Proximity to Pittsburgh and great cost of living make Braddock stand out.
Braddock, Pennsylvania (PA), located in Allegheny County, carries a storied past. As a town nestled near Pittsburgh, Braddock offers a slice of small-town living near urban conveniences. However, just as with any city, the consideration of relocating to Braddock requires a careful examination of various facets of living conditions. This article delves into the various factors that determine whether Braddock PA is a good place to live.
Demographics and racial makeup
The racial makeup of Braddock, PA, is diverse. A town rich in cultural heritage, it provides a multicultural environment which might be appealing for those looking for a vibrant community. The presence of diverse cultures contributes to the unique character of Braddock.
Crime and safety
A crucial factor when considering living in Braddock is the crime rate. Crime data indicates a mixture of violent crime and property crime that necessitates attention. The crime rates in Braddock can be compared using crime maps which provide a visualization of criminal activity in the area. These maps often show “red areas” where crime rates are higher. Violent crimes, although present, are relatively fewer compared to some nearby cities.
Comparatively, North Braddock, PA, has had its share of crime, which is something potential residents should be aware of. By contrasting crime data with other cities within Allegheny County and nearby cities, potential residents can get a better understanding of the crime landscape in this area.
Education and schools
Education is a significant concern for families considering living in Braddock. The town has several public schools that cater to the needs of the children residing here. However, the quality of education and the performance of schools in Braddock may vary, which is a common concern as seen in many towns.
Cost of living
Cost of living is a selling point for Braddock. It’s generally lower compared to the national average, which makes it an attractive option for individuals and families looking to save on living costs. The cost of housing, in particular, is lower than in many other cities in Pennsylvania.
Proximity to Pittsburgh
One of the pros of living in Braddock is its proximity to Pittsburgh. This closeness allows residents to enjoy the amenities and job opportunities present in a larger city while still relishing the quieter living conditions in Braddock.
However, it’s worth noting the cons of living in Pittsburgh, such as higher crime rates and a higher cost of living, which could indirectly impact the living conditions in Braddock.
Outdoor activities and healthcare
For those who fancy outdoor activities, Braddock has parks and is near rivers which provide a good opportunity for recreational activities.
One of the town’s highlights is the scenic Braddock Trail Park, which provides a serene natural setting for hiking, picnicking and birdwatching along the banks of the Monongahela River. Nearby, you’ll find the stunning Frick Park, a sprawling urban green space in neighboring Pittsburgh, perfect for hiking, biking and exploring wooded trails. Additionally, the Monongahela River provides opportunities for kayaking and fishing.
Moreover, access to health care is relatively easy with several health facilities located within a reasonable distance.
For example, the UPMC Braddock Hospital is a prominent healthcare institution in the area, offering comprehensive healthcare services, while nearby medical centers in Pittsburgh provide additional specialized care options for the community.
Economic conditions
The economic landscape in Braddock has seen changes in recent years. There are emerging opportunities for young professionals, although the business environment is still growing. The revitalization efforts within Braddock Hills and other neighborhoods have shown potential in elevating the economic status of Braddock.
Property and housing
The property scene in Braddock is fairly diverse, with a range of housing options available at costs lower than the national average. However, property crime is a concern, and potential residents should scrutinize crime maps to understand property crime rates and locations better.
Conclusion
Braddock, PA, carries a certain charm with its rich history, diverse cultural makeup, and proximity to Pittsburgh. However, considerations like crime rates, the quality of education and economic conditions play a pivotal role in determining whether it’s a great place for you to reside.
Ready to move to Braddock and enjoy views of the Allegheny Mountains? Take a look at our available apartments for rent here.
A home for sale in the Ashby Acres community in Phoenix on Sept. 6, 2023. (Photo by Kevinjonah Paguio/Cronkite News)
PHOENIX – High home sales prices and mortgage interest rates are squeezing out first-time home buyers from entering the market, especially as incomes have not kept up, housing experts say.
In 2020, the housing market was in a frenzy. High numbers of homes were selling, agents’ inventories were low and offers were frequently being made over list prices, said Jason Giarrizzo, a realtor with West USA Realty, who has been in the industry for 31 years.
Coming out of 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the market continued to surge as people began buying real estate, Giarrizzo said. “We weren’t sure where the market was going to go, (if) it (was) going to plummet because of you know, the shutdown and everything, but it was quite the opposite.”
A balanced market in the Phoenix metropolitan area would have inventory levels of about 30,000 properties, Giarrizzo said, but by the end of 2021 inventory began to shrink to about 4,400 properties in the area.
Then, home prices hit a high and interest rates began to climb as the Federal Reserve started raising rates in an attempt to head off inflation. “In all my years of real estate, I don’t think I saw the inventory spike to the level that it did in such a short period of time. We went from 4,400 properties just coming into spring to almost 20,000 properties for sale by summer,” Giarrizzo said.
The downtown Phoenix skyline overlooks homes in the Willo Historic District in Phoenix on Sept. 6, 2023. (Photo by Kevinjonah Paguio/Cronkite News)
Now, the inventory is at about 13,000, which is still half of what a balanced inventory is for the Phoenix metropolitan area, Giarrizzo said.
As mortgage loan interest rates have risen, that frenzy has subsided, especially for the first-time buyers market, Giarrizzo said.
Mortgage loan interest rates vary widely based on factors such as the individual market, credit score of the buyer, price of the home, down payment, rate type, loan term and type.
The current average rate for a conventional 30-year fixed mortgage is at or below 8.063% for a $430,000 home in Arizona for a buyer with a credit score of 700-719 who puts 10% down, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Chris Giarrizzo, a mortgage loan officer at Lennar Mortgage, who has been in the industry for over 23 years and is married to Jason Giarrizzo, said many hourly workers are struggling to afford housing, whether it’s a home purchase, or even rent.
The median home sale price in the Phoenix metropolitan area in September 2023 was $435,700, according to Redfin, a real estate firm that tracks prices and trends.
“I actually wouldn’t say necessarily it’s a bad time to buy a home, it’s just a challenging time to buy a home,” Chris Giarrizzo said.
Although mortgage loan rates have been this high before, high sales prices are providing little relief to buyers, she said, and there’s no relief anticipated until possibly sometime next year.
The last time 30-year fixed mortgage loan rates reached 8% was in 2000.
It was a combination of people who moved to the state and people who had more disposable income following the pandemic shutdown that drove the market takeoff in the Phoenix metropolitan area in 2020, Chris Giarrizzo said.
“We weren’t out shopping and weren’t traveling, and so I’ll be honest, not only in my industry, but in several industries, people had said that they had never been as busy. … We were all working a lot of hours,” Chris Giarrizzo said.
A “perfect storm” of high demand, low interest rates and not enough inventory drove home values up, creating the frenzy of people paying over list price because there was so much competition, she said.
First-time homebuyers in the market
“You’ve got a lot of people that are just sitting on the sidelines right now, eager to jump in and buy their first home,” Chris Giarrizzo said.
Many people locked in low interest rates years ago, so even if it makes sense to move or downsize, they don’t, because they’ll be looking at interest rates of over 7%, Jason Giarrizzo said.
A February Realtor.com survey found that 82% of homeowners with existing low-rate mortgages feel “locked in.”
“Even though the frenzy is over, I don’t see a plummet in home values,” Jason Giarrizzo said. “We’re not going to see big spikes in inventory, I think, due to those people that have locked in on those low rates.”
Related story
Interest rates will eventually fall, but when and by how much is hard to predict, Chris Giarrizzo said, noting rates under 3% were largely pandemic-driven and will probably not be seen again.
In August 2021, the 30-year mortgage rate hovered around 2.8%, according to data from the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service.
“If we can get rates back into the fours or fives (percent), I think we’ll see a start to return to a more balanced market,” Chris Giarrizzo said.
In northern Arizona, where Jason Giarrizzo also sells real estate, the properties are being sold more quickly and at much higher prices, although there is still low inventory. “I’ve been working more in that $1 million to $2.5 million range, and actually I’m seeing a lot of those deals go in cash,” he said.
But in Payson, and other nonluxury home markets in northern Arizona, the same housing squeeze is being felt, where the housing is largely unaffordable due to the combination of rates and list prices, Chris Giarrizzo said.
J Cruz, a 46-year-old Phoenix park ranger, started his home search two months ago and does not see a light at the end of the tunnel.
“Trying to find a good deal – that’s been very hard and challenging,” Cruz said. “Monthly mortgage payments are way too high for what I want, and it’s not feasible to pay that every month.”
He fixed his credit score, saved for a down payment and recently started the process of getting a home loan.
But mortgage interest rates are one of the things holding Cruz back. “I don’t want to get into a home that I can afford for a few months and not be able to afford two years from now,” he said.
Cruz is in search of a three-bedroom home in Phoenix, Peoria or Glendale, and even though he is a full-time city employee and has good benefits, he and many of his co-workers have part-time jobs to make ends meet.
“Even though we have a full-time job with the city, you know, in today’s economy it is still a little bit hard,” Cruz said.
New-build financing at interest rates lower than market rate is probably the best route for a lot of first-time buyers, especially if they are struggling to qualify, Chris Giarrizzo said.
Federal Housing Administration loans are available for first-time homebuyers, with down-payment options as low as 3.5%.
Zillow Home Loans is offering a 1% down payment incentive to buyers in Arizona to reduce the amount of time that it takes for eligible buyers to save.
The program is intended for buyers who have kept up with high monthly rent payments but have not been able to save for a down payment.
“I would just advise borrowers that the less down you’re putting, the higher your (monthly) payments are going to be,” Chris Giarrizzo said.
One of my concerns with higher rates has been whether new listings data would take another leg lower, which wouldn’t be a good thing for the housing market. Not only has that not happened, but we have had an orderly seasonal decline this year — outside some wild swings around Labor Day and schools starting.
This proves that we are trying to form a historical bottom in this data line, something I discussed earlier in the year on CNBC. As we can see in the chart below, it is very steady, considering how crazy rates have been lately.
One of the things I have gotten wrong in 2023 is my premise that if mortgage rates rose, the inventory growth would pick up for a few weeks, at least between 11,000-17,000. However, even with 8% mortgage rates last week, I am still batting a zero in 2023 as inventory growth last week was just 7,900.
Last year, the seasonal peak for inventory was Oct. 28. Last week, according to Altos Research:
Weekly inventory change (Oct. 13-Oct. 20): Inventory rose from 546,450 to 554,350
Same week last year (Oct. 14-Oct. 21): Inventory rose from 567,452 to 571,944
The inventory bottom for 2022 was 240,194
The inventory peak for 2023 so far is 554,350
For context, active listings for this week in 2015 were 1,171,430
Traditionally, one-third of all homes have price cuts all year long. When rates rise and demand gets weaker, the price cut percentage can grow. The price cut percentage in 2023 is still 4% below what we had in 2022, even with higher home prices and mortgage rates. Price cut percentages in recent years:
2023 38.5%
2022 42.5%
2021 28%
Mortgage rates and the 10-year yield
The bond market and mortgage rates have had such a wild ride recently, and it reminds me of the action during the first week of COVID-19 when we saw massive volume in buying treasuries. In the same vein, the bond market is now very oversold. However, more importantly, real yields are very restrictive for the economy now. In the last week, the 10-year yield went from 4.62% to 4.99%, ending at 4.92%.
I recently discussed on the HousingWire Daily podcast whether these rates are recessionary because the history of real yields being this restrictive has always led to a recession. Earlier in the year on CNBC I said that the Fed wouldn’t be satisfied until the labor market breaks. Even though the Fed has talked about no more rate hikes, now that the 10-year yield and mortgage rates are higher, they believe the monetary policy is restrictive enough to accomplish the goal they always wanted from the start: attack the labor supply.
Mortgage rates went from 7.66% to 8.03% last week to end at 7.97%. If the Fed wants to create a job-loss recession, attacking the housing market a second time looks like their target. They remain frustrated that the labor market is not breaking.
Purchase application data
Purchase application data was down 6% last week versus the previous week, making the year-to-date count 18 positive prints, 21 negative prints and one flat week. If we start from Nov. 9, 2022, it’s been 25 positive prints versus 21 negative prints and one flat week.
Of course, higher rates have made affordability worse; whenever rates move up or down by just one 1%, millions of potential homebuyers are qualified or not qualified to buy a home.
The week ahead: Home sales data and jobless claims
Next week, we have new home sales and pending home sales — which are at significant risk of a big miss. Jobless claims, of course, come out every Thursday and that has been the key data line for me at this expansion stage. Also, there are many variables worldwide, and who knows what the Fed will say. We will be tracking all the live data to keep you updated.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, concluded today that principal forgiveness is not the best approach to help homeowners and reduce foreclosures.
Over the past several months, there had been a lot of back and forth about whether principal reductions would prevent more strategic defaults and otherwise unnecessary foreclosures, but it now appears to be dead in the water.
FHFA director Edward J. DeMarco, who had earlier expressed little interest in reducing principal for underwater homeowners, released a statement today advising that it wouldn’t be in the best interest of taxpayers, who are ultimately responsible for footing Fannie and Freddie’s bill.
HAMP PRA = FAIL
The agency concluded that an initiative called, “Home Affordable Modification Program Principal Reduction Alternative,” or HAMP PRA for slightly shorter, didn’t “clearly improve foreclosure avoidance while reducing costs to taxpayers,” as compared to other existing approaches.
In other words, the programs already in existence, such as HARP 2.0, are plenty good to encourage homeowners to stay in their homes and make their mortgage payments.
Anything more is just too expensive, and could actually cause more harm to the housing market and the mortgage industry.
Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) president David H. Stevens also released a statement, showing his support for DeMarco while focusing on the availability of credit going forward.
Stevens noted that principal forbearance is effective as well, without the negative ramifications of making mortgage financing more restrictive and expensive for everyone else in the future.
A Blow for Hopeful Homeowners
All in all, it’s a big blow for hopeful homeowners, but given the fact that many have probably already taken advantage of HAMP or HARP, it may have been a case of too little, too late.
Additionally, many individual banks and mortgage lenders offer principal reductions to their borrowers, so it’s still possible to get your hands on some free home equity!
I argued a while back that principal reductions on loan modifications weren’t the best move, largely because of the enormous cost and the fact that sizable mortgage rate reductions should solve the affordability issue.
There’s also the matter of homeowners re-defaulting, even after receiving a principal reduction and a lower mortgage rate. Yes, sometimes everything isn’t enough.
Sure, it’d be nice to have the bank reduce your outstanding loan amount and put you above water, but what about the homeowners who didn’t serially refinance. Or those who made 15-year fixed payments instead of relying on interest-only loans and option arms?
It just gets to a point where it would create a huge divide between the so-called “responsible homeowners” and the overextended borrowers in the “sand states.”
Of course, if DeMarco ran the numbers and did the math, it may just come down to a simple numbers game, and less of a political issue. But it’s political any way you slice it.
It has already created a sh*tstorm on the web, with most losing their minds over the fact that DeMarco has denied everyday Americans in favor of banks and faceless corporations, especially since the numbers indicate that principal reductions would actually save taxpayers money.
In fact, most are calling for him to be fired immediately. Yikes.
Personally, I think a more important initiative that still hasn’t been addressed is a mass loan modification program for private-label mortgages, those not backed by Fannie, Freddie, or the FHA. Where is their help?
These homeowners are in dire need of loan modifications as well, and would probably be thrilled with something as simple as a mortgage rate reduction.
And guess what? Last week, Oregon senator Jeff Merkley floated a decent looking plan to carry out such an effort.
Summerville, a picturesque town nestled in the heart of South Carolina, encapsulates a unique blend of southern charm, historic significance and modern convenience.
The overarching question — is Summerville, SC, a good place to live? — becomes easier to answer as one delves into the fabric of this quaint yet burgeoning locale. The aim of this article is to provide a well-rounded view of living in Summerville, the cost of living, employment opportunities and the social and cultural fabric that awaits newcomers and longtime residents alike.
Location, location, location
Summerville’s geographical positioning allows its residents to experience a plethora of sceneries and activities. Charleston Harbor is a mere 24 miles away, offering access to an expansive maritime vista, while a short drive to Folly Beach or Sullivan’s Island opens up a gateway to sun, sand and surf.
Demographic diversity in Summerville
The racial makeup of Summerville, SC, presents a mosaic of cultures, predominantly comprising white, Black, Latine and Asian communities, thus fostering a rich cultural blend. The inclusion of different ethnicities is a part of Summerville’s charm, allowing for a vibrant, multicultural community.
Historic significance
History aficionados would be drawn to Summerville’s rich history, with the town playing host to numerous historically significant sites. The Drayton Hall, Magnolia Plantation and the Aiken Rhett House Museum offer glimpses into the antebellum era and Civil War history.
Weather and natural disasters
While Summerville, SC, does experience hurricanes, the town has a solid infrastructure in place to manage and mitigate the effects of such natural disasters. Its inland location serves as a natural barrier, providing a level of protection against the harshest weather conditions.
Education and employment in Summerville, SC
Charleston Southern University, located a short drive away, is one of many educational institutions offering quality education to Summerville residents. The town also boasts a growing job market with varied employment opportunities, ensuring a stable economic outlook.
Recreational activities
The abundance of walking trails like the Oakbrook Nature Trail, and waterways such as Ashley River, provide ample recreational opportunities. The nearby Jessen Public Boat Landing is a favorite among boating enthusiasts.
Cost of living in Summerville
The cost of living in Summerville, SC, is generally lower than the national average, which is a significant draw for many. Housing, represented by a mix of historic homes, new construction, and Summerville homes in serene neighborhoods, is relatively affordable with the median home price being attractive to both young families and retirees.
Summerville’s real estate market
The real estate market in Summerville, SC is thriving, thanks to a boom in population growth and the subsequent demand for housing. Real estate agents are seeing an upward trend in property values, yet the cost of owning or renting a home remains affordable compared to many other regions in the South.
Culinary scene in Summerville, SC
The culinary palette in Summerville is as diverse as its populace. From smoked chicken to pork belly, ribeye steaks to fried green tomatoes, the food scene is a blend of traditional southern and modern cuisines. Restaurants and food trucks alike offer a wide range of food options, catering to different tastes.
Social aspects
Southern hospitality is alive and well in Summerville. The small town feel, coupled with the friendliness of Summerville residents, creates a welcoming environment. Community events like the Flowertown Festival are a testament to the town’s social cohesion, bringing together people from all walks of life.
Summerville’s growth trend
Summerville’s growth trend is a positive indicator of its viability as a place to live. The influx of more people, bolstered by opening doors of opportunity, is transforming the town while retaining its historic charm.
Conclusion
The blend of affordable living, a robust real estate market, promising job opportunities and a welcoming community makes Summerville, SC a great place to live. Its proximity to beaches, historic downtown Charleston and numerous tourist attractions, like the Folly Beach County Park, add to the allure.
Individuals and families considering moving to Summerville will find a balanced mix of historical essence, modern amenities, and a promising future. If you’re ready to make your move, take a look at our Summerville, SC, apartments for rent.
Inside: Do you want to make money online fast? If so, we’ll discuss the best digital products to sell on Etsy. By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to making money selling digital items quite easily.
Do you want to learn how to sell digital products on Etsy and make money through it?
Selling digital products offers an exciting avenue for generating passive income. With their low production and distribution costs, high profit margin, and potential for scalability, they stand as a lucrative business model for many entrepreneurs.
Moreover, once a digital product is created, it can continuously bring in revenue without the need for additional production costs, making it an appealing source of passive income.
The key to being a successful Etsy seller is to understand your chosen niche and what your audience wants.
We will dive into digital products you could sell on Etsy which range from arts & crafts to business materials.
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.
What are Digital Products?
Digital products are items that are accessed and delivered electronically, examples of which include software, ebooks, online courses, digital music, video, and audio files.
These intuitive products offer the versatile benefit of being easily reproduced and instantly accessible on various devices, without the requirement of physical storage or shipping. Plus the world is moving towards becoming digital anyway.
In creating digital products, businesses aim to capitalize on customer appeal and convenient delivery, which often complement their physical goods or services.
Why Sell Digital Products on Etsy?
Selling digital products on Etsy offers an incredible opportunity to showcase and monetize your unique creations. With Etsy’s vast online marketplace and its millions of potential customers, it has become a preferred platform for artists, designers, and content creators.
Furthermore, it provides the flexibility to set your prices in accordance with the value you offer and experiment with different pricing strategies.
This is a hassle-free way to monetize your creativity. Here’s why:
You craft it once, it sells eternally: Digital products offer the ultimate advantage of a “create once, sell forever” model. Imagine sipping a cup of tea while your creation secures sales one after another.
Resource-friendly: Bid adieu to the restrictions of shipping, storage, or material costs. Instead, welcome the comfort of financial freedom and resource efficiency.
Everlasting stock: Digital products on Etsy never run out! Say goodbye to inventory issues and overselling, which makes it a smart choice for long-term business.
So, start now by creating an account, picking your digital product, setting up shop, and starting selling on Etsy. With no heavy fees and no botheration of shipping.
Just pure creative power leads to sheer earning happiness.
What digital products sell the most on Etsy?
Well, our data shows that digital prints, planners, stickers, fonts, and children’s educational materials are some of the best-selling categories netting serious cash on this creative marketplace. This information came from Cody and Julie – the founders of the e-Printables course.
Typically, seasonal content always does well on any platform. Same with current trends like the “Barbie” craze.
These products are a creative enthusiast’s goldmine owing to their limitless customization capabilities, instant delivery, and cost-effectiveness.
Wherein, most busy professionals, students, parents, and small business owners find them irresistible due to their convenience and adaptability to suit specific needs and tastes.
To learn more about selling on Etsy, I highly recommend connecting with Cody and Julie in their free webinar.
What digital download sells best on Etsy?
Among the myriad of digital products available,digital prints notably rank as one of the best-selling downloads on Etsy, closely followed by other popular items such as:
digital planners
logo designs
travel guides
business card designs
Lightroom presets
printable invitations.
A beautiful synergy of convenience, utility, and aesthetics, that can be printed at home or in a local print shop, whenever you wish. Perfect for last-minute gifters, DIY décor enthusiasts, or anyone looking for hassle-free beautification!
So, staying in the game, consistently monitoring market trends, and adapting accordingly is the key to successfully selling your digital prints on Etsy.
Best Digital Products to Sell on Etsy
The best digital products to sell on Etsy depend upon various factors, such as your skills, customer interests, and specific market trends.
It is also important to keep an eye on high-sales products, check positive reviews, track favorites, and note recurring themes to understand what customers are looking for and to guide your digital product offerings. This is a quick way to make 300 dollars fast.
Here are the examples of some of the best digital products you might want to sell on Etsy:
1. Printable or Digital Planners
You’ve hit the jackpot if you’re contemplating selling printable or digital planners on Etsy. Some people might say digital or printable planners are seasonal but due to the high demand and flexibility, it could be the golden goose for your marketing on Etsy.
Buyers love and enjoy the tailored usability offered by printable planners, which they can customize to their requirements and physically pen in their plans.
You can supply this demand by offering a large variety and aesthetically pleasing designs.
Tip: Try bundling in different types of stickers for a snappier offer.
2. Craft Patterns
Craft patterns are a top-ranking digital product on Etsy, thanks to a revival of all things crafty!
From knitting and crocheting to sewing and embroidery, these digital masterpieces cater to the abundant trend-setters and hobbyists who frequent Etsy.
To truly get your digital craft patterns thriving on Etsy, remember to follow the trail blazed by successful pattern sellers like these Etsy sellers. These crafts start from an average selling price of $10, making them a lucrative venture for creatives.
Lastly, don’t forget to unleash SEO magic – get your product seen by the right people especially when creating a sewing pattern or crochet pattern. This can be your missing element for transforming hard work into hard sales!
3. Children learning materials
Looking for a profitable side gig? Selling children’s learning materials on Etsy is wildly popular and well-needed especially for those homeschooling.
Parents and teachers are snapping up digital educational resources. By marketing printable lesson plans, colorful flashcards, and engaging worksheets, parent is hyped to supplement their children’s education.
This is a great summer job for teachers because your educational resources might just be the next best-seller on Etsy.
Crack open those lesson plans, as your Etsy store awaits.
4. Wallpapers
On Etsy, phone wallpapers are the new moneymaker. Provide colorful ways for customers to personalize their devices, these digital beauties are a hot ticket item.
To catch the widest net, cater to both phone and desktop users. You must keep up with trends. Also, creating wallpapers for Apple watches and other high-tech gadgets or themed designs for holidays is always a hit.
It’s a simple concept: stylish wallpapers have an average selling price of around $3-4.
5. Calendars
Venture to sell digital business calendars guarantees a steady demand, as planning isn’t just a phase – it’s woven into the fabric of daily life. To get started, unlock your artistic prowess with any digital art program like Adobe Photoshop or Canva.
Begin creating your unique touch on calendars, ensuring they’re editable pre-print- a clear selling point. Remember, quality trumps all – prioritize visually appealing designs with user-friendly formats.
Time to turn dates into dollars. Listing calendars in your Etsy shop certainly won’t go out of style or demand. Also, aim for the $5 – $10 price range to hit the sweet spot of affordability and profitability.
6. Invitations
Invitations are among the top-selling digital items on Etsy.
Customizable templates for various occasions like weddings, parties, baby showers, and more are particularly popular. It’s perfect for creative individuals skilled in design who are looking to turn a profit on their talents.
These digital products can provide a meaningful revenue stream. Some creators can charge up to $20 per customized item.
The bottom line is that selling digital invitation templates on Etsy doesn’t just allow for creativity, but it’s also a lucrative business opportunity.
7. Business cards
Catering to the surge of remote entrepreneurs and the timeless need for personal cards, this trend is something to tap into.
You can offer editable, customized, or even smart cards – with features like one-click phone calls or emails – which can give your shop an edge.
Through Canva or Wepik, you can design exotic templates, offering customers the control to personalize before printing. Turn on your creative juices, let your brand shine, and step up your entrepreneurial ladder with a business card template.
8. Wedding Invitations and Printables
To be honest, I actually created my best friend’s wedding invitations. Maybe, I should have stuck with the side gig to make 500 dollars fast?!?
Wedding printables are now the ‘go-to’ digital products. This isn’t just about a cute ‘Save the Date’; offers a hassle-free, all-in-one wedding stationery solution, ready to match every wedding theme under the twinkling lights.
Help the DIY couples by providing a bundle: wedding program, customized hashtag sign, table place cards, save-the-date cards, and even personalized portrait options with a delightful sign thrown in.
You can provide a seamless experience and watch the sales ring along with the wedding bells.
9. Journal Inserts
Are you a fan of journaling or love designing layouts? Well, it’s time you converted your passion into profit. Making journal inserts is one of the smartest digital products you can sell on Etsy.
Audiences vary from educators needing organized lesson and homework schedules or those seeking self-help and discovery questions.
For optimal selling, focus on providing a variety of designs and including white spaces for personal touches.
With an average selling price of $5, they appeal to smart shoppers who prefer to print inserts on cardstock paper.
10. Digital artwork
Digital artwork stands out in popularity due to the unique customization and selection variety it offers.
Customers are drawn to the ability to choose from diverse art forms, including watercolor illustrations, inspirational quotes, and Baltic or Bohemian prints, that perfectly align with their personal aesthetic or represent an emotion they resonate with.
Moreover, the availability of immediate prints post-purchase greatly increases the convenience and appeal of this artwork form.
11. Recipe cards
Do you love cooking and want to create delightful digital recipe cards for your customers? But, don’t stop there, look at creating a meal planner to bundle with!
A printable, editable canvas for food aficionados brimming with delicious details of recipe cards is a great product. These digital delights are perfect for amateur chefs, bakers, and recipe bloggers.
The takeaway is clear. Selling recipe cards on Etsy is as facile as slicing butter, once you’ve got the right ingredients and the perfect recipe. It’s time to turn the heat up on your Etsy store and dish out some delightful recipe cards.
12. Social media templates
Creating social media templates can provide significant value for businesses and influencers seeking to establish a professional and cohesive online presence.
These templates, which can include pre-designed Facebook banners, Instagram stories, Twitter headers, and more, can be customized to fit a variety of themes such as minimalism, boho, or pastel colors.
When well-crafted, such templates can save businesses valuable time and effort while also helping maintain consistent brand imaging across different platforms. This is similar to a business hiring a virtual assistant with no experience.
e-Printables Free ebook
Curious about selling printables on Etsy but don’t know where to start?
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13. Printable Cake and Party Decorations
Selling printable party decorations as digital products on Etsy is like icing on the proverbial cake for smart entrepreneurs.
You can focus printable party decorations from charming cartoon-themed toppers for kids’ birthday cakes to exquisite, romantic pieces for weddings and anniversaries.
Whether you’re creatively inclined or have an entrepreneurial spirit spotting potential, these printables offer a loophole to financial growth. Bundle your decorations based on themes for enticing offers.
14. Zoom background
Thanks to the surge in remote working and virtual meetings selling incredible Zoom backgrounds on Etsy has emerged as a lucrative product in the digital landscape.
These tailored digital backdrops not only enhance the visual appeal of online interfaces but also cater to users’ needs to maintain privacy or conceal unorganized spaces.
However, you need to understand that creating Zoom backgrounds may not be beginner-friendly due to the required customization. However, do not let this intimidate you.
15. Productivity Trackers
People are constantly in search of practical, user-friendly tools to streamline their lives and make every hour count.
So, these productivity trackers are supremely versatile, covering daily routines, budgeting, goal setting, project management, and even grocery lists. Make your Etsy shop the one-stop shop for everyone’s needs.
As it becomes an increasingly popular choice to shift focus towards maximizing effectiveness in people’s daily lives. Whether it’s maintaining a workout routine, tracking investments, or staying on top of a student’s study schedule, these trackers cater to a wide assortment of needs.
16. Lightroom Presets
Lightroom Presets are essentially preset configurations that enhance a photo’s aesthetics, and folks from influencers to amateur photographers are keen to have them.
For starters, it caters well to the Instagram-obsessed demographic continually seeking to elevate their photo game. This venture is best suited for those who have a knack for photo editing and an understanding of aesthetics.
With an average selling price of $10, the numbers tip favorably in your Lightroom presets.
17. Etsy shop banners
Help out your new Etsy sellers by designing an impressive storefront with their shop banner.
Indulge your Etsy shop banners in various design themes suitable for a wide range of stores. Also, include a shop kit that makes store icons, a large and small banner, custom and reserved listing templates, and a profile picture graphic.
Promote your banner designing prowess to other sellers, so that you increase your brand awareness along Etsy.
When you have an awesome shop yourself, you are more likely to get sales!
18. Logos & branding kits
Move over, clip art! Logos and branding kits are in high demand as they fulfill the crucial need of every business that is striving for a unique identity.
Bundle your logos and branding kits or offer them individually to maximize your reach. Also, combining them with other digital products like media kit templates elevates your shop’s appeal.
This caters to diverse clients from Etsy sellers to businesses, influencers, and bloggers. Selling in this segment, you’ll never run short of market demand. Get ready to impress with your graphic skills, and ride the wave of this profitable venture on Etsy.
19. Thank you cards
This is a timeless product that is regularly used by businesses and individuals to express their gratitude.
Offering these thank you cards in digital, customizable formats can attract more buyers due to ease of customization and competitive pricing relative to store-bought alternatives.
You can also sell the same design on physical cards if you want for another revenue stream.
20. Fonts
In the world of businesses, creators, and crafters galore are on a relentless hunt for the perfect font that suits their needs. Where versatility is a font’s middle name – they can jazz up a brand’s website or add pizzazz to a party invitation.
Cricut fonts, in particular, are best-sellers. It is specially crafted for Cricut machines – a hit in the Etsy community of designers and makers.
Remember, the devil is in the (font) detail. Jump into the journey of digital font selling on Etsy and watch your typography turn into a treasure in no time.
21. Resume templates
Resume templates are handy, well-designed digital products are reportedly perfect for professionals keen on making their job applications stand out. It is mostly designed to suit particular sectors such as real estate or marketing.
After all, a well-structured resume could be the golden ticket to someone’s dream job – like one of these low stress jobs that pay well without a degree.
However, in my personal experience, the most successful templates are clean, professional, and neutral in color.
22. Invoice templates
You might think that cashing in invoice templates may seem odd, but these digital products offer ample sales potential on Etsy!
Their charm lies in their simplicity and frequently used nature by a wide range of businesses. Small business owners, short on time and design skills, frequently scout Etsy for professionally designed, eye-catching invoices – duly making it your prime market.
Transform invoice templates into a goldmine, with less likelihood of running into steep competition. With an average selling price of $10, you can surely earn money online quickly.
23. Website templates & themes
Are your web design skills a cut above the rest?
Leveraging your skills to create and sell website templates and themes on Etsy, and turn your talent into a tidy profit. This digital product must be customization-friendly with a range of applications, and cater to a broad audience—from small businesses to in-demand bloggers, giving them a sleek, professional online presence minus the design headache.
Begin by focusing on creating templates on popular website-building platforms like WordPress with a Kadence WP Theme. Make sure they serve a specific market, like photography websites or eCommerce stores, and ensure your products have unique, eye-catching designs that set them apart from the sea of competitors.
Remember, if your themes and templates are more unique and tailored. You can command, sometimes get a range of your product to $50.
24. Stickers
Stickers, both physical and digital stickers, are hot commodities on Etsy, cozily nestled among the platform’s top-selling items.
It also appeals to a large market spectrum, from social media users who love accentuating their chats with digital stickers, to fans of physical stickers decorating their belongings.
Remember, one major selling point is the editability of digital stickers, enabling customers to customize after purchase. Dial your creativity, pick a distinct theme, and roll out your sticker sets on Etsy – there’s a world waiting to stick onto your designs!
25. Bookmarks
Feeling bookish? Get your create-on and cash in on the thriving trend of selling digital bookmarks on Etsy.
Digital bookmarks, at a modest cost of $2 – $3 a pop, are gaining popularity as one of the easiest and fastest-selling digital products, thanks to their charm, practicality, and customized appeal.
Create an aesthetic touch on your reading escapades by hitting the serious tribe of bookworms. To amp up your sales and earn money quickly, don’t forget to add “personalization” options to your bookmarks.
26. Editable flyers
As demands surge, these feature-rich editable flyers become ideal for crafty entrepreneurs aiming to make a profit.
Most of your clients will be large markets comprising event organizers, business owners, and individuals who find convenience in ready-made editable materials.
Success in selling editable flyers on Etsy lies in understanding your target clientele’s needs, creating versatile and appealing designs, and offering top-notch quality. Kickstart your venture by preparing a wide range of attractive editable flyers.
27. Menu templates
Fresh out of the oven, menu templates are popular with restaurant owners to party planners who crave these editable, print-ready goodies.
These menu templates are flexible and can be tailored for cafes, restaurants, weddings, and even small business events. Therefore, begin by creating captivating designs–uniqueness sells and is editable for everyone who wants to customize it.
So preheat your digital oven – it’s time to serve up some mouth-watering menu templates on Etsy.
28. Gift tags
Digital gift tags on Etsy could light up your entrepreneurial path. With an average selling price of $5, these little printables have a big demand, particularly for special occasions like weddings and birthdays.
Ideal for individuals and businesses, this product can fit a myriad of needs from Christmas presents to children’s party favors. If you want to maximize your profits, focus on offering a wide range of designs that target different occasions and tastes.
Don’t forget to consider making a customization service that gives your customers a chance to tweak and add their personal touches.
29. Ebook Templates
Ebook templates have emerged as one of the most popular digital products on Etsy.
Beyond individual ebooks, sellers also offer a variety of creatively designed ebook templates, ebook covers, and materials for children’s books. With a target audience interested in arts and crafts, informative ebooks offer exceptional sales potential, especially those that provide professional knowledge in specific niches like graphic design or online money-making tips.
e-Printables Free ebook
Curious about selling printables on Etsy but don’t know where to start?
Get the secret list of best-selling products by month and learn you how to capitalize on seasonal trends to make sales.
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30. Fitness Trackers
Fitness trackers‘ popularity is booming as they cater to a wide array of tracking necessities beyond just gym visits or step counting.
This product helps monitor weight loss programs, home workout plans, and 30-day challenges, effectively, becoming a one-stop-shop for holistic wellness.
They are ideal for those aiming to enhance their fitness, sleep quality, and overall productivity. With an average selling price of $5, they offer an affordable solution to digital tracking needs.
31. Debt Payoff Trackers
Debt payoff trackers are fundamental tools for efficient financial management and debt reduction. They provide a concrete visual of one’s financial obligations and illustrate the progress made toward extinguishing each debt.
This encourages a consistent habit of payment and propels individuals towards financial freedom. However, cost should not be a barrier to good financial habits, which is why our website offers a wide range of high-quality debt payoff trackers completely free of charge.
While these are still popular on Etsy, you have to realize many people want free or extremely cheap.
32. SVG Files for Cutting Machines
Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG) files for cutting machines like Circut or Silhouette, are a crafter’s dream, making them a top-tier product to sell.
You can elevate your service by including a PDF tutorial or short video guide demonstrating the use of your product.
Ensure the functionality of your products by carrying out tests prior to listing.
33. Personalized Recipe Books
Being a foodie’s ultimate treasure, these recipe collections are perfect to tickle the taste buds of amateur cooks or pro food bloggers. Plus you can create recipe book templates to be used in Goodnotes or Notability.
Cultivate your online presence to spice up the sales of your digital recipe books.
From personal experience, I bought a digital recipe book because I didn’t want to create one myself.
34. Budget Planners
Budget planners are soaring in popularity, with these nifty tools averaging quite a tidy sum of $5-20 each. Its powerful design is both lucrative for sellers and beneficial for buyers.
In an increasingly digital world, these planners provide a seamless way to stay and stick on top of your finances. From the ordinary individual aspiring to save a penny or two to the business owner meticulously monitoring their profits and expenses. Some budget planner pros, like FRGLMAMA, have made over 60,000 sales!
Here’s a pro tip: Increase your profits by bundling your budget binder with envelopes and to-do lists. Users love the convenience and it saves them a search.
35. Wall Art
Calling all artists and designers with flair! Wall Art reigns supreme on Etsy – proving it’s not just a ‘dabbling’ industry, but a potential goldmine.
Remember, the ‘Home Sweet Home’ and ‘Be Kind’ style arts still hold their charm! Maximizing profits can entail providing add-on services such as printing and shipping.
Wall art downloads make great posters, especially for those who prefer to change up their decor often.
36. Gratitude Journal
Gratitude journals, with their guided prompts and questions, make hot picks for those striving for self-improvement or simply savoring the good in life. This little gem, flourishing in popularity, provides a thoughtful juncture for folks to reflect on the positive aspects of their lives.
This digital product is tailored for therapists, life coaches, stressed corporate followers, or anyone looking to light up their lives with gratitude.
Make sure to use keywords related to gratitude and journaling in your product description to maximize visibility.
37. Self Improvement Printables
People love these printables for their blend of practicality and inspiration by giving actionable tips, uplifting affirmations, useful trackers, and more.
These self-improvement printables are timely digital products that strike a chord with a growing audience keen on personal growth, self-care, and organization.
This product is perfect for those seeking self-help workbooks, motivational quotes, fitness planners, and even kid-friendly educational materials.
Is selling digital products on Etsy still profitable?
According to legions of online entrepreneurs, the answer is a resounding YES!
As the market for digital products keeps on growing, so does the profit potential for digital sellers on Etsy.
The startup costs are delightfully low – most of what you’re paying is merely for your product’s licensing and Etsy fees. After that, it’s all pure profit!
This method could be your ticket to financial freedom. So if you’re a creative at heart with a knack for producing digital gems, it’s high time you join the Etsy bandwagon to sell your valuable creations.
Etsy passive income isn’t just a haven for handcrafted goods – it’s also a hub for downloadable products from design templates to educational materials.
e-Printables Free ebook
Curious about selling printables on Etsy but don’t know where to start?
Get the secret list of best-selling products by month and learn you how to capitalize on seasonal trends to make sales.
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Now, What Digital Downloads to Sell on Etsy?
By now, you’ve embarked on an enlightening journey around the process of selecting digital products to sell. You have digested tips, explored examples, and refined your knowledge regarding your market, skills, and customer desires to ensure profitability.
So, let’s cut to the chase, find your product that fits the mold, craft an appealing product description, price it competitively yet profitable, and start making waves with your expertise in the digital market.
By coupling this post with the free training offered, you could be the next seller with digital products that are the next hotcake on Etsy! Will you be the next Etsy seller to learn how to make 10k a month?
Take your first step towards this entrepreneurial journey, and soon enough you could be reaping the sweet profits of your digital endeavor.
Now, start your listings and remember to believe what you have to offer is worth buying.
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Within a few months of your lease ending, your landlord or property manager may ask if you would like to renew your lease. If you’re happy with your apartment and want to stay, here’s what you need to do:
Review your lease
First and foremost, you need to know when your lease is up. Take a look at your copy of the apartment lease and note the termination date. Mark this date on your calendar.
Find out when you need to notify your apartment manager of your decision to renew your lease or move out. Do you need to notify them 30 or 60 days in advance? Mark that date on your calendar. If you miss that date, the lease could auto-renew forcing you to keep paying for the apartment.
Talk to the landlord
Before the deadline to renew or terminate your lease, talk to your landlord or apartment community manager about your options. If the rental rate is changing, you should be informed. Don’t be afraid to negotiate on the rent.
If you like your apartment community, but find you need more or less space, inquire whether you can move to a different unit within the community. Make sure that all agreements are put in writing; these terms should be reflected in the new lease.
Make your decision
Once you have all this information gathered, you can make an informed decision about how you want to proceed. Decide whether or not you want to renew your apartment lease.
Write a letter
Once your rental decision is made, submit a letter to your apartment management team informing them of your decision to renew or terminate your lease. If you have made any special arrangements with your apartment manager for a deal on a rental rate or a move to a new unit in the community, include this information and any supporting documents. Keep a copy of these documents for yourself.
Read your new lease carefully
If you have decided to renew your lease, you most likely will be asked to sign a new lease. This lease will reflect any change in terms and designate the period of the new agreement (one or two years, or month to month, for instance.) Read the new lease carefully and make sure that you are comfortable with the language.
Sign the new lease
Once you have thoroughly read the new apartment lease and are comfortable with the terms, sign the document to make things official. An official apartment community representative will sign it, as well.
Related:
Tips for negotiating lower rent
Why apartment prices fluctuate
Kari Lloyd has been a freelance writer for over 15 years. A Chicago native and recent transplant to Atlanta, Kari spent 10 years living in London, UK where she worked as a music journalist and restaurant reviewer.
Inside: Are you considering opening multiple Roth IRA accounts? You need to know if you can have multiple Roth IRAs. Here is what you need to know before making the decision.
While managing multiple Roth IRAs can create confusion, especially with tracking contributions across different custodians and potentially violating the five-year rule, I have found a method to use them to my benefit.
By having multiple Roth IRAs, I am able to diversify my investments as each Roth IRA account has a specific purpose.
However, you must know the rules about having multiple IRAs.
For the average investor, having multiple Roth IRAs may seem like a potential strategy to diversify your investments and attain financial independence, but it often leads to more confusion than benefit. Therefore, simplifying your finances by having a single Roth IRA might be a more feasible approach to reaching financial independence.
However, readers at Money Bliss know there is always a reason if I am strategic about why I do something.
So, let’s go through everything you need to know about having multiple Roth IRAs and if it is worth it for you.
What is a Roth IRA?
A Roth IRA stands as a type of retirement account with distinct tax benefits. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) manages specific rules on who can open a Roth IRA, along with the contribution limits and withdrawal policies. 1
When your contributions in this retirement account and their interest earnings grow, they do so tax-free. 2
“Roth IRAs give you the flexibility to increase retirement savings tax-free. Thus, helping you to reach financial independence quicker.”
Kristy @ Money Bliss
Can You Have Multiple Roth IRAs?
Absolutely! You can certainly have more than one Roth IRA.
Different from some other types of retirement accounts, no restrictions apply to how many Roth IRAs you can manage.
From the IRS perspective, regardless of how many different IRA custodians you choose to utilize, your contributions are treated as one Roth IRA. You must still follow the guidelines on contribution amounts on your Roth IRA and traditional IRA. 3
This could potentially lead to tracking or contribution errors, or even unintentional violations of the Roth IRA’s 5-year rule, which can result in penalties. Furthermore, managing multiple accounts can also lead to an accidental overweighting of one investment strategy due to faulty fund allocation.
Why would a person want more than one Roth IRAs?
Several reasons could motivate an individual to manage multiple Roth IRAs:
Saving for various objectives. Investors might manage different IRAs for distinct purposes—one for retirement income, another as a cushion for emergencies.
Diversification of investment portfolio. Multiple Roth IRAs facilitate varied levels of risk adoption across different types of investments.
Raising insurance protection. With multiple Roth IRAs spread across separate institutions, each account can avail of $250,000 FDIC insurance protection. 4
Simplifying inheritance. Dealing with inheritance matters gets easier upon having distinct Roth IRAs, as assets can be split and handed down according to wishes.
Personally, I choose to have multiple Roth IRAs because I actively trade options contracts in one while the other is for long-term holdings.
Is it smart to have multiple Roth IRAs?
This is a highly personal decision as it depends on individuals and their unique circumstances.
Multiple Roth IRAs can offer remarkable benefits. However, keep in mind that more accounts may mean more fees and added complexity when managing your retirement savings.
You must consider your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon is crucial before opting for multiple IRAs.
Many people end up with multiple IRAs when they decide to rollover a 401k from a previous employer.
Benefits of Opening Multiple Roth IRAs
You will have to decide if these benefits of multiple Roth IRAs are worth it for you:
Diversified investments. By having multiple accounts, it allows you to vary your investment strategy by account.
Conversion Flexibility. Managing the tax implications of converting traditional IRAs or employer-linked retirement accounts to Roth IRAs gets easier.
Varying Savings Objectives. Different Roth IRAs can be maintained for different purposes such as retirement income, house maintenance or rainy day funds.
Elevated Insurance Protection. If one Roth IRA is reaching the FDIC insurance limit, a second account with a different institution ensures additional protection.4
Drawbacks of multiple Roth IRA accounts
While having multiple Roth IRAs has broader benefits, it comes with some shortcomings:
Complex Management. Managing several Roth IRAs requires frequent monitoring and coordination.
Increased fees. Many IRA accounts come with fees. Even low fees across multiple accounts can add up.
Unequal Investment Allocation. Spreading investments across multiple IRAs makes monitoring performance difficult.
More Paperwork. More accounts mean more paperwork, which could be time-consuming.
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Unfolding the Complexities of Multiple Roth IRAs
With multiple Roth IRAs, complexities unfold around the management and tracking of these accounts. The investments need to be monitored on a regular basis to maintain strategic alignment with retirement goals.
It’s necessary to regularly check for fees and investment performance.
Balancing the portfolio of multiple IRAs plays a vital role, as the percentage of each investment differs between accounts. This could make it challenging to form a streamlined portfolio until you have sufficient experience.
Nevertheless, this is an easier question to answer than is now a good time to buy stocks.
Understanding the rules with multiple Roth IRAs
Understanding the regulations with multiple Roth Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) is essential when planning for a stable retirement.
With a comprehensive overview of the laws governing multiple Roth IRAs, one can strategically leverage these tax-advantaged accounts for optimal retirement savings.
No more confusion or lack of knowledge on how many Roth IRAs they can legally own, this section provides clarifications on these essential rules.
Does having multiple Roth IRAs mean you can contribute more total money each year?
The short answer is no.
Regardless of how many Roth IRAs you have, your total annual contributions combining all accounts can’t surpass the IRS-placed limits.
For 2023, the limit stands at $6,500 if you’re under 50 or $7,500 if you’re 50 or older. 3
In 2024, the limit stands at $7000 if you’re under 50 or $8000 if you’re 50 or older. 3
Can I contribute to a Roth IRA and a Traditional IRA?
Yes, you can contribute to both a Roth IRA and a Traditional IRA.
However, the total contribution to all your IRAs cannot exceed the annual limits set by the IRS. 3
For instance, in 2023, the total contribution limit is $6,500 for individuals under 50, and $7,500 for those who are 50 or older.
You don’t want to be taxed on excess IRA contributions.
Tips for managing multiple IRAs
Managing multiple IRAs comes with its own set of challenges. But, with the right approach, you can reap substantial benefits:
Organize Your Investments. Keep your IRAs clearly labeled for distinct goals—a critical step.
List Your Beneficiaries Properly: You must list your beneficiaries on each Roth IRA account.
Consolidate Accounts. If you find managing many accounts overwhelming, think about consolidating them at one institution.
Regular Review. Evaluate your portfolio time and again to see if adjustments are needed.
Monitor Fees. Fee accumulation can hollow out your retirement savings. Keep a close watch on them.
Use Software to Help You. My personal favorite is Quicken Classic
For many people, they learn how to invest 10k the first time using their Roth accounts.
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FAQs About Having Multiple Roth IRAs
For 2023, the total combined contribution limit for all of your Roth IRAs stands at $6,500, or if you are 50 or older, it is $7,500 thanks to an extra ‘catch-up’ contribution.
This limit applies to the total contribution made across all of your Roth IRAs and traditional IRAs.3
The IRS does not impose a limit on the number of IRAs an individual can own. You are free to open as many IRAs—Roth or traditional—as you want to suit your retirement savings strategy.
Remember, however, that total annual contributions across all your IRAs must stay within the defined limit. [Quote from IRS documentation stating there’s no limit on the number of IRAs]
No, unfortunately, you can’t.
The yearly limit of $7,000 (or $8,000, if you’re 50 or older) applies to the total amount you contribute across all of your Roth and traditional IRAs, not each individual account for 2024. 3
Yes, you can. The IRS doesn’t set a cap on the number of Roth IRA conversions you can execute.
So, you can certainly convert multiple traditional IRAs into just one Roth IRA.
Take note that you’re likely to owe income tax on the entire amount converted in the conversion year.
Learn more about converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA because this decision will affect your taxes.
From my experience, there are times when it is wise to convert and I did. Then, there were others that converting the account did not make financial sense. So, make sure you figure out the best-case scenario for you.
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Now, How Many Roth IRAs Can I Open?
In conclusion, it is not only possible but also potentially advantageous to hold multiple Roth IRA accounts.
By diversifying your retirement savings across various Roth IRAs, you can expose your money to different asset classes and investment opportunities not all available in one account.
Learn how to invest in stocks for beginners.
Nevertheless, the decision to open multiple Roth IRAs must be driven by your personal financial circumstances, retirement objectives, risk tolerance, and expected time horizon. If the decision aligns with your financial blueprint and retirement strategy, opening multiple Roth IRAs today could be a smart move.
Given the unique tax advantages Roth IRAs offer – tax-free withdrawals during retirement – this could ensure a financially secure and tax-efficient retirement.
Honestly, I think choosing the right brokerage is harder for most people.
As always, consider seeking guidance from a trusted financial advisor to help navigate these decisions and ensure your retirement planning is optimally structured for your financial needs and goals.
Remember, the key to successful retirement planning lies in understanding all associated rules, benefits, and potential drawbacks.
Sources
Internal Revenue Service. “Types of Retirement Plans.” https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-sponsor/types-of-retirement-plans. Accessed October 10, 2023.
Internal Revenue Service. “Roth IRAs.” https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/roth-iras. Accessed October 10, 2023.
Internal Revenue Service. “Retirement Topics – IRA Contribution Limits.” https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-ira-contribution-limits. Accessed October 10, 2023.
FDIC. “Your Insured Deposits.” https://www.fdic.gov/resources/deposit-insurance/brochures/insured-deposits/. Accessed October 10, 2023.
Internal Revenue Service. “Retirement Topics – IRA Contribution Limits.” https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-ira-contribution-limits. Accessed October 10, 2023.
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There have been some more abrupt rate spikes in the recent past–days where the average mortgage rate has risen by more than an eighth of a percent (the standard increment separating one mortgage rate from the next). Today was not one of those days.
But while rates were only modestly higher versus yesterday, they achieved the unfortunate distinction that’s been handed out in the past month more than in the past several decades combined. Specifically, today’s rates represent a new multi-decade high (23 years to be precise).
That achievement no longer has the shock value it once did. It’s just a thing that gives us another sentence to write. So let’s move on.
Today’s rate spike happened in spite of Fed Chair Powell confirming that the Fed is likely done hiking the Fed Funds Rate. To be fair, the Fed’s rate doesn’t dictate mortgage rates, nor does it even correlate very well much of the time. This is especially true right now when short term rates are higher than long term rates (i.e. inverted yield curve).
As the curve un-inverts (which we’d expect to see based on the Fed’s stance), it can happen in two ways: long term rates can rise more quickly than short term rates, or short term rates can fall more quickly than long term rates. Actually the 3rd and least common example are the days where short term rates fall and long term rates rise. That’s what we had today.
Mortgages tend to be caught in the middle when it comes to the benchmarks for “short and long” in the bond market (2yr and 10yr Treasuries, specifically). We didn’t lose as much ground as 10s, but we didn’t make any gains as seen in 2s.
The average lender is just a bit higher into the 8% range now for a top tier conventional 30yr fixed scenario.
The nation’s largest home builder, D.R. Horton, also has its own affiliated mortgage lender known as “DHI Mortgage.”
Recently, new home sales have surged in popularity due to the mortgage rate lock-in effect.
Essentially, existing homeowners aren’t selling their properties because they’ve got ultra-low fixed interest rates on their home loans.
At the same time, mortgage rates have surged higher, resulting in big financing incentives from home builders to move their newly-built home inventory.
Let’s take a hard look at what DHI Mortgage has to offer and whether an in-house lender is the way to go.
DHI Mortgage Fast Facts
Full service mortgage lender offering home purchase loans and refis
Founded in 1997, headquartered in Austin, Texas
Parent company D.R. Horton is the nation’s largest home builder
Publicly traded company (NYSE: DHI)
Also operate DHI Title and D.R. Horton Home Insurance Agency
Aim to be a one-stop shop for newly-built home buyers
Funded roughly $20 billion in home loans during 2022
Most active in the states of Texas, Florida, and California
Licensed to do business in 34 states
DHI Mortgage is a full-service mortgage lender owned by parent company D.R. Horton.
They were founded in 1997 and are headquartered in Austin, Texas.
D.R. Horton is the largest home builder in the United States, slightly bigger than competitor Lennar, which also has a captive mortgage company called Lennar Mortgage.
The home builder got its start back in 1978 when Don R. Horton built his first home in Fort Worth, Texas.
Since then, the company has grown into a near-$35 billion dollar company that is publicly-traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DHI).
The company’s shares are owned by legendary investor Warren Buffett, who sees strength in home building given the lack of existing home supply.
Aside from operating their in-house mortgage lender DHI Mortgage, they also run an affiliated title company and insurance agency.
This means home shoppers can use DHI Title for their title insurance needs and D.R. Horton Home Insurance Agency for their homeowners insurance, assuming it’s competitively priced.
The goal is to create a one-stop shopping experience for home buyers and streamline what is often a daunting process.
Last year, they funded about $20 billion in homes, with nearly 30% of overall volume coming their home state of Texas, per HMDA data.
They are also quite active in Florida, California, Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and The Carolinas.
How to Apply with DHI Mortgage
While you can get pre-qualified for a mortgage online via the DHI Mortgage website, they say to get in touch with your mortgage loan originator to submit a full loan application.
It’s unclear if this means you can still apply electronically after speaking with a loan officer, or if you have to apply in-person.
They do have branch locations and sales offices at their home builder developments, which could facilitate this process.
Unfortunately, their website is a bit limited when it comes to information, so you’ll probably need to speak with a human before proceeding to an application.
Their online system, powered by fintech company Blend, does seem to allow for online refinance applications along with the pre-qualifications.
If you visit their website, it’s also possible to search for a local loan originator by state, branch, or by name.
They say they have digital options for buyers, but don’t make clear what those are. My assumption is they do offer some sort of online loan submission process.
And likely the ability to complete tasks electronically, whether it’s satisfying loan conditions or checking loan status.
However, I would like to see more information in this department.
Loan Programs Offered by DHI Mortgage
Home purchase loans
Refinance loans
Conventional loans including Fannie/Freddie 3% down
FHA loans
VA loans
USDA loans
Fixed-rate and adjustable-rate options
Temporary buydowns
Affordable housing loans
DHI Mortgage offers the most popular loan options out there, whether it’s 3% down conforming loan backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac or an FHA loan.
You can get both a home purchase loan or a mortgage refinance, though I doubt many existing homeowners would use them for a refinance unless mortgage rates were ultra-competitive.
The full menu of government-backed mortgages is offered, including FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans.
And both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate options are available, including the 30-year fixed, 15-year fixed, 7/1 ARM, and 5/1 ARM.
They also appear to offer jumbo loans that exceed the conforming loan limit in pricier regions of the country.
However, they don’t appear to offer any second mortgages, such as HELOCs or home equity loans.
But temporary buydowns, such as 2-1 buydown, are offered, as well as other affordable housing loans if buying in specific locations or with low-to-moderate income.
DHI Mortgage Rates
Speaking of mortgage rates, DHI Mortgage doesn’t have a page on their website dedicated to rates or lender fees for that matter.
So you’ll be a little bit in the dark there. Be sure to ask your loan originator what fees they charge, such as loan origination fees, application fees, processing and underwriting, etc.
The good news is I did see special interest rate offers on the D.R. Horton website, which is typical of home builders.
They often offer special incentives to their home buyers who also use their affiliated lender.
In this case, I saw a 5.50% fixed rate FHA loan offer, which was also available on VA and USDA loans.
And a 5.75% fixed rate conventional loan offer that only required a five percent down payment.
So chances are they can offer some pretty competitive rates if you buy a D.R. Horton property and use DHI Mortgage.
DHI Mortgage Home Buyers Club
Those with imperfect credit can take advantage of the “DHI Mortgage Home Buyers Club.”
It pairs in-house credit consultants with prospective home buyers to prepare them for homeownership.
While it doesn’t guarantee loan approval or improved credit scores, they will work with you to boost your overall credit profile.
They’ll also ask you to complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course while your credit consultant comes up with a credit profile improvement strategy.
This might entail removing inaccurate items on your credit report, paying down high balances, and getting current on any past due accounts.
The goal is to clean up your credit history and improve chances of mortgage approval, and potentially snag a lower mortgage rate depending on credit score improvement.
DHI Mortgage Reviews
As always, I try to track down customer reviews online to see what past customers think of the lender in question.
And they don’t appear to be great, based on what I could find. Their headquarters in Austin has a 2.6/5 rating from about 40 Google reviews.
Over at WalletHub, it’s a similar 2.6/5 rating from just over 30 reviews, with some customers citing poor communication and delays.
You can also find reviews for individual loan officers if you go on Zillow and search by name or location.
DHI Mortgage currently has a ‘B+’ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which isn’t fantastic and likely due to customer complaints.
They also have a 1.14/5 rating on the BBB website based on customer reviews.
To sum things up, their website could do with improving and their mixed reviews raise some questions about customer service.
On the bright side, they offer a good amount of loan programs and might have financing specials that beat out the competition.
Ultimately, it would probably come down to price if deciding between them and a different lender.
Though I assume most DHI Mortgage customers are also likely D.R. Horton home buyers, so there will likely be a big push to stay in-house.
Just be sure to speak with other mortgage companies, independent mortgage brokers, and so on to weigh your options.
Convenience is great, but not at the price of higher closing costs and/or interest rates. So definitely shop around.
Lastly, note that DHI Mortgage sells most of the loans it originates, meaning it’s likely your loan will be sold and transferred to a new loan servicer shortly after closing.
DHI Mortgage Pros and Cons
The Good
Special financing incentives to D.R. Horton home buyers
Might be a quicker/easier home buying process using affiliated companies
Branch locations allow borrowers to work with in-person if preferred
DHI Mortgage Home Buyers Club helps credit challenged buyers
Free mortgage calculator and homebuyer education resources online
Lots of loan programs to choose from including fixed-rate loans and ARMs
The Perhaps Not
Only licensed in 34 states
No mention of mortgage rates or lender fees online
Clunky website with limited information
Don’t seem to able to apply for a home loan electronically
Do not offer second mortgages or home equity products