and learn:
- How election results will impact real estate [00:57]
- The biggest real estate opportunities in 2021 [2:16]
- Coltyn’s strategy for converting from SOI [4:28]
- Coltyn’s construction services for sellers [6:13]
- Why taxes might not increase under Biden [8:44]
- The Biden-Harris housing plan [9:38]
- Aaron’s closing thoughts on 2020 [10:43]
- How to build trust with potential clients [12:02]
- Good Talk, Great Sales by Robert Paolini [15:49]
- Delinquencies continue to rise [16:17]
- How a vaccine could negatively impact home affordability [17:29]
- Will people return to big cities when there’s a vaccine? [18.:42]
- Are digital closings and virtual open houses here to stay? [19:00]
- Jamie’s journey to 42 doors while holding a full-time job [19:48]
- Doubling down on habits during lockdown [20:59]
- Small habits that generate BIG results [22:52]
- The story behind RentRedi [25:27]
- Ryan’s Goals for RentRedi [27:04]
- Ryan’s Advice for entrepreneurs [27:54]
Related Links and Resources:
Thank You Rockstars!
It might go without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway: We really value listeners like you. We’re constantly working to improve the show, so why not leave us a review? If you love the content and can’t stand the thought of missing the nuggets our Rockstar guests share every week, please subscribe; it’ll get you instant access to our latest episodes and is the best way to support your favorite real estate podcast. Have questions? Suggestions? Want to say hi? Shoot me a message via Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or Email.
-Aaron Amuchastegui
Source: hibandigital.com