Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Higher interest rates are increasing pressure on homebuyers who are already facing a challenging housing market. Many would-be buyers are understandably putting purchasing plans on hold, but there are no signs mortgage rates will drop significantly in the near future, and there are some sensible steps to take if you want to become a homeowner soon.
Mortgage rates surged past 7% for the first time this year on April 18 and continued to climb last week. According to Freddie Mac’s benchmark survey, the rate on a 30-year, fixed-rate loan is averaging 7.17% — more than half a percentage point higher than at the start of the year. And the upward trend may not be over.
Len Kiefer, Freddie Mac’s deputy chief economist, says it’s hard to predict just how much higher rates could rise, given the volatility in the market. A lot depends on data regarding inflation, which is proving to be stickier than everyone hoped for, and market expectations as to when the Federal Reserve will start cutting short-term interest rates.
“Given the current [economic] trajectory we’re on, it’s looking like there’s still some upward momentum,” Kiefer says. “In the very near term, we’ll probably see these rates be at the current level or a little bit higher.”
Most early-year forecasts predicted that mortgage rates would start moving in a slow downward trend throughout the year. While those outlooks seemed to be on the money during the first two months of the year, the opposite has been true in recent months.
According to Bob Smith, head of real estate for Advisor Credit Exchange, for at least the remainder of the year, “Rates are going to be bounded in a range . . . probably in the 6%s, low 7%s.”
It’s unclear when inflation will finally be under control, meaning mortgage rates will probably remain volatile for a while before settling down.
In the long term, Kiefer and Smith see inflationary pressures easing later this year. That should help nudge mortgage rates lower — just “not as much as we had thought,” Kiefer says.
High mortgage rates are hitting buyers right in the middle of the spring buying season. According to Freddie Mac, about 36% of all home sales take place between March and June, making these months the busiest time in the housing market.
Elevated mortgage rates, combined with high home prices and a lack of enough inventory to meet buyer demand, have led to record-high monthly payments. Homeowners insurance costs are at all-time highs as well, up 20% in the past year. These factors are pushing many would-be buyers to put their plans on hold. According to a report by BMO Financial Group, 71% of would-be homebuyers are waiting for rates to drop before buying a house.
Potential home sellers are also feeling the crunch, especially those who bought when rates were much lower. The cost of obtaining a new mortgage at a higher rate is keeping owners locked into their homes.
Despite the challenges, buyers shouldn’t panic. “Rates are, for a large part, temporary. At some point, [they] will go down,” says Scott Bridges, chief CDL production officer at lender Pennymac.
Instead of worrying about things that are out of your control, it’s best to focus on the fundamentals of homebuying to see if purchasing a home right now is the right move (regardless of the rate). Here’s what you can do:
Check your credit score and try to improve it while you’re shopping for a home. Buyers with better credit generally have access to lower mortgage rates. On the other hand, taking on extra debt during this time will reduce your score as well as your debt-to-income ratio, which will cause lenders to offer a higher interest rate on a mortgage. “When rates are higher, every bit of debt counts,” says Bridges.
Higher mortgage rates could move some buyers out of the market, which means more opportunities and less competition for those who can afford to buy. Don’t be afraid to lowball a little bit. With fewer buyers, you may be able to negotiate a lower price or concessions with a motivated seller.
Ideally, you’ll find a move-in ready home that fits your budget. The reality is that homes requiring little to no work attract a lot of attention and you may find yourself in a bidding war. Don’t be afraid to look for homes that may need some TLC. The asking price is likely more negotiable, and you may find you can use the money you save to fix up the home to your taste.
Set a budget you’re comfortable with. Use a housing affordability calculator to get an estimate of how much you can pay towards a home purchase. You can also get loan estimates from several different lenders to find the best rates and loan terms. And remember, the maximum amount a lender is willing to lend isn’t necessarily what you should spend on a home. Set a lower budget if it makes better financial sense or if you want to have some wiggle room if you have to compete against other buyers.
A house is likely the most amount of money you’ll ever spend. Bridges says that homebuyers typically make mistakes when they rush the process. Take the time to inspect the property and ask to see a home appraisal. Make sure it’s the right fit for your needs at the right price for you.
“Try to do things patiently,” says Bridges. “Don’t overpay, and don’t panic.”
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Source: money.com
If you’re curious about what makes Plano stand out, you’ve come to the right place. Just a short drive from Dallas, this growing city has beautiful parks, friendly folks, and great downtown.
From the majesty of the Plano Balloon Festival to the natural beauty of its well-planned parks, there’s a home in Plano for all.
Listed below are ten of the top things Plano is known for. Get to know this Texas gem a bit better and see why so many people are hoping to find an apartment in Plano.
Located in the heart of Plano, the Interurban Railway Museum serves as an anchor to the city’s railroading past. Visitors can dive into the history of the Texas Electric Railway, and view historic artifacts, photos, and documents. The museum is educational and interactive, offering guided tours that include a vintage railcar visit.
Historic Downtown Plano is a hub for community events, boutique shopping, and great local restaurants. The red brick streets and restored buildings give the area a timeless feel, making it a favorite spot for both photographers and aspiring influencers.
Granite Park Boardwalk is known for its killer views. The boardwalk is lined with restaurants and cafes, providing a perfect setting for an evening stroll or a dinner overlooking the water. You can often find live music and more around this lively spot.
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a 200-acre park. The preserve has miles of hiking and biking trails, a playground, and an observation tower that provides panoramic views of the surrounding area. It’s a preferred spot for families, fitness buffs, and anyone looking to enjoy a day in the Texas sun.
Covering over 800 acres, Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve is the largest park in Plano. It has amenities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and miles of trails for hiking and cycling. The park’s large pond and open spaces are ideal for picnics and relaxing days outside.
The Heritage Farmstead Museum gives visitors the opportunity to step back in time and experience life on the Blackland Prairie. This four-acre site includes a historic farmhouse, outbuildings, and farm animals. Educational programs and interactive tours engage visitors of all ages, making it an enlightening experience for those interested in agricultural history.
Legacy West is a newer development in Plano known for its upscale shopping and dining. This area serves as an economic center for the city, attracting major corporations and luxury retailers alike.
The Shops at Legacy is a shopping mall that complements the corporate environment of Legacy Business Park. This sweet spot has high-end boutiques, great restaurants, and more, all set in a beautifully designed, walkable urban space.
The Plano Balloon Festival is an annual event that fills the sky with colorful hot air balloons, attracting thousands of spectators each year. Held at Oak Point Park, the festival also has live music, food stalls, and activities for children.
The Crayola Experience is a family-friendly place that brings the magic of color and creativity to life. Located at The Shops at Willow Bend, this interactive attraction includes hands-on activities and exhibits, making it a dream spot for kids.
Housing experts say mortgage rates are likely to hover in the 7 percent range in May, amid elevated inflation that is keeping the Federal Reserve from reducing borrowing costs.
The high cost of home loans may keep buyers at bay as they await the decline of rates before they can make the leap toward homeownership.
Read more: Find the Lowest Rates From Top Mortgage Lenders
The Federal Reserve raised interest rates starting in March 2022 to its current two-decade high of 5.25 to 5.5 percent, a move geared to fight soaring inflation. This contributed to the push-up of borrowing costs, including for home loans. Inflation is still struggling to cool down to the 2 percent central bank target, which has forced policymakers to retain the high interest rate environment.
The 30-year fixed rate, for the week ending April 19, rose for the third week in a row to 7.24 percent—the highest level since November 2023.
Economic data, particularly around inflation, have come in higher than expected over the last few weeks. In March, inflation jumped to 3.5 percent on a yearly basis, up from 3.2 percent the prior month.
Unless inflation surprises in the coming weeks, mortgage rates are likely to stay in the 7 to 7.5 percent range, according to Realtor.com’s chief economist Danielle Hale. Fed policymakers are set to conclude their latest meeting on May 1, and they are unlikely to change their current stance on rates.
“Of all the data, I think that the inflation, specifically the [Consumer Price Index] out May 15, will have the biggest impact,” Hale told Newsweek. “Inflation and labor market data has come in higher and hotter than expected. This change in the data, which is driving a change in the outlook, has pushed interest rates, including mortgage rates, higher across the board.”
Read more: How to Get a Mortgage
High mortgage rates will depress buyers’ ability to buy homes.
“I expect homebuyers to approach the housing market more tepidly, and sales will reflect that trend,” Hale told Newsweek.
Orphe Divounguy, a senior economist at Zillow Home Loans, echoed Hale’s perspective on what will drive mortgage rates as inflation remains elevated.
“The fact that government borrowing remains high relative to demand for U.S. Treasury bonds is likely to continue to push yields—which mortgage rates follow—elevated,” he told Newsweek. “Looking into May, we can expect more rate volatility as investors and the Fed wait for more conclusive evidence of a return to low, stable and more predictable inflation.”
Buyers are still likely to be waiting for rates to fall but the key to the trajectory of rates will be how inflation performs over the coming months, said Holden Lewis, a home and mortgage expert at NerdWallet.
“Inflation remains stubbornly above the Fed’s target of 2 [percent], and mortgage rates won’t fall significantly until the inflation rate consistently drops for multiple months in a row,” Lewis told Newsweek. “Potential home buyers are holding back and waiting for mortgage rates to decline. The slowdown in home sales will allow the inventory of unsold homes to increase. That won’t stop home prices from going up, but it might slow down the pace of home price increases this summer.”
In May, policymakers from the Fed will reveal their latest rate decision and provide insights on the trajectory of borrowing costs. Also in May, the CPI inflation data reading for April will give insight into how prices are performing, which will give a signal to how rates might unfold over the next few weeks.
For the housing market, one silver lining may come from buyers who have to acquire homes due to personal situations.
Read more: How to Buy a House if You Have Bad Credit
“Purchases are likely to be dominated by movers who feel like they don’t have a choice to wait out higher rates, but rather, they have to move now for personal reasons,” Hale said.
Zillow’s Divounguy suggested that with mortgage rates expected to stay high, lower-priced homes could see escalated competition.
“We continue to expect significant competition this spring, especially for attractive listings on the lower end of the price range. New construction homes are selling well too; they’re available, and builders are offering financial incentives—such as rate buydowns and covering closing costs—to potential home buyers,” he said. “Remember, higher rates mean the home price a buyer can afford is lower, so if you’re shopping for a home in the mid-tier or lower, it’s best to assume you’ll run into some competition.”
Hale suggested that sellers, who can also be buyers, enter the housing market.
“With 80 [percent] of potential sellers having thought about selling for 1 to 3 years, it could be that higher rates are less of a deterrent this year than in the recent past,” she said.
The perspective from lenders appears to be that the 10-year treasury yields, currently at around 4.7 percent, will drop in the coming weeks to 4 percent and narrow the difference between mortgage rates and treasury rates.
“We expect the spread will tighten further by the end of 2024. The combination implies a 30-year fixed mortgage rate mostly unchanged in the coming weeks but eventually moving closer to 6.5 percent by the end of 2024,” Joel Kan, Mortgage Bankers Association’s deputy chief economist, told Newsweek.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Source: newsweek.com
The Home Depot Decor Days sale is here!
From May 2-5, the home improvement retailer is offering out-of-this-world deals on lighting, mattresses, patio furniture, kitchen tools and more.
Making a large home improvement purchase is usually a financial investment, so finding ways to save can be very helpful.
Beyond just larger investment purchases like the Serta Perfect Sleeper mattress — on sale for under $900 — there are also deals on kitchen gadgets like the bestselling KitchenAid mixer, which is on sale for under $400.
If you have been waiting to shop, now is the time.
Check out some of the deals we think are worth every penny, below!
By clicking on these shopping links, visitors will leave ABCNews.com. These e-commerce sites are operated under different terms and privacy policies than ABCNews.com. ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Prices may change from the date of publication. SOME PRICES ARE DYNAMIC AND MAY CHANGE FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. Have questions about ordering or a purchase? Click here.
The Home Depot
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$1149
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$137.40
$229
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$37.49
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$299
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$169.50
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$183.74
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$59.49
$69.99
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$329.99
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$67.97
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$83.99
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Source: abcnews.go.com
Iowa provides residents a quintessential American experience characterized by its rich agricultural heritage, tight-knit communities, and scenic landscapes. From the vibrant urban energy of Des Moines, with its thriving arts scene and culinary delights, to the charming small-town charm of Iowa City, home to the University of Iowa and a bustling cultural scene, Ohio offers experiences for every lifestyle. However, there are cons to living in In this state. In this ApartmentGuide article, we’ll go over the pros and cons of living in Iowa, so you can learn what life is like in “The Hawkeye State.”
Iowa has an affordable cost of living, with lower housing costs, utilities, and overall expenses compared to many other states. Cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids offer residents access to affordable housing options, with median home prices and rental rates below the national average. For example, the median home price in Cedar Rapids is $182,500, making homeownership more attainable for many Iowa residents. Rental prices remain equally affordable, with the average one-bedroom apartment renting for $776.
Iowa experiences harsh winter weather conditions, with cold temperatures, heavy snowfall, and icy roads posing challenges for residents. Sioux City often contend with extreme cold snaps and blizzard conditions, leading to school closures, transportation disruptions, and safety concerns. Despite efforts to maintain roadways, winter storms can make travel hazardous, meaning you’ll need extra precautions navigating the icy terrain.
Iowa’s thriving agricultural sector plays a vital role in the state’s economy, providing abundant job opportunities and contributing to the nation’s food supply. The state’s fertile soil and favorable climate make it ideal for farming, with crops like corn, soybeans, and oats grown extensively across its vast farmland. Additionally, Iowa is a leading producer of corn and hogs, with agricultural activities deeply ingrained in its cultural identity.
Residents in rural areas of Iowa may experience feelings of isolation and limited access to services and amenities. Towns like Decorah and Carroll may lack the same level of infrastructure and resources found in larger cities, leading to challenges in accessing healthcare, shopping, and entertainment options.
Iowa has a rich cultural heritage, shaped by diverse immigrant communities and indigenous peoples who have left their mark on the state’s history. For example, the Amana Colonies preserve the traditions of German settlers, while the Meskwaki Settlement honors the heritage of the Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi.
While Iowa offers some cultural attractions and events, larger cities in other states may have more extensive entertainment options. Cities like Waterloo may have fewer theaters, museums, and performing arts venues compared to metropolitan areas, limiting cultural experiences for residents.
Iowa is home to diverse natural landscapes, including rolling prairies, scenic rivers, and picturesque parks, offering residents ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration. Places like Maquoketa Caves State Park and Effigy Mounds National Monument showcase Iowa’s natural beauty, attracting visitors with hiking trails, camping grounds, and wildlife viewing areas.
Within Tornado Alley, Iowa is prone to severe weather events like tornadoes during the spring and summer months. While tornado warning systems and emergency preparedness efforts help mitigate risks, residents must remain vigilant and have a plan in place to seek shelter during severe weather outbreaks.
Iowa’s relatively low population density results in minimal traffic congestion, making commuting and travel more efficient and stress-free for residents. Even in urban areas like Iowa City, residents enjoy shorter commute times and smoother traffic flow compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Iowa’s changing seasons can exacerbate allergies for some residents, particularly during the spring and fall. Pollen from trees like birch and oak can trigger allergic reactions, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes.
Methodology : The population data is from the United States Census Bureau, walkable cities are from Walk Score, and rental data is from ApartmentGuide.
Source: apartmentguide.com
One of the many great things about fashion is how much it influences and feeds off of everything around it. The fashion trends of the season often dictate home, beauty, and even travel trends. I’m here to focus on the former. As you know, there’s an overarching air of elegance when it comes to fashion this season, and it shows no signs of fading, exemplifying the timelessness of all things elegant. So why not carry that over into your home?
I find elegant home décor to be relaxing, effortless, and expensive looking. Look for soothing colors, soft textures, and organic shapes when shopping for elegant home décor, or you could just shop along with me. I spent the good part of a day scrolling through countless home décor retailers’ inventory in search of elegant pieces I think you’ll love. Read on to shop them for your own living space.
H&M
Large Terracotta Tray
Cire Trudon
Abd El Kader Classic Scented Candle
Parachute
Cloud Organic Cotton Quilt
Nambé
Aquila Set of 2 Candlesticks
Porpan
Yanwe1 Ribbed Glass Vase
Dusen Dusen
Embroidered Dog Bed
Our Place
Set of 4 Dinner Bowls
H&M
Patterned Cotton Cushion Cover
Apparis
Brady Blanket
Tizo Design
Slim Gold Brass Frame
Bed Threads
4-Pack Linen Placemats
Sterling & Noble
Arched Black Metal and Natural Rattan Indoor Tabletop Bookends
Fable
The Rocks Set of 4 Glasses
Zara Home
Full-Length Mirror With Linen Frame
Parachute
Soft Rib Tub Mat in Clay
Le Creuset
Olive Branch 4 Qt. Covered Casserole
Barefoot Dreams
Cozycotton Checkered Throw
Nordstrom
Floral Tiered Tray Tower
Kassatex
Le Marais Tumbler
The Container Store
Artisan Rattan Cane Bin
Polspotten
Sandglass Ball Extra Large Hourglass
Zara Home
Tablecloth With Openwork Embroidery
Mango Casa
Rectangular Natural Fiber Basket
CB2
Eva Papier-Mache Bust Sculpture
Parachute
Fringe Wool Pillow Cover
Tizo Design
Crystal Bud Vase
CB2
Lincoln Polished Brass Desk Clock
Polspotten
Boolb Large Ceramic Vase
H&M
Chrome and Rattan Wall Hanger
Anthropologie
Sky Marble Table Lamp
Hay
Slit Small Side Table
This looks like it came straight out of a chic Milan apartment.
Source: whowhatwear.com
The following Five Surveys Review is a sponsored partnership with Five Surveys. Welcome to my Five Surveys Review! If you want to earn extra cash from home on your own schedule, I recommend trying out Five Surveys. This honest review of Five Surveys is going to explain what Five Surveys is, how Five Surveys works,…
The following Five Surveys Review is a sponsored partnership with Five Surveys.
Welcome to my Five Surveys Review!
If you want to earn extra cash from home on your own schedule, I recommend trying out Five Surveys.
This honest review of Five Surveys is going to explain what Five Surveys is, how Five Surveys works, and how you can earn spare cash with paid online surveys on Five Surveys.
If you’re interested in earning money online, you might have come across Five Surveys. This site pays users to complete surveys, giving an easy way to make extra cash from home. Unlike other survey sites that pay low amounts, Five Surveys has a simple deal: complete five surveys and earn $5.
I’ve been taking surveys for years, and I find it to be an easy way to earn extra money in my spare time.
I personally signed up for Five Surveys and have started taking surveys to test it out for you, my reader. One thing I really love about Five Surveys so far is the amount of surveys that are available. Already on the first day, there were 42 surveys that I could get started with, with more being added all the time.
Please click here to sign up for Five Surveys.
Below is my Five Surveys review.
Five Surveys, also known as 5 Surveys, is a website where you get paid to answer surveys online.
For every five surveys you finish, you can earn $5. Yes, once you answer your fifth survey, you can make quick cash, and they have a lot of available surveys for you to get started with.
If you’re all about making some extra cash, Five Surveys could be your go-to. Here are some reasons why I personally like Five Surveys:
When I first signed up for Five Surveys, I immediately received 42 surveys that I could start with. They ranged anywhere from 1 minute to 29 minutes. And, the way that the Five Surveys online platform works is that you need to answer 5 surveys to get the $5.
Five Surveys is a platform where you can earn money just by sharing your thoughts and input through surveys.
Here’s how to get started on Five Surveys:
You may occasionally come across screen-outs (this is when you start a qualification survey but are deemed not their intended target market), but the more surveys that you take then the easier it is for Five Surveys to match you with better surveys with your customer profile. For example, the qualifier may ask if you have children, but the survey’s target criteria may actually be looking for households with no children. So, you will see less inconvenience when it comes to these with the more surveys that you take.
Note: The answers for the pre-survey questions need to be accurate and detailed so the you have more relevant surveys available.
Ever wondered why companies pay for your thoughts on surveys? It’s because your opinions matter! Companies want to know what you think about their products and services because they want to create things that you’ll like and want to buy.
Market research firms act like detectives for companies, gathering clues about what people want. They create surveys for us to fill out, which helps them figure out what products should be like. As a thank-you for your help, these companies reward you with cash and other payment methods.
When you visit online survey sites to earn extra cash, you might wonder what kinds of questions you’ll be asked.
The questions can vary from survey to survey, but they tend to focus on your opinions about products or services, your preferences, and sometimes personal details such as whether you have pets or children at home and geographical characteristics (where do you live?).
I have taken over 100 surveys in my lifetime, and I have never once come across a hard question. They are always super easy and quick to answer.
Here’s a sneak peek into some typical questions that you may see:
Survey creators design these questions to be easy—they don’t require you to be an expert or a genius.
In some surveys, you might come across detailed questions about specific items, while others might be broader and aim to understand you better. This helps companies figure out why certain products or services might be a good fit for you.
Getting your earnings from Five Surveys is quick and easy.
You simply go to your Five Surveys account and choose your withdrawal method. You can choose between PayPal cash, bank transfer, Venmo, and gift cards.
They have gift cards to places such as Walmart, Olive Garden, Southwest Airlines, Chewy, Apple, and more. There are over 187 different rewards that you can choose from actually.
Below are answers to common questions about getting paid to take surveys with Five Surveys.
Yes, Five Surveys is a legitimate survey site known for rewarding people who complete surveys. On TrustPilot, Five Surveys has over 1,600 reviews with a good rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars (that means that most people have a positive experience on this site!). Some of the positive Five Surveys reviews that I read on TrustPilot talked about how Five Surveys is the best survey site due to the number of easy surveys available that pay a decent amount.
You can earn money by completing surveys on Five Surveys. The platform pays out cash and other rewards for the feedback you provide in surveys. Remember, the amount you earn will depend on the number of surveys you complete.
Five Surveys does pay its users. Upon reaching a minimum account balance, you can redeem your earnings through different methods like PayPal, bank transfer, or Venmo, and also in the form of gift cards.
Whether Five Surveys is worth your time depends on your goals. It is an easy way to earn small amounts of money, but like most survey sites, it won’t replace a full-time income. It’s a decent option for earning a little extra on the side.
Signing up for Five Surveys is free.
I hope you enjoyed my Five Surveys Review.
Understanding how Five Surveys works is easy. Once you complete five surveys, you’ve earned $5, which you can cash out using the payout options offered by the site (such as PayPal cash and free Amazon gift cards).
For me, I love how easy it is to get paid to answer online surveys. You can take surveys while watching TV, while waiting for some food to cook, while doing chores, and more. It is super flexible and you can do it right from your phone or computer.
Please click here to sign up for Five Surveys.
Do you like to take surveys to earn extra cash? What other questions do you have for my Five Surveys Review?
Recommended reading: Prime Opinion Review: How Much Does Prime Opinion Pay?
Source: makingsenseofcents.com
It’s the fifth-largest retailer in the country and it’s already doing at least $6 billion in home furnishings, but if Home Depot ever gets really serious about the category, it could change absolutely everything in the market. And that may be coming sooner than many people realize.
Early next month, Home Depot will run its second Decor Days online promotional event, and it may be just a taste of how the home improvement giant is planning to expand its business in this category. With the remodeling and DIY segments slowing as the housing market continues to stall, home decor represents perhaps its greatest area of potential growth after the professional builder and contractor sector. (The company is already targeting the latter with both organic and external moves.)
Right now, home decor—at least, as Home Depot narrowly defines it (decor plus storage)—represents only about 4 percent of the company’s $152 billion a year in annual revenue, or about $6 billion. However, a broader interpretation of the category that includes flooring and appliances takes that figure up to around 19 percent, or about $29 billion. And by the brand’s broader-still delineation of its business, it says “decor”—which one can assume also includes lighting, some gardening, and kitchen and bath products—represents almost one-third of its overall annual revenue, clocking in at about $50 billion. (All numbers are based on the company’s 2023 fiscal year.)
As the home furnishings industry tends to define “decor” (furniture, home textiles, housewares, rugs, and decorating merchandise like wallpaper), very little is actually found in Home Depot stores. There are rugs, carpeting, wallcoverings and a selection of window treatments, but not much more. The rest of these merchandising categories are sold online, where the offerings are extensive, including cookware, small appliances, furniture and tabletop.
That’s why Decor Days, set for May 2 to 6—a shopping period leading up to Mother’s Day—is an online-only event. Following the more limited debut of this promo last October, the second iteration has expanded to feature furniture, mattresses, lighting, rugs, wall art and kitchen tools, said the company in a release. The product selection will include brands such as KitchenAid, Tempur-Pedic and Ember, as well Home Depot’s private labels, Home Decorators Collection and StyleWell.
For Home Depot, this is the latest step in its on-again, off-again romance with home furnishings. In 1991, it launched its Expo Design Center concept, an upscale, broad-based big-box store that emphasized solutions for full kitchen and bathroom projects, as well as furnishings and decorating products. The brand eventually built the business up to more than 50 locations and at one time talked about operating as many as 200. But it never got there—and while the company didn’t break out the sales of this nameplate, one can assume the gradual store closings signaled it wasn’t successful. Finally, in 2009, it shuttered the last of the 34 still in operation and walked away from the concept.
The company also dabbled with another spinoff, Floor Store, which was launched in 2000 and grew to seven locations and a call center, primarily in Texas. Again, the brand said the concept wasn’t performing as well as it had hoped before it shut down seven years later. Both of these divisions, it should be noted, were dissolved during the period of the 2008 housing crisis, when Home Depot’s overall business was severely challenged.
In 2017, Home Depot purchased The Company Store, an online retailer of primarily home textiles and soft furnishings, and it appeared to be a step closer to building out that business within its overall operation. The subsidiary continues to operate both as a stand-alone brand and on the Home Depot website, but has not been positioned as a critical part of the decor mix.
Home Depot’s archrival, Lowe’s, is also targeting the home decor segment, though it doesn’t break out its revenues specifically for the category. Lowe’s likely does more in-store decorating business than its competitor, as its customer base skews a little more toward female shoppers. Recently it, too, launched private-label furnishings and decor brands, also with larger assortments offered online.
Now that Home Depot is generally quite sound financially, in spite of a post-pandemic industry-wide slump, it is substantially expanding its pro builder business by buying up other suppliers as well as adding dedicated distribution centers (Lowe’s has a similar strategy). The company says that even though pro builders represent only 10 percent of its customer count, they generate about half of its overall annual revenue.
So, where does that leave decor? Far behind—but still potentially Home Depot’s next big driver of growth.
____________
Warren Shoulberg is the former editor in chief for several leading B2B publications. He has been a guest lecturer at the Columbia University Graduate School of Business; received honors from the International Furnishings and Design Association and the Fashion Institute of Technology; and been cited by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN and other media as a leading industry expert. His Retail Watch columns offer deep industry insights on major markets and product categories.
Source: businessofhome.com
The following Prime Opinion Review is a sponsored partnership with Prime Opinion. Welcome to my Prime Opinion Review! If you want to earn extra cash from home on your own schedule, I recommend trying out Prime Opinion. This honest review of Prime Opinion is going to explain what Prime Opinion is, how Prime Opinion works,…
The following Prime Opinion Review is a sponsored partnership with Prime Opinion.
Welcome to my Prime Opinion Review!
If you want to earn extra cash from home on your own schedule, I recommend trying out Prime Opinion.
This honest review of Prime Opinion is going to explain what Prime Opinion is, how Prime Opinion works, and how you can make extra money with paid online surveys on Prime Opinion each month.
I have been taking surveys for years, and I think it’s an easy way to make extra money in your spare time at home.
Yes, you can actually earn PayPal cash and free gift cards for something that you can do while watching TV or when you just have a few spare minutes.
All you need is an internet connection and a device like a phone, laptop, computer, or tablet to get started with Prime Opinion.
Quick summary: Prime Opinion is a survey website that allows people to earn money by sharing their opinions from home. It’s a simple concept: you share your thoughts, and they pay you for it.
I signed up for Prime Opinion personally and have started taking surveys to test it out for you, my reader. One thing I really love about Prime Opinion so far is the amount of surveys that are available. Already on the first day, there were 49 surveys that I could get started with, with more being added all the time. This is a lot more than I usually see available on survey sites!
Please click here to sign up for Prime Opinion and get up to a $5 free bonus (500 free bonus points). You can also use the code “MakingSenseofCents10” to get 10% more points for each completed survey in the following 7 days after signing up.
Below is my Prime Opinion review.
Prime Opinion is a website where you can earn money by sharing your opinions through online surveys. These surveys often ask about everyday things like household products, TV shows, or sports teams. It’s a way to make money from home just by taking surveys on the internet.
Prime Opinion has several user-friendly features that make it easy for people to earn extra money. If you’re getting into paid surveys, here are some things you’ll like about Prime Opinion:
According to Prime Opinion, as I was writing this review on Prime Opinion, there were 1083 surveys available in the United States. Plus, the average user earned $11 the day before. So, as you can see, there are definitely surveys to be found here!
Now, I do want to say that Prime Opinion will not make you rich. No survey site will do that. But, you can easily earn a little extra money in your spare time from home.
Joining Prime Opinion is easy and free and many users even start earning on their first day!
Here’s how to sign up for Prime Opinion and make extra money taking surveys:
You can comfortably take surveys with Prime Opinion using any online device, such as your smartphone or computer. You have control over when and which surveys to take based on information like estimated time and payout for each survey.
It’s common to come across situations where you don’t qualify for a survey. You might answer a few questions and then see a message saying that you’re not the right fit for that particular survey. This is normal with survey sites. Keep trying, and look for other surveys that you may qualify for.
Note: The answers for the pre-survey questions need to be accurate and detailed so the you have more relevant surveys available.
When you share your thoughts on Prime Opinion, you’re helping brands and companies improve their products and services. Companies pay Prime Opinion for the market research that they collect.
Your feedback is important to them because it gives them insight into what people like and don’t like.
You might be wondering what kind of questions are asked in surveys – makes sense!
Usually, you’ll be asked about your opinions on different products or services, your preferences on different things, and sometimes, more personal details like whether you have pets or kids at home.
Here are examples of the types of questions you might be asked in paid online surveys:
These questions are straightforward and don’t require any special expertise to answer! Sometimes the answers are multiple-choice, and sometimes you will be asked to write a sentence or two.
The goal is to gather information about your needs and interests, which helps companies determine what products or services might appeal to you. Your feedback is helpful because it influences how companies develop and sell products.
The withdrawal process from Prime Opinion is simple. You can withdraw your money through many different options once you reach the required points for cash-out.
You can redeem your points for PayPal cash, direct bank transfer, Venmo, virtual Visa card, as well as for gift cards to retailers and places such as Amazon, Apple, eBay, Kroger, Starbucks, Target, Walmart, and more.
There are even 46 different options for charity donations that you can choose from.
Before you withdraw your earnings, you’ll need to reach the redemption threshold. This is the minimum number of points you must have to start the cash-out process.
The redemption threshold depends on the method you want to use. For example, bank transfer redemptions start as low as 125 points ($1.25) and some gift card transactions start at 100 points ($1.00).
Note: The higher the welcome bonus chosen, the higher the threshold will be for the first redemption. After that the redemption threshold is low.
Below are answers to common questions about getting paid to take surveys with Prime Opinion.
Yes, Prime Opinion is a legitimate survey site. On TrustPilot, Prime Opinion has 11,000 reviews with an excellent rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Some of the positive Prime Opinion reviews that I read on TrustPilot talked about how users liked the low payout amount, how there are always a lot of surveys available, and how easy the site is to use.
Your earning potential on Prime Opinion can vary and surveys typically pay between $0.50 and $5.00 each ($5 is the highest-paying survey they have available).
Each point on Prime Opinion is worth $0.01. 1,000 points are equal to $10. 500 Prime Opinion points are equal to $5.
Prime Opinion prioritizes user privacy and implements measures to keep your personal information secure. However, I always recommend that you read the privacy policy for any survey company that you join.
Before you can withdraw your earnings on Prime Opinion, you’ll need to reach the redemption threshold. This threshold varies based on the redemption method you choose. For example:
Once you reach the required points, you can start the cash-out process using your preferred redemption method. This may be one day or it may be a week or more. It just depends on how many surveys you answer and the length.
You get paid in points on Prime Opinion, which you can redeem for PayPal cash, gift cards, or donations to charities.
Once you’ve reached the payout threshold, you can withdraw your earnings directly to your PayPal account or choose other redemption options such as free gift cards.
Yes, joining and using Prime Opinion is completely free. There are no hidden fees.
I hope you enjoyed my Prime Opinion Review.
If you want to earn extra money without committing to a lot of hours or another job, answering fun surveys at home could be a good option for you to explore.
Prime Opinion is a legitimate survey platform that pays you to complete surveys, and that’s their sole focus. They have plenty of surveys for you to answer and you have many options to redeem your points, including different gift cards and cash payouts.
Plus, this site also has a monthly leaderboard contest so that top earners can get additional bonus earnings.
If you’re interested in earning money by sharing your opinions and thinking about signing up, learning about Prime Opinion is a great way to begin increasing your income.
I really like how easy it is to earn money by answering online surveys. You can take surveys while watching TV, waiting for food to cook, doing chores, and more. It’s super flexible and convenient, allowing you to do it right from your phone or computer.
Please click here to join Prime Opinion and get up to a $5 free bonus.
Do you like to take surveys to earn extra cash? What other questions do you have for my Prime Opinion Review?
Source: makingsenseofcents.com
‘It’s not my motivation to always do something timeless,’ Kristina Crestin told me in our interview this week.
In a design landscape where we’re constantly discussing how to make interiors more ‘timeless’ or ‘anti-trend,’ it seems like a shocking revelation. The statement is especially surprising, coming from Crestin, a champion of the ‘classic’ modern farmhouse style in her HGTV series Farmhouse Fixer. Actually, her reasoning is quite freeing.
‘I get a lot of feedback from homeowners that have gone safer and more timeless with some things, but they just don’t love it as much as the places they took risks,’ Crestin explained on the home decor idea. Rather than guiding your interior design based on arbitrary ideas of what’s ‘outdated,’ Kristina recommends choosing an interior scheme based on personal taste.
When one is guided by personal taste, it’s easy to be drawn to current interior design trends. Crestin doesn’t necessarily think this is a bad thing. Instead, choosing where to integrate interior design trends you love requires reconfiguring where and how to spend budget. She used the analogy of buying a new wardrobe.
timeless interior design and focusing on the joy of the process. Crestin told Homes & Gardens: ‘I think people get trapped with the idea that they’re doing this once, they’re spending the money once and then they’re not going to change it for 15 years. Well, you wouldn’t address your wardrobe that way. Knowing that over time you might need to supplement some things takes the pressure off of feeling like it’s one and done. It’s more of a psychological thing.’
The modern farmhouse style, often seen on Farmhouse Fixer, perfectly strikes the balance of incorporating trendy elements, but also remaining true to timeless materials and high-quality design.
Sherpa Shams
Wheel Chandelier
Marble Coffee Table
Whether you prefer following interior design trends or opting for more classic interior design, Crestin’s ideas are helpful reminder that it’s always okay to decorate to the tune of your own drummer. If you hate it, you can always change it later.
Source: homesandgardens.com