For years, developers have considered downsizing to be an old man’s game. Downsizing, it was assumed, fit the budgets of retirees with empty nests.
Then came the tiny house movement and with it a whole group of young people devoted to downsizing. Now, people across age groups are attempting to spend less on property to free up cash for recreation, travel, or investment. Why not minimize housing costs and maximize fun?
But when a building trend receives no less than three shows on HGTV, you know the real estate community has achieved peak hysteria. Sure, downsizing has become a young person’s game, but when is it actually right for you? These experiments in small living can often go awry. One tiny house builder ended up spending $220,000 to build a 500ft2 cabin in Colorado—that’s $440 for every square foot of her small cabin!
Downsizing Is Ultimately A Cost-Cutting Move
The lessons of tiny house hysteria perfectly apply to the situation of an average downsizer; it is important to manage expectations and prices. Unless you have decided to move to a radically more expensive neighborhood, the price of your new home should cost a fraction of your previous one.
The goal here is to free up cash. Especially during retirement, this extra money can be critical for quality-of-life improvements.
According to the Center for Retirement Research, downsizing can lead to major financial gains. Home equity is your largest store of wealth while, paradoxically, home ownership is often your biggest single expense.
Researchers at the center hypothesized that downsizing from a house that costs $250,000 to one that costs $150,000 could increase yearly income by $3,000 and reduce annual expenses by $3,250. Overall, the household expenses of the downsized home are half those of the costlier one, from $8,125 to $4,875.
Who Is Downsizing, Why, and How
For the older crowd, downsizing is still an alluring concept. Who needs 4 bedrooms once the kids have all moved out? Who needs to climb multiple sets of stairs when their knees start to go?
In these cases, smaller homes carry the added bonus of being a health and sanity booster. Homes adapted to older communities eliminate the stairs and provide single-floor living spaces, wide hallways, and outlets accessible at any height. For a vastly reduced price, you can get a livable, affordable new home with minimal upkeep.
Others choose to downsize for environmental reasons. A larger house leaves a noticeably larger carbon footprint on the world. In contrast, smaller homes require less energy and have the ability to run self-sufficiently if supplied with solar panels and other green devices.
If you plan on staying in a large home, fortunately there are some green energy solutions that can help minimize your costs, but the fact remains that smaller homes are a vastly more sustainable option.
A Final Word on Financing Your Downsize
If you are seriously considering a downsize, it would be advantageous to get the equity back on your home first. Experts suggest that you close on the new purchase after closing on the current home’s sale. Once you have secured the funding, it’s time to go ahead and purchase that dream home—tiny, small, and anything in between.
Carter Wessman
Carter Wessman is originally from the charming town of Norfolk, Massachusetts. When he isn’t busy writing about mortgage related topics, you can find him playing table tennis, or jamming on his bass guitar.
Inside: Are you wondering is Spirit Airlines safe? While Spirit is a low cost option, are their safety measures up to par? This guide dives into their safety procedures and fleet.
When it comes to flying, safety is paramount.
Meet Spirit Airlines, your go-to American low-cost airline.
This leaves everyone wondering is Spirit Airlines safe.
In this post, we will shed light on a question that might have crossed your mind – Is Spirit Airlines safe?
Spirit Airlines, ranked among the world’s top 20 safest airlines, has been a familiar name in the US aviation industry.
Despite its popularity, misconceptions have led some to doubt its safety quotient due to its low-cost airline status.
Rest assured, in this guide, we will delve deep into Spirit Airlines’ safety records and measures, providing you with comprehensive insights on everything you need to know before choosing them for your journey.
Be it their passenger safety awareness initiatives, effective communication strategies, or impressive safety accreditations, we’re aiming to equip you with data-backed information to help you make an informed decision, allaying any concerns you might have about flying with Spirit Airlines.
Is Spirit Airlines Safe?
Yes, Spirit Airlines is generally safe. It’s just as reliable as any other major US airline, and it has never had a fatal accident since it was founded in 1980.
Spirit Airlines ensures rigorous training for its crew members and pilots to handle various situations efficiently.
Remember, while no airline can guarantee a 100% incident-free flight, Spirit Airlines maintains high safety standards.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
Spirit Airlines Safety Record
Maintaining an exceptional safety record is vital to any airline, and Spirit Airlines is no exception. Their commitment to passenger safety is reflected in their pre-flight safety briefings, proactive lines of communication, and strategic safety initiatives. IATA’s assertion that ranking an airline’s safety based on customer reviews is flawed reinforces the credibility of Spirit Airlines.
We delve deep into the safety record of Spirit Airlines, shedding light on their dedication to passenger safety, and the successful strategies they have implemented. A key point here is the absence of significant safety incidents within the past decade.
1. Airline Safety Rating
Safety ratings reflect an airline’s safety record and compliance with aviation standards – they’re pretty crucial when choosing who to fly with.
For Spirit Airlines, the rating is impressively high!
Certification: Spirit holds an Air Operator Certificate from the FAA (source).
Safety record: Even though they’ve had a few emergency landings, Spirit has had no fatal accidents in its history (source).
Remember, though, safety isn’t the entire story. Where Spirit excels in safety, the experience is defined by customer satisfaction and services.
2. Safety of the Spirit Airlines Fleet
The Spirit Airlines fleet is composed completely of Airbus aircraft, with the Airbus A319, A320, and A321 among them.
Modern and reliable, the average age of the aircraft Spirit utilizes is merely six years old with their 200th plane just delivered. This relatively youthful fleet is one reason why Spirit is counted among the top 20 safest low cost airlines worldwide.
Additionally, Spirit Airlines is constantly investing in new technology to augment the safety and efficiency of its aircraft. This commitment to safety and innovation is proven through regular inspections, diligent maintenance, and strict adherence to the manufacturer-recommended service schedules.
3. Flight Safety Protocols
Spirit Airlines, a certified member of IATA, takes passenger safety quite seriously despite its low-cost status.
Here are some of the key safety protocols they follow:
The Spirit team is trained for various emergency situations, including necessary medical measures.
For urgent support, passengers can reach out to an agent using the free mobile app developed by Spirit Airlines. This assures on-the-go assistance.
In adherence to FAA rules, Spirit Airlines provides each passenger with a life vest stowed under the seat or between armrests.
Prior to each flight, passengers are made aware of vital safety instructions through pre-flight briefings such as proper usage of safety equipment and emergency actions.
In-flight safety cards are utilized as visual aids to facilitate a better understanding of these safety guidelines.
Spirit Airlines encourages passengers to report potential safety issues for a quick resolution.
Thus, flying with Spirit Airlines is indeed quite safe.
Note that Spirit Airlines operates under stringent rules set by leading regulatory bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
4. Safety Training of the Crew
When it comes to air travel, safety is king! One crucial aspect is the training of flight crews.
As such, Spirit has a rigorous training program for pilots and cabin crew. Their focus? Emergency procedures, handling tricky weather, and managing complex flight situations.
Let’s see how Spirit Airlines ensures its crew is well-prepared for any scenario:
Regular simulator training keeps the pilot’s skills sharp. Flying virtual skies means quicker, smarter decisions in the real world.
Spirit doesn’t just hire anyone. They’ve got strict criteria, ensuring only qualified, experienced folks join the team.
Continuous evaluations keep the crew’s performance top-notch. Spirit never stops improving its safety standards.
Onboard safety protocols. Crew members undergo safety classes, learning how to respond during emergencies.
Real-life simulated scenarios are part of the training. Fires, water landings, you name it. Spirit’s crew is ready for action!
That’s Spirit Airlines – keeping you secure, one flight at a time!
5. Pilot Qualifications
Pilot qualifications at Spirit Airlines are stringent to ensure safety and operational efficiency.
Each pilot is required to have a minimum total of 1500 hours in fixed-wing aircraft, however, they prefer 2500 hours. They must possess a current FAA First Class Medical Certificate, an unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot License, and an FCC Radio Telephone Operator Permit. This consolidates their hands-on expertise, their medical fitness for flight duties, and their understanding of complex flight communications.
This rigorous screening guarantees that passengers are in the hands of highly skilled professionals capable of managing various flight scenarios.
Also, the good news, they have increased their pilot pay, which attracts higher-quality candidates!
6. Emergency Landing Procedures
Emergency landing procedures are rigorously implemented and followed to ensure the safety and well-being of Spirit passengers.
In the event of an unforeseen complication or hazard, such as equipment failure, bird strikes, or detection of smoke or unknown odors on the aircraft, an emergency landing may be necessitated. Emergency landings can also happen due to severe weather turbulence that can potentially lead to risks during a flight.
Spirit Airlines has a commendable safety record, often resorting to these emergency landings as a safety measure to keep the passengers safe.
Despite having to make a few emergency landings over the past thirty years, it is noteworthy that Spirit has not faced any fatal accidents or crashes during this period.
7. Safety Checks of the Airplanes
Safety checks are the lifeline of any airline industry, making sure your travel from point A to B is as safe as can be.
When you’re traveling with Spirit Airlines, these safety measures are taken to a whole new level.
First and foremost, seasoned mechanics inspect the Spirit aircraft from top to bottom. They check every little component – inspecting engine performance to the seat pitch, ensuring everything functions as it is supposed to.
Moreover, they keep a keen eye on the boarding processes, ensuring the necessity and safety protocols are met to precision. These inspections are not just occasional but happen on-ground prior to every takeoff. This allows any issues spotted during preflight checks to be rectified before the plane leaves the ground.
No stone is left unturned when it comes to the training of Spirit’s staff. The staff undergoes intensive training sessions to equip them with the aptitude to handle unexpected in-flight situations promptly and efficiently. It’s the people behind the scenes who add to your safety during a flight after all.
Remember, when flying Spirit, your safety isn’t just a priority, it’s their mission.
My Experience Flying Spirit Airlines
Flying with Spirit Airlines may be a basic experience, but it’s honestly not all bad. It’s an unpretentious, no-frills airline that delivers exactly what you’re paying for–a cost-effective flight.
Personally, I don’t get why Spirit gets a bad rap because every flight I have taken with Spirit Airlines has always been a good experience.
The cleanliness and modern simplicity of the newly operated Airbus are clean, but the seats remind you of any lack of luxury. Punctuality was another impressive aspect, as both my flights arrived right on schedule, if not a bit earlier.
Many people complain about the absence of an in-flight entertainment system, but it doesn’t affect me as my kids and I were well-prepared with my personal entertainment on my phone and a book as a constant companion – one of my many travel essentials.
Most importantly, Spirit Airlines offers the advantage of budget travel, making it possible to explore more without a steep dent in the wallet.
Personally, I never pay for the extras like seat assignments and carry-on items, so being aware and planning ahead saves you from any surprises.
More often than not, I will purchase the Savers Club as the price to join lowers the airline ticket cost by more than the membership.
Also, I love that Spirit Airlines flies into the newer and much larger terminal at San Diego International Airport!
Pros And Cons of Flying Spirit Airlines
Looking for a cost-effective alternative for your air travel? Spirit Airlines might be the right choice.
Pros of Flying with Spirit Airlines:
Cons of Flying with Spirit Airlines:
– Budget-friendly fares – offers some of the lowest fares in the industry. – Booking is made easy through both Spirit.com and Spirit mobile app. – It owns one of the youngest, most fuel-efficient fleets in the U.S. – Has commendable safety ratings. – Offers the ability to choose your seat for a fee. – Spirit Airlines generally runs on time. In fact, sometimes you may find flights landing slightly early. – Plane hygiene is one area where Spirit does not compromise. They use mostly new Airbuses, ensuring clean and modern interiors. – Most travelers have spoken favorably about the ground and flight crews of Spirit Airlines. They seem to go above and beyond to make passengers comfortable.
– Extra charges apply for baggage. Remember, due to their low-cost model, Spirit encourages minimal luggage. – Upgrading your seat doesn’t offer any additional services. – No free meals or drinks are provided during the flight. You will need to purchase these. – Seats may be uncomfortable for some passengers. – Limited free flight cancellation or rescheduling options. – Lack of legroom could potentially hamper your comfort, especially if you’re tall or traveling long distances. – No inflight entertainment systems. – Overhead space may be limited, and you might have to pay extra for more significant carry-ons.
Finally, if budget is a priority, Spirit Airlines has you covered. The airline offers highly economical options for both domestic and international travel.
You may come across mixed customer reviews regarding Spirit’s customer service. Make sure you come with the right expectations for a budget airline.
Why is Spirit so cheap?
Why is Spirit Airlines so cheap, you ask? The answer lies in their unique business strategy.
Non-ticket revenue: They adopt a budget-friendly strategy by charging extra for add-ons like seat selection, carry-on bags, and in-flight food and beverages. According to their 2022 financial reports, over half of Spirit’s total revenue per passenger comes from these non-ticket avenues.
Streamlined fleet: Unlike other airlines operating different types of aircraft, Spirit keeps it simple with just one family of aircraft – the Airbus. This significantly cuts down on training and supply chain expenses.
Save on Baggage: You can easily skip checking a bag if you pack everything in your carry-on. Or invest in my favorite seven-pound luggage to save on checked baggage fees!
It’s this clever business model that helps Spirit offer those unbeatable low fares.
FAQ
Yes, it is safe to fly with Spirit Airlines. They have a solid safety record and have never had a fatal incident in their history.
They use modern, digitally enhanced aircraft which provide risk-free journeys.
Despite minor concerns, overall Spirit Airlines offers a safe and affordable travel option. Most people flying Spirit Airlines may not be concerned with how much cash can you fly with!
Both Spirit and Delta Airlines are reputed for their robust safety measures and procedures, each being FAA-certified and upholding the safety standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Spirit ranks among the world’s top 20 safest airlines, while Delta, with its long-standing history of nearly 100 years, may be perceived as marginally safer due to its established stature.
However, it’s important to note that both airlines are committed to ensuring passenger safety and regularly maintain their fleets to guarantee this.
No, Spirit Airlines doesn’t have a bad safety record.
Spirit Airlines has never had a fatal accident in its history.
It was ranked as one of the safest low-cost airlines globally by JACDEC.
Conclusion: Is Spirit Airlines Safe?
In conclusion, your concerns about Spirit Airlines’ safety may be a bit exaggerated.
Spirit Airlines ranks among the top 20 low cost safest airlines.
Over the past decade, Spirit has demonstrated a strong safety record, showing its dedication to passenger safety.
Safety protocols and equipment are prioritized, with crew members undergoing rigorous training to handle diverse scenarios.
Spirit operates with newer aircraft, a move applauded by travel professionals as a cost-effective safety measure.
There have been some criticisms, like limited flight options and cancellations, which should be taken into account in travel planning.
Thus, while no airline can promise absolute safety, Spirit certainly takes measures to ensure passenger well-being.
Don’t forget to get your Amazon travel must haves before your flight!
About Spirit Airlines
Originally established in 1980, Spirit is based out of Miramar, Florida, making the world a little smaller with 60+ destinations across the U.S., Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
They have established themselves as the low-cost, no-frills airline.
What can you expect when flying with Spirit?
It offers a “Free Spirit” frequent flyer program where you can rack up reward points and exchange them for perks like seat selection and baggage check-ins.
Different seating options to suit your comfort; you can pick Economy Class, Big Front Seats, or Exit Row Seats.
They got your in-flight hunger covered with a variety of snacks and drinks for purchase.
Always stay connected with their Wi-Fi services on specific aircraft.
When flying with Spirit, you can expect strict adherence to their baggage weight and size policies. It’s crucial to be familiar with these restrictions and pack accordingly to prevent any airport hassles.
Got a problem? Their customer support is just a call or email away, round the clock.
So, grab your ticket today and experience a journey filled with comfort, convenience, and cost-efficiency.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
With the cooling, chilly temps of the fall come our natural desire to slow down and savor the coziness of the season. We swap out our smoothies for soups, swimsuits for sweaters, and soak up the simple joy of staying in. Now’s the time for us to tackle our reading lists alongside setting our autumnal intentions. While there are festivals to visit and outdoor adventures to embark on, this fall, I’m happy to spend the majority of my days being happy at home. And designers’ fall 2023 home decor trends predictions align perfectly with that shift inwards. Warm tones, natural textures, and fabrics that invite you into their comfy cocoon. Prepare to embrace a little timeless, organic luxury this season.
Featured image of Claire Zinnecker’s home by Michelle Nash.
In this article
Fall 2023 Home Decor Trends Designers Love This Season
We chatted with The Citizenry team to get the scoop on the fall 2023 home decor trends that will populate our homes. From our conversation, it’s evident that a consistent tone of optimism will inspire the fabrics, furniture, and accent pieces displayed in every room. But more than that, there’s a certain sentimentality woven throughout it all. “We expect this to translate into muted, warm colors that evoke feelings of romance and beauty while also leaning into the stories behind the products and brands that they support,” notes the team.
Intimacy, warmth, and artistry all sit at the core of this prediction. Ahead, the experts explain how this shakes out in the fall 2023 home decor trends you can expect to see through the end of the year. And with the timelessness on display—beyond.
Every product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll always give an honest opinion, whether gifted or purchased ourselves. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Warm, Earthy Tones
Sun-baked pinks and tans layer onto warm ivory and pumice tones to bring comfort to interiors this fall. We expect ivory to become the go-to shade of white, from wall colors, to bedding, to upholstered furniture. This creamy tone adds instant warmth while maintaining a neutral foundation to build a home around. We also expect warm undertones to dominate a cooler palette with sages, warm olives, and muted blues.
2 of 21Image by Michelle Nash
Natural Materials
Expect an increased appetite for organic, natural textures—especially natural wood and bold, high-contrast stones. The closer to their raw state, the better! These components connect our interior spaces to the natural world outside and bring the joy and serenity of the outdoors in, a sentiment consumers are leaning toward.
3 of 21Image of Sarah Solis’ Los Angeles home
Luxe Textiles and Upholstery
Textured, luxurious finishes and surfaces bring warmth and interest to spaces. The cozy feel of these pieces are perfect as the days get cooler. This fall, velvet will take center stage as the biggest trend in upholstery, creating an irresistibly warm and cozy space. Plush, wool rugs will continue to trend, especially in warm neutral tones, as well as these same finishes on larger pieces such as seating.
This season, we are introducing our first custom upholstered seating collection featuring a range of performance fabrics including velvets with the goal of bringing durability to everyday elegance.
4 of 21Image by Michelle Nash
Vintage Vibes
Consumers are increasing investments in high-quality materials made to last a lifetime —prioritizing a “fewer, better” mentality and leaning into sustainability more than ever. They are looking to invest in soulful, modern heirlooms prioritizing value and longevity in the products they buy.
This fall, contemporary takes on silhouettes inspired by the past will dominate furniture collections. We expect to see old-world charm reemerge with pieces reminiscent of traditional styles infused with refined European lines and modernized silhouettes. These vintage signatures will be high-quality, showcasing artisanal handiwork, and luxe fabrics in current colors will bring these pieces to life.
5 of 21Image by Suruchi Avasthi
Subtle Curves
There’s a continued demand for pieces with subtle, softened shapes in furniture and decor. We find ourselves drawn to designs with a fluid elegance and unexpected forms as these silhouettes add a sense of serenity and calm and create inviting spaces.
6 of 21Image by Michelle Nash
Grids
Contrary, yet complementary, to the trend of subtle curves, simple gridded patterns have increased in popularity recently. These understated lines, created with texture in addition to color, add a minimal architectural element to any room and anchor the eye in an otherwise undulating environment.
7 of 21Image by Michelle Nash
Global Patterns
Looking forward, we predict a movement toward a more collected home. Inspired by travels across continents, collections showcasing global patterns offer a more intimate relationship with the outside world. This season, we have a spotlight on Turkish kilim pillows in a range of muted tones, a step toward preserving the unique craft of Kilim weaving.
There weren’t any huge, obvious market movers in the overnight session. The average analyst is chalking up bond gains to good old “global growth concerns” due to weak data in China/Japan and a few other headlines (i.e. business bankruptcies getting more attention).
First off, there really wasn’t much movement overnight or this morning. If forced to comment on the modest swings, it might make more sense to focus on context clues that suggest traders were reacting to a few Fed speeches after yesterday’s close.
Both Goolsbee and Logan shared similar thoughts on the topic of the Fed rate hike cycle now shifting to “rate hold” cycle. The only real context clue regarding the market’s interpretation was the simultaneous gains in both stocks and bonds right as the start of overnight trading (the comments came out during fully-closed hours). Since then, we’ve seen a bit more of the same “mirror image” pattern that goes hand in hand with the trading of Fed expectations. All in all though, things have been uneventful with minimal movement and volume in the bigger picture.
The pandemic has catalyzed a re-evaluation of our priorities, ushering in an era of conscious living. As we veer towards sustainable lifestyle, home décor and furnishings assume an impactful role in reducing carbon footprint while also sprucing interiors. Décor and furnishings brand, Objectry takes the center stage in the narrative, bringing sleek, eco-friendly, and luxury décor pieces. Its creations highlight traditional crafts like woodwork, ceramics, metalwork, and stonework which are given a contemporary spin with minimalist design.
From Organic collection
Amongst its ouvre, the brand unveils a limited edition sustainable collection, Organic. It includes furniture made from various solid woods, adorned with twigs and branches that appear effortlessly crafted by nature itself. The biophilic and functional design is evident in articles such as the live edge shelf, which can serve as a TV console or a wall-mounted shelf, unique opposite chairs, shelf mirrors, salt and pepper cellars, uneven cake sets, and stools.
Wooden shelves
The pieces make the spaces feel homely and decluttered, thanks to the design vision of founder Aanchal Goel. The graduate from Symbiosis Institute of Design has travelled the globe to bring craft, traditions, modernity, architecture and practicality, together in a décor piece. Telling us what inspires her for design, Aanchal shares, “I think my curiosity began while travelling abroad. There was a dearth of designed products and furniture for homes in India while it was available in abundance all over Europe and America. When I started with Objectry in 2015, the idea was to explore a very minimal and clean aesthetic in a country that loved to decorate everything. Reducing elements down to the essentials of a material and function is something we’ve actively participated in as a design studio.”
Stools
Aanchal’s sense of minimalism is influenced by modern buildings like Martyr’s Memorial in Baghdad, Lous Kahn’s work in Dhaka, Frank LLyod Wright’s Mousetrap and many more. She tells us, “The simplicity of form and function displayed in such buildings were a starting point for the studio. Besides that, I come from a family of design enthusiasts who would redo the interiors of the house every few years, which helped reimagine the same space many times over. Something about that helped build a sense of imagination to recreate and reimagine an existing space with many permutations and combinations.”
Cake holder
The same philosophy of minimal and geometric décor guides the pieces so they look like extensions of nature. Elaborating more on the sustainable aspect of the edit, Aanchal shares, “Anything that can find its way back into the earth without harming the planet, is what sustainability means for us. This collection is a limited edit that cannot be replicated since no two pieces will ever look the same. Besides that, the materials used are biodegradable. That makes the natural ageing process of the wood evident in each piece.”
Stools
On styling spaces with the collection’s pieces, Aanchal suggests, “Keep them in a space with ample natural light to be able to marvel at the rawness of nature. The promised imperfection in every piece is worthy of being seen through the many shades of light during the day.”
Rs. 1,175 upwards. Available online. Mail: [email protected] Twitter: @RanaPriyamvada
Bonds were decently weaker on the first day back after Labor Day weekend. Futures and overseas markets were not on holiday and they spent Monday building in some of the weakness seen today’s opening levels. In fact, from those opening levels, today’s selling was fairly minimal, or at least fairly gradual. One of the only obvious measurable culprits was a glut of corporate bond issuance. This is always a consideration in the background, but it tends to push yields higher when issuance is larger than expected. The long weekend served to concentrate the dose.
Factory Orders
-2.1 vs -2.5 f’cast, +2.3 prev
09:23 AM
Weaker overnight, slightly recovery after Fed’s Waller, but settlings at opening levels again. 10yr up 5bps at 4.23 and MBS down just over a quarter point.
11:09 AM
slightly weaker into 10am hour, but stabilizing now. 10s up 6.6bps at 4.247 and MBS down roughly a quarter point.
02:13 PM
Weakest levels of the day with MBS down more than 3/8ths and 10yr yields up 8.5bps at 4.266.
04:33 PM
Heading out near weakest levels with MBS down roughly half a point and 10s up 8.7bps at 4.268.
Download our mobile app to get alerts for MBS Commentary and streaming MBS and Treasury prices.
In the ever-evolving realm of design, a contrast to the reign of minimalism has emerged — the unique world of maximalism. Unlike the muted palettes and sleek lines of its minimalist counterpart, maximalism is a celebration of more. It embraces vibrant colors, intricate patterns and a fun mix of textures.
What is maximalism?
Maximalism is a decor style that thrives on abundance and extravagance. In maximalism, more is more and will never be enough until it hits that sweet spot of self-expression.
Think richness of color, complexity of patterns and intricate texture combinations. This design type leans on clashing patterns and colors that somehow still seamlessly blend into a harmonious and visually stunning space.
The origins of this design style date back to the Baroque and Rococo periods of the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe. Through intricate details and opulent ornamentation, maximalism was born. Throughout the 20th century, maximalism grew through bright colors and unique shapes. However, as the design landscape evolved, minimalism then took the design world by storm, emphasizing simple clean lines and neutral colors with its own compelling narrative of understated elegance.
Maximalist influencers
Eventually, designers and decor lovers wanted to break free from the limiting chains of minimalism in the 21st century. This brought about the maximalism design features we see today, such as rich color palettes, mixed patterns, an abundance of decor items, layered textures, a mix of era influences and artistic displays.
Famous maximalist designers:
Johnathan Adler
Kelly Wearstler
Miles Redd
Putting the pop in popularity
Maximalism is a design style that has grown exponentially in popularity, especially with Gen-Z. As we briefly touched on, the rejection and design to break free from minimalism is a huge reason maximalism decor trends have risen. While clean and aesthetically pleasing, these minimal spaces lacked personality. They felt sterile and uniform, lacking the personality of the person inhabiting the space.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more Gen-Z and millennials were spending time at home. These groups began to discover that maximalism was a trendy way to infuse their spaces with their unique personalities.
In addition to self-expression opportunities, maximalism spaces can evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort. A huge characteristic of maximalist spaces is mixes of vintage, retro and modern influences. These decor pieces can bring calmness to a bright, bold space, helping balance the room energetically.
Reflecting our digitally powered world
Lastly, in a technology-focused and social media-heavy world, showing off creations is bigger than ever. Maximalism centers around curating unique spaces that speak to your taste and personality, making for the perfect Instagram posts. Many people enjoy delving into the maximalist design world and showing off the space they build and infuse with their own style and personality.
Maximalist decor ideas to show off this decor style
Knowing where to begin when growing your maximalism space is tricky. It’s mixing and matching and not clashing. It’s bold pieces and not cluttered clusters. We’ve pulled some pieces that fit into the creation of an intentionally funky and maximalist space to help inspire and curate your next room.
The clock that’s melting off the shelf
Source: Amazon
This eclectic decor item is perfect on a bookshelf, storage cabinet or any sharp corner. The optical illusion serves as a funky visual, fitting in perfectly with the uniqueness associated with maximalism.
This Queen of Hearts print
Source: Amazon
In maximalism, you never shy away from bright colors. This print, which is a fun take on the Queen of Hearts, mixes orange and pink hues to brighten up a room and serve as a focal point.
A 70s-inspired funky couch
Source: Amazon
Mixing influences through antique, vintage and retro furniture is often seen in maximalist spaces. This retro, 70s-inspired sofa belongs in a maximalist space and will blend seamlessly with other eras represented through decor.
This faux zebra rug
Source: Amazon
In minimalism, mixing textures and patterns is encouraged. This faux zebra rug, while neutral in color, will complement the other colors in maximalist spaces.
The misshaped acrylic coffee table
Source: Amazon
The intentional use of curves and odd shapes makes this coffee table perfect for a maximalist room design. With ample shelving to throw on more maximalist decor items, this piece is sure to bring a unique edge to your space.
Express your style to the max
Incorporating the rich and captivating elements of maximalist design into your living space offers a fun opportunity for creative expression. By embracing all patterns, colors and textures, you can infuse your home with a sense of vibrancy and personality.
Still looking for a place to show off your maximalist mood? Embrace the principle of ‘more is more’ and create an atmosphere that is visually stimulating and fearlessly a reflection of yourself, today! Start by searching our available apartments for rent.
Wesley is a Charlotte-based writer with a degree in Mass Communication from the University of South Carolina. Her background includes 6 years in non-profit communication and 4 years in editorial writing. She’s passionate about traveling, volunteering, cooking and drinking her morning iced coffee. When she’s not writing, you can find her relaxing with family or exploring Charlotte with her friends.
As a homeowner, you probably have a rough sense of where your property starts and finishes. It might be the driveway, the border of your lawn, or even the fence you’ve set up as your visual marker. However, these familiar markers might not necessarily align with the official property lines. It’s worth considering where your property lines actually fall..
Before embarking on any outdoor projects, such as building a garage, replacing a fence, installing a pool, or enhancing your landscaping, it’s important to take a moment to evaluate your property’s true boundaries. This careful assessment ensures that you can savor the improvements you make to your home and yard without inadvertently encroaching on your neighbors’ territory or causing any potential disputes. So, whether you own a townhouse in Seattle, WA, or a home with 5 acres in Atlanta, GA, it’s important to be sure of where your property’s lines are located.
What are property lines?
Property lines are necessary during construction by the developer, city, county, or state to show where ownership of one plot of land starts and ends. A surveyor establishes the formal boundaries and marks them. When the property is legally split, the new property lines are established in a survey. The property line at the front of your house is known as your frontage, the measured distance across the front of the plot you own. The property lines on the side of your plot are known as sidelines. Local zoning laws often dictate these distances.
Why is it important to know the location of your property lines?
Property lines are the borders that tell you exactly where your property begins and ends. They keep one property owner from encroaching on another owner’s land or compromising their privacy by building too close to their house. A typical encroachment might be tree limbs that grow past your property and overhang into a neighbor’s roof or a driveway poured to extend onto a neighbor’s property. When you know exactly where your property lines fall, you’ll avoid accidentally encroaching on your neighbor’s land.
If you plan to build a permanent structure, you’ll want to be as accurate as possible, and ordering your own land survey is the best option. In most states, you are required to call a diggers hotline 811 to request buried utility information before you build a fence, plant a tree, or extend your driveway. This call ensures you know the location of any buried wires or irrigation systems to avoid causing damage. Within a few days’ notice, someone from your local utility company should be able to mark county wires or pipes with spray paint or flags.
Since property line information can be valuable to someone you may sell your house to, you will want to keep all records. Keep a copy of a new survey you’ve completed, a plat map, or any information from the city or county offices in digital or hard copy format. If you do a new survey, you may also need to register it with your county assessor or recorder. During the sale of a property, the title company will search for encroachment of one property into another. They may refuse title insurance to the seller if they find a property line dispute.
When you know how to find your property lines, you’ll gain peace of mind for any project that could come close to the edge of the property. Showing respect for your neighbor and their property rights can help you avoid a lawsuit.
To avoid issues with property lines and prevent confrontation with your neighbors, here are 12 easy ways to find property lines.
1. Use Google Maps to find property lines
In the world of digital mapping, it’s worth noting that Google Maps does have the capability to display property lines, although it’s not always a guaranteed feature. The availability of this information can vary due to several factors, and there may be instances where Google lacks access to the necessary data, resulting in the inability to provide property lines. However, it’s a simple process worth exploring to get an initial rough idea of your property’s lines.
You’ll want to start by navigating to the Google Maps website. Once you are on the website find the search bar located at the left side of the screen and type in your exact property address. Once you have searched, you’ll be presented with a standard grid-like GPS view. To switch to a satellite photo view, click on the “Layers” button.
Next, tap the “+” button located at the lower right-hand corner of the screen to continue zooming in. Continue to zoom in on the property you’re interested in until you spot those property lines. You’ll recognize them as slender gray lines. If these lines don’t pop up, it’s likely that this feature isn’t accessible in your region.
Are there other apps that show property lines?
Other GPS apps can provide you with accurate plat maps. LandGlide and Landgrid are two used most commonly by property owners.
LandGlide app: The LandGlide app uses GPS to pinpoint your property’s location accurately. The app includes parcel records in 3,000 counties throughout the country, covering more than 95% of the United States. The app is available on IOS and Android devices and it offers a free trial. A paid subscription service is available after your trial expires.
Landgrid Map: The Landgrid app allows users to view more than 149 million properties nationwide and includes ownership & address information. The app has a survey editor that will allow you to create your survey. The pro version allows users to access premium fields, bookmark properties, run surveys, and utilize various web features.
2. Hire a licensed land surveyor
The most accurate way to know where your land begins and ends is to hire a surveyor to determine your property lines. The property surveyor will first check county records to understand the history of the lot. Then they will find out about easements, subdivisions, and any other important factors that could affect your land and what you choose to do with it. The cost to hire a licensed land surveyor typically runs between $330 and $670 per survey and depending on the location, size, and property history, it could be up to $1,000 per survey.
2. Review your property deed
Your property deed will give you a tax description of your property. This tax description explains the boundaries of your plot of land. The description often references the names of subdivisions and other land references that may no longer be in the area, such as a row of trees. You can get a copy of your deed online or from your county recorder’s office for a fee.
3. Check the metes and bounds survey
A metes and bounds survey identifies a landmark to define the property boundaries, such as a tree, creek, road, or intersection. This is the “place of beginning” or POB. You can then use a compass to follow the directions provided. This survey can be hard to understand because it often uses landmarks that may no longer exist. For example, the survey may state that a property line extends “fifty meters from the tall maple.” However, that maple tree may no longer be standing.
4. Read the property line map, or ‘plat’
When you buy a house, you typically receive a plat map or property line map. If you don’t, you can find it at the county clerk’s office. The plat will give you the exact dimensions of your lot related to other lots on your block. For a property on a residential street, expect to see similarly sized rectangles lined up on each side of the street, showing each privately owned property. Every individual property will be labeled with an identifying number. This number is separate from the parcel number for tax purposes. Your neighbors may be able to help as well. You can ask them if they have a copy of their plat map, which would show the neighborhood.
5. Ask for the property survey from your mortgage or title company
If you finance your home purchase through a lender, the lender will typically require a property survey. Your mortgage company should have a copy of this survey from the purchase transaction. The title company will also run a property search and may have a copy of any surveys or property line maps completed for your property.
6. Review the existing property survey from your county or local municipality
Property surveys are public records and you can request a copy of any existing surveys from your county or local municipality. If the county or municipality has completed a survey for your plot of land, they will have a copy. They usually charge a fee to reproduce it.
7. Locate a hidden survey pin
During construction, builders often use survey pins to mark the plot of land. Look for thin iron bars staked into the ground in the general area you expect your property lines to be. A metal detector can be a helpful tool for your search along the perimeter of your property. You’ll often find survey pins close to a sidewalk or the curb of the property. However, survey pins can be misleading as utility companies, tree-removal companies, and other contractors may have moved them in the course of their work.
8. Look for property line markers
Locating property line markers is another alternative to finding survey pins. Property line markers can be made of metal, wood, or concrete. For a relatively new home, the property boundary markers might still be in place. If you find survey pins or concrete boundary markers, they are likely to be more accurate, as wooden stakes are more easily moved. Check your plat map to see where to look for property line markers.
9. Check sidewalks and street lights
Sidewalks and street lights can give you a good visual reference if you don’t know how to find property lines. While they are not a perfect reference, installers may have aligned sidewalks or streetlights with the property lines. Start by looking at the lines cut into the sidewalk in front of the house. A contractor may have cut lines to meet up with the edge of the property or used slightly different concrete to separate properties. This method is a good starting point but be sure to use it in conjunction with a survey or plat map to ensure accuracy.
10. Visit the local zoning department
Your municipality’s zoning department records plats showing land division, and will have maps drawn to scale for your property. Unless your home was built over a hundred years ago, you can ask for a copy of your neighborhood and lot plat for a minimal fee. The zoning department records will give you the exact dimensions of your lot.
11. Measure the property yourself
You could measure your lot by hand. To do this, you’ll need a long measuring tape, a compass, and perhaps an assistant. Retrace the surveyor’s steps by locating the starting point labeled on the plat. This will be the “common point” or POB. Once you find the starting point, use the measuring tape to follow the plat, recording measurements as you go. The plat measurements should correspond with the ones you record yourself.
As a homebuyer, exercise caution regarding property lines as you move through the purchasing process. The previous owners may have failed to account for property lines before they started various home improvements and could have encroached on a neighbor’s property. Ask your lender for a copy of the completed survey – you may learn that the property is smaller than you expected. Or, an encroachment issue could prompt you to renegotiate the deal or walk away altogether.
If you love the home, a suitable compromise could involve a boundary line agreement after the purchase. A boundary line agreement is a legal contract to settle disputes between neighbors over property boundaries and provides an agreement on property line usage without going to court.
There are fast, easy, precise, and cost-effective ways to find property lines, whether it’s for a property you own or one you plan to purchase. Make sure to gather accurate information when buying a home or starting any construction or landscaping project.
After three-and-a-half years of an interest-free payment pause, you’re thinking about your federal student loans again. Or maybe you’re a recent grad thinking about your student debt for the first time. There are important steps to take and decisions to make. But where do you begin?
Time is running out to delay dealing with your student loans. For all borrowers, at least some action is required before student loan payments resume in October.
Set aside an hour or two, and use NerdWallet’s timeline, step-by-step checklist and reading list to help you get organized before your first bill arrives.
Key 2023 action dates
Aug. 22. New income-driven repayment plan SAVE officially launches. Applications take about four weeks to process; move quickly if you want to be enrolled before billing starts.
Aug. 31. Last day to request a student loan refund for payments made during the pandemic (that you’ll have to pay back).
Sept. 1. Interest starts accruing again. If you plan to make a lump-sum payment, prioritize doing so before September to minimize interest costs.
October. First round of bills due (exact date varies by person).
Dec. 31. Last day to consolidate your commercially held FFELP, Health Education Assistance Loan (HEAL) Program or Perkins loans to qualify for the income-driven repayment (IDR) account adjustment. This adjustment is automatic for all other borrowers.
Step-by-step checklist
Log into your FSA account. On StudentAid.gov, you can check your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID and reset your password if you’ve forgotten it. After signing in, you can check how much you owe and who your student loan servicer is. Nearly half of borrowers had their servicer changed during the pandemic — and they may not even know it.
Use the Federal Student Aid office’s online loan simulator. The loan simulator can help you estimate your monthly payments, total amount paid and more. Keep in mind that not all benefits of the new IDR plan (more on that below) are built into the simulator yet.
Log into your student loan servicer account. If you’ve forgotten your username or password, you can reset it. Check that your loan information matches what’s on your FSA account.
Update your contact information. Have you moved at any point since March 2020? If so, you’ll need to update your contact information on both your FSA and servicer account. Even if you didn’t move, double-check that your contact info is accurate. This is essential to receive bills, reminders and other communications.
Sign up for autopay again. If you had autopay set up before the payment pause, you’ll need to set it up again. This may involve reentering your banking information.
Check the due date of your first bill. If the due date on your servicer account doesn’t match what’s on your FSA account, reach out to your servicer to confirm when exactly you need to make a payment in October.
Choose a repayment plan. If you don’t choose a plan, you’ll be automatically placed into the standard 10-year repayment plan, but other options like the new income-driven SAVE plan could save you money.
Call your servicer with any questions. Your student loan servicer can guide you through different repayment options and help you with any questions or concerns. Brace for long call waiting times, which tend to be lengthiest at the start of the week and in the mornings.
If you have Perkins, HEAL or certain FFELP loans, consolidate them. You won’t qualify for the IDR account adjustment otherwise, which could help you get loan forgiveness much faster. Avoid scrambling: Start the consolidation process well ahead of the Dec. 31 deadline.
Essential reading list
The new IDR plan SAVE could cut payments in half for most borrowers, forgive remaining debt faster and much more. It’s being touted as the most generous repayment plan yet. You can sign up now, but some key SAVE benefits won’t be available until July 2024.
Borrowers who had their federal student loans in default before the pandemic should sign up for the Fresh Start program. Among other benefits, it will put their loans back into good standing.
A one-time IDR account adjustment will move most borrowers closer to IDR student loan forgiveness or forgive the debt of some longtime borrowers altogether. Certain borrowers must consolidate their federal loan to benefit, but it’s automatic for most.
If you requested a refund for payments made since mid-March 2020, the refund amount has been added back to your balance. Here’s how to manage paying back your student loan refund.
Wondering whether student loan refinancing is right for you? If you have some private student loans, there’s minimal downside if you can qualify for a lower interest rate. If you have federal loans, only refinance if you’re sure you won’t qualify for government forgiveness programs or need borrower protections such as IDR plans.
Incenter plans to soon put their new mortgage servicing rights platform to work, adding to the increased attention technology in this space has gotten as higher interest rates have raised the business line’s profile.
Incenter aims for the eMSR Exchange to have its first loans committed for co-issue transactions by Sept. 1.
The venture adds to other examples of investment in MSR technology from the past year, which also include Mortgage Capital Trading’s launch of functionality for co-issue sales and Voxtur’s purchase of the Blue Water Financial Technologies’ loan/servicing platform.
The rights to handle cash-flows from mortgages aren’t completely standardized assets, which added to the challenge of setting up an exchange for them, said Tom Piercy, president of national enterprise development.
“We feel we have come as close as we can to commoditizing this asset, which will never be commoditized entirely,” said Piercy, who also is a managing director at Incenter Mortgage Advisors, the company’s capital markets and trading subsidiary.
The eMSR Exchange, which was announced alongside a new Incenter due diligence and document management affiliate in May, aims to both help match buyers and sellers based on price and relieve operational burdens involved in co-issue servicing transactions.
Incenter’s MSR exchange ecosystem.
Incenter is starting with a focus on co-issue deals, which typically involve splitting off servicing from loans sold to the GSEs so that a separate investor can buy the MSRs.
Its technology is primarily aimed at small- to medium-sized originators. Bigger ones may have their own proprietary technology.
Freedom Mortgage, for example, has its own co-issue platform.
“We have a large network of correspondent lenders, and we have a platform capable of acquiring large quantities of MSRs,” said David Sheeler, president of residential servicing and correspondent lending at Freedom Mortgage.
“We’ve been able to use that platform to assist other investors interested in owning MSRs,” he added. “We basically take care of all the sales, marketing and the operations for the loans, and then transfer the MSRs to a partner or investor of ours.”
In contrast to Freedom, more moderate-sized companies don’t often have the secondary trading units that bigger players do. As a result, they may find platforms like Incenter’s appealing — with some caveats.
“Tools like that are great in terms of facilitating a more efficient diligence process for buyers,” said Toby Wells, president at Cornerstone Servicing. “I would tell you the counter to that, though, is that while MSR trading sometimes is as simple as the best price, buyers and sellers still need to know one another.
“You need to know what one another’s capable of, making sure you have an efficient process to transition the consumer from one platform to another,” he added.
And consumer data in servicing also has proved sensitive to data breaches.
Incenter limits which parties handle borrower information and heavily outfitting its system with cybersecurity, said Jessica Pejka, vice president, transaction management, when asked about this risk.
“We don’t take in borrower data at Incenter proper. Our system houses the information needed to price loans to track delivery of them, but the actual borrower information goes to our subservicer directly,” she said.
Piercy declined to identify the subservicer involved.
“Right now, we’re dedicated to one and they’re absolutely a partner in managing and supporting standardization,” he said.
Incenter’s system can take in MSR data and documents from multiple sellers through the subservicer. That information then gets circulated through the exchange entity, due diligence and Incenter Mortgage Advisors. After that, the MSRs are matched with buyers.
“This would be very difficult to do without the technology on all sides, especially this pricing/ recording piece that is inherent to MSR, which is proprietary for us,” said Pejka.
The platform consists of a mix of time-tested technology and newer automation, and was primarily developed in-house with the exception of the subservicing functions.
“The base technology has been used by us for over 10 years in managing our co-issue transactions,” said Piercy. “It’s all technical development by our in-house programming.”
The pricing component in particular requires finesse, Piercy said.
“When you have underwriting guides for a loan, you go to the screen, you can get the [to-be-announced securities] price. That’s all commoditized. Servicing is never that way because you have a different approach by every buyer with regard to how they service loans and how they perceive certain characteristics of loans,” said Piercy.
The pricing in the system is customized by investors to address differences between buyers, and is live so that it can be changed at any time as the market shifts, he said.
“It is not disclosed to any other party, so that there is no competitive disadvantage. There is no disclosure of how you’re pricing to other buyers,” added Piercy.
And the due diligence done as part of the eMSR exchange also is specialized, said Pamela Hamrick, president of the Incenter affiliate focused on this area. That affiliate, Incenter Diligence Solutions, was built following the company’s acquisition of EdgeMac last year.
“The elements of the review are important for an MSR buyer, which are different from the elements that are important to rating agencies review, for example,” Hamrick said.
The big picture
The Incenter platform acknowledges the broader existence of technology developed in the market to handle mortgage servicing rights and seeks to improve on it, according to Pejka.
“We have selected vendor partners both in our subservicer and Incenter Diligence Solutions who are doing innovative work in their spaces, to help us move those forward,” she said.
The Incenter affiliate has collaborated with other technology providers in the space such as LauraMac and LoanLogics.
Due diligence for MSR deals has been a space ripe for automation that’s been evolving in recent years, said Bob Fulton, CEO of LauraMac.
“There really wasn’t a tool that I could find that allowed the user to create workflow, create tasks, and standardize the work,” Fulton said.
Bob Fulton, CEO of LauraMac
Artificial intelligence and other technology have reached a point where providers feel they can produce offerings that fulfill both goals.
“We’ve implemented document AI so that documents can be read automatically,” Fulton said.
Buyers also have increasingly been using technology to identify where document shortfalls exist, noted Craig Sylvestre, senior vice president, sales, at LoanLogics.
“What we’re automating is the review of that loan file to make sure that everything is present and that loan is ready to on-board to servicing,” Sylvestre said.
Technology also helps buyers remedy any lapses, said Terrell Cassada, executive vice president, digital operations, architecture and innovation at LoanLogics.
“They can see the results of what documents may be missing on those loans, and facilitate the collection of those missing documents from their seller,” Cassada said.
And the industry has been responding to the need not just to have effective automation for this purpose but to have technology available at the right price point, other players in the market said.
“Clients are trying to understand the risks on a given pool with minimal investment and without materially destroying the economics,” said Mike Margolf, managing director, secondary market technology at SitusAMC, in a video blog.
The MSR valuation component also has been a key part of the value proposition when it comes to technology efforts in this space, said Al Qureshi, managing partner at Blue Water Financial Technologies.
“We have a patent pending around our key core technology, where we can take anybody’s valuation and deliver it in real time,” he said.
“We provide investors with a machine-learning driven approach to understanding how they can be more competitive,” he added. “We never shop other investors’ prices, we would never do that, but we use machine learning to understand preferences vis-a-vis win/loss, and we’re able to help them price better, and drive towards more volume or less volume, depending upon what they’re trying to solve for.”
Meanwhile, on the other side of the trade, “we’ve got all the different pieces in place for that seller to slot their loans from a price perspective and a transfer perspective,” Qureshi said. “Because we digitized all this, the lift that’s required is very democratized.”
The GSEs, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, also have co-issue platforms.
“The agency exchanges are very good, and what they’ve created is a great efficiency, but it requires each individual buyer and seller to create their relationship, and then they’re utilizing the platform to run that relationship,” said Piercy. “What we have is much different in the sense that any seller has the ability to look into the exchange, look at pricing, get a sense of what it is. And if they’re interested, they go through an application process, same with buyers.”
Incenter also has designed its reporting capabilities on things like portfolio performance to be a competitive edge, he said.
“That, in turn, is generating much more interest to where I feel we will have, based on not formal commitments but preliminary indications, a far greater number of buyers that could create greater opportunities for sellers than other platforms,” said Piercy.