As part of an agreement between HSBC and the Justice Department, HUD, the CFPB, and 49 state attorneys general (and DC’s), $470 million will be paid out to settle mortgage origination and servicing/foreclosure abuses.
The Justice Department noted that the settlement mirrors the $25 billion National Mortgage Settlement (NMS) agreed upon back in February 2012. The five largest mortgage servicers were part of that settlement, but HSBC was not.
This settlement is the result of negotiations that took place after the announcement of the NMS in which HSBC was presumably found to have taken part in similar abusive mortgage practices.
The agreement resolves violations related to HSBC’s so-called “deficient mortgage loan origination and servicing activities.”
The settlement will be overseen by Joseph A. Smith Jr., who is also the independent monitor of the NMS.
Like many other large banks at the time, HSBC was likely accused of underwriting faulty mortgages and then quickly foreclosing on the very same borrowers.
The bank shut its wholesale subprime lending arm Decision One in 2007, ceased wholesale and correspondent lending in 2008, and shuttered its retail brands HFC and Beneficial in 2009.
Nearly $60 Million in Cash Payouts to Affected Borrowers
Some $40.5 million of the proceeds will go to the settling federal parties, while another $59.3 million will be deposited into an escrow fund managed by the states in order to make payments to borrowers who lost their homes to foreclosure from 2008 to 2012.
It appears that homeowners in New York State were most affected by HSBC’s actions, with an estimated 136,000 mortgages accounting for 31% of HSBC’s overall loan portfolio.
In California, roughly 7,500 borrowers whose mortgages were serviced by HSBC and eventually lost to foreclosure will be eligible for a payment.
In a press release, California Attorney General Kamala Harris said eligible borrowers would be contacted about how to qualify for payments (e.g. claim forms in the mail), though it may not hurt to be proactive and reach out as well.
The amount of the payment will be dependent on how many borrowers actually file claims. California borrowers are expected to be eligible for around 10% of the funds.
$370 Million in Relief for Existing Homeowners
The bulk of the money, $370 million, will be allocated to consumers affected by the bank’s lending practices during the housing boom and subsequent bust that still own their homes.
By July of this year, HSBC will complete the relief by taking the following actions:
– Reducing the principal balance on mortgages for borrowers who are at risk of default – Reducing mortgage interest rates – Refinancing of underwater mortgages – Forgiving forbearance – Other non-specified forms of relief
Additionally, HSBC will be required to improve their servicing standards by doing the following:
– Making sure a foreclosure is a last resort – Restricting foreclosure while considering a loan modification – Implementing procedures and timelines for loan mods – Providing homeowners the opportunity to appeal denials – Creating a single point of contact for borrowers seeking information
Per usual, this agreement doesn’t preclude borrowers from pursuing their own lawsuit against the bank, nor does it prevent state and federal authorities from pursuing criminal enforcement actions.
A year may seem like a short period of time, but you can accomplish a lot, including developing a one-year savings plan that can help you hit some significant financial goals. A plan that lasts 365 days can give you, as an earner, the opportunity to save and feel a sense of accomplishment.
In other words, a year from today, you could be richer than you are now, or potentially have a better emergency fund. Or, if you are diligent, you may be on your way to funding a European vacation or finally redoing that dated bathroom.
Of course, creating a plan that will work for your unique situation does require a bit of upfront effort. That’s exactly what you’ll learn when you read on.
Decide What are You Saving For
Before you even glance at your budget, it’s important to get clear about exactly what you’re saving for. Creating a specific objective can give you the information you need to create a solid plan to make it happen — it might also help motivate you to stick to that plan once you’ve made it.
cost of living to settle on something that will likely be achievable in just a year. For instance, maybe this year you want to stash cash for one of the following:
• A vacation you’ve been dreaming of for years (pending pandemic complications, of course).
• A down payment for a new car.
• A down payment (or significant portion thereof) for a new home.
• Long-awaited home improvements.
• Putting extra money away for retirement.
You may be familiar with the idea of SMART goals — that objectives are most easily met when they’re Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound.
In the world of one-year savings plans, that means coming up with a specific dollar figure for your goal and making sure it’s relevant enough to your life to keep you motivated.
You probably also want to consult your earnings and expenses to ensure that it’s a realistic goal; it’s going to be a lot harder to save up $5,000 if you’re making $30,000 than it is if you’re making $60,000. (You’ll learn more about budgeting and cuts in just a second.) Divide your total goal by 12 to see how much it would require you to set aside each month, which will give you better insight as to how achievable it really is.
Once you’ve got your goal worked out, write it down and post it in a prominent place in your home, like on your refrigerator. Studies have shown that you’re more likely to reach your financial goals if you take this simple action, so it’s worth picking up your pen!
How To Create a One-Year Saving Plan You’ll Stick To
Now that you’ve got a goal in mind, you still need to figure out how to turn it into a reality. Here are some ideas on how you could do it..
Start with Your Existing Budget
You can’t make any big changes to your finances if you don’t know what they look like in the first place. And that means the first step toward revamping your budget is to take a closer look at how it looks right now.
If you don’t have a budget yet, take a month to track exactly where all your money is going. Be sure to include both regular, fixed expenses, like rent and insurance, as well as more flexible, discretionary spending like food and transportation. Be brutally honest. Tacking every cent of fixed vs. variable expenses will give you the best chance at figuring out how to spend less.
Which leads us to our next step…
Get Creative with Budget Cuts
There are really only two ways to save money: make more of it, or spend less of it. And while asking for a raise or starting a side-hustle might be smart moves, you only have so much leeway with your boss and time in your day. In other words, you likely have more control of how much you spend than how much you earn.
Since this is an elevated, short-term savings goal, you might be able to make more substantial cuts than you would if you were planning on implementing this savings strategy for the rest of your life. There are simple ways to cut down monthly expenses and save money daily. For instance, could living without streaming services be possible? Or could you quit dining out for one month and then vow not to buy any new clothes the next? A challenge like that can engage some people’s competitive spirit.
Even without these measures, how can you dial down your own living expenses? You might quit buying overpriced, pre-packaged convenience foods or find ways to get creative with ramen. Maybe you can start doing your own oil changes rather than taking the car in for service. Think of this as an opportunity to learn some new life skills while also stashing some extra cash!
Recommended: How to Save Money on Gas
Regardless of how you get there, your goal is to be able to set aside the monthly amount you’ll need to meet the one-year savings goal you wrote down and pinned to your bulletin board. So get out your calculator, and don’t be afraid to get creative.
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Make a Plan for Your Investments
No matter how much money you save, it won’t go as far as it could if you just stash it under your mattress. Figuring out where to put your savings is an important step in your planning.
Different kinds of savings accounts are used to help individuals save for different goals.
• For example, a long-term goal like retirement may be best suited for an investment vehicle like a Roth IRA, which offers some tax advantages.
• For shorter term goals like starting an emergency fund, an account that offers more flexibility and has less restrictions, like a high yield savings account, may be a better option.
Keep it Simple
Having a plan is one thing. Sticking to it is another. But if you keep a simple savings plan, you’ll stand a much better chance of actually making it work.
automating your finances by setting up recurring transfers can direct a portion of each paycheck into your savings account. This makes saving seamless — and ensures you don’t get stuck in that all-too-familiar situation at the end of the month where you accidentally spent what you intended to set aside.
And building in systemic cuts that you don’t have to think about (like ditching that monthly subscription box, for example) is a lot easier than poring over the coupon book every Sunday.
Recommended: Money Management and Setting Financial Goals
The Takeaway
Like any money goal, your one-year savings plan is going to take some grit to get to. But having the right tools at your disposal does make the process a whole lot less painful. Whether that means choosing one of the many budgets out there to find one that suits your style or using an app your financial institution provides, there are ways to enhance your money management.
A SoFi Checking and Savings Account offers you an easy birds’-eye view of your finances, and its Vaults feature allows you to set aside savings for specific goals and purposes.
Best of all, there are no account fees, you’ll benefit from a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), which can help your money grow faster.
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Investment advisors help investors figure out their goals, create financial plans, and put those plans into action. There are a lot of them out there, too, meaning that finding the right professional for you or your family may seem daunting. But finding the best investment advisor for you can be a fairly painless process.
You’ll need to start with some basics, though, by learning the difference between an investment advisor and a registered investment advisor, what to look for when you hire an advisor, and more.
What Is an Investment Advisor?
An investment advisor is an individual or company that offers advice on investments for a fee. The term itself — “investment advisor” — is a legal term that appears in the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. It may be spelled either “advisor” or “adviser.”
Investment advisors might also be known as asset managers, investment counselors, investment managers, portfolio managers, or wealth managers. Investment advisor representatives are people who work for and offer advice on behalf of registered investment advisors (RIAs).
What Is a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA)?
A registered investment advisor, or RIA, is a financial firm that advises clients about investing in securities, and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), or other financial regulator. While you may think of RIAs as people, an RIA is actually a company, and an investment advisor representative (IAR) is a financial professional who works for the RIA.
That said, an RIA might be a large financial planning firm, or it could be a single financial professional operating their own RIA.
An RIA has a fiduciary duty to its clients, which means they must put their clients’ interests above their own. The SEC describes this as “undivided loyalty.” This is different from non-RIA companies whose advisors are often held only to a suitability standard, meaning their recommendations must be suitable for a client’s situation. Under a suitability standard, an advisor might sell a client products that are suitable for their portfolio but which also result in a sales commission for the advisor.
RIAs generally offer a range of investment advice, from your portfolio mix to your retirement and estate planning.
What’s Required to Become a Registered Investment Advisor?
The following steps are required to become a registered investment advisor (RIA).
• Pass the Series 65 exam, or the Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam, which is administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Some states waive the requirement for this exam if applicants already hold an advanced certification like the CFP® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™) or CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst).
• Register with the state or SEC. If an RIA has $100 million in assets under management (AUM), they must register with the SEC — though there are sometimes exceptions to this requirement. If they hold less in AUM, they must register with the state of their principal place of business. This requires filing Form ADV.
• Set up the business. These steps require making a variety of decisions about company legal structure, compliance, logistics and operations, insurance, and policies and procedures.
How to Choose an Investment Advisor
Finding the right investment advisor is about finding the right fit for you. While personal preference plays a part, there are a variety of other things you might consider when you’re searching:
Start Local
Look to helpful databases of financial professionals that can help you pinpoint some advisors in your area. Here are a few to consider:
• Financial Planning Association. Advisors in this network are CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™ (CFP®s) and you can search by location, area of specialty, how they’re paid and any asset minimums that may exist.
• National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. All advisors in this database are fee-only financial planners, meaning they receive no commissions for selling products.
• Garrett Planning Network. All advisors in this network charge hourly.
Get Referrals
One of the best ways to find a financial professional is to ask friends, family, and acquaintances if they’ve worked with someone they can recommend. While there are ways to build wealth at any age, it may be beneficial to ask people who are in a similar financial situation or stage of life. For instance, if you’re relatively young with a lot of debt and very little savings, you may not want the same investment advisor who’s working with wealthy retirees.
Ask About Credentials
Ask investment advisors what certifications they have, what was required to get the certification, and whether any ongoing education is necessary to keep it. Some certifications require thousands of hours of professional experience or passing a rigorous exam, while others may only require a few hours of classroom time.
Other certifications are geared toward investors at a specific life stage or with specific questions. The Retirement Income Certified Professional (RIPC) certification, for instance, focuses on retirement financial planning. Those with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification are probably good sources for tax planning.
Check Complaint History
Depending on who oversees the advisor or the firm, you should be able to check whether there are complaints on record. If FINRA provides oversight, you can research them on FINRA’s BrokerCheck tool. If the SEC oversees them, the SEC has an investment advisor search feature to find information on the advisor and the company. Remember: One complaint might not be a red flag, but multiple complaints might give you pause.
Find Out About Fees
Investment advisors may be paid, or charge fees, several different ways. They may charge a percentage of assets under management, meaning that the fee will depend on the assets they’re managing for you. For example, if the fee is 1% of assets under management and you’re having them manage $500,000, you’d pay $5,000 annually for their services.
Others may charge an hourly fee or a flat project fee for specific services. There are also advisors that are paid commissions from the products that they sell to clients. It’s important to understand how an investment advisor makes money and how much you’ll pay in fees each year, and then decide what you’re comfortable with.
Get Details on Their Work Style
Communication and working style may be just as important as credentials and expertise. For instance, how often do they want to meet with you? Would you be working with them directly or with a wider team of people? Do they like to communicate via phone call, email, or text? This is something else to consider.
Take a Test Drive
Many advisors will offer a phone consultation or in-person visit to see if you’re a good fit. You may want to take them up on it. Finding the right investment advisor is as much a matter of chemistry as credentials.
Questions to Ask an Investment Advisor Before Hiring Them
It can be a good idea to find out as much as possible about an investment advisor so you can make an informed decision. Here’s a list of questions you might want to ask:
• What are your qualifications?
• What type of clients do you typically work with?
• Are you a fiduciary?
• How are you paid? And how much will I be charged?
• Do you have any minimum asset requirements?
• Will you work with me, or will members of your team work with me?
• How (and how often) do you prefer to communicate? (Phone, email, text?)
• How often will we meet?
• What’s your investment philosophy?
• What services do you provide for your clients?
• How do you quantify success?
• Why would your clients say they like working with you?
The Takeaway
An investment advisor can help you think about investing for the future, plan to save enough for all your goals, and understand how to get it all done. Finding one isn’t hard, but it does take time and some research to connect with an investment advisor that meets your expectations and feels like a good match.
With that in mind, getting the right advice can be critical even before you start investing. Someone with experience in the markets helping guide you can be invaluable.
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Right now, many people are exploring different industries looking for the right career change.
As such, people are intrigued about the real estate market, but don’t want to start their own company. So, working for a REIT may be a good fit for you.
Real estate investment trusts, or REITs, are publicly traded investment vehicles that allow investors to pool their money and invest in a wide variety of real property assets. These assets can be diversified by investing in an ETF that holds a portfolio of different REITs.
First of all, careers in REIT tend to be highly lucrative and the industry is growing by leaps and bounds.
When viewed as an industry, REITs make significant contributions to the tax base and the job market. Plus the community is the benefactor of all real estate improvements.
in 2020, REITs contributed an estimated 2.9 million full-time jobs to the U.S. economy (source).
In this article, I will tell you how many positions are available in REITs and what these jobs entail.
What are real estate investment trusts?
Real estate investment trusts, or REITs, are a type of security that owns and operates income-producing real estate. REITs are a great way to invest in real estate without having to be a property owner.
When you buy into a REIT, you are not actually buying any real estate yourself–you are simply investing in a company that owns and operates real estate. The company will not resell the properties it acquires; instead, it will hold on to them and generate profits from rent or lease payments.
How many real estate investment trusts are there?
There are a great number of real estate investment trusts, or REITs, across the globe. These trusts have a combined equity market capitalization of $1 trillion and hold a vast array of properties- from apartments to hospitals to data centers.
In the United States, there are more than 225 real estate investment trusts (REITs) that are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and trade on one of the major stock exchanges.
Over 1,100 REITs have had tax returns filed according to the IRS. Thus, most REITs are privately held.
What is the job outlook for people in real estate investment trusts?
The job outlook for people in real estate investment trusts is good because the real estate industry is growing and there is a lot of opportunity for people who are interested in this field.
The real estate industry is always changing, so it is a good field to be in if you want to have a lot of opportunities for growth.
The job market for people in real estate investment trusts is expected to grow at a rate of about 10% per year. This means that there will be more high-level positions available in the next few years. In addition, 30% of all REIT jobs require a business degree to start at a managerial level. However, you can find entry-level positions to begin your career.
How Many Jobs are Available in Real Estate Investment Trusts
Currently, there are over 1,500 jobs available in real estate investment trusts on Linkedin and 3000 more on Indeed.
There are many different career paths that one can take on within the industry of real estate investment trusts, with different salaries and opportunities.
Best paying jobs in Real Estate Investment Trusts
Asset managers, for example, can make upwards of $200,000 per year. Other high paying positions include those of developers, acquisitions professionals, and investor relations personnel.
It is important to remember that these roles often intersect and overlap, so it is important to be aware of what companies are hiring for what positions. There are many industries in which you can work for a REIT, including construction projects and residential leases.
Real estate investment trusts, or REITs, are becoming more popular as a way to invest in the real estate market. These trusts are responsible for every aspect of a real estate project, from finding and acquiring properties to managing them and leasing them out. This requires a variety of different professionals, including asset managers, accountants, lawyers, and engineers.
Types of Jobs Available
There are also many jobs available in the field of real estate investment trusts (REITs). A REIT is responsible for every aspect of a real estate project, from development to management.
The company also needs to ensure its success, which requires a lot of hard work and dedication. There are professionals managing the trust’s assets and overseeing its portfolio.
If you’re interested in working in this field, there are many opportunities available to you including:
Property Manager
Commercial Developer
Acquisition Team Member
Financial Analyst
Marketing Coordinator
Construction Supervisor
Check out the full list of available jobs in real estate investment trusts.
Each of these positions has different responsibilities and duties.
For example, a real estate agent is responsible for helping REIT buy or sell properties. A property manager is responsible for overseeing the maintenance and operations of a property, while a financial analyst decides whether or not the assets are living up to their financial obligations. Finally, a commercial developer is responsible for designing, constructing, and managing commercial developments.
How do I become a real estate investment trust professional?
You should be able to identify opportunities and analyze data to make sound investment decisions.
You should have experience in financial analysis, accounting, and investing. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are also important, as you’ll need to work with clients, investors, and other professionals in the industry.
There are many things to consider when you’re thinking about becoming a real estate investment trust professional. The most important factor is making sure that this is the right career path for you. There are many benefits to working in REITs, but it’s important to make sure that you’re ready for the challenge.
Once you’ve decided that this is the right career for you, there are some basic steps that you need to take in order to get started.
The first step is getting educated on the topic. There are many courses and programs available that can teach you everything you need to know about real estate investing. After you’ve completed your education, it’s time to start building your network. Meeting other professionals in the industry and getting connected with potential mentors will help set you up for success.
The final step is finding a job in the industry. There are many opportunities available, so it’s important to do your research and find the company that’s right for you. Working in REITs can be a rewarding experience, and with the right preparation, you can be on your way to a successful career in real estate investment trusts!
What are the requirements to work in a real estate investment trust company?
The requirements to work in a real estate investment trust company vary depending on the company, but typically a degree in business, finance, or economics is required, along with experience in the real estate industry. Some companies may also require experience in accounting, investment banking, or the law.
In order to work in a REIT company, you must meet some requirements.
First and foremost, you must be passionate about real estate investment. Secondly, you must be able to devote the time and resources necessary to do your job well. Finally, you must be able to meet the company’s standards and uphold its values.
REITs are required by law to invest in real estate–so it’s important that you have a firm understanding of the market before working in this industry. In addition, REITs are limited in terms of the number of shareholders they can have (no more than 50% held by five or fewer people). Lastly, REITs are mandated to pay out 90% of their taxable income each year so that investors can benefit from regular dividend payments.
How Much Can You Earn Working for a REIT?
Smaller companies with lower profit margins usually offer the lowest-paid jobs. Larger companies with higher profits and more complex job tasks often pay more than smaller ones do.
According to Payscale, the average base salary for the REIT industry is $75,000 a year (source). This is above the median salary of $60000. Thus, jobs within the REIT industry are more lucrative than you can find in other industries.
Lead Analysts and Senior Analysts are the most popular jobs within the industry with annual salaries of $80,000 and $90,000. It’s important to note that these figures are national medians and may vary depending on location.
Executive-level jobs offer the highest earning potential with the average salary for a senior executive position reaching well over six figures ($105,000). However, it is also worth mentioning that these earners typically have an ownership stake in their company.
Therefore, if you’re looking to maximize your earnings as a REIT employee then working for a large company is your best bet.
How Many Are Real Estate Investment Trust Jobs Being Created Each Year?
The number of jobs in real estate investment trusts is growing rapidly, with more than 1000 positions becoming available each year.
REITs are a type of business that creates many jobs.
The number and percentage of these jobs will vary depending on the specific industry in which the REIT operates; however, there are always many opportunities for those interested in this field. It’s important to research the particulars of each position in order to decide which is best for one’s interests.
Individuals can be employed in a variety of positions in the REITs sector, including accountants, construction managers, leasing consultants, property managers, and financial analysts.
There are a variety of job opportunities in REITs, depending on the specific department or position you’re interested in.
Many even are early morning jobs too!
Other jobs in real estate investing
Plenty of different jobs are available in the real estate industry and can be broken down into three main categories:
People who invest in real estate
Those who manage or develop properties
Employees who provide support services.
There are a variety of job descriptions to fit your experience level.
In fact, if you keep using these good excuses to miss work, then a job change is probably needed.
REITs – Real Estate Industry a Possibility for You?
It is important to know how many jobs are available in a particular field so you can see if it’s worth pursuing as your career.
As this article showed, real estate investment trusts, or REITs, makeup one of the higher paying jobs. Surprisingly, it has one of the lower barriers to entry as a career field.
Plus, there are more than hundreds of thousands of people who are employed by REITs.
You can earn a lot of money working for a REIT, depending on the company you work for and the job you have.
Start your job search now.
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Paramount Residential Mortgage Group (PRMG) has launched a new non-qualified mortgage (non-QM) offering designed for cannabis industry workers. “Although cannabis is legal for recreational use in 22 states, it’s labeled as a Schedule I substance according to federal law, deeming any monetary earnings illegal,” PRMG said in its news release. “Because of this, banks do … [Read more…]
Known for its rich history, vibrant culture and lush landscapes, Mississippi boasts a number of exceptional college towns.
The best college towns in Mississippi offer students a blend of academic excellence, exciting entertainment options and a true taste of Southern hospitality. From the literary haven of Oxford to the spirited atmosphere of Starkville, Mississippi’s best college towns are as diverse as they are inviting. Join us as we traverse the Magnolia State and uncover the best college towns in Mississippi.
Our journey begins in the charming town of Oxford, home to the prestigious University of Mississippi, affectionately known as Ole Miss. With its historic campus adorned with stately buildings and ancient oak trees, this university is the epitome of Southern elegance. Oxford has long been a literary hub, attracting writers like William Faulkner, John Grisham and Barry Hannah, whose influences have left a lasting impact on the town’s identity and academic prowess.
As you stroll through the picturesque Downtown Square, you’ll find a variety of independent bookstores, art galleries and specialty shops, all of which contribute to Oxford’s unique vibrancy. Be sure to visit Rowan Oak, William Faulkner’s former home, now a museum dedicated to the life and works of the acclaimed author.
Oxford’s culinary scene is another highlight, featuring an array of diverse eateries that showcase tasty eats from all over. Leading the charge in this restaurant resurgence are the fine folks at City Garage Restaurant Group, the company behind many of the most popular college hangouts in the city. From fine dining establishments to casual barbecue joints, you’ll find no shortage of delicious options in this college town.
With its strong literary roots, unparalleled academic prowess and thriving artistic community, Oxford is undoubtedly a standout among the best college towns in Mississippi.
Next, we travel to Starkville, a lively college town that is home to Mississippi State University. With a strong sense of school spirit and a deep commitment to research and innovation, this bustling town provides students with an engaging and supportive environment in which to pursue their education.
The heart of Starkville is its vibrant downtown area, where you’ll find a variety of locally-owned shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in some authentic Southern barbecue or catch a live performance at one of the town’s many music venues.
Starkville’s enthusiasm for sports is contagious, with the Mississippi State Bulldogs drawing large crowds to their football, basketball and baseball games. This spirited atmosphere extends beyond the campus, fostering a strong sense of community and camaraderie throughout the entire town.
With its energetic vibe, strong academic programs and passion for sports, Starkville is a deserving addition to our list of the best college towns in Mississippi.
Heading south, we arrive in Hattiesburg, a bustling town that is home to the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University. With a strong emphasis on the arts and a diverse range of academic programs, Hattiesburg offers students a well-rounded educational experience in a supportive community.
The town’s commitment to the arts is evident in its numerous galleries, theaters and performance spaces, which host events ranging from gallery exhibitions to symphony orchestra concerts. Be sure to visit the Hattiesburg Arts Council Gallery and the historic Saenger Theater for a taste of what makes this cool college town so unique.
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the town’s abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities, like the scenic Longleaf Trace, a 44-mile trail perfect for biking, jogging or leisurely strolls. Hattiesburg is also home to the beautiful Hattiesburg Zoo, where visitors can observe a variety of animals and explore the lush botanical gardens.
With its strong focus on the arts, diverse academic offerings and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, Hattiesburg earns its place among the best college towns in Mississippi.
As we continue our exploration of the best college towns in Mississippi, we arrive in the quaint town of Clinton, home to Mississippi College, the oldest institution of higher education in the state. Founded in 1826, this historic college boasts a picturesque campus with stately buildings and a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal environment for students seeking a close-knit academic community steeped in history.
Clinton’s historic charm is evident in its beautifully preserved downtown area, where brick-lined streets are dotted with an array of local shops, cafes and boutiques. History enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the town’s numerous historic sites, including the Clinton Visitor Center, which showcases the town’s storied past and its path toward a brighter future.
Outdoorsy types will appreciate the town’s numerous parks and trails, like the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway, a historic route that offers ample opportunities for hiking, biking and connecting with nature. With its historic charm, strong academic programs and welcoming atmosphere, Clinton is a delightful addition to our list of the best college towns in Mississippi.
Our journey through Mississippi’s best college towns concludes in Cleveland, a vibrant town that is home to Delta State University. Known for its strong academic programs and commitment to the arts, Cleveland offers students a diverse range of educational and cultural experiences.
Cleveland’s rich musical heritage, particularly its connection to the blues, is a defining aspect of the town’s identity. Be sure to visit the nearby Dockery Farms, considered the birthplace of the Delta Blues, and the GRAMMY Museum Mississippi, which celebrates the enduring legacy of Mississippi’s musical icons.
In addition to its musical roots, Cleveland is also home to a thriving artistic community, with galleries, theaters and performance spaces showcasing the talents of local artists and students. Don’t miss the chance to catch a show at the Bologna Performing Arts Center or explore the works on display at the Fielding Wright Art Center.
With its strong connection to music, diverse academic programs and commitment to the arts, Cleveland rounds out our tour of the best college towns in Mississippi.
Make the move to a Mississippi college town today
From the literary charm of Oxford to the spirited atmosphere of Starkville and the rich musical history of Cleveland, Mississippi’s top college towns offer a diverse range of experiences for students and recent graduates alike. Each town featured above boasts a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural attractions and Southern hospitality that make the Magnolia State an ideal destination for anyone seeking a memorable college experience and an unforgettable adventure.
The most frustrating part of an apartment search is missing out on an opportunity because you can’t connect with the property manager or owner. Abandoned calls, long wait times and other phone mishaps can all lead to the loss of your ideal place.
So, what’s the formula for getting in touch with these elusive people?
Apartment Guide wanted to help. After gathering and reviewing our data, we’ve discovered the best timeframe to call apartment communities. This is the sweet spot where your wait time is likely to be short enough that you’ll tough it out until an actual person gets on the phone.
When to call an apartment community
According to a six-month sample of Apartment Guide data from a few years ago, a total of 1,965,843 “good” calls came into apartment communities listed on the site. These “good” calls were answered and completed.
Within that same time, apartment communities received 952,879 “bad” calls, which were those that got missed, ended with a busy signal or were abandoned.
Calls came in throughout the day, but the highest ratio of good to bad calls was between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is your sweet spot, to ensure you’ll get a real person on the phone with the least amount of wait time.
Once you do get a person on the phone, even if you end up waiting a bit too long, remember to keep it cool. “You want to remain as professional as possible. Remember that when looking for an apartment, first impressions are everything and starting with a call during business hours is a good start,” says Kristen Valera from My First Apartment.
When not to call
Interestingly enough, thousands of calls came into apartment communities overnight according to Apartment Guide’s data. A total of 17,537 good and bad calls came in between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m.
This is the one time when you’re guaranteed not to get a real person on the line. You’ll most definitely go straight to voicemail assuming the mailbox isn’t full, limiting the chance you’ll get a call back.
Queuing up with all the rest of the voice messages puts you at a distinct disadvantage when trying to secure that perfect apartment. If possible, try to call during regular business hours, even if you can’t hit the ideal timeframe exactly.
What to call about
Most incoming calls to apartment communities are about vacant units for rent, although some current tenants may also call about maintenance issues. Either way, it’s important to be direct and succinct when communicating your needs. Remain calm and professional and patient.
1. Inquiring about an available unit
More often than not, you’re going to end up in voicemail when you call an apartment community. Especially if you’re apartment hunting during a busy period, where many others are looking as well.
During this time, property managers may not answer their phone as often. Leaving the perfect voicemail message can require some finesse. “In an effort to avoid phone tag, be sure to slowly and clearly leave your name, address you are calling about, your area code and phone number, best time you can be reached and the phone number again,” says Helene Lesel from The Seattle Times.
When you do get a person on the phone to speak to directly, make sure to hit the key points:
Mention the specific unit you want to see
Verify it’s still available
Schedule a time to see it
Confirm rent amount and move-in date
Beyond that, any other specific questions you may have that can’t wait should get asked over the phone. If there are certain amenities you want to have like an elevator or on-site parking, ask to confirm they’re there. You want to make sure the apartment building doesn’t have any deal-breakers on your list before taking the time to go see the space.
2. Reporting a maintenance issue
If you go through the motions to report a maintenance issue over the phone but aren’t hearing back, it’s time to revisit your rental agreement. “Some leases also have provisions for how the landlord prefers to be contacted, so check yours before you reach out, and act accordingly,” says Virginia K. Smith and Donna M. Airoldi from Brick Underground.
Some property managers may prefer maintenance requests in writing or sent to a specific email address. That’s much easier than struggling with the phone and unreturned calls.
How to deal with wait times
Patience is a virtue, but waiting on hold requires a special kind of patience. Someone “who is on hold for 5 minutes feels as if they have waited for an hour,” according to Affiliated Communications. Luckily, wait times during the sweet spot of call-ins, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., waited on average only 17 seconds for good calls and no more than 25 seconds for bad.
Outside of the optimal call period, average wait times for all callers varied. Some callers waited for almost 10 minutes, which is an incredibly long time for someone to get worked up in the wrong way. This can put the caller in a bad mood once they do finally get a person to talk to, so it’s important, no matter how long you wait, to be patient.
Rhett Power from Inc. suggests a few tips to maintaining patience when on hold, ensuring that you make the best impression possible when speaking with a property manager.
The first step is to practice patience. Make yourself wait for things you don’t have to wait for in order to practice being patient. That way, when the time comes to truly have to wait, you’re more conditioned to be successful.
You should also prepare in advance for things you know make you impatient, like waiting on hold. Managing your expectations can help decrease frustration.
In the moment, remember to take deep breaths to keep yourself calm. Deep breathing relaxes both the mind and body so you’ll hang in there until someone answers your call.
Don’t fear the phone
Regardless of the wait time or the number of messages you leave, don’t give up on getting in touch with a property manager if that apartment is your dream home. Stay calm and be vigilant.
Focus on making a good impression with the property manager when you go talk and gather enough information to feel confident this apartment is the right place for you. Stick to the sweet spot for calling as best as you can, and good luck.
Breaking down the data
Apartment Guide tracked the total number of calls made to apartment communities that list on the site from October 1, 2013, to March 31, 2014, broken down by the hour of the day in which they were made. Calls answered and completed receive a “good” classification, while missed calls (i.e. never answered) and those that got a busy signal or ended up abandoned (meaning the phone was answered but the caller never spoke) received a “bad” classification.
The data reflects the total number of calls, the ratio of total good calls to bad calls, the average wait time for good calls and bad calls and the maximum wait time for good calls and bad calls. Call times reflect the time zone in which they were made.
The American dream for many people may be to become a homeowner, but it doesn’t always make sense to buy. There are times when it makes more sense to rent. After graduating college, I was still single (but dating my future wife to be) and I had the opportunity to buy a house with some buddies of mine. Having the mentality that it’s always better to buy than rent I almost nearly pulled the trigger. Luckily, “sense” kicked in (or should I say my future wife 🙂 ) and I opted to not buy it. Primarily, because we had no idea what the future held and it made more sense to just rent and leave our options open. In our case it didn’t make sense to buy, but that could be different for your situation. If you’re thinking about buying a house, here are some tips to know when renting makes more sense:
Your Credit Is Less Than Great
While it’s often possible to obtain a mortgage with a less-than-perfect credit score, the lower your credit score the higher your interest rate will be. A FICO score that’s below 620 will pretty much guarantee the only mortgage lender you qualify for will be a “predatory lender”. Until you’re able to improve your credit score, people with low credit scores might want to consider renting instead of buying a home.
Although young, this did not affect us. We had excellent credit scores at the time and that proved to be vital when it was time to buy our first home.
Frequent Job Relocation or Employment Instability
Does your job require you to relocate often, or is there a chance you will have to relocate sometime within the next few years? If you have to sell a home, it needs to appreciate a minimum of 10% in order to cover the expenses associated with selling. If your home doesn’t have time to appreciate in value, you’ll lose money when you sell it. One common example is if you are in the military where you’re always on the move. Unless you are quite certain you aren’t relocating any time soon, renting is probably a better solution.
While there is no such thing as job security, you probably have a reasonable idea whether or not you have a chance of being laid off or fired. Keep in mind that compensation during unemployment is rarely (if ever) enough to replace your lost income; and during tough economic times you can’t assume you’d be able to run out tomorrow and find a new job. If there is a good possibility you could be laid off or fired, renting makes more sense. When you rent a home, you may have to downgrade to a lower-rent apartment; but if you own a home and can’t keep up with the mortgage payments, you’ll go into foreclosure and damage your credit.
Unable to Afford Home Maintenance and Repairs
When you buy a home, you need to consider more than just the mortgage and taxes associated with the home. Experts predict that homeowners need about 5% of the home’s purchase price available to maintain the home or make repairs. I know that I’m no “Jack Handy”, so if something breaks; I’m calling the repair man to fix it. After paying the routine expenses of owning a home, will you have additional funds available for maintaining and repairing it? If not, renting is a better option since the landlord or management company is responsible for maintenance and repairs of the property.
When Renting Costs Less
Finally, one of the most obvious reasons for choosing to rent instead of buying a home is when renting simply costs less. If you can rent a property for $2,000 a month and it would cost you $6,000 a month to own a similar property – does becoming a homeowner make financial sense? Some people argue that the tax deductions available for homeowners actually make home owning more attractive than renting, but the deductibles rarely add up to the additional expenses paid.
If you’re still not sure that’s why it always makes sense to to talk with qualified financial planner or tax professional to help analyze your situation. I’ve seen too many cases where young people were so eager to “live the American Dream” and get their first home that they didn’t realize all the little things that come along with being a homeowner. Slow down and do your homework before you take the plunge. Remember the friends that ended up buying the house we were living in? They still own itand have been trying to sell it for over two years.
One recurring theme of personal finance books is that it’s easier to accumulate wealth by working for yourself than by working for others. Many have heard this maxim, but few have heeded it. Some want to, but don’t know how to begin.
A century ago, Russell Conwell was famous for his traveling lecture in which he encouraged listeners to find the “acres of diamonds” in their own backyards. Conwell was born in Massachusetts in 1843. During the Civil War, he served as a captain in the Union army. He studied law, but ultimately became a Baptist minister and a popular public speaker. “Acres of Diamonds” was his most famous talk. (He delivered this lecture over 6000 times!) Conwell also founded Temple University.
Conwell was one of the original motivational speakers.
Acres of Diamonds
At the heart of his lecture was a parable Conwell heard while traveling through present-day Iraq in 1870:
There was once a wealthy man named Ali Hafed who lived not far from the River Indus. “He was contented because he was wealthy, and wealthy because he was contented.” One day a priest visited Ali Hafed and told him about diamonds.
Ali Hafed heard all about diamonds, how much they were worth, and went to his bed that night a poor man. He had not lost anything, but he was poor because he was discontented, and discontented because he feared he was poor.
Ali Hafed sold his farm, left his family, and traveled to Palestine and then to Europe searching for diamonds. He did not find them. His health and his wealth failed him. Dejected, he cast himself into the sea.
One day, the man who had purchased Ali Hafed’s farm found a curious sparkling stone in a stream that cut through his land. It was a diamond. Digging produced more diamonds — acres of diamonds, in fact. This, according to the parable, was the discovery of the famed diamonds of Golconda.
The point, Conwell says, is that we often dream of fortunes to be made in faraway places. We ought instead to be open to the opportunities that are around us. He illustrates this concept with several other stories, including that of the discovery of gold in California.
Principles of Success
How can we learn to discover these acres of diamonds in our own backyards?
Maintain a ready mind. Be open to the possibilities around you. Don’t let preconceived notions cloud your judgment. We often overlook the value of something because we believe we already know it.
Look at the familiar in new ways. Conwell lists some important inventions — the snap-button, the cotton gin, the mowing machine — and notes that these were created by everyday people who found new approaches and new uses for commonplace objects.
Learn what people want, then give it to them. Discover a market, and the provide a good or a service. Too many people do this the other way around. They develop a good or a service and then try to market it, try to manufacture desire. You’ll have more success if you see a desire and then try to meet it.
Knowledge is more important than capital. Lack of capital is a common excuse for not starting a business venture. How often have you heard, “You need money to make money.” Nonsense, says Conwell. He gives anecdotes of wealthy people who started with nothing but an idea.
Don’t put yourself down, and don’t belittle your environment. Don’t compare yourself with others. “Believe in the great opportunities that are right here not over in New York or Boston, but here — for business, for everything that is worth living for on earth. There was never an opportunity greater.” Find the best in what’s around you.
Conwell says that inside each of us are the seeds of greatness. “Greatness … really consists in doing great deeds with little means and the accomplishment of vast purposes from the private ranks of life.”
Conclusion
I used to be one of those people who looked for diamonds in faraway places. I dreamed of doing something — I didn’t know what — until one day I found an opportunity that had been in front of me all the time: this site. Have you taken stock of your life lately? Perhaps there are diamonds sitting just outside your back door.
“Acres of Diamonds” is available from Amazon. It’s short, though, and in the public domain. You could probably read the entire thing in less than an hour while sitting at your desk. There are two versions freely available online.
The first, at Project Gutenberg, is the traditional version, the one published in 1915. The second, posted at the Temple University web site, seems to be from a few years later, probably from around 1922.
Studies show that landscaping can add 12 to 15 percent to the value of your home. All you need is a green thumb to put some extra green in your pocket.
Landscaping is more than flowers and shrubs. Upgrades can involve things like patios and decks, flowerbeds, barbecue pits, watering systems, and plants of all sorts. As you enter into a landscaping project, you have plenty of choices about what kinds of upgrades to make.
The trick is to make improvements that prospective buyers want. If you do, then your property value will rise.
What Do the Experts Say?
Though experts agree that landscaping improvements usually raise a property’s value, it can be difficult to predict exactly what kind of gains you’ll see in individual circumstances. Estimates vary by home and note that the lasting effect of landscaping requires ongoing maintenance.
Virginia Tech horticulturist Alex Niemiera concluded that landscaping can add 12.7 percent to the value of a home — in his research six years ago. That translates into an extra $16,500 to $38,100 in value on a $300,000 home. In extreme cases, property values can more than double, and conversely, they can actually decrease if the landscaping contains undesired features that the local market doesn’t support.
The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) recommends that homeowners invest 10 percent of the home’s value in landscaping. Landscape architecture goes beyond plantings, or softscaping, to include structural features like lighting, fences, garden paths, fire pits, swimming pools, and ponds.
Outdoor rooms, terraces, and decks are also high-yield structural or hardscaping investments. A landscape architect can work with the client to generate a detailed plan. Typically, the homeowner then hires a general contractor, landscape contractor, or subcontractor to perform the installation.
Landscaping on the Cheap
Of course, it’s quite easy to spend more on installation and ongoing maintenance than the landscaping benefits the value of your home.
A professional landscaper might seem like an extravagance, but they can help you gain equity in your home and save money by recommending features and plantings that will appeal to buyers and are cheap to maintain.
For example, perennials and bulbs can add color and style to your property all year long. Other cost-effective improvements include aesthetically pleasing architectural improvements, such as stone walkways and terracing that require little or no maintenance.
Another important factor to consider is the contractors who do your landscaping upgrades. Many companies vie for this kind of business, and choosing the right contractor can make a lot of difference.
Find a contractor with whom you are comfortable, who is honest and patient, and who can show you a good track record. Lastly, pay attention to the details. A subtle, small change, such as curving the edges of your flowerbeds, can by itself increase your home value by 1 percent.
How Does Curb Appeal Impacts Home Value?
Appealing landscaping can measurably increase the appraised value of your property.
“If a landscaping change is positive, it can often enhance price and reduce a home’s time on the market,” says Appraisal Institute President Richard L. Borges.
“But if the change is negative, it can lower the price and lengthen the time a home remains for sale.”
Curb appeal is essential when selling a home, Borges says, noting it’s the homeowner’s opportunity to make a great first impression. A home with lackluster landscaping or an exterior in desperate need of a fresh coat of paint will likely be unappealing to prospective buyers and ultimately could affect the home’s potential resale value, he said.
Borges says homeowners should ask themselves the following questions when it comes to the quality of their home’s green space:
Is the landscaping attractive enough to make the prospective buyer walk through the front door? Keep the design contemporary and in line with comparable properties in the area.
Could the landscaping provide cost savings? Landscaping that requires little or no water to maintain could be desirable depending on the geographic area.
Is the landscaping energy-efficient for the home overall? For example, it’s a good idea to plant trees in a place where they block the sun in locations with year-round hot climates.
Are the trees planted at a safe distance from the home and are they healthy and well maintained? Weak, old or damaged trees planted too close to a home or building could pose dangers to the home’s structure and will need to be removed. Consumers should also be sure that mulching or beds don’t get too close to wood around foundations to avoid wood-destroying organisms.
Home renovation guru Bob Vila counsels that perhaps the biggest mistake homeowners make is a piecemeal approach to landscaping.
“Homeowners begin projects, start to clear areas, put in a mix of plants, and proceed without a plan. The result is a hodgepodge of plantings and gardens that give the property a disorganized feel. An implemented professional landscape design provides a polished look. Following a professionally prepared plan will lead the homeowner to a beautiful property while remaining within a pre-established budget.”
Vila cautions homeowners to remember that everything doesn’t have to happen at once. Consider a five-year plan that has plantings maturing at varying rates and adds various features each year.
This way you can remain within your budget—time-wise and cost-wise—while still progressing toward a complete landscape renovation.