Uncommon Knowledge
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Mortgage rates ticked up last week after weeks of declines while applications for home loans dropped in a sign that the housing market continues to struggle despite some recent signs of optimism.
The 30-year fixed rate inched closer to 7 percent for the week ending December 29, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). Meanwhile, mortgage applications tumbled by more than 9 percent from two weeks earlier, lenders said.
“Markets continued to digest the impact of slowing inflation and potential rate cuts from the Federal Reserve, helping mortgage rates to stay at levels close to the lowest since mid-2023,” Joel Kan, MBA’s deputy chief economist, said in a statement shared with Newsweek on Wednesday.
The 30-year fixed mortgage ended 2023 at 6.76 percent, more than a percentage point lower than the peak of nearly 8 percent in October, he said.
“The recent decline in rates has given the housing market some cause for optimism going into 2024, but purchase applications have not yet picked up in response, with the overall level of purchase activity 12 percent lower than a year ago,” Kan said.
Economists say that activity in the housing market will ramp up if prices decline, which at the moment are elevated partly due to low supply. The existing homes market is still in the doldrums as sellers are reluctant to give up their low rates for new home loans that could cost them close to 7 percent in interest.
“The housing market has been hampered by a limited supply of homes for sale, but the recent strength in new residential construction will continue to help ease inventory shortages in the months in come,” Kan said.
Recent data shows that private residential construction moved up, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, to nearly $900 billion in November—a jump of more than a percent from the previous month, helped by spending on single-family home building.
“November was the first month in over a year when single-family construction spending rose compared to the year prior,” Yelena Maleyev, KPMG’s senior economist, said in a note shared with Newsweek on Tuesday. “Builders have become more positive about the single-family market as mortgage rates have come down from recent peaks and revived buyers’ interests.”
In a sign that rates may be entering some level of uncertainty, as the market looks to see how many rate cuts the Fed will institute in 2024, the average contract interest rate for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages decreased to 6.26 percent from 6.41 percent in the week ending December 29.
Fed policymakers held rates at 5.25 to 5.5 percent last month for the third time in a row and have suggested that they may cut rates to a possible 4.6 percent in 2024. It’s unclear yet when such cuts could come.
But declining mortgage rates could give a boost to the housing market, with builders feeling optimistic in the new year.
“Construction activity remains robust as strong demand for housing and infrastructure remain a tailwind for builders,” Maleyev said, noting that elevated rates could be a challenge for the sector in 2024. “Spending is expected to end the year on a high, with lower mortgage rates helping revive activity in the housing market.”
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Source: newsweek.com
Michael Mincey / iStock.com
Mortgage rates began dropping steadily in the last months of 2023, down to 6.61% for a 30-year, fixed-rate loan in the last days of the year, according to data from Freddie Mac.
But 85% of American homeowners remain locked into pre-pandemic mortgage rates of 5% and lower, making them hesitant to sell their home only to purchase another when both home prices and interest rates remain elevated.
Mortgage experts, however, predict that the market may shift in 2024, although not as dramatically as some would hope.
“Mortgage rates will fall to about 6.6% by the end of 2024. The gradual decline in rates combined with the small dip in prices will bring homebuyers some much-needed relief,” Redfin Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather told USA Today.
Jeff Taylor, founder and managing director at Mphasis Digital Risk, agreed that 30-year fixed rates will stay will in the “mid-6%” range.
National Association of Realtors chief economist Lawrence Yun made a bold prediction regarding the market. “A marked turn can be expected as mortgage rates have plunged in recent weeks,” he said.
However, even with interest rates falling, the lack of single-family homes on the market may keep prices elevated.
“While single-family housing starts have steadily increased throughout 2023, it will take years of accelerated new home construction to narrow the supply shortage gap from more than a decade of underbuilding,” Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, told USA Today.
Further, with existing homeowners refusing to sell because interest rates won’t match what they secured pre-pandemic, the housing shortage is destined to continue through 2024.
The rising costs of home insurance is also deterring new homebuyers, according to a recent Newsweek article. Real estate investors told the publication that it may be harder to get a mortgage in states like Florida, which is prone to extreme weather such as hurricanes, floods and tornadoes. If you can’t insure a home, you can’t secure a mortgage for its purchase. Current homeowners may experience rate hikes, too, but once a home is insured, it’s easier to maintain a policy than to write a new one.
California, Louisiana, Texas and Colorado also experienced rate hikes in 2023, as previously reported by GoBankingRates. Other states may be susceptible to future rate hikes, according to HUB Private Client research. These states include Minnesota, Missouri, Indiana and South Dakota, which is alarming as they were not previously considered areas at high-risk of weather-related claims.
But even with rising costs, 2024 could be the first year the U.S. sees an uptick in new home construction, as predicted by Robert Dietz, Chief Economist for the National Association of Home Builders.
“Due to low existing inventory, new construction has increased to approximately one-third of total single-family inventory in recent months when historically it was only 10% to 15%,” he said.
After declines in 2022 and 2023, the increase in new construction could help alleviate some of the housing shortage. But even an increased inventory of new homes won’t make a significant difference in the housing market for 2024. “Home prices keep marching higher,” Yun told USA Today. “Only a dramatic rise in supply will dampen price appreciation.
More From GOBankingRates
Source: gobankingrates.com
During the tenant screening process, landlords often need to sift through tons of applications from potential renters. With so much competition, how do you make yours stand out?
One way is by knowing exactly what essential information to fill out so you can complete the application quickly and correctly. You don’t want to leave anything out and risk your application being delayed or rejected. There are only a few pages to give the landlord a complete picture of you and what you bring to the table as a tenant. You need to show them that you’re a responsible and honest tenant who won’t cause property damage or fall behind on rent. Knowing how to fill out an apartment application to rent an apartment lets you prepare ahead of time. The faster you get your completed, well-rounded application in, the faster you may be in your new home.
All rental applications are going to look slightly different, from the formatting to how the different sections are organized. But all rental applications should cover the following complete information.
Typically, the first section on a rental application will be for personal and contact information from the prospective tenant. It’s also an easy section to complete before diving into the rest of the application.
There will likely be a section for the day’s date for you to fill in. Then you can move on the rest of the personal information about the applicant: you.
If you don’t have a driver’s license, any kind of official, government-issued ID will do.
Most applications give you a section to add the name, age, and contact info for the other people you’ll be living with. But each person who is going on the apartment’s lease needs to fill out their own separate application with their own personal information. If you’re signing the lease with roommates or a partner, you’ll be submitting multiple applications.
This also helps the landlord follow proper health and safety laws and regulations in your area. They can’t have five people living in a one-bedroom apartment. It’s unsafe and against the law.
It’s also important to know what sensitive information a potential landlord legally cannot ask you. During the rental application process and listed on the rental application itself, you cannot be asked about:
Some landlords may include sections or lines for information about the specific rental property or unit. This could include the address, unit number, size of apartment or square footage. But it also may cover monthly rent, upfront costs and pet fees (if applicable).
Oftentimes, the landlord can or will fill in this section themselves to avoid mistakes or errors. After all, they’re the landlord and know all the essential information about the unit. If you do have to fill out this section yourself, just be sure to double-check that all the details are correct. You can also ask the landlord to look it over for verification.
This way, both you and the landlord or property manager are on the same page about exactly which rental property or unit you’re interested in leasing.
One of the most important sections of how to fill out an apartment application focuses on your employment history. After all, your prospective landlord wants to make sure you can pay the rent on time and in full each month.
In this section, add details about your current employer or work situation. Include information like your job title, work address and how long you’ve worked there. You’ll also want to provide contact information for your employer. Landlords and property managers typically contact employers to verify the employment of a potential applicant.
This section also includes one of the most essential pieces of info for landlords: your income. After all, you need to prove that you have a steady stream of income from some source so you can afford rent. Depending on the application, it may ask for your hourly rate, annual salary or monthly income. It may also ask if you’re part time or full time. As proof of income, you’ll need to provide recent pay stubs or bank statements as part of your application. Requesting two to three months of pay stubs or bank statements is the norm.
If you have a big savings account, you can also provide evidence of this. If you’re between jobs, just started somewhere new or are self-employed with a variable monthly income, having a good nest egg assures landlords. You can also provide more employment history by attaching your work resume. This is only a good idea if your previous work history reflects well on you. If you tend to leave jobs quickly or aren’t on good terms with former employers, it can hurt your case.
It’s also OK if you don’t have a previous employer or just started a new job. There are other ways you can prove you’d be a reliable, trustworthy tenant.
If you have other sources of income apart from a routine job, you can also give that information to the landlord. Other sources of income can include:
This can help bolster your claim that you make enough money each month to cover rent.
Landlords want to ensure that a potential tenant is responsible and reliable. As such, nearly every rental application will have a section where you can fill out your residence history.
You usually only need to provide information about your last one or two rentals, including your current one. Add details about the address, the cost of rent and your move-in and move-out dates.
You’ll also need to list the contact information for current and previous landlords. References from past landlords are one of the best ways landlords vet potential tenants. For that reason, it’s always a good idea to stay on good terms with your previous landlord, because they become potential references once you move out. A good recommendation from a property manager or current landlord who liked you can go a long way. It shows you paid rent on time, took good care of the property and are an upstanding tenant.
If you don’t have any rental history, don’t worry. You can ask a family member or someone you trust to act as co-signer. Some applications may have a brief section where you can indicate if you’re having a co-signer or who they are. Otherwise, mention it to the landlord so they can loop the co-signer in and send them any relevant documents.
Along with the landlord references, some applications let you provide character references to vouch for you as a person. Professional and personal references from colleagues, friends or co-workers help verify that you’re a reliable person and help the landlord get a good sense of your character. Most landlords won’t accept references from family members. This section should ask for reference names and contact information.
Not every landlord requires or adds this. If they don’t, you can sometimes attach signed letters of reference directly to the application. You can also attach a rental cover letter or renter resume to add a little more depth.
Not all rental applications will need these extra bits of information, as it depends on the rental property and landlord.
Just in case, some landlords ask for emergency contact information upfront. If you’re approved, they’ll add it to your file later. It also comes in handy if they can’t get in touch with you during the rental application process.
List an emergency contact’s name, phone number and their relationship to you.
Lots of renters these days have pets, so you’re likely to see at least one reference to whether or not you have pets on a rental application.
If you do, the landlord usually asks for more background information about the animal such as breed and weight. That way, if they don’t allow the particular animal, they’ll let you know sooner and save you and themselves the trouble.
In addition to knowing how to fill out an apartment application, having a pet resume is a good idea for these situations. Similar to a work resume, it covers all the essential information a landlord would need to know about your pet. Add details like the pet’s name, species, breed, weight and gender. Make sure to include updated vaccine information as well.
If the apartment has on-site parking available and the rental unit has a parking space, you can provide your vehicle information upfront. List the make, model, color and year of each car, in addition to the license plate numbers.
Many landlords have strict rules regarding smoking on their properties. If they do, they’ll likely have a small section asking if you smoke or not.
As part of how to fill out an apartment application, landlords need to run a background check and credit check on prospective tenants. There should be a specific section for you to sign, giving the landlord permission to run these checks.
Prior to the credit and background check section, you may also be asked if:
These are all potential red flags for renting, but don’t always mean an immediate “no.” Having a heads-up they’ll appear on the background check is helpful. It also shows the landlord that you’re honest about your past.
To cover the costs of running background checks and getting a credit report, most landlords and property managers charge application fees. These fees also cover any administrative costs incurred while processing the application. Within this section, list relevant information such as:
Some applications will have a list of these fees. That way, you know what to expect.
Rounding out how to fill out an apartment application form is the signature section. Both you and the landlord should sign and date it. The signatures validate the document and serve as proof of payment.
This section wraps up the application. Congratulations, you’re done and have officially applied to a new apartment! Now comes the waiting to see if you beat out the other applicants and are the right tenant the landlord is looking for.
After you’ve filled out rental applications with all the requested information, it’s time for you to sit back and wait to hear if your application has been accepted. During this time, the landlord does their screening reports. The tenant screening can take anywhere from two to three days. Sometimes it takes longer if it’s taking the landlord a while to verify some of your information.
Once you hear the good news that you’ve been accepted, you have a few final steps to follow before hiring movers.
As you finalize the rental process, you’ll need to pay for the security deposit, first month’s rent and any move-in fees.
Generally, writing personal checks is the easiest way to handle this transfer. But increasingly, modern-day renters prefer the ease and convenience of online portals. That way, they can pay rent, review the lease agreement, request maintenance repairs and more in one place.
Once you’ve reviewed the lease and everything is in order, officially sign the lease to make the apartment yours (temporarily).
To give you an example of what some apartment applications may look like, check out our sample template. You can also download this PDF or Word document template if you want to practice or get all the information in one place.
Renting a new apartment can be a hassle. But by knowing how to fill out an apartment application, you can prepare in advance to help the process go smoothly and efficiently.
Source: rent.com
Welcome to Concord, NH, a charming city known for its historic charm, New England beauty, and strong sense of community. From the iconic State House to the scenic Merrimack River, Concord offers residents a unique blend of opportunities and experiences. Whether you’re searching for a new home or eager to explore what Concord is known for, this Redfin article is your guide to uncovering the distinctive qualities that make Concord, NH, a delightful and tight-knit community.
Concord is known for being the state capital of New Hampshire. As the capital, Concord serves as the political and administrative center of the state, housing government offices, the state legislature, and the governor’s residence. It is a hub of political activity and plays a crucial role in shaping the policies and decisions that impact the entire state.
One of the highlights of Concord is its historic downtown area. Known for its charming architecture and quaint streets, historic downtown Concord offers a glimpse into the city’s past. Visitors can explore the well-preserved buildings, browse through unique shops, dine at local restaurants, and immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the area.
The Capitol Center for the Arts is a renowned cultural institution. Known for its world-class performances, the center hosts a wide range of events, including concerts, theater productions, dance performances, and art exhibitions. It serves as a hub for artistic expression, bringing together artists, performers, and audiences to celebrate the arts and contribute to the vibrant cultural scene of the city.
Concord is blessed with an abundance of beautiful parks and trails. From expansive green spaces to scenic hiking trails, the city offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll through a park or an adventurous hike in the surrounding nature, residents and visitors can enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility that Concord’s parks and trails have to offer.
Concord is known for its architectural heritage, with a variety of historic buildings and structures that showcase different architectural styles. From Victorian-era homes to Greek Revival mansions, the city’s architecture tells a story of its past. Walking through the streets of Concord, one can admire the intricate details and craftsmanship of these architectural gems, providing a glimpse into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Concord Hospital is a leading healthcare institution in the region. Known for its exceptional medical care and state-of-the-art facilities, Concord Hospital serves the community with a wide range of healthcare services. With a focus on patient-centered care and a commitment to innovation, the hospital plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being and health of the residents of Concord and the surrounding areas.
From art galleries to theaters, the city offers a diverse range of cultural experiences. Residents and visitors can immerse themselves in art exhibitions, attend live performances, and participate in various cultural events and festivals. The cultural and arts scene of Concord reflects the city’s creativity, diversity, and commitment to fostering a thriving artistic community.
Concord is situated in close proximity to the Merrimack River, one of the major waterways in the region. The river provides opportunities for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and kayaking. Its scenic beauty and tranquil waters offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Concord is known for its educational institutions, which contribute to the city’s intellectual and academic vibrancy. From prestigious colleges and universities to top-rated public and private schools, Concord offers a range of educational opportunities for students of all ages. These institutions provide a nurturing environment for learning, fostering intellectual growth, and preparing students for future success.
Concord is a city that loves to celebrate, and it is known for its vibrant festivals and events throughout the year. From music festivals to food fairs, the city offers a diverse range of events that bring the community together. These festivals and events showcase the city’s cultural diversity, culinary delights, and artistic talents, creating a lively and festive atmosphere that residents and visitors can enjoy.
Source: redfin.com
For the first time since August, interest rates for a 30-year fixed mortgage have dropped below 7%, hitting 6.95% this week. This brings the monthly mortgage payment for a home priced at $400,000 to $2,118. This is down from a recent high this Autumn of 7.79% and yields monthly savings of $183 and $2,196 annually for the same $400,000 home.
The Fed indicated yesterday that they will hold the Fed Funds Rate steady for now and cut rates three times in 2024. This is all welcome news for potential home buyers and sellers, as mortgage interest rates will decrease. NAR forecasts that mortgage interest rates will average 6.3% in 2024.
While the lock-in effect of higher mortgage rates has stalled the real estate market in 2023, the momentum is moving in the right direction for stronger sales activity in 2024. Will it be a traditional Spring real estate market, or will it start to heat up in the Winter months as rates decline? Let’s also hope the lower mortgage interest rates translate into stronger homebuilder activity, as inventory will be needed as buyers move from the sidelines. For serious buyers, the time is now to get your financial house in order, find a REALTOR® and start your research. Maybe it won’t be a new home for the holidays, but Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.
Source: nar.realtor
The “silver tsunami” — a colloquialism referring to aging Americans changing their housing arrangements to accommodate aging — could have more of an impact on the housing market this year, according to analyst Meredith Whitney in a conversation with Yahoo Finance.
“[T]he other major demographic trend you see is the aging of America,” Whitney said. “So what’s called the silver tsunami is 10,000 people a day turning 65. And by 2030, the entire baby boomer population or generation will be over 65.”
That will grow to encompass 21% of the total U.S. population, and when combined with the outsized rate of homeownership among older Americans, the potential exists to dwarf the most active year the U.S. has seen for home sales, she said.
“[T]he AARP estimates that 51% of people over 50 downsized their home,” she said. “And people over 50 are 74% of total U.S. homeowners. So if you just take half of that, you’ve got about 30 million homes that should be coming on the market. And the peak in existing home sales was 2005 when you had around 7 million transactions.”
Whitney referred to this trend as a “python” that could begin coming to fruition in the latter half of 2024, which could then persist “for the next several years,” she explained.
“[T]hat, I think, is what’s going to be reshaping housing in America,” she said. “And I think that’s what will put regional pressure in terms of more and less on home prices.”
Most analysts who are active in the housing space have observed that the silver tsunami’s transformative potential for the U.S. housing market has not yet materialized in any meaningful way, but Whitney says that home prices could moderate in the future because of its potential impact.
“[I]f you lower the overall home price, the serviceability becomes more affordable,” she told the outlet. “That’s what I think is invariably going to happen because you’re going to have more seniors, the silver tsunami, selling and there are fewer buyers so the give is going to be lower home prices.”
If this came to pass as Whitney predicts, then some seniors may not have as much of a need for a product like a traditional reverse mortgage through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA)’s Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) program. However, HECM for Purchase (H4P) — a comparatively lesser-used HECM variant — could be used to allow more older Americans to purchase a new home using a reverse mortgage.
H4P has struggled to gain traction in the already-niche reverse mortgage market, though some reverse mortgage industry professionals have aimed to amplify its potential among their peers.
Last October, FHA introduced a proposed seller credit for the H4P program. When news of this proposal reached attendees during a panel discussion at a recent industry event, audible cheers from the assembled professionals broke out.
But industry professionals also tend to see H4P as a bit of a hard sell for borrowers and, critically, real estate agent referral partners.
Source: housingwire.com
While it is possible to take out a Federal Housing Authority (FHA) loan to purchase a second home, it’s only allowed in a handful of specific scenarios. Many first-time homebuyers choose an Federal Housing Authority (FHA) loan because of its lower credit score and down payment requirements, so when they need to purchase a second home the natural instinct is to look at financing with a second FHA loan. Read on for more details on how FHA loans work and the few exceptions that allow borrowers to qualify for more than one at a time.
An FHA loan is a type of mortgage that’s insured by the federal government and issued by a lender. FHA loans were created in 1934 at the height of the Great Depression to make homeownership more accessible. Since the FHA assumes the risk in case of default, lenders are able to offer more favorable loan terms to borrowers who might not otherwise qualify for conventional home mortgage loans.
With an FHA loan, borrowers with credit scores of 580 or more may qualify for a down payment of 3.5% of the home purchase price. (Borrowers with credit scores between 500 and 579 will be required to put 10% down.) These FHA loan requirements are helpful for first-time homebuyers who haven’t built up their credit or borrowers with less savings to put toward a down payment. FHA loans are one of several options for low-income home loans so consider all your options, whether you are thinking about taking out a first or second FHA loan.
Borrowers must also get mortgage insurance with an FHA loan. FHA mortgage insurance involves an upfront premium and an annual payment that’s added to monthly mortgage payments. The upfront premium is equivalent to 1.75% of the loan, while the annual payment is calculated based on the loan-to-value ratio and loan terms.
Besides the purchase of a home, FHA-insured loans are also available for home renovations and refinancing an existing FHA loan.
Recommended: How Do FHA 203k Loans Work?
It’s possible to get an FHA loan more than once. For instance, if you’ve sold a prior home and haven’t owned a home for three or more years, you’d qualify as a first-time homebuyer and be eligible for an FHA loan. (And if you have a conventional mortgage on your first home, you may be able to get an FHA loan for a second home provided your credit score is adequate and your budget can handle the cost of a second mortgage; you would also have to occupy the second home as your primary residence.)
Meanwhile, qualifying for a second FHA loan is more complicated. For one, the purchased property must become the primary residence for at least one borrower. This includes a requirement to occupy the property within 60 days and have it be their primary residence for at least one year. These occupancy requirements mean that an FHA loan can’t be used to buy vacation homes or rental properties.
Here are details on the exceptions that permit borrowers to get an FHA loan on a second home:
• Relocation: If moving for employment-related reasons, borrowers who financed their current home with an FHA loan may qualify for a second FHA loan on a new home before or without selling their first property. However, to qualify, the job must be performed on-site and the new home must be located at least 100 miles away from the primary residence that was previously purchased with FHA-backed financing.
• Increase in Family Size: Borrowers may qualify for a second FHA loan to purchase a larger home to accommodate their growing family. This is evaluated on a case-by-case basis but typically requires proof of an increase in legal dependents and having at least 25% equity in the home.
• Vacating a Jointly Owned Property: Borrowers who are getting divorced or permanently vacating a home they inhabited with a co-borrower may qualify for a second FHA loan.
• Cosigning: A borrower who cosigned an FHA loan but didn’t live in the property could qualify for another FHA loan to buy their own home.
Recommended: FHA Loan Mortgage Calculator
For borrowers who can satisfy one of the exceptions outlined above, the next step is meeting financial eligibility requirements for a second FHA loan. With any loan, and especially a second mortgage, lenders will consider the borrower’s ability to afford monthly payments when determining if they qualify. FHA loans can allow a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of up to 50%, meaning that half of a borrower’s income is going to debt payments. Lenders, however, may look for a lower DTI of 43%, accounting for the cost of both mortgages, to approve a second FHA loan.
Borrowers will need to meet FHA loan credit score criteria to determine whether they’ll need to put 3.5% or 10% down. Besides the down payment, lenders also factor in savings for covering closing costs and monthly payments.
There are advantages and drawbacks to having FHA loans for borrowers to keep in mind.
Pros
• A smaller down payment
• No income limits
• Lower credit score requirements
• Can be used to purchase duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, or condominiums
• May have lower mortgage insurance premiums than private mortgage insurance
Cons
• Loan limits of $472,030 to $1,089,300 for a single-family home, depending on the cost of living by state
• May require an inspection and higher property standards
• Can only be used for buying a primary residence
• May require mortgage insurance for the life of the loan
Consider these tips to be prepared to apply for a second FHA loan: To lower your DTI, you’ll either need to increase your income or lower your debt. Using your first home for rental income can demonstrate to lenders that you can afford having two mortgages. When evaluating debt, remember that established credit that’s in good standing is viewed more favorably than newer credit accounts.
Building more equity in the home you currently own is another option to help qualify for a second FHA loan. If possible, aim for at least 25% equity before applying for a second FHA loan, as this is the minimum required if you are citing an increase in family size as the exception.
Can you get an FHA loan if you already have an FHA loan? Yes, but there are specific exceptions you’ll need to meet in order to qualify, and the new property must be used as a primary residence for at least one year. Not able to take out two FHA loans at once? Don’t worry. There are other options for borrowing that may suit your needs.
Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% – 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It’s online, with access to one-on-one help.
SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.
Borrowers could be disqualified from an FHA loan based on a high debt-to-income ratio, poor credit, or insufficient funds to cover the down payment, closing costs, and monthly mortgage payment.
Yes, you can get a second FHA loan if you are relocating for a new job, move at least 100 miles away, have an increase in family size, or vacate a jointly owned property. Borrowers who previously co-signed on someone else’s FHA loan may also qualify for FHA twice.
The 100-mile rule allows borrowers to get a second FHA loan without having to sell an existing property with a FHA-backed mortgage if they’re moving for employment-related reasons or buying a new primary residence that’s at least 100 miles away.
Photo credit: iStock/nazar_ab
*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.
¹FHA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by FHA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. FHA loans require an Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP), which may be financed or paid at closing, in addition to monthly Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP). Maximum loan amounts vary by county. The minimum FHA mortgage down payment is 3.5% for those who qualify financially for a primary purchase. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.
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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
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Source: sofi.com
Regional insurer that sells home insurance in three New England states.
Coverage options
About average
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaints
Far fewer than expected
Regional insurer that sells home insurance in three New England states.
Coverage options
About average
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaints
Far fewer than expected
Boston-based Safety Insurance sells homeowners insurance in select parts of New England. It earned a NerdWallet rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 for overall performance, standing out for its ultra-low number of consumer complaints. Safety home insurance is worth considering if you live in New England and want to work with a local independent agent to find coverage.
How we rate homeowners insurance companies
Our star ratings are based on consumer complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners; financial strength grades from AM Best; coverage and discounts available; and the overall consumer experience. See our criteria for evaluating home insurance companies.
Why you can trust NerdWallet
Consumer complaints. Safety draws very few complaints to state regulators for a company of its size, indicating that most policyholders are satisfied with their coverage.
Optional coverage packages. Safety offers bundles of valuable add-ons such as guaranteed replacement cost coverage for your home and water backup coverage.
Availability. Safety serves only three states in New England. Homeowners elsewhere will need to find a different carrier.
Website. Although Safety’s site has some basic functions like online bill payments, it doesn’t allow you to get a quote or offer easily accessible information about the company’s policy options.
Safety sells homeowners insurance in Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
You can customize your homeowners policy with numerous add-ons, but below are the types of coverage that generally come standard:
Type of coverage |
What it does |
---|---|
Pays to repair or rebuild the structure of your home. |
|
Covers damage to unattached structures such as sheds or fences. |
|
Pays to repair or replace personal belongings such as furniture or clothing. |
|
Pays for hotel stays, restaurant meals or other expenses if you have to live elsewhere while your home undergoes covered repairs. |
|
Covers legal expenses and damages if you’re responsible for injuries to other people or their property. |
|
Covers injuries to guests in your home, regardless of fault. |
Besides these basics, you may also be able to add:
Equipment breakdown coverage in case a major appliance or system fails. This could include things like HVAC systems, generators and kitchen appliances.
Service line coverage, which can pay for damage to underground lines that connect your home to public utilities.
You can also bolster coverage with optional upgrade packages, including:
Safety Supreme Plus. This package comes with:
Higher limits for jewelry and silverware.
Water and sewer backup coverage in case a sump pump fails or a drain backs up into your home.
Service line coverage.
Extra liability coverage.
Guaranteed replacement cost coverage, which will pay the full price to rebuild your home even if it’s above your policy limit.
Broader coverage for your belongings.
Personal injury coverage for things like slander and libel.
Safety Complete. Coverage for this package includes everything in the Supreme Plus package along with identity theft reimbursement, increased water backup and equipment breakdown limits, and coverage for business property on the premises.
The average cost of Safety homeowners insurance in New Hampshire is $815 per year, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. That’s slightly less than the state average of $865 per year.
In Massachusetts, Safety homeowners insurance costs an average of $1,185 per year, below the state average of $1,320 per year.
Rate data wasn’t available for Safety Insurance in Maine.
Depending on where you live, you may be able to save on your Safety homeowners insurance premium by:
Bundling your policy with Safety auto insurance.
Signing up to receive documents electronically.
Buying a new home.
Not having any recent claims.
Having a fire or burglar alarm in your home.
Being a loyal Safety customer.
Safety had far fewer than the expected number of complaints to state regulators relative to its size for home insurance, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Website: You can’t get a quote or find many details about Safety’s homeowners insurance coverage on the company website. However, you can log in to your online account to pay bills, view your policy information and find agent contact details.
App: Safety’s app offers the same services as your consumer web portal, including bill payments, claim reporting and seeing agent information.
Claims: You can report a home insurance claim by contacting your agent or calling Safety directly at 800-951-2100. You can also file and track claims through your account on the website or in the app.
Customer service: For help, you can reach out to your local agent or call Safety at 800-951-2100.
Safety Insurance may be right for you if you’re a New Englander who wants to work with a local agent to find the best coverage. But it’s not the best option if you prefer to shop for insurance online.
Current Product
Complaints to NAIC Far fewer than expected |
Complaints to NAIC Far fewer than expected |
Complaints to NAIC Far fewer than expected |
Coverage options About average |
Coverage options About average |
Coverage options More than average |
Discounts Average set of discounts |
Discounts Average set of discounts |
Discounts Average set of discounts |
Bottom line Regional insurer that sells home insurance in three New England states. |
Bottom line Well-established insurer known for great customer service. |
Bottom line Best for homeowners looking for many ways to customize their policy. |
Not ready to make a decision? You may be interested in these other homeowners insurance companies:
What other types of insurance does Safety sell?
In addition to homeowners insurance, Safety products include auto, umbrella, dwelling fire and business policies.
How long has Safety Insurance been in business?
Safety Insurance was founded in 1979.
How do I get Safety homeowners insurance?
Safety policies are sold through independent agents across Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Source: nerdwallet.com
Do you want to learn how to make money in one hour? Whether it’s for an unexpected bill or you’re saving for a special purchase, the good news is that there are many real ways you can make money within an hour or less. These can be ways to make extra income or even possibly…
Do you want to learn how to make money in one hour?
Whether it’s for an unexpected bill or you’re saving for a special purchase, the good news is that there are many real ways you can make money within an hour or less.
These can be ways to make extra income or even possibly be turned into a full-time job.
Back when I had student loans, I found many different ways to make money in an hour. I did this because I wanted to squeeze in quick side hustles around my full-time job – such as before and after work and during my lunch break. There were also times when I needed money quickly, such as in less than an hour, and I had to find ways to make that happen to have cash on hand.
There may be other reasons for why you need to make money in an hour or less. If this is you, continue reading below to learn how to make money in 60 minutes or less!
Recommended reading: How To Make $100 A Day
Whether you only have one hour to spare each day or if you need to make money in literally one hour from now, you do have some options.
Got stuff at home you don’t use anymore? You can turn those things into cash, often in just an hour!
Here are some easy ways you can do this.
You can sell items on platforms like Decluttr, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay. I have sold on all these (plus a lot more!), and they are all easy to use.
You could even have a garage sale if you have lots of items to get rid of.
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This free workshop will teach you how to get into the flipping business. It will teach you how to resell furniture, electronics, appliances, and anything else you can find.
Making money in one hour can be done if you mow lawns or shovel snow. These jobs can be done quickly, and you get paid right after you finish the work.
You’ll need a lawn mower, shovel, and/or snow blower to get started, and you can typically charge around $50+ for a yard.
Doing a good job increases the chances of people asking you to return or recommending you to their friends. Take your time to do things well. Before starting any work, make sure to ask how much they’re willing to spend because this way, both of you agree on the price!
If you bought something you don’t need or haven’t used yet, returning it is a quick way to get cash.
Surprisingly, many people have items lying around that they’ve purchased but may have not used yet. If you really need the cash, then this can be a great option to start with.
First, find your receipt. This shows you paid for the item and when you bought it. No receipt? Look in your email or bags. Sometimes, stores send receipts to your email or put them in your shopping bag.
Next, check the store’s return policy. Some stores let you return items within a certain time, like 30 or 60 days. Be quick – if you wait too long, you can’t return it!
Before you go to the store, make sure the item is in good shape. It should look like when you bought it. Return it in its original packaging if you can. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to return a purchase:
At the store, go to the customer service desk and tell them you want to return the item. Be polite – it makes things smoother. If you don’t want to go to the store, some stores might let you mail the item back.
Remember, some items can’t be returned. Things like opened DVDs or personal use items like earbuds usually can’t go back to the store. It’s always a good idea to know the return rules before you buy things.
If you want to make money fast and take advantage of the gig economy, you can deliver food, such as groceries or restaurant meals. Companies like Instacart, Uber Eats, and DoorDash let you sign up to be a delivery driver.
To get started, you’ll need a car, bike, or scooter and sign up for the company that you want to work with. You’ll then get orders on your phone through an app, go to the restaurant or grocery store, pick up the food, and drive it to the customer’s place (this may be their home or where they work).
You’ll get paid for each person or food delivery, plus get tips as well.
You get to choose the hours that you want to work, and you can work for just one hour or as much as you want.
Related to this, you can even deliver packages for retailers with Amazon Flex!
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Instacart is a popular website for people looking to earn extra money shopping for and delivering groceries. Instacart gives you the option to turn your free time into a chance to make some extra money.
If you want to make money quickly, you might start driving for companies like Uber or Lyft.
You get paid for giving people rides in your car, and the more you drive, the more money you can make.
Drivers can earn about $20 per hour on average. In some cities, drivers can make more than $30 an hour.
You can increase your earnings further by concentrating on busy areas (such as before and after a concert) and driving during the busiest times (such as on a Saturday night). This way, you can make more money for each hour of your time!
Recommended reading: How To Make $1,000 In 24 Hours
If you want to make money quickly, you can try taking paid online surveys. Market research companies need your opinions to make their products better, so they pay you for your time.
Some paid survey sites where you can take surveys include:
Here’s what to do:
Earning money from answering surveys is not always fast, and it won’t make you rich. But if you have an hour, it’s a simple way to earn a little extra cash.
For me, I have answered a lot of surveys over the years. I like how I can answer surveys in little breaks I have during the day, such as before and after work, during a lunch break, while being a passenger in a car, and so on. They are easy to answer, and usually only take a few minutes.
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Branded Surveys is one of the most popular survey sites that rewards you in cash and gift cards for sharing your opinion. You can get paid anywhere from $0.50 to $5.00 per survey.
Craigslist has a jobs section on their site where you can find tasks that people need done right away. These are typically one-time gigs, but there are also part-time and full-time jobs listed here as well.
When you do a job on Craigslist, you usually get paid right after you complete the short task. That means you’ll receive your money on the same day.
To find Craigslist gigs in your town, just go to Craigslist and look for the “gigs” section.
Here are some gigs and tasks I found through a quick search on Craigslist:
Are you looking for a quick way to make money? Joining focus groups can be a fun way for you to earn extra cash and many times they take an hour or less.
A focus group is a small group of people who talk about products or services. Companies use your opinions to make their stuff better by learning more about their customers, such as you.
User Interviews is a popular site to find focus groups to take part in.
I have done a user interview in the past and got paid $400 for just one hour of work. It was simple, and everything happened online through a video call to see my opinion on a new feature for a well-known company (one of the largest companies in the world, in fact – so even large companies use these to help them improve!).
You can make $50 to $100 per hour, or even more, by sharing your thoughts and feedback.
Recommended reading: 19 Best Places To Find Paid Research Studies
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User Interviews pays very well for market research studies and these are some of the highest paying online surveys, with each paying $50 to $100 or more. The average pays over $60.
If you want to earn money quickly, like in just an hour, you can try becoming a mystery shopper. Mystery shoppers are people just like you and me who get paid to shop and give their opinion.
I’ve done a lot of mystery shopping over the years to make some extra money and to get free stuff. It’s easy work that can be done either on the phone (such as by rating their customer service when they answer the phone) or in person at a store. Most mystery shops take less than an hour too! I’ve done many that even take less than 5 minutes to complete.
The way mystery shopping works is that you’ll typically buy products or try services, pay attention to the details like how clean the store is or if the staff is nice, and then answer questions that the mystery shopping company gives you after you are done.
If you’re looking for ways to make money in one hour, you can donate plasma and get paid for it.
When you go to donate, the center will check your blood to make sure you’re healthy and that your plasma can be used to help others.
Here’s what you might earn for your plasma donation:
Some centers might pay more money for your first time donating, like a bonus to persuade you to start. The amount you get can change depending on where you live, so make sure to confirm before you commit.
If you want to learn how to make money in one hour online, then online tutoring jobs can be a good option to look into.
If you’re good at a subject, you can make money fast by tutoring students online. Lots of students need help with their schoolwork and are willing to pay for your knowledge.
As a tutor, you might spend 30 minutes to an hour giving a lesson, answering questions online, or working one-on-one with a student through a video lesson.
Tutors can earn different amounts depending on what they teach (the subject) and the duration of the session (whether it’s a quick question or a full-hour session). For example, tutoring in advanced subjects like calculus usually pays more than simpler ones like first-grade math. Some tutors may earn around $20 per hour, while others can make well over $100 per hour.
Selling scrap metal or precious metals is a quick way to make some money in just one hour.
To get started, you’ll want to find metal items from around your home. This can be old appliances, wires, and even soda cans.
Then, you’ll want to find a scrap yard nearby to take your metals. You’ll want to make sure it’s clean and to keep your metals separated and organized.
Once you get to the scrap yard, you’ll weigh your metal on their scales, and then they’ll give you a price. If it’s your first time, ask how the process works just so that you are not confused by anything.
Prices change often, so what you earn depends on the type and weight of the metal you sell.
Have you ever thought you could make money by playing games on your phone or computer? Yes, you can! Some apps and websites let you earn rewards, like gift cards or even cash, just for playing online games in your spare time.
Apps that pay you for playing games usually make their money through ads, things you buy in the app, and paid gaming competitions. They share a bit of what they earn with you to get you to keep playing their games and spend more time on their platform.
Here’s a quick list of the top game platforms that pay real cash:
Recommended reading: 23 Best Game Apps To Win Real Money
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Swagbucks is a site where you can earn points for answering surveys, shopping online, watching videos, using coupons, and more. You can use your points for gift cards and cash.
If you like being around pets and want to make money fast, dog walking is a great choice. Many dog walking gigs are one hour or less per visit, so this can be a great way to make money in an hour.
To start, you just need a love for dogs and a good pair of walking shoes.
You can set your rates, usually between $10 to $20 for a 30-minute walk.
One hour of walking dogs could mean walking one dog for 60 minutes or doing two 30-minute walks for two different dogs.
Rover is a website that connects pet owners with pet sitters and dog walkers. Starting on Rover is simple. You create a profile where you talk about your experience with pets and the services you can offer, such as dog walking, pet sitting, and house sitting. After setting up your profile, you’ll get requests from customers and discuss pricing. Rover handles payment processing, and you’ll receive the payments directly into your account.
I know many people who are dog walkers, and they all really love the job. I have also used dog sitters in the past – it is a wonderful and super helpful service.
As a freelancer, you get to choose your own hours. So, you may decide to work an hour here and an hour there.
Back when I had a full-time job, this is what I loved about being able to freelance online – I could work in my spare time, even if it was just small pockets of time that I had. For example, I would complete short tasks an hour before I went to work, during my hour lunch break, and later once I got home from work.
And, there are many different types of freelance gigs that you can do, such as managing social media as a virtual assistant, data entry, proofreading, graphic design, email management, and more.
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This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.
A high-yield bank account is a low-risk method to make extra money, and it typically takes less than an hour of your time to set up.
These savings accounts earn more interest than a regular one, so your money grows faster.
You will want to make sure that you pick a trustworthy bank and check the interest rates regularly because they can go up or down. Some people move their money into high-yield savings accounts often so that they can get the highest interest rates.
I personally use Marcus by Goldman Sachs as they have a very high rate. You can get up to 5.50% (at the time of this writing through a referral link bonus). According to this high-yield savings account calculator, if you have $10,000 saved, you could earn $550 with a high-yield savings account in a year. Whereas with normal banks, your earnings would only be $46.
This is an easy way to make passive income!
These answers help you find quick ways to make money when you need it fast.
If you need cash right away, you can sell things you don’t use anymore, like toys or clothes. Another fast way is to do small jobs for neighbors, like walking their dogs or helping in the garden.
To make $100 a day, you could do jobs like cleaning houses, pet sitting, or babysitting. You could also combine a few things like doing surveys online, delivering food, or driving people places.
Without a job, you can still make money by selling stuff online, like clothes, games, or even sports equipment. You can also collect cans or bottles to recycle, or ask friends or family if they need help with anything for some quick cash.
As a kid, you can make money fast by setting up a lemonade stand, doing a car wash, or even making and selling crafts to friends and family (such as bracelets or custom T-shirts!). Of course, please check with your parents and stay safe.
To make money in an hour at home, you can do things like sell items that you already own, such as your old clothing or a cell phone. You could also walk dogs, freelance online, or even tutor.
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to make money in one hour.
As you can see, there are many things that you can do to make money – whether you’re looking for a full-time job or just want to complete short tasks that take less than an hour.
Hour or shorter gigs helped me a ton to pay off my student loans as quickly as I could. Being able to work in short amounts of time helps me to work on my own schedule and fit more side hustles in.
Why are you looking to make money in an hour? Let me know in the comments below!
Recommended reading:
Source: makingsenseofcents.com
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Rising prices and steep borrowing costs in the US housing market kept homebuyers in a year-long limbo, with a national property shortage adding to headwinds in the sector.
While home prices dropped sharply through 2022, they rallied for nine-straight months beginning in January, recently hitting fresh all-time highs. Meanwhile, as the Federal Reserve raised borrowing costs, mortgage rates jumped to levels not seen sine the mid-2000s.
Finally though, conditions appear poised to shift, especially given mounting bets that the Fed will loosen monetary policy in 2024.
From supply to price growth, here are top experts’ outlooks for 2024 housing market.
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Realtor.com: A “bit of a break”
As the Fed turns dovish, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate will average 6.8% next year, Realtor.com predicted in early December. In the last week of the month, the rate slid to 6.61%.
This could have the effect of slowing demand as homebuyers feel less pressure to race against higher borrowing costs. The listing agency expects prices to dip by 1.7%, having risen 3% in 2023.
“It will be a bit of a break after what have been pretty relentless home price increases,” Chief Economist Danielle Hale said, adding: “Some of the pressure and sense of urgency will start to let up.”
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However, the volume of existing homes for sale will tumble 14%, as the mortgage rates at the level the firm predicts will still be more expensive than what 85% of current borrowers are paying.
Goldman Sachs: Inventory picks up
Goldman Sachs estimates existing sales will only dip slightly in 2024, before rebounding to 4.24 million the year after. Meanwhile, new home sales will climb from this year’s 680,000 to 723,000 in 2024.
That’s as housing starts will inch higher, climbing from 1.39 million to 1.335 million in 2024. New home construction has substantially increased this year, as homebuilders jumped on the lack of housing.
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The bank expects muted price growth next year.
Redfin: Prices will fall 1%
The 30-year mortgage rate will average 6.6% by the end of 2024, leading to a 1% drop in home prices, the real estate firm expects.
“Home prices will still be out of reach for many Americans, but any break in the affordability crisis is a welcome development nonetheless,” Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather said.
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Meanwhile, home sales will jump 5%, reaching 4.3 million. Still, Redfin says high costs will push rent demand higher, while there could be an uptick in priced-out Americans moving in with their parents.
Zillow: Prices will flatten
Buyers shouldn’t expect home prices to fall much, but the rate of growth will level off and allow Americans’ incomes to catch up, the real estate platform predicted in a late-November note.
Mortgage rates will probably hold at current levels in the coming months, as the persistent slowdown in inflation makes an uptick in rates unlikely.
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“Taken together, the cost of buying a home looks to be on track to level off next year, with the possibility of costs falling if mortgage rates do,” Zillow researchers said.
Fannie Mae: Price growth will lose steam
Mortgage rates will average 6.7% in 2024, not far off levels seen this summer, the government-sponsored mortgage finance agency predicted.
Total home sales will jump to 4.8 million, fueled by a gradual recovery in existing home sales, Fannie Mae said. A modest economic downturn will cause a shallow decline in new home sales, though the contraction won’t diminish construction volumes in the long run.
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The agency expects prices to continue appreciating, albeit at a slower pace. Citing an October survey, it forecasts 2.4% price growth next year.
Source: businessinsider.com