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Somewhere between a sunroom and basement lives the daylight basement. Unlike basements that live entirely underground, daylight basements are only partially underground. Their defining trait is at least one or more windows that let the “daylight” in.

So, why are renters looking for properties with this unique space? With some imagination and a little design savvy (or a friend with some), you can turn these spaces into cozy family rooms, a playroom for the kids or a guestroom. Really, these rooms offer nearly endless possibilities. Let’s discover why renters are searching for the elusive daylight basement and what you can do with it once you find one.

What is a daylight basement?

Daylight basements are partially underground rooms with at least one full-sized window. And that’s about it. As you can imagine, they come in nearly every size and shape, with many found in homes built on slopes. This natural topography offers the ability to build into the sloping terrain, creating a space that’s partly in the ground yet has a window and a view.

These unique spaces are sometimes confused with walkout basements. However, unlike a walkout basement, daylight basements don’t have exterior doors.

What are the benefits of a daylight basement?

In addition to more room, which is almost always appreciated unless you’re a tiny-house aficionado, daylight basements offer several advantages.

  • Natural light: The natural light brings daylight indoors, providing a connection with nature. It’s a much more welcoming environment than basements with no outside view, enhancing the livability.
  • Expand the living area: Daylight basements can add significant usable square footage to your rental.
  • Cooler: Depending on where you live and the season, this feature can fall into the plus or minus column. Because they’re partially underground, they tend to be cooler than the rest of the house. It’s part of the reason basements first gained appeal. They offered a colder location to store food, mead and ale, helping these vital necessities last a little longer.
  • A room with a view: Need we say more?
  • Feels like a living space: Unlike basements that can feel dark and uninviting, the natural light of a daylight basement creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

What are some problems with daylight basements?

As with any room that’s partially below ground, there are a few challenges you may face.

  • Leaks: Because these rooms are lower than the rest of the house and partially subterranean, they’re more susceptible to leaks, excess moisture and water damage. Water can seep through the walls or find its way through any cracks in the foundation. If unchecked, this damp environment can lead to mold and mildew. Fortunately, the natural light makes daylight basements less susceptible to mold growth than in-ground basements.
  • Limited sunlight: Depending on the slope of the home and the direction it’s facing, there may be limited sunlight. If this is the case, consider asking your landlord for permission to paint it. Light-colored ceilings and walls, as well as mirrors, help make the space feel more open and brighter.

What is a daylight basement used for?

This extra space is up for grabs. Is there an artist in the family? Would a home office be beneficial? Maybe a home gym or a place for the kids to be, well, kids. Possibly a craft room, mancave or music room?

Here are a few of the top daylight basement design trends:

  • Game or media room: Do you enjoy entertaining or game night with the family? Daylight basements offer the perfect space for bringing everyone together. Depending on the size, you might consider a foosball or pool table, sitting areas for card and board games and a wet bar. Add a 4K HDR TV with a soundbar or speakers, and you’re prepared for the ultimate entertainment.
  • Home office: It can be challenging to fit a home office into a rental property, with bedrooms often destined for family members. This quiet, light-filled space can provide the ideal retreat, a place to work or read a good book. No one will know.
  • Home gym: We all struggle with finding the time (or the motivation) to work out. Having a room dedicated to keeping fit is nothing if not inspirational! Some popular options for home gym equipment include an elliptical or stair climber, stationary bike, punching bag, bench press or treadmill. Of course, you can always turn it into a hot yoga studio with some mats, blocks and a heater that can get the room to at least 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

When decorating your new space, check out our home decor color trends and the top 2023 Amazon home decor and furnishing selections for inspiration.

Depending on the setup, another option for your daylight basement may be subletting. Some renters, with the landlord’s permission and an okay from the local municipality, sublet the space, helping to defray the cost of the rental.

Is a daylight basement right for you?

It’s hard to beat a functional and stylish daylight basement. However, the added square footage often translates to higher rent. Consider your budget and how you would use the space to help you determine if this unique architectural addition is worth the cost. Also, make sure to check for excess moisture or mold before signing the lease.

Try to find the right place for you by searching our apartments and homes for rent in your target city.

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At Home CEO Lee Bird will retire effective Dec. 31, the company said Wednesday.

Bird, 58, has been at the company for 11 years and transformed it from a tired Houston-based brand called Garden Ridge into a fast-growing home superstore concept. He moved the headquarters to Plano and rebranded it At Home. A year ago the company moved into a new headquarters in Dallas.

The departure is a surprise and most expected Bird to at some point lead the company out of private equity ownership with an initial public offering. At Home was taken private after a proxy challenge in July 2021 by Hellman & Friedman in a deal valued at $2.8 billion.

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At the time, Bird had said he believed At Home could more than double its store count to more than 600 locations and that it could do so faster as a private company.

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A CEO search is on, the company said in a statement.

In the meantime, an office of the CEO has been formed to run the business with Jeff Evans, president and chief merchandising officer; Jerry Murray, chief financial officer; and Ashley Sheetz, chief operating officer.

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Erik Ragatz, At Home’s lead director, will be the executive chairman. Ragatz was formerly a partner at Hellman & Friedman where he worked for more than 20 years and is listed as a senior adviser on H&F’s website.

“On behalf of the company, I want to thank Lee for his tremendous leadership of At Home over the last decade,” Ragatz said. “Lee helped build At Home into one of the great retailers across industries. As a leader and mentor, Lee has had a profound impact on At Home’s thousands of employees and will remain an important member of the At Home family for years to come.”

At Home CEO Lee Bird in the At Home store in Timber Creek Crossing shopping center last year. At Home took over a building left vacant by JCPenney. (Juan Figueroa / Staff Photographer)
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Bird joined the company as CEO in December 2012 after executive positions at Gap, Old Navy and Nike. He led At Home from a chain of 58 stores and $364 million in revenue to 268 stores with almost $2 billion in annual sales. It went private after a successful period during the pandemic when Americans were sprucing up their homes. Sales increased 27.4% in 2020 to $1.74 billion.

Bird wasn’t available for an interview.

At Home’s sales topped $2 billion last year. Here’s why Dallas shoppers are just discovering it

“Helping At Home become one of the nation’s top home decor retailers is one of the great honors of my career,” Bird said in a press release. He thanked staff who contributed to the company’s achievements.

“Together, we have created a valuable, differentiated business with even more room for growth, and I’m confident in this team’s ability to continue to build on At Home’s track record of success,” Bird said.

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Source: dallasnews.com

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Mortgage rates and the 10-year yield

What a crazy week! Not too long ago, on jobs Friday, I was on the HousingWire Daily podcast saying it’s time to declare war on the Federal Reserve for being too restrictive; you can listen to the podcast here. A few days later, the Fed corrected its mistake — they didn’t go hawkish but instead made doves cry and bond yields acted correctly, sending the 10-year yield below 4% and mortgage rates under 7%.

Right after the Fed presser I did another podcast where I outlined why this was so positive for the U.S. economy. You can see it in the stats from last week, where the 10-year yield fell from 4.25% to end the week at 3.91%. Mortgage rates went from 7.10% to 6.62% and ended the week at 6.64%.

As I have said before, given the history of economic cycles, when the market believes the Fed rate-hike cycle is over, bond yields will rally and mortgage rates will fall. We have had an almost 1.5% move lower in mortgage rates without one rate cut happening, and that looks normal to me. We shall see if we can hold those gains next week.

Purchase application data

Even before mortgage rates dropped below 7.25%, we saw a positive move in purchase application data, which continued last week with another week of gains. That means we’ve had a positive trend for the last five weeks. Purchase apps were up 4% week to week, and as crazy as it might sound, we could end the year with more positive weekly prints than negative as the year-to-date count is 23 positive and 23 negative, with two flat prints.

During the last two weeks of the year, nothing much usually happens with purchase apps as we prepare for Christmas and the New Year, but I will always track the data! But the fact that we can even talk about a positive year when mortgage rates got to 8% demonstrates something that I have been talking about since Nov. 9, 2022, and for many years: It’s rare the U.S. to have existing home sales trends below 4 million with any duration post-1996. We have a core set of 4 million homebuyers every year for more than 25 years, and that hasn’t broken yet.

Weekly housing inventory data

Weekly active listing data is declining now like it always does every year at this time due to seasonality. Higher mortgage rates resulted in higher inventory during part of the fall and forced the seasonal decline in inventory to start later this year. However, the laws of seasonality always win in the end, and we are well on the road to a seasonal decline in inventory. 

Last year, according to Altos Research, the seasonal peak for housing inventory was Oct. 28. The seasonal peak this year was on Nov. 17.

  • Weekly inventory change: (Dec. 8-15): Inventory fell from 546,424 to 538,767
  • Same week last year (Dec. 9-16): Inventory fell from 536,409 to 522,869
  • The inventory bottom for 2022 was 240,194
  • The inventory peak for 2023 so far is 569,898
  • For context, active listings for this week in 2015 were 1,037,129

New listing data in 2023 has been a positive story; even with higher mortgage rates, we didn’t see more sellers pull back as they did in 2022 after rates surpassed 6%. Because we saw stability in 2023, I was looking for some flat to positive year-over-year growth in the data during the second half of the year. This is what we see, and it’s much needed; we need more new listings and not fewer. Even though this data line has been trending at the lowest levels ever in history for 17 months, it’s positive that we are seeing growth on a year-over-year basis now. This was something I talked about on CNBC months ago. 

New listings data for last week in the last several years:

  • 2023: 39,613
  • 2022: 34,973
  • 2021: 39,936

Traditionally, one-third of all homes will have price cuts before they sell. When mortgage rates rise and demand decreases, more homes see price cuts. However, even with mortgage rates reaching 8% this year, we trended below 2022 levels the entire time. Now that mortgage rates have fallen almost 1.5%, it will be interesting to see what the spring season in 2024 will look like. If demand does pick up as we are seeing now, the percentage of houses taking price cuts will likely fall further.

Price cut percentages this week over the last few years:

  • 2023: 38%
  • 2022: 41%
  • 2021: 26%

The week ahead: Housing and Inflation 

Housing week is here so we have four reports: the builders confidence Index, housing starts, existing home sales and new home sales. Also, we have the Fed’s critical inflation data report in the PCE, and it will be interesting to see how the bond market reacts to this report now that the Fed is discussing rate cuts. We also have the leading economic index to report on.

So, tons of data coming out this week. One thing about existing home sales: purchase application data started to improve five weeks ago. This data line looks out 30-90 days, so this existing home sales report might be too early to take into account the entire positive move in the forward-looking data.

Source: housingwire.com

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The payment supplement policy suggests a combination of a partial claim to update the mortgage and a new monthly principal reduction (MoPR), which would temporarily assist in covering the main portion of a borrower’s monthly mortgage payment. It proposes a temporary payment reduction for three years, after which the borrower would resume full payment of … [Read more…]

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If you’re interested in the world of real estate, the first thing you must do is become licensed. Once you meet the requirements and take and pass the licensing test, you can begin to sell houses to happy families, and with hard work, you can make a good living. Many people give up before they start because they fear taking the licensing exam, but with proper research and an understanding of the job, you can pass the test and start building your brand. 

What To Know Going In

Before hitting the books and taking the time to get your real estate license, you must know what you can do with that certification and the other skills you’ll need that aren’t always taught in school. First, know that there are many different jobs that you can perform once you get your license. In addition to selling houses, you can work as a property manager, real estate attorney, home inspector, real estate photographer, and more. So, if any of those titles interest you, read on and consider your license.

Stay On Top Of Trends

While you’ll be learning a lot during your license classes, remember that your education doesn’t stop just because you passed the test. As time goes on, it’s necessary to stay on top of current news and trends so you can be the best agent you can be. For instance, you’ll want to learn how climate change impacts the real estate industry. Weather and rainfall can impact desirable locations around the country, and you may get questions about how climate change can affect property values.

Along those lines, you should keep up-to-date on industry data and trends such as the growing interest in eco-friendly homes. You should know which sustainable home upgrades have the greatest return on investment such as solar panels and energy-efficient doors and windows. If you are working with a seller, you can advise what financing options your client has to finance upgrades such as home equity and Federal Housing Administration loans. Home buyers will likely have questions in this regard, and you’ll want to have the answers.

A Positive Self Image Is Essential

While certification and a license are essential, so is having a positive self-image because it’s a way to enhance your professional opportunities in the real estate world. When you’re confident in yourself, and it shows, your clients will have more confidence in you. By practicing self-care and dressing for success, you give off the impression that you care about yourself and what you do, and clients will respond positively to what they see. 

You can build your self-confidence by setting goals for yourself, like selling a house in a certain price range and then celebrating that accomplishment. 

Application Steps And State Requirements

When you’re confident that you want to continue a career path as a real estate agent, you need to get your license. Note that every state may have different requirements, so do your research to ensure you follow the right steps. In many cases, you may first be required to pass a background check so the state can ensure that you’re honest and have the integrity necessary to handle a client’s personal information and discuss sensitive financial topics. 

Next, you will likely need to complete various classes to learn about real estate and get the information necessary to pass your licensing exam. Some states require over 100 hours of pre-licensing courses, including those about real estate principles, finance, and how to complete essential forms. Keep in mind that these classes and the eventual application will cost money. According to The CE Shop, you can expect to pay between $300-$1,000, depending on the state.

After completing those classes, most states will require you to pass a pre-license course final exam to ensure that you’ve retained the information you’ve been taught. Get past that, and it’s time to apply for a license. The application will ask about your personal information, and you’ll also need to submit copies of your exam score and work authorization.

Finally, you’ll take your state licensing exam. You’ll have a certain time frame to take the test, and you’ll need to get a score according to your state guidelines. After you pass, you can join a real estate broker and gain experience out in the field.

What To Do Moving Forward

While obtaining your real estate license is a significant task, this is only the first step you’ll need to take during your long career as a real estate agent. Your education is far from over. Your particular state may require that you follow continuing education requirements. For example, in Delaware, you’ll need to take post-licensing courses 90 days after you’ve received your initial license, and in Indiana, you’ll be required to take 30 hours of post-licensing education within the first two years of being licensed.

There are also additional titles that you can gain over time to supplement your education and potentially earn more money. Some of these designations and certifications include a GREEN Designation, which provides the tools to help you understand and market properties with green features that customers are so excited about. You could also become a Certified Residential Specialist. Doing so will help you to learn more about the industry and potentially earn three times as much as agents who don’t have the designation. 

Finally, while securing your license and certifications and learning the ropes, take the time to build your brand and make a name for yourself. Invest in professional photos and create a website to build your online presence. Start networking with other agents by attending industry events and seminars. Remember that you won’t be a success overnight, but by working hard and keeping your eye on the prize, you will find success. 

Conclusion

These are the basic principles to remember when applying for and obtaining your real estate license. Remember to research the rules in your state to ensure you’re fully compliant. Once licensed, take on the world one property at a time. 

Find topics in marketing, technology, and social media for realtors, and housing market resources for homeowners. Be sure to subscribe to Digital Age of Real Estate.

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Source: realtybiznews.com

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I’m excited to announce GEM Diamond’s newest Biz Intel series: Real Estate Data Intelligence.

Our goal is to summarize the top of the funnel for any data needs. Which companies offer various datasets, what format are they offered in, are they able to re-license their data, and even estimated costs in some cases.

Here’s the list of parts we have outlined so far:

  • Intro (Part I)
  • Property Data (Part II): Originating from more than 3,000 county recorder and assessor offices, property facts (beds, baths, square footage, etc) and tax assessed values, sales dates and prices.
  • MLS Data (Part III): Active listings, sales prices, and status changes. As well as agent and broker rosters. Controlled by more than 500 MLSs.
  • Local Data (Part IV): At the city, neighborhood, or ZIP code level, this includes data points such as median sale price, rental estimates, appreciation rates, school ratings, and crime statistics. Plus datasets such as neighborhood boundaries.
  • People Data (Part V): Owner contact details, mortgage information, and demographics.
  • Multi-family And CRE Data (Part V): Comps and multi-family rent rolls, plus revenue performance data to benchmark against.
  • Trend Data (Part VI): The lines, trends and forecasts of home values/sales, rents, population shifts, and office occupancy rates.

What data is missing? If you’re a data provider that services one of these categories, would love to hear from you…

GEM Diamond announcement. For non-members, more info in the latest Weekly Radar.

Source: geekestateblog.com

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Inside: Doordash is a popular side hustle that offers drivers the opportunity to make money by delivering food orders. This guide will teach you how to maximize your earnings by knowing the best times to Doordash.

If you’re seeking a way to increase your earnings using DoorDash, you’re in the right place, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

After joining DoorDash, my friend Susan transformed her spare time into a thriving side hustle, earning an extra $500 a week by delivering delectable meals. Her dedication not only boosted her income but also made her a favorite among customers, ensuring a steady stream of orders and generous tips.

But I’ll have you know that it’s not just about delivering food, it’s about understanding when and where to do it. Saturdays are a hotspot for orders, especially during dinner and late-night rushes. The good news doesn’t stop there! Thursday to Sunday are consistently reliable days for dashing.

Let’s talk about this exciting opportunity! Your DoorDash adventure awaits – let’s make it a prosperous one!

This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.

Why is it Important to Choose the Best Times to DoorDash

Ever wondered why choosing the perfect time to dash can turbocharge your earnings as a Dasher? Well, let me spill the beans!

Picking those sweet spots when the demand is buzzing can lead to more generous tips and bonuses heading your way. It’s not just about the clock; it’s about tuning in to the rhythm of customer cravings and using that knowledge to your advantage.

This is such a hot topic DoorDash even released a guide to help you. 1

When is the Best Time to Doordash?

Alright, so, when’s the absolute best time to kick off your DoorDash adventure? From around 11 AM to 2 PM and 5 PM to 9 PM, the orders just keep pouring in. 1

And the icing on the cake? Customers tend to be more generous with their tips during these peak hours.

Also, don’t underestimate the magic of late-night deliveries, especially on those weekends when the town is buzzing. Those late-night munchies will easily become your new best friend.

Just remember… this will vary by city. So, plan your time where you spend 20% of your driving hours to test new times and track your cash.

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Sign up in minutes and start earning within days.

Once your application is approved, you can start dashing right away and you can start dashing right away and cash out instantly.

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How much can I make working as a dasher during peak hours?

So, you’re eager to boost your income, right? Well, let me tell you, the key to that extra cash lies in peak pay. It’s the bonus you snag for dashing during those high-demand hours. And trust me, those peak pay dollars can stack up faster than you’d think.

Also, according to my friend, Susan, look for bonuses that can help you boost your earnings! These are known as “Peak Pay offers” or added Challenges, which provide opportunities to increase your earnings.

Many Reddit users report making between $100 for 4-5 hour shift up to $1400 a week by DoorDashing. 2

So, if you’re ready to prove your prowess in peak times, get set to dial up your income stream and watch those dollars roll in.

The Best Days vs. Times: A Comparative Study

Is it better to DoorDash on weekdays or weekends?

Weekends are the clear champs. That’s when folks unwind, and have a good time, and yes, the demand for food deliveries goes through the roof.

On the flip side, there are less Dashers during the week. So, you can possibly earn more if you know the right area.

Morning, lunch, dinner, or late night: Which is the prime time for dashing?

Lunch and dinner reign as king and queen of prime dash times. But don’t dismiss late-night dashes.

Specifically, in areas buzzing with nightlife or universities, late-night can bring a healthy influx of orders. Morning can be hit or miss, largely dependent on your local market. Thus, a great side hustle for college students.

What is the slowest day for DoorDash?

Mondays top the charts as the slowest day of the week for DoorDash. Folk are just shaking off their weekend mood and are less prone to order in.

Some tout Tuesday and Wednesday as the slowest DoorDash days too, so keep that in mind when planning your shifts.

Are there any specific days in the week that offer higher earnings than others?

Absolutely! When it comes to higher earning potential, Saturday and Sunday are the clear winners. Weekends are like a magnet for order activities, which means more opportunities for you to boost your earnings. And if you happen to catch a long weekend, that’s even better!

But here’s the deal – these are general trends. Keep in mind that some towns might have their own unique quirks, like a Taco Tuesday tradition that can make all the difference in your earnings. So, stay open to local insights and adapt your strategy accordingly!

Maximizing earnings during peak hours

To maximize your DoorDash earnings during peak hours, you’ve got to stay in sync with local demand. Pay attention to special events, holidays, and weekends when people prefer ordering in, and keep an eye on weather changes, as rain and snow tend to increase order frequency.

For a winning strategy, position yourself strategically near restaurant partners to receive orders swiftly. Be selective with the orders you accept during peak times to make the most of high demand, and always remember to deliver with a friendly smile, because exceptional service goes a long way in building customer loyalty and boosting your income!

How can I maximize my earnings when doordashing?

Boost your income by merging savvy strategies with exceptional service. Dive into these success tips:

  1. First things first, get your radar on and gravitate towards bustling areas – that’s where the magic happens. More orders, more opportunities, more cash in your pocket.
  2. Now, speaking of timing, don’t miss the chance to dash during peak hours. Schedule your time in advance that you want to dash. That’s when the demand kicks into high gear, and you might just snag some sweet peak pay bonuses.
  3. Keep those eyes peeled for bonuses and promotions – they’re like little surprises that boost your earnings.
  4. Here’s a golden nugget of advice: build connections with the restaurant staff. It’s a secret shortcut to quicker order handling, and less waiting means more dashing!
  5. Lastly, never underestimate the power of professionalism. Deliver with a big smile, go the extra mile, and watch those top ratings and generous tips roll in. It’s all about creating an experience that keeps the customers coming back for more.

Strategic Planning Tips: Key is the Busiest Time to Doordash

Analyzing Location for the Best Times to Doordash in My Area

Your location is a game-changer for your Dashing journey. Consider this: urban areas are bustling with customers, while suburbs might yield bigger orders. So, explore your turf, identify areas teeming with DoorDash restaurant partners, and stick around.

Also, pay attention to where you’re making those drop-offs. Do residential areas bring in better tips, or does corporate tip higher? The sweet spots in different cities can vary, so it’s all about finding where your golden opportunities lie and making them your own.

Experimenting with different shifts to identify the most profitable times

Each time frame reveals its own unique potential for lucrative orders. So, switch things up, and you might just uncover unexpected opportunities and generous tips along the way!

Just make sure to log your earnings to compare.

Professionalism and Customer Service Matter

Your earnings and your ratings go hand in hand, making professionalism an absolute must. Following customer instructions, and ensuring a positive interaction all contribute to your review. Don’t forget to dress the part, maintain a friendly demeanor, and be responsive.

But here’s the secret sauce – infuse your interactions with a personal touch. Small gestures, like including extra cutlery or offering a weather-friendly greeting, can set your service apart and earn you those coveted 5-star ratings.

It’s all about going the extra mile for customer satisfaction!

Why delivering during promotions, bonuses, and streaks is beneficial

So to sum it up, what would really light up your earnings are promotions, bonuses, and those streaks that make the game interesting. My friend, Susan, said to pay attention to: Peak Pay or Challenges.

Peak Pay is your chance to pocket extra cash for every delivery when things are buzzing. The best part is, DoorDash rolls out these goodies during high-demand periods to give you that extra push to hit the road.

Well, they’re like your roadmap to earning bonuses by hitting a specific number of deliveries within a set timeframe. Typically $1-3 dollars extra per delivery. 3

Which Peak Times will You Choose to Doordash?

In conclusion, the optimal times to make the most out of your DoorDash side gig are during lunch, dinner, and late-night shifts.

Experimentation though, is key to understanding what works best in your particular market.

You could further optimize your earnings by utilizing other gig apps such as Uber Eats and Instacart, or by capitalizing on specific types of orders, such as alcohol deliveries, which may provide higher earnings. Remember factors such as tips, peak pay, and other incentives can impact your earnings, so keep an open mind and always look for new strategies to maximize your income.

Whether you’re a morning person fueling the coffee rush or a night owl catering to late-night snackers, the choice is yours.

Find your rhythm and make the most of those high-earning hours. With a smart strategy in your back pocket, you’re all set to Dash your way to success!

So, why wait? Start your DoorDash journey today and let that extra income flow in. It’s time to take that leap and embrace a more financially stable fulfilling tomorrow!

More Side Hustle Ideas:

Source

  1. DoorDash. “The New Dasher Guide.” https://help.doordash.com/dashers/s/article/New-Dasher-Roadmap?language=en_US#:~:text=Peak%20times%3A%20Lunch%20and%20dinner,to%205%20days%20in%20advance. Accessed December 14, 2023.
  2. Reddit. “How much do you make doing doordash weekly?” https://www.reddit.com/r/doordash/comments/xfii0s/how_much_do_you_make_doing_doordash_weekly/. Accessed December 14, 2023.
  3. DoorDash. “Peak Pay.” https://help.doordash.com/dashers/s/article/Peak-Pay?language=en_US. Accessed December 14, 2023.

Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!

Did the post resonate with you?

More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!

Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.

Source: moneybliss.org

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Moms and dads love when their kids give them something with which they’ve put a lot of thought and effort. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher or friend, you’d be lucky to receive one of these DIY Christmas gifts from kids.

1. Framed family names crossword

Photo courtesy of diys.com

Instead of a normal family tree, you could have a family crossword! Made with Scrabble tiles and a picture frame, this personalized piece of work makes a house feel like a home.

Just glue Scrabble letters onto a board (cardboard works fine) covered in your choice of paper and frame it. Even if your family is still growing, it’s easy to keep adding onto the crossword of names.

2. Painted wooden cooking spoons

Photo courtesy of todaysparent.com

Every time you cook or bake and use one of these wooden spoons, you’ll think of the love that your kids put into making them for you. What’s better than a daily reminder that someone loves you? All you need is acrylic paint and wooden utensils to make these cute one-of-a-kind gifts.

3. Keyboard art

Photo courtesy of paperplateandplane.wordpress.com

It’s easy to get caught up in things and even get down on yourself as a parent. By having a short message in your room or office, you can always remember that your kids are on your side.

The best part is that these messages can be anything – “My mom is the nicest mom in the world,” “You’re the best dad ever,” or even a simple “I love you.”

4. Printed dish towels

Photo courtesy of toddlerapproved.com

Any time you dry your hands or wipe up a spill, you’ll use a colorful custom-designed hand towel that resembles your kids. These are quick to make and way better than store-bought designs.

5. Clay bowl

Photo courtesy of frogandsnailsandpuppydogtail.com

You’ll find a place for these anywhere at home or at work — holding bobby pins, paper clips, jewelry, etc. Your kids will be satisfied knowing you’re not only looking at their handiwork, but you’re using it each day.

6. Fingerprint magnets

Photo courtesy of rhythmsofplay.com

Replace the boring black magnets on your refrigerator with vibrant ones that feature the fingerprints of the kids. Parents can use these to display their children’s work from school or even art they create at home.

7. Dyed coasters

Photo courtesy of onelittleproject.com

Display these mini works of art on your coffee table for everyone to see. They’re a great conversation starter and everyone will love that your kids made them just for you.

They’re easy to create and aren’t meant to look perfect, so even the smallest children can make them without much trouble.

8. Custom wood letter

Photo courtesy of Jo-Lynne Shane

Add a new addition to your office or home decor that reminds you how much your kids love you. The best part is that there are so many options. You can write a note on them or decorate the letter with your parent’s favorite things. All you need is the letter of your choice and decorating material and you’ve got a great Christmas gift for parents.

9. Handprint key chains

Photo courtesy of grey house harbor

Replace the old key chain that you’ve had forever with this heartfelt handprint key chain. Although it’s simple to make, it’s super meaningful and fun. All you need is Shrinky Dink paper, some paint and you’re all set.

While you can’t stop time from moving forward, you can look back and think of your small child every time you use these handprint key chains. Each time you go to open your door, you’ll look down and see a tiny hand full of love.

10. Smiley plants

Photo courtesy of Parents.com

Everyone loves succulents and plants as decorations. While you could buy them at the local garden store in terra cotta pots, it’s a lot cuter and more memorable if you gift tiny succulents in hand-designed pots. You can use any kind of pot or even an empty egg carton.

All you need to do is get some paint and let the children decorate away. Once they’ve designed the pot, work together to plant succulents, and voila, you’ve got yourself a great DIY gift idea for kids. The best part about these plants is that their pots are designed uniquely for you.

11. Spa jar

Photo courtesy of Parents.com

This spa jar is a great gift that’ll remind you how much your kids appreciate everything you do, even at the end of an extremely long day. It also reminds you that every once in a while, you need to take some time to care for yourself.

Maybe have a girls night and do masks, pedicures and manicures together. You just need to get their favorite things and put them together in a mason jar, and you have a thoughtful, relaxing gift.

12. Nail polish marbled coffee mugs

Photo courtesy of DIY Candy

At one point, you may have had a beautiful matching set of china dishes you registered for when you got married. However, as your family grows your matching dishes may diminish and become replaced with DIY mugs. But, that’s OK!

Not only are these mugs adorable, but they’re also really fun and easy to make. With a couple of steps, you can have a great mug that everyone will be asking you where you got it, making it all the more special when you tell them your kids made it for you.

13. Flower art

Photo courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens

What parent doesn’t love getting fresh flowers as a gift? The only downside is they don’t last forever. Well worry no more, with this pressed flower art you never have to worry about that again. Each time you see these hand-pressed flowers that your child picked and flattened, you’ll smile.

14. Potpourri

Photo courtesy of Tidbits

Everyone loves a house that smells good. Candles can do the trick, but can also be a safety hazard. So, you can make your house smell delicious year-round with some homemade potpourri.

Pick your parents’ favorite smells and design a custom blend just for them. Not only is it a fun activity, but it’s useful and everyone will enjoy the gift for weeks to come!

DIY Christmas gifts for parents

Getting a beautifully wrapped, expensive gift for the holidays is always nice, but it’s the heartfelt, DIY projects that you’ll remember forever. These DIY gifts for kids are all easy-to-make, fun for the kids and memorable for you for years to come.

Ashley Singleton is a writer who loves following and writing about current lifestyle, DIY and home improvement trends. You can read some of her other work on the Lady Spike Media website. In her spare time, she performs stand-up comedy in Los Angeles.

Source: rent.com

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CRM, MSR Valuation, QC Trends Products; STRATMOR Strategy Report; Lower/Thrive M&A Deal; Renegotiations

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CRM, MSR Valuation, QC Trends Products; STRATMOR Strategy Report; Lower/Thrive M&A Deal; Renegotiations

By:
Rob Chrisman

Thu, Dec 14 2023, 11:21 AM

Everyone’s above average, right? This morning I head to Chicago where residents have the dubious honor of being the worst when it comes to estimating home values. Homes are expensive… Who knew? Apparently not the vast majority of Americans, which reminds me of the saying, “Never underestimate the intelligence of the average person.” All Star Home surveyed Americans in the most populous U.S. cities, prompting them to guess home prices in their communities to determine where people have the best and worst home value intuition, and 86 percent of people were surprised at how high home prices are in their area. Boomers (91 percent) are most surprised by high home prices, followed by millennials (87 percent), Gen X (85 percent), and Gen Z (84 percent). San Francisco locals excel in home price intuition, but Chicago residents fare the worst. (Today’s podcast can be found here, and this week’s is sponsored by Richey May, a recognized leader in providing specialized advisory, audit, tax, technology and other services to the mortgage industry for almost four decades. Today’s has an Interview with Xactus’ Greg Holmes and Shelley Leonard on advancing the modern mortgage through data-driven insights.)

Lender and Broker Products, Programs, and Services

Are you curious about the strategic insights that could shape a successful 2024 in the mortgage industry? As the holiday season unfolds, consider whether optimizing your tech stack could be the key to operational excellence in the coming year. Read the latest blog by DarkMatter Technologies for an in-depth look at addressing common tech stack pain points, identifying success indicators, and exploring solutions like the Empower® LOS. Take a moment amidst the holiday warmth to reflect on how a well-optimized tech stack may be the missing piece for a prosperous 2024. Ready to unlock these strategic secrets? Check out Empower and all Dark Matter Technologies has to offer.

Holiday fun fact: Santa’s sleigh is actually led by female reindeer because they’re the only ones with antlers this time of year. Seemingly minor details like this can make a big difference, just like lender production trends revealed in MMI’s Benchmark Reports. The latest edition shows that lenders in the Prime (>$5B in production volume) and Capital tiers ($500M-$5B) experienced a nearly 9% decrease in production in October compared to September. However, lenders in the Select tier ($50-500M) only saw a 4.4% decline and gained an edge over the Capital tier regarding average deal size ($354.1K v. $352K). Sign up for the MMI Benchmark Report today to receive valuable industry insights like these in your inbox each month.

As we approach the final weeks of 2023, AmeriHome Correspondent would like thank clients and partners for supporting AmeriHome through its first 10 years and making it the #2 Correspondent Lender in the country! Looking ahead to 2024, AmeriHome, backed by the strength of Western Alliance Bank, wants to speak to you about how a relationship with AmeriHome will help you navigate the coming year. Combining Western Alliance’s Warehouse Lending, MSR Financing, and Treasury Management services with AmeriHome’s industry leading loan purchase platform, makes this is a “must-have” relationship for mortgage bankers of all sizes. Financial institutions, IMBs, and Emerging Bankers alike benefit from AmeriHome’s Delegated and Non-Delegated options, full suite of conventional and government products, and Bulk, Bulk/AOT, and Best-Efforts delivery options. Check out Upcoming Events for details on where they’ll be in 2024, find your sales rep here, or send them an email to learn more about partnering with AmeriHome! They wish a happy and healthy holiday season to all!

Tis’ the season of giving! Click n’ Close has been helping lenders and brokers deliver the gift of homeownership to borrowers through its down payment assistance (DPA) program faster than you can say ‘Happy Holidays’ all year long. With more than 1.5 billion dollars in DPA-related financing to over 6,000 borrowers through its SmartBuy suite of products, with an average of nearly $12,500 in assistance per transaction, Click n’ Close is feeling pretty good about being on the nice list this year. Unlike state or municipal DPA programs, SmartBuy isn’t subject to budgetary shortfalls and offers tremendous flexibility to accommodate a wider range of borrower scenarios, making it ready to help your borrowers achieve homeownership. Reach out to our wholesale (Adam Rieke, Kerry Webb and Soliman Martinez) or correspondent team (Julas Hollie) to learn more.

What if your fee collection process wasn’t a “process” at all? Click button. Borrower gets text. Borrower pays fee. LOS updated. Easy Fee-sy with Fee Chaser!

“One Year. One Tool. $10B in Additional Loan Applications. We’ve spent the past year trying to explain everything Total Expert Customer Intelligence can do and all the ways it’s changing the game for modern financial institutions. But there’s one thing that doesn’t need an explanation: results. Lenders, banks, and credit unions across the country are generating incredible ROI for their businesses while building deeper, lifelong relationships with borrowers by using Customer Intelligence to enrich their contact profiles and engage them at the moments that matter. Let us show you how to stop playing hide and seek with high-quality loan opportunities and start driving exponential growth. Explore Customer Intelligence.“

ACES Q2 2023 Mortgage QC Trends Report finds Critical Defect Rate declines for the third consecutive quarter! Summary of findings include the overall critical defect rate declined 3.37% ending the quarter at 1.72 percent, defects in Credit & Liabilities categories increased for the 2nd straight quarter, FHA defect increased significantly, and the majority of defect categories experienced improvement this quarter. “Q2 2023 proved to be better than expected, as the critical defect rate continued to decline in the face of a surge in origination volume over the previous quarter. However, deteriorating quality in the core underwriting categories remains of concern and should be an area in which lenders increase their focus in the coming months. We implore all lenders to keep quality at the center of their operations to ensure a safe, sound, and prosperous new year.” – Nick Volpe, EVP of ACES Quality Management. Read the report.

Do you have a servicing portfolio? Do you understand how it is being valued? With the decline in overall production in 2023, the MSR asset has become more critical than ever and effectively managing that asset demands ongoing oversight. MCT offers portfolio valuations that are accurate and easy to understand, with built-in safeguards focused on client and borrower data security. MCT’s fair value analysis and reports are customized to support servicer’s internal requirements and objectives. Their extensive number of clients and MSR market knowledge keep your valuations timely, accurate, and reliable. Schedule a phone call with the MCT MSR experts to discuss a customized approach for valuing your MSR portfolio.

‘Twas the holiday season, just two weeks to go, loan officers in town faced a challenging low. But behold, in the distance, a solution did gleam, Velma CRM appeared like a holiday dream. Tailor-made for small lenders, banks, and credit unions, no more complexity, no more costly intrusions. Automated drip emails are sent in a flash, customized flyers for your next open house bash! Plug-n-play convenience, a breeze to employ, with all tools in one place, your business primed to deploy! Loan officers can thrive, their work takes flight, with Velma’s assistance, everything’s right. So, join the Velma revolution, don’t delay, transform your lending business this holiday!

STRATMOR on Strategies for 2024

What’s the moral of the story for the mortgage industry in 2023? In STRATMOR Group’s December Insights Report, STRATMOR reviews the plot and moral of each InFocus article from the year and summarizes them to provide key takeaways that will help lenders think outside the box, evaluate new strategies, take risks and survive the downturn that is likely to continue into the first quarter of 2024. Lenders, and vendors who serve the mortgage industry, if you need guidance in developing your business strategies for 2024, contact STRATMOR, and don’t miss “The Moral of the 2023 Mortgage Industry Story” in the December Insights Report.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Out of Texas and Ohio comes news that Thrive Mortgage, LLC and Lower, LLC have plans to merge the two brands, Thrive Mortgage and Lower.com. Thrive CEO Selene Kellam and production head for Thrive Mortgage, Randell Gillespie, will join the combined executive team with Lower under the leadership of Lower CEO and Co-Founder Dan Snyder, expected in the first quarter of 2024. The STRATMOR Group acted as transaction advisor to Lower.

Lower CEO Dan Snyder stated “we’re building a better approach to mortgage with Lower’s streamlined tech powering multiple channels. Thrive is an award-winning, national lender with the same belief and we’re excited to bring them onto our platform.”

“The commitment of Thrive to our team and our customers has always been to deliver the best mortgage experience with the highest quality resources” said Thrive Mortgage Chairman Roy Jones. “This has driven us to focus on having the best people with the most forward-thinking technology in the industry, all of which is propelled forward with this partnership with Lower.”

Thrive CEO Selene Kellam added, “last year, we acquired AMSCo, a storied Midwest company that added incredible talent to our model. We are now excited to share another amazing opportunity that has presented itself to join Lower.com.” Thrive, licensed in 42 states, was the first company in Texas to close a fully electronic note with a remote notary.

Leadership at Thrive were specifically attracted to Lower’s future-forward path, including five key pillars of differentiation: progressive leadership and vision, cutting-edge marketing strategy, a standout private-label platform, unified technology stack, and the venture capital funding to pioneer new paths.

Lower, LLC is a multi-channel, digital lender ranking as the 30th largest home lender in the country. Backed by top VC firm Accel, Lower operates an online consumer-direct channel, offline retail channel, and third-party origination platform servicing both brokers and other fintechs like Opendoor.

M&A is not confined to lenders. Out of Arlington, VA, news came out that Titleworks, Inc., founded in 1995 and led by industry veteran Becky Taylor, and Cobalt Settlements, LLC founded in 2014 and led by Jeff Nowak, Esq., have announced a strategic merger. “This union will carry the name of Cobalt Settlements, LLC and marks a pivotal moment, combining Cobalt’s innovative resources and attorney-backed capabilities with the deep-rooted client relationships and industry expertise of Titleworks.”

Capital Markets

Renegotiations and early pay off penalties will now occupy capital markets staffs as those hoping for a holiday gift from the Fed in the form of projected rate cuts in 2024 finally found something in their stocking. In a unanimous decision, the FOMC agreed to leave the target range for benchmark federal funds rate at 5.25 percent to 5.5 percent yesterday, and while the door was left for additional tightening beyond what is currently the highest federal funds rate since 2001, the updated forecast projects at least three rate cuts over the next 12 months. After a period of nearly two years of rapid monetary policy tightening, and pauses at the most recent three FOMC meetings, a pivot to cuts next year filled investors with joy and caused a massive rally in the bond markets. Fed Chair Powell also acknowledged that the FOMC discussed when it will become appropriate to begin dialing back its policy restraint.

While the Fed kept rates unchanged, something entirely expected, it was the shift from a hawkish pause, one with a rate hike bias, as was the case after the last two meetings, to a dovish pause, a pause with a future rate reduction bias due to the declining inflation rate, that led to a record Dow Jones close. Discussion will now focus on the date of the first cut.

The Fed has spent recent months attempting to dampen expectations that it is about to reverse course and lower rates. Changes in the policy statement from this meeting, however, made clear that the pace of rate reductions in 2024 is now the focus as inflation concerns continue to fade. Fed Chair Powell had previously said that pain, traditionally in the form of millions of lost jobs, would be necessary to quell inflation. But at 3.7 percent, the unemployment rate is about where it was when the Fed began raising rates in March 2022. Meanwhile, the pace of inflation’s decline leaves it only one percentage point above the central bank’s 2 percent target. An updated Summary of Economic Projections also featured an improved growth outlook for 2023, and a lowered inflation outlook for 2023 and 2024.

In addition to any ongoing response to the FOMC today, markets will also be dealing with monetary policy decisions from the SNB, Norges Bank, the BoE (still fearing inflation), and the ECB with the post-meeting press conference from President Lagarde. No changes were expected nor delivered. Domestically, yesterday’s Fed news overshadowed this morning’s import and export prices for November, jobless claims, and retail sales for November. Later today brings Business inventories for October follows, Treasury announcing sizes for next week’s reopened 20-year bonds and 5-year TIPS auctions, and Freddie Mac’s latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey. We begin the day with Agency MBS prices better by a solid .250 than Wednesday’s close as prepayment fears continue to creep into the market. The 10-year is yielding 3.94 after closing yesterday at 4.02 percent; the 2-year is down to 4.30.

Employment

It’s clear that new construction homes will be a primary driver of originations in 2024. Picture yourself as a Planet Home Lending MLO with this product lineup: Purchase Edge, a game-changer with benefits for borrowers looking to move; One Time Close construction loans, the traditional powerhouse; and purchase and renovation loans for Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADUs). As you move into this niche, an experienced construction lending team supports you by unlocking the secrets of construction lending success. The path to your 2024 breakthrough begins when you contact Talent VP Peter Briggs or 435-709-6287; all inquiries will be held in strict confidence.

 Download our mobile app to get alerts for Rob Chrisman’s Commentary.

Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com

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Transport your family and visitors back in time with retro kitchen concepts.

Decorating your kitchen is an exciting adventure only those brave enough to experiment and express themselves embark on. The opportunities are endless between multiple ways to decorate and many styles to converge and bring to life. While following trends is an easy way to decorate, there are more decorating style options when you incorporate timeless pieces and even vintage finds into your kitchen space through retro kitchen ideas.

Retro pieces blend character and charm seamlessly, adding a unique touch that transports your kitchen into a personal haven filled with stories and nostalgia. Curating this feeling, especially in a space where meals are shared, is special because it transforms the act of dining into a celebration of togetherness.

What defines retro style?

Easily defined as a vintage look, retro style emulates or deliberately draws inspiration from historical lifestyles, trends or artistic expressions. It encompasses music, modes, fashions or attitudes emblematic of various eras.

Within popular culture, the “nostalgia cycle” commonly revolves around the two decades that unfolded 20 to 30 years in the past. However, no decade is off-limits when it comes to designing a retro-style kitchen.

Retro kitchen ideas to travel back in time

Whether you’re looking for a decor style to enhance your current kitchen or maybe have a few retro pieces on hand and want to fully dive into the vintage style, this list will assist in your retro kitchen design process. Feel free to mix and match styles, or pair one of the below suggestions with an otherwise-modern setup.

Author note: When you buy through links in this article, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Peel and stick checkboard floors

Checkerboard floors were a staple of 1950 American diners. Select a traditional black and white checkered floor pattern for the ultimate nostalgic feel. Even better, peel-and-stick flooring makes this retro kitchen idea renter-friendly, leaving little to no damage behind.

Retro gallery wall

If you’re unsure where to start or are struggling to find some of the larger pieces, start with creating a gallery wall. Retro art is easy to find, whether you’re printing images out or finding framed vintage patterns that resonate with the era you’re aiming for. Design ideas for these galleries range from funky black-and-white patterns to vintage family photographs.

Coca-Cola decor

Another staple of American history is the popular soda (or pop, as some say), Coke. Retro kitchens, dating back to the 70s, featured everything from wall clocks to signage with verbiage to drink an ice-cold Coca-Cola. Channel this retro cool vibe with antique signage that lets your guests know there’s a cold beverage waiting for them.

Vintage wall clock

If you’re lacking enough wall space to do a gallery, opt for a wall clock. While wall clocks are becoming less and less popular, it’s among the list of perfect retro kitchen accessories to create a vintage vibe. Consider choosing a wall clock with a charming, nostalgic design to not only tell time but also add a touch of timeless elegance to your entire kitchen.

Vintage bar stools

A great way to curate a retro kitchen is through vintage furniture. Take a trip to your local antique store to snag some vintage bar stools. When shopping, keep an eye out for retro patterns and color combinations that offer a retro feel. For example, bright-colored bar stools with chrome accents or vinyl upholstery can instantly transport your kitchen back in time.

Mid-century modern appliances

Brands like SMEG and Forte have created a line of retro appliances that are both aesthetically pleasing and high-functioning. Their appliance lines appear as vintage appliances but work with today’s technology and advanced functionality. These retro kitchen appliances are the perfect addition to any kitchen seamlessly blending the charm of yesteryear with the convenience of modern living.

Diner-style booth furniture

Retro kitchens, back in the day, featured iconic diner seating. This booth seating is a little trickier to emulate in kitchens today but not impossible. Furniture like corner breakfast nooks or bench seating makes for perfect retro-inspired furniture pieces that blend nostalgic charm with contemporary sophistication.

Antique lighting fixtures

Lighting not only brightens up your space but can truly set the mood in a kitchen. For a retro look, find bright color fixtures or fixtures with unique shapes that will enhance the lighting but also serve as a fun focal point. Pendant lights, specifically, can be found in a range of fun retro options that are sure to match your style.

Take a trip down memory lane

These retro kitchen ideas will not only create a unique kitchen space but also open conversations about the past, allowing you to infuse your home with a sense of nostalgia and timeless charm. By blending classic design elements with modern functionality, you can achieve a perfect balance that not only honors the traditions of the past but also caters to the needs of contemporary living.

Still looking for that perfect apartment to decorate your dream kitchen? Explore available apartment or rental home options here.

Wesley is a Charlotte-based writer with a degree in Mass Communication from the University of South Carolina. Her background includes 6 years in non-profit communication and 4 years in editorial writing. She’s passionate about traveling, volunteering, cooking and drinking her morning iced coffee. When she’s not writing, you can find her relaxing with family or exploring Charlotte with her friends.

Source: rent.com