office

Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

Northwestern Mutual kicks off construction phase of downtown north office building modernization project Company leadership, elected officials, business and community leaders celebrate the next step in $500M investment since announcing the project earlier this year MILWAUKEE, Oct. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual today held a kickoff celebration with the Milwaukee community for its $500 million … [Read more…]

Apache is functioning normally

Corner walls, often overlooked, can be transformed into captivating focal points with the right decorating techniques

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Corner walls, often dismissed as challenging spaces to decorate, hold immense potential to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your home. With a little creativity and the right decor choices, you can transform these neglected areas into eye-catching features that reflect your style and personality. Whether it’s through shelves, artwork, plants, or innovative furniture, decorating your corner walls can breathe new life into your living spaces, making your home more inviting and visually appealing.

1. Floating shelves

Floating shelves are versatile and stylish additions to corner walls. Install a set of floating shelves in varying heights and display your favourite books, art pieces, potted plants, or decorative items. This not only adds visual interest but also provides storage and organizational solutions.

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2. Corner gallery wall

Create a captivating corner gallery by arranging a collection of framed artworks, photographs, or prints. Consider mixing various frame styles and sizes for an eclectic look. Ensure proper spacing and alignment for a polished appearance.

3. Corner plants

Introduce the beauty of nature into your home by placing indoor plants in decorative pots or planters in the corners. Plants not only liven up the space but also purify the air and create a calming atmosphere.

4. Corner shelving units

Corner shelving units or cabinets are designed specifically for maximizing corner spaces. These units provide ample storage for items like china, glassware, or decorative pieces while optimizing the use of otherwise wasted space.

5. Wall-mounted mirrors

Wall-mounted mirrors can make a room feel more spacious and reflective. Consider placing a large mirror on one of the corner walls to add depth and brightness to your space. You can also choose decorative mirrors to enhance the aesthetics.

6. Corner desks

For those in need of a home office or a study nook, corner desks are an ideal choice. A well-designed corner desk can fit seamlessly into your room, providing a dedicated workspace without taking up valuable floor space.

7. Corner lighting

Install wall sconces or pendant lights in corner spaces to add ambient or accent lighting. Properly placed lighting can create a cosy and inviting atmosphere while highlighting your decor.

8. Corner book nooks

If you’re a book lover, why not turn a corner wall into a cosy book nook? Install wall-mounted bookshelves and add a comfortable chair or cushioned seating for a perfect reading corner.

9. Wall decals and murals

Transform your corner walls into works of art by using wall decals or murals. These can add personality and character to your space without the permanence of paint.

ALSO READ:

Source: khaleejtimes.com

Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

Optimization, Document Tracking, MSR Financing Products; Saving Money on Credit Reports and CE

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Optimization, Document Tracking, MSR Financing Products; Saving Money on Credit Reports and CE

By:
Rob Chrisman

Mon, Oct 2 2023, 10:32 AM

As President Jimmy Carter celebrated his 99th birthday seven months into hospice, welcome to the 4th quarter! (Will lenders experience any “Q-4-ia”? Say out loud.) Let’s talk U.S. lists! California, Indiana, Michigan, Texas, and Virginia are top five in pumpkin growing. The National Association of Realtors, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Pharmaceuticals, American Hospital Association, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield are the leading five lobbying spenders. And you can add the Internal Revenue Service’s Income Verification Express Service (IVES) to the list of “essential” government activities that would continue to operate in the event of a government shutdown. We won’t have to worry about that until mid-November, as the government kicked the can down the road and passed a Continuing Resolution that averts a government shutdown to November 17. HUD (Ginnie Mae and FHA included), USDA, and the VA will continue to operate temporarily uninterrupted, and for a bonus the bill also includes $16 billion in disaster aid and an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s is sponsored by TRUE. TRUE creates accurate data that powers automation and optimizes every step of the lending lifecycle, helping lending organizations rapidly process loans, dramatically cut costs and risk, and radically improve the customer experience. Hear an interview with Keyspire’s Michael Sarracini on housing affordability problems and the best advice for young potential homeowners.)

Lender and Broker Software, Programs, and Services

“ACUMA Matata! What a wonderful phrase!” This phrase captures the essence of the ACUMA Annual Conference, where Dark Matter is currently meeting with its Credit Union clients and prospects. Credit unions gather at this event to explore new horizons in loan origination. In this dynamic financial landscape, credit unions require a powerful, adaptable LOS that caters to their unique needs. Enter Empower LOS, Dark Matter’s King of the Jungle. Empower embodies next-gen solutions, automating tasks, and ensuring precision with “lights-out processing.” It enhances loan origination, improves quality, reduces turnaround times, and supports compliance while boosting member satisfaction. Our integrated suite of tools complements Empower, elevating lending operations. From automation assistants to machine learning-powered document management, we have it all. Ready to transform your lending game? Connect with us and we’ll explore how Empower and Dark Matter Technologies can redefine credit union lending. “ACUMA Matata!” No worries: our tech-forward solutions make lending possibilities endless.

Your bank can be more than just a bank. With powerful national resources and personalized, one-on-one relationships with industry experts, you have a strategic edge. Western Alliance Bank Specialized Mortgage Services delivers stable, trusted treasury management and mortgage banking services that can keep pace with your company’s growth needs and help keep your operations running smoothly while taking advantage of competitive rates. Advanced payment technology provides streamlined online wire transfer origination with just a few clicks as well as embedded finance, API, file-based and online platform options, all customizable to meet your current and future priorities. You’ll also appreciate our options for warehouse lending, MSR financing, note financing and other mortgage finance products that offer speed to approval and certainty of execution. Contact Mark Short(469) 702-6212, Nick Richards (646) 708-1211, Nicole Avey (720) 633-4759, Elizabeth Mix (480) 329-2122, Jim Karr (626) 390-8534 and Chris Martin (480) 341-5483. Western Alliance Bank, Member FDIC.

“Falcon Capital Advisors’ team of experienced advisors can take your digital mortgage goals from vision to reality. Our team of subject matter specialists has provided guidance to major lenders and investors, expertly guiding them through the various processes and potential obstacles to quickly stand up their digital mortgage programs. Our comprehensive suite of services includes eMortgage readiness assessments, strategic roadmap development, vendor selection support, program implementation, and securing investor and MERS approval. Our experts can mitigate risks and achieve faster (and less expensive) results and even revitalize stalled eMortgage efforts. Contact Jim Voth to learn more.”

To deliver the best borrower experience and remain compliant, servicers and investors must release liens in a narrow window after payoff. NTC, the leader in lien and assignment release services for 35 years, now offers lenders two options: their traditional full-service offering, and a self-serve, “share-the-work” option: PerfectDocs. The first, complete web-based lien solution, PerfectDocs enables the creation and tracking of all documents needed to complete a lien release and mortgage assignment including reviewing, executing, and notarizing documents and sending them to counties for e-recording for non-MERS and MERS loans. It also features intuitive queues for exceptions, downstream mailings to borrowers or custodians, recording confirmations and fee reconciliations. The platform allows users to share the work with NTC’s team during volume fluctuations or request assistance on complex “cures.” Interested in 100 percent client control with on-demand integration to full service to cure exceptions? Request a PerfectDocs demo to learn more and see how we can share the work!

Fall has arrived, kicking off the football and conference season! And that means plenty of opportunities to grab a pumpkin spice latte and meet up with the Computershare Loan Services (CLS) team at some of the industry’s most significant events. This year, MBA’s Annual Convention is in Philadelphia on October 15-18, and CLS wants to meet you there. Contact them at [email protected] to schedule time together in the city of brotherly love. They’ll tell you all about CLS’ subservicing solutions, origination fulfillment services, co-issue MSR acquisition program, and mortgage cooperative that can help you stay one step ahead.

Free eBook: Market-Proof: How to Build a Flexible Lending Business Resilient in Upcycles & Downturns. The exaggerated upcycles and downturns of the past few years underscore just how crucial it is for lenders to build resilience and flexibility into their businesses. To overcome today’s challenges, lenders need to hone their lending process at each step. In this new eBook, Maxwell provides 12 tips from industry veterans to help you optimize your mortgage process from loan application to the secondary market. You’ll get insight from exclusive interviews with industry veterans on how to increase efficiency, access economic scale, and become resilient to market volatility like never before. Click here to download Maxwell’s new eBook “Market-Proof: How to Build a Flexible Lending Business Resilient in Upcycles & Downturns.”

Saving Pennies Into Saving Dollars

My cat Myrtle thinks nothing of enjoying the benefits of minced, line-caught halibut from the 48-degree waters off Kodiak, Alaska. No expense spared. But for lenders and vendors, staring at an autumn and winter with relatively high rates, saving pennies is critical especially if it means saving jobs and many money-saving ideas are simple and right under your nose.

Mike Metz, with VIP Mortgage, and Faith Howard-Mooney, with The Mortgage Collaborative, recently led a discussion at TMC’s Nashville event on cost saving ideas. For example, are you bundling or cascading credit reports and verification providers? Are you looking at alternatives for courier and shipping vendors? Or, looking at alternatives for tax transcripts? You’d be surprised to hear how much these seemingly small things can add up. (If you want to get involved in conversations like these, contact Faith to learn how you can get involved, or about TMC’s next event in Louisville.)

The conversation continues. Lenders are still seeking ways to reduce costs in the current market environment. Lenders One helps its membership with various benefits, such as free NMLS CE Courses via OnCourse Learning. Consider the math. If you have 100 MLOs needing continuing education at an average $100 per course, you’d spend $10,000 just on CE courses. As a member, your MLOs would take NMLS CE Courses at no cost to your company! Also, with L1 Credit, an approved credit reporting agency with a full suite of credit, flood, fraud, and verification solutions, L1 can offer members pricing that is consistently less than other offerings while still providing industry-leading customer support. L1 Verifications includes the top VOE/I and VOA products in an available waterfall sequence for more savings opportunities. L1 Events? Don’t miss the Executive Roundtable in San Diego, 11/7-8, and registration is open for L1 Summit 2024 in LA, 3/3-6. Visit L1 or contact Tricia Migliazzo to learn more.

Capital Markets

The month and quarter ended on Friday, and it was, to put it mildly, an awful month for bonds and MBS, and therefore mortgage rates. The Fed’s restrictive monetary policy has tightened financial conditions by design, and 30-year fixed rate mortgages closed the month at nearly 7.5 percent, up roughly 30 basis points over the past 30 days. The 10-year currently sits around 4.6 percent, a far cry from the 1.5 percent yield it paid in the weeks leading up to the Fed’s initial rate hike in March 2022 (or the 51 basis points low in August 2020, or even the 3.31 percent it closed at on April 6); it closed Friday +13 basis points for the week and +48 basis points for the month. The Fed is showing no sign that it is going to pivot back to an easy money policy anytime soon. The first fed funds cut is forecasted for next summer (2024).

Is a soft landing becoming less likely? The effects of the auto workers strike, higher energy prices, and student loan payment resumption may ripple through the economy in the form of lower consumer spending and a slowdown in hiring. The potential federal government shutdown in mid-November may eventually throw a curveball at the Fed, which admittedly relies on economic data reports to enact forward looking policy.

Meanwhile the year-over-year core PCE index, which excludes food and energy, declined to 3.9 percent in August, its lowest annualized pace since early 2021. The latest update to second quarter GDP was unrevised at 2.1 percent annualized growth, however consumer spending growth was revised down from 1.7 percent to 0.8 percent. Durable goods orders in August rose 0.2 percent, exceeding market expectations for a 0.5 decline as new orders for defense aircraft and parts jumped 19.2 percent. Excluding defense, orders for capital goods increased 0.9 percent as businesses continued to invest in equipment. The resilience of the economy up to this point has increased the prospects of a “soft landing” in the eyes of some Fed officials, however recent economic headwinds have increased the level of uncertainty which could have implications for future Fed policy.

This week culminates with the September payrolls report on Friday, and expectations are for 170k in the headline figure. Several labor market indicators are also on the calendar including JOLTS job opening on Tuesday, ADP employment on Wednesday, and Challenger job cuts on Thursday. Other releases of interest include PMIs, construction spending, factory orders, trade, and consumer credit. Fedspeak is on the heavy side, including four speakers today. Regarding MBS, Agency prepayments will be released after Thursday’s close. Today’s calendar kicks off with the final September S&P Global manufacturing PMI later this morning and will be followed by ISM manufacturing PMI for September and construction spending for August. We begin the day, week, month, and quarter with Agency MBS prices worse than Friday night by .125-.250 and the 10-year yielding 4.62 after closing Friday at 4.57 percent.

Job Openings

“Pezian Search Group continues to have success in this difficult market. With thousands upon thousands of Client contacts and candidates from coast-to-coast throughout the United States, we are the go-to hiring experts in the Mortgage, Banking, Credit Union, Title & Escrow, Financial Services and Technology spaces that help companies succeed and people grow in their careers. We offer flexible search options, added benefits to long-term Clients, as well as a satisfaction guarantee on our placements that cover both skill set and culture fit. From Loan Officers to Loan Operations, Front-office to Back-office, the Call Center, the C-Suite, and everything in between, let us show you how we can make an impact for your organization. Clients and Job Seekers can connect with us and our Leadership on LinkedIn, reach our team, by completing the contact forms on our website, and reviewing our current openings.”

A large, well-known financial institution is looking to purchase a small wholesale mortgage banker who is in good standing, has its “tickets” with Fannie, Freddie, and Ginnie, and (preferred) has a national footprint with licensing. Loan production volume is not a priority. Strong chance that employees, ownership, and AEs will be retained, as will the name of the seller. Seller/servicer a plus. Interested parties should send me a confidential note for forwarding.

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

Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com

Office of Public Affairs
Topics

CommunitiesConsumer protectionGovernment mortgage corporationGovernment-sponsored enterprisesHome mortgagesHomeownershipHousingLease agreementsLoan guaranteesManufactured homesMortgage loansMortgage programsPersonal propertyReal propertyUrban development

Source: gao.gov

Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

Do you want to learn how to find online typing jobs? There are many online typing jobs that may suit you well, and today’s article will help show you where to look. How to find online typing jobs What are online typing jobs? An online typing job is a job where you simply need an…

Do you want to learn how to find online typing jobs?

There are many online typing jobs that may suit you well, and today’s article will help show you where to look.

How to find online typing jobs

What are online typing jobs?

An online typing job is a job where you simply need an internet connection in order to work. You may be working for yourself as a small business owner or freelancer, or working for a company as an employee.

You can find online typing jobs in many different places, such as job boards, through recruiters, by networking, and more. Some job websites that you may be interested in include Upwork, FlexJobs, Indeed, Monster, and more.

Related content:

How much money can you make with an online typing job?

The amount of money that you can make with an online typing job varies.

This is because there are so many different types of jobs where you are typing online!

From starting your own blog to becoming a proofreader, live chat agent, transcriptionist and more, there are many, many different types of online typing jobs. And, they all pay a different amount of money. You can see below what some of them have for starting pay.

What are the pros and cons of an online typing job?

Pros of online typing jobs include:

  • If you are a fast typer, then this may be an easy gig for you
  • You can work from home
  • You may be able to have a flexible work schedule
  • You probably already have a laptop or computer, so you probably don’t need much in terms of equipment to get started

Cons of online typing jobs include:

  • Some online typing jobs may be a little repetitive. While this isn’t always a con, it could be for some
  • There are some scams out there, so you will need to do your research and make sure it’s a legitimate online typing job that you are looking at

What skills does an online typing job need?

The skills that you need will vary depending on the online typing job that you are interested in. But, some important ones for most will include accuracy in typing and a fast typing speed.

14 Best Online Typing Jobs

Below are the 14 best online typing jobs for beginners.

Blogger

My favorite online typing job is to start your own blog.

I spend most of my working time typing, and I really enjoy it!

Blogging allows me to travel whenever I would like, work from home, have a flexible schedule, earn an income, and more.

I created Making Sense of Cents in 2011, and since then I have earned over $5,000,000 with my blog.

My blog was created on a random day as a way to track my own personal finance progress. And when I first started my own blog, I honestly didn’t even know that people could make money blogging or how to start a successful blog!

I did not create Making Sense of Cents to earn money from home, but after only six months, I began to make money.

Blogging is quite affordable to start too, and you really just need a computer and an internet connection. I spend most of my time typing new blog posts, talking to readers and companies through email, and more.

You can sign up to learn how to start a blog with my free How To Start a Blog Course.

Proofreader

Proofreading is a flexible and detail-oriented job that only requires a laptop or tablet, an internet connection, and a good eye for finding mistakes.

Oh yeah, and accurate typing skills!

Proofreaders look for punctuation mistakes, misspelled words, lack of consistency, and formatting errors.

You might be proofreading books, articles, blog posts, student essays, lessons, scripts, emails, advertising content, medical documents, and more – anything that can be delivered electronically and be proofread on a computer or tablet.

You can learn more at How To Start A Proofreading Business And Make $4,000+ Monthly.

Sell printables on Etsy

Selling printables is an online job where you may be typing, creating graphics, and more.

Making printables on Etsy can be a great way to earn an income because you just need to create one digital file per product, which you can then sell an unlimited number of times.

So, what exactly is a printable?

Printables are digital products that customers can download and print at home. Some ideas for printables include grocery shopping checklists, gift tags, printable quotes for wall art, and more.

You can sign up for this free ebook that helps you figure out where to start when it comes to selling printables on Etsy.

You can also learn more at How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy.

Online bookkeeper

A bookkeeper is someone who tracks the finances of a business. As an online bookkeeper, you would be typing from home.

And, yes, you can start this even if you are brand new.

Online bookkeepers are in high demand. If you’ve been wanting to work from home and want to earn $40,000+ each year, bookkeeping could be perfect for you.

As a bookkeeper, you are responsible for helping businesses take care of their finances, such as by tracking receipts and spending.

A bookkeeper is someone who helps manage and track the financial side of a business. They will typically keep track of sales and expenses, and produce financial reports.

Those with virtual bookkeeping jobs work remotely from home, and they do not physically need to go into the office. Bookkeeping is an excellent option for remote work because all of a bookkeeper’s work can be done online or with computer software.

I recommend checking out the free How To Become An Online Bookkeeper Workshop to see if becoming a bookkeeper interests you.

Freelance writer

Freelance writing is a very popular career path, and I think it will only continue to grow!

And, you would be typing all the time. If you like to type, then this may be a great fit for you.

A freelance writer is someone who writes for a number of different clients, such as websites, blogs, magazines, news publications, and more. They don’t work for one specific company, rather they work for themselves and contract out their writing.

If you have a fast typing speed, then you can also write more blog posts and earn a higher income.

Learn more at How I Earn $200,000+ Writing Online Content.

Virtual assistant

As a virtual assistant, you would be typing from home and doing a variety of tasks.

The internet allows us to complete more daily tasks online, and more and more people also have stay-at-home jobs and businesses, such as running a website, social media, real estate, advertising, etc. That’s why virtual assistant jobs are in high demand.

Virtual assistant tasks may include:

  • Managing social media
  • Formatting and proofreading content
  • Scheduling travel and appointments
  • Managing email
  • Maintaining spreadsheets
  • Handling phone calls

And so much more. As a virtual assistant, you can get paid to do any task that needs to be done in someone’s business but doesn’t need to be done by them.

You can learn more at How This Virtual Assistant Earns $10,000 Month From Home as a Virtual Assistant.

Survey taker

Paid online surveys aren’t a full-time job, but if you’re looking for something that just takes up a little bit of your time each month, then this may be one to look into.

As a survey taker, you would mainly be completing surveys online from your laptop. You would be answering questions and simply just giving your feedback. Usually, you are paid via money sent to your PayPal account, gift cards, and free items.

Companies need people to take surveys so that they can see what the public thinks about their product and company, so that they know what to improve.

People typically sign up for as many survey companies as they can, as you usually won’t receive more than just a few surveys from a company each month.

Below are the companies I recommend signing up for:

  1. American Consumer Opinion
  2. Survey Junkie
  3. Swagbucks
  4. InboxDollars
  5. Branded Surveys
  6. Pinecone Research
  7. PrizeRebel
  8. User Interviews

Book reviewer

As a book reviewer, you can get paid to type from home, as you would be typing reviews for books that you have read!

There are websites that will pay you to review books, or you could even start your own book review blog. Each site varies, but you are typically paid cash via PayPal or bank transfer, or you may receive a free book in exchange for your review.

Here are some of the best websites for online typing jobs that will pay for you to review books:

  • Online Book Club – With this website, you are only paid with a free book for the first review. After the first review, you will be eligible to be paid for the book review opportunities, plus the books will always be free. With this website, you can get paid around $5 to $60 for each book that you review.
  • Kirkus – This platform is looking for book reviewers of English and Spanish language books. They need reviews that are about 350 words long, and they are due two weeks after you are assigned to read a book.
  • Upwork – With Upwork, you would need to create your own profile and make a listing as a book reviewer. This way, clients and authors can find you and hire you directly to read their book and review it. Plus, on Upwork, you can set your own pricing and decide which clients you want to work with.
  • The US Review of Books – This website uses freelance writers to review books and write reviews that are around 250 to 300 words long.
  • Reedsy – Here, you can review hundreds of different books before they are published and earn money at the same time. Authors submit their books to Reedsy, specifically to be reviewed by book reviewers. You then get paid by readers (those who buy a book) as a tip for the review. These tips can be $1, $3, or $5.
  • Booklist – This website pays for reviews that are around 150 to 175 words long that describe the plot, suggest an ideal audience, etc. Booklist pays $15 for each published book review.

Related content: 7 Best Ways To Get Paid To Read Books

Translator

Are you fluent in another language? If so, then you may be able to find an online typing work-from-home job where you translate content, books, articles, and more.

There are lots of places you can find translation jobs, including:

  • Upwork – On Upwork, you simply create a free profile and apply for translation jobs.
  • Babelcube – This is a website that sends freelance translation projects to you. You select which books you translate, translate them to one of more than 15 different languages, and partner with published authors.
  • Guru – Guru is a website that lists freelance writing and translation jobs.
  • Indeed – Indeed lists translation jobs that they find from job boards, staffing firms, company websites, and more.
  • FlexJobs – It will cost you to join FlexJobs, but they do list translation jobs, which can be worthwhile.
  • Today Translations – This is a website that is looking for translators to freelance for them.
  • Fiverr – Fiverr is an online marketplace where you can find freelance jobs all over the world. You can list your translation services and pricing here.
  • Ulatus – Ulatus is a website that provides translation services and they hire translators.

As you can see, there are lots of options if you want to put your translation skills to work.

Transcriptionist

Transcription work is when you turn audio or video content into a text document.

There are many businesses looking to fill positions for online transcription jobs since general transcriptionists convert audio files and video to text for virtually any industry. Some examples include marketers, authors, filmmakers, speakers, conferences, legal transcription, and more.

Online transcriptionist jobs can start around $15 an hour to begin with.

You can learn more about becoming a transcriptionist in the interview Make Money At Home By Becoming A Transcriptionist. The interview explains:

  • What a transcriptionist does
  • How much you can earn transcribing content
  • The type of training you need
  • How to find transcription jobs

And more!

Another online typing job similar to this is captioning, and I know we have all seen captions before. Captioning is when you transcribe a video and synchronize it with the video.

Live chat agent

Many large companies outsource their customer service departments to people who are working at home and they usually pay via an hourly wage.

This means you may be able to find a job as an online chat agent.

Customer service representatives may be responsible for a number of things, like:

  • Working as an online chat agent
  • Offering technical support
  • Providing customer support

A typing job as a customer service representative may be that you respond to help/support requests online, such as through an online live chat, or email support.

Affiliate marketer

I am an affiliate marketer through this blog, Making Sense of Cents, and I spend most of my working hours typing.

I think this can be a great way to earn income if you are interested in finding an online typing career path.

Affiliate marketing is when you earn an income by placing a referral link on your website, blog, Instagram, and so on and have people purchase a product or service through your referral link.

An example would be selling a book and you link to a specific book on your blog and try to get people to purchase the book through your affiliate link.

If you get someone to sign up through your affiliate link, the company (such as Amazon) pays you for sharing the product that they sell through the affiliate link.

If you want to learn more about affiliate marketing, I recommend signing up for Affiliate Marketing Tips For Bloggers – Free eBook.

Scopist

As a scopist, you would be typing from home.

Scoping is when you are editing legal documents for court reporters. This is different from proofreading for court reporters.

Scopists who are working with a court reporter tend to earn around $30,000 to $45,000 each year working around full-time hours.

I interviewed an expert on the topic – Linda from Internet Scoping School. She has been scoping for over 35 years and has taught scoping online for around 20 years.

She has a free course that will introduce you to scoping so that you can decide if it’s one of the online business ideas you want to pursue. You can find the free course by clicking here.

You can learn more at How To Become A Scopist.

Google rater

A search engine evaluator (also known as a Google rater) is a person who rates websites based on their quality and usefulness.

You are rating websites to help Google improve its search engine results.

This can be a great online typing job for beginners because you don’t need experience in this area to start, nor do you have to know what you are doing. This is because Google wants average people rating their sites.

Another great thing – since Google operates in nearly every country around the world, you can work on sites that are in your native language.

Learn more at How To Become a Search Engine Evaluator.

Are online typing jobs legitimate?

Yes, online typing jobs are real and legitimate.

I work online and I know many, many other people who also work online and spend most of their day typing.

Many companies hire online workers, and there are many different kinds of online typing businesses that you can start as well.

There are so many online typing jobs, especially in today’s day and age. I recommend seeing which ones you are most interested in and learning more about them.

Online Typing Jobs – Summary

As you can see, there are many different online typing jobs that may interest you.

Depending on your typing speed, accuracy, skills, whether you are looking for full-time or part-time jobs, if you need entry-level work, and more, there are many different online typing jobs that may interest you.

These may include typist jobs such as:

  1. Blogger
  2. Proofreader
  3. Sell printables on Etsy
  4. Bookkeeper
  5. Freelance writer
  6. Virtual assistant
  7. Survey taker
  8. Book reviewer
  9. Translator
  10. Transcriptionist
  11. Live chat agent
  12. Affiliate marketer
  13. Scopist
  14. Google rater

What do you think are the best online typing jobs?

Source: makingsenseofcents.com

Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

Working from home has emerged as a common option for some employees as many companies have adopted the hybrid model and new work from home trends have evolved.

A dedicated workplace is becoming more of a priority for employees, especially those who live with roommates or other family members in an apartment. An extra bedroom or a nook is now an essential feature when people consider moving to or renting a new apartment.

While some employees have returned to the office, other people work for companies that allow a hybrid schedule and only require going to the office two to three days a week. Creating an office atmosphere is critical, especially for people who work with teams or spend many hours of the day on phone calls or video meetings. Sitting at the dining table or in a corner of the living room is no longer a conducive work situation for some people who want a dedicated space.

Here are six work-from-home trends that renters are seeking for 2022.

1. Extra bedroom-nook

“Renters will continue to prioritize functional remote workspaces,” said Ericka Rios, co-founder and director of leasing for Downtown Apartment Company, a Chicago-based brokerage that matches renters with approximately 16,000 apartments in more than 200 properties across the Windy City.

Rios also expects renters to seek work from home-friendly floor plans offering bonus rooms or pocket office nooks.

“Working from home has become a permanent part of the landscape with Chicago renters and they are changing their living situations to accommodate it,” she said. “While some workers have gone back to the office, many are still working from home some or all of the time and need a more functional space for their home office. Many have upgraded to a larger living space with an additional room dedicated to a home office, while others are moving to buildings that offer a more traditional co-working space. The common thread is that nearly everyone has prioritized finding a functional WFH situation within their apartment community.”

Maria Abbe, a public relations executive who lives in Florida, said she recently moved into a two-bedroom apartment to have additional space.

“I wanted extra space, ample lighting and an open kitchen/living room so I don’t feel like I’m holed up in one room all day,” she said. “The palm trees help, too.”

2. Storage areas

Having enough storage in an apartment or in another part of the building is important to many people who prefer to spend their time outside and want to safely stash their sports or exercise equipment, such as a bicycle.

“Storage space in the common areas is critical these days,” said Teresa DeVos, executive vice president of operations at RKW Residential, a Charlotte, NC-based, third-party, multifamily management firm that oversees more than 30,000 apartments throughout the southeast region.

“How that space is designed and delivered depends on the demographics and geographic area the community is located in,” she said.

Secure storage located in a nearby location is a consideration

A community in a walkable, urban neighborhood requires significant space for bike storage. Renters working from home want to get their bikes out of the apartment and in a secure space.

“One of our communities located on the water has many kayaking enthusiasts as residents, so we had to allocate space for kayak storage,” DeVos said. Working from inside an apartment all day makes getting fresh air and exercise that much more important.”

3. Adequate natural light/more windows

When you spend all day working from home, having enough natural light emerges as a priority. Some people thrive in work environments with a lot of sunlight and are more productive.

“Natural light or a big window to place your workstation is vital for the workday when you live in New York City,” said Raj Nijjer, CMO of Refersion, a company that helps online shops track sales driven by promoters, influencers and affiliates. He prefers anything green or trees outside and likes having the ability to take a short walk on quiet streets for breaks or phone calls.

“Natural light is very beneficial to wellness, especially for those who work from home,” said Linda Kozloski, creative design director at Lendlease, an Australian-based integrated real estate and investment group.

The broad windows at Cascade, a 503-unit luxury apartment tower that recently opened in Chicago’s Lakeshore East neighborhood, and Porte, a 586-unit development in Chicago’s West Loop that opened during the pandemic, not only let in the “ample daylight that residents desire, they offer views of the skyline and nearby parks, allowing residents to take mini breaks as they work, moving their eyes from their screen to the view,” she said.

“The most common request we are getting from renters about working from home is having the ability to carve out a little area of the apartment as a space to work comfortably and with plenty of natural light or LED lighting,” DeVos said.

“We have taken the step of staging our model apartments to incorporate such spaces so prospective renters can visualize what working from home would look like,” she said.

Large windows help with productivity

Freda Moon, a travel editor at SFGate, said having a view like a big window overlooking a park and a location with restaurants and bars nearby with a lot of activity becomes more important. “I don’t want to feel cooped up,” she said.

Large windows with natural light and “a view of the city to feel like I was in a real office which helps with productivity,” said Justine D’Addio, a publicist for startups, who works from home in downtown San Francisco. “Having a larger than average balcony is great for work breaks and overlooking whatever ‘hustle & bustle’ is left here,” she said.

4. Noise control

Being able to manage the amount of noise from inside the apartment and from within the building is critical for people who need less noise to complete projects. WFH employees find this to be a necessity, especially if they’re living with a partner, children or roommates.

“There has always been high demand for sturdy, well-built communities, but now that more of our residents are working from home, they appreciate that our projects are designed to high acoustical standards,” Kozloski said. “The double-glazed glass in the façades of Porte and Cascade act as a noise-mitigation measure, ensuring that most external sounds are not detectable.”

Other people want a quiet respite from street noise or have no desire to hear their neighbors walking around their apartments. Michael Dehls, an IT professional living in Rutherford, NJ, said, “I think the ability to manage noise is extremely important, especially for couples. ”

His previous apartment had no doors between rooms, which made it tough when both he and his wife had to take conference calls simultaneously. Their new apartment has doors in most of the rooms.

“Being able to limit the amount of noise she heard from her neighbors was essential,” said Liz Froment, a Boston resident, who moved during the pandemic.

“A huge one for me was limiting neighbor noise,” she said. “I went from being surrounded on all sides to a top floor corner unit sharing only one small wall.”

5. Meeting or co-working room

Being able to work in a meeting room in the apartment’s lobby or having a silent booth for taking phone calls is a necessity. Others need a break from their roommates or family members.

“Building amenities like co-working areas with meeting rooms, private booths or dedicated Zoom rooms will be in high demand during the year ahead,” Rios said.

“Renters also want the ability to create such environments throughout the community, whether it is individual ‘phone booth’ private spaces to make calls and have virtual meetings or co-working areas for small groups to get projects done,” DeVos said. “If we can incorporate small workspaces into rooftops, especially in cities with great views, we make sure to do so.”

Change of scenery needed for WFH employees

“The amenity arms race has always included meeting spaces that allow residents a change of scenery so they can get work done outside of their unit,” Kozloski said. “Since the start of the pandemic, some buildings also offer work pods that are designed for one person to do head-down work.”

“At Cascade (which is 50 percent occupied) there have been nearly 600 reservations for the two reservable conference rooms since launching reservations on Oct. 1,” she said. “These spaces are open 24 hours a day and the most popular reservation time is between 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Cascade also added Stockwell vending machines, coffee service and a Print with Me printer in this same space as the reservable study areas as a convenience for those that work from home.”

“A top consideration for renters is how an apartment building provides working from home options,” said Jon Schneider, senior vice president for Fifield Cos., a Chicago-based boutique real estate developer that owns multifamily buildings in multiple markets, including two properties that opened during the pandemic in Chicago.

Their buildings are primarily located in or near city centers, which offers easy access for those who have returned to the office, but “estimates show about 50 to 60 percent of its residents are still working from home,” he said.

“We anticipate the flexibility to work from both an office and from home will continue to be a factor for the long term,” Schneider said. “Data suggests eight out of 10 renters expect to be working from home at least part of the time now and in the future,” he said.

Demand for co-working suites is rising

“Residents at their building in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago like having access to a full co-working suite with individual booths providing separation with a sense of openness, small offices offering a less distracting, more private space for phone calls and focused work and a more traditional conference room with a large table and wall-mounted monitor for group meetings or space to spread out,” Schneider said.

“Having this common space allows residents the flexibility to lease whatever floor plan best fits their budget and lifestyle because they know work-from-home space is covered,” he said. “The co-working spaces in our buildings like Logan Apartments and Westerly are consistently utilized and some residents even bring an entire computer set-up with monitors and PCs down to the co-working space on a daily basis. In terms of COVID protocols, we follow whatever the local government guidelines are for masks and social distancing.”

6. Outdoor space

Having access to outdoor space at the apartment complex, such as a balcony with adequate room for a table and chairs, a small garden and/or a dog park, is what some renters prefer.

Some renters find that having a dog park is just as important as having enough light or an extra room.

A dog park is what made the difference in choosing the last apartment for Angela Tague, a marketing writer and journalist who lives in Sioux City, IA.

“It was great for my dog to exercise and meet other dogs and got me outside more,” she said. “Win. Win.”

Access to outdoor areas is a priority

The Downtown Apartment Company in Chicago said 75 percent of its rental clients now want access to private outdoor space and they’re willing to pay a premium for it. Units with balconies tend to rent at 30 cents to 40 cents more per square foot. Rios also said that the No. 1 location for a balcony is off the bedroom, which can be hard to find as most units feature a balcony off of the living area.

“Another interesting insight is that balconies are leveling the playing field a bit between older Class A buildings and newer Class A+ buildings with tons of high-end amenity space, but no private balconies, ” Rios said.

“Balconies allow renters to work outside in temperate weather,” she said. “I’ve heard from the Porte leasing team that balcony units were the first to go because people wanted that second location to work from home.”

“Both Cascade and Porte have generous outdoor amenity decks that include, among other things, plenty of lounge furniture where renters can sit with a laptop to get work done. In addition, Cascade has a 32nd-floor lounge space overlooking Navy Pier that includes an adjacent study room for those who want great views and a quiet space.”

Work from home trends will continue

Many work-from-home trends will continue in 2022 as renters seek new living quarters. Some will continue their hybrid work models, while others will spend more time in the office.

Employees prefer to have a defined workspace, whether it’s another room or areas dedicated to relaxation or exercise, such as a balcony, small green space or a dog park. They want to spend time outdoors and away from their screens.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

 

Photo: Courtesy of Shaolin Studio, Aaron K. Yoshino

 

As locals who’ve struggled to find fresh sources for furnishings and décor can attest, any time the phrases “home goods” and “new store” are bandied about together, our ears instantly perk up. And when they come attached to an up-and-coming name in the interior design world, as they have in the case of designer Shaolin Low’s recently opened Woven by Shaolin boutique-showroom, we do more than pencil in a visit—we clear our schedules (and trunk space) and make a beeline down to get first picks.

 

“We had a lot of people contacting us, wanting some elements of what our interior design firm Studio Shaolin does,” says Low of the impetus for the shop’s opening. That included sourcing custom and ready-made furniture and home accents from B2B-exclusive brands usually only accessible to industry insiders. “I got enough of those calls over the last two years that I was like, clearly there’s a need here. It just made sense to start opening the curtains.”

 

SEE ALSO: 13 Must-Have Items From the New Apt by HomeWorld Furniture Store

 

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

 

The 1,200-square-foot space on the Target end of Hekili Street is equal parts vibrant and serene and brimming with chic home accessories smartly arranged in color-coordinated nooks. “My design aesthetic is very contemporary coastal—it’s bright, light, airy, cozy, comforting,” says Low. The mix includes everything from abstract vases and vintage-inspired glassware to squiggly candlesticks and pillows trimmed with pompoms. You’ll also find things for keiki, wellness products and playful gift items.

 

 

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino, Courtesy of Shaolin Studio

 

Separating it all are zones staged with furniture pieces and local artwork that Low and her team are currently loving, stocked in very limited numbers. “It’s basically a mix of our sample closet for our interior design business,” she says. Think modern-organic boucle dining chairs, rattan tables and cane accent chairs.

 

A portion of the space has been shaved off to house the design team’s office. The store’s opening marked the launch of Studio Shaolin’s newest offering—its mini design service, which provides clients with pared-back versions of its full services, starting at $750 for an individual room.

 

Photos: Aaron K. Yoshino

 

“I wanted to be able to service local families, families like mine with young children and young working moms who don’t have $100,000 to spend on their space,” says Low. “Oftentimes when people think of designers, they think of untouchable, high-end things that not everyone can have. And that’s the bubble that I’m trying to burst. With Woven by Shaolin, the intention was to open the gates for everyone.”

 

Woven by Shaolin, 146 Hekili St., Suite 101, Kailua, (808) 261-2671, wovenbyshaolin.com, @wovenbyshaolin

 

Read more stories by Brie Thalmann

 

 

Source: honolulumagazine.com

Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

Are you a property manager looking to attract future residents, or a private owner aiming to showcase your rental online? The secret to success is apartment staging. Transforming your space into a welcoming and visually appealing environment can make all the difference in capturing potential tenants’ attention. 

In this Redfin article, we’ll delve into expert apartment staging tips and rental staging techniques to help you shine in the competitive rental market, whether you’re in bustling cities like New York and Los Angeles or thriving rental markets such as Austin and Seattle. Let’s get started. 

1. Curb appeal matters

Curb appeal isn’t just for homeowners; it’s equally vital when staging a rental property. Before potential tenants even step inside your rental property, they’ll form their first impression based on its exterior. 

Whether it’s refreshing the paint on the front door, adding potted plants to the entryway, or ensuring the walkway is clean and well-lit, small enhancements to the property’s exterior can make a significant difference. Remember, the goal is to make prospective renters envision themselves coming home to that space every day.

2. Start with a clean slate

Before staging, ensure your rental is spotless. Clean every nook and cranny, including carpets, windows, and appliances. A clean space feels more inviting and allows potential tenants to envision themselves living there.

Expert tip: ”To successfully stage your rental home or apartment, the first step is organizing and decluttering your belongings,” shares professionals Cut the Clutter RVA. “It’s essential to edit your possessions. This means assessing what you actually use and removing items that no longer serve a purpose – a critical step, particularly in smaller spaces prone to clutter. A well-organized and clutter-free environment creates the illusion of more space and enhances the appeal of your rental property to potential tenants.”

3. Focus on your audience when staging

Whether it’s a home or a rental, your first step should always be to consider your potential tenant. It’s not just about making it look nice; it’s about ensuring it resonates with those who might call it home.

Expert tip: “When staging a property, whether it’s a home or rental, the first step is to consider your potential buyer,” recommends international media group Inspired Spaces. “Identify your audience – young families, singles, retirees, professionals – and adapt the style, room arrangements, and color palette accordingly. For instance, if your target is young professionals, a secondary bedroom could serve as an office. But for a young family, that same room is best as a child’s bedroom. Focus on neutral, yet inviting color palettes in each space. This appeals to a wider range of buyers, aiming for sophistication that remains relatable.”

4. Use a neutral color palette

Opt for a neutral color scheme when painting walls and selecting furnishings. Neutral tones create a blank canvas that appeals to a broader audience and allows renters to add their personal touches with ease.

Expert tip: Broker Corrie Hayes emphasizes the importance of cohesive decor in creating a balanced room. “Have you ever thought, ‘something is off?’ in a room, but you can’t put your finger on it? Your space can unintentionally feel like it’s having an identity crisis. Whether it’s shabby chic, industrial, rustic farmhouse, or modern sleek, creating harmony in your decor is key. Mixing contrasting styles can lead to visual confusion, but it can be resolved with purposeful choices like coordinating grey couches with beige or cream throws, wall art featuring a mix of complementary colors, and bedding that combines various neutral tones. The result is an inviting space that appeals to a broad range of individuals.”

5. Choose furniture that fits the space

When selecting furniture, consider the size of the space. Avoid overcrowding rooms; instead, opt for appropriately sized furniture that complements the room’s layout. Don’t forget comfortable seating in common areas to highlight a cozy atmosphere.

Expert tip: According to Southern Maryland interior designers at Chesapeake Staging & Interiors, LLC, there are key logistics to consider when staging a rental property or unit. “The first is whether or not the property or unit will be listed as furnished. If not, you’ll need to state that it is an unfurnished unit to avoid confusing potential renters. If it is furnished, you’ll need to stage it with quality furniture that can withstand a renter’s use.”

6. Focus on lighting 

Natural light is a key selling point. Open curtains or blinds to let in sunlight and add floor or table lamps where needed, to create a warm and well-lit environment. Adequate lighting enhances the overall ambiance.

Expert tip: According to Aspect Staging, “Lighting plays a vital role in enhancing your rental property’s appeal. To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, strategically illuminate key areas like the living room and bedroom. Use modern floor lamps to brighten dark corners, and consider matching bedside table lamps for a cozy ambiance. Opt for soft white light bulbs with a color temperature between 3000k and 3500k lumens to strike the perfect balance between warm and cool lighting, making your space feel spacious and inviting.”

7. Emphasize storage possibilities

Highlight the storage options in your rental property, as it’s a top priority for many renters. Keep closets and cabinets organized and clutter-free, allowing tenants to envision their belongings neatly stored. Well-arranged storage spaces make your property appear spacious and cater to practical needs, enhancing its appeal.

8. Use staging to define spaces within your rental 

If your rental space lacks distinct areas, create them with furniture placement and rugs. Clearly defined living, dining, and sleeping areas can help renters visualize the functionality of the space.

Expert tip: Birgit Anich, CEO and Creative Director at BA Staging & Interiors, emphasizes that staging a rental property parallels staging one for sale. “Given that rental apartments often have limited space, a clear definition of how each area is used is key. The level of sophistication in staging should align with the rental price. A deliberate design that incorporates the renter’s lifestyle and aspirations into the details can evoke emotions and foster a connection with the space, making it more enticing.”

9. Accessorize your rental thoughtfully

Incorporate tasteful accessories such as throw pillows, artwork, and decorative items. These personal touches add character to the space and help renters connect emotionally with the property.

Expert tip: Professional real estate photographer Cynthia James Photography advises that, “When selecting a rental property, it’s crucial to create a welcoming home-like ambiance. In urban areas, consider faux plants for a touch of nature. Enhance the kitchen’s charm with decorative canisters, a recipe book holder, draped kitchen towels, and fresh flowers. In the owner’s bedroom, a queen-size bed with neutral bedding, layered pillows, a quilt, and blankets add comfort. Transform the bathroom into a serene spa with a small rug, neatly arranged soaps, and folded white towels. At the entrance, a welcoming doormat and decorative items like a wreath or home sign can make your rental feel like a comfortable long-term home.”

10. Be creative while staging

In the world of rental property staging, creativity can be your secret weapon. When it comes to making your space more appealing to potential tenants, a dash of innovation can transform ordinary into extraordinary.

Expert tip: For renters looking to make their space more appealing, Florida interior designers TOSCANO INTERIORS recommend creative staging techniques. They suggest, “Converting underutilized spaces and incorporating local art and craftsmanship to add authenticity. The key is to strike a balance between uniqueness and broad appeal, ensuring that unique touches enhance the space. This helps renters create a compelling narrative in their home through furniture, decor, and color choices.”

11. Use fresh flowers and greenery throughout your space

Adding a touch of nature to your staging can work wonders. Fresh flowers and potted plants breathe life into your rental space, infusing it with vitality and freshness. Fresh flowers bring color and a welcoming fragrance, while greenery introduces a calming presence. They are versatile, complement various interior styles, and require minimal maintenance. These natural elements make your property feel like a vibrant and inviting home, leaving a lasting impression on potential tenants.

12. Make sure the rental is clean and smells nice

Before each showing or photoshoot, ensure the space is clean and well-maintained. A final walkthrough is crucial to catch any last-minute details that need attention.

Expert tip: “Don’t underestimate the impact of odors on potential buyers,” says CC Staging & Design. “Unpleasant smells, whether from pets, cooking, or other sources, can quickly deter them. Take proactive steps to ensure your home exudes a fresh and clean scent. Deep-clean carpets, introduce air purifiers for a crisp ambiance, and opt for subtle, pleasant scents rather than overpowering air fresheners. Elevate your home’s appeal with an inviting and refreshing fragrance.”

13. Hire a photographer

Invest in professional photography for your rental property. High-quality images make your online listing stand out and attract more potential tenants. Make sure the photographer captures the best angles and showcases the key selling points.

Expert tip: AV Home Staging brings attention to the advantages of staging in your rental property marketing strategy. Their tip, “Marketing increases more viewings and showings. With a vast number of renters starting their search online, professionally staged photos create a lasting impact, piquing interest and yielding a larger pool of potential applicants – a win-win for any rental property owner.”

14. Be ready to show your rental 

In the competitive rental market, readiness is essential. Whether it’s in-person tours or virtual viewings, your ability to promptly and flexibly present the property is crucial. Be flexible with showing schedules, maintain the property’s condition, have the necessary technology for virtual viewings, be well-informed, follow protocols, and prioritize prompt communication to make your rental more appealing to prospective tenants.

A final note on staging a rental

By following these expert apartment staging tips and rental staging techniques, you’ll increase your chances of attracting the right tenants and securing your rental property’s success. Remember, the goal is to create a space that feels like home from the moment potential tenants step inside or view it online. Happy staging!

Source: redfin.com

Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

A prominent Keller Williams franchisee and the CEO of multiple Texas-based Keller Williams offices has dropped her sexual misconduct lawsuit against Keller Williams, Gary Keller and others.

Inga Dow, the CEO of Keller Williams Realty Fort Worth and Keller Williams Realty Johnson County in Texas, filed a notice on Monday in the U.S. District Court for Northern Texas in Fort Worth dismissing all her claims against all defendants in the suit except former Keller Williams CEO John Davis.

Davis still faces claims of tortious interference and breach of fiduciary duty.

In her amended complaint filed in late March 2022, Dow alleged that she had endured years of sexual misconduct, harassment and abuse at Davis’s hands and that Keller Williams did nothing to address the behaviors and punished her for reporting it.

Additionally, the complaint alleged an overall culture at Keller Williams that encouraged female employees “to do whatever it took to make sales and ‘get along’ with top performers to keep them happy,” including performing “sexual favors or acts for male counterparts and/or top clients.”

In the complaint, Dow also claimed that Davis demanded sex from her on multiple occasions and that she felt “she had no choice but to acquiesce, because Davis was backed and supported by Keller, CEO and Founder of KWRI, which gave Davis a high degree of power within KWRI.” When Dow resisted Davis’ alleged advances, she claims that he retaliated by delaying her application to open a market center in Johnson County.

The complaint named fellow market center owner David Osborn, KW regional director Smokey Garrett, and Go Management, the company that runs KW’s Fort Worth regional office, as additional defendants.

The lawsuit contained 11-counts against Keller Williams and Go Management. In September 2022, the court ordered all of Dow’s claims, except those against Davis, into arbitration.

On Tuesday, Davis filed a motion to re-open the case, which was stayed last year due to the arbitration. Due to the stay, Davis’ motions to dismiss the suit and strike “all immaterial, impertinent and scandalous matter from the Original Complaint and First Amended Complaint,” which were filed in early April 2022, have yet to be ruled upon.

“We intend to and are eager to move forward with our case,” Paul Omodt, a spokesperson for Davis, wrote in an email. “Our claims and counterclaims are still pending and we will see them through. The truth matters — and we will eager to share the truth with the court. “

In the fall of 2022, Davis filed his own lawsuit against Keller Williams, Keller and Josh Team, prompted by his desire to “restore his reputation and clear his good name” in light to Dow’s sexual misconduct allegations.

According to the initial complaint, Davis resigned from his position at Keller Williams in January 2019 due to a disagreement with Keller over a business strategy that he felt would hurt the income generated by Keller Williams offices.

In response to his resignation, Davis alleged that Keller and Team smeared him and withheld Inga Dow’s accusations of sexual misconduct from him as he was negotiating the sale of his KW market center regions following his resignation. This resulted in tens of millions in financial losses, according to Davis.

In March, Colleen and Bart Basinski, former Keller Williams Market Center owners in Illinois and Indiana, and partial owners of a third Market Center in Southern California, filed their own lawsuit against KW, Keller and other top brokerage executives, alleging that they faced constant pressure from Keller executives and regional directors to alter their business operations, despite parameters set up in their franchise agreement, and adhere to Keller’s plans to lower Market Center caps in 2020.

In late August 2023, Davis filed a racketeering lawsuit against Keller Williams and Keller, alleging that the defendants inflated key profitability metrics including company sales and profits to convince individuals to purchase Keller Williams Regions and Market Centers.

Keller Williams declined to comment on the dismissal of Dow’s suit.

Source: housingwire.com

Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

The high cost of housing is driving Southern California’s biggest challenges. Income is not keeping pace with housing costs. It hasn’t for at least two generations, and the problem of unaffordable shelter shows few signs of letting up.

There’s a metric called “housing burden” that lays the situation bare. Over the last 50 years, it tracks the growing, gaping mismatch between income and shelter costs in Los Angeles County.

In 1979, UCLA land experts Leo Grebler and Frank Mittelbach wrote: “As a general, time-honored rule of thumb” house prices in a community “should not exceed 2 to 2½ times the annual income” of its residents.

Within a decade, home prices began to drastically violate this rule. If it were applied today, it would mean a four-person household with the median Los Angeles County income of $98,200 could afford to buy a house that cost $245,500. However, the median home price in the county last month, according to Redfin, was $980,000.

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How did things get so unbalanced?

In the 1950s and 1960s, buying a single-family home in Los Angeles was an attainable prospect. The GI Bill and the Federal Housing Authority helped with loans and mortgage dollars (albeit primarily for white families). And home building was on a tear, thanks to the region’s pro-development political climate.

By the 1970s, however, a cascade of factors — local to global — changed the equation.

Housing prices first shot ahead of income in the mid-1970s. Analysts attributed the spike to the first cohort of baby boomers reaching home-buying age, which expanded the pool of buyers and created a seller’s market. The 1973 oil crisis and ensuing inflation pushed buyers to pay up for fear prices would rise even higher. Unrelenting demand thus not only kept pace with prices, it increased them.

Social-demographic factors also factored in. Per capita income doubled from 1966 to 1977, due in part to more women in the workplace. When federal policies struck down gender discrimination in loan and credit decisions, two-income families could qualify for larger mortgage loans, elevating the demand for higher-priced homes.

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Then land and building costs climbed, pushing prices even higher. And in 1978, Proposition 13 became law.

The ballot measure slashed property taxes and with them, funding for municipal services. Cities and towns scrambled to recoup the lost revenue. New real estate developments were “money-losers,” as urban planner and former Ventura Mayor William Fulton observed, because property taxes fell so low. Instead, municipalities turned to retail development to generate lucrative sales tax revenue. Prop. 13 thus became a powerful disincentive to build housing.

The rising slow-growth movement put another damper on housing supply. It was pushed by homeowners who resisted adding multifamily housing in single-family neighborhoods or new development in nearby open space.

One study by the California Legislative Analyst’s Office found that by the early 2000s, more than two-thirds of cities and counties in coastal California metro areas had slow-growth policies in place, and that when a community added such a policy, it resulted in a 3% to 5% increase in home prices. Moreover, the historical momentum of R-1 (single family) zoning stymied the construction of multifamily units.

The upshot of all these pressures? From 1980 to 2010 in Los Angeles, the population grew by 31.3% while housing units grew by only 20.6%.

L.A.’s spiraling housing costs paralleled trends in large, global metro regions by the turn of the 21st century, suggesting that forces beyond L.A. were also at work. In the 1990s and early 2000s, the housing bubble was driven by finance structures linked to global markets, inflows of global capital and unregulated banking practices that set off unrestrained and predatory lending and buying frenzies. Even after the 2007-09 banking crisis and Great Recession, home prices in L.A. soon regained traction.

Taking a longer view, economist Robert Shiller traced rising housing costs in the late 1980s and early 2000s across metro areas globally, including L.A. He pinned a good deal of the blame on “irrational exuberance” that motivated uncontrolled buying. The psychological draw of metro areas such as Paris, London, Sydney and L.A. reinforced the belief that land prices would continue to go up and up. Media fed these perceptions. And housing bubbles blew up.

Looking at the housing burden graph, the price surge since 2020 is truly eye-popping. Urban analyst Richard Florida attributes it to pandemic-driven demands for more housing space especially among millennials, a massive shortage of housing overall and, perhaps most disturbingly, the growing competition from large institutional investors who’ve been snapping up homes and apartments in recent years. In 2021, they bought 29% of all single-family homes in California and, with their ability to outbid other buyers, they drive up prices.

Over the last 50 years, L.A.’s housing burden has evolved from challenging to simply unsustainable. The consequences are all around us, in skyrocketing rents, a ubiquitous homelessness crisis, housing overcrowding, rising commuting times to drive-till-you-qualify exurbs, population flows out of California and intensified wealth inequality.

Solutions must come from both the housing and the income side.

Increasing the housing supply is crucial. It must be accompanied by policies that protect individual buyers from corporate competitors, ensure the ongoing production of affordable housing, and guard against gentrification.

Even more importantly, wages and salaries must climb considerably to make housing affordable again. The major employers in our region — from the movie studios to hotels to hospitals and logistics firms — must take a long, hard look at the housing burden graph and see in it their own role in widening the gap. The Writers Guild and actors’ strikes, the Unite Here Local 11 hospitality industry strike and the strike vote last week by Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers speak directly to L.A.’s housing burden.

The struggle to match income to cost of shelter is an inescapable fact of L.A. life that demands swift, conscientious redress.

Becky Nicolaides is a research affiliate at the Huntington-USC Institute on California and the West, and author of “The New Suburbia: How Diversity Remade Suburban Life in Los Angeles After 1945,” forthcoming from Oxford University Press. The data set collected for the book, a granular look at demographics from 1950 to 2010, will be published online by the USC libraries next year.

Source: latimes.com