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Source: thesimpledollar.com

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Calling all Civil War buffs and travel bucket-listers: If you’ve ever wanted to explore the war between the North and the South in great detail or check a bunch of states off your list in one trip, American Cruise Lines has a cruise for you. It’s a monthlong sailing to nearly all the major battlefields across 12 states and the District of Columbia.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.

On May 4, 2024, passengers will set sail from New Orleans on the line’s Civil War Battlefields Cruise, a 34-day sailing that winds along the Mississippi, Tennessee and Potomac rivers; the Intracoastal Waterway; and the Chesapeake Bay.

Along the way, the itinerary includes calls on destinations in Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., before ending on June 6, 2024, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Stops offer a chance to visit key locations such as Fort Sumter, Antietam National Battlefield and Bull Run.

The itinerary for American Cruise Lines’ 34-day Civil War cruise. AMERICAN CRUISE LINES

Cruisers will begin their journey on American Melody and transfer to two other ships — American Symphony and American Eagle — throughout the trip, allowing them to access additional locations that were key to the war. Transportation between ships and waterways is provided for free.

The onboard experience on each ship will be equally themed, featuring expert speakers who will discuss both sides of the war. Led by Bertram Hayes-Davis, the great-great-grandson of Jefferson Davis, who served as the president of the Confederacy, the sailing will offer a rare perspective.

“This cruise is one of the most wholistic views of the Civil War ever offered,” Hayes-Davis said in a statement from American Cruise Lines. “Guests will experience the people, places and events of the war as they visit the battlefields and stand where history was made. This is a unique opportunity to see the entire scope of the battles of the Civil War and put them in context to each other and the entire conflict.”

The voyage is currently open for booking, with fares starting from $24,700 per person. Prices include accommodations, onboard entertainment and lectures, all meals, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, a daily cocktail hour, Wi-Fi, daily shore excursions, a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay (stretching the trip to 35 days), transportation and any necessary hotels when transferring to other ships, crew gratuities, and taxes and fees.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

Source: thepointsguy.com

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A state with rich history and diverse landscapes, North Carolina is home to some of the most charming and lively college towns in the country.

From the bustling streets of Chapel Hill to the serene, tree-lined avenues of Davidson, the best college towns in North Carolina offer a perfect blend of academic opportunities, unique culture and top-notch recreational resources for students and locals alike. Let’s embark on a journey through the Tar Heel State’s top college towns.

A sunny day in Chapel Hill near the UNC campus

We’ll begin our tour in picturesque Chapel Hill, which is often referred to as the ‘Southern Part of Heaven.’ With a blend of historic charm and modern sophistication, this thriving college town is home to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation’s oldest public university. The beautiful campus, with its lush greenery and stately architecture, beckons students and visitors alike to take a leisurely stroll or find a shady spot to soak up the day.

Chapel Hill is also a foodie’s paradise, with an array of dining options that cater to every taste and budget. For a unique Chapel Hill experience, catch a show at the Cat’s Cradle, a legendary music venue that has been hosting big-name acts since the 1970s.

Red brick buildings in downtown Durham near the Duke University campus

Next up on our list of college towns in North Carolina is Durham, a city known for its cutting-edge research and entrepreneurial spirit. Home to Duke University and North Carolina Central University, Durham boasts a thriving community of scholars, artists and innovators.

The city’s revitalized downtown area is packed with a myriad of eclectic shops, galleries and restaurants, making it the perfect place to unwind after a long day of lectures. Be sure to visit the American Tobacco Campus, a historic tobacco factory turned mixed-use development, where you can catch a live performance at the Durham Performing Arts Center or savor a craft beer at one of the many nearby breweries.

Bridge in Greenville, North Carolina just off the East Carolina University campus

If you’re looking for a college town that offers a more laid-back vibe, look no further than Greenville, home to East Carolina University. With its quaint downtown area and abundance of green spaces, Greenville provides a tranquil environment for students to find their passions and focus on their studies.

The town’s vibrant arts scene and bustling Uptown District offer a variety of entertainment options, from gallery crawls to live music performances. Greenville is also known for its commitment to sustainability, with numerous parks and greenways that encourage residents to enjoy the great outdoors when the North Carolina sun is shining.

Boardwalk in Davidson, North Carolina, near the Davidson University campus

Nestled amongst the trees and rolling hills of North Carolina’s Piedmont region, Davidson is home to the prestigious liberal arts college, Davidson College. This idyllic college town is an enchanting setting for both students to learn and locals to live happy lives. With its tree-lined streets, stately brick buildings and welcoming community, it should be no surprise that Davidson claims a spot on this list.

Davidson’s charming downtown area is perfect for an afternoon of fun, with its boutique shops, cozy cafes and inviting restaurants. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch a performance at the intimate Armour Street Theatre or explore the town’s vibrant arts scene at one of the many galleries and studios.

View of UNC Wilmington and the surrounding area from the sky

Our next stop takes us to the coastal city of Wilmington, a bustling college town that seamlessly blends laid-back beach vibes with top-tier academic resources. Home to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, this picturesque city offers students the best of both worlds, with a thriving downtown area and miles of pristine beaches just minutes away.

Wilmington’s historic riverfront district boasts a ton of shopping, dining and entertainment options, including the popular Riverwalk that lines the scenic Cape Fear River. In your downtime, be sure to visit the iconic USS North Carolina Battleship, which serves as a memorial to the sailors and marines who served during World War II.

Aerial view of Boone, NC near the Appalachian State University campus

As we journey further west, we arrive in Boone, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its mountain location and home to Appalachian State University. Surrounded by the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone provides a picturesque setting for college life and a wealth of recreational activities for students and residents alike. From hiking and mountain biking to skiing and snowboarding, the opportunities for adventure are endless.

The town’s vibrant downtown area, with its unique shops, art galleries and farm-to-table restaurants, is the perfect place to go after a day of exploring the great outdoors. Students that stick around for the summer can even enjoy the renowned Appalachian Summer Festival, a celebration of the arts that brings world-class performances and events to the High Country each year.

Street view of downtown Elon, North Carolina, just off the Elon campus

Our next destination is Elon, a quaint college town that exudes a warm, small-town charm. Home to Elon University, this tight-knit community is a serene and inviting environment for students to focus on their studies. With its brick sidewalks, gaslit street lamps and historic architecture, Elon’s picturesque campus has been recognized as one of the most beautiful in the country.

The town’s stellar arts scene is highlighted by the university’s numerous events, including theater productions, concerts and art exhibitions. For a taste of the great outdoors, students can often be found taking a leisurely stroll through the Elon Forest or enjoying a round of golf at the challenging on-campus course.

View of the Raleigh skyline and NC State University at sunset

No tour of college towns in North Carolina would be complete without a visit to Raleigh, the state’s bustling capital city. As the home of North Carolina State University, Meredith College, Shaw University and several other institutions, Raleigh boasts a diverse and thriving academic community.

The city’s downtown area houses a wealth of attractions, making it an ideal destination for students seeking a college experience that is rich in culture. For a taste of Raleigh’s thriving food scene, head to the Warehouse District, where you’ll find a variety of innovative eateries and craft breweries. And if you’re a sports fan, don’t miss the opportunity to catch a game at the PNC Arena or Carter-Finley Stadium, both of which host exciting collegiate and professional events.

Downtown Charlotte near the UNC Charlotte campus

As a bonus, let’s take a quick detour to the vibrant city of Charlotte, home to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. While Charlotte may not fit the traditional mold of a college town, its dynamic urban setting provides a wealth of opportunities for students and visitors alike.

The city’s thriving creative population is complemented by a burgeoning tech and banking industry, making it an ideal destination for those pursuing careers in arts, technology and finance. Explore the captivating museums in the Uptown area, take in a performance at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or cheer on the Carolina Panthers at the Bank of America Stadium.

Now’s the time to settle down in an NC college town

The best college towns in North Carolina offer an impressive array of academic, cultural and recreational opportunities for students and locals alike. From the bustling streets of Chapel Hill to the serene, tree-lined avenues of Davidson, each town boasts its own unique charm. Whether you’re a prospective student, a visiting family member or simply an adventurer seeking new experiences, the Tar Heel State’s most sought-after college towns are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Source: rent.com

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Travelers who take advantage of American Airlines and JetBlue Airways’ partnership through the Northeast Alliance may face big changes in the coming weeks.

A federal judge has ordered the airlines to disband their agreement within 30 days.

Barring further legal maneuvering, the order could mean the end of the Northeast Alliance, which enables codesharing on certain flights, as well as the ability for members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to receive reciprocal perks on the carriers.

The decision came after a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice. It argued the partnership between American and JetBlue stymies competition, ultimately hurting consumers. The airlines and the government faced off in a monthlong trial last fall.

So far, in the wake of the judge’s ruling, neither airline has shared specifics about how the decision might directly affect customers.

Those with existing reservations booked via the partnership or those planning travel in the near future don’t need to worry just yet. The airlines can still appeal the decision, but if JetBlue and American are ultimately forced to undo their partnership, options may be limited for many flyers.

What is the Northeast Alliance?

Launched in 2021, the Northeast Alliance between American Airlines and JetBlue features two main elements at its core: a codeshare agreement and reciprocal benefits.

Codeshare agreement

First, American and JetBlue codeshare on certain flights in and out of four key Northeast airports:

  • Boston Logan International Airport.

  • New York-John F. Kennedy International Airport.

  • New York-LaGuardia Airport.

  • Newark Liberty International Airport.

The idea is, you can book a ticket on American and end up with one or all of the flights on your trip aboard a JetBlue aircraft or vice versa … all on one seamless itinerary.

As recently as December 2022, the airlines announced 10 new destinations as part of the partnership. The agreement provides customers with “more choice and service.”

The airlines have even altered where they operate at certain Northeast airports, accordingly, since launching the partnership a few years ago.

Last summer, for instance, JetBlue finished relocating all of its LaGuardia Airport gates to Terminal B, where American operates its hub, making it easy for customers to make connections.

Loyalty benefits

The second big part of the Northeast Alliance is the reciprocal benefits offered to American and JetBlue’s loyalty members, which transfer between the airlines.

The agreement allows TrueBlue members to earn points and Mosaic elite status tiles while flying on American flights. And AAdvantage members can earn miles while flying on JetBlue flights (though not on JetBlue’s transatlantic flights).

Through the alliance, AAdvantage elite status members and Mosaic elite status members can also enjoy some of their loyalty perks while flying aboard the opposite carrier, from free bags to complimentary economy plus seats and priority boarding.

As part of the judge’s order, all of this would presumably have to end 30 days after the May 19 ruling — which would fall in mid-June.

What happens to the Northeast Alliance now?

Despite the order to end the Northeast Alliance, neither airline seems to be in a hurry to make swift changes.

A quick check of American’s website for a hypothetical Fourth of July trip from Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina to Boston reveals an itinerary entirely operated by JetBlue via the Northeast Alliance.

Likewise, here’s a potential mid-July itinerary from Boston to Charlotte booked via JetBlue.com that features flights operated by JetBlue and American aircraft.

Perhaps more pressing, it’s also not entirely clear what would happen to existing reservations when it comes to the reciprocal perks (for instance, elite status members hoping to enjoy their free baggage benefit) or reservations booked as part of the codeshare agreement.

That may be by design, says Florian Ederer, an associate professor at Yale University’s School of Management. His research focuses on antitrust cases, and he has closely followed this case.

“It’s not entirely clear that this is going to happen immediately,” Ederer says. “[The case] may have some ways to go.”

Ederer predicts the airlines will appeal.

In email statements to NerdWallet, both airlines criticized the judge’s decision and hinted at further legal proceedings.

“We believe the decision is wrong and are considering next steps. The Court’s legal analysis is plainly incorrect and unprecedented for a joint venture like the Northeast Alliance,” American Airlines said.

“We are disappointed in the decision,” JetBlue said. “We are studying the judgment in full and evaluating our next steps as part of the legal process.”

In accordance with federal civil case procedures, the plaintiff (in this case, the government) and defendants (in this case, the airlines) are entitled to appeal.

Good or bad for consumers?

At its essence, this case focused on what’s ultimately good for customers. Both airlines argued in court and after the judge’s decision that their partnership has been a “win” for flyers.

“JetBlue has been able to significantly grow in constrained Northeast airports, bringing the airline’s low fares and great service to more routes than would have been possible otherwise,” JetBlue said.

“There was no evidence in the record of any consumer harm from the partnership,” American said.

But in his opinion, Judge Leo T. Sorokin argued otherwise.

“Until 2020, American and JetBlue were fierce and frequent head-to-head competitors. … The NEA changes all of that,” he wrote, raising concerns about fares and features offered as part of the partnership.

For his part, Ederer believes breaking up the Northeast Alliance may ultimately be positive for customers, calling the existing alliance a “merger in everything but name.”

“I do think that disbanding this agreement will actually reinject a healthy dose of competition, lower prices and higher quality for consumers in the Northeast,” he says.

(Top photo courtesy of JetBlue)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

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If you fall behind on several mortgage payments, your lender may begin the foreclosure process, which can lead to months of financial and emotional stress, and even result in the loss of your home.

Key Takeaways

  • Foreclosures occur when a lender takes control over a property from a borrower for failing to make payments
  • Foreclosures may occur by court order or not, depending on the state the home is located in
  • There are several indicators that come before the foreclosure, including notice of default
  • Foreclosures take 2.5 years to complete on average, but can take up to seven years
  • Foreclosures can damage your credit score and result in loss of property

What is a foreclosure?

Foreclosure definition

A foreclosure is when a lender takes control of a property after the borrower misses several mortgage payments.

When you purchased your home and took out a mortgage, you agreed to a deal with your bank or lender. They gave you the financing upfront to pay for the home, and in return, you signed a contract agreeing to pay a specific amount each month for a set number of years.

If you start falling behind on your payments, or stop making your mortgage payments completely, the bank or lender can foreclose on the property and sell it as a way to make back the funds that were lost.

When you purchased your home, you signed a mortgage contract that specified the amount of money you borrowed, as well as the interest rate and the details about your monthly payment.

However, simply living in your home does not mean that you legally own it. If you have a mortgage, the bank or lender technically owns the property until you make your final mortgage payment.

Types of foreclosure

After you have several missed mortgage payments, your lender can start the foreclosure process. There are two main ways your home can be foreclosed on:

  • A judicial foreclosure, meaning the lender needs to get a court order.
  • A nonjudicial foreclosure, depending on the state where the property is located.

There are several different types of foreclosures, depending on the state and the terms of your mortgage. Some foreclosures involve legal action and others do not. The types of foreclosures include:

  • Judicial foreclosure: With a judicial foreclosure, the lender files a lawsuit and the borrower is notified of the non-payment. The homeowner has 30 days to make up the missed payments, otherwise the foreclosure process will proceed.
  • Power of sale: A power of sale foreclosure is allowed in some states if your mortgage has a power of sale clause in the contract. Once the borrower falls behind on their payments, their mortgage provider is allowed to put the house up for auction. A power of sale foreclosure is considered a non-judicial foreclosure because there is no legal action taken.
  • Strict foreclosure: Strict foreclosures are less common because they are only allowed in a few states. In this case, the mortgage lender files a lawsuit against the homeowner, and if the borrower does not make up their payments within the court-ordered time period, the home can be seized by the mortgage holder.

The foreclosure process in 5 steps

From the time of your first missed mortgage payment to the foreclosure sale of your home, there are several steps in the foreclosure process. These phases can vary by state, but generally follow this timeline. Each state has its own laws pertaining to the process of foreclosure and foreclosure sales. These can govern the borrower’s relief options if already in foreclosure, how to go about posting a Notice of Sale, the sale timeline and other parts of the process.

Step 1: Missed mortgage payments

If your mortgage payment is a few days late, you are probably not at risk of foreclosure. Your lender may have a grace period of up to two weeks for you to make your payment without serious penalties. After the grace period, however, your payment is considered late and you’ll be charged late fees. You might also receive a warning from your lender about a potential foreclosure if you fail to make the payments.

Step 2: Notice of Default

After three to six months of missed mortgage payments, your lender will file a Notice of Default with the local recorder’s office. Your lender will also send one to you via certified mail, and depending on your state, might post the notice on your front door. This notice specifies how much you owe in order to bring your mortgage back into good standing.

A Notice of Default could show up on your credit report and affect your score. This can make it more challenging to obtain other types of credit or refinance your mortgage.

A Notice of Default doesn’t equate to the lender immediately or automatically foreclosing on your home, and it doesn’t mean you don’t have options to prevent the foreclosure from happening. You can put a stop to the proceedings by getting current on your payments.

Step 3: Preforeclosure

Preforeclosure is the time period between the Notice of Default and the auction or sale of your home. During this time, if you can get your hands on the amount specified in the Notice of Default, you’ll be able to stop the foreclosure process from going any further. The exact amount of time you have depends on your state. During preforeclosure, you might also have the option to sell your home and pay back the money owed, in what is called a short sale.

Step 4: Notice of Sale

If you don’t have the money to bring your mortgage into good standing within the allotted time frame, your lender will file a Notice of Sale, and your home will be placed up for auction at a specified time and location.

How the Notice of Sale is published depends on your state. For example, in North Carolina, the notice must be published in a local newspaper and posted on the door of the local courthouse, while in California, it must be posted on the property as well as a public place in the county.

Because the Notice of Sale is public information and has been advertised, several buyers, including investors, might be interested in buying your home. Depending on laws in your state, you might have the ability to exercise right of redemption (meaning you can reclaim your home) up until the foreclosure sale, or even after.

Step 5: Eviction

Following the auction and sale of your home, you’ll generally have a few days to gather your belongings and move to a new residence. If you do not voluntarily move out, law enforcement personnel are legally allowed to remove you and your belongings from the premises.

How long does foreclosure take?

The foreclosure process can take some time, and up to a couple of years. The average foreclosure in the U.S. took 948 days, or about two-and-a-half years, as of the first half of 2022, according to ATTOM Data Solutions. In some states, the foreclosure process took four years, and some took nearly seven years.

However, you are allowed to remain in your home while the foreclosure process plays out. Once the house is sold, you will be asked to vacate the property. If you refuse, you will receive an eviction notice and law enforcement will remove you and your belongings from the home.

How to avoid foreclosure

Facing home foreclosure can be extremely scary. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to avoid foreclosure, even if your current financial situation is making it difficult to pay your mortgage on time.

Ultimately, avoiding foreclosure starts by communicating with your mortgage lender or servicer. It is unlikely that your lender will let you off the hook completely, but it can help you take action so you do not lose your home.

Here are some of the best ways to avoid a home foreclosure:

  • Take advantage of forbearance programs: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government established a mortgage forbearance program that has since expired. However, you can still apply for forbearance if you have a federally-backed loan from Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
  • Adjust your loan terms: If you are struggling to afford your monthly loan payment, ask your lender if they can adjust the terms of your loan. In exchange for a longer amortization schedule, you might be able to lower your monthly payment.
  • Get a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure: Some states allow homeowners to choose a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, in which you agree to turn over your home to a lender in order to avoid a foreclosure. With this option, you are not required to pay your mortgage, but you might still be responsible for paying the difference between your home’s value and the mortgage balance.
  • Set up a repayment plan: If you know that you are unable to make your mortgage payment for a given month, let your lender know as soon as possible. Your lender can probably set up a payment plan that involves more frequent, but lower payments, or deferral for a month or two.

Consequences of foreclosure

There are several financial consequences to foreclosure, and they can be devastating. For one, getting a mortgage after foreclosure can be challenging because of the impact on your credit and the fact that you’ll likely be subject to a waiting period before having a chance at a new loan. The other implications of foreclosure include:

  • Losing your home, which puts you in the position of having to find a new place to live with a foreclosure on your record
  • Damage to your credit, since a foreclosure stays on your credit report for seven years
  • Losing your property and equity, which can have far-reaching impacts on your overall wealth
  • Owing money on the remaining balance if it’s a judicial foreclosure, and being subject to litigation, wage garnishment and more if you can’t pay

Bottom line

If you’re struggling to make your mortgage payments, your best bets to avoid foreclosure are time and communication. As soon as you realize you can’t pay your mortgage, reach out to your lender or servicer to learn about the options available to you. They might be able to set up a payment plan or allow you to defer the payment for one month if you have a temporary financial hardship.

Source: thesimpledollar.com

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It’s time to check out the top mortgage lenders in South Carolina, based on who did the most business.

Last year, more than 1,000 mortgage companies collectively funded more than $80 billion in home loans in the state.

But one particular company did a lot more business than the rest, and also happens to be the top mortgage lender in the U.S.

Yes, I’m referring to Rocket Mortgage (formerly Quicken Loans), nearly doubling the volume of their nearest competitor.

Read on to see which other companies dominated the mortgage biz in The Palmetto State.

Top Mortgage Lenders in South Carolina (Overall)

Ranking Company Name 2021 Loan Volume
1. Rocket Mortgage $5.0 billion
2. Wells Fargo $2.8 billion
3. Pennymac $2.5 billion
4. Freedom Mortgage $2.2 billion
5. Truist $2.1 billion
6. SouthState Bank $1.9 billion
7. Movement Mortgage $1.9 billion
8. Guild Mortgage $1.6 billion
9. UWM $1.5 billion
10. Newrez $1.5 billion

Coming in first both in South Carolina (and nationally) was none other than Rocket Mortgage with $5.0 billion funded in 2021, per HMDA data from Richey May.

As noted, that was nearly double second placed-Wells Fargo, which managed just $2.8 billion during the year.

In a somewhat close third was Pennymac, a mostly correspondent lender that originated $2.5 billion.

Fourth went to Boca Raton-based Freedom Mortgage with $2.2 billion, while Charlotte-based Truist took fifth with $2.1 billion.

Another Florida-based bank, SouthState Bank, snagged sixth with $1.9 billion, followed by South Carolina’s own Movement Mortgage in 7th ($1.9B).

The rest of the top 10 included Guild Mortgage, United Wholesale Mortgage, and Newrez.

Only one hometown company in the list, but many adjacent states like Florida and North Carolina.

Top South Carolina Mortgage Lenders (for Home Buyers)

Ranking Company Name 2021 Loan Volume
1. Pennymac $1.4 billion
2. Movement Mortgage $1.4 billion
3. Wells Fargo $1.2 billion
4. SouthState Bank $1.1 billion
5. Guild Mortgage $1.0 billion
6. Rocket Mortgage $997 million
7. Truist $912 million
8. TD Bank $834 million
9. AmeriHome Mortgage $818 million
10. Newrez $773 million

The list changes quite a bit when we focus only on home purchase loans, with Pennymac grabbed the top spot with $1.4 billion funded.

They were followed closely by Indian Land-based Movement Mortgage with a similar $1.4 billion in loan origination volume.

Wells Fargo took third with $1.2 billion, followed by SouthState Bank with $1.1 billion, and Guild Mortgage with $1 billion.

Rocket Mortgage dropped to sixth with $997 million funded, followed by Truist with $912 million.

TD Bank, AmeriHome Mortgage, and Newrez rounded out the top 10. Again, only one SC-based mortgage company.

Top Refinance Lenders in South Carolina (for Existing Homeowners)

Ranking Company Name 2021 Loan Volume
1. Rocket Mortgage $4.0 billion
2. Freedom Mortgage $1.8 billion
3. Wells Fargo $1.4 billion
4. Pennymac $1.2 billion
5. Truist $1.0 billion
6. loanDepot $978 million
7. UWM $871 million
8. Mr. Cooper $846 million
9. Newrez $735 million
10. SouthState Bank $733 million

Once the list is filtered to only include mortgage refinances, Rocket Mortgage trounces the competition with $4.0 billion funded.

That was more than double second placed Freedom Mortgage ($1.8 billion), and more than triple third placed Wells Fargo ($1.4 billion).

About 80% of the Detroit-based company’s loan volume consisted of refis in the state of South Carolina.

Fourth went to Pennymac with $1.2 billion, while fifth place was captured by Truist with $1.0 billion funded.

The remaining spots in the top 10 went to loanDepot, UWM, Mr. Cooper, Newrez, and SouthState Bank.

Top Mortgage Lenders in Charleston

Ranking Company Name 2021 Loan Volume
1. Rocket Mortgage $1.0 billion
2. Wells Fargo $795 million
3. Newrez $760 million
4. SouthState Bank $611 million
5. Pennymac $592 million
6. Freedom Mortgage $529 million
7. Truist $523 million
8. UWM $515 million
9. First Citizens Bank $445 million
10. Shelter Mortgage $434 million

Top Mortgage Lenders in Columbia

Ranking Company Name 2021 Loan Volume
1. Guild Mortgage $680 billion
2. Rocket Mortgage $578 million
3. Pennymac $425 million
4. Freedom Mortgage $418 million
5. Wells Fargo $267 million
6. AmeriHome Mortgage $238 million
7. Ameris Bank $231 million
8. First Citizens Bank $231 million
9. Truist $196 million
10. Mr. Cooper $188 million

The Best South Carolina Mortgage Lenders

The most reviewed mortgage lender on Zillow in the state of South Carolina happens to be Movement Mortgage.

They also have a stellar 4.98/5 rating from about 18,000 customer reviews. That makes them a pretty highly-rated mortgage company in the state, potentially the best.

Meanwhile, Rocket has a 4.48/5, Wells Fargo has a 4.95/5, Freedom Mortgage has a 4.85/5, and Pennymac has a 4.4/5.

Many smaller, SC-based mortgage companies didn’t make the lists above, but still own excellent ratings on Zillow.

They include Columbia-based Lending Path Mortgage (4.97/5) and Foundation Mortgage Corp. (4.97/5), along with Charleston-based Tabor Mortgage Group (4.94/5).

And there are many other SC mortgage companies, including SC-based mortgage brokers, which also provide excellent service.

Take the time to check out companies both large and small, and look beyond real estate agent referrals and household names. You might find a hidden gem.

(photo: Mark Clifton)

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

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For many travelers, trips to large cities had little appeal during the COVID-19 pandemic. Activities like riding public transportation, touring a museum or attending a professional sporting event often took a back seat to less crowded — and less urban — experiences.

In the nation’s 25 largest markets, occupied hotel room nights (a measurement of demand) were down by 32 million in 2022 versus 2019, according to hospitality data and analytics company STR.

Outside the 25 largest markets, though, it was a different story. Hotels saw an increase of 550,000 occupied rooms throughout the rest of the country compared with 2019.

Isaac Collazo, STR’s vice president of analytics, says smaller markets did well during the pandemic while the top 25 markets suffered. He says travelers felt safer in smaller properties at less-crowded destinations.

Now, could it finally be changing?

European and U.S. cities are making a comeback

Mari Hawkins, a travel advisor with New York state-based Gemini Travel, is undoubtedly noticing a shift in her clients’ attitudes when it comes to travel and big cities.

During the pandemic, she was mainly helping clients book villas and vacation homes, where they wouldn’t have to interact with other people.

“We’ve done a complete 180. They’re going back to cities in droves,” she says, citing an increase in bookings to European cities.

“We have hundreds of people heading to Paris, Rome, Florence, Athens this summer,” said travel advisor Lauren Doyle in an email. Her company is called The Travel Mechanic and she’s based in Raleigh, North Carolina.

It’s not just travel to Europe. Collazo said a handful of major U.S. cities saw hotel room sales in the first part of 2023 outpacing pre-pandemic levels, including Houston, Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, Boston, Phoenix, Denver, Nashville, Tennessee, and Tampa, Florida.

The ones that benefitted the most had fewer COVID-19 restrictions or lifted the restrictions earliest. But several other major U.S. cities — including the nation’s largest — are still fighting to fully regain 2019 travel volume.

“New York City’s tourism is back in full swing,” says Vijay Dandapani, president and CEO of the Hotel Association of New York City. But he quickly pivots to a caveat: “The operative word is ‘tourism.’ Business travel is nowhere near where it was.”

The lack of business travel is dragging down New York’s overall hotel occupancy rates. During peak spring break in April 2023, occupancy was down by several percentage points compared with the same month in 2019, according to STR data.

Experts are optimistic

Dandapani isn’t worried. His team predicts New York’s travel landscape won’t fully recover until 2024.

Collazo shares his optimism. Pointing to an increase in conferences and business travel this year, he emphasized the “big city” trip isn’t a thing of the past.

“There’s still appeal to go to New York City. There’s still appeal to go to New Orleans, Los Angeles,” he said.

In fact, Hawkins says her clients are so eager to travel that they are willing to spend more money on accommodations. (And they probably won’t have much choice since hotels cost about 15% more than they did before the pandemic.)

“I’m hearing from travelers that they want to go no matter what,” she says. “They’re spending money for nicer properties.”

Ultimately, that has turned out to be a feather in the cap for many New York hotels’ bottom lines, Dandapani pointed out.

“The luxury market just had bang-up numbers,” he says.

Business travelers are returning more slowly

The return of travel has been uneven since the end of the pandemic. Cities eased restrictions at different times and hotel occupancy rates have dragged, mostly due to the slow return of business travelers.

But if the demand for Europe and smaller markets in the U.S. this summer is any indication, city destinations will eventually rebound to be just as popular as they were before the pandemic.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Updated Mar 09, 2023

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At a glance

3.5

Bankrate Score


Caret Down

Auto

3.8


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Cost & ratings

4.0



Coverage

3.5



Support

3.5


Home

3.1


Caret Down

Cost & ratings

2.8



Coverage

4.0



Support

2.3


About Bankrate Score

Bottom Line

If you live in Erie’s 12-state service area, the company could be a great choice for robust coverage and affordable premiums. Erie’s digital tools are lacking compared to its competitors, though, so it may not be the best choice for tech-focused customers.

  • Affordable average premiums for both homeowners and car insurance policies compared to the national average

  • Strong customer satisfaction rankings from J.D. Power

  • Erie’s home insurance offers guaranteed replacement for dwelling coverage in most states

  • Erie auto and home insurance is only available in 12 states and Washington D.C.

  • No usage-based auto insurance program available

  • Only a few homeowners endorsements available

Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers


Info

What’s new with Erie?

In August 2022, Erie Insurance established Erie Strategic Ventures to help fund entrepreneurs who create innovative products and services for customers and Erie’s independent agents. The company also recently announced the addition of optional extended water coverage for homeowners policies.

Erie car insurance

Founded in 1925, Erie Insurance Group started in Pennsylvania but has since expanded to 12 states and Washington D.C. The company offers coverage options that may be difficult to find among its competitors. Its standard auto insurance policies feature a diminishing deductible, first accident forgiveness for eligible policyholders and Erie Rate Lock, depending on the state. Additional coverage options include roadside assistance, auto glass repair and personal item coverage.

Erie car insurance earned a Bankrate Score of 3.8 out of 5. This Score reflects the company’s coverage options, financial strength, customer satisfaction and available discounts. Erie lost points due to its regional availability and limited digital tools (for example, the mobile app doesn’t have a claims filing option). Erie earned an A+ (Superior) AM Best financial strength rating and placed third in J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study.

Pros and cons of Erie car insurance

Erie’s coverage options and customer satisfaction scores make it one of the best car insurance companies in states where it writes policies. Comparing pros and cons of Erie auto insurance may help you decide if the company could be a good fit for your needs.

PROS


  • Checkmark

    Roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement available


  • Checkmark

    Erie Rate Lock may help keep rates stable over time


  • Checkmark

    Auto policies include pet coverage

CONS


  • Close X

    Available in just 12 states and the District of Columbia


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    No telematics or usage-based insurance program available


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    Mobile app does not enable policyholders to file a claim from their mobile devices

Erie car insurance cost

Erie is one of the cheapest car insurance companies based on our research of average premiums analyzed from Quadrant Information Services. Erie’s full coverage car insurance costs an average of $1,356 per year, while minimum coverage averages $486 per year. 

Comparatively, the national average cost of car insurance for both coverage levels is higher, at $2,014 per year for full coverage and $622 per year for minimum coverage. Actual rates may vary based on car insurance rating factors, but the premium data below may be a useful comparison tool.

Erie car insurance rates by driving history

Bankrate bases the following average rates on data provided by Quadrant Information Services. This may not represent the price you will pay for car insurance. We do not include average rates for drivers with a history of driving under the influence (DUI) because some insurers may not write policies for motorists with a DUI conviction. If you have a DUI conviction, you may contact your insurance agent to find out how it could impact your car insurance premium.

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Erie average monthly full coverage premium Erie average annual full coverage premium National average annual full coverage premium
Clean driving history $113 $1,356 $2,014
Speeding ticket conviction $123 $1,476 $2,427
At-fault accident $134 $1,607 $2,854
Erie average monthly minimum coverage premium Erie average annual minimum coverage premium National average annual minimum coverage premium
Clean driving history $41 $486 $622
Speeding ticket conviction $44 $527 $748
At-fault accident $49 $592 $892

Erie car insurance quotes by age

Young drivers typically pay some of the highest average car insurance rates. Teens and other young drivers may save by remaining on their parents’ auto insurance policy until they’ve established their own households. The following average rates are based on a motorist on their parents’ policy with a clean driving record, as well as drivers listed on their own policies.

Average cost of car insurance for drivers on their parent’s policy

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Erie average monthly full coverage premium Erie average annual full coverage premium National average annual full coverage premium
Age 16 $240 $2,876 $4,392
Age 17 $225 $2,700 $4,102
Age 18 $219 $2,630 $3,837
Age 19 $209 $2,512 $3,345
Age 20 $205 $2,456 $3,149
Erie average monthly minimum coverage premium Erie average annual minimum coverage premium National average annual minimum coverage premium
Age 16 $86 $1,035 $1,470
Age 17 $81 $970 $1,362
Age 18 $79 $944 $1,261
Age 19 $74 $892 $1,070
Age 20 $73 $876 $995

Average cost of car insurance for drivers on their own policy

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Erie average monthly full coverage premium Erie average annual full coverage premium National average annual full coverage premium
Age 18 $249 $2,988 $6,110
Age 25 $136 $1,630 $2,473
Age 30 $122 $1,461 $2,125
Age 40 $113 $1,356 $2,014
Age 60 $107 $1,279 $1,824
Erie average monthly minimum coverage premium Erie average annual minimum coverage premium National average annual minimum coverage premium
Age 18 $90 $1,081 $1,967
Age 25 $48 $579 $747
Age 30 $43 $520 $647
Age 40 $41 $486 $622
Age 60 $39 $462 $578

Your deductible may be reduced by $100 for each claim-free policy year, up to a $500 maximum. This discount is only available to policyholders who purchase the Auto Plus endorsement, and its availability may vary by state.

Erie may extend both bundling and multi-policy discounts to policyholders who carry more than one insurance policy with the company.

Vehicles equipped with safety and security devices, such as airbags, anti-lock brakes and anti-theft devices, may qualify for a discount.

Erie may extend a discount to policyholders who pay their annual car insurance premium in one lump sum, rather than monthly installments.

Erie car tools and benefits

Erie extends a coverage option for non-owned autos including cars, moving vans and trailers that you use but do not own. This may be ideal for Erie drivers who do not own a vehicle but do drive on occasion.

Erie also sells boat, class car and motorcycle insurance, along with coverage for ATVs, golf carts and snowmobiles.

Erie home insurance

Erie home insurance receives high customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power as well as 24/7 support for policyholders and a variety of coverage options. Erie offers guaranteed replacement cost coverage as part of its standard homeowners policies as well as additional living expenses.

Although Erie does not allow policyholders to file a claim through their mobile app, the company has more than 13,000 local agents and advertises a 90 percent customer retention rate year over year.

Pros and cons of Erie homeowners insurance

If you’re considering Erie for your homeowners insurance needs, it may be helpful to compare perks and drawbacks you may experience with the carrier. Here are a few of the key pros and cons Bankrate’s editorial team identified:

PROS


  • Checkmark

    Guaranteed dwelling replacement cost coverage included in standard homeowners policies


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    Ranked 7th in J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Home Insurance Study


  • Checkmark

    Standard home insurance policies include up to $500 in pet coverage

CONS


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    Only a few discounts available


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    Few optional coverages available


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    Not available in all states

Dwelling coverage limit Erie average annual premium National average annual premium
$150,000 $659 $975
$250,000 $957 $1,428
$350,000 $1,269 $1,879
$450,000 $1,601 $2,343
$750,000 $2,597 $3,761

Erie home insurance discounts

Home insurance discounts may help you save on your premium. Advertised home insurance discounts with Erie include:

You may earn a discount if your home is equipped with safety features like smoke alarms, security systems and an automatic sprinkler system.

Obtain an Erie homeowners insurance quote seven to 60 days before your current policy’s renewal date and you might earn a discount.

Customers who purchase a life insurance policy in addition to a car or homeowners insurance policy with Erie could earn a multi-policy discount.

Erie home tools and benefits

Erie’s home insurance coverage comes with unique options not found with other carriers. Its home insurance pet coverage extends coverage to up to $500 for animals, including birds and fish.

Erie offers gift card and gift certificate reimbursement coverage for its ErieSecure Home policies. Customers may receive reimbursement for up to $250 per gift card purchased from businesses within 100 miles of their home, with a maximum of $500 per policy period.

Erie life insurance

Erie offers four life insurance products: term life, whole life, universal life and Erie’s exclusive ERIExpress Life. Erie’s term life insurance may be a good option for those who want a fixed coverage term and intend for the policy to pay for expenses that may be burdensome to loved ones, such as funeral costs and mortgage or credit card debt. Whole and universal life have no fixed terms, but universal life offers the most flexible death benefit. Erie’s unique ERIExpress Life policy may be ideal for people looking for a simplified application and fast approval.

Pros and cons of Erie life insurance

The best life insurance company may be different for everyone, and each policy type serves a different purpose. The following pros and cons may help you decide if Erie life insurance is right for you.

PROS


  • Checkmark

    Multi-policy discounts available for policyholders with a life and home or auto policy.


  • Checkmark

    ERIExpress may be available without a medical exam.


  • Checkmark

    Variety of policy types to choose from

CONS


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    Only one rider advertised to customize coverage.


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    Online quoting is not available


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    Only writes policies in 12 states and the District of Columbia

Erie life insurance endorsements

Life insurance endorsements, also called riders, may modify and extend your life insurance coverage. Erie’s life insurance coverage only offers one rider, a long-term care rider. Erie’s long-term care rider is only available for universal and whole life insurance policies. The long-term care rider provides an accelerated death benefit, which pays a portion of your policy’s death benefit to help pay medical expenses incurred following a covered accident or illness that requires long-term care.

Erie life tools and benefits

Erie provides a life insurance calculator on its website to help customers decide which type of policy may best fit their needs. From there, customers can request to be paired with an independent Erie agent to get a quote.

Erie customer satisfaction

Researching third-party ratings may help you decide which insurer best fits your needs. J.D. Power produces annual car insurance and home insurance studies that rate and rank insurers based on their customer satisfaction. These include the national U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study and more regional U.S. Auto Insurance Study.

Agencies such as AM Best, Moody’s and Standard and Poor’s analyze the financial strength of insurers and produce ratings that may indicate the financial strength of individual companies. Erie has earned an A+ (Superior) AM Best financial strength rating.

Lastly, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) produces an annual complaint index report to track the prevalence of complaints lodged against insurance companies. The index employs a baseline of 1.0. Scores below 1.0 indicate that a provider had fewer complaints than expected for a company its size and vice versa.

Erie auto satisfaction

In J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, Erie ranked third in the market, with an overall customer satisfaction score of 893 out of 1,000. More regionally, Erie came in first for overall customer satisfaction in the mid-Atlantic and North Central regions. Erie has an NAIC Complaint Index of 0.56 for its private passenger policies, indicating fewer customer complaints than expected for a company its size.

Erie homeowners satisfaction

Erie ranked above average in J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Home Insurance Study, earning an overall customer satisfaction score of 827 out of 1,000. Erie’s homeowner policies have an impressive NAIC Complaint Index of 0.09, indicating very few complaints from policyholders.

Erie life satisfaction

Erie wasn’t rated in the annual life insurance study conducted by J.D. Power, potentially due to the company’s small size when compared to national life insurance carriers. However, the Erie Family Life company, which underwrites Erie’s life insurance products, has an NAIC Complaint Index of 0.46, which is less than half of the 1.00 baseline. Based on this data, Erie’s life insurance customers may be satisfied with the service they receive, since fewer-than-average complaints were filed.

How to file a claim with Erie

Erie gives auto and home insurance policyholders two ways to file a claim. They can contact their Erie agent or call the 24/7 claims center at 800-367-3743. Life insurance customers can file a claim by contacting their Erie agent or by calling 800-458-0811.

Erie availability

Erie writes car and home insurance policies in the District of Columbia and the following states:

  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kentucky
  • Maryland
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • Tennessee
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin

Erie sells life insurance in the District of Columbia and all of the aforementioned states, except New York.

Other Erie perks worth considering

Erie also offers business insurance including business automobile insurance. Business policies may protect a variety of businesses, including breweries, contractors, religious organizations, retailers and veterinarians.

Erie also offers a long list of other insurance and financial products for customers, including:

  • Financial services: Erie offers Medicare supplemental coverage (Medigap) and retirement accounts, including annuities and individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
  • Renters, condo and mobile home insurance: Erie offers a variety of insurance policies for other dwellings and living situations.
  • Flood insurance: Erie sells standalone flood insurance policies for homeowners and business owners.
  • Personal valuables insurance: This coverage may be purchased to financially protect jewelry, art, sports equipment, collections, musical instruments and more.

Erie corporate sustainability

Through The Giving Network, Erie and its employees volunteer time and money with organizations focussed on community building, environmental responsibility and safety. These initiatives include partnering with United Way and American Red Cross, as well as supporting other culture and arts organizations, entrepreneurship, education and environmental responsibility. In November 2022, the provider’s The Giving Network awarded $50,000 in grants to 10 northwest Pennsylvania environmental organizations.

With the company’s ERIE Service Corps, employees are encouraged to use a full work-day volunteering in their local community. The Corps also has a matching donation program and established the H.O. Hirt Scholarship Fund and the F.W. Hirt Employee Emergency Fund to more immediately meet the financial needs of their community.

Not sure if Erie is right for you?

Erie offers a variety of auto, home and life insurance products, but it does not write policies in all states. If you live outside Erie’s service area or need an insurer that offers a more diverse portfolio of products, you might consider one of these carriers:

Erie vs. Allstate

Allstate sells car and homeowners policies in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and all states except New Jersey. While Erie extends a multi-policy discount to policyholders, Allstate offers more ways to potentially reduce your premium. For instance, if you switch to Allstate, you might earn up to a 10 percent discount, plus an additional 10 percent savings each time you renew your policy. Allstate also offers a robust mobile app that allows policyholders to file claims virtually.

Learn more: Allstate insurance review

Erie vs. Travelers

Unlike Erie, Travelers offers optional rideshare coverage and gap insurance. Travelers extends many potential home insurance discounts including potential discounts for purchasing a new home and owning a LEED-certified green home. However, Travelers ranks lower than Erie in the 2022 U.S. Home Insurance Study and does not sell life insurance products.

Learn more: Travelers Insurance review

Erie vs. AAA

AAA Life Insurance Company sells term life, universal life and whole life insurance policies. AAA’s traditional term life policies offer coverage up to $5 million and give you the option to add a child term endorsement, which provides up to $20,000 in coverage for each eligible child. AAA’s roadside assistance program is robust and enables you to request battery, flat tire, emergency fuel delivery, locksmith, mechanical first aid and towing services from the convenience of the AAA mobile app. Bear in mind that AAA coverages, discounts and optional coverages may vary by location.

Learn more: AAA insurance review

Is Erie a good insurance company?

Erie has excellent financial strength ratings and earned high marks in J.D. Power’s customer and claims satisfaction studies. Additionally, the provider has NAIC Complaint Indexes that are far lower than baseline.

While Erie includes some perks in its standard auto insurance policies, like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement, the carrier falls behind in the market by not offering a comprehensive mobile app or telematics program.

Erie’s standard homeowners policies feature guaranteed dwelling replacement cost coverage, which most insurers only offer as an endorsement, but they extend few optional coverages and discounts. Overall, Erie offers a solid portfolio of auto, home and life insurance products, but the provider only writes policies in a handful of states.

Clock Wait

46

years of industry expertise

122

carriers reviewed

20.7K

ZIP codes examined

Dollar Coin

1.2M

quotes analyzed

Methodology

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2023 rates for ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on 40-year-old male and female homeowners with a clean claim history, good credit and the following coverage limits:

Auto

  • $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $50,000 property damage liability per accident
  • $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
  • $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
  • $500 collision deductible
  • $500 comprehensive deductible

To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our sample drivers own a 2021 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.

Age: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the ages 16-60 (base: 40 years) applied. Depending on age, drivers may be a renter or homeowner. Age is not a contributing rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts.

The rates for drivers ages 16–20 added to their parent’s policy reflect the good student and driver’s training discounts applied. The rates for drivers aged 16-20 on their own policy do not include the good student and driver’s training discounts. Additionally, 25-year-old rates are based on the driver as a renter and 30+ on the driver as a homeowner.

Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), single speeding ticket and single at-fault accident.

Homeowners

  • Coverage A, Dwelling: $150,000, $250,000, $350,000, $450,000, $750,000
  • Coverage B, Other Structures: $15,000, $25,000, $35,000, $45,000, $75,000
  • Coverage C, Personal Property: $75,000, $125,000, $175,000, $225,000, $375,000
  • Coverage D, Loss of Use: $30,000, $50,000, $70,000, $90,000, $150,000
  • Coverage E, Liability: $300,000, $300,000, $300,000, $300,000, $500,000
  • Coverage F, Medical Payments: $1,000

The homeowners also have a $1,000 deductible and a separate wind and hail deductible (if required).

These are sample rates and should be used for comparative purposes only. Your quotes will differ.

Bankrate Scores

Our 2023 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories.

Like our previous Bankrate Scores, each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. This year, our 2023 scoring model provides a more comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and better highlighting where they fall short.

  • Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, 2023 quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best and the NAIC, were analyzed.
  • Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
  • Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto and home insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.

Tier scores are unweighted to show the company’s true score in each category out of a possible five points.


Savings

Compare rates and save on auto insurance today!

Source: thesimpledollar.com