I like to highlight contests that involve free houses and mortgage payoffs, and this one is a little stranger than most.
Trulia, which should be a subsidiary of Zillow’s if all goes right on the regulatory front, is offering to give away a “freakin’ house” to one lucky person who enters their contest, gets selected for the finals, flies to Las Vegas, and wins a game of War.
To enter the contest, you simply have to head over to their contest website and give up some personal info. Yes, you’ll probably receive some promotional e-mails from their sponsors, including Wayfair and KB Home.
And they’ll ask you to download their app, obviously. But it’s fairly painless and quick.
After that, you have to watch some cheesy videos that ask you to guess where the home is located, what type of kitchen it has, how many bathrooms it contains, and so on. Fast forwarding is helpful here…
Once you complete all five video challenges, you’ll be entered into the Finalist Drawing to win the home. But you don’t really win the home. Huh? Yeah, you actually get a check for $350,000, which actually sounds a lot better than a home in Summerlin, Nevada.
Hey, the house looks great, don’t get me wrong, but I’d rather have $350,000 in my bank account, less taxes.
The drawing will take place on or around October 13, 2014, and the video challenges must be completed by October 10th. So hurry if you want a house, err, a check for $350,000.
By the way, if you want a sneak peek at the home, which you don’t actually win, you can take a look via the contest promotion page. It will help with the challenge questions.
This I suppose is KB’s portion of the promotion, seeing that they are the home builder. I’m assuming the home itself is decorated with furnishings from Wayfair.
Anyway, it doesn’t take all that long to complete the five video challenges and you’ll have a microscopic chance to win $350,000. Sound good?
You Have to Go to Vegas Even Though You Don’t Actually Win a House
You don’t actually get the home in Vegas, as mentioned, but you still have to go there to participate in the grand finale.
Assuming you are one of the three finalists selected during the drawing in October, you will be flown out to Las Vegas on Trulia’s dime and put up in a hotel for two nights.
On November 1st, the three finalists will participate in a game of War, which if you’re not familiar, is one of the most basic card games imaginable.
Simply put, if your card is higher than the dealer’s, you win the hand. Rinse and repeat until there’s a grand finalist.
The winner gets the $350,000 check, but all three finalists receive a $10,000 credit from Wayfair.
So even if you do lose the biggest War bet of your life, you’ll at least walk/fly home with something in your pocket.
I like to highlight contests that involve free houses and mortgage payoffs, and this one is a little stranger than most.
Trulia, which should be a subsidiary of Zillow’s if all goes right on the regulatory front, is offering to give away a “freakin’ house” to one lucky person who enters their contest, gets selected for the finals, flies to Las Vegas, and wins a game of War.
To enter the contest, you simply have to head over to their contest website and give up some personal info. Yes, you’ll probably receive some promotional e-mails from their sponsors, including Wayfair and KB Home.
And they’ll ask you to download their app, obviously. But it’s fairly painless and quick.
After that, you have to watch some cheesy videos that ask you to guess where the home is located, what type of kitchen it has, how many bathrooms it contains, and so on. Fast forwarding is helpful here…
Once you complete all five video challenges, you’ll be entered into the Finalist Drawing to win the home. But you don’t really win the home. Huh? Yeah, you actually get a check for $350,000, which actually sounds a lot better than a home in Summerlin, Nevada.
Hey, the house looks great, don’t get me wrong, but I’d rather have $350,000 in my bank account, less taxes.
The drawing will take place on or around October 13, 2014, and the video challenges must be completed by October 10th. So hurry if you want a house, err, a check for $350,000.
By the way, if you want a sneak peek at the home, which you don’t actually win, you can take a look via the contest promotion page. It will help with the challenge questions.
This I suppose is KB’s portion of the promotion, seeing that they are the home builder. I’m assuming the home itself is decorated with furnishings from Wayfair.
Anyway, it doesn’t take all that long to complete the five video challenges and you’ll have a microscopic chance to win $350,000. Sound good?
You Have to Go to Vegas Even Though You Don’t Actually Win a House
You don’t actually get the home in Vegas, as mentioned, but you still have to go there to participate in the grand finale.
Assuming you are one of the three finalists selected during the drawing in October, you will be flown out to Las Vegas on Trulia’s dime and put up in a hotel for two nights.
On November 1st, the three finalists will participate in a game of War, which if you’re not familiar, is one of the most basic card games imaginable.
Simply put, if your card is higher than the dealer’s, you win the hand. Rinse and repeat until there’s a grand finalist.
The winner gets the $350,000 check, but all three finalists receive a $10,000 credit from Wayfair.
So even if you do lose the biggest War bet of your life, you’ll at least walk/fly home with something in your pocket.
Stan Ponte started his real estate career as a leasing agent but was never one to shy away from new opportunities. When the opportunity to sell luxury real estate presented itself, he jumped on it. Now, 22 years later, Stan is one of New York City’s most successful luxury specialists, consistently ranking among Manhattan’s top agents by sales volume. He even has an active $79,000,000 five-story penthouse listing! On today’s podcast, Stan shares how he made a name for himself in luxury real estate and what it takes for a new agent to break into the luxury market. Don’t miss it!
Listen to today’s show and learn:
Stan’s start in real estate [1:47]
How to get into luxury real estate [3:13]
The story of how Stan almost helped Ed Burns buy an NYC loft [3:44]
The power of gifting [5:43]
How Stan got started as a luxury real estate agent [6:52]
Financial advice for new agents [9:45]
The trick to making great money in real estate [12:06]
Stan’s sales stats [15:14]
What’s unique about New York City’s real estate market [16:45]
Selling apartments in the aftermath of 9/11 [17:50]
When to take listings and when to work with buyers [19:23]
What qualifies as a luxury listing in New York City [20:21]
Advice on running a real estate business [21:18]
A tactical way to leverage your SOI for more business [24:36]
Stan’s opinion on outbound marketing [36:15]
The key to getting more referrals from other brokers [37:48]
Stan’s approach to contact communication [40:09]
One of the craziest luxury listings we’ve ever seen [43:38]
How to reach out to Stan Ponte [47:46]
What the NYC real estate market is like right now [48:55]
Stan Ponte
Stan Ponte is a Senior Global Real Estate Advisor and Associate Broker with Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage. He was named the #2 agent in Manhattan by sales volume for his work in 2020 according to “The Thousand” list, an annual national ranking by The Wall Street Journal and REAL Trends.
As a realtor in New York City for the past 21 years, Stan’s client list ranges from first time home buyers to CEOs, philanthropists, hedge fund managers, tech world innovators and entertainers. Stan’s success as a top performer in New York City’s white glove firms includes two years of management experience at a global real estate firm, where he honed his business development and agent services skills.
In addition to Stan’s resale activities, he is proud to have been chosen as co-director of sales to represent the Woolworth Tower Residences. “The opportunity to sell extraordinary homes in the most recognizable and beloved building in the world is one of the proudest moments of my career,” Stan says. To explore the Woolworth Tower Residences please visit thewoolworthtower.com.
Often called on as a keynote speaker or panelist, Stan is able to discuss his deep understanding of the global reach of Sotheby’s International Realty, bringing him to New Delhi, Hong Kong, Beijing, London, Boston, Stamford, Aspen, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Barcelona, Madrid and Washington D.C.
Stan is able to focus his time and energy on selling while his team manages the office and focuses on marketing; ensuring his clients receive the level of service and attention they deserve.
“Our tailored approach to marketing is something I look forward to sharing at my very first meeting with a seller,” Stan says. “We do our homework first. From the comparable market analysis to a carefully laid out print and e-marketing campaign, we target the buyers and brokers who are most likely to bring the highest price the market will bear.”
Stan is a proud member and co-founder of a referral group of agents in markets outside of New York City and encourages his clients to visit ourtrustednetwork.com if they are interested in being introduced to his trusted Sotheby’s International Realty colleagues who value professionalism, integrity and deep local market knowledge. “We treat our referrals for what they truly are, an extension of trust and an invitation to be added as a member of the client’s team of real estate advisors.”
A graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, Stan previously served on the Board of Directors of the Pre-War Condominium that he calls home and is a current board member and former President of The Drama League. He was one of the founding members of the successful Broker’s Build with Habitat for Humanity NYC and was recognized with their New Partnerships Award. Stan is a strong supporter of the Anti-Violence Project which awarded him in 2017 with their highest recognition, The Courage Award. In addition, Stan and his husband were honored to receive the 2020 Bailey House Rand Harlan Skolnick Social Responsibility Award. Stan also supports the Catskill Animal Sanctuary and the American Repertory Theater at Harvard University where he serves on the NYC Leadership Circle and served as a founding board member at the Bedford Playhouse. He may be the proudest, however, to serve as President of Legacy Ranch, a horse rescue rehabilitation and adoption facility founded by his mother.
“My commitment to my friends, family, and non-profit organizations, especially through the theater, is paramount to my sense of being a responsible and grateful citizen and a proud contributing member of the community.”
Related Links and Resources:
Thank You Rockstars! It might go without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway: We really value listeners like you. We’re constantly working to improve the show, so why not leave us a review? If you love the content and can’t stand the thought of missing the nuggets our Rockstar guests share every week, please subscribe; it’ll get you instant access to our latest episodes and is the best way to support your favorite real estate podcast. Have questions? Suggestions? Want to say hi? Shoot me a message via Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or Email. -Aaron Amuchastegui
Stories about time travel are compelling because there is so much at stake. Can the time travelers return to their original timeline? Will they change the course of history? Can they prevent the impending apocalypse?
That’s why so many people love watching time travel TV series. Someone on a popular internet forum asked other users for recommendations of “fun, light-hearted time travel shows.” Sci-fi lovers flooded the thread with these favorites.
1. Timeless (2016-2018)
When a team made up of a historian, a sergeant, and a computer engineer join forces to hunt down a time-traveling terrorist, they must make sure to be careful about what elements of the past they choose to alter to save the world and the future.
1. Timeless (2016-2018)
This exciting time travel show brings the quirky cast through many critical historical moments, like Nazi Germany and the Battle of the Alamo in Texas.
2. Quantum Leap (1989-1993)
When one of his experiments goes sideways, a scientist finds himself trapped in the past, and his new predicament forces him to jump into different people’s bodies.
2. Quantum Leap (1989-1993)
Of course, this puts the scientist in several sticky situations that he must use his sharp wits to make it through. At the same time, he alters fate as he makes decisions in historic people’s bodies.
3. Doctor Who (2005-)
This classic British sci-fi show has made fans smile, gasp, and laugh for the past eighteen years. The show follows the Doctor, an alien who chooses a companion from Earth to accompany him on adventures through space and time in his telephone-booth-shaped TARDIS.
3. Doctor Who (2005-)
My favorite episode is when the Doctor and his companion Amy Pond (Karen Gillan), travel back in time to meet Vincent Van Gogh.
4. Future Man (2017-2020)
A young and unaccomplished man named Josh (Josh Hutchinson) spends most of his time playing video games. A strange phenomenon is unleashed when he beats a game no other person has ever completed.
4. Future Man (2017-2020)
Can Josh save the world from these nefarious visitors? First, he must gather a team to help him travel through time in the hopes of eventually ridding the world of this new evil force.
5. Russian Doll (2019-)
When Nadia (Natasha Lyonne) dies tragically one night after her best friend’s party, she doesn’t die but instead restarts the night of the party over again.
5. Russian Doll (2019-)
This cycle continues as Nadia dies and relives the night over and over again, and she soon tries her hardest to uncover what is going on and why she keeps getting sent back to relive the same night.
6. Legends of Tomorrow (2016-2022)
Superheroes and time travel? Sign me up! This DC show follows a rogue time traveler who realizes the world can only be saved if heroes and villains work together.
6. Legends of Tomorrow (2016-2022)
Soon, he creates a ragtag team of heroes and villains who go on missions through time to ensure supervillains don’t destroy the fabric of time itself.
7. The Umbrella Academy (2019-)
This creative and action-packed show is about superpowers, time travel, and childhood trauma. When a cold and cruel billionaire adopts seven children with strange powers, their new father forces them to work together to defeat villains in their city.
7. The Umbrella Academy (2019-)
But when the kids grow up, they must grapple with the implications of their powers. One of the siblings accidentally gets trapped in the future and eventually returns to the past to bring the team back together and prevent the apocalypse.
This show is complex and filled with interesting characters, making this a must-watch for any sci-fi lovers.
8. Outlander (2014-)
While this show tends to get darker and more serious than the others on the list, there are plenty of light and heartwarming moments.
8. Outlander (2014-)
When a young British World War II nurse visits some ruins on a trip to Scotland, she mysteriously travels back to 1743. There, she joins a Scottish family fighting for their freedom against the British. Will her attempts to return to her timeline come to fruition, or will she be stuck in the past forever?
9. Sliders (1995-2000)
This exciting show follows a group of people who slide between parallel universes using a futuristic portal device. However, when the device malfunctions, they become trapped in a cycle that they hope will one day lead them home to their home universe.
9. Sliders (1995-2000)
The group must hop through a portal into a new alternate universe every time the timer runs out, giving them a time limit on how long they can stay. They will be trapped in a strange world for decades if they don’t make it.
10. Life on Mars (2006-2007)
When a police officer in 2006 gets hit by a car, he wakes up in 1973 to find that he is still a police officer but in a lower-ranking position.
10. Life on Mars (2006-2007)
As the policeman grapples with his newfound reality, viewers wonder whether he truly traveled back in time or if this is all a dream state induced by a coma.
Who is one actress you can never stand watching, no matter their role? After polling the internet, these were the top-voted actresses that people couldn’t stand watching.
10 Actresses People Despise Watching Regardless of Their Role
These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People
We’ve all heard the famous adage that “no publicity is bad publicity,” and while it tends to be accurate, there are certainly exceptions. But what about those few stars who stay out of the limelight and get along without a hint of trouble?
These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People
Have you ever known someone and thought you liked them—until you learned about their hobbies? Then you get to know them and then you’re like, “Wow, red flag.” Well, you’re not alone.
These 10 Activities Are an Immediate Red Flag
Some celebrities definitely seem to enjoy the limelight and keep working to stay in the public eye. While others quickly move out of the spotlight. Many of these actors and actresses stepped out of the spotlight to live a more private life without constant media pressures.
10 Celebrities That Made the Big Times Then Disappeared Off The Face of the Earth
We’ve all been there – sitting through a movie that we can’t help but cringe at, but somehow it still manages to hold a special place in our hearts.
These 10 Terrible Movies Are Still People’s Favorites
With interest rates climbing, a new form of one-upmanship is making the rounds: the mortgage-rate humble brag.
Credit…Jonathan Carlson
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Aug. 4, 2023
At a rooftop party on a steamy July night in Philadelphia, the margarita machine was churning, the seafood boil was hearty, and the conversation turned to the default of the upwardly mobile: real estate.
Almost anyone shopping for a home in the 2020s knows the script by now: Someone mentions their recent home purchase, a tale undoubtedly rich with drama, stress and suspense. Guests, well schooled in the volatility of the housing market, lean in for the follow-up: When did you buy?
The response to that key question “is normally followed by an ‘Oooh,’” said Evan Barker, 36, a lawyer who attended the party and has participated in enough of these exchanges to know that the “Oooh” means one of two things: You either got the interest rate of a lifetime, or you squarely did not.
the 30-year mortgage rate bottomed out at 2.65 percent, a few months before Mr. Barker and Ms. Gallagher refinanced, besting the national average with a rate of 2.375 percent.
smug, shocked or hopeless, depending on where you fall on the spectrum.
“There is almost a cross-generational envy,” said Övül Sezer, an assistant professor of management and organizations at Cornell University, who studies humble bragging.
Flaunting wealth and good fortune is nothing new. But Americans, for the most part, avoid sharing specifics about money. Sure, you’ll plaster news about your promotion on Facebook and on the platform formerly known as Twitter, but you’ll probably keep mum about the salary package that comes with it. When it comes to real estate, the attitude is no different. A gleeful homeowner may gloat about vanquishing the competition in a bidding war, but they won’t mention the sale price, or their monthly payments.
Federal Reserve’s continued efforts to wrestle inflation under control. So timing, not skill, dictates the rate — and timing is a byproduct of luck.
The pandemic exacerbated inequalities that existed before 2020. For many wealthier Americans, the pandemic was a financial boon. They kept their jobs, were able to work remotely, enjoyed bonuses and raises, and had cash on hand when interest rates plummeted to keep the economy afloat. They were the ones best positioned to pluck up homes, driving up prices. The people who spent 2020 and 2021 struggling through job losses, illnesses or other financial hardships likely missed out on the moment, and are now the ones enduring the hard consequences of rampant inflation.
The interest rate cut “was this free handout to people who didn’t really need it,” said Daryl Fairweather, the chief economist at Redfin. For everyone else, “that door closed as soon as people started to get back on their feet.”
Or as Sharon Reshef, who last month bought a $400,000 one-bedroom apartment in Washington D.C., put it: “It’s really hard to plan your life around macroeconomics.”
That hasn’t stopped some of her slightly older colleagues in Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s office from teasing her about her 6.625 percent interest rate.
“It’s just a gentle ribbing,” said Ms. Reshef, 30, the research director for the senator from New York, who now spends half of her take-home pay on her mortgage. “But as long as we’re here, I will say that not a lot of people in my cohort own property, especially as a single person. Regardless of the interest rate, I have that one up on them. I can definitely brag.”
the experience miserable. But buyers today face similar, if not tougher, conditions. Inventory is anemic, partly because homeowners do not want to part with their low interest rates. So far, a scant 1 percent of American homes have traded hands this year, the lowest rate in a decade, according to a July report from Redfin.
Of course, things could be worse. In 1981, mortgage rates peaked at a jaw-dropping 18.53 percent. Still, the average home price in the second quarter of 1981 was $84,300 — even adjusted for inflation, that’s about $287,020, which is far less than the average price of $495,100 in the second quarter of 2023.
But people who remember the days of double-digit interest rates are often quick to remind younger generations that they, too, walked to school uphill both ways in the snow.
“The fate, the gods, determine when you enter that phase of your life and what is happening in the market,” said Allen J. Palmer, 85, who is retired from IBM and bought his house in what is now Silicon Valley, in California, in 1977 for $95,000 (or $480,686 in today’s dollars), with an 8.5 percent mortgage interest rate. The first year he and his wife spent in that house, they couldn’t afford to fly home to Milwaukee for the holidays.
Young buyers “don’t understand that this is the way it is,” he said. “They probably don’t remember that their parents struggled to pay” the mortgage, too.
recent TikTok video, Barbara Corcoran, the 74-year-old real estate mogul, arranged fresh flowers as she chided hesitant buyers for their reluctance to get back into the market — a common refrain among real estate agents, who insist that there is no time like the present to buy a house.
“Pick your poison: high interest rates now, which aren’t so high, or super-high prices once they come down,” Ms. Corcoran said, her hand grazing a fern frond. “Your choice.”
Mr. Decker, in Montclair, knows which choice he thinks buyers should make. Recently, he was standing at the bar of a local barbecue restaurant and overheard another patron who seemed overconfident about a recent lowball offer he had made on a house in town. Mr. Decker had lost enough bidding wars to know how this story would end, and considered schooling him on his grim prospects. Maybe he would lean across the bar, he thought, and say, “Don’t even bother, man, cool your heels somewhere else.” But he hesitated.
“It did make me feel a little good,” he said, “and certainly thankful that I have a place to live and I’m not dealing with that right now.”
Instead of offering unsolicited advice, he ordered a Pabst Blue Ribbon and a shot of Jameson, and walked back to the patio to sit down and enjoy the evening with his family in their new town.
For weekly email updates on residential real estate news, sign up here.
Ronda Kaysen is a real estate reporter, based in New York. She is the co-author of “The New York Times Right at Home: How to Buy, Decorate, Organize and Maintain Your Space.” More about Ronda Kaysen
A version of this article appears in print on , Section RE, Page 8 of the New York edition with the headline: Mortgage-Rate Envy? You’re Not Alone.. Order Reprints | Today’s Paper | Subscribe
Robert Kiyosaki, Robert Allen, and Loral Langemeier would have you believe that in order to get rich all you need to do is throw your money into real estate, sit back, and let the profits come. It’s not that simple. There’s risk involved. You have to know what you’re doing.
Jon forwarded a link to what he calls “a personal finance trainwreck”. He writes: “If this guy is for real (and there appears to be some suspicion about that) then, wow. Unbelievable.” Casey at iamfacingforeclosure.com thought he could make a killing at real estate. He wanted to reach Financial Independence quickly.
I’m a 24-year-old aspiring real estate investor from Sacramento, California. After going to few seminars I bought eight houses in eight months across four states with no money down. I fixed and sold two and then ran out of cash. I am now facing foreclosure on six five houses. I’m learning my lessons, finding solutions and blogging about it.
Casey’s story is fascinating. Here’s a young man who read Kiyosaki and Allen, and who is trying to find riches by following their advice. He’s trying to make money quickly, and is struggling, but is willing to share the gory details. In one entry, Casey writes that he and his wife are running out of money. They’ve been living on credit cards, which are now maxed out. He’s afraid he might have to get a job.
I can’t just do a job. I do not want to give up my dream of financial independence. If I get a full-time job, I will continue doing my business and investing on the side. Finding time to do both will be hard (tried it before many times). If I must do that, I will. But it will probably take much longer to reach my goals.
An hourly job has limited earnings potential. Getting a 3% raise every year is not my idea of upwardly mobile. Making $25/hour writing code seems like a waste of time when I can sell a real estate contract for $5,000 after doing 5 hours of work = that’s $1000/hour!
So if I can work really hard for one month and find just 2 deals, I can make $10,000. That’s much better return on my time.
Casey received many responses (the comments are the best part of the site), some helpful, some angry, some flabbergasted. Some are all of these at once.
You’ve just nailed the difference between fantasy and reality. […] You are in the process of learning the difference between GAMBLING and INVESTING. Everything you’ve done so far has been gambling. Investing requires that one balance the risk with the rewards, diversify, and be dedicated. Some investments will fail, but a wise investor won’t have too much tied up in any single thing (like real estate purchased on a guru-drunken binge). Investments are made with money that one could stand to lose. Investing is not done by leveraging oneself up to the eyeballs and beyond, hoping for a miracle.
You can see television interviews with Casey (choose “House Flipper Part One” or “House Flipper Part Two” from the menu in the middle of the page). His story is also featured in two articles from the San Francisco Chronicle:
Langemeier, Kiyosaki, and Allen are inspirational. Some of their ideas may even be useful. (Prlinkbiz — who I’m sure will have something to say about this entry — is a huge Kiyosaki fan, and seems to be making his principles work for her.) But these folks preach that their methods are sure-fire ways to wealth and success. They overpromise in an attempt to sell books and seminars. Langemeier says she’s created 200 millionaires, and that she can make one out of anybody. Yet I can find no independent evidence that this has occurred. I’m not saying that it hasn’t happened, but I’m skeptical.
The only sure-fire way to wealth and success is to spend less than you earn, to save the difference, and to invest that savings for growth.
Follow-Up on Casey Serin, the Man Who Would Be Rich
Casey stopped by Get Rich Slowly yesterday and had this to say:
I don’t see why a person CANNOT get rich quick… but still do it in an honest and safe way. Whenever you hear “Get Rich Quick” you think somethhing bad.
And yes, if you read my story, it DOES sound like i’m just a big screw-up. AND YES.. I did do some stuff that I am NOT proud of (liar loans). However, I am learning my lessons and hoping to make a comeback.
I am determined to find a way to make an honest buck in real estate in a down market. My mentor “Rich Dad” did it. It took him only about 10 years. Now he has 20K+/mo in PASSIVE income from REAL ESTATE.
Is 10 years too quick? What about 5 years?
That’s an interesting question. How quick is too quick?
It’s not impossible to get rich quickly — the day before I wrote about Casey, I shared advice on how to handle sudden wealth — but it’s dangerous to focus on quick wealth as a goal. I’m convinced that people get rich quickly by chance, not by intention. If get rich quick schemes worked, more people would do them. You’d read and hear documented tales of success. But they don’t work. They’re mostly scams designed to transfer money from saps like Casey into the hands of others.
My advice for Casey is this:
If you have a burning passion to make these sorts of plans succeed, then pursue them with only a portion of your finances. Follow tried and true personal finance wisdom with most of your money. Take 90% of what you earn, and do the boring stuff with it: pay off debt, start an emergency fund, invest for retirement. You are so young right now, that if you would invest just $5000 each year until you’re 50, you could retire then as a millionaire. (Assuming 10% returns.) This is with almost no risk. Why try to get rich all at once? Why not ride it out?
If you’re dead-set on trying to get rich quickly, then don’t use all of your capital to do so. Do the safe stuff with 90% of your money. Save the remaining 10% to make real estate purchases. If you strike it rich, great. But if you don’t, then at least you haven’t mortgaged your future. This isn’t ideal for most people, but you have the drive and desire, so it gives you something to play with. But this means that you’ll have to work in order to meet your goals.
I don’t want to kick Casey’s dreams. Dreams are good, and I think people should pursue them with gusto. Too many people make a practice of telling others why their plans won’t work instead of lending support. But when your dreams are at odds with reality, you need to re-evaluate.
$2 Million in Debt in Two Years
Casey Serin of I Am Facing Foreclosure held a two-hour conference call to take questions from readers and to explain his situation. I didn’t hear the call, but I did read the entire transcript (part one, part two).
For those of you unfamiliar with him, Casey Serin is the Napoleon Dynamite of real estate investing. He took real estate seminars from Russ Whitney and read books by Carleton Sheets. He bought into the “get rich quick” mentality. In October, the San Francisco Gate wrote:
After spending a year and upward of $15,000 (borrowed on credit cards) going to real estate seminars and buying home education courses from everyone from Russ Whitney to Bruce Norris and, of course, the aforementioned Robert “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” Kiyosaki, Serin embarked on his brilliant career as a real estate flopper, er, flipper. “I wanted to move toward financial independence,” he told me by phone from his home in Sacramento, referring to “passive income,” a key tenet of the “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” scriptures (“Don’t work for money, allow money to work for you”).
Most people take these seminars and read these books but never do anything. Serin heeded the advice of these gurus. In his own words, he “bought 8 houses in 8 months in 4 states with no money down looking to fix ‘n flip.” He bought these houses between October 2005 and May 2006, after the U.S. real estate market had already begun to decline. He ended up $2.2 million in debt, and he’s been blogging about it ever since.
Serin’s story bugs a lot of people. He made many mistakes. He lied on his loan applications (and continues to rationalize this by saying it’s “industry standard policy”). He exhibits no regret. He continues to live a normal (even lavish) lifestyle despite being deep in debt. He refuses to pay anything on his debt because he doesn’t think it’ll make any difference. He refuses to take a job. He doesn’t take any action to improve his situation. He seems to be a publicity whore. Despite his failures, he believes that he can still get rich quick in real estate if he only finds some sweet deals.
I don’t get angry at Serin. I just think he’s dumb. He continues to pursue a way of life that is just not tenable. He’s trying to bypass the “hard work” portion of the American Dream. I consider his story a stark counterpoint to my message of “get rich slowly”. (Trivia: Casey went to high school with Ramit of I Will Teach You to Be Rich. The former tried to get rich quickly and failed. The latter teaches sensible entrepreneurship and personal finance advice, and has succeeded.)
As I said, I read the entire transcript of Serin’s two-hour conference call. It’s an amazing glimpse into the mind of a young man who wants wealth now. Since I know most people don’t have the time to wade through the entire thing, I’ve culled the best parts to share here.
The first thing that strikes you when reading Serin’s stuff is that he doesn’t seem to have learned his lesson. He’s two million dollars in debt, but he’s still convinced that there’s a quick fix for this mess.
Besides real estate, I’m also looking at other opportunities. With this exposure I’ve had, I’ve made a lot of interesting contacts in different industries, not just real estate. I’m talking with a gentleman in Southern California who’s a silver broker, for example. The silver and gold and precious metal market right now is on the rise, and whenever there’s turbulence, or any kind of a war, or anything crazy with the economy, that’s a good place to put your money. I’m definitely looking at that. I’m looking at stocks, but individual stocks, not mutual funds — the performers, the companies that are about to take off, that you’re able to make some money; for example, with penny stocks.
I want to mail Serin a box of personal finance books. I want to send him Dave Ramsey, Your Money or Your Life, the words of John Bogle. I want him to read real personal finance advice that works. But I’m afraid the books would go unread. (Does anyone have his address or know how to get it? Maybe I really will send him some personal finance books.)
At times Serin seems to have learned something. Regarding “no money down” deals, he says:
If I was putting my own cash down, I would have been a lot more careful. That’s what happens when you have a real down payment. Anybody out there who’s looking to do a no money down deal, I say, you have to be careful. Don’t treat the no money down as just a free deal for you.
But other times it seems he hasn’t learned a thing:
I love those no doc loans, they’re the best because you’re never stating anything so no one can ever go back and say you were lying on your application.
One caller tried to explain the concept of “buy low, sell high” to Serin, but he didn’t want to hear it.
CS: Well, you know, if you’re going to do flipping in a down market, here’s the biggest thing. Buying is going to be easy. There’s tons of people giving houses away, including myself. You come to me; I’ll give you my houses away. Just take them over, or whatever; save me from foreclosure. So, buying is not going to be the hard part. Selling is the tough part. You have to get really good at selling your properties, and in a down market, you probably don’t want to buy anything that’s not a first-time-buyer home. […] SC2K2: I just can’t handle how brainwashed you’ve been by all those seminars. CS: Oh, yeah? SC2K2: The way you make money in a down market, is you wait for the prices to bottom; you buy in paying very little; and then you sell when they’ve gone way up. Yeah, your Rich Dad probably — CS: That’s the long-term strategy. Are you saying you can’t do quick flips on the way down? SC2K2: You know, Casey, there’s no way you would be able to handle quick flips.
Serin isn’t interested in a long-term strategy. He wants his money now. He doesn’t see that this is precisely where he’s going wrong. While he’s focused on quick riches, he’s neglecting basic personal finance. For example:
I thought at the beginning it would be such an awesome story, a comeback story and show so much success to be able to pay everything back, but at the same time I think I had a bit of a wishful thinking going on, because I didn’t realize when I first started what kind of a hole I was in. The hole’s so big that at this point, I’m really out of options.
Yeah, but here’s what’s going to happen. I pay a credit card — even fifty bucks — that doesn’t do anything to the collection process. Here’s what happens: it’s going to go and get discharged, and then they’re going to try to sue me and try to get that money. So that fifty bucks could have been used better in something where I can actually make money, perhaps doing another deal —
And:
GDS: What’s your FICO now? CS: I actually don’t know because I haven’t logged into Washington Mutual in a while and I probably should have done that before this call, but last time I checked it was in the high 400’s, 490 I believe or something along those lines. It might be lower now because I’m going to have two official foreclosures showing up on my record any time. GDS: Well, it doesn’t go below 450, so it doesn’t get much — CS: It might be interesting to see if I might be a person that actually gets a 450 FICO score. I might be one of the few amongst some of my friends. I’m hoping other people don’t do the same thing I did.
The end of the conference call is the best part. A caller named Nacho tries to push Serin to think about his situation, about the things he’s done.
CS: Not everyone’s going to be successful and self-employed. But don’t you know self-employed doctors or lawyers or successful realtors or anybody who doesn’t have a W-2 but still makes money? It’s not like W-2’s the only… NACHO: But you haven’t been successful! So isn’t it time to try something else? Supplement your side jobs with a real job. CS: Well, you know, I never said I’m not going to get one. I’m definitely considering that, and since I do still have money coming in through some of those other sources, it allows me to stay flexible so I can still kind of be in real estate a little bit, and other opportunities. NACHO: Do you understand that the real estate market is tanking? Do you have a grasp of that? CS: Oh, yeah. That’s why I’m looking at other investing opportunities, not just real estate. NACHO: And do you understand that you bought in at the worst possible time? You do understand that, right? CS: It’s not like you can’t make money in a down market. My local Rich Dad, he made his fortune in the last downturn in California. But of course he had a lot more experience. NACHO: Did he have decent credit? Was he able to secure loans? CS: Well, he could secure loans. He had money partners. He had mentors. See, I kind of started off without any mentors guiding me, and that’s kind of one of my problems. And I didn’t have any construction experience. NACHO: You know what, Casey? I don’t think mentors is your problem. I think you’ve got enough with these guru mentors. I think that that’s the last thing you need. What you need is a swift kick in the ass, from somebody who’s going to tell you the truth. Seriously. Someone who’s going to tell you the truth. CS: I appreciate you being upfront and giving me a little dose of reality, as you said. NACHO: Well, that’s how I roll. I’m always trying to keep it real. I’m just trying to let you know, man, that you need to start looking at things differently. You’ve been going a certain way and it’s not working out for you, and you really need to change the way you’re viewing life. CS: Well, I appreciate it. NACHO: Because everybody that you owe money to is going to get shafted, and then, in turn, taxpayers are going to have to pay — you know, foot the bill. NACHO: Are you worried about going to jail? CS: I’ve already kind of addressed it, but the thing is, if I live my life in fear, what good is that going to do? NACHO: And you don’t think that you deserve to go? You don’t think that what you did was basic thievery? CS: Well, the thing is I wasn’t out to rob banks, I was out to make a business, and I screwed up. NACHO: But Casey, you got everything fraudulently. Come on, you knew in your heart that that was the wrong thing to do. CS: Part of me was thinking that maybe I shouldn’t be doing stated income loans, because even though everyone seems to be OKAY with it, I had a little bit of a gut instinct. I should have listened to it; you’re right. NACHO: And you understand that when you do things wrong like that, sometimes you have to pay the piper? CS: Oh, yeah. And do you think I’m paying the piper? NACHO: No, not yet. Not by any means, no. CS: You don’t think that all the financial stress and the issues I’m going through is not enough? NACHO: Absolutely not, Casey. I think you should be out there working your ass off — two jobs if necessary — paying five bucks a month on every single bill if that’s what it takes to pay this stuff down. I think you should be calling your creditors and making some sort of payment arrangement for you to — CS: You know what? Check this out; put yourself in my shoes. Even if I get three or five or ten jobs right now I’m not going to be able to catch all my loans up, so they’re going to go to collections, and they’re going to start suing me. So if the only good thing I can really do right now is bankruptcy protection or refinance all those loans. NACHO: If you pay five dollars a month on any bill, they can’t send it to collection, Casey, do you understand that? CS: Sure, they can. NACHO: No, they can’t. CS: If I don’t pay the full monthly payment — I can’t just keep letting them go… That means I can just pay a dollar on all my loans and they’ll just keeping indefinitely. They’re not going to do that. NACHO: I’m not talking about the foreclosure loans, I’m talking about the credit card bills. CS: Even the credit cards. NACHO: Casey, you have to do something to try and right this wrong. Who’s the guy who has the blog – I am [$334,442 in unsecured debt. I am 23. Will I make it ?] dollars, whatever the hell it is, in debt. CS: Yeah, the guy eating Ramen and stuff. Yeah, he’s eating Top Ramen; he’s doing all this other stuff. NACHO: He’s doing the right things. If you would do those things, people would be behind you. People would be giving you suggestions and telling you what to do. Do you understand that? CS: Well, you might have a good point there. But I wonder if that guy’s really for real, though. Do you think a person can survive on Top Ramen for six months? NACHO: Oh, yeah. Sure. CS: Do you think he can eat that crap and still be healthy and still be safe? NACHO: Yeah, throw some vegetables in there. Casey, the last thing you need to worry about right now, seriously, is eating your vegan — your mildly vegan — seriously, you throw some vegetables and a little bit of whatever, some chicken in the Top Ramen, and it’s fine. Have some beans and rice; that’s fine. Buy a big-ass bag of beans and a big-ass bag of rice and cook it up. Have oatmeal for breakfast —
Casey Serin may or may not be a good guy. I can’t tell. He seems likeable enough. But he has succumbed to the idea that the best way to make money is through tricks and games. I’m not saying that you have to be a wage slave all your life in order to get money to save for retirement. But there are clear, safe paths to wealth and happiness. They take time. They take effort. My goal is explore these paths with you. It’s too bad Casey’s not along for the journey.
Historically, mortgage rates were impacted by World War II, the oil embargo in the 1970s and 1980s, the 2007 housing market crash, and Brexit.
4. Bond prices
As bond prices go up, mortgage rates go down. And if bond prices go down, mortgage rates will increase. Ten-year Treasury rates also impact lenders’ interest rate, with mortgage rates rising or falling depending on demand.
Generally, when Americans are feeling spooked by the economy, they invest more in bonds. Because yields are considered safer assets, yields will go down. If Americans are feeling more positive, they will invest more money in stocks. While stocks tend to offer a higher rate of return, they also pose a greater risk of loss.
5. Property type
Lenders typically judge mortgage rates on your physical attachment to a property, not just on your financial investment. If a property is your primary residence, for instance, you are more likely to prioritize your monthly payments there, even if you get into trouble financially. Payments on your vacation or investment property may be less of a priority. In other words, some home loans come with a higher risk for lenders and, therefore, they charge a higher mortgage rate.
Nestled in the heart of Western Maryland just East of the Appalachians, Hagerstown offers a blend of urban living and natural charm. With a rich historical legacy that stretches back to its founding in the 18th century, this city proudly showcases its heritage through preserved battlefields, museums, and historical landmarks.
But is Hagerstown, MD, a good place to live? Luckily, we’ve got you covered. If you’re looking at homes for sale in Hagerstown, apartments for rent, or are just curious about what the area has to offer, this Redfin guide is for you. To give you a taste, here are 10pros and cons to consider before moving to Hagerstown, MD.
5 pros of living in Hagerstown, MD
There’s a lot to love about living in Hagerstown, from natural beauty to rich history. Here are five of the best reasons to make the move.
1. Affordable cost of living
A great reason to move to Hagerstown is its low cost of living compared to other US cities, especially large metropolises. The median sale price in Hagerstown is $262,000, well below the national average of $425,000. Apartments are also much cheaper than average, with the standard one-bedroom unit costing around $1,164.
The city offers a range of housing options, including apartments for rent throughout the area. Property taxes and utility costs are generally lower than the national average, making Hagerstown a great option for those looking to live comfortably without the high costs associated with larger cities. Interestingly, however, nearby Baltimore is generally cheaper in every category, especially housing.
2. Location
Hagerstown’s strategic location at the crossroads of major highways offers convenient access to larger cities like Baltimore and Washington, D.C. This location can be beneficial for government commuters, travelers, and those looking to enjoy the amenities of nearby metropolitan areas. Hagerstown is also near the Appalachians and numerous state forests, making for a perfect suburban retreat located near large cities.
3. Cultural attractions
Hagerstown is rich in arts and culture. The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts offers an impressive collection of art pieces from around the world. If you enjoy music, the historic Maryland Theatre hosts performances ranging from plays to concerts, while the Big Funky Blues Fest celebrates music with local and national artists. These venues and events create a vibrant cultural scene that adds to the quality of life in the city.
4. Outdoor recreation
Hagerstown is surrounded by gorgeous natural landscapes, offering numerous opportunities for all types of recreation. The nearby Maryland section of the Appalachian Trail provides opportunities for long-distance hiking and historical sightseeing, while nearby Greenbrier State Park has shorter, family-friendly trails.
Hagerstown is also known for its water-based recreation, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and boating in the many lakes and rivers nearby. And if you’re in the mood for camping, there are plenty of places for you to unwind in nature.
5. Historical significance
Established in 1762 by Jonathan Hager, Hagerstown has a rich history and played a role in many conflicts. There are dozens of historical sites in the area, the most famous being Antietam National Battlefield, the site of a major Civil War battle.
Other attractions include the Hager House, home of Jonathan Hager, and South Mountain State Battlefield, site of a Union victory in the Civil War. History enthusiasts can explore these sites, learning about the city’s role in shaping US history and experiencing the preserved architecture.
5 cons of living in Hagerstown, MD
While Hagerstown has many positives, there are notable downsides as well. Here are five to keep in mind before making the move.
1. Weather
The weather in Hagerstown can be challenging for some, with cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. It is truly a four-season climate, and sometimes experiences extremes, including a stretch of nine days above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is January, where temperatures rarely reach 40 degrees, while the warmest is July, with temperatures near 90. Those who prefer milder weather conditions might find the climate less than ideal.
2. Limited public transportation
Hagerstown does have a public transportation system maintained by Washington County, with 12 routes that serve a majority of the city. However, there are very few buses in their fleet and not enough routes to serve everyone’s needs, especially for those who travel frequently. This is exacerbated if you live just outside of the city center. Because of this, having a car is almost a necessity in Hagerstown.
3. Limited nightlife
For those seeking a bustling nightlife, Hagerstown might fall short. Although there are dining and entertainment options, the choices are limited compared to larger cities, especially in the later evening and night. However, there are still a few options, including Broad Axe, Benny’s Pub, and Third Base Tavern.
4. Limited shopping options
While Hagerstown offers basic shopping facilities, it may lack the variety and high-end retail options found in larger cities. Those looking for diverse shopping experiences might need to travel to neighboring cities, which could be an inconvenience for regular shoppers or those seeking specific brands and stores.
5. Urban sprawl
Because of its convenient location and quality of living, Hagerstown’s population has grown consistently for decades. This has led to an increase in urban sprawl, which can lead to a loss of green spaces, increased infrastructure demands, and a potential reduction in the quality of life for some residents. This may be a downside for some who prefer a smaller town with more character.
Essentially, rent-to-own homes offer an alternative pathway to homeownership for individuals who might not otherwise be in a position to buy a house outright. It’s a strategy that represents the quintessential entrepreneurial mindset — seeing opportunities where others see only obstacles.
What is a rent-to-own home?
A rent-to-own property arrangement, sometimes also called a lease option or a lease-to-own agreement, is a deal in which a person rents a home for a specific period of time, typically between one to three years, with the option to purchase the home at the end of that period.
It’s a plan designed to facilitate homeownership for people who need time to save for a down payment, improve their credit or get their financial house in order. A portion of the monthly rent payment is typically set aside and used as a contribution toward the future purchase of the house.
Why are rent-to-own homes popular? What are some pros of this setup?
Rent-to-own homes continue to gain popularity, and there are a few compelling reasons why. At their core, these arrangements offer a unique blend of flexibility and opportunity that resonates with many potential homeowners.
Flexibility
One key reason is the financial flexibility rent-to-own homes offer. Not everyone has the resources to dive straight into homeownership, and traditional mortgage arrangements might be out of reach. Rent-to-own homes present a viable solution, allowing individuals to move into their dream home right away, while also providing a structured plan to eventually buy that home. It’s about breaking down a seemingly insurmountable financial leap into manageable steps.
Home prices
Another driving factor is the prospect of locked-in purchase prices. Given the volatility of real estate markets, the ability to set a future purchase price at the start of the lease agreement can be an enticing prospect. It offers a form of financial predictability, a rare commodity in an ever-fluctuating housing market.
Furthermore, rent-to-own homes also serve as a testing ground. They’re an option that allows potential homeowners to experience living in the home and neighborhood before making a long-term commitment. This ‘try before you buy’ aspect is a significant draw, reducing the risks of buyer’s remorse.
Building equity
Lastly, the concept of building equity from day one is attractive. Instead of paying rent with no long-term benefits, individuals in a rent-to-own agreement have the satisfaction of knowing that part of their monthly payment is going toward their future home ownership. This empowers people to invest in their future, even if they aren’t quite ready to fully commit to a mortgage.
However, it’s essential to understand that, while rent-to-own homes offer certain advantages, they aren’t a magic bullet solution. Like any financial arrangement, they come with their own risks and potential pitfalls. But for those who are clear about their financial capabilities and long-term plans, rent-to-own homes can be a strategic stepping stone on the path to homeownership.
Potential drawbacks of rent-to-own properties
However, renting to own is not for everyone. Here are some cons to consider when looking at this rent arrangement that might be non-starters for you.
Non-refundable payments
If the renter decides not to purchase the house at the end of the lease, they forfeit the extra money they have been paying towards the purchase. This can be a considerable loss, as these payments are typically non-refundable.
Maintenance responsibility
In many rent-to-own agreements, the renter is responsible for maintenance and repairs. This can be costly and differs from most traditional rental agreements where the landlord is typically responsible for these costs.
Risk of forfeiture
If the renter fails to abide by the terms of the agreement, they may lose their right to purchase the property and forfeit all payments made towards the purchase price.
The history of the rent-to-own contract
Rent-to-own homes, as a concept, trace back to the 1950s and 1960s, a period of significant changes in the housing market. During this time, returning World War II veterans and the resulting baby boom led to an increased demand for housing. However, many individuals found themselves unable to secure a mortgage due to strict lending standards. Rent-to-own homes emerged as a viable rental agreement solution to bridge this gap, allowing regular people to gradually work towards homeownership.
The approach gained even more traction during the late 1970s and early 1980s when the United States experienced a surge in interest rates, which made traditional mortgages less affordable for many prospective homeowners. The rent-to-own model gave people the chance to lock in a future purchase price and bypass the high-interest rates of their time.
The 2008 financial crisis and the ensuing tightening of mortgage lending standards again brought the rent-to-own option into the limelight. With many people’s credit scores damaged and banks more cautious about lending, rent-to-own homes became an alternative path to homeownership for those who might otherwise be left out in the cold.
The future of the rent-to-own housing market
As we look towards the future of the rent-to-own housing market, there are several factors at play. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic volatility has left many people in challenging financial situations, possibly making the rent-to-own model more attractive to a larger audience.
Additionally, technology is playing a more significant role in the real estate market. Online platforms can connect renters and property owners, making the process of finding, inspecting and signing rent-to-own agreements more accessible and transparent than ever before. This technological shift could democratize the rent-to-own process, making it a more prevalent choice in the housing market.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the rent-to-own market’s growth will also depend on various factors like changes in real estate laws, fluctuations in the economy and shifts in societal attitudes toward homeownership.
Lastly, there’s an increased call for consumer protection in the rent-to-own sector. As the market grows, so too does the need for regulations to protect consumers from unscrupulous practices. The future might see more standardized contracts, more transparent disclosures and enhanced protections for those who choose this route to homeownership.
Is this rental agreement right for you?
Rent-to-own homes offer a unique blend of renting and buying, giving people a fresh shot at the dream of homeownership. As with any financial strategy, it’s critical to fully understand the implications and potential risks, making the most out of this innovative approach to securing a home.
It’s a market that has evolved throughout history, adapted to the changing times, and is likely to continue evolving in the future. There’s no better place to start your search for that perfect rent-to-own home than right here, right now.
What movies do you respect but did not enjoy watching? For example, they had artistic values, a powerful story, or were generally well-made, but for whatever reason, didn’t float your boat? After polling the internet, here are the top twenty-five film responses.
1. Uncut Gem (2019)
“This! I completely agree with you. Uncut Gemswith Adam Sandler is a great movie I will never see again. I felt like I had a panic attack the entire way through,” shared one.
Another admitted, “I thought Adam Sandler did a phenomenal job, and it was a great movie; I hated every second of it. I was too nervous, anxious, and annoyed at everyone’s decisions.” Finally, a third said, “Agree. Uncut Gems was supposed to put the audience on edge most of the time, and it did. Very Well. It made me feel super anxious.”
2. The Joker (2019)
“I cast my vote for the Joker movie. I get why people like it, but man, what an utterly unpleasant yet respectable movie,” someone suggested. “That whole routine at the comedy club made me cringe so hard it hurt, even if it was completely the point,” confessed a second.
“Yeah. It’s well made, and it’s an interesting idea. But I hate the movie. As both just a film and an exploration of a comic book villain that didn’t need one.” Joker 2 will be a musical starring Lady Gaga.
3. Schindler’s List (1993)
“Schindler’s List. It’s a brilliant movie, and everyone should see it once, but I will never watch it again,” one expressed. “It was such a powerful, horrifying movie about a reality we were lucky not to have been a part of,” another shared.
“Came here for this. The entire movie – which is incredible and necessary to watch – felt like my stomach dropped, like when you’ve reached the peak of a roller coaster and are about to go down.”
“Except there was no relief. No thrilling rushes down or satisfaction of catching your breath as it hits another incline—just a lasting gut punch followed by the realization that it wasn’t just a movie. I’ll never watch it again,” a third user stated.
4. American History X (1998)
One person admitted, “I discussed American History X with a dear friend, and we agreed that 1.) The dental scene on the curb had scarred our minds for life, and 2.) Once was PLENTY.”
Another suggested, “Everyone needs to watch American History X, but it’s a movie I don’t want to watch again.” A third shared, “I own the movie and have watched it two times. Steven Spielberg did an outstanding job.”
“The musical score is hauntingly beautiful. The production was a Super Bowl, World Series, and Stanely Cup. All wrapped up in one. Must watch this historic and horrific movie.”
5. A Clockwork Orange (1971)
“I vote A Clockwork Orange,” one replied. “I’m shocked this was only mentioned once on this list so far. This film is thoroughly unenjoyable to me.”
“I’ve only seen the film once, about a decade ago, so I don’t have the best insight. However, if I remember correctly, the film shows that while criminals can be ruthless, the justice system they’re placed in can be similarly horrific,” a second added.
“It was tough and not a first date movie. The strength of your disgust is the entire point. Alex is a monster, and that must be made clear. With that being said, I did not enjoy this movie, but I respect it,” a third user expressed.
6. Dunkirk (2017)
“This was my answer. It did an amazing job capturing the feeling of being in that war; the only problem was that feeling was miserable. I would not willingly experience that again,” shared one.
“One thing I liked about Dunkirk, which made it hard to watch, was the age of the soldiers. The kids on the beach looked so young, too young to be in such danger, but that’s how it was,” another admitted.
“And yet, despite almost feeling shell-shocked while viewing Dunkirk, it continues to be one of my most respected movies. Don’t get me wrong; I would never watch it again, but yeah.”
7. 1917 (2019)
“I respond strongest in films to the feeling of unfair power imbalances. So scenes where bullies pick on the small kid etc., get to me. This film felt like that to a million, but there wasn’t an end to it. But it was a terrific piece of cinematic artwork,” one expressed.
“When the credits rolled, I had a panic attack in the cinema. Unfortunately, I’ve not yet had it in me to rewatch it, but good lord, what a fantastic film to never watch again,” stated another.
“I saw it in theaters, and the sound was physically jarring. Which I suppose is what they were going for, trying to give the audience that feeling of tension and fear that the character was experiencing, but as a moviegoer, that was unpleasant.”
8. The Revenant (2015)
“Powerful performances by Leonardo Dicaprio and Tom Hardy, beautiful cinematography and soundtrack, and a brutal tale of survival and revenge, what’s not to love? I would never watch it again, though,” admitted one.
“I said immediately after seeing this movie; I enjoyed it. Leo is great. I will never see it again. Everyone needs to see this movie at least once in their lifetime. It provokes the thought of who Hugh Glass was in REAL LIFE,” a second shared.
“I’m going to go on a limb and say The Revenant was enjoyable, but I won’t sit through that again. Still weird to me that that’s the movie Leo won an Oscar. Not several other better performances and movies. A good, bad film overall.”
9. The Lighthouse (2019)
One person noted, “The Lighthouse was a stunning film with wonderful performances by Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe. Hear me clearly when I say this, I WILL NEVER WATCH THIS AGAIN.”
“This, the cinematography was some of the best and most interesting I’ve seen, and the performances are incredible. But it’s such an uncomfortable movie to watch,” said another.
“This is exactly it,” a third agreed. “It’s a visually stunning film. Parts of it still get me, particularly where Dafoe is giving this excellent monologue while dirt is flying into his face and mouth. I can’t, at my own will, sit through this movie for a second viewing.”
10. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
“2001: A Space Odyssey. It’s a remarkable technical achievement. But as a movie, I can’t do it again,” said one. “I love this sci-fi classic. It’s stunning, and the slow-burn nature of the pacing helps make it feel more human if that makes sense.”
“But I’m also not too fond of it. It’s also prolonged and weird,” another replied. “Yeah, same here. I get that this beloved and respected film is a technical masterpiece. But it is so dull. So mindboggling dull,” a third added.
11. Citizen Kane (1941)
“Citizen Kane deserves the accolades. It broke a lot of ground visually and technically. It’s based on the lives of egomaniacal newspaper barons, which a modern audience has mostly forgotten. But you don’t want to watch it repeatedly,” one expressed.
“I only watched it to watch Mank, and it took me three tries to finish it… I know this film was innovative regarding cinematography, editing, and script, but it was just not for everyone,” replied another.
“For me, it’s about something other than not liking it in total but not liking the story itself. The film is gorgeous, but I see it as the story of the rise and fall of a detestable person and all the despicable people who surrounded him,” a third person shared.
12. Hotel Rwanda (2004)
“Yeah, that movie is emotionally exhausting. You become so invested in the story that you can feel the dread of these terrified citizens scrambling to survive. I had to watch this in high school for a class discussion in French Class. I will never watch this again,” admitted one.
A second noted, “It’s interesting how little violence they choose to show. Using your imagination puts you in the hotel occupants’ shoes, and the unknown can be more frightening. It is surely a story that needs telling, but I would not recommend it for anything other than research.”
“We watched this in high school for a History through Film course. It took a couple of days to watch and discuss, but it became one of those movies I watched once. Too emotional and upsetting for me,” a third user noted.
13. Amistad (1997)
“Amistad with Matthew McConaughey has no-frills, matter-of-fact scenes of brutality towards enslaved people. I respect it as probably close to accurate. But they are hard to watch. My wife cannot watch Amistad again, and I won’t let her. She broke down sobbing the one time she saw Amistad,” one confessed.
“This movie was so hard to watch, but that means it is making its intended point,” another said. “To this day, scenes of abject brutality don’t sit well. I know that it happens, it’s historically accurate, but nothing is entertaining there. It’s instructive, of course. I still haven’t watched The Passion.”
14. 12 Years a Slave (2013)
“The one time my partner asked how bad 12 Years a Slave I told her she would not want to watch it. However, that movie made a lasting impression, enough for the both of us,” reported one.
“She saw the look on my face and has never asked to watch it. I understand its message so much that I need never see it again.” A second agreed, “12 Years a Slave, for sure. It’s upsetting and unsettling, but well done and accurate.”
15. The Road (2009)
“The Road did an excellent job of capturing a sense of hopelessness, but I couldn’t make it through the whole movie a second time. Finally, I got about halfway through and realized that I didn’t need or enjoy how it made me feel. But by that point, I was too far in to turn back,” someone explained.
“The relationship between the two main characters was very well done,” shared another. “I enjoyed seeing it done well. But, on the flip side, I had an overwhelming sense of dread once the film was over. Won’t be doing that again.”
“I was the same way with this movie. I had to finish it, will never view it again. I don’t have the emotional resilience to repeat the experience. But, the book is just as much, if not bleaker, so it’s a faithful book-to-film adaptation,” a third informed.
16. Eraserhead (1977)
“I feel this way about most of David Lynch’s work. Utterly enthralling and wildly unique, but generally, just not for me. I do find David Lynch, the person, to be delightful, though,” someone stated.
“I watched it once and found this film super interesting and stylistically incredible, but would I watch Eraserhead again? Not really. I also wanted to love Twin Peaks, but it fizzled out for me,” confirmed another. “I just watched this for the first time yesterday. What an absolute slow burn of a masterpiece. I’ll never watch it again.”
17. Mother! (2017)
“OH, MY WORD! I had to go way too far down the list for this one. I respect the movie for what it did, but I will never watch this again. It also didn’t help it was advertised all wrong,” suggested one.
“The end of this film I had in my head for over a month. Sweet Christmas, the anxiety and panic the ending induced was horrifying and amazing simultaneously,” a second confessed.
Finally, a third admitted, “One of the most anxiety-inducing movies I’ve ever seen. That scene with the baby sent me into a full-on panic attack. I can respect this as a form of art, but I could never watch this a second time around.”
18. The Tree of Life (2011)
“In a theater, I saw this, The Tree of Life with Terrence Malick, and many people clapped at the end. My sister and I thought it was the most boring thing we’d ever seen. We had no idea why everyone was clapping. I would not sit through that again,” one informed.
“I was furious after seeing this movie. Forty-five minutes of off-screen whispering, 45 minutes of the end of 2001: A Space Odyssey and dinosaurs. Then 45 minutes of other random things. I didn’t get any of it. Call me insane, but I respect his work of art; I would never participate in watching it again.
19. Solaris (1972)
“Tarkovsky’s films, specifically Solaris. It is a profound work in its own right. But Solaris is much too slow for me. I recently attempted to watch Stalker but couldn’t make it through. Hope to finish Stalker soon” noted one.
A second shared, “Recently watched Solaris in the last two years. You must be in an exceptional mood to watch this Tarkovsky movie. Solaris is heavy, mentally, and thematically dense,” reported another.
“And not only that, but the things he wants you to examine are so gosh darn lofty. He’s the film equivalent of reading War and Peace or Ulysses. I understand his premise, but I could never watch this movie again.”
20. Dancer in The Dark (2000)
“Dancer in the Dark. One day I was thinking: It’s been long enough that I’ve been tempted to watch it again recently, but then I remember a few key scenes, and I know I can’t,” someone informed.
“Yes. Holy smokes, the ending is so freaking bleak. It’s an absolute triumph, but catch me never watching that movie again as long as I live. I also didn’t enjoy it, but I respected it,” a second added. “I came here to say this. I watched it 20 years ago and loved it, but I’m not putting myself through it again. It’s peak bleak,” a third agreed.
21. Black Panther (2018)
“I understand and appreciate what the film achieved for the black community, but overall it was pretty dull. I get it, Marvel Cinematic Universe and all, but I couldn’t bare to watch this again,” reported one.
“It’s a badly paced movie. It has a good cast, but most have nothing substantial to do other than Michael B. Jordan, a great villain. It is let down by the climax being a battle between two almost-identical CGI models against a CGI background,” another concurred.
22. Grave of The Fireflies (1988)
“Grave of the Fireflies. Excellent movie, but it was emotionally exhausting, and I can’t watch it again. Talk about full-on ugly crying,” one confessed. “Easily the greatest movie I’ve ever seen that I will never watch again. That’s my formal review. This animated film was soul-crushing,” a second replied.
“I WISH sometimes I had the fortitude to watch it again, but after my experiences with the language and history/culture and time spent there (esp in Hiroshima)……every time I think I can revisit the film, I just feel utterly haunted,” a third user admitted.
23. The Irishman (2019)
One user shared, “The special effects were incredibly distracting for me in The Irishman. I was stoked to see the heavy hitters from the mob movies’ glory days, but walked away scratching my head.”
“Same here, I love the old mob movies, so I was stoked to hear about Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci in a movie together. So it felt weird wanting the movie to end already. Would not recommend,” another noted.
“Perfect answer,” a third replied. “I was so excited about The Irishman, and I tried to assure myself that I liked it even while watching it. Yet I’ve never even considered rewatching it or recommending it to anyone.”
24. Mulholland Drive (2001)
“I love him, but can you blame someone for saying I respect Mulholland Drive but did not enjoy watching it? I feel that way about many of David Lynch’s works,” someone confessed.
“I don’t even get why it’s so good. I enjoyed Twin Peaks, but all of his stuff is weird for the sake of being weird. Can someone explain why Mulholland Drive is so good?” asked another.
“It’s a beautiful take on the spectacle of Hollywood. I can appreciate that was the message, and it was aesthetically pleasing at any one moment. It just never captured my interest like I wanted it to. And I don’t mind the freaky. I liked Eraserhead,” replied a third user.
25. The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
“The Killing of a Sacred Deer is one of the best and most disturbing films I’ve seen in a long time. It has stuck with me, but I’m in no hurry to rewatch it anytime soon or ever!” one exclaimed. “I like The Killing of a Sacred Deer. But it was alarming, both about how monstrous “regular” people can be and how scary the aftermath is. So I am in no rush to subject myself to that again,” another reported.
Source: Reddit.
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