Leasing momentum continues Across the portfolio, leasing momentum continued: “We signed more than 1,200 leases for more than 5.9 million square feet in the quarter,” Simon said. “We have an additional 1,500 deals in our pipeline, including renewals for approximately $570 million in gross occupancy cost. More than 25% of our leasing activity in the … [Read more…]
Find your future college town in the last frontier.
Alaska is known for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife and rich cultural heritage. Amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Alaskan wilderness lie three stunning college towns – Fairbanks, Anchorage and Juneau.
These three cities offer a unique blend of top-notch educational institutions and ample opportunities for outdoor adventure and research, making them perfect destinations for students seeking a truly exceptional and entirely unique college experience.
Fondly known as the Golden Heart City, Fairbanks is the largest city in the interior region of Alaska. Fairbanks is home to the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), the flagship campus of the University of Alaska system. Founded in 1917, UAF has earned a reputation for excellence in research, particularly in the fields of Arctic biology, geophysics and engineering. With a diverse range of academic programs, a tight-knit campus community and its idyllic location amidst the Alaskan wilderness, UAF attracts students from across the country and around the world.
Fairbanks has much to offer beyond its exceptional educational opportunities, too. As an important cultural hub in Alaska, Fairbanks boasts a vibrant local art scene, with numerous galleries, theaters and museums to explore. The Fairbanks Community Museum, the University of Alaska Museum of the North and the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center are just a few of the cultural institutions that will captivate history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.
Outdoor adventure is never far away in Fairbanks. Thanks to the city’s stellar location, living here means you’re always surrounded by pristine wilderness and the scenic Tanana River. These natural resources provide a wealth of opportunities for hiking, skiing and wildlife watching. The nearby Chena River State Recreation Area offers a picturesque setting for camping, fishing and canoeing. Fairbanks is also one of the best places in the world to witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights, which can be seen from August to April.
In addition to its natural beauty and cultural attractions, Fairbanks offers a diverse culinary scene. From the scrumptious breakfasts at the Cookie Jar Restaurant to the elegant fare at Lavelle’s Bistro, there’s something to suit every palate. Students can also enjoy a vibrant nightlife, with popular watering holes like the Blue Loon and HooDoo Brewing Company providing the perfect spots to unwind after a day of study and adventure.
Anchorage is a bustling metropolis with a small-town feel. It is home to the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), the largest campus in the University of Alaska system. Established in 1954, UAA offers a comprehensive range of degree programs, from undergraduate to doctoral, in a wide array of disciplines. The university is particularly well-known for its nursing, psychology and aviation programs. With a strong commitment to academic excellence, a diverse student body and state-of-the-art facilities, the area surrounding UAA has earned its place among the best college towns in Alaska.
Anchorage offers a treasure trove of potential experiences for students and visitors alike. From the fascinating exhibits at the Anchorage Museum to the lively performances at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, the city’s thriving arts and culture scene offers endless opportunities for enrichment and entertainment. History enthusiasts can delve into Alaska’s past at the Alaska Native Heritage Center or embark on a scenic journey aboard the Alaska Railroad.
For those who crave the great outdoors, Anchorage is an adventurer’s paradise. The city is surrounded by the majestic Chugach Mountains, providing a stunning backdrop for hiking, skiing, mountain biking and more. The nearby Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, an 11-mile-long scenic path, offers breathtaking views of the Cook Inlet and is perfect for biking, walking or jogging.
Anchorage’s culinary scene is as diverse as its landscape, with a wide array of dining options to satisfy every craving. Students can indulge in mouthwatering seafood at Simon & Seafort’s or enjoy international cuisine at a popular spot like Snow City Cafe. The city’s nightlife offers a mix of laid-back bars and lively clubs, with favorites like Chilkoot Charlie’s and Darwin’s Theory providing the perfect venues for a night out with friends.
While Juneau is better known as the capital city of Alaska, it also has the distinction of being one of the best college towns in Alaska. The city is home to the University of Alaska Southeast(UAS), which offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong emphasis on marine biology, environmental science and education. UAS’ intimate campus setting, coupled with its excellent faculty and focus on experiential learning, makes it an ideal choice for students seeking a personalized and immersive educational experience.
Juneau offers a rich array of cultural and recreational activities for students to explore. The city’s vibrant arts scene includes the Juneau Arts & Humanities Council and the Juneau Symphony. These institutions, among others, provide ample opportunities for cultural enrichment. History buffs can delve into Alaska’s past at the Alaska State Museum or take a tour of the majestic Alaska State Capitol building.
The great outdoors is never far away in Juneau, with the stunning beauty of the Tongass National Forest and the Mendenhall Glacier practically at the city’s doorstep. Students in Juneau can enjoy hiking, kayaking and wildlife watching in the surrounding wilderness or embark on a whale-watching cruise in the nearby waters of the Inside Passage. Juneau’s culinary scene is booming, with popular eateries like Tracy’s King Crab Shack and The Rookery Cafe offering a taste of Alaska’s freshest seafood and local fare.
Fall in love with a college town in the last frontier
With its unparalleled natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Alaska is home to some truly exceptional college towns. Fairbanks, Anchorage and Juneau each offer a unique blend of top-quality educational resources, vibrant arts and culture scenes and ample opportunities for outdoor adventure.
For students seeking a college experience that is both academically enriching and personally fulfilling, the cities featured above are undoubtedly among the best college towns in Alaska. So, pack your bags, brace for the cold and embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the last frontier.
Not everyone has the financial means to put 20 percent down on a home purchase. The good news is, forking over 20 percent upfront is not a requirement to buy a home. Plus, you might also be eligible for down payment assistance programs.
How do down payment assistance programs work?
Down payment assistance can potentially give you money that can help you afford a down payment, or it can help with closing costs, which are the fees and charges you pay when you finalize your mortgage. These total approximately 2 percent to 5 percent of the loan principal (and more when you factor in the escrow for insurance and taxes). For instance, on a $200,000 loan, the closing costs could be around $4,000. If all of your money has gone to saving for a down payment, you might need help paying for closing costs.
While a few programs exist at the federal level and even with some individual lenders, the majority of down payment help is offered at the local level through state, county and city government programs, and come in the form of a loan, grant or matched savings.
Down payment assistance eligibility requirements
The vast majority of down payment assistance is offered to first-time homebuyers. Many cities and counties have other housing programs available, but down payment assistance is typically reserved for those who have not owned a home in the last three years.
Many programs restrict owners of rental or investment properties from participating, so you’ll need to be a first-time homebuyer (or haven’t owned a home in the past three years) and the home should be your primary residence. If you’re unsure if you qualify, contact the program before you apply.
Types of down payment assistance
Grants: Grants are a type of housing assistance that provides a one-time cash sum, often in the form of a no-interest second loan, to cover all or part of a down payment or closing costs. The funds don’t have to be repaid.
Low-interest loans: These are similar to grants, but they must be repaid, usually over the course of a few years. Since you’ll be repaying this loan in addition to your regular mortgage, you’ll have a higher monthly payment.
Deferred-payment loans: These types of loans generally don’t charge interest, but usually need to be repaid in full when you sell your home or refinance your mortgage. Many times, these are zero-interest loans, which means you are only responsible for repaying the amount you borrowed initially.
Forgivable loans: These are similar to other kinds of assistance, but you might never have to pay them off. Generally, forgivable loan debt is erased after a certain period of time so long as you still own the home and are up-to-date on your mortgage payments.
Individual Development Accounts (IDAs): Also called a matched-savings account, with an IDA, the account holder’s contributions are matched by either private or public money. To get this kind of account, there are typically income caps and employment requirements, and participants usually need to complete free financial literacy training.
Some mortgage lenders offer their own down payment assistance. For example, In many states, Chase offers up to $3,000 that can go toward closing costs and down payment needs. While this program is just for first-time homebuyers, it does have other stipulations: You’ll need to get a 30-year fixed-rate loan and live in the home as your primary residence. You’ll also need to attend a homebuyer education course to receive the full amount.
What mortgages can down payment assistance be applied to?
Down payment assistance is available for all kinds of mortgages. Government-backed mortgage programs like FHA loans, VA loans and USDA loans often come with their own down payment assistance built-in. You can also apply for down payment assistance with conventional mortgages.
Individual lenders are likely to have their own requirements and restrictions when it comes to how down payment assistance is accounted for and applied to your loan. So, if you know you’re planning to take advantage of a down payment assistance program, it’s a good idea to talk to prospective lenders about how this will affect your mortgage.
How to find down payment assistance programs
Most payment assistance programs are local, though there may be a few statewide ones too. Some of the places to check out for down payment assistance include:
State housing finance authority: Many state housing finance authorities (HFAs) offer homebuying assistance and education. Find your state’s HFA here.
City and county government programs: As a means to boost homeownership, many counties and cities offer down payment assistance programs for first-time homebuyers. Check your municipality’s website for more, or speak to your loan officer to get more details about local DPA programs in your region.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Check HUD’s website for local homebuying programs by state. Every state also has HUD-approved counselors who will simplify the finer points of homebuying and help you find financial assistance.
Down Payment Resource: Down Payment Resource provides a plethora of resources for homebuyers, real estate agents and lenders, including an eligibility and lookup tool.
How to apply for down payment assistance
There is no shortage of down payment assistance options, but there is also no universal application that will go to all of them. Because of this, you will need to apply to each one individually. Depending on the program, you might call to see if you are eligible, complete the application online or in-person and possibly take certain education courses.
Some programs require you to have a specific loan to qualify. For instance, you might need an FHA loan instead of a conventional loan.
Aside from being a first-time homebuyer, eligibility is usually based on income. Many programs target low- to moderate-income earners, so if you are in a higher bracket, you might not qualify. You might also need to contribute a certain percentage of your own income to get the assistance.
Pros and cons of down payment assistance programs
There are a lot of benefits to receiving down payment assistance, but it is not all upside. Here are some key things to keep in mind.
Pros
Can help you become a homeowner faster
Can save you money upfront
Can help you afford more house or get more favorable loan terms
Cons
Can cost you more in the long run if it’s an interest-bearing loan
Can be time-consuming due to the amount of down payment assistance available; you’ll need to do your research and apply to each one individually
Not everyone qualifies
You need to be even more careful about sticking to your budget and refrain from using assistance to overextend yourself financially
You might be required to occupy the home for a minimum number of years in order to have certain types of assistance fully forgiven
Alternative forms of down payment assistance
Not everyone qualifies for down payment assistance programs. If you have owned a home in the last three years, your income is too high or you are planning to rent out the property or otherwise use it as an investment, you might not qualify for many programs.
However, there are other housing programs you might qualify for. Visit HUD.gov/states, select your state and click “Learn About Homeownership.” From there, you can find ways to avoid foreclosure, find home counseling services and get money for home renovations or repairs. Depending on where you live and your needs, you might find housing resources geared towards seniors, disaster relief and help to pay utility bills.
Home assistance programs are vast and vary by needs and location. You might find that if you do not qualify for down payment assistance, you might be eligible for assistance in other ways.
Down payment assistance FAQ
Since programs are usually administered at the local level, the time it takes for them to disburse funds can vary widely. It’s best to initiate your research and applications as soon in the home-buying process as possible to give yourself as much runway as you can. Your lender will work directly with the assistance program to secure the necessary funds.
This, too, depends on where you are. Terms and funding amounts are determined primarily by individual states — find out what’s offered in your area, and what you need to do to apply, by contacting your state’s HFA.
In most cases, yes, you can use multiple sources of down payment assistance, provided you qualify. Check with your lender to ensure you’re obtaining a mortgage through a program that allows for more than one source of assistance.
What’s the newest Royal Caribbean cruise ship? It may seem like a strange question to ask, but it’s something that matters if you’re in the market for a Royal Caribbean cruise.
The newest Royal Caribbean ship is typically also the Royal Caribbean ship with the most bells and whistles and the most up-to-date cabins, restaurants, bars and attractions. It’s what you want if you want the very latest and greatest in a vessel for your Royal Caribbean cruise vacation.
Right now, the newest Royal Caribbean cruise ship is Wonder of the Seas. It debuted in March 2022. Although it’s just about one year old, it’ll soon be supplanted as the newest Royal Caribbean vessel by the much-awaited Icon of the Seas — the first of a new class of vessels for the line. Icon of the Seas begins sailing in January 2024.
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Other relatively new Royal Caribbean ships include Odyssey of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas. All began sailing in the last five years.
In all, Royal Caribbean operates 26 cruise vessels. On average, the line comes out without about one new ship a year, and it typically keeps vessels in its fleet for around 20 to 30 years before retiring them from the fleet. The oldest Royal Caribbean ship, Grandeur of the Seas, is 27 years old.
In general, Royal Caribbean’s newest ships are far bigger and much more amenity-packed than its older ships. If you crave a lot of activities in a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation, you’ll want to stick to vessels built in the last 15 or so years.
Related: The 6 types of Royal Caribbean ships, explained
Royal Caribbean’s oldest cruise ships — those built in the 1990s and early 2000s — in many cases are just half to a third the size of the line’s newest vessels and have far fewer venues on board. Still, even these smaller ships offer a lot of attractions as compared to many vessels at competing lines.
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Royal Caribbean is known for bustling, activity-packed ships across its fleet.
Here, every Royal Caribbean ship currently in operation is ranked from newest to oldest:
1. Wonder of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2022. Size: 235,600 gross tons. Passenger capacity: 5,734.
2. Odyssey of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2022. Size: 167,704 gross tons. Passenger capacity: 4,284.
3. Spectrum of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2019. Size: 169,379 gross tons. Passenger capacity: 4,246.
4. Symphony of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2018. Size: 228,081 gross tons. Passenger capacity: 5,518.
5. Harmony of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2016. Size: 226,963 gross tons. Passenger capacity: 5,479.
6. Ovation of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2016. Size: 168,666 gross tons. Passenger capacity: 4,180.
7. Anthem of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2015. Size: 168,666 gross tons. Passenger capacity: 4,180.
8. Quantum of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2014. Size: 168,666 gross tons. Passenger capacity: 4,180.
9. Allure of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2010. Size: 225,282 gross tons. Passenger capacity: 5,484.
10. Oasis of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2009. Size: 226,838 gross tons. Passenger capacity: 5,602.
11. Independence of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2008. Size: 154,407 gross tons. Passenger capacity: 3,634.
12. Liberty of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2007. Size: 154,407 gross tons. Passenger capacity: 3,798.
13. Freedom of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2006. Size: 156,271 gross tons. Passenger capacity: 3,926.
14. Jewel of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2004. Size: 90,090 gross tons. Passenger capacity: 2,191.
15. Mariner of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2003. Size: 139,863 gross tons. Passenger capacity: 4,000.
16. Serenade of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2003. Size: 90,090 gross tons. Passenger capacity: 2,143.
17. Navigator of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2002. Size: 139,999 gross tons. Passenger capacity: 3,388.
18. Brilliance of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2002. Size: 90,090 gross tons. Passenger capacity: 2,142.
19. Adventure of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2001. Size: 137,276 gross tons. Passenger capacity: 3,114.
20. Radiance of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2001. Size: 90,090 gross tons. Passenger capacity: 2,143.
21. Explorer of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 2000. Size: 137,308 gross tons. Passenger capacity: 3,286.
22. Voyager of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 1999. Size: 137,276 gross tons. Passenger capacity: 3,602.
Maiden voyage: 1997. Size: 82,910 gross tons. Passenger capacity: 2,252.
25. Rhapsody of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 1997. Size: 78,419 gross tons. Passenger capacity: 1,998.
26. Grandeur of the Seas
Maiden voyage: 1996. Size: 73,817 gross tons. Passenger capacity: 1,992.
What is the newest Royal Caribbean ship?
The newest Royal Caribbean cruise ship is Wonder of the Seas. As noted above, it debuted in March 2022. Measuring 235,600 gross tons, it’s the biggest cruise ship ever built. It’s also loaded with more restaurants, bars, showrooms and deck-top attractions than you’ll find on any other ship at sea.
TPG sent a three-person team, at our own expense, to review Wonder of the Seas and all its new features after it began sailing. For more on the ship, see the following guides and reviews from these staffers:
What is the oldest Royal Caribbean ship?
The oldest Royal Caribbean cruise ship is Grandeur of the Seas. Unveiled way back in 1996, it’s not just the oldest Royal Caribbean ship but the smallest Royal Caribbean ship — far smaller than the newest Royal Caribbean vessels. Measuring just 73,817 gross tons, it’s just a third the size of Wonder of the Seas and has far fewer venues.
Except for a rock climbing wall, Grandeur of the Seas has none of the gee-whiz deck-top attractions found on bigger Royal Caribbean vessels, such as skydiving simulators and giant water parks. For the most part, its top deck is lined with pools, whirlpools and sunning areas, as is typical for ships built in the 1990s.
That said, Grandeur of the Seas has a loyal following among Royal Caribbean fans who prefer smaller and more intimate ships.
What new Royal Caribbean ships are coming?
Royal Caribbean currently has four new cruise ships on order. The first to arrive will be Icon of the Seas in January 2024. As noted above, it’s the first of all-new class of vessel for the line that, as of now, will be made up of three ships (Royal Caribbean could order more Icon-class ships in coming years — we’ll see). Two more ships in the series are due in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
The Icon-class vessels are being built at the giant Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland.
Related: The ultimate guide to Icon of the Seas itineraries, attractions and more
In addition, Royal Caribbean has a sister vessel to Wonder of the Seas on order for delivery in 2024. To be called Utopia of the Seas, it’s the sixth and final vessel in the line’s groundbreaking Oasis-class series that began rolling out in 2009. It’s currently under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France.
What is the newest Royal Caribbean ship available for booking?
Icon of the Seas is the newest Royal Caribbean ship that you can book right now. While the ship isn’t yet sailing, its initial sailings scheduled for January 2024 already are on sale, as are future sailings through April 2025. The three other Royal Caribbean ships on order have yet to open for bookings.
What is the newest class of Royal Caribbean ships?
The Icon class is the newest class of Royal Caribbean ships. It’ll be made up of at least three vessels, the first of which (Icon of the Seas) is due to debut in January 2024.
At 250,600 tons, Icon of the Seas will be more than 6% bigger than the biggest Royal Caribbean ships currently at sea. It’ll hold up to 7,600 passengers — a new record for a passenger ship. That’s about 7% higher than the maximum capacity of Wonder of the Seas, which can hold up to 7,084 passengers.
The bigger passenger capacity is in part due to the ship’s greater focus on family travelers. Icon of the Seas is being built with a lot more cabins that have plenty of extra bunks to accommodate families with many children. It’ll also have more amenities geared to families, including a new-for-the-line outdoor “neighborhood” called Surfside dedicated to families with young children.
What’s the difference between newer and older Royal Caribbean ships?
Newer Royal Caribbean ships generally are bigger than older Royal Caribbean ships — sometimes much bigger. As a result, they have room for a lot more onboard venues and attractions than the line’s older vessels.
On Royal Caribbean’s newest and biggest Oasis-class vessels, for instance, you’ll find three separate main pool areas, a kiddie splash zone, surfing simulators, a miniature golf course, a basketball court and even a zip line. And that’s just on their top decks. Inside the vessels, you’ll find more lounges, bars, restaurants and shops than you can imagine — plus huge casinos, spas and showrooms with Broadway-style shows. They even have indoor ice skating rinks.
In short, they’re like giant floating versions of the megaresorts you find in the Orlando area or Las Vegas, and they appeal to people who like a megaresort experience.
Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean’s older ships are a half to a third smaller and lack many of the above features. They have a much more intimate feel, at least in the pantheon of relatively big, mass-market ships, and they hold far fewer people. While Oasis-class ships can hold more than 6,600 passengers with every berth full, the line’s four oldest vessels (known as the Vision class) are only designed to carry about 2,000 passengers at double occupancy.
That makes them a good choice for someone who wants to try Royal Caribbean but isn’t eager to travel with huge crowds. The oldest ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet thus appeal to a subset of Royal Caribbean fans who prefer more intimacy in a cruise vessel and don’t mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it. They are also often less expensive to sail on, on a per-day basis.
Related: Don’t miss out on these Royal Caribbean loyalty perks
In addition, because of their size, the oldest ships at Royal Caribbean are able to operate itineraries to places that aren’t as easy for big ships to visit. Not all ports in the world can handle a ship the size of Wonder of the Seas.
Note that all Royal Caribbean ships are renovated and upgraded on a regular schedule every few years, so even the oldest Royal Caribbean cruise vessels have newer carpeting, updated furniture, modern decor in cabins and other updates. In many cases, they also have had entire eateries and bars renovated over the years with concepts that first debuted on newer vessels.
We’ve all been through heartache and pain, and music often helps us articulate our deepest emotions in ways that we canât express in other ways. We connect with a melody and its lyrics to release and express our deepest sorrows and anguish. But which songs evoke an especially deep sadness? In this blog post, weâll … Read more
The concept of a family trustâalso known as a revocable living trustâisnât very well understood by many people. The differences between a trust and a simple will, for instance, are frequently confused. While itâs somewhat more time consumingâand therefore, more expensiveâto have a family trust prepared than a will, there are significant benefits of the […]
The post What Is a Family Trust and Should You Set One Up? appeared first on Good Financial Cents®.
Throughout time, the maps of the world have constantly evolved as different nations rise and fall. Many territories that were once independent countries have disappeared from the modern geopolitical landscape. The causes of a country’s disappearance can be as diverse as its history, ranging from natural disasters and economic collapse to cultural assimilation and regime … Read more