HousingWire Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler sat down with Rick Arvielo, co-founder and CEO of New American Funding (NAF), to talk about AI, why he chose to start NAF Technology India and how to keep NAF innovative. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Sarah Wheeler: New American Funding is known for building rather than buying technology. Are you still in that mode?
Rick Arvielo: Yes, and as a matter of fact, we’ve really doubled down on the effort. I’ve always kind of led the charge in our tech build, and as we’ve gotten bigger, it’s just harder for me to devote the time to immerse myself in that. So within that last couple of years, we brought in some great leaders — we’ve been lucky to attract some top talent to New American Funding,
Another fairly material decision we made was about a year and a half ago, we made the decision to rely on some offshore assistance. But having some experience with that, I didn’t really want to find contract offshore providers. So we decided to open our own company in India: NAF Tech India. We have about 150 New American Funding employees over there now to help supplement our somewhat lofty tech build goal.
SW: What has that experience been like?
RA: It’s great! We’ve been using contractors here and there for some time just because it’s often a lower cost, but what we find is with contractors, oftentimes, they’ll give you their “A” players to get you into contract and then they move those people on to their next target. Then you’re left with people that don’t measure up to the initial bar. So, we just realized that the only way that we were going to control that world is to own it ourselves — and it’s quite an undertaking.
You’ve got to incorporate over there, you’ve got to get space and build it out, you’ve got to find the leadership and then start hiring staff. That took about a year, but we’ve been full force now for about a year.
The challenge with the U.S. really has a lot to do with the escalating pay scales [for tech workers] which is very hard to digest in a market like we’re in right now. It will have you second guessing your decision to build versus buy! But also, when you bring people in, it takes some time just to get them familiar with your tech stack. And if they then get attracted away by somebody wanting to pay them a little bit more, it’s just a big expense to digest.
So having that foothold in India, where they have vast expertise, and really have them part of New American Funding so we can indoctrinate them into our culture — something they care about as much as Americans — it’s been a fun exercise.
SW: Is it similar to just having another location?
I would say the only thing that’s a little different is the time zones. But we live in a virtual world anyway right now — most of our tech people don’t work in our corporate office, they’re working from wherever they are.
I think that the quality of engineer over there is really good. We’re now finding that we need to invest in bringing more product people into India so they’re intimately familiar with what we’re doing. So when they’re busy during our nighttime and they get stuck or need help, there’s somebody there that can answer those questions. We’re starting to build out that infrastructure now as well.
SW: What advantages does building this way gives you in this particular market?
RA: Cost efficiencies are probably the biggest advantage. There is a stark difference between what you have to pay a technician here in the United States and what you have to pay a technician in India. Not to take advantage of anyone. But, we’re privately funded — we’re not public, it’s just Patty and me — so we have to be very careful about the dollars we spend, especially in a real estate market that’s under pressure like ours is. So to go as hard and as fast as we want to go with our tech initiatives, we needed to bring on a lower cost resource to supplement and help us stay within our budget.
SW:Are you guys rolling out a lot of different products for them?
RA: Our goal is always to improve the experience for our loan originators and our consumers. Millennials are digital natives and Gen Z doesn’t know anything but a digital lifestyle experience. Our goal is to take that seriously and try to develop technologies for both our loan officers and our consumers, to give them a real-time experiences.
When I looked at the vendors that are out there that have done a lot of this — that comes with as many challenges as benefits, because technologies are changing quickly. And when you’re a vendor and you’ve invested over years to develop techn, and then this technology morphs and changes, a lot of times they find themselves painted into a corner because they have to support people that are already using their stuff. So our goal is to develop the foundation, and have the technical prowess to be able to pivot for our needs, and not the need of some vendors’ 100 customers.
SW: How is New American Funding leveraging AI?
RA: I think artificial intelligence can bring a lot to the table, to the extent it can be taught. That’s the beauty of AI — it’s a large language model and neural networks are so far beyond human beings, they can arrive at answers much more quickly and accurately. We do a lot of transactions, so we can take those transactions and teach a large language model more quickly than maybe a smaller competitor.
AI is so new, but we’re focused on getting the right people on the boat, to have the subject matter expertise so that they can bring these types of solutions and allow people time to become comfortable with the transition. It’s not that we want to replace their job — it has nothing to do with that, it has to do with making them more efficient. But creating this new ecosysem is a bigger effort than you would think. And it’s not just operations or marketing — it’s just about every part of the business where AI can make a difference. And you still need to be very careful massaging it into the organization so people aren’t defensive and they don’t feel threatened by it.
SW: How do you keep making sure you’re on the edge of innovation where it matters?
RA: For me, personally, I just find people better than me. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I have a lot of confidence, but I’m also 61 years old so I’m not the guy anymore to direct tech. I used to be, but today, it’s very important that I find people much better than I am: much more immersed, much more contemporary in the way they think, and bring them in to help make those decisions. And we’ve probably worked harder on that than just about anything else over the last few years.
New American Funding has always been what I call skinny at the top — it’s been me, Patty, Christy Bunce our president, and a handful of other people that we really rely on. And I needed to fill in puzzle pieces with people who really had that level of expertise and just a new perspective that was better, more relevant and younger than mine, to be honest with you.
And we’re blessed that we’ve been able to find those people and attract them to New American Funding, and they’re really making their mark. And we’re such a better business today than we were even a handful years ago, when I was in charge, because I just don’t know what they know. And I think that it was important for me to recognize that myself, and to be able to figure out a way to attract that top talent to New American Funding.
SW: What keeps you up at night?
RA: I think, to be blunt, not f*ing up. We’re 3,800 employees at New American Funding and those people rely on me to not screw it up and to make sure that I make the right fiscal decisions for our company, that we have the right vision, we invest the right money and execute in the right way, so that everyone can continue to do their work and earn their living and take care of their lives. So when I feel pressure, it really has more to do with that than anything else.
We don’t swing for the fences at New American Funding. We think things out. We’re very deliberate in our growth, because I don’t want to do something that jeopardizes the wherewithal in the business and put 3,800 souls at risk, especially in a market like this. We had an unprecedented run through the COVID years, obviously, but now is the time to really make wise decisions so you don’t have an undue impact on the organization.
Looking for jobs where you work alone? If you’re an introvert or simply want minimal human interaction, here are 40 ideas.
Looking for the best jobs where you work alone? If you’re an introvert or simply want minimal human interaction, here are 40 ideas.
With there being so many different types of jobs out there nowadays, more and more people are looking for jobs where they can be by themselves, away from the busy office or customers. They find comfort in jobs where they can do tasks on their own, letting them really concentrate and do well in what they do best.
For me, I have worked mostly alone for over a decade now, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I enjoy the flexibility of working on my own and having less stress.
Jobs that let you work this way are usually appealing to introverted individuals, those who like a calmer setting, or people who just work better with more independence.
Knowing which jobs let you work alone is really important for those who want to find the right mix of being on their own and getting things done well.
Top Jobs Where You Work Alone
There are 40 jobs where you can work alone listed below. If you want to skip the list, here are some jobs that you may want to start learning more about first:
Benefits of Jobs Where You Work Alone
More and more people are looking for jobs where they can work alone, and I get it! I have been working mostly alone for over a decade and I really love it.
After all, a person spends so much of their time working, so you might as well like what you’re doing. If you’re an introvert, or if you like working by yourself, there are jobs where you can do just that.
Some of the positives of working alone include:
Less stress if you’re an introvert – If you’re an introvert, then you may feel stress when working with other people, such as coworkers and customers.
Getting more stuff done in less time – Working alone may mean that you can complete your tasks faster because there are fewer distractions.
Having a more flexible schedule – Some jobs where you work on your own sometimes let you choose when you want to work, as long as you get the work done.
If you’re looking for jobs where you work alone, think about what you’re good at and what you enjoy (and also think about what you don’t like!).
40 Jobs Where You Work Alone
Below are 40 jobs where you can work on your own. The jobs below range from earning a part-time to a full-time income too.
1. Proofreader
Proofreaders check and edit written content for errors and inconsistencies, and this job requires strong attention to detail and excellent grammar skills.
If you’re good at paying close attention to details, then proofreading could be an ideal work-alone job for you.
Authors, website owners, and students often hire proofreaders to improve their work. There’s a high demand for proofreaders, and you can find jobs through many different platforms.
Even the most skilled writers can make mistakes in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. That’s why hiring a proofreader can be very helpful for pretty much anyone and everyone.
If you want to find online proofreading jobs, I recommend joining this free 76-minute workshop focused on proofreading. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to begin your own freelance proofreading business.
Recommended reading: 20 Best Online Proofreading Jobs For Beginners (Earn $40,000+ A Year).
2. Virtual Assistant
One of my first side jobs was as a virtual assistant and it was a fun and flexible way to earn income. While you do have a boss when you are a VA, a lot of the tasks that you do will require you to take charge and complete them by yourself in your own home.
A virtual assistant is someone who helps people with office tasks from a distance. This could be from your home or while you’re traveling. It might include things like replying to emails, setting up appointments, and managing social media accounts.
This job can pay you more than $50,000 each year.
If you want to find part-time or full-time virtual assistant jobs, I recommend joining the free workshop called “5 Steps To Become a Virtual Assistant“.
Recommended reading: Best Ways To Find Virtual Assistant Jobs
3. Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers are people who keep track of all the money-related things for businesses such as writing down sales, keeping a record of expenses, and making financial reports.
This is a job where you can work alone and a typical salary is $40,000+ each year. Plus, you’ll mainly be dealing with numbers and not people.
You can join the free workshop that focuses on finding virtual bookkeeping jobs and how to begin your own freelance bookkeeping business by signing up for free here.
Recommended reading: How To Find Online Bookkeeping Jobs
4. Blogger
Blogging is a great way to make money while working on your own. It’s one of the reasons I really enjoy it, haha! I get to work by myself, for myself, and I can pick the projects I want to work on.
As a blogger, you write content for others to read online. You get to choose what you want to write about as well as how you want to make money blogging because there are so many different options (like affiliate marketing or displaying ads).
You can begin a successful blog about a specific topic like finance, travel, lifestyle, family, and many others.
Blogging is my main source of income, and it has completely transformed my life. I have the freedom to travel whenever I want, set my schedule, and be my boss.
Since I began Making Sense of Cents, I’ve made more than $5,000,000 from my blog. I earned this money by working with companies through sponsored partnerships, affiliate marketing, display ads, and selling online courses.
Learn more at How To Start A Blog FREE Course.
5. Delivery Driver
Delivery drivers pick up and drop off packages. And, they get to work by themself most of the time as they are in the vehicle alone.
A delivery driver may drive a car, truck, or even a bike, depending on the company they work for. They don’t usually have a boss watching them all day nor have to deal with very many customers for long periods.
6. Book Reviewer
Book reviewers read books and share their thoughts in book reviews.
There are websites where you can get paid for sharing your thoughts about books and you may earn money through PayPal or a bank transfer, and sometimes you get to keep the book you reviewed.
They don’t just want positive reviews either, they want to know what you really think! You see, authors and publishers like to send out free copies of their books so that they can get honest opinions. Just like us, they know it’s helpful to read reviews before deciding if a book is worth the time.
Some sites that pay for book reviews include Online Book Club, Kirkus Media, and BookBrowse.
Recommended reading: 7 Best Ways To Get Paid To Read Books
7. Deliver RVs or Cars
You can earn money by traveling across the country and delivering vehicles for people and dealerships. Sometimes you’ll be towing the vehicle, and other times you’ll be driving it.
If you want a job with minimal human interaction, this can be a good one to look into as you are mostly by yourself. You simply pick up the vehicle, drive by yourself, and then drop it off.
For this job, you need to have a clean driving record. Those who do this type of work can earn around $300 to $400 (or much more!) for each vehicle they deliver. It depends on the distance they are traveling and what is being transported.
8. Digital or Graphic Designer
A graphic designer is someone who creates designs for others, such as people and businesses.
As a digital designer, you may be making things like images, printables, planners, t-shirt designs, calendars, business card designs, social media graphics, stickers, logos, and more.
Recommended reading: How To Make Money As A Digital Designer
9. Pet Sitter and Dog Walker
Pet sitters and dog walkers take care of pets while pet owners are away, such as on vacation or in the hospital. Some of the tasks include feeding, taking dogs for walks, and playing with them.
You might have pets come to your home or you can go to their owner’s place (this is something that is agreed upon beforehand). Dog walkers earn around $20 for every hour walking a dog. Looking after someone’s pet overnight can earn a person around $25-$100+ or even more each day.
I have personally paid a person to watch my dogs overnight in their home $100 a day. She was so wonderful too and my dogs loved her.
Now, with this job, you’re not working entirely alone, because you will be with pets. But, they can be great friends and companions!
Rover is a company you can sign up with and list your dog walking and pet sitting services.
10. House Cleaner
House cleaners make sure homes and businesses are nice and clean. They might work alone or with a small group. They can earn between $25 to $50 an hour for cleaning for others.
You can work for a cleaning company, but you’ll likely make more money if you have your own business.
Starting this kind of business isn’t expensive because you likely already have the cleaning supplies you need. You can advertise your services on Facebook, tell your friends and family, or make an account on Care.com.
11. Transcriptionist
An online transcriptionist’s main task is to listen to video or audio files and then type out everything that is being said, a process known as transcribing. The aim is to accurately write down what is heard, without any mistakes in spelling, grammar, or punctuation.
There are many different types of transcriptionists as well – legal, general, and medical transcriptionists.
This job requires strong typing and listening skills, and you can work from home all by yourself.
Online transcriptionists earn around $15 to $30 per hour on average, with new transcribers on the lower end of that.
A helpful free resource to take is FREE Workshop: Is a Career in Transcription Right for You? You’ll learn how to get started as a transcriptionist, how you can find transcription work, and more.
Recommended reading: 18 Best Online Transcription Jobs For Beginners To Make $2,000 Monthly
12. House Flipper
House flippers buy, renovate, and sell properties for a profit. This job involves managing renovation projects, and you can work alone or with a small crew.
House flipping is when someone buys a property at a lower price, fixes it up (like painting, redoing the kitchen, and improving the outside appearance), and then sells it for more money to make a profit. This is done to make a quick return on the investment.
Recommended reading: 10 Best Books on Flipping Houses To Make Money
13. Grocery Shopper
Grocery shoppers buy groceries for people like you and me, offering a helpful service for those who don’t have the time or can’t shop on their own. You’ll work on your own and talk to clients through an app on your phone.
One service you can easily sign up with to become a grocery shopper is Instacart. This is a popular site for people who want to make extra money by shopping for and delivering groceries.
Instacart shoppers make money from a mix of base pay, tips from customers, and sometimes bonuses or rewards (like for finishing orders during busy times).
You can sign up here to get started as a grocery shopper with Instacart.
Recommended reading: Instacart Shopper Review: How much do Instacart Shoppers earn?
14. Affiliate Marketer
Affiliate marketers share products or services with their followers for a commission. You do this by placing a referral link on your website, blog, or social media (like Instagram). When people use that link to buy something, you then get a commission.
For example, if you share a link to a book on Amazon and someone buys it through your link, you make some money. Companies like Amazon want people like you to help them sell things, so they’re happy to work with you as it helps them.
If you get someone to sign up through your special link, the company gives you a commission for telling others about their product. It’s like a little thank-you for your help!
This is one of my favorite jobs where you work alone from home, and what I do full-time!
Click here to get Affiliate Marketing Tips – Free eBook.
15. Flea Market Flipper
Flea market flippers find underpriced items at flea markets, yard sales, and thrift stores, then resell them for a profit. This job requires a good eye for valuable items and the ability to research market value.
Finding items to resell may be one of the best jobs to work alone on this list because we all have things in our house we could probably sell. Plus, there are always things that you can buy for a low price and possibly resell for a profit.
If you are looking for work-alone jobs, this is a great one to look further into.
I recommend signing up for this great webinar, Turn Your Passion For Visiting Thrift Stores, Yard Sales & Flea Markets Into A Profitable Reselling Business In As Little As 14 Days, that will help you learn how to make money by flipping items as well.
16. Sell Printables on Etsy
Creating and selling digital printables on Etsy is a great way to work independently and earn money.
Making printables can also be a pretty hands-off job since you only have to create one digital file for each product, and you can sell it as many times as you like. It’s quite affordable to start because you only need a laptop or computer and an internet connection.
Printables are digital items that customers can download and print at home. They can include things like bridal shower games, grocery shopping checklists, budget planners, invitations, printable quotes for wall art, and patterns.
I recommend signing up for Free Workshop: How To Earn Money Selling Printables. This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.
17. Mechanic
Mechanics diagnose and repair vehicles, working independently or in small shops. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of automotive systems are important.
Being a mechanic is a job where you often work on your own. While they might work in a garage with other mechanics, they often have their own tasks to do. They need to be really careful and pay close attention to make sure everything gets fixed just right.
18. Dog Treat Baker
Do you really like dogs? If you do, here’s a way to work mainly alone and make an extra $500 to $1,000 or even more each month.
You don’t need to know how to bake beforehand, because you can learn this skill. You can make special treats like cupcakes, cookies, cakes, and more, all for dogs.
You can sign up for this free training workshop that shows how to start a dog treat bakery.
You can learn more at How I Make $4,000 Per Month Baking Dog Treats (With Zero Baking Experience!).
19. Amazon Seller
Selling items on Amazon is a job where you work alone (mostly) and don’t have to deal with customers face-to-face.
Even if you’re new to selling on Amazon, you can make money by selling household goods, books, electronics, and more.
If you’re interested in learning about starting an Amazon business, you can join this free training that will teach you how to sell products on Amazon and make around $100 to $500+ each day.
20. Stock Photo Photographer
Stock photo photographers work on their own, and this job can be done without talking to anyone for the most part. Almost all of the tasks can be done with just a camera and then uploading photos on a site.
Stock image sites are some of the most popular ways for photographers to sell their pictures. These are sites where customers can buy pictures for websites, TV shows, books, social media accounts, and more. There are stock photos that I have purchased within this blog post that you can take a look at to see an example.
One great thing about stock photo sites is that they can be a great form of passive income. You can take pictures, upload them, and earn money from an older photo for months or even years in the future. There is no need to talk to anyone as everything is online and mostly automated.
Some stock photo websites include Shutterstock, iStock, DepositPhotos, and Dreamstime.
Recommended reading: 18 Ways You Can Get Paid To Take Pictures
21. Social Media Manager
Social media managers post on social media accounts for businesses and their goal is to bring in new customers and help a business grow.
Social media managers may post a picture or a video of a product or the company, join in a viral trend to get more views (such as on TikTok), answer common questions from customers, and more.
This includes social media platforms such as TikTok, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Salary can vary, and this job can be done part-time or full-time.
22. Landscaper
A landscaper improves and maintains outdoor areas, such as by taking care of the lawn, planting flowers, or even renovating a whole outdoor area (such as to make it more enjoyable to sit outside and have company).
If you’re interested in jobs where you work alone outside, this is one to consider as you will be outdoors and working on your own a lot. Customers may talk to you occasionally, but you are mostly by yourself.
Landscapers work at houses, apartment complexes, businesses, or somewhere else.
23. Data Entry Clerk
Data entry clerks enter, update, and check information in databases or spreadsheets. They type information such as numbers and names into computers to keep things organized and recorded.
This job can sometimes be done remotely and alone, with minimal supervision or interaction with customers.
Data entry jobs typically pay around $15-$20 an hour.
24. Editor
Editors review and improve written content for clients and they usually work on their own as most of their time is spent editing content.
Their job is to read articles, blog posts, advertising, books, and more to make them better. They fix any mistakes in grammar or spelling and help the words flow smoothly.
Editors typically earn anywhere from $40-$60+ an hour.
25. Freelance Writer
Freelance writers write content for clients, such as blog posts, advertising, and more. Freelance writing jobs where you work by yourself are common as you’ll be given a topic to write about from the client, and when you are done you may be given some feedback (such as paragraphs to improve or add to). But, that is usually as much human interaction as you’ll get if you want.
You can find different writing jobs on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, or even find clients on your own.
I was a freelance writer for many years before switching to working full-time writing here on Making Sense of Cents. It is a great career path where you can work from home mostly by yourself.
Recommended reading: 14 Places To Find Freelance Writing Jobs – (Start With No Experience!)
26. Translator
Translators convert written content from one language to another, requiring fluency in at least two languages. Freelance and remote opportunities are available.
If you know another language, you might be able to find a work-from-home job where you can earn money by reading books and translating them. Another option is to get paid for proofreading or editing translated books to ensure they read smoothly and accurately.
There are lots of places you can find translation jobs, such as UpWork, Babelcube, Today Translations, Ulatus, Fiverr, and more.
27. Computer Programmer
Computer programmers write and maintain computer software, often working alone on projects.
They use coding to tell computers what to do and create all sorts of things like apps, games, and websites.
28. Canva Template Designer
Creating and selling Canva templates online allows you to work alone.
A Canva template is like a ready-made design that you can use for things like making posters, Pinterest pins, ebooks, or presentations. It’s like having a helpful starting point if you’re not super good at designing things from scratch. Canva templates come with empty spaces where you can put in your own words and pictures and you can also change colors and fonts to make them just how you like. They’re really helpful for people who want their things to look nice without spending a lot of time on it.
Making and selling Canva templates can be a great way to earn extra money as you only need to create them once, and then you can sell them as many times as you like.
Recommended reading: How I Make $2,000+ Monthly Selling Canva Templates
29. Voice Over Actor
A voice-over actor is the person whose voice you hear but don’t see in YouTube videos, radio ads, educational videos, and more.
Voice-over actors many times work right from their own homes!
Voice actors don’t need experience for this job (eventually, it does help, yes). Instead, they need to have a voice that the company is looking for.
Recommended reading: How To Become A Voice Over Actor And Work From Anywhere
30. Truck Driver
Truck drivers are people who move things from one place to another. To do this job, truck drivers need a commercial driver’s license (CDL). This job often involves working by yourself for long hours.
The salary for a truck driver can depend on things like what kind of items they’re moving and the miles they have to drive. Usually, they can make between $45,000 and $75,000 or even more in a year.
31. UPS Driver
UPS drivers deliver packages to people’s homes and businesses. They do this mostly on their own, in their trucks by themselves.
UPS drivers make a good income and they earn about $30-$45 per hour or even more, depending on how many years they have worked at UPS and where they work.
32. Security Guard
Security guards protect property and/or people, and they usually work alone.
A security guard’s salary depends on things like where they work, how long they’ve been doing the job, and what exactly they have to do. Usually, they can make between $25,000 and $35,000 in a year.
33. Self-Storage Facility Owner
Self-storage facilities are where people store their belongings, like boxes of their mementos, vehicles, RVs, and more.
Owning a self-storage business can be a way to make money and run a business with low expenses, plus they typically only have a couple of employees.
Many of the times when I’ve been to a self-storage lot, it’s been just the owner or an employee of theirs working. There are almost no customers either.
Recommended reading: How To Invest In Self-Storage For Beginners
34. Laundromat Owner
Similar to a self-storage business, a laundromat typically does not have very many employees.
Running a laundromat can be a way to make money, with low costs, as most things are automated (the washer and dryer machines do all of the washing).
Recommended reading: Are Laundromats Profitable? How Much Do Laundromats Make?
35. Get Paid To Text
When getting paid to text, you will many times be talking to someone else, but it is all done through text messages.
Some jobs may include:
Text Therapy or Coach
Answering questions, such as if you are a mechanic, doctor, lawyer, veterinarian, home expert, appraiser, computer expert
Customer support
Recommended reading: 28 Ways To Get Paid To Text And Make Money
36. Survey Taker
Taking online surveys and answering questions for focus groups is not a full-time job, but it can be a way to make some extra money.
You share your thoughts and answer straightforward questions, and in return, you can receive cash or rewards such as Amazon gift cards.
The survey companies I recommend signing up for and the best-paying survey sites include:
American Consumer Opinion
Survey Junkie
Swagbucks
InboxDollars
Branded Surveys
Pinecone Research
Prize Rebel
User Interviews – These are the highest paying surveys with the average being around $60.
Recommended reading: 18 Best Paid Survey Sites To Make $100+ Per Month
37. Twitch Streamer
Twitch is a site where you can make money playing video games, talking online in a live stream, and more. A streamer may be able to make money from their own home and all alone. Yes, they do need to be live recording their life, but they are their own boss.
There are many ways to make money on Twitch such as with paid subscriptions, display ads, selling merchandise (like t-shirts and mugs), and more.
Some of the most successful Twitch streamers make hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars each year, but, it’s important to know that most don’t earn much at all.
Recommended reading: How Much Do Twitch Streamers Make?
38. Litter Cleanup Worker
If you own a business, it’s important to keep your place clean and tidy. Nobody likes to see trash lying around, right?
That’s why some business owners are happy to pay for someone to clean up before their business opens for the day. A clean area makes the place look nice and welcoming for customers.
This business can be started all alone and earnings on average are about $30 to $50 for every hour you work. It’s pretty simple too. You’ll just need a broom, a dustpan, and some tools to help you pick up litter easily. It’s almost like taking a stroll while you work! Plus, you can choose when you want to do it, so it can fit nicely into your schedule.
Recommended reading: How I Started A $650,000 Per Year Litter Cleanup Business
39. Google Rater
A Search Engine Evaluator, also known as a Google Rater, is a person who looks at websites and blogs and gives them a score based on how good and helpful they are for Google.
You don’t need to be a tech expert or have a fancy background for this job. Google actually wants regular people, just like you, to rate websites. Plus, you can do this in your own language. Google works in lots of different countries, so you can help out right from where you are.
Recommended reading: How To Become a Search Engine Evaluator
40. Actuary
An actuary is a financial expert who helps businesses figure out and manage their money-related risks, such as for insurance, pensions, and investments.
They use mathematics and statistics to forecast what might happen and help companies make smarter financial decisions.
Actuaries can earn a good salary, and as they get more experience and pass more exams, they can make even more money. Depending on where they work and how experienced they are, actuaries earn average salaries of anywhere between $70,000 to well over $100,000 each year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jobs Where You Work Alone
Here are answers to common questions about finding jobs where you work alone.
What are jobs with no interaction?What jobs allow me to work by myself?
Yes, there are jobs where you don’t need to talk to people a lot. For example, being a night shift security guard, a transcriptionist, or a stock photo photographer.
How can I work alone from home?
There are jobs where you can work alone at home such as being a blogger, a transcriptionist, or a computer programmer.
What are jobs where you work alone with no degree?
Many jobs don’t require bachelor’s or master’s degrees (a high school diploma will work for many on the list above) and offer the opportunity to work independently. Mowing lawns, painting houses, repairing cars, or walking dogs often don’t require formal education and focus more on skills and experience.
Which part-time jobs are best suited for solitary workers?
Many of the jobs in this blog post can be done part-time, such as any of the freelance jobs, house cleaning, dog walking, and taking surveys. That is one of the joys of many of the jobs above – you can choose your schedule.
What trade jobs can one perform independently?
Trade jobs that you can perform independently include carpentry, welding, or plumbing. These professions usually require specific skills or certifications but may offer opportunities to work alone.
Are there any tech jobs ideal for people who prefer to work alone?
Yes, there are tech jobs that can work well for people who want to work on their own such as web developers, software engineers, or data analysts. These roles usually involve solving problems and working independently, though there might be some instances where collaboration is needed from time to time.
What jobs can be done in isolation with no experience required?
Jobs such as house cleaning, taking surveys, and flea market flipping can be good places to start for entry-level jobs.
How can I find work-alone job opportunities near me?
To find work-alone job opportunities near you, try perusing local job boards, classified ads, or online sites like Indeed or LinkedIn. You can also network with people in your community or join online forums related to your interests to find jobs.
Jobs Where You Work Alone – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on jobs where you work alone.
These jobs are like a safe space for people who like being by themselves. It’s a place where you can really concentrate and do your own thing with low social interaction. Jobs where you work alone often appeal to introverts and individuals who require fewer distractions.
Jobs like writing, coding, and freelancing let you work on your own. Not everyone may like working alone, but for those who do, it can be a lot less stressful and overwhelming.
I have been working mostly on my own for years now, and I really love it!
Here’s what you need to know to secure a home in Austin, Texas.
Welcome to the ever-changing landscape of the Austin housing market. Known for its quirky culture, burgeoning tech industry and eclectic lifestyle, Austin has been a safe bet for real estate investments for the past decade-plus.
However, as we venture past the midway point of 2023, Austin’s real estate climate is experiencing some intriguing twists. Whether you’re a potential homeowner, a first-time seller or an investor eyeing the Austin housing market, buckle up — there’s a lot to unpack.
Median sale price
The median sale price of a home in Austin is a meaty $571,000. This may sound impressive at first glance, but when you stack it against last year’s figures, there’s a 9.94% year-over-year decrease. This pivotal number is a heartbeat monitor for the Austin housing market, and right now, that beat is slowing down a bit.
So, what does this drop really signify? Is it a sign of market stabilization or a canary in a coal mine?
Average time on the market
A home in the Austin housing market now spends an average of 48 days on the market before being sold. This is a significant increase from the 34-day average of 2022. While the Austin housing market remains competitive, it’s evidently losing some of its previous ferocity. If you’re a buyer, you might find this elongated timeline a tad comforting.
Volume of sales
Let’s talk numbers — 883 homes were sold in Austin in July 2023. This is a 3.8% decline from the previous year. Though the decline is marginal, in the world of the Austin housing market, even a small drop can ripple across the real estate pond.
Opportunity in the Austin housing market
In yesteryears, the Austin housing market was practically a gladiator arena for buyers. Homes would receive multiple offers, almost like suitors vying for a rose in a reality show. Now, the terrain seems a bit more even.
Homes in Austin are selling for about 3% below the list price, and the Sale-to-List Price ratio has declined by 2.6 points to 97.5%. To put the cherry on top, only 17.1% of homes are now selling above the list price — a stark contrast to previous years.
Austin housing market migration
Here comes the really juicy stuff: migration patterns. About 29% of Austin homebuyers are planning their exit, while a more substantial 71% are committed to staying in Austin. On the other hand, people are flocking to Austin from metros like San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago. It’s a fascinating migration dance that’s shaking up the Austin housing market dynamics.
But where are Austinites going? Turns out, they have their sights set on places like San Antonio, Denver and Corpus Christi. Whether it’s the allure of a different Texas city or the Rocky Mountain high, Austin’s outbound traffic is certainly something to keep an eye on.
The Austin lifestyle
Let’s not forget why people love Austin in the first place. The city boasts schools like Forest Trail Elementary and Canyon Creek Elementary, rated 10/10 by GreatSchools. The Austin housing market remains a family-friendly arena.
However, climate risks, like moderate flood and fire factors, are creeping into the Austin housing market narrative. Plus, a severe risk of heat waves over the next 30 years is something the Austin housing market simply cannot ignore.
The Austin housing market at a glance
The Austin housing market of 2023 is not what it used to be, but it has not entirely lost its luster either. Prices are more balanced, homes are staying on the market a bit longer and new migration patterns are reshaping its demographics.
For buyers, sellers and investors, understanding the nuances of the Austin housing market is essential for making informed decisions. The market may be in a cooler state, but its complex interplay of factors keeps it as fascinating as ever.
Renting in Austin
So far, we’ve been talking about buying and selling homes. But what about those of us who aren’t ready or interested in making a long-term commitment?
The Austin housing market has a lot to offer renters, too. With the city’s unique culture and growing job market, it’s no surprise that renting remains an attractive option for many. But before you sign that lease, let’s delve into what’s happening in Austin’s rental market.
Austin’s average rental prices
When we talk about rentals, the numbers are quite striking. According to recent data, Austin is witnessing some fascinating shifts in average rent:
In essence, while studio and two-bedroom apartments seem to be getting somewhat more affordable, one-bedroom apartments are moving in the opposite direction. So if you’re considering a roommate, Austin might be a good fit for you.
Neighborhoods in Austin
If you’re looking for the perfect apartment, understanding the Austin housing market at a neighborhood level is essential. Neighborhoods like Market District and Zilker have seen a surge in studio apartment rents, with a 24% and a staggering 147% annual increase, respectively. On the other hand, areas like East Austin and Oak Hill are experiencing decreases in average rent for studios by 8% and 17% respectively.
For the budget-conscious renter, the most affordable neighborhoods for a one-bedroom apartment are Cherrywood, Montopolis and South Austin, with average rents ranging from $1,033 to $1,100. These figures are significantly lower than the Austin one-bedroom average of $1,677.
Breaking down apartment rent ranges
Where does the majority of Austin’s apartment rents lie? According to the data:
$501-$700: 0% of the market
$701-$1,000: A mere 3%
$1,001-$1,500: Occupies 16% of the market
$1,501-$2,100: Commands 22% of the market
$2,101 and above: The lion’s share at 58%
Clearly, if you’re planning on renting in Austin, you’re more likely to encounter higher-end rental costs.
How does Austin compare to other cities?
For those looking outside the Austin housing market, cities like Manor, Round Rock and New Braunfels offer alternatives with differing rental prices. For example, a studio in Manor is going for an average of $3,500, whereas in Round Rock, the average studio is priced at $1,500, a 17% annual decrease.
Austin’s rent trends
Looking at the trend data, rents for all apartment sizes have fluctuated throughout 2023, but one-bedroom apartments have seen a consistent increase. While studios and two-bedrooms show somewhat stabilized rents as of September 2023, only time will tell what the last quarter holds.
The Austin rental market at a glance
Renting in Austin? You’re not alone. Whether you’re here for live music, tech jobs or the infamous Austin weirdness, understanding the rental market is crucial. While Austin’s rental market is complex and dynamic, with neighborhoods and apartment sizes all showing different trends, one thing is clear — the Austin housing market, for buying and renting, remains a topic of captivating shifts and turns.
A native of the northern suburbs of Chicago, Carson made his way to the South to attend Wofford College where he received his BA in English. After working as a copywriter for a couple of boutique marketing agencies in South Carolina, he made the move to Atlanta and quickly joined the Rent. team as a content marketing coordinator. When he’s off the clock, you can find Carson reading in a park, hunting down a great cup of coffee or hanging out with his dogs.
The housing market is slowing as 2018 comes to an end, but home shoppers looking for a more affordable buying environment in 2019 might be disappointed.
Next year, Zillow expects mortgage rates to continue to rise, putting a pinch on affordability, particularly in already expensive markets. Some buyers may be pushed back toward the rental market, reversing the recent slowdown in rents. Commutes will worsen as the mismatch grows between job creation in urban cores and millennials settling in the suburbs.
Here’s a rundown of Zillow’s Housing Predictions for 2019:
The 30-year fixed mortgage will be at 5.8 percent by the end of the year. After rising by about 100 basis points since January 2018, expect mortgage rates to continue to grow steadily through 2019, ending the year just under 6 percent. This will be the highest rates have been since the last recession, although still below the historic average at times of strong economic growth.
Rent growth will pick back up as potential buyers are turned off by higher mortgage rates. The higher rates will limit what people can afford to pay, and those who are financially stretched but considering buying a home may decide to continue renting. The recent downturn in rent appreciation will reverse course due to the additional demand on the rental market.
Commutes will get worse. Job creation has been largely concentrated in urban cores, but young adults are increasingly nesting and growing families in the suburbs. The disconnect between these urban jobs and suburban residents will contribute to longer, more crowded commutes. In almost all the nation’s largest metros, it costs more to live within a 15-minute commute to downtown.
Cities that courted Amazon for HQ2 but weren’t selected will still see more economic growth. Other companies will recognize the value in the HQ2 proposals, and investments will come, particularly from high-tech jobs, as they are priced out of traditional tech hubs.
A record number of homes will be lost to natural disasters as the frequency and magnitude of damage from them increases. Builders and developers will focus on preventative and/or protected building materials and designs. About 15,000 homes were destroyed by wildfire in California alone in 2018, and many others by storms along the gulf coast.
Home price growth will continue to slow. Home prices will grow 3.79 percent in 2019, according to a survey of more than 100 housing experts and economists. Home values have risen 5.6 percent since January.
“The central storylines in the U.S. housing market didn’t change much over the past few years, but a series of emerging trends are setting up a much different narrative for 2019,” said Zillow Senior Economist Aaron Terrazas. “Going forward, job growth will begin to move beyond the handful of pricey, coastal superstar cities that have driven so much growth to date, and into more affordable communities with room to grow that are eager for the opportunity to shine. 2019 looks to be a pivotal year as the market cools and transitions from one marked by robust recovery into one more in line with historic norms and more balanced between buyers, sellers and renters.”
Mike Wheatley is the senior editor at Realty Biz News. Got a real estate related news article you wish to share, contact Mike at [email protected].
For those hiring, there’s a great list of Opendoor alum that were unfortunately impacted by the recent lay-offs curated/aggregated by the Opendoor community. The individuals are broken out by category:
Just days after Houston was named the 4th best city in the United States for women in technology by SmartAsset, Parkway Property Investments lands more technology tenants at fabulous Greenway Plaza. The Houston Chronicle reported AI leader ThoughtTrace, the engineering company DMC, IoT provider Detechtion Technologies, and seven other major technology leaders as tenants. Despite being shunned by Amazon, the Texas energy town could emerge as a glowing tech hub.
Greenway Plaza is a 52-acre master-planned, mixed-use development of 11 buildings and almost 5 million square feet of office space in the center of Houston business. The development includes on- site amenities like fine dining, an underground food court with over 16 options, multiple fitness facilities, three full service banking centers, and unlimited conferencing facilities. The center also has full-service automotive care, commercial printing and graphics services, and a long list of other amenities for tenants and their clients.
Rounding out the list of new tenants were Nuveen Real Estate, Goldman Sachs Asset Management Private Real Estate, Liberty Lift Solution, Texas Installs, NAI Partners’ Investment Fund, TriArc Properties, and SLI Group.
Meanwhile, Houston as a tech professional magnet is not only reflected in the migration of technology firms moving to the city center. The SmartAsset study mentioned above showed that Houston’s tech pay makes the city a standout for men and women. For female tech workers, the usual disparity in pay between men and women is almost non-existent. With a ratio of 99 percent, Houston’s wage gap when it comes to tech jobs ranked the city No. 3 for the smallest wage gap among major U.S. cities.
A long-time energy hub, Houston, is in the process of transitioning to become more of a tech hub through an Innovation Corridor anchored by physical structures being rebooted to push the city forward. Some of the properties being reworked are the 1939 Sears department store at 4201 Main, the former Exxon Mobil building at 800 Bell; and the former KBR complex at the East End.
Even though the city was recently shunned by a “no vote” for Amazon’s HQ2, the city is seeing healthy growth in this sector. The news that digital payments leader Bill.com is moving to the Westchase area of Houston illustrates this too. In addition, the coming Green New Deal from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Ed Markey may just be a cloud with a silver lining for Houston of the energy sector can rethink renewable. Whether it’s the “Trump” energy first way or the opposing “Green Deal” – Houston planners only have to tool up for “next.”
Evidence of such forward thinking comes in the form of a report by Robert Vaughn, the Houston metro market manager for Robert Half Technology and The Creative Group. According to Vaughn, Houston actually leads the U.S. in tech job hiring plans for 2019. And despite the fact that Austin is currently a more attractive tech startup hub, Houston has huge advantages thanks to its population and age distribution- With the right incentives by city decision makers, the city could take off to match New York as in the next couple of years. And this, of course, would be a shot in the arm for every Houston real estate metric. Stay tuned, we’ll do more in-depth coverage soon.
Phil Butler is a former engineer, contractor, and telecommunications professional who is editor of several influential online media outlets including part owner of Pamil Visions with wife Mihaela. Phil began his digital ramblings via several of the world’s most noted tech blogs, at the advent of blogging as a form of journalistic license. Phil is currently top interviewer, and journalist at Realty Biz News.
The excitement and bustle of the Northeast. The friendliness and livability of the Midwest. Pittsburgh is a city with a foot in each. It’s no longer the smoggy, industrial steel and coal city of the past. Today’s Pittsburgh is a gleaming city of high-tech jobs, beautiful parks and plentiful entertainment. It’s a modern city full of families and young professionals. But, is it pricey like the Northeast or affordable like the Midwest?
We dissected the Council for Community and Economic Research’s data for the cost of living in Pittsburgh for 2022. Also, we compared the overall cost of living for the city to the national average, as well as to similar Pennsylvania cities. Then, we analyzed the differences in prices from this time last year. And, broke down the numbers for several important economic and consumer categories. We also studied the costs for rent and real estate in Pittsburgh.
The overall cost of living for Pittsburgh is 99.8, with a score of 100 reflecting the national average. That means that the cost of living is just 0.2 percent below, making Pittsburgh an affordable large city. And it’s only getting cheaper. That’s a decrease in the cost of living of 4.41 percent a year ago.
Pittsburgh housing prices
Geographically Northeast but culturally Midwest, Pittsburgh rent prices straddle the line in cost. Prices remain relatively Midwestern low but have seen some Northeast-type increases.
A studio in Pittsburgh averages $1,420 a month. While the cheapest apartment type, it’s seen the steepest year-to-year increase, up 17 percent. A one-bedroom rents for $1,650 on average monthly, up 15 percent from last year. A two-bedroom leases for $1,986, up 7 percent from this time last year. With an increase of just 5 percent, three-bedroom units now average only $1,965, less than a two-bedroom.
Many of Pittsburgh’s most popular neighborhoods, of course, also carry the highest rent. South Oakland, on the Monongahela’s north shore, leases the highest rents of any neighborhood for studios and one-bedrooms. A studio will average $2,175 a month, with $2,375 for a single. The Strip District, along the Allegheny, offers studios at $1,800, one-bedrooms at $1,871 and two-bedrooms at $2,520, making it the second-most expensive neighborhood.
Downtown is the priciest area of Central Pittsburgh. Studios run $1,505, one-bedrooms average $1,800 and two-bedrooms $2,117. Studio units rent for $1,572 on the North Side overall, with singles at $1,960 and doubles at $2,303. On the South Side, studios come in at $1,560, one-bedrooms $1,810 and two-bedrooms $2,327.
The cost to buy a home in Pittsburgh is also up from last year. The median sale price of all homes in the city is $259,900. That’s a 4 percent year-to-year increase. Single-family homes are the most expensive, with a median of $260,000, up 4 percent. Townhomes are up the most of any type, an increase of 9.7 percent to $252,250.
Think outside the city
Those looking to save some money may consider other cities in the Pittsburgh region. These smaller cities and bedroom communities tend to offer lower rent prices. But, that comes with the cost of fewer amenities and a further drive into Pittsburgh. These are a few examples, based on two-bedroom unit rent:
Pittsburgh food prices
Pittsburgh is an eater’s paradise. It’s home to Heinz ketchup, the Big Mac and Klondike Bars. Homes have chipped chopped ham, fried zucchini and smiley cookies. But, are groceries here more expensive than elsewhere?
Yes, a bit. The cost of living for groceries in Pittsburgh is 5 percent above the national average. But the good news is that costs are down nearly 3.25 percent from last year.
Those figures, by comparison, are close to on par with other cities around the state. Scranton matches with an equal 5 percent above. Its sister city, Wilkes-Barre, is a bit higher at 8.9 percent over. Philadelphia, the priciest in the state, exceeds the national average by 18.4 percent. On the flip side, several other cities rank lower. Erie, to the northwest, is just one percent higher, while Allentown is 2.7 percent below the national average. Just across the border in Morgantown, WV, the index is a low 4.5 percent under.
Going grocery shopping
What do costs for individual grocery items in Steeltown look like? Pittsburghers love potatoes. Pierogis and fries on sandwiches and salads are staples. But there’s a cost. A five-pound bag of potatoes averages $4.64, over $1.30 more than the national average. Put that on your Primanti’s.
It’s also a meat-eaters town. Ribeye steak runs $16, and ground beef is $4.59. Sausage costs $4.93 and frying chicken $1.73. All those are per pound, and all are higher than the national average, as well. Put it all on some whole wheat bread, which sells for $4.19 a loaf, about 60 cents above the average.
On the other hand, a half-gallon of milk sells for $2.09, a dozen eggs at $1.41 and a five-pound bag of sugar runs $1.98. Those are all lower than the national average. But a two-liter Coke will set you back $2.32, 38 cents higher than the rest of the nation.
But maybe dining out or grabbing take-out is on the menu. The average meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs $15, on par with the national average. However, a three-course meal at a mid-range spot runs $57.50, $7.50 less than nationally. If quick and cheap is more your style, a combo meal at McDonald’s averages $9, a buck more than the rest of the country.
Pittsburgh utility prices
Pittsburgh doesn’t just have a deep history in the steel industry. Western Pennsylvania is also a historically-important fossil fuel region, for both coal and oil. It has always been a key energy region. But it’s also become pricey over the years.
Utility prices, in total, have a cost of living of 26 percent over the national average. And that marks a significant increase of 6.15 percent in the last year.
While all are above the national average, Pennsylvania cities like Erie, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Allentown are all cheaper than Pittsburgh and have all decreased in the last 12 months. Even expensive Philly only exceeds it by 12.2 percent.
Total monthly energy costs in Pittsburgh run $238. That’s significantly higher than the $171 average nationwide. Monthly charges for an average phone bill are $194. That’s six bucks more than nationally.
Pittsburgh transportation prices
Pittsburgh is a transportation hub. Known as the city of bridges, there are nearly 450, with 40 near downtown alone. Four vehicle tunnels pass through hills and under rivers, as well. And, up those hills, climb two of the world’s most famous funicular inclines.
The cost of living for transportation in Pittsburgh is 8.7 percent higher than the national average. On a positive note, that’s down nearly 3 percent from a year ago. Erie, Allentown and Wilkes-Barre all exceed the national average, but sit lower than Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, Philadelphia over-indexes by 13 percent and Scranton under-indexes by 1.4 percent. Erie and Allentown are both down over 8 percent from last year, with Scranton down over 12 percent.
Transportation options
Pittsburgh Regional Transit operates a light-rail system known as the “T,” split into three lines. It also runs four bus route lines, and the two funicular inclines. In 2017, PRT eliminated zone-based rates. All rides now cost $2.75 per trip. Those using the ConnectCard transit pass then have an additional three-hour free transfer period. Seniors, people with disabilities, law enforcement, municipal employees and children under 5 rides free. Children 6 to 11 ride half-price. A day pass costs $7, a week pass $25, a monthly pass $97.50 and an annual pass $1,072.50.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76), the only toll road in Western Pennsylvania, runs from east of the city to north of the city. It does not pass through Pittsburgh. No Pittsburgh bridge carries a vehicle toll.
Pittsburgh has some of the highest parking rates in the nation for a city its size. The median hourly parking lot and garage rate Downtown are $7, the 16th-highest in the country. Median daily rates are $18 and $225 monthly. Meters run from 50 cents to $4.00 hourly depending on location. Street parking is free after 6:00 pm and on Sundays.
The city achieves above-average but not great transportation scores. Pittsburgh carries a 69 (out of 100) walk score, 58 bike score and 61 transit score. And to put the driving costs in perspective, an average tire balance costs $59.99. That’s almost $7 above the national average.
Pittsburgh healthcare prices
Unlike many other categories, Pittsburgh under-indexes the national average for healthcare. Despite a negligible 1 percent rise year to year, the cost of healthcare in the ‘Burgh is 4.3 percent below the country as a whole. That falls relatively in line with other primary cities around Pennsylvania, if not slightly more affordable. Compare that to Morgantown. The city just 90 minutes to the south now sits at 2.5 higher than the national average, a staggering increase of nearly 16 percent from last year.
You can see affordability in individual services. The average cost for a doctor visit is $101.50, $17 below the national average. Same for an optometrist, nearly $15 below nationally at $95.80. A trip to the dentist runs $103.50, about a buck more than the national figure. An average over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen is just a few cents above the national average, and prescription drugs like insulin can index around $20 over.
Please note prices for healthcare will vary by individual depending on specific healthcare situations.
Pittsburgh goods and services prices
Miscellaneous goods and services in Pittsburgh also index below the rest of the country. That includes everything from haircuts and dry cleaning to new clothing and toiletries. The cost of these items in Pittsburgh is 4.5 percent below the national average. That s a similar figure to most other larger cities statewide. Other Keystone State cities also saw a decrease of around 4 percent.
Some varied items fall well below the national figure. A trip to the beauty salon averages $37, three dollars less. A man’s dress shirt is a full $10 below, at $21.09. And a typical washer repair will run $75, $6 under the national average. The cost of going to a movie, taking your pet to the vet or digitally subscribing to a local news outlet run very close to the national average.
The cost to enroll a child in a full-day private preschool or kindergarten in Pittsburgh is $1,091.67. A year in an international primary school runs $11,800.
Taxes in Pittsburgh
The sales tax rate in Pittsburgh is 7 percent. The city itself collects no taxes, which is good news for the cost of living in Pittsburgh. But the Pennsylvania sales tax rate is 6 percent, plus a 1 percent addition by Allegheny County. There’s no sales tax on items like groceries, candy, clothing, prescriptions and heating fuel. If you spend $1,000, expect to pay $70 in sales tax.
Pittsburgh city residents pay 3 percent in earned income tax. That’s 1 percent in city tax and 2 percent in school tax. That’s in addition to a 3.07 percent income tax from the state.
How much do I need to earn to live in Pittsburgh?
Many experts say Americans should spend no more than 30 percent of pre-tax income on housing. That’s good news for Pittsburghers. Rents for an average one-bedroom fall well within recommended prices based on the local average wage.
The average monthly lease for a Pittsburgh one-bedroom is a reasonable $1,597. Extrapolated to a full year, that’s $19,164. At 30 percent of total income, that’s an affordable rate for someone earning $63,880 a year.
According to Payscale.com, the average yearly salary in Pittsburgh is $68,000, over $4,000 more than needed to rent an average one-bedroom unit. In fact, a Pittsburgh resident making the average salary could afford an apartment leasing for $1,700 at 30 percent expenditure.
Want to find out how much an affordable apartment is for you based on your income? Check out Rent.’s handy Rent Calculator.
Living in Pittsburgh
Part East Coast, part Midwest, Pittsburgh is a great place to live, and quite affordable compared to other cities its size. The cost of living in Pittsburgh is close to the national average in many categories. But is it the right city for you?
If all the information above makes Pittsburgh sound affordable to you, it’s a great place to find your next home. Check out all the great apartments available in Pittsburgh right now at Rent.
The Cost of Living Index comes from coli.org.
The rent information included in this summary is based on a calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Rent. as of August 2022.
Rent prices are for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.
Home prices are getting expensive out there, especially in the Bay Area (Northern California) where inventory is low and demand is red hot.
But fear not, the San Francisco Federal Credit Union has a new product to help you buy a home there if you want in on the real estate boom.
Today, they launched their so-called “Proud Ownership Purchase Program for You” loan, known simply as POPPYLOAN.
What Is POPPYLOAN?
A zero down home loan
Available to those who work in San Francisco or San Mateo County
Can purchase a property in any of the 9 counties in the Bay Area
Loan amounts up to $2 million with no PMI requirement
It’s more than just a snazzy name, it’s a home loan that allows those who work in San Francisco or San Mateo County to purchase a really expensive home with nothing down.
While zero down isn’t completely unheard of these days, their upping the ante by allowing loan amounts as high as $2 million, and doing this without requiring private mortgage insurance (PMI).
The POPPYLOAN can be used to purchase a home in nine Bay Area Counties, including Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, or Sonoma.
So I suppose the hitch is that you need to work in one of two counties (where the credit union is chartered) and purchase a home in one of nine. And I assume the salaries are pretty stellar in those two counties given all the tech jobs and sky-high rents.
In other words, the San Francisco Federal Credit Union won’t be handing out these rather risky sounding mortgages to just anyone.
In a press release, Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer Rebecca Reynolds Lytle called the new loan product a “game-changer” for the real estate market there.
She added that “too many” of its members had given up on the dream of homeownership thanks to rising home prices and hefty down payment requirements.
Apparently one-bedroom apartments can cost as much as $3,600 in the Bay Area, about the price of an $800,000 mortgage. So why rent if you can buy with nothing down?
That’s their argument. And they want to make it a reality by eliminating the down payment hurdle.
The POPPYLOAN Is a 5/1 ARM
It only comes in one flavor, a 5/1 ARM
Probably with the expectation you’ll refinance or move
In a relatively short period of time
Since it targets HENRYs (High earners not rich yet)
There’s only one option when it comes to the POPPYLOAN. A 5/1 ARM that is fixed for the first five years before adjusting in year six.
It then adjusts every year after that until maturation in 30 years. The caps allow for a two percent increase in rate each time it adjusts and a maximum increase of six percentage points over the life of the loan.
I checked out their rates and they’re advertising a rate of 3% for the 5/1 ARM. But if you use their rate engine and select a POPPYLOAN with nothing down the rate rises to 4%. It is a zero down super jumbo loan after all.
That was with a credit score of 740 or higher. I selected under 620 (subprime) and it still offered the POPPYLOAN but with an initial rate of 5%. Incredible if they truly allow that.
The POPPYLOAN is only available on owner-occupied purchase loans and is not available to those looking to refinance.
However, you can get one on condos, townhomes, or 2-4 unit properties, and tenants-in-common (TICs) are also eligible.
They do require that borrowers impound insurance and taxes to ensure those get paid on a timely basis.
The San Francisco FCU charges a flat $1,700 loan origination fee for all mortgages but an additional amount if it’s a POPPYLOAN, based on these LTV tiers:
80.01% to 85.00% LTV, fee of 0.375%
85.01% to 95.00% LTV, fee of 0.75%
95.01% to 100% LTV, fee of 1.00%
In other words, a $2 million POPPYLOAN would have an origination fee of $21,700 alone, not including other closing costs. Wowza!
So while it is a zero down loan, you’ll still need to bring some substantial money to the table if you’re buying a multi-million dollar home. As you should I suppose…
Those looking to take out a POPPYLOAN must be at least 18 years old and qualify for membership at the San Francisco FCU.
Pretty wild stuff here. But unaffordable prices call for extraordinary financing options. Let’s just try to be a little more careful this time around.
When most people hear the phrase “six figures,” they immediately think of a huge salary. After all, six-figure incomes are often associated with high-powered jobs in the business world or top-tier professionals like doctors and lawyers. And do you know 18% of American individuals are six-figure earners, according to Zippia That’s a lot of money […]
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