Apache is functioning normally

August 13, 2023 by Brett Tams

Broker Pricing and Non-QM Products; Seminars and Conferences; Rates Higher on Producer Prices

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Broker Pricing and Non-QM Products; Seminars and Conferences; Rates Higher on Producer Prices

By:
Rob Chrisman

Fri, Aug 11 2023, 10:22 AM

As the MMLA conference wraps up (congratulations to Dan Grzywacz, CMB, and nearly 40-year industry vet, who was this year’s James T. Barnes Award winner), the conversations still involve some seemingly endless topics. One of which is W2 versus 1099. There’s been a lot of “quacking:” about whether originators can be paid as independent contractors (1099) or need to be employees (W-2). Mortgage Muser and attorney Brian Levy has some new thoughts on this topic that are worthwhile even if he “ducks” providing legal advice in his entertaining and insightful mortgage blog. View past editions of the Mortgage Musings and subscribe to get emailed about new postings for free here. Another is sticky higher interest rates, and today at 3PM ET, Skylar Olsen, Zillow’s Chief Economist, will be co-hosting The Mortgage Collaborative’s Rundown, covering current events in the economy and mortgage market for 30-45 minutes. And there’s volume. According to Curinos, July 2023 funded mortgage volume decreased 30% YoY and 13% MoM. Curinos sources a statistically significant data set directly from lenders to produce these benchmark figures. (Today’s podcast can be found here and is sponsored by SimpleNexus, an nCino Company, developer of mortgage technology uniting the people, systems, and stages of the mortgage process into one seamless, end-to-end solution. Hear an interview with Equifax’s Joel Rickman on leveraging income and employment verifications during the home equity line of credit (HELOC) origination process.)

Lender and Broker Software, Products, and Services

“Brokers can now shop, lock, and deliver on one platform that seamlessly connects brokers, lenders, and originators. In this market, hustle is everything. You can’t afford to waste a single deal… Or a single minute. That’s why ReadyPrice has launched its innovative new Shop, Lock & Deliver loan exchange platform, designed to help independent mortgage brokers like you save time and money. Now you can shop competitive loan offerings from multiple lenders, get rate lock guarantees in real time, receive underwriting findings, and deliver the borrower’s complete loan file to lenders, and all on a single platform, at no cost to brokers. It’s the industry’s most powerful universal delivery portal, and it’s already helping thousands of brokers around the country thrive and compete in even the toughest market environments. Multiple lenders. One platform. Zero b.s. Come check us out today.”

Mega Capital Funding is proud to be a 25 yr. partner to the broker community. The team at Mega Capital continues to grow and expand across the US. Mega has recently added another 10 outside AEs across the country to further support the broker community. The team at Mega is also expanding our products this month with additions to our Non QM suite. ITIN is new and improved along with our Expanded DSCR options which also includes a No Ratio DSCR. We at Mega are looking to continue to be a destination for brokers and bankers to find all their lending needs under one roof. Conv, FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo and Non QM. Mega Capital is also excited to be at NAMB this year. Please come by and see us in Vegas.

Looking Ahead to Conferences and Training

A good place to start is here, and click on “events.”

The Mississippi Mortgage Bankers Association is holding its fall conference September 7-8 in Jackson. Our theme for this year is “Building a Strong MS” We are focusing on building relationships, strategies, and opportunities for the real estate housing industry in MS. Our fall conference is open to loan originators, realtors, and other industry affiliates. Realtors will receive Continuing ED (CE) credits for attending the Fall Conference.

Save the dates of September 10-12 and join lending professionals from the Pacific Northwest at the Riverhouse in Bend, Oregon, for the Pacific Northwest Lenders Conference. This event promises to be a catalyst for professional growth, offering a unique platform to expand knowledge, build valuable connections, and elevate lending businesses in the region.

Prepare to be amazed and delighted when you swing by the Plaza Home Mortgage® booth at the NAMB National Conference, September 8-11, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Register for free with the code PLAZAFREE and pop by Plaza’s booth #607 or schedule a meeting with us at [email protected].

Zelman’s Virtual Housing Summit is September 18-21, though not exactly in person.

Network and collaborate with your industry colleagues while learning the latest updates on mortgage industry standards at MISMO’s Fall Summit, September 18 – 21 in Washington, DC

New To MISMO? Check out this 20-minute presentation “Intro to the MISMO Summit Experience” to learn what to expect and how to best prepare so that you get the most out of the Summit.

AzAMP Annual EXPO, Luncheon, and 8-Hour NMLS CE Class, September 27–28, at the We-Ko-Pa Resort and Casino. Begin your experience on Wednesday, Sept. 27 with Part 1 of NMLS CE class. Full day of events begins on Thursday, September 28 including NMLS CE class Part 2, Luncheon with Keynote Speakers Allen Beydoun, UWM Executive Vice President and Rob Chrisman, The Chrisman Commentary Daily Mortgage News, followed by the AzAMP Expo.

Watch on demand, at your leisure: Millennials and Gen Zers represent the largest group of first-time homebuyers. In less than 10 years, 3.1 million will have entered the market. Of these buyers, roughly 75 percent of them report checking social media daily. Making social media a necessary strategy for loan officers. Join Homebot’s VP of Marketing, Ashley Remstad and Mortgage Advisor Sosi Avila as they discuss key strategies and tactics for using social media to your advantage. Register for the webinar here.

It’s time to register for the New England Mortgage Bankers two-day Conference, September 13-14 in Portsmouth NH. Multiple venues all within walking distance for a new NEMBC experience.

Register for the AzAMP Annual EXPO, Luncheon, and 8-Hour NMLS CE Class on September 27th and 28th at the We-Ko-Pa Resort and Casino. Don’t miss Luncheon Speakers Allen Beydoun, UWM EVP, and Rob Chrisman, The Chrisman Commentary Daily Mortgage News. Stay the night at the resort and attend all the events.

Registration for the NCEO 2023 Fall Forum in Houston, September 26-28 is now open. Featuring top industry experts and thought leaders, the forum will update you on the latest trends and best practices in employee ownership. Network with other employee owners and industry professionals from across the country, sharing ideas, challenges, and successes.

Secure early-bird pricing through June 23rd. From close-knit conversations to invigorating keynotes, the forum is the place to rocket your company into the stratosphere.

MBAC 67th Annual Convention Oct 1-4, 2023 at the Francis Marion Hotel, Charleston, SC.

Sponsorship opportunities available, reserve your room at the Francis Marion Hotel use Promo Code MBAC2023 for special rate, Last Day to reserve at this rate, September 11, 2023.

Mark your calendars and make plans for ACUMA’s 2023 Annual Conference! Registration is now open for the biggest event tailored for the credit union mortgage professional. This year’s theme, Make Your Mark, is the largest and most comprehensive event on ACUMA’s education calendar and is scheduled for Oct. 1-4 at the Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Maryland, just down the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. Make plans now to attend this year’s largest gathering of mortgage lenders, and plan to continue to Make Your Mark in credit union mortgage lending! Here’s the link to register! ACUMA 2023 Annual Conference.

At Turning Stone Casino & Resort, Verona, NY., October 4th at 12:00 PM – October 6th at 12:00 PM (EDT), NYMBA 2023 Annual Convention & Golf Tournament, a premier event that brings together industry leaders, professionals, and innovators in the mortgage banking sector. This convention serves as a platform to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and explore emerging trends, ultimately shaping the future of the mortgage banking industry in New York and beyond.

As we celebrate America’s independence, we have many other reasons to celebrate as well. This October 15-18, we’re taking the original gathering of real estate finance professionals to the birthplace of our country, and we’re celebrating some of the reasons you’re going to love it: MBA’s Annual Convention & Expo 2023.The largest annual gathering of real estate finance professionals, this is the one event you need to gain access to the industry’s power players and innovators. Be inspired and get informed by engaging speakers on the Main Stage. Meet with dozens of exhibitors in THE HUB and get hands-on access to the latest products and services. Dive deep into Breakout Sessions to get the insight you need on all the facets of the business.

There’s only one venue where you can get timely updates on where the reverse mortgage industry is headed, the 2023 Annual Meeting & Expo, October 23-25 in Nashville, TN.

Get the latest news on the HECM program. Learn about proprietary product opportunities. Find out what other regulatory changes are forthcoming. Pre-sale registration, the lowest registration rate, expires at midnight (Eastern Time) on Tuesday, August 22.

The kind of news you want to know, VIBE 2023, a very important broker exchange, is here! What is VIBE 2023?* The biggest growth mindset event for Mortgage Brokers featuring a VIP lineup of some of the most influential speakers in the country! Join us at the Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, CA on 10/24/2023. Register to attend using your UNIQUE CODE**, provided by your Kind Account Executive. Learn more by visiting here. *VIBE 2023 event is open to all licensed Mortgage Brokers in the United States. No commitments to establish a partnership with Kind Lending are required to attend. **Unique Codes are provided by your Kind Lending Account Executive. If you do not have an account executive or are not yet working with Kind TPO, email us to learn more.

TMBA is working through the summer planning outstanding events including the 6th Annual Mortgage Symposium, November 6-7 at the Westin Dallas Southlake Hotel in Southlake TX. The Texas Women Mortgage Bankers event will be held on November 6 at the Westin Dallas Southlake Hotel.

October Research, LLC is happy to bring back the Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS) for its second year. It will be held November 6-7 at the Naples Grande Beach Resort in Naples, FL. We are now accepting registrations and speaker nominations! Built around the four pillars (Develop, Grow, Support and Empower) WLS provides attendees with the tools for success in a fun and supportive environment. Attendees come from across the country to learn from our visiting experts and each other about how to meet their goals. Visit OctoberResearchWLS.com for more information.

Capital Markets

Not only do the earth’s temperatures keep going higher, but inflation does as well, but at a slower pace! It was revealed yesterday that the consumer price index rose a temperate 0.2 percent in July and 3.2 percent year-over-year, matching consensus expectations. That marked the smallest back-to-back gains in more than two years, adding to a steady wave of disinflation in recent months. Excluding the volatile food and energy components, the “core” index rose 4.7 percent year-over-year versus 4.8 percent in June. The index for shelter accounted for 90 percent of the increase, but is almost back to pre-pandemic levels and will continue to moderate after home price appreciation peaked last year.

While the recent trend is encouraging and confirms that inflation is headed in the direction the FOMC wants, it’s likely premature to get overly excited about a sustained return to the Fed’s 2 percent inflation target. The Fed’s fear is that a pause will reignite home price appreciation, exacerbate the affordability problem, and push inflation higher. Look for the Fed to leave interest rates unchanged at the next policy meeting in September, but add the caveat that the job isn’t done yet. Initial claims also moved in a direction last week to corroborate the thinking that there is some softening in the labor market, which is what the Fed expects and hopes to see. However, bond yields rose by the day’s close after the U.S. Treasury closed out this week’s auction slate with a weak $23 billion 30-year bond offering.

Today’s calendar kicked off with MBA reporting that the delinquency rate for mortgage loans on one-to-four-unit residential properties decreased to a seasonally adjusted rate of 3.37 percent of all loans outstanding at the end of the second quarter of 2023, down 19 basis points from the first quarter of 2023 and down 27 basis points from one year ago. The percentage of loans on which foreclosure actions were started in the second quarter fell by 3 basis points to 0.13 percent.

We’ve also received the July Producer Price Index, which increased .3 percent month-over-month and .8 percent years-over-year versus 0.2 percent month-over-month and 0.6 percent year-over-year expectations and both 0.1 percent month-over-month and year-over-year previously. Core PPI rose (), +2.7 year over year. The only other release scheduled for today is at 10AM ET with the preliminary August Michigan sentiment. We begin the day with Agency MBS prices worse .125-.250 from last night and the 10-year yielding 4.13 after closing yesterday at 4.08 percent.

Employment and Transitions

“Keith McKay, CEO of Prime Choice Funding, invites you to participate in reshaping the mortgage industry. Our mission for 2023 is to become the top mortgage broker in the nation. Join our team and expand your professional horizon with our diverse loan programs, flexible compensation plans, and a unique opportunity to earn extra by offering solar solutions to your clients. Backed by comprehensive marketing resources, cutting-edge platform, and robust operations support, your potential for growth is limitless. With a history dating back to 2007, Prime Choice represents stability and innovation in finance and sustainability. Register for our webinar today and explore these rewarding opportunities.”

The Maryland office of USA Mortgage has added nationally prominent Loan Officer, Sam Rosenblatt, to its roster. Rosenblatt joins William “Bill” Sohan in his venture to expand USA’s national footprint. Active in the mortgage industry since 1995, Rosenblatt was the #1 producer in units in Maryland in 2021, filing 978 closed loans valued at $338,087,603, and is among the top 50 originators in the nation. “I’m excited to join USA Mortgage because they have great loan options for my clients, state-of-the-art marketing, and cutting-edge technology that makes the mortgage process as efficient and smooth as possible”, he said. Founded in St. Louis in 2001, USA has offices in 34 states and is licensed in 49 states plus the District of Columbia. For a confidential conversation about joining USA, contact Brooke Anderson at 609-500-1520.

Switching gears, Michael Dresden, the President of Dart Appraisal, sent the sad news that Tim Laden, Dart’s Chief Appraiser, passed away. “Tim impacted so many appraisers across the country through his love for coaching and mentoring. Tim was such an asset to Dart and helped us elevate many areas of our business. We’re better because of Tim.”

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

Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com

Apache is functioning normally

August 10, 2023 by Brett Tams

Depending on the loan amount you need and where you’re buying a home in Mississippi, such as a home in Madison, MS or Jackson, MS, you may find it difficult to find financing beyond the conforming loan limits. This is where jumbo loans come into play.

What is a jumbo loan?

What exactly is a jumbo loan in Mississippi? A jumbo loan is a specialized type of mortgage that comes into play when you’re seeking financing for a home that surpasses the conforming loan limits (CLL) established by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Typically, this type of loan is necessary for upscale, luxurious properties or those situated in pricey housing markets.

If the home you’re purchasing will require you to borrow more than the CLL, you’ll need to apply for a jumbo loan. However, it’s important to note that jumbo loans come with higher interest rates and stricter requirements than conventional loans due to the larger loan amounts and risk associated with them. For instance, a larger down payment and a higher credit score may be required to qualify for a jumbo loan in Mississippi.

What is the jumbo loan limit in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, the conforming loan limit is $726,200 across all counties. For example, if you’re buying a home in Hinds County, where the median sale price is $171,000, a loan limit exceeding $726,200 would be considered a jumbo mortgage.

Keep in mind that the loan amount is what determines whether or not you’ll need a jumbo loan, not the price of the home. So, if you were to put $50,000 down on a $750,000 home in Jackson, the mortgage would be $700,000, which is under the conforming loan limit for this area. In this case, your loan wouldn’t be considered a jumbo loan.

To identify the conforming loan limits where you’re considering buying a home in Mississippi, check out this FHFA map.

What are the requirements for a jumbo loan in Mississippi?

As previously mentioned, the requirements for a jumbo loan are much more stringent than the requirements for a conforming loan. Each lender may have different requirements or processes, but below are the typical requirements for borrowers seeking a jumbo loan in Mississippi.

Higher credit score: In order to qualify for a jumbo loan, most lenders will require a credit score of 720 or higher. While some lenders may be more lenient and accept a score as low as 660, a score below this threshold is generally not accepted. In contrast, a credit score as low as 620 could suffice for a conforming loan with some lenders.

Larger down payment: When applying for a jumbo mortgage, keep in mind that down payment requirements are generally more substantial than for traditional mortgages. While the specific amount will depend on the lender and the borrower’s financial situation, many jumbo loan lenders require a down payment of at least 10%, and some require as much as 20% or more.

More assets: Jumbo loan borrowers are typically required to have additional assets. In particular, lenders may require borrowers to demonstrate sufficient liquid assets or savings to cover one year’s worth of loan payments.

Lower debt-to-income ratio (DTI): Whether a buyer is applying for a conventional loan or a jumbo loan, lenders evaluate your spending habits and creditworthiness by analyzing your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The DTI is determined by dividing the total of your monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income. While some lenders may accept a DTI as high as 50% for a conforming loan, those applying for a jumbo mortgage in Mississippi should aim for a DTI under 43% and ideally closer to 36%.

Additional home appraisals: When you buy a home in Mississippi, mortgage lenders will require a home appraisal to confirm that the property’s value is equal to or higher than the loan amount. In some cases, a lender may require an additional appraisal for a jumbo loan. In regions with very few comparable property sales, the cost of the appraisal may be higher than in markets with more frequent sales.

Source: redfin.com

Apache is functioning normally

August 7, 2023 by Brett Tams

Credit…Jonathan Carlson

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Feeling Mortgage-Rate Envy? You’re Not Alone.

With interest rates climbing, a new form of one-upmanship is making the rounds: the mortgage-rate humble brag.

Aug. 4, 2023

At a rooftop party on a steamy July night in Philadelphia, the margarita machine was churning, the seafood boil was hearty, and the conversation turned to the default of the upwardly mobile: real estate.

Almost anyone shopping for a home in the 2020s knows the script by now: Someone mentions their recent home purchase, a tale undoubtedly rich with drama, stress and suspense. Guests, well schooled in the volatility of the housing market, lean in for the follow-up: When did you buy?

The response to that key question “is normally followed by an ‘Oooh,’” said Evan Barker, 36, a lawyer who attended the party and has participated in enough of these exchanges to know that the “Oooh” means one of two things: You either got the interest rate of a lifetime, or you squarely did not.

the 30-year mortgage rate bottomed out at 2.65 percent, a few months before Mr. Barker and Ms. Gallagher refinanced, besting the national average with a rate of 2.375 percent.

smug, shocked or hopeless, depending on where you fall on the spectrum.

“There is almost a cross-generational envy,” said Övül Sezer, an assistant professor of management and organizations at Cornell University, who studies humble bragging.

Flaunting wealth and good fortune is nothing new. But Americans, for the most part, avoid sharing specifics about money. Sure, you’ll plaster news about your promotion on Facebook and on the platform formerly known as Twitter, but you’ll probably keep mum about the salary package that comes with it. When it comes to real estate, the attitude is no different. A gleeful homeowner may gloat about vanquishing the competition in a bidding war, but they won’t mention the sale price, or their monthly payments.

Federal Reserve’s continued efforts to wrestle inflation under control. So timing, not skill, dictates the rate — and timing is a byproduct of luck.

The pandemic exacerbated inequalities that existed before 2020. For many wealthier Americans, the pandemic was a financial boon. They kept their jobs, were able to work remotely, enjoyed bonuses and raises, and had cash on hand when interest rates plummeted to keep the economy afloat. They were the ones best positioned to pluck up homes, driving up prices. The people who spent 2020 and 2021 struggling through job losses, illnesses or other financial hardships likely missed out on the moment, and are now the ones enduring the hard consequences of rampant inflation.

The interest rate cut “was this free handout to people who didn’t really need it,” said Daryl Fairweather, the chief economist at Redfin. For everyone else, “that door closed as soon as people started to get back on their feet.”

Or as Sharon Reshef, who last month bought a $400,000 one-bedroom apartment in Washington D.C., put it: “It’s really hard to plan your life around macroeconomics.”

That hasn’t stopped some of her slightly older colleagues in Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s office from teasing her about her 6.625 percent interest rate.

“It’s just a gentle ribbing,” said Ms. Reshef, 30, the research director for the senator from New York, who now spends half of her take-home pay on her mortgage. “But as long as we’re here, I will say that not a lot of people in my cohort own property, especially as a single person. Regardless of the interest rate, I have that one up on them. I can definitely brag.”

the experience miserable. But buyers today face similar, if not tougher, conditions. Inventory is anemic, partly because homeowners do not want to part with their low interest rates. So far, a scant 1 percent of American homes have traded hands this year, the lowest rate in a decade, according to a July report from Redfin.

Of course, things could be worse. In 1981, mortgage rates peaked at a jaw-dropping 18.53 percent. Still, the average home price in the second quarter of 1981 was $84,300 — even adjusted for inflation, that’s about $287,020, which is far less than the average price of $495,100 in the second quarter of 2023.

But people who remember the days of double-digit interest rates are often quick to remind younger generations that they, too, walked to school uphill both ways in the snow.

“The fate, the gods, determine when you enter that phase of your life and what is happening in the market,” said Allen J. Palmer, 85, who is retired from IBM and bought his house in what is now Silicon Valley, in California, in 1977 for $95,000 (or $480,686 in today’s dollars), with an 8.5 percent mortgage interest rate. The first year he and his wife spent in that house, they couldn’t afford to fly home to Milwaukee for the holidays.

Young buyers “don’t understand that this is the way it is,” he said. “They probably don’t remember that their parents struggled to pay” the mortgage, too.

recent TikTok video, Barbara Corcoran, the 74-year-old real estate mogul, arranged fresh flowers as she chided hesitant buyers for their reluctance to get back into the market — a common refrain among real estate agents, who insist that there is no time like the present to buy a house.

“Pick your poison: high interest rates now, which aren’t so high, or super-high prices once they come down,” Ms. Corcoran said, her hand grazing a fern frond. “Your choice.”

Mr. Decker, in Montclair, knows which choice he thinks buyers should make. Recently, he was standing at the bar of a local barbecue restaurant and overheard another patron who seemed overconfident about a recent lowball offer he had made on a house in town. Mr. Decker had lost enough bidding wars to know how this story would end, and considered schooling him on his grim prospects. Maybe he would lean across the bar, he thought, and say, “Don’t even bother, man, cool your heels somewhere else.” But he hesitated.

“It did make me feel a little good,” he said, “and certainly thankful that I have a place to live and I’m not dealing with that right now.”

Instead of offering unsolicited advice, he ordered a Pabst Blue Ribbon and a shot of Jameson, and walked back to the patio to sit down and enjoy the evening with his family in their new town.

For weekly email updates on residential real estate news, sign up here.

Ronda Kaysen is a real estate reporter, based in New York. She is the co-author of “The New York Times Right at Home: How to Buy, Decorate, Organize and Maintain Your Space.” More about Ronda Kaysen

A version of this article appears in print on , Section RE, Page 8 of the New York edition with the headline: Mortgage-Rate Envy? You’re Not Alone.. Order Reprints | Today’s Paper | Subscribe

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Source: nytimes.com

Apache is functioning normally

August 6, 2023 by Brett Tams

Finding a new space or new city to live in is very exciting, however, getting all your belongings to the new apartment is no fun. You have to spend your free time packing, finding a moving company and going through that hall closet you’ve been avoiding for months. Don’t worry too much because we have you covered with these packing hacks and tips.

29 packing hacks to make packing and moving a breeze

Where do you even begin packing? What size boxes do you need? What should you get rid of? These are questions we’ve all had before. The truth is there’s no right way or place to start. Here are 29 packing hacks to make your move smoother and more efficient.

1. Create a schedule

The beginning of any move is overwhelming, to say the least. There’s so much to do, but where do you start? That’s where creating a moving schedule comes into play. If you have a busy life — and most of us do — then a schedule is going to help you get everything done in time for moving day. You could pack one room a day. You could back all similar items — blankets, linens, towels — each day. Or, you could assign different items to each family member to pack as part of the schedule.

2. Have a checklist

After you’ve created your moving schedule, create a moving checklist of everything important you need to remember to do. Write down everything from hiring movers to canceling your Wi-Fi plan. By doing this, you’ll feel more in control while moving.

3. Change your address

Before you’re anywhere near being completely packed, you should change your address. Give the post office a two-week notice so they can send your mail to the correct address.

4. Fill nail holes with a bar of soap

Every renter wants their security deposit back when they move out. To do that, you have to make sure your apartment looks great when you leave it. When you go to take down the art you’ve hung on the wall, you’ll find a couple of nail holes left behind. An easy way to fix this is by using a bar of soap to fill the hole. Rub the bar of soap over the hole until it’s completely filled in.

5. Color code

Color coding is a great way to keep all your boxed organized. All you need is different colored packing tape. As long as you remember which color means and the original box you put each item in, you’re good to go. For example, the yellow tape could mean dishware and blue tape is bedding.

6. Make an overnight bag

Before you pack any boxes, start by packing an overnight bag. The unpacking process takes a couple of days at least. In the meantime, you’ll want some of your essentials. It’s a good idea to have a change of clothes, one pair of shoes, some toiletries, toilet paper and maybe even a first aid kit on hand for those first couple of days in your new place. You can also put the valuable electronics you need access to in your overnight bag.

7. Purge

You know that old sweater in the back of your closet that you swear you’ll wear one day but deep inside know you won’t? It’s time to rid yourself of it and give it a new home. When you start to pack, consider going through your belongings and getting rid of unwanted items. It’s best to do this before you pack as it saves space in the long run. Plus, you’ll move into your new space with fewer items and feel more organized.

8. Sell what you don’t want

Once you have a pile of items to get rid of, consider selling them or giving them away. You could let your friends have first dibs, sell them on eBay or donate them to places like Goodwill.

9. Pre-clean your new home

Once you start unloading your things into your new home it’s nothing but a sea of boxes. If you have access to your apartment, take some time before moving to clean all your new home’s empty spaces. This way when you get there you might have a lot of boxes but everything is clean and ready to go.

10. Eat up

It’s enough to have to pack all your things but packing food is a monster in its own right. If you can, it’s a good idea to try to eat what you can before you move. This way you won’t have to try and pack your pantry or worry about your perishables going bad along the way.

11. Take photos of your furniture assembly

As you start to unassemble the bigger items of your home, such as couches or bedframes, take photos along the way. This will help you later on when you’re re-assembling them in your new space. You could also video yourself disassembling furniture so you know where all the screws go so you’re left with one stray screw.

12. Group the boxes

Now it’s time to put things into boxes. No matter if you’re using cardboard boxes, wardrobe boxes or plastic bins, it’s a great idea to group them. Have all the bathroom and bedroom items in separate boxes. You’ll probably need multiple boxes for each room. When you’re done packing everything by group, put all the boxes together by room or use. This will make unpacking so much easier.

13. Label, label, label

Labeling your boxes is one of those tried and true packing hacks. If you need to find things, labeling will make each box easily accessible. Staying organized ahead of time will make all the difference in your move.

14. Use clear bins

Pack things you’ll need or want first in clear bins. Seeing through them will give you easy access to your belongings. Pack items, such as clothes, toiletries or important documents, in these bins.

15. Roll your clothes

A good moving and travel packing hack is to roll your clothing instead of folding them. This will save you a lot of space and will allow you to put more in each box.

16. Make your own handles

We all know boxes are not the easiest things to carry. However, you can cut your own handles.

First, you’ll need a box cutter. Next, you’re going to cut a small rectangle on each side of the box. Once you’ve cut through the cardboard, you’ll now have two rectangular holes, which are now your handles. You can do this with large boxes and small boxes alike and will save your fingers in the long run.

17. Pack your jewelry tangle-free

While jewelry is pretty to wear, it’s a pain to untangle. There’s nothing worse than going to grab your necklace and realizing it’s attached to every other piece of jewelry you own.

To avoid this, get a couple of ice cube trays, depending on how much jewelry you have. Fill each slot with your jewelry, giving everything its own space. Once you have it all organized, cover it with plastic wrap and boom you’re good to go.

Say you have all your jewelry already organized on hangers well, there’s a way to pack that, too. Just plastic wrap the entire thing and pack it as one. That way when you get to your new home it’s all ready to go.

18. Keep clothes on hangers

Do not, under any circumstances, take your hanging clothes off their hangers when packing. Keeping them hanging up will save time and maximize space during your move. Put plastic bags around the bottom of the clothes to keep them together and organized. When you get into your new apartment, all you have to hang them up in the new closet you’re done.

19. Don’t empty your dresser drawers

Instead of taking the time to empty and refill your dresser drawers, just leave them how they are. Just put a piece of tape on the drawers or cabinets to ensure they stay closed. Just pack the dresser carefully and you’re all set.

20. Plastic wrap

Plastic wrap is your new best friend when you’re moving. You can use it for so many things, from keeping items together to adding an extra layer of protection to boxes. Make sure to have some on hand before you start packing.

21. Say goodbye to bubble wrap

Let’s be honest, who hasn’t enjoyed popping a few sheets of bubble wrap here and there? While it’s a fun pastime and oddly satisfying, it’s also expensive. There are some other ways to ensure your fragile items make it in one piece.

Instead of using air-filled plastic, consider using your own clothing or your kids’ stuffed animals. Pack your fragile goods in between two sweatshirts or put your china next to Mr. Bear and Ms. Bunny. You can also consider packing paper to pack glasses or plates. This will save you from having to use more moving boxes than you need to.

22. Use garbage bags or any plastic bag to save space

Garbage bags and plastic bags are good ways to pack things, such as bed sheets, blankets, comforters or pillows. This will allow you to keep all your bedding together without having to use a single box.

23. Use cotton balls for makeup safety

As a lot of us know, make-up is expensive and to save money, we want it to last as long as possible. When moving, there’s always the risk of items, such as blush or other powders, breaking in transport. A way to avoid this is to put a cotton ball or pad inside the make-up case.

24. Make your bottles spill-proof

Having your skincare or make-up explode while moving is the worst. Your best bet to keep this from happening is cotton balls. Put either one on the top of the bottle before screwing on the lid. This way, if it does decide to explode, you’ll at least trap moisture on the cotton ball or plastic will catch it. For a bit of extra caution, wrap your bottles in packing paper to catch any liquid that might escape the cotton balls under the lids.

25. Take a photo of your electronics

Before you unplug your T.V. and other electronics creating a mountain of cords, take a photo first of how it should look. You’ll be so grateful you did when you go to plug it all back in. You won’t waste time trying to figure out which cord goes where.

26. Make use of laundry bins and suitcases

While you can use moving boxes, it’s also a good idea to use bins you already have on hand, such as bags, suitcases and laundry bins. You can use these to put your clothing in to make it a bit easier when you unpack. Or, put your lighter items like toilet paper or paper towels in them instead of taking up space in other boxes.

27. Feed your friends

If you have friends that will help you move, congrats! You’re winning at life. While your friends are generous, it’s also important for you to thank them. A great way of doing this is by feeding them. On moving day, have some things to snack on to keep your friends full and happy while they’re helping you.

If you still have things you want to use up in your pantry, now is a great time to do that. You can also always order a pizza or have a little get-together at the end of moving day to show thanks.

28. Hire a moving truck

Even if you have friends that are willing to help, it’s still a good tip to use a truck and or movers. A moving truck ensures you have enough space to fit all your boxes and bags. It can also save you from making multiple trips to get your things.

If you don’t have friends that can help you out, then, hiring professional movers or a moving company is another one of the best moving tips to consider. You should always do your homework, though, before hiring anyone. Check out a couple of different companies to see who has the best pricing and remember to always read reviews. This will save you a lot of hassle in the end.

29. Load your moving truck correctly

When the time comes to load up the truck, make sure to do it correctly. Start by putting the things you need last towards the back and the boxes you’ll need first in the front.

Stress-free packing for your next move

We all know that packing and moving is a hassle. While we can’t take all the stress away, we know that these 29 packing hacks will make your move smoother, more organized and efficient and, hopefully, stress-free.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

August 4, 2023 by Brett Tams

One of the most recognizable homes ever owned by billionaire movie mogul and aviation pioneer Howard Hughes is back on the market.

The Hancock Park estate — set on South Muirfield Road, on the 8th green of Wilshire Country Club — served as the eccentric billionaire’s home at the height of his fame.

It was while living in his Hancock Park home that he produced his most well-known films (Hell’s Angels, Scarface), set a transcontinental airspeed record, and famously romanced Katharine Hepburn.

Now, the property that once served as Howard Hughes’ house is looking for new owners, and recently landed on the market with a $23 million price tag. F. Ron Smith and David Berg of Smith & Berg Partners at Compass hold the listing.

^{Photo credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of Compass (property photo), Wikimedia Commons (Howard Hughes)}

A legendary estate with a storied history

Originally designed in 1926 by famed architect Roland E. Coate, the property initially belonged to socialite Eva K. Fudger.

When a young Howard Hughes moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a filmmaker, he first occupied a bungalow at the Ambassador Hotel with his wife, Ella. And while many thought his ambitions would be short-lived, by the time Hughes’ third movie — 1927’s Two Arabian Knights — was released to great critical acclaim, it became apparent that he was here to stay.

So Howard and Ella set out to find a more permanent residence, settling down in Fudger’s Muirfield Rd residence, first as renters, then outright buying the place from the socialite. And while their marriage was shortlived (Ella would soon move back to Texas, tired of Howard’s obsessions), Hughes spent a decade and a half in his hacienda-style home in Hancock Park.

^{Photo credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of Compass}

Some of the visionary billionaire’s biggest achievements happened while he was still living in his Muirfield Road house. After winning Hollywood over with films like Hell’s Angels (1930), The Front Page (1931), and Scarface (1932), Hughes started devoting his full attention to flying, ultimately shattering the world record for circumnavigating the globe.

It was also while living here that he had his wirldwind romance with actress Katharine Hepburn. The two were even engaged to be married before their 18-month relationship came to an end.

Breathing new life into the century old residence

In 2011, current owners Ash Shah and his wife, Niroupa Shah, acquired the home for $6.3 million and completely transformed the 1926-built residence.

Ash, a former movie producer-turned-restaurateur (that helped co-found the Danny Trejo brands: Trejo’s Tacos, Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts, Trejo’s Spirits, and Trejo’s Cerveza) and Niroupa gave the New York Times a tour of their famous abode a few years back, talking about the extensive changes they’d made to the estate.

Starting with what they called the outdated, chopped-up floor plan which they had to reconfigure — it still had old-fashioned servants’ quarters that were removed from the main living spaces — to adding a family room off the kitchen, an outdoor kitchen equipped with a pizza oven, and a sleek new swimming pool in the backyard, the Shahs reimagined the Roland E. Coate-designed home for modern living.

^{Photo credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of Compass}

They also turned a pool room into a ’70s-style plywood rec room and redid Mr. Hughes’s former wood-paneled study in striking black lacquer. “We’re fun people,” Ms. Shah told the New York Times. “That sort of old Spanish dark woods didn’t go with us.”

Now, the couple is ready to part ways with their lovely family home and are looking for a buyer who can appreciate both its many attributes and its captivating history.

Howard Hughes’ house is now on the market for $23 million

Recently listed with F. Ron Smith and David Berg of Smith & Berg Partners at Compass, the former residence of visionary billionaire, movie mogul, and aviation pioneer Howard Hughes is now on the market for $23 million.

Beyond its storied history, the 10,179-square-foot Hancock Park abode sits on a very private lot with stunning golf course views, and offers 8 bedrooms, 7 full baths, and 5 half baths.

Per the listing, every element of this home has been meticulously designed, showcasing thoughtful lighting, timeless finishes, and exquisite wall coverings.

^{Photo credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of Compass}

The chef’s kitchen boasts polished brass countertops and a 24-foot kitchen island, opening to a welcoming family room adorned with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.

^{Photo credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of Compass}

A beautiful cobblestone courtyard with an outdoor fireplace serves as the home’s striking centerpiece, providing a serene oasis for both relaxation and entertainment.

^{Photo credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of Compass}

The expansive backyard is a true delight for hosting gatherings, featuring multiple lounge areas, a custom-built stone pizza oven and an inviting swimming pool.

^{Photo credit: Noel Kleinman courtesy of Compass}

Other noteworthy features include an intimate screening room, a 2,500-bottle temperature-controlled wine vault (which was actually Howard Hughes’ old vault), and an attached guest residence with a full kitchen and bath.

The property’s landscape design with lush greenery and far-reaching views of the Hollywood Hills and iconic Hollywood sign add to its elegance and allure.

And while any future owner would be lucky to call this place home, forgive us for hoping Leonardo DiCaprio (who famously played Hughes in Martin Scorsese’s The Aviator) decides to add it to his vast real estate portfolio. It would be a match made in Hollywood heaven!

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Source: fancypantshomes.com

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29 packing hacks to make packing and moving a breeze

1. Create a schedule

2. Have a checklist

3. Change your address

4. Fill nail holes with a bar of soap

5. Color code

6. Make an overnight bag

7. Purge

8. Sell what you don’t want

9. Pre-clean your new home

10. Eat up

11. Take photos of your furniture assembly

12. Group the boxes

13. Label, label, label

14. Use clear bins

15. Roll your clothes

16. Make your own handles

17. Pack your jewelry tangle-free

18. Keep clothes on hangers

19. Don’t empty your dresser drawers

20. Plastic wrap

21. Say goodbye to bubble wrap

22. Use garbage bags or any plastic bag to save space

23. Use cotton balls for makeup safety

24. Make your bottles spill-proof

25. Take a photo of your electronics

26. Make use of laundry bins and suitcases

27. Feed your friends

28. Hire a moving truck

29. Load your moving truck correctly

Stress-free packing for your next move

A legendary estate with a storied history

Breathing new life into the century old residence

Howard Hughes’ house is now on the market for $23 million