Farmhouse decor has been a prominent design style in recent years, popular for its ability to create inviting and warm spaces in the home. Embracing natural wood, vintage furniture, and cottage architectural details, farmhouse is a cozy and timeless style of decorating.
While farmhouse decor ideas typically lend themselves best to older homes that have interesting details that help create the look, the farmhouse trend has no doubt been embraced in recent years in newer homes too. With the right furniture and colors, a farmhouse style can be successfully achieved to create a cozy home.
home decor trend still relevant in the world of interior design? We spoke to the interior design experts to get their take on whether this is one to take forward into 2024.
Is farmhouse decor still on trend?
‘Farmhouse style has seen many iterations over the past decade, with Joanna Gaines of Magnolia Farms starting a craze when she popularized shiplap on her show, Fixer Upper. It’s evolved quite a bit since then,’ says Lina Galvao of interior design studio Curated Nest.
‘I would not say it’s no longer on trend, though the look of it has evolved to become fresher, more colorful, and more modern,’ she suggests. While Lina proposes that farmhouse decor may be somewhat less of a core interior design trend, she suggests that the farmhouse look is more of a timeless design style that will be continually embraced by homeowners.
Brian Paquette: At Home
farmhouse kitchen will have country accents such as curved “feet” on the toe-kick, beams, schoolhouse or barn-style lighting, and maybe a vintage range,’ Lina says.
For Lina, embracing farmhouse decor yet keeping it relevant for 2024 is all about ensuring it has a modern twist: ‘I think there’s room for this farmhouse look, which could be easily updated to become more modern via the hardware or lighting to adapt to current interior design trends as needed.’
(Image credit: Adam Carter)
Nicole Cullum, interior designer and founder of Color Caravan also suggests that the timeless nature of farmhouse decor means it’s one that’s here to stay; striking a balance between modern and traditional decor.
‘Any good trend has something timeless to it. Farmhouse decor has stuck around because it speaks to our love of pairing natural textures with modern color trends and palettes. Rustic wood tones mixed with matte blacks, warm neutrals, and crisp whites give a comforting and sophisticated style without going overly modern or too traditional.’
‘I hope the beautiful parts of farmhouse decor, like mixing organic textures with modern color palettes continue in design,’ Nicole says.
(Image credit: Kate Marker)
Chicago-based interior designer Kate Marker’s advice is to embrace the simplicity and natural beauty of farmhouse decor by focusing on its original details.
‘Farmhouse decor can still be relevant if done in an authentic, repurposed way. Actual farmhouse details that can be installed in a fresh setting lend warmth and interest – think of a farm sink, reclaimed barn wood or beams, or an old steel window. Keeping things rustic and simple so the natural beauty of materials is on display is always a winning way to channel a farmhouse style.’
Kate Marker
Kate Marker Interiors, Kate oversees all design projects to ensure they are a reflection of the client while incorporating the KMI aesthetic. Kate’s strengths lie in her endless ideas & inspiration, relentless work ethic, unwavering vision, and great sense of humor, which, lucky for everyone she works with, is infectious.
While interior designers say that farmhouse decor is a timeless look that will most likely continue to be embraced in 2024, the design style can be interpreted in a number of ways, especially in the kitchen. Tom Howley, Creative Design Director at Tom Howley Kitchens explains how you can achieve a farmhouse kitchen, creating a classic and homely feel.
‘Farmhouse interiors are known for their original features – rustic beams, exposed stone walls, weathered floors, and quirky nooks. Kitchens within these idyllic properties are often designed with a focus on comfort, traditionalism, and tactility, making this style an appealing choice for those wanting to create an inviting sanctuary.’
(Image credit: Tom Howley)
‘Traditional shaker-style cabinetry is perfect for creating a welcoming, lived-in look. The shaker style has universal appeal with beautifully balanced proportions that focus on scale, symmetry, and simplicity. Natural wood is an integral part of farmhouse kitchens, as it adds a sense of warmth and tactility. You can incorporate wood in the form of flooring, stand-alone furniture such as a farmhouse table, shelving, chopping boards, or integrated wooden trays to break up painted cabinetry.’
It’s clear that farmhouse decor is a timeless design style that’s here to stay. Perfect for achieving a home that feels welcoming and laid back, farmhouse decor is all about embracing the original, rustic features and building upon these by decorating with neutrals and adding cozy textiles.
However, to ensure this style doesn’t end up looking dated, consider a more modern farmhouse style that balances the old and new for a fresh take on this core design trend.
No one can predict the future of real estate, but you can prepare. Find out what to prepare for and pick up the tools you’ll need at Virtual Inman Connect on Nov. 1-2, 2023. And don’t miss Inman Connect New York on Jan. 23-25, 2024, where AI, capital and more will be center stage. Bet big on the future and join us at Connect.
Economists are scratching their heads and housing industry leaders are venting their frustrations as mortgage rates continue a relentless climb to new heights not seen in more than two decades, chasing yields on government debt that are being pushed higher by factors beyond Federal Reserve tightening.
The Optimal Blue Mortgage Market Indices, which track daily rate lock data, show rates on 30-year fixed-rate conforming loans hitting a new 2023 high of 7.59 percent Tuesday — an all-time high in Optimal Blue records dating to 2017.
At 7.95 percent, rates on jumbo mortgages that exceed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s loan limits looked poised to push through the 8 percent benchmark, as paper losses mount at banks that fund most jumbo lending and Treasury yields rise.
National Association of Realtors Chief Economist Lawrence Yun vented his frustration with Fed policymakers, who have telegraphed their intention to implement at least one more rate hike this year.
“The Fed is overdoing the rate hike,” Yun said in a LinkedIn post Wednesday. “The economy is measurably slowing. Even the lagging indicator job gains are coming in light.”
Yun said he’s worried that rising interest rates could actually fuel inflation as would-be homebuyers throw in the towel, fueling more demand for rentals, and making housing more scarce as builders balk at paying higher rates on construction loans.
A weekly survey of lenders by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) showed that applications for purchase loans were down a seasonally adjusted 6 percent last week when compared to the week before, and 22 percent from a year ago.
Joel Kan
“The purchase market slowed to the lowest level of activity since 1995, as the rapid rise in rates pushed an increasing number of potential homebuyers out of the market,” MBA Deputy Chief Economist Joel Kan said in a statement.
With rates on 30-year fixed-rate conventional loans rising for the fourth consecutive week to the highest rate since 2000, Kan said some borrowers searching for ways to lower their monthly payments are turning to adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loans.
Although ARM loans accounted for 8 percent of mortgage applications last week, they had an even bigger share when mortgage rates made a similar surge last fall. During the second week of October 2022, ARM loans accounted for 13 percent of applications, the highest share since March 2008.
Appearing on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yun noted that rates on ARM loans aren’t much lower than those for more traditional 30-year fixed-rate conventional loans (according to the MBA survey, rates on ARM loans averaged 6.49 percent last week). “My advice right now is go into the 30-year fixed, because even with that, one can always refinance once the interest rate goes down,” Yun said. “The mortgage rates are topping out now — hopefully there is some downward drift in the upcoming months.”
MBA CEO Bob Broeksmit expressed similar sentiments on CNBC Wednesday, urging the Fed to “be clear that they’re done with rate increases” and to also “make clear that they’re not going to sell mortgage-backed securities off their balance sheets.”
Jumbo mortgage rates spike
Homebuyers seeking jumbo mortgages exceeding Fannie and Freddie’s conforming loan limits — $726,200 for one-unit properties in most areas of the country — have been hit particularly hard by recent rate increases.
At this time last year, rates on jumbo mortgages were about half a percentage point less than for conforming loans. Now the situation has reversed, with the “spread” between jumbo mortgages and conforming loans widening to nearly 40 basis points on Wednesday, according to Optimal Blue rate lock data.
Conforming loans are largely financed by investors who buy mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie and Freddie. But jumbo mortgages are mostly provided by banks that hold the loans on their books. Stresses on regional banks sparked by the failures of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and First Republic Bank have made jumbo loans more expensive and harder to come by this year.
This week, Rocket Mortgage began offering some relief by pricing mortgages of up to $750,000 as conforming, in anticipation that Fannie and Freddie’s 2024 loan limits will go up by at least 3 percent on Jan. 1 to reflect home price appreciation over the last year.
Mike Fawaz
“The market has changed a lot, and jumbo pricing isn’t as favorable as it used to be,” Mike Fawaz, executive vice president of Rocket’s wholesale channel, Rocket Pro TPO, told Inman.
Banks that have large holdings of Treasurys are seeing the value of those assets decline as interest rates rise, helping push unrealized losses on bank balance sheets up by 8.3 percent during the second quarter, to $558.4 billion, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.
10-year Treasury yields at highest since 2007
Yields on 10-year Treasury notes, a barometer for mortgage rates, surged to a new 2023 high of 4.80 percent Tuesday, a level not seen since August 2007 on the eve of the subprime mortgage crisis.
While the Fed has tight control over short-term interest rates, rates on long-term assets like Treasurys and mortgage-backed securities (MBS) that fund most home loans are dependent on investor demand. When investors are eager to put their money in bonds and MBS, that pushes rates down. But when investors lose their appetite for those assets, that drives rates up.
The recent surge in long-term Treasury yields has defied many forecasters’ expectations, and economists are searching for reasons.
Last year’s rise in long-term rates was driven “by market expectations of higher short-term rates as the Fed tightened policy and by investors’ demands for extra compensation to hold longer-dated assets because of fears of higher inflation,” The Wall Street Journal’s Nick Timiraos reported Wednesday.
With inflation seemingly cooling and the Fed signaling that it’s done, or will soon be done, raising short-term rates, economists suspect flagging demand for Treasurys by foreign investors, U.S. banks and investment managers could be factors in the sustained rise in long-term rates, Timiraos reported.
Even if long-term rates have peaked, there’s increasing uncertainty over whether they’ll come down next year, as many economists and investors had been anticipating.
“What we’re seeing is a reappraisal of how the bond market prices uncertainty itself,” PGIM Fixed Income economist Daleep Singh told Timiraos. “The compensation required to underwrite potentially the new structural regime with more volatile growth and inflation and fewer predictable sources of demand to absorb record amounts of government debt issuance has clearly risen.”
Another factor crimping demand is that the Fed, which bought trillions of Treasurys bonds and MBS during the pandemic to bring borrowing costs to historic lows, is now letting those investments roll off its books.
Fed has trimmed $1 trillion from balance sheet
Source: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
The Fed’s Treasury and MBS holdings peaked at $8.5 trillion last year, but a shift to “quantitative tightening” has allowed the central bank to trim its assets by more than $1 trillion by allowing $60 billion in maturing Treasurys and $35 billion in MBS to roll off its books each month.
Broeksmit said that the spread between 10-year Treasury yields and 30-year fixed-rate mortgages is about 125 basis points higher than its historic norm and that the Fed is partly responsible.
“I still think some of the increase in the spread between the Treasury and the mortgages is a fear that the Fed would actually sell [MBS] in the open market,” Broeksmit said on CNBC. “So if they were to make clear that that’s not on the horizon, I think that that would help and the bank demand will, I think, come back. We’ve seen some increase in supply with some of the failed banks MBS being on the market, but I think that’s mostly been resolved.”
Where rates are headed next
Futures markets tracked by the CME FedWatch Tool put the probability of one or more additional Fed rate hikes this year at 37 percent, but see a one-in-five chance (19.6 percent) that the Fed will bring rates back down below current levels by March before the spring homebuying season kicks off.
The upcoming Nonfarm Payrolls report to be released Friday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is likely to play a factor in determining where rates are headed next, as Fed policymakers see tightness in the labor market as a key driver of inflation.
Tuesday’s release of the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) report seemed to panic bond market investors, sending yields on 10-year Treasurys up 12 basis points.
The JOLTS data, which showed job openings increased by 690,000 at the end of August, to 9.6 million, “was startling, but the data are very noisy and are subject to large revisions,” Pantheon Macroeconomics analysts said in their U.S. Economic Monitor report Wednesday.
“We don’t take JOLTS seriously, but the surge in yields and plunge in stock prices after the release of the data yesterday says a great deal about the pervasive nervousness of investors,” Pantheon economists Ian Shepherdson and Kieran Clancy wrote.
Bond market investors “appear to be taking seriously the Fed’s collective assertion that rates will stay higher for longer, despite the abundant evidence that the Fed’s interest rate forecasts are rarely correct,” they said.
‘Dot plot’ reflects Fed’s ‘higher for longer’ rate strategy
Fed policymakers voted unanimously on Sept. 20 to keep the central bank’s target for the short-term federal funds rate at 5.25 to 5.5 percent.
But looking at the Federal Open Market Committee’s latest “dot plot” — projections of where policymakers think the short-term federal funds rate will be in the future — most see the need for one more rate hike this year. By the end of next year, however, some think it will be as low as 4.375 percent or as high as 6.125 percent (hawkish Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman could be the outlier on the high end).
That is an “enormous” spread of 1.75 percentage points, Shepherdson and Clancy wrote, “but markets for now are interested only in the upside risks.”
Betting that Treasury yields have peaked “seems extraordinarily risky,” the Pantheon economists concluded. “But unless you think the U.S. economy can grow at a real 2 1⁄2 percent pace forever, untroubled by the Fed, 10-year yields can’t be sustained at the current level. The market won’t flip, though, until the data shift, and Fed officials acknowledge the change.”
In the meantime, Pantheon economists say, “yields could overshoot further.”
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Mortgage rates didn’t move much today, but the movement was in a friendly direction at least. The caveat is that this pertains to the average lender. When a move is modest in size, that means many borrowers at many lenders won’t even see a detectable difference from yesterday and some borrowers may even see slightly higher rates.
But let’s not get caught up in the day to day minutia. Instead, let’s focus on the important observations and questions. For instance, this is the first time in 2 months that we’ve seen 3 consecutive days and one of only 3 examples in the past 5 months. Does that mean something is changing or that the relentless surge toward 23-year highs is finally abating?
It’s too soon to say, unfortunately–possibly far too soon. The bond market is consolidating after 10yr Treasury yields hit the important 5% psychological milestone. MBS (the mortgage-backed securities that dictate mortgage rates) almost always take day-to-day directional cues from Treasuries. As such, mortgage rates have leveled off in similar fashion (just replace the 5 with an 8).
We won’t truly be able to confirm that a corner has been turned in the big picture until we have multiple economic reports suggesting that inflation is unequivocally headed back to 2% and the broader economy is growing at a much slower pace.
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, U.S., August 29, 2023. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid Acquire Licensing Rights
NEW YORK, Oct 19 (Reuters) – Relentless selling of U.S. government bonds has brought Treasury yields to their highest level in more than a decade and a half, roiling everything from stocks to the real estate market.
The yield on the benchmark 10 year Treasury – which moves inversely to prices – briefly hit 5% late Thursday, a level last seen in 2007. Expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates elevated and mounting U.S. fiscal concerns are among the factors driving the move.
Because the $25-trillion Treasury market is considered the bedrock of the global financial system, soaring yields on U.S. government bonds have had wide-ranging effects. The S&P 500 is down about 7% from its highs of the year, as the promise of guaranteed yields on U.S. government debt draws investors away from equities. Mortgage rates, meanwhile, stand at more than 20-year highs, weighing on real estate prices.
“Investors have to take a very hard look at risky assets,” said Gennadiy Goldberg, head of U.S. rates strategy at TD Securities in New York. “The longer we remain at higher interest rates, the more likely something is to break.”
Fed Chairman Jerome Powell on Thursday said monetary policy does not feel “too tight,” bolstering the case for those who believe interest rates are likely to stay elevated.
Powell also nodded to the “term premium” as a driver for yields. The term premium is the added compensation investors expect for owning longer-term debt and is measured using financial models. Its rise was recently cited by one Fed president as a reason why the Fed may have less need to raise rates.
Here is a look at some of the ways rising yields have reverberated throughout markets.
Higher Treasury yields can curb investors’ appetite for stocks and other risky assets by tightening financial conditions as they raise the cost of credit for companies and individuals.
Elon Musk warned that high interest rates could sap electric-vehicle demand, which knocked shares of the sector on Thursday. Tesla’s shares closed the day down 9.3%, as some analysts questioned whether the company can maintain the runaway growth that has for years set it apart from other automakers.
With investors gravitating to Treasuries, where some maturities currently offer far above 5% to investors holding the bonds to term, high-dividend paying stocks in sectors such as utilities and real estate have been among the worst hit.
Reuters Graphics
The U.S. dollar has advanced an average of about 6.4% against its G10 peers since the rise in Treasury yields accelerated in mid-July. The dollar index, which measures the buck’s strength against six major currencies, stands near an 11-month high.
A stronger dollar helps tighten financial conditions and can hurt the balance sheets of U.S. exporters and multinationals. Globally, it complicates the efforts of other central banks to tamp down inflation by pushing down their currencies.
For weeks, traders have been watching for a possible intervention by Japanese officials to combat a sustained depreciation in the yen, down 12.5% against the dollar this year.
“The correlation of the USD with rates has been positive and strong during the current policy tightening cycle,” BofA Global Research strategist Athanasios Vamvakidis said in a note on Thursday.
The interest rate on the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage – the most popular U.S. home loan – has shot to the highest since 2000, hurting homebuilder confidence and pressuring mortgage applications.
In an otherwise resilient economy featuring a strong job market and robust consumer spending, the housing market has stood out as the sector most afflicted by the Fed’s aggressive actions to cool demand and undercut inflation.
U.S. existing home sales dropped to a 13-year low in September.
Reuters Graphics
As Treasury yields surge, credit market spreads have widened with investors demanding a higher yield on riskier assets such as corporate bonds. Credit spreads blew out after a banking crisis this year, then they narrowed in subsequent months.
The rise in yields, however, has taken the ICE BofA High Yield Index (.MERH0A0) near a four-month high, adding to funding costs for prospective borrowers.
Volatility in U.S. stocks and bonds has bubbled up in recent weeks as expectations have shifted for Fed policy. Anticipation of a surge in U.S. government deficit spending and debt issuance to cover those expenditures has also unnerved investors.
The MOVE index (.MOVE), measuring expected volatility in U.S. Treasuries, is near its highest in more than four months. Volatility in equities has also picked up, taking the Cboe Volatility Index (.VIX) to a five-month peak.
Reporting by Saqib Iqbal Ahmed; Writing by Ira Iosebashvili; Editing by Stephen Coates
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
The American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc., awarded Caroline Hipple, President of Norwalk Furniture, a special award at its annual Induction Celebration. The presentation was made at a prestigious dinner attended by more than 1,100 industry leaders.
Hipple has served on the Hall of Fame Board of Directors more than 15 years and is the first female president of the Board. She is on the creative team for the design and furnishings of the industry’s new home, which opened in April this year. The 25,000-square-foot home is a place to gather, to honor and to learn. Hipple was instrumental in the creative concepts of the exhibits and the gathering spaces throughout the building.
“Caroline is one of the most respected women and leaders in our industry,” says Karen McNeill, President of the Foundation board of directors. “She began in the industry in 1977 as a part-time sales associate and rose to become Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Merchandising at This End Up Furniture, a manufacturer and retail store chain based in Richmond, Va. She served as President of Storehouse, a retail chain based in Atlanta. Today she is President of the legacy brand, Norwalk Furniture which was founded in 1902. Under her leadership, Norwalk became an ESOP company in 2021.
“The Hall of Fame would not be where it is without Caroline Hipple. Her leadership is impeccable and she has served as a role model for men and women of our industry,” she says. “We are giving her this honor to recognize her many contributions to the Hall of Fame, to our industry and to the legacy brand Norwalk Furniture. We are grateful but more importantly we publicly recognize her commitment to relentless service to her company, her integrity and the profitability she has brought to the brand.”
Inside: Do you want to make money online fast? If so, we’ll discuss the best digital products to sell on Etsy. By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to making money selling digital items quite easily.
Do you want to learn how to sell digital products on Etsy and make money through it?
Selling digital products offers an exciting avenue for generating passive income. With their low production and distribution costs, high profit margin, and potential for scalability, they stand as a lucrative business model for many entrepreneurs.
Moreover, once a digital product is created, it can continuously bring in revenue without the need for additional production costs, making it an appealing source of passive income.
The key to being a successful Etsy seller is to understand your chosen niche and what your audience wants.
We will dive into digital products you could sell on Etsy which range from arts & crafts to business materials.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
What are Digital Products?
Digital products are items that are accessed and delivered electronically, examples of which include software, ebooks, online courses, digital music, video, and audio files.
These intuitive products offer the versatile benefit of being easily reproduced and instantly accessible on various devices, without the requirement of physical storage or shipping. Plus the world is moving towards becoming digital anyway.
In creating digital products, businesses aim to capitalize on customer appeal and convenient delivery, which often complement their physical goods or services.
Why Sell Digital Products on Etsy?
Selling digital products on Etsy offers an incredible opportunity to showcase and monetize your unique creations. With Etsy’s vast online marketplace and its millions of potential customers, it has become a preferred platform for artists, designers, and content creators.
Furthermore, it provides the flexibility to set your prices in accordance with the value you offer and experiment with different pricing strategies.
This is a hassle-free way to monetize your creativity. Here’s why:
You craft it once, it sells eternally: Digital products offer the ultimate advantage of a “create once, sell forever” model. Imagine sipping a cup of tea while your creation secures sales one after another.
Resource-friendly: Bid adieu to the restrictions of shipping, storage, or material costs. Instead, welcome the comfort of financial freedom and resource efficiency.
Everlasting stock: Digital products on Etsy never run out! Say goodbye to inventory issues and overselling, which makes it a smart choice for long-term business.
So, start now by creating an account, picking your digital product, setting up shop, and starting selling on Etsy. With no heavy fees and no botheration of shipping.
Just pure creative power leads to sheer earning happiness.
What digital products sell the most on Etsy?
Well, our data shows that digital prints, planners, stickers, fonts, and children’s educational materials are some of the best-selling categories netting serious cash on this creative marketplace. This information came from Cody and Julie – the founders of the e-Printables course.
Typically, seasonal content always does well on any platform. Same with current trends like the “Barbie” craze.
These products are a creative enthusiast’s goldmine owing to their limitless customization capabilities, instant delivery, and cost-effectiveness.
Wherein, most busy professionals, students, parents, and small business owners find them irresistible due to their convenience and adaptability to suit specific needs and tastes.
To learn more about selling on Etsy, I highly recommend connecting with Cody and Julie in their free webinar.
What digital download sells best on Etsy?
Among the myriad of digital products available,digital prints notably rank as one of the best-selling downloads on Etsy, closely followed by other popular items such as:
digital planners
logo designs
travel guides
business card designs
Lightroom presets
printable invitations.
A beautiful synergy of convenience, utility, and aesthetics, that can be printed at home or in a local print shop, whenever you wish. Perfect for last-minute gifters, DIY décor enthusiasts, or anyone looking for hassle-free beautification!
So, staying in the game, consistently monitoring market trends, and adapting accordingly is the key to successfully selling your digital prints on Etsy.
Best Digital Products to Sell on Etsy
The best digital products to sell on Etsy depend upon various factors, such as your skills, customer interests, and specific market trends.
It is also important to keep an eye on high-sales products, check positive reviews, track favorites, and note recurring themes to understand what customers are looking for and to guide your digital product offerings. This is a quick way to make 300 dollars fast.
Here are the examples of some of the best digital products you might want to sell on Etsy:
1. Printable or Digital Planners
You’ve hit the jackpot if you’re contemplating selling printable or digital planners on Etsy. Some people might say digital or printable planners are seasonal but due to the high demand and flexibility, it could be the golden goose for your marketing on Etsy.
Buyers love and enjoy the tailored usability offered by printable planners, which they can customize to their requirements and physically pen in their plans.
You can supply this demand by offering a large variety and aesthetically pleasing designs.
Tip: Try bundling in different types of stickers for a snappier offer.
2. Craft Patterns
Craft patterns are a top-ranking digital product on Etsy, thanks to a revival of all things crafty!
From knitting and crocheting to sewing and embroidery, these digital masterpieces cater to the abundant trend-setters and hobbyists who frequent Etsy.
To truly get your digital craft patterns thriving on Etsy, remember to follow the trail blazed by successful pattern sellers like these Etsy sellers. These crafts start from an average selling price of $10, making them a lucrative venture for creatives.
Lastly, don’t forget to unleash SEO magic – get your product seen by the right people especially when creating a sewing pattern or crochet pattern. This can be your missing element for transforming hard work into hard sales!
3. Children learning materials
Looking for a profitable side gig? Selling children’s learning materials on Etsy is wildly popular and well-needed especially for those homeschooling.
Parents and teachers are snapping up digital educational resources. By marketing printable lesson plans, colorful flashcards, and engaging worksheets, parent is hyped to supplement their children’s education.
This is a great summer job for teachers because your educational resources might just be the next best-seller on Etsy.
Crack open those lesson plans, as your Etsy store awaits.
4. Wallpapers
On Etsy, phone wallpapers are the new moneymaker. Provide colorful ways for customers to personalize their devices, these digital beauties are a hot ticket item.
To catch the widest net, cater to both phone and desktop users. You must keep up with trends. Also, creating wallpapers for Apple watches and other high-tech gadgets or themed designs for holidays is always a hit.
It’s a simple concept: stylish wallpapers have an average selling price of around $3-4.
5. Calendars
Venture to sell digital business calendars guarantees a steady demand, as planning isn’t just a phase – it’s woven into the fabric of daily life. To get started, unlock your artistic prowess with any digital art program like Adobe Photoshop or Canva.
Begin creating your unique touch on calendars, ensuring they’re editable pre-print- a clear selling point. Remember, quality trumps all – prioritize visually appealing designs with user-friendly formats.
Time to turn dates into dollars. Listing calendars in your Etsy shop certainly won’t go out of style or demand. Also, aim for the $5 – $10 price range to hit the sweet spot of affordability and profitability.
6. Invitations
Invitations are among the top-selling digital items on Etsy.
Customizable templates for various occasions like weddings, parties, baby showers, and more are particularly popular. It’s perfect for creative individuals skilled in design who are looking to turn a profit on their talents.
These digital products can provide a meaningful revenue stream. Some creators can charge up to $20 per customized item.
The bottom line is that selling digital invitation templates on Etsy doesn’t just allow for creativity, but it’s also a lucrative business opportunity.
7. Business cards
Catering to the surge of remote entrepreneurs and the timeless need for personal cards, this trend is something to tap into.
You can offer editable, customized, or even smart cards – with features like one-click phone calls or emails – which can give your shop an edge.
Through Canva or Wepik, you can design exotic templates, offering customers the control to personalize before printing. Turn on your creative juices, let your brand shine, and step up your entrepreneurial ladder with a business card template.
8. Wedding Invitations and Printables
To be honest, I actually created my best friend’s wedding invitations. Maybe, I should have stuck with the side gig to make 500 dollars fast?!?
Wedding printables are now the ‘go-to’ digital products. This isn’t just about a cute ‘Save the Date’; offers a hassle-free, all-in-one wedding stationery solution, ready to match every wedding theme under the twinkling lights.
Help the DIY couples by providing a bundle: wedding program, customized hashtag sign, table place cards, save-the-date cards, and even personalized portrait options with a delightful sign thrown in.
You can provide a seamless experience and watch the sales ring along with the wedding bells.
9. Journal Inserts
Are you a fan of journaling or love designing layouts? Well, it’s time you converted your passion into profit. Making journal inserts is one of the smartest digital products you can sell on Etsy.
Audiences vary from educators needing organized lesson and homework schedules or those seeking self-help and discovery questions.
For optimal selling, focus on providing a variety of designs and including white spaces for personal touches.
With an average selling price of $5, they appeal to smart shoppers who prefer to print inserts on cardstock paper.
10. Digital artwork
Digital artwork stands out in popularity due to the unique customization and selection variety it offers.
Customers are drawn to the ability to choose from diverse art forms, including watercolor illustrations, inspirational quotes, and Baltic or Bohemian prints, that perfectly align with their personal aesthetic or represent an emotion they resonate with.
Moreover, the availability of immediate prints post-purchase greatly increases the convenience and appeal of this artwork form.
11. Recipe cards
Do you love cooking and want to create delightful digital recipe cards for your customers? But, don’t stop there, look at creating a meal planner to bundle with!
A printable, editable canvas for food aficionados brimming with delicious details of recipe cards is a great product. These digital delights are perfect for amateur chefs, bakers, and recipe bloggers.
The takeaway is clear. Selling recipe cards on Etsy is as facile as slicing butter, once you’ve got the right ingredients and the perfect recipe. It’s time to turn the heat up on your Etsy store and dish out some delightful recipe cards.
12. Social media templates
Creating social media templates can provide significant value for businesses and influencers seeking to establish a professional and cohesive online presence.
These templates, which can include pre-designed Facebook banners, Instagram stories, Twitter headers, and more, can be customized to fit a variety of themes such as minimalism, boho, or pastel colors.
When well-crafted, such templates can save businesses valuable time and effort while also helping maintain consistent brand imaging across different platforms. This is similar to a business hiring a virtual assistant with no experience.
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13. Printable Cake and Party Decorations
Selling printable party decorations as digital products on Etsy is like icing on the proverbial cake for smart entrepreneurs.
You can focus printable party decorations from charming cartoon-themed toppers for kids’ birthday cakes to exquisite, romantic pieces for weddings and anniversaries.
Whether you’re creatively inclined or have an entrepreneurial spirit spotting potential, these printables offer a loophole to financial growth. Bundle your decorations based on themes for enticing offers.
14. Zoom background
Thanks to the surge in remote working and virtual meetings selling incredible Zoom backgrounds on Etsy has emerged as a lucrative product in the digital landscape.
These tailored digital backdrops not only enhance the visual appeal of online interfaces but also cater to users’ needs to maintain privacy or conceal unorganized spaces.
However, you need to understand that creating Zoom backgrounds may not be beginner-friendly due to the required customization. However, do not let this intimidate you.
15. Productivity Trackers
People are constantly in search of practical, user-friendly tools to streamline their lives and make every hour count.
So, these productivity trackers are supremely versatile, covering daily routines, budgeting, goal setting, project management, and even grocery lists. Make your Etsy shop the one-stop shop for everyone’s needs.
As it becomes an increasingly popular choice to shift focus towards maximizing effectiveness in people’s daily lives. Whether it’s maintaining a workout routine, tracking investments, or staying on top of a student’s study schedule, these trackers cater to a wide assortment of needs.
16. Lightroom Presets
Lightroom Presets are essentially preset configurations that enhance a photo’s aesthetics, and folks from influencers to amateur photographers are keen to have them.
For starters, it caters well to the Instagram-obsessed demographic continually seeking to elevate their photo game. This venture is best suited for those who have a knack for photo editing and an understanding of aesthetics.
With an average selling price of $10, the numbers tip favorably in your Lightroom presets.
17. Etsy shop banners
Help out your new Etsy sellers by designing an impressive storefront with their shop banner.
Indulge your Etsy shop banners in various design themes suitable for a wide range of stores. Also, include a shop kit that makes store icons, a large and small banner, custom and reserved listing templates, and a profile picture graphic.
Promote your banner designing prowess to other sellers, so that you increase your brand awareness along Etsy.
When you have an awesome shop yourself, you are more likely to get sales!
18. Logos & branding kits
Move over, clip art! Logos and branding kits are in high demand as they fulfill the crucial need of every business that is striving for a unique identity.
Bundle your logos and branding kits or offer them individually to maximize your reach. Also, combining them with other digital products like media kit templates elevates your shop’s appeal.
This caters to diverse clients from Etsy sellers to businesses, influencers, and bloggers. Selling in this segment, you’ll never run short of market demand. Get ready to impress with your graphic skills, and ride the wave of this profitable venture on Etsy.
19. Thank you cards
This is a timeless product that is regularly used by businesses and individuals to express their gratitude.
Offering these thank you cards in digital, customizable formats can attract more buyers due to ease of customization and competitive pricing relative to store-bought alternatives.
You can also sell the same design on physical cards if you want for another revenue stream.
20. Fonts
In the world of businesses, creators, and crafters galore are on a relentless hunt for the perfect font that suits their needs. Where versatility is a font’s middle name – they can jazz up a brand’s website or add pizzazz to a party invitation.
Cricut fonts, in particular, are best-sellers. It is specially crafted for Cricut machines – a hit in the Etsy community of designers and makers.
Remember, the devil is in the (font) detail. Jump into the journey of digital font selling on Etsy and watch your typography turn into a treasure in no time.
21. Resume templates
Resume templates are handy, well-designed digital products are reportedly perfect for professionals keen on making their job applications stand out. It is mostly designed to suit particular sectors such as real estate or marketing.
After all, a well-structured resume could be the golden ticket to someone’s dream job – like one of these low stress jobs that pay well without a degree.
However, in my personal experience, the most successful templates are clean, professional, and neutral in color.
22. Invoice templates
You might think that cashing in invoice templates may seem odd, but these digital products offer ample sales potential on Etsy!
Their charm lies in their simplicity and frequently used nature by a wide range of businesses. Small business owners, short on time and design skills, frequently scout Etsy for professionally designed, eye-catching invoices – duly making it your prime market.
Transform invoice templates into a goldmine, with less likelihood of running into steep competition. With an average selling price of $10, you can surely earn money online quickly.
23. Website templates & themes
Are your web design skills a cut above the rest?
Leveraging your skills to create and sell website templates and themes on Etsy, and turn your talent into a tidy profit. This digital product must be customization-friendly with a range of applications, and cater to a broad audience—from small businesses to in-demand bloggers, giving them a sleek, professional online presence minus the design headache.
Begin by focusing on creating templates on popular website-building platforms like WordPress with a Kadence WP Theme. Make sure they serve a specific market, like photography websites or eCommerce stores, and ensure your products have unique, eye-catching designs that set them apart from the sea of competitors.
Remember, if your themes and templates are more unique and tailored. You can command, sometimes get a range of your product to $50.
24. Stickers
Stickers, both physical and digital stickers, are hot commodities on Etsy, cozily nestled among the platform’s top-selling items.
It also appeals to a large market spectrum, from social media users who love accentuating their chats with digital stickers, to fans of physical stickers decorating their belongings.
Remember, one major selling point is the editability of digital stickers, enabling customers to customize after purchase. Dial your creativity, pick a distinct theme, and roll out your sticker sets on Etsy – there’s a world waiting to stick onto your designs!
25. Bookmarks
Feeling bookish? Get your create-on and cash in on the thriving trend of selling digital bookmarks on Etsy.
Digital bookmarks, at a modest cost of $2 – $3 a pop, are gaining popularity as one of the easiest and fastest-selling digital products, thanks to their charm, practicality, and customized appeal.
Create an aesthetic touch on your reading escapades by hitting the serious tribe of bookworms. To amp up your sales and earn money quickly, don’t forget to add “personalization” options to your bookmarks.
26. Editable flyers
As demands surge, these feature-rich editable flyers become ideal for crafty entrepreneurs aiming to make a profit.
Most of your clients will be large markets comprising event organizers, business owners, and individuals who find convenience in ready-made editable materials.
Success in selling editable flyers on Etsy lies in understanding your target clientele’s needs, creating versatile and appealing designs, and offering top-notch quality. Kickstart your venture by preparing a wide range of attractive editable flyers.
27. Menu templates
Fresh out of the oven, menu templates are popular with restaurant owners to party planners who crave these editable, print-ready goodies.
These menu templates are flexible and can be tailored for cafes, restaurants, weddings, and even small business events. Therefore, begin by creating captivating designs–uniqueness sells and is editable for everyone who wants to customize it.
So preheat your digital oven – it’s time to serve up some mouth-watering menu templates on Etsy.
28. Gift tags
Digital gift tags on Etsy could light up your entrepreneurial path. With an average selling price of $5, these little printables have a big demand, particularly for special occasions like weddings and birthdays.
Ideal for individuals and businesses, this product can fit a myriad of needs from Christmas presents to children’s party favors. If you want to maximize your profits, focus on offering a wide range of designs that target different occasions and tastes.
Don’t forget to consider making a customization service that gives your customers a chance to tweak and add their personal touches.
29. Ebook Templates
Ebook templates have emerged as one of the most popular digital products on Etsy.
Beyond individual ebooks, sellers also offer a variety of creatively designed ebook templates, ebook covers, and materials for children’s books. With a target audience interested in arts and crafts, informative ebooks offer exceptional sales potential, especially those that provide professional knowledge in specific niches like graphic design or online money-making tips.
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30. Fitness Trackers
Fitness trackers‘ popularity is booming as they cater to a wide array of tracking necessities beyond just gym visits or step counting.
This product helps monitor weight loss programs, home workout plans, and 30-day challenges, effectively, becoming a one-stop-shop for holistic wellness.
They are ideal for those aiming to enhance their fitness, sleep quality, and overall productivity. With an average selling price of $5, they offer an affordable solution to digital tracking needs.
31. Debt Payoff Trackers
Debt payoff trackers are fundamental tools for efficient financial management and debt reduction. They provide a concrete visual of one’s financial obligations and illustrate the progress made toward extinguishing each debt.
This encourages a consistent habit of payment and propels individuals towards financial freedom. However, cost should not be a barrier to good financial habits, which is why our website offers a wide range of high-quality debt payoff trackers completely free of charge.
While these are still popular on Etsy, you have to realize many people want free or extremely cheap.
32. SVG Files for Cutting Machines
Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG) files for cutting machines like Circut or Silhouette, are a crafter’s dream, making them a top-tier product to sell.
You can elevate your service by including a PDF tutorial or short video guide demonstrating the use of your product.
Ensure the functionality of your products by carrying out tests prior to listing.
33. Personalized Recipe Books
Being a foodie’s ultimate treasure, these recipe collections are perfect to tickle the taste buds of amateur cooks or pro food bloggers. Plus you can create recipe book templates to be used in Goodnotes or Notability.
Cultivate your online presence to spice up the sales of your digital recipe books.
From personal experience, I bought a digital recipe book because I didn’t want to create one myself.
34. Budget Planners
Budget planners are soaring in popularity, with these nifty tools averaging quite a tidy sum of $5-20 each. Its powerful design is both lucrative for sellers and beneficial for buyers.
In an increasingly digital world, these planners provide a seamless way to stay and stick on top of your finances. From the ordinary individual aspiring to save a penny or two to the business owner meticulously monitoring their profits and expenses. Some budget planner pros, like FRGLMAMA, have made over 60,000 sales!
Here’s a pro tip: Increase your profits by bundling your budget binder with envelopes and to-do lists. Users love the convenience and it saves them a search.
35. Wall Art
Calling all artists and designers with flair! Wall Art reigns supreme on Etsy – proving it’s not just a ‘dabbling’ industry, but a potential goldmine.
Remember, the ‘Home Sweet Home’ and ‘Be Kind’ style arts still hold their charm! Maximizing profits can entail providing add-on services such as printing and shipping.
Wall art downloads make great posters, especially for those who prefer to change up their decor often.
36. Gratitude Journal
Gratitude journals, with their guided prompts and questions, make hot picks for those striving for self-improvement or simply savoring the good in life. This little gem, flourishing in popularity, provides a thoughtful juncture for folks to reflect on the positive aspects of their lives.
This digital product is tailored for therapists, life coaches, stressed corporate followers, or anyone looking to light up their lives with gratitude.
Make sure to use keywords related to gratitude and journaling in your product description to maximize visibility.
37. Self Improvement Printables
People love these printables for their blend of practicality and inspiration by giving actionable tips, uplifting affirmations, useful trackers, and more.
These self-improvement printables are timely digital products that strike a chord with a growing audience keen on personal growth, self-care, and organization.
This product is perfect for those seeking self-help workbooks, motivational quotes, fitness planners, and even kid-friendly educational materials.
Is selling digital products on Etsy still profitable?
According to legions of online entrepreneurs, the answer is a resounding YES!
As the market for digital products keeps on growing, so does the profit potential for digital sellers on Etsy.
The startup costs are delightfully low – most of what you’re paying is merely for your product’s licensing and Etsy fees. After that, it’s all pure profit!
This method could be your ticket to financial freedom. So if you’re a creative at heart with a knack for producing digital gems, it’s high time you join the Etsy bandwagon to sell your valuable creations.
Etsy passive income isn’t just a haven for handcrafted goods – it’s also a hub for downloadable products from design templates to educational materials.
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Now, What Digital Downloads to Sell on Etsy?
By now, you’ve embarked on an enlightening journey around the process of selecting digital products to sell. You have digested tips, explored examples, and refined your knowledge regarding your market, skills, and customer desires to ensure profitability.
So, let’s cut to the chase, find your product that fits the mold, craft an appealing product description, price it competitively yet profitable, and start making waves with your expertise in the digital market.
By coupling this post with the free training offered, you could be the next seller with digital products that are the next hotcake on Etsy! Will you be the next Etsy seller to learn how to make 10k a month?
Take your first step towards this entrepreneurial journey, and soon enough you could be reaping the sweet profits of your digital endeavor.
Now, start your listings and remember to believe what you have to offer is worth buying.
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These places are so scary, you’ll revisit them when you’re trying to sleep.
As the autumn wind heralds in the ghostly season, thrill-seekers across the country set forth on a quest for the spine-tingling embrace of whatever is lurking in the shadows of the best haunted houses. The shivers down the spine, the echoing screams in poorly lit hallways and the chilling breath of unseen specters — there’s an allure to the macabre, an ageless intrigue that summons the bravest hearts to explore the folklore of fear.
From haunted hayrides in Spring City to ghostly estates in Phoenix, America’s best haunted houses offer a gateway to explore the eerie tales etched into the nation’s bone-chilling past. As the veil between the underworld and our world thins, the sinister tales enshrined within the nation’s premier haunted attractions await to regale the fearless with grim pageantry. Venture if you dare, on this journey to find the best haunted houses in America.
The Mortuary – New Orleans, Louisiana
Situated in the heart of New Orleans, The Mortuary claims a spot on the list of must-visit haunted attractions in the U.S. This chilling venue is set within an aged Victorian mansion, whose past life as a funeral home lends an authentic eerie aura to its premises. With the advent of the Halloween season each year, the establishment sheds its quiet demeanor, morphing into a spine-chilling haunted house teeming with meticulously crafted scares awaiting the brave souls who venture within its walls.
The creators behind The Mortuary are adept at reimagining the horror narrative, introducing fresh themes and frights each season to ensure a uniquely terrifying experience awaits its patrons.
The Mortuary’s frightful allure extends beyond its seasonal spectacle. The establishment carries a lore of genuine hauntings, with numerous accounts of ghostly sightings and unexplained paranormal occurrences. This haunted haven doesn’t just play host to thrill-seekers during the Halloween season but calls the curious year-round, becoming a notable checkpoint for ghost tours meandering through the historic and haunted streets of New Orleans.
Located in central Fall River, the Factory of Terror stands as a testament to the frightful allure of the Halloween season. Renowned for its dark themes and well-crafted set designs, this haunted attraction promises a journey of terrifying discoveries to those who dare to tread its eerie halls.
The masterminds behind the Factory of Terror continuously conjure new spectacles of horror, reinvigorating the terror-filled ambiance to enthrall both newcomers and returning horror enthusiasts alike. Its reputation is further cemented by glowing reviews from fright-seekers and industry aficionados.
The Factory of Terror prides itself on a cadre of professional and well-versed actors, whose performances breathe life into the phantasmal narrative, further intensifying the chilling experience. As visitors navigate through the labyrinthine corridors, they are transported from one ghastly scenario to another, each tale of terror unraveling as they delve deeper into the eerie unknown that is the Factory of Terror.
In Spring City, the foreboding edifice of Pennhurst Asylum stands as a behemoth of terror among haunted attractions in the U.S. Perched on the somber grounds of the former Pennhurst State School and Hospital, this spot is steeped in a sinister history that dates back to the early 20th century.
Originally conceived as a haven for individuals with disabilities, the facility, over its operational span from 1908 to 1987, descended into notoriety due to allegations of mistreatment and deplorable living conditions.
Embracing its macabre backdrop, Pennhurst Asylum morphs into a realm of fright, weaving the chilling vestiges of history with the artistry of horror. The attraction is revered for its impeccable set designs, troupe of professional actors and realistic special effects, all converging to conjure a spine-chilling milieu. A journey through its dark corridors unfolds a series of thematic scares, each tale echoing the unsettling lore that shrouds the site.
Amidst the glittering allure of Las Vegas lies The Asylum and Hotel Fear, a pair of interconnected haunted house attractions that stand as harbingers of terror. These enigmatic haunts emerge from the shadows, poised to ensnare the brave with their intricately designed sets and undeniably scary themes.
Celebrated for their compelling story-driven approach, The Asylum and Hotel Fear ingeniously entwine their dark narratives to craft a seamless journey into the deepest depths of fear.
While each venue harbors its own dark theme, they are linked through a shared backstory that burgeons into a nightmarish reality as one walks from the forlorn corridors of the Asylum to the hauntingly truly terrifying rooms of Hotel Fear.
Secluded in Stone Mountain, Netherworld Haunted House is a spectacle of terror that reigns supreme in the realm of haunted attractions in the South. With accolades adorning its ghostly halls, Netherworld has etched its name on the list of must-visit haunted houses across the nation. Renowned for its labyrinth of elaborate sets, bone-chilling special effects and a legion of professional actors, the attraction deftly intertwines reality with the ethereal, offering a mosaic of fear to those who dare to step within.
With an unwavering devotion to the eerie and macabre, the people behind Netherworld Haunted House continually reimagine the domains of terror housed within, each year offering a fresh selection of nightmares that call to local thrill-seekers and the fearless from afar.
Netherworld’s legacy transcends the fleeting screams of October nights. It has blossomed into a titan within the haunted attraction industry, its tendrils of influence weaving a pattern of excellence that challenges and inspires haunts nationwide. The grandeur of its horror extends beyond the autumnal veil, with its ominous gates creaking open for escape games and other spectral soirees year-round, sealing its status as a perennial epicenter of the bizarre and fearsome.
In the middle of Phoenix, lurks a realm of horror that has etched its name among the most chilling haunts across the nation — the 13th Floor Haunted House. This formidable hellhouse in the desert draws upon the superstitions tethered to the number 13. The very name sets a foreboding ambiance, preparing visitors for the spectral journey that lies ahead.
Each year, a fresh narrative of fear unfurls through its ominous halls, promising the uninitiated and the seasoned veterans a night of true horror. The venue blossoms into a medley of gruesome scenarios, each chapter narrated by a cast of horrifying characters, realistic sets and a cacophony of screams echoing through the cold night air.
It’s easy to see that the owners exercise an uncanny attention to detail, forging an authentic atmosphere that seemingly erases the line between the realm of the living and the abyss that is the 13th Floor. The authenticity of the sets, coupled with the haunting performance of the actors, plunges visitors into a narrative so chilling that it’s bound to carve memories of fright into the brave souls who dare to venture through.
Positioned in the desert expanse of Moriarty, McCall’s Haunted Farm emerges as a pinnacle of terror amidst the tranquil Southwestern scenery. Each facet of the farm is carefully crafted to embody the grim tale of Farmer McCall, a spectral figure believed to lurk within the shadows of the property.
There’s a palpable aura of dread that intertwines with the chilling narrative, immediately engulfing visitors in an authentic spine-tingling experience. The talented ensemble of actors combined with a serious collection of quality props add a layer of frightful realism.
The variety of horrors awaiting the courageous souls is as endless as the night. A haunted cornfield stretches across the desolate plains, concealing unspeakable terrors in its rustling maze. The haunted house stands as a grim monument of terror, its every corner echoing with the chilling lore of the land. For those seeking a blend of adrenaline and terror, the zombie paintball hunt offers a chance to face the apocalypse in a horrifically fun battle of survival.
Spook Hollow – Marquette Heights, Illinois
Spook Hollow’s ominous landscape and blood-curdling frights craft a journey of terror for the dauntless souls who dare to venture out to Marquette Heights. Every nook is crammed with meticulously crafted decorations and sinister set designs. The attraction is lauded for its relentless grip on terror and suspense, rendering each step into the unknown a truly nightmarish experience.
The people behind Spook Hollow are relentless in their pursuit of the sinister, tirelessly evolving the tableau of terror with new themes and scares each year. The fruits of their labor are a dark wonder to behold.
Spook Hollow’s venerable tradition and unwavering dedication to quality scares have cemented its position as a cornerstone in the pantheon of local Halloween festivities. In a domain where the boundary between the mortal realm and the eerie unknown blurs, Spook Hollow reigns as a cherished herald of the Halloween season.
Situated in Louisville, The Devil’s Attic stands as a formidable name in the realm of haunted attractions, drawing thrill-seekers into its cold embrace with a sinister backstory. According to lore, the devil himself has gathered the vilest of souls, imprisoning them in the attic, though a nefarious few are unleashed, free to haunt the corridors and torment the souls who dare to enter.
As visitors tread cautiously through this house of horrors, they are met with a cast of scare actors whose renditions of terrifying characters defy the imagination. A squad of adept makeup artists and set designers meticulously curate each ghastly scene, striving for a level of authenticity that might just make your blood run cold. With every carefully placed prop and each stroke of the makeup brush, they conjure a nightmarish reality, ensuring an immersive and bone-chilling experience for all who enter.
Within The Devil’s Attic, each room unfurls a new chapter of horror, populated by sinister characters ripped from the pages of myths, legends, and the most haunting tales of the past. The thematic diversity and the creative prowess at play keep the fright factor escalating, ensuring that horror-hungry hearts remain pounding from start to finish.
The Frightmare Compound holds a place of eerie esteem within the haunted heart of Westminster. Recognized widely as a pulse-pounding haunted attraction, it springs to menacing life each Halloween season, enveloping the brave people who dare to enter its ghastly domain. Its longstanding legacy of chills and thrills stretches back through the decades, earning it the chilling title of one of Colorado’s oldest haunted houses.
Year after year, the haunt evolves, introducing fresh themes and newly concocted scares to ensure a uniquely horrifying experience awaits all who enter. This unyielding commitment to conjuring a high-caliber and horrific spectacle has not only carved a place of honor for the Frightmare Compound in the halls of local Halloween lore but has also amassed a legion of devoted followers, eager to face the terrors anew with each passing season.
Yet, the scares birthed by skilled actors and intricate sets are merely the visible veins of horror running through the Frightmare Compound. The Frightmare Compound isn’t merely a haunted house; it’s a terrifying trek through the twisted tales and legendary horrors that dwell in the darkest corners of Westminster’s imagination.
If you’ve got it, haunt it
As the echoes of frightful laughter fade into the chilly autumn night, the sinister allure of America’s best haunted houses lingers, ever-awaiting to recount torrid tales enshrouded in shadows. It’s not merely the goosebumps or the breathless suspense, but the stirring narrative of each spot that reflects the rich and spine-chilling history of the lands they occupy.
The best haunted houses in the U.S. extend an invitation to not just face our fears but to revel in the undeniable allure of the unknown. As the spooky season graces the horizon once more, the realm of the macabre opens its creaking gates, ever ready to haunt the daring with the ghostly legacies of yore. Are you brave enough to take on one of the top haunted houses in the country? There’s only one way to prove it.
And if you’re looking for a new “haunt” in the more peaceful sense of the word, take a look at our available apartments for rent.
It’s with no great pleasure (none of any kind, for that matter) that we find ourselves in a position to report, yet again, that mortgage rates have sailed decisively to another new multi-decade high. Today’s installment is fairly unpleasant given that the average lender actually began the day in slightly stronger territory only to be forced to increase rates at least once over the course of the day.
As is the case any time rates start lower and are revised higher, the culprit is the underlying bond market. Specifically, bonds started the day in stronger territory but ended up weakening significantly between 10am and 2pm ET.
Underlying reasons for that weakness are a matter of debate and confusion. Some point to comments from Fed speakers or a delayed reaction to economic data, but there are good reasons to be skeptical of both explanations. One of the only things that can’t be disproven right now is the sense that the entire bond market has acquiesced to the notion of interest rates being “higher for longer” and simply can’t reach the “higher” destination all in one go.
In other words, the market believes the Fed and it sees the value in being cautious ahead of next week’s important economic data. Traders have apparently decided it’s less painful to err on the side of higher rates and be forced to buy more bonds in the future (buying = lower rates, all other things being equal) than to be caught on the wrong side of the “higher for longer” trade yet again.
Today’s mortgage rate adjustment is more painful than normal due to a phenomenon in the mortgage-backed securities market. It’s fairly complicated to understand, but this part is simple: if the bond market were to improve in the future by the same amount it deteriorated today, rates would be back in line with yesterday’s levels.
Today’s levels aren’t great. The average lender moved up from 7.50% yesterday to 7.65% by this afternoon. That’s for a top tier 30yr fixed scenario. Anyone with a less-than-perfect scenario is seeing even higher rates–many of then closer to 8.0%.
Marketing, CRM, Fair Lending, HELOC, Non-QM Products; Webinars and Training Next Week; Why do People Move?
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Marketing, CRM, Fair Lending, HELOC, Non-QM Products; Webinars and Training Next Week; Why do People Move?
By: Rob Chrisman
7 Hours, 28 Min ago
Sometimes I send this Commentary out from some pretty nice places, sometimes not. Today comes from the tarmac at the Newark Airport, in Row 22, sitting next to some hairy guy who’s snoring and apparently went with the “Garlic Lover’s Pizza” last night. You can decide which category today fits in. “What do you call a small pepper in the autumn? A little chili.” Tomorrow is the fall equinox. Autumn? Autumnal? Different ways of saying similar things? Do you know the difference between a loan, a mortgage, a lien, a note, and a deed of trust? There are differences, just like there are differences in the reasons why people move. Unlike the convicted felon that I spent some time with yesterday, wanting a newer, better, or larger house or apartment has been the most common specific reason cited for moves over the past two years. That’s followed by establishing one’s own household, evidenced by a change in marital status becoming a more common reason for moving in 2022 than in 2021. The percentage of movers reporting housing unit upgrades declined, suggesting a reversal of a boom in housing demand that happened in 2020, early in the COVID-19 pandemic. A quarter of movers reported family-related reasons for their move, the second most often-cited general reason for moving in 2022 and in several recent years. (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s is sponsored by the Trade-In Mortgage powered by Calque. Homeowners can buy before they sell, make non-contingent offers, and tap their home equity to fund the down payment on their next home. Lenders can help their clients negotiate a lower purchase price, reduce their interest payments, and eliminate PMI. Hear an interview with Mayer Brown LLP’s Lauren B. Pryor on M&A activity in the mortgage space and what makes for a successful transaction in the current environment.)
Lender and Broker Software, Programs, and Services
“Cheers to 20 Years! We are proud to announce the 20 Year Anniversary for Carrington Mortgage! It’s been an incredible two decades filled with trust, growth, and a commitment to serving our partners. As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support. We look forward to many more years of serving our partners. We remain committed to being the industry’s leader in Non-QM solution lending. Our team of experts is ready to help you and your borrowers with a new home purchase or a refinance, all done in a timely and professional manner. Our program and product suite includes Non-QM, FHA, VA, USDA & GSE. Our Non-QM program offers you and your borrowers features and flexibility you may not find anywhere else. We’re here to help. Please contact us for more information about our products and services.”
In challenging down economic times, Loan Vision is your solution to maximizing profitability and reducing costs in your business. With Loan Vision, companies see improvements of 25% to 35% decrease in days to close the books, 20% reduction in accounting headcount, complete LOS to G/L automation, and improved reporting and visibility that allow for better business decisions. Don’t accept a competitive disadvantage or get caught flat footed in a recovering market. To improve your cash position, gain a competitive edge, and prepare your business for sustained growth, contact Carl Wooloff to schedule a call today.
From what people are saying, The Loan Store has consistently been among the “pricing leaders” and “process leaders” with agency loans, and they’ve also really been making a nice name for themselves with their Quick-Pay HELOCs. TLS is funding HELOCs 100% within 3-5 days (and paying 175 bps in comp), and that’s a great tool for LOs looking to expand their business. Plus, word on the street is that TLS will be expanding HELOCs to Texas soon, so that’s something else for Lone Star State LO’s to get excited about. Regardless of where you’ve set up shop, price out a HELOC in the TLS/Figure HELOC portal. Or, if you haven’t signed up with TLS yet, do that here.
Recent Trends in Fair Lending Compliance! When the DOJ announced its Combatting Redlining Initiative in October 2021, it was the department’s “most aggressive and coordinated” enforcement effort against financial institutions. The initiative has cost financial institutions $40 million in the first half of 2023 alone. The DOJ and regulators have not let up on enforcement actions against financial institutions (banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, and other lenders) violating fair lending compliance laws. In fact, regulatory agencies have expanded the scope of fair lending enforcement. A recent article from the experts at Ncontracts highlights the significance of recent fair lending enforcement trends and what it means for your fair lending program. Read the full article.
Earlier this month, Apple announced the 15th version of its amazing, do-everything iPhone. It’s hard to imagine, but what if Steve Jobs never invented the iPhone? What if we all carried one device to make calls, and a completely different device to send a text? This is exactly what many lenders do today with their CRM software. They have one CRM for their retail loan officers, a different CRM for their direct-to-consumer team, and another CRM for their wholesale account executives. Wouldn’t it be nice to manage all of your business channels in just one CRM? That’s what OptifiNow Flex is: a retail, wholesale, correspondent, reverse, home equity and private money CRM that can be personalized to fit your business needs. Reach out to us to learn more and see why OptifiNow is the iPhone of mortgage CRM!
Attention Mortgage Lenders! Discover the secrets to thriving in this competitive market with our FREE white paper, tailored specifically for you. Written by Seroka Brand Development, the mortgage industry’s leading marketing and public relations company, this exclusive guide reveals top marketing and PR strategies for 2023. As the industry faces its current set of challenges, effective yet cost-conscious marketing is more crucial than ever for companies like yours, competing for every opportunity. Learn six impactful ways to reach your target market and secure success through the rest of 2023 and beyond. Don’t miss out on this invaluable resource: download your FREE white paper now.
Training, Webinars, and Events Next Week
A good place to start is here, and click on “events” for conferences in the future. Next week is the last week of September already?! Wasn’t it just Labor Day? Let’s see what’s up.
According to data from Gartner, two in three companies say customer experience is the primary area where they will compete for business. Lenders, how is your business utilizing customer feedback to drive revenue growth in today’s challenging market? Need help? Join STRATMOR Group’s customer experience experts as well as peer lenders for STRATMOR’s Customer Experience Workshop on September 25, 26 and 27. This highly interactive, virtual workshop is designed to give lenders specific, actionable ideas: you’ll learn how to optimize your loan processes to maximize repeat and referral business and achieve your growth goals in challenging market conditions. Register today!
Tuesday the 26th is the next Mortgages with Millennials with Kristin Messerli and Robbie Chrisman, and sponsored by National MI. Tune in every Tuesday at 10AM PT to the weekly video show designed to empower mortgage professionals to tap into the millennial market. This show demystifies the psychology of first-time homebuyers and offers strategies to win more market share with a key segment of the market. Sign up for a weekly reminder with the link to join and a sneak peek into the next episode.
On September 26, 2-3PM ET, FHA’s free, virtual webinar will assist FHA-approved lenders (and their auditors) with their upcoming Annual Recertification and provide information on how to successfully submit an acceptable recertification package via the Lender Electronic Assessment Portal (LEAP). For detailed information, closely review the LEAP User Manual.
Free, on-site, FHA Underwriting Training in Philadelphia, PA., September 26, 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM (Eastern) will provide an overview of FHA underwriting procedures and addresses several industry-related frequently asked questions (FAQs) as outlined in FHA’s Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1. This training will also take an in-depth look at a variety of topics including credit, income, and asset (CIA) documentation; automated underwriting systems (AUS); closing; and more.
Free, on-site, FHA Appraisal Training in Philadelphia, PA., September 26, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM (Eastern) will provide an overview of the appraisal requirements outlined in FHA’s Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1. The training topics will include property inspection requirements, appraisal validity period, manufactured homes, water and septic, attic and crawl spaces inspection, and the FHA Appraiser Roster.
If you are looking for the housing policy and fintech event of the year to watch from the comfort of your office, Housing Finance Strategies’ #HousingDC23 is it. The agenda is published, and Complimentary Registration is now available. Sign up to view the premium content offered virtually and accessible to you starting September 26th.
If your credit union’s due diligence for quality control relies only on last-minute adjustments during post-closing processes, chances are you’re spending too much time putting out fires rather than adequately serving members’ needs. Market changes demand a more comprehensive and proactive approach to due diligence, and the experts at ACES Quality Management have the wherewithal to help you make that adjustment. Tune into this Inside Track webinar on September 27th at 1 pm CST to learn the why’s and how’s of improving your QC processes.
Looking for more in-depth commentary on weekly mortgage news? Register here for “Mortgage Matters: The Weekly Roundup” presented by Lenders One. Every Wednesday at 2:00 PM EST/11:00 AM PT is a dive into a range of mortgage-related topics, including market trends, interest rate fluctuations, innovative mortgage products, and industry advancements. Listen to a unique mix of age perspective, expertise, and charisma to the screen, ensuring that the information is not only educational but also entertaining.
California MBA upcoming Mortgage Quality and Compliance Committee webinar, Navigating the Future of Work: Adapting Return to Office Policies, on Thursday September 28th at 11 A.M. PST. Expert panelists will provide valuable insight on the ever-changing work dynamics, the challenges of managing remote and in-house teams, and MLO enhanced requirements in CA (and other states).
AzAMP Annual EXPO, Luncheon, and 8-Hour NMLS CE Class, September 27–28, at the We-Ko-Pa Resort and Casino. Begin your experience on Wednesday, Sept. 27 with Part 1 of NMLS CE class. Full day of events begins on Thursday, September 28 including NMLS CE class Part 2, Luncheon with Keynote Speakers Allen Beydoun, UWM Executive Vice President and Robbie and Rob Chrisman, The Chrisman Commentary Daily Mortgage News, followed by the AzAMP Expo.
Watch on demand, at your leisure: Millennials and Gen Z’ers represent the largest group of first-time homebuyers. In less than 10 years, 3.1 million will have entered the market. Of these buyers, roughly 75 percent of them report checking social media daily. Making social media a necessary strategy for loan officers. Join Homebot’s VP of Marketing, Ashley Remstad and Mortgage Advisor Sosi Avila as they discuss key strategies and tactics for using social media to your advantage. Register for the webinar here.
The NCEO 2023 Fall Forum in Houston is September 26-28. Featuring top industry experts and thought leaders, the forum will update you on the latest trends and best practices in employee ownership. Network with other employee owners and industry professionals from across the country, sharing ideas, challenges, and successes.
Friday the 29th is The Mortgage Collaborative’s Rundown covering current events in the mortgage market for 30-45 minutes starting at noon PT in “The Rundown”.
Capital Markets
Remember when all the “smartest guys in the room” were telling us that an inverted yield curve was a nearly sure sign of a recession? I haven’t heard that one lately. Even with the Fed just signaling lower interest rate volatility going forward, in theory translating into tightening MBS spreads and lower rates, mortgage rates still jumped by over .125 percent yesterday thanks to falling bond prices and “non-trivial stack decompression.” Much of the decrease in bond prices over the past couple of days stems from the markets still trying to fight the Fed. The yield curve remains highly inverted and will only unwind once the hard landing scenario becomes less probable.
On the data front, Existing home sales decreased 0.7 percent month-over-month in August to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.04 million as sales were down 15 percent from the same period a year ago due to a well-known confluence of factors: higher mortgage rates, higher prices, limited supply, a lack of mobility, and homeowners who are reluctant to give up a low-rate mortgage. Keep in mind that an economic recession could also bring about an increase in inventory, as those who lose jobs may be forced to sell their homes and those uncertain about their jobs will not have the confidence to buy a home. While the overall U.S. economy remains resilient, there are growing signs starting to show U.S. households tightening budgets or starting to reduce discretionary spending.
Today’s economic calendar includes flash PMIs for much of Europe where modest increases are expected versus the prior readings. Domestically, S&P Global PMIs will be released later this morning, though the bigger headline is the resumption of Fed speakers following Wednesday’s FOMC events. Markets will receive remarks from Governor Cook, Boston President Collins, Minneapolis President Kashkari, and San Francisco President Daly. We begin the day with Agency MBS prices unchanged, the 10-year unchanged from Thursday at 4.48 percent, and the 2-year at 5.13.
Employment
“What distinguishes a company in the mortgage lending game? For Evergreen Home LoansTM, it’s an unwavering dedication to customer experience. As Evergreen’s CMO, Haavard Sterri, puts it, “At Evergreen Home Loans, customer satisfaction isn’t just a metric; it’s our mission. We go above and beyond to ensure our clients not only receive exceptional financial solutions but also feel valued every step of the way.” Take the Security Plus program, a gem that offers clients pre-approved, underwritten loans before house hunting begins. But why should job seekers pay attention? A firm that champions customer needs typically scores high on employee satisfaction. At Evergreen, you’re not a replaceable part; you’re integral to a collective mission of transforming the homebuying process. In a crowded field, Evergreen shines by marrying excellent customer service with fulfilling career opportunities. If you’re on the job hunt and value innovation, teamwork, and a relentless focus on the customer, Evergreen beckons. To view all open Evergreen careers visit our careers page.”
In the Northwest and California, Banner Bank is searching for Mortgage Loan Officers looking to create lasting Realtor and builder relationships at a bank focused on the market today. Banner has opportunities for lenders looking for local decision making with FHA, VA, USDA, state bond and true Portfolio lending opportunities along with servicing retained Fannie and Freddie loans to assist in client retention. Additional highlighted products cover CRA lending with private label no payment down payment assistance to help assist all borrowers with the right opportunity. Banner is the right fit for an established team, or the individual looking to grow their business and take the next step in their career. Please send resumes to Aaron Miller.
As a mortgage sales professional have you ever thought, “What if I could focus on only the things that actually grow my business, flipping the hourglass and spending 80 percent of my time on what I do best: building relationships?” Or “What if I could surround myself with sales support that is truly team inspired, results driven marketing and customer obsessed headache-free process?” Welcome to radius financial group! They started radius with one main focus: to offer a better value proposition than any other bank or mortgage company in the country for you, your borrowers and your referral partners. radius can help you grow your business, have a better quality of life, and make more money. For confidential inquires please contact Carla Herrera.
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The mastermind behind some of LA’s most affluent homes, Ramtin “Ray” Nosrati has done it again.
The prolific designer/developer, who built more than 100 luxury homes across L.A. for the rich and famous, has completed his newest masterpiece and is now bringing it to market with a $29.888 million price tag.
Dubbed ‘Allure’, the 14,000-square-foot behemoth is located in the coveted suburban neighborhood of Brentwood, Los Angeles, and is packed with amenities — some of which you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.
In fact, ‘Allure’ is inspired by “The Greats” across various domains — including elite athletes, top Hollywood stars, influential C-suite executives, and international business tycoons. Some of these luminaries are friends and clients of Ray’s, while others are icons he holds in high esteem.
“Designing and building ‘Allure’ was an opportunity to push the boundaries of luxury and design in Los Angeles, to create a property that’s truly in a league of its own. Like the Michael Jordan of Brentwood homes, ‘Allure’ stands alone,” says Ramtin ‘Ray’ Nosrati, founder of Huntington Estates Properties and designer/builder of Allure.
Photo credit: Nils Timm / Nils Timm Visuals
‘Allure’ isn’t just about its features; it’s about the unforgettable experiences and transformative moments it promises. Every detail is a piece of a larger narrative that speaks to my team’s relentless pursuit of perfection. I believe in creating homes that are not just lived in but that live and breathe with their inhabitants. And that’s what we’ve achieved with ‘Allure’,” he added.
Photo credit: Nils Timm / Nils Timm Visuals
Offering an incomparable level of privacy, Allure is located roughly four football field lengths away from its nearest neighbors.
To achieve that, the property was carved into the mountainside, an arduous process that included the removal of approximately 680 truckloads of dirt to create over an acre of flat land.
Related: Everything you need to know about Brentwood, one of LA’s most coveted neighborhoods
With a total of 14,000 square feet of luxurious living space, the Brentwood home has seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and a whole series of upscale amenities — many of catering to sports fans.
But before we get into those, I’d like us to take a minute and appreciate some of this property’s upscale interiors, including the gourmet chef’s kitchen, which has been equipped with brilliant book-matched stone slabs, a triple waterfall island, and the finest Miele appliances (as well as a commercial-grade walk-in refrigerator in the caterer’s galley).
Photo credit: Nils Timm / Nils Timm VisualsPhoto credit: Nils Timm / Nils Timm VisualsPhoto credit: Nils Timm / Nils Timm VisualsPhoto credit: Nils Timm / Nils Timm VisualsPhoto credit: Nils Timm / Nils Timm VisualsPhoto credit: Nils Timm / Nils Timm VisualsPhoto credit: Nils Timm / Nils Timm VisualsPhoto credit: Nils Timm / Nils Timm Visuals
The property also features a highly Instagrammable bar and equally visually appealing wine room, a movie theater with a Rolls Royce starlight ceiling, the ultimate comfort station with a candy lounge and wine fridge, an organic garden, and much more.
A home designed by Nosrati wouldn’t be complete without one of his signature living moss walls.
Photo credit: Nils Timm / Nils Timm Visuals
In fact, Allure boasts two separate living walls — hand-assembled piece by piece and towering approximately 30 feet above the main living area — showcasing four varieties of moss that blend into the skylight above.
Photo credit: Nils Timm / Nils Timm Visuals
Allure is listed with Sally Forster Jones and Nicole Plaxen of Sally Forster Jones Group at Compass, Santiago Arana at The Agency, Shauna Walters at Beverly Hills Estates, and Josh and Matt Altman of The Altman Brothers at Douglas Elliman.
“Ray has seamlessly integrated his distinctive touch into every detail, from the epic sports complex to the artistry of his signature living moss walls,” Sally Forster Jones and Nicole Plaxen from Sally Forster Jones Group at Compass shared, adding that “This home transcends the ordinary; it’s in a league of its own, offering the ultimate family living experience with unparalleled privacy and exclusivity. With ‘Allure,’ Ray’s pursuit of perfection continues to push the bar of luxury, reflecting a home as unique and extraordinary as The Greats that inspired it.”
Speaking of that epic sports complex, the $29.888 million Brentwood mansion boasts a dedicated regulation-sized pickleball court, an NBA-sized half-court sporting a Michael Jordan design, a putting green, and a sanctuary spa with a fitness center and sauna.
Photo credit: Nils Timm / Nils Timm VisualsPhoto credit: Nils Timm / Nils Timm VisualsPhoto credit: Nils Timm / Nils Timm Visuals
Ramtin Nosrati left no stone unturned with Allure. The ultra-modern, high-end home boasts resort-like qualities, creating an ultra-luxurious-yet-tranquil oasis.
If the list of amenities wasn’t packed enough, future residents will also receive an Allure Black Card. This grants the owner access to fine dining and concierge services. Welcome to a higher level of posh.
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