New Hampshire is home to a wide range of scenic landscapes like the White Mountains and the Lakes Region with roughly 270 bodies of water, quaint beach villages, and charming historic towns. Striking a balance between city life and outdoor recreation, New Hampshire is an inviting place to call home.
If you’re currently living in or are considering moving to the “Granite State,” then chances are you have a budget you’d like to stay under when it comes to renting or buying a home. When it comes to buying a home in New Hampshire the median home sale price is $466,700.
Don’t worry if that number doesn’t fit in your budget – we’ve got options to help you find a home or apartment that does. Redfin has rounded up a list of the 5 of the most affordable places to live in New Hampshire – and they all have a median home sale price under the state’s average. From Claremont to Concord, find out which cities made the list.
#1: Claremont
Median home price: $217,000 Average sale price per square foot: $152 Median household income: $46,848 Nearest major metro: Concord (50 miles) Claremont, NH homes for sale Claremont, NH apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $217,000, Claremont claims the first spot on our list of affordable places to live in New Hampshire. About 12,900 people live in this city and is roughly 50 miles from the nearest major metropolitan city, Concord. Living in Claremont, you can explore nature areas like the Arrowhead Recreation Area, Moody Park, and the Sugar River Trail, stroll through the downtown area, or take a drive into Vermont.
#2: Keene
Median home price: $298,000 Average sale price per square foot: $188 Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $950 Median household income: $57,393 Nearest major metro: Concord (50 miles) Keene, NH homes for sale Keene, NH apartments for rent
Coming in as the second best affordable city to live in New Hampshire is Keene. When living in this city of 23,000 people, you can visit one of the beautiful nature areas and forests like Horatio Colony Nature Preserve, Greater Goose Pond Forest, and Otter Brook Lake. There’s plenty to do in town such as watching a show at The Colonial Theatre and exploring the downtown area.
#3: Hooksett
Median home price: $350,000 Average sale price per square foot: $233 Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,274 Median household income: $74,497 Nearest major metro: Manchester (5 miles) Hooksett, NH homes for sale Hooksett, NH apartments for rent
About 14,900 people reside in Hooksett, about 5 miles north of Manchester. The median home sale price is $350,000 which is about $115K less than the median home sale price in New Hampshire. Make sure to explore Bear Brook State Park where you can hike and check out the museums, and take in the views of the Merrimack River if you move to the third most affordable city.
#4: Rochester
Median home price: $364,000 Average sale price per square foot: $238 Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,115 Median household income: $57,393 Nearest major metro: Portsmouth (20 miles) Rochester, NH homes for sale Rochester, NH apartments for rent
Only slightly more expensive than Hooksett is none other than Rochester. With roughly 32,500 residents in Rochester, make sure to spend time outdoors such as camping by Baxter Lake at Grand View Campground and hiking the Pickering Ponds Trail. You can also check out the restaurants downtown and watch a show at the Rochester Opera House.
#5: Concord
Median home price: $385,000 Average sale price per square foot: $243 Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,320 Median household income: $57,393 Concord, NH homes for sale Concord, NH apartments for rent
Another great area to add to your list is Concord. With 43,900 people living in this affordable town, Concord is a great option to consider when looking to stay in New Hampshire without paying the premium for a home in a larger city. Living in Concord, you can stop by the New Hampshire State House dating back to 1819, visit Penacook Lake, explore the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, and watch a concert or Broadway revival at Capitol Center for the Arts.
Methodology: All cities must have over 10,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in New Hampshire. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during August 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com August 2023. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
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Moving home is such an exciting time. I am a bit of a moving addict actually, it comes with the territory of being a serial renter. I would get so excited about starting over with my interior design style, choosing new sheets, picking out new prints, and deciding what style of rug would suit my new place best.
And after years of moving, I have worked out what pieces are the most important. I have noticed what pieces come with from home to home, and what’s made it out of the rentals and finally into my own space with me.
interior trends, so it can be tricky investing in pieces for a new home that will stand the test of time. But as both a pro home mover and the Head of Design at Homes & Gardens, I feel equipped enough to share with you the new house decor buys I have never regretted buying. And yes, they are purely aesthetical decor, and of course, you want to be making practical investments like the best mattress, and good quality kitchen appliances too, but I think investing in decor is equally important when shopping for a new home.
What to buy for a new home
Moving into a new home can be a stressful time, so I do think it’s important to allow yourself to get a bit excited about investing in new timeless pieces and treating yourself to decor that’s going to instantly elevate your home and make the new space feel more like you.
Some of these buys are ones I think have longevity and will stay with you move after move, but I’ve also pieces I think are key to making a house feel like a home and for me are the first things I pull out of the boxes when I get to a new space.
West Elm Jute Boucle Rug
Anthropologie Gleaming Primrose Mirror
Wall decor ideas are always something I focus on in a new home. Bare walls can be quite intense when you are faced with how to fill all that blank space. But I think mirrors are far easier to shop for and get right, than prints. Print trends come and go and it can take time to find pieces you really love and stay with you, but mirrors have more longevity, mirror trends don’t switch up all that often, and I’ve found the mirrors I have invested in have stood the test of time.
Case in point, the Anthropologie Gleaming Primrose Mirror. It lived leaning up against a wall in one of my apartments and it still worked.
Pom Pom At Home Chatham Cotton Matelasse Coverlet
best bed sheets are always worth in investing in for a new home. I recommend stocking up on a few sets in seasonal sales, so you can always have a nice set on rotation. Again, like with the rugs I like to have mostly plain, simple bedding that can adapt to my ever-changing tastes and interior design trends. You can always switch up the look with cushions and throws too.
I like that this set as it has a subtle texture to it, it adds interest without the need for color or a bold pattern. It would love wonderful layering up with both soft neutrals and brighter colors depending on the look you want to achieve.
Amber Lewis for Anthropologie Marana Table Lamp
home feel more cozy. In fact, lamps are the first thing I unpack. I dot them around my new space and they even make a sea of boxes look more inviting. I have found the lighting that I have bought and never regretted are table and floor lamps. I’ve left ceiling lamps and light shades behind before, but never my accent lighting.
CB2 White Picture Frame
Anthropologie Glenna Platter
kitchen countertops and add them to kitchen shelving with my cookbooks.
A Table Full of Love by Sky McApline
Crate and Barrel Edge Drink Glasses
Diptyque Feu de Bois Candle
best candles I never regret buying are ones that double up as decor and can be on show all the time.
Diptyque candles instantly elevate a space, and when moving I always unpack them pretty quickly and dot them around surfaces to make the chaos feel slightly calmer and more sophisticated. Diptyque’s ‘Feu de Bois’ is ideal for this time of year, smokey and woodsy and delicious.
So there is my list of new home buys I think are essential. A mix of both investment pieces that every new home should have, and small items that you should treat yourself to to instantly make your space feel more like home. I will say when moving into a new home, do spend a bit of time in the space before buying anything new, the pieces I don’t regret buying are ones I have mulled over, or have had a vision that I know I will love for years to come, not just panic bought because something is on trend or because I am desperate to fill a blank space.
Rate lock volume jumped 43% in March on the back of seasonal tailwinds, falling interest rates and stronger purchase market performance.
Lock volumes increased across the board, led by purchase locks jumping 44% in March — well above the 30% average February to March gain seen across the past 5 years, Black Knight’s originations market monitor report showed.
While purchase locks showed significant improvement month over month, the volume is 40% down compared to March 2022.
Cash-out refis were up 31% in March from the previous month, and even rate/terms – which have been all but nonexistent lately – grew by 36%. Compared to the same period last year, cash-out refis were down 80% and rate/term refis declined 71%.
“This continues to be an incredibly rate-sensitive housing market, and March’s rate lock activity perfectly illustrates this dynamic,” Andy Walden, vice president of enterprise research at Black Knight, said.
In early March, when mortgage rates started their climb back toward 7%, originations faced pronounced downward pressure.
However, when investors flocked to safe-haven assets in the wake of uncertainty in the banking sectors — which led to rates coming down roughly a quarter of a point — the mortgage industry saw another quick surge in originations, particularly the purchase market, Walden noted.
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate climbed to the highest levels of the year in early March, reaching 6.8% before dropping to 6.4% by the end of the month, Black Knight’s Optimal Blue mortgage market indices showed.
The disproportionate surge in purchase lending pushed the refi share of the market mix down to a current cycle low of just 13%. The ARM share of the month’s activity fell to less than 9% as borrowers took advantage of falling rates and shifted toward fixed-rate products.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan share increased to more than 20% of the pipeline in March, up from 18% at the start of the year and 12% from a year ago.
“A cooling market lacking the multiple bids and all-cash offers of the recent past has made sellers more receptive to FHA offers. That, combined with a recent reduction in FHA mortgage insurance premiums and a mid-month increase in the FHA-to-conforming spread, made FHA loans comparatively more attractive,” Walden said.
In a widely anticipated move, the FHA announced a 30 basis point reduction in the annual premium charged to mortgage brokers in February. Most borrowers are expected to see mortgage insurance premiums (MIPs) reduce to 55 bps from 85.
With the cut, housing costs will reduce by an average of $800 for roughly 850,000 homebuyers and homeowners in 2023, the White House said following the FHA’s announcement.
A lot rides on a home appraisal, whether you’re trying to sell a house, refinance your mortgage or tap into your home equity.
An appraisal may come in lower than you expected because property values dropped or because you’ve overestimated your home’s market value. But the appraisal process isn’t foolproof, and there are options if you think the appraiser got it wrong, or you suspect that you’ve been subject to appraisal discrimination.
Here’s what to do if your home appraises for less than you think it should.
Understand how an appraisal affects home equity
A home appraisal is a licensed appraiser’s opinion of home value, based on research, analysis and professional judgment. Lenders require an appraisal for most kinds of home loans because the property serves as collateral for the loan — they don’t want to lend more than the property is worth. Lenders plug the appraised value into a formula called the loan-to-value ratio (LTV) — the loan balance divided by the home value. A combined LTV includes the balance of the mortgage plus the amount of a home equity loan or line of credit. The ratio affects the amount you can extract in home equity and whether you can refinance.
Here’s an example of how the appraised value would affect borrowing from your home equity. Say, for instance, a lender’s maximum combined LTV is 85%. You’d like to borrow $100,000 through a home equity loan and currently owe $200,000 on your mortgage.
If your home appraised for $375,000, your combined loan-to-value ratio (300,000 divided by 375,000) would be 80%, and you might qualify. But if the home appraised for $325,000, the LTV (300,000 divided by 325,000) would be 92%, too high to meet the lender’s requirement.
Check the appraisal report for accuracy
The lender is required to send a free copy of the appraisal report to the loan applicant at least three days before the loan closes. So you’ll get one if you’re refinancing or applying for a home equity loan. But in a home sale, the buyer will receive it as part of the mortgage process. If you’re the seller, work with your real estate agent to get a copy of the report from the buyer.
The appraisal report documents a slew of property details that the appraiser considered in the valuation. Even the best appraisers can make mistakes, so scour the report to make sure all the particulars are correct, such as:
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
Square footage.
Amenities, including fireplaces, patios and pools.
Garage type and condition.
Condition of roof, furnace or other major systems listed on the report.
Additional features, such as energy-efficient systems.
Evaluate the ‘comps’
To help determine home value, appraisers consider prices of comparable homes that were recently sold in the area, known as real estate comps.
Check which homes were used. Were they truly comparable? How nearby are the homes, and how recently were they sold?
You may want to ask a friendly real estate agent familiar with your neighborhood — or your agent, if you’re working with one — for a list of recent comparable sales.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Understand that appraisals are different from online home value estimates. The appraisal isn’t wrong just because it’s lower than the ballpark figure you saw online. Home appraisals take more details into account than home-search algorithms can, so use online estimates as guidelines only.
Submit a ‘Reconsideration of Value’
Promptly document any mistakes or missing information from the appraisal report, as well as any additional information about comparable sales that you think should be considered. If you’re the loan applicant, then submit that written information as part of a “reconsideration of value” to your lender.
If you’re the home seller, ask your real estate agent to communicate those issues to the buyer and ask the buyer to submit the information to their lender.
Although the loan applicant ultimately pays for the appraisal, the appraiser actually works for the lender. So any feedback about the appraisal should go to the lender, not the appraiser.
The lender will pass along the information to the appraiser. The information you provide could prompt the appraiser to revise the valuation, but only if the additional details are relevant and significant enough to move the needle.
A loan applicant could also ask for a second appraisal or start over with a different lender. But appraisals typically cost at least a few hundred dollars, and there’s no guarantee the next appraisal will come in higher.
File a complaint if you suspect discrimination
Under the U.S. Fair Housing Act of 1968, home appraisers aren’t allowed to discriminate based on someone’s race, color, religion, sex, disability, family status or national origin. Yet many media reports in recent years have highlighted instances in which properties appraised for more when Black homeowners hid evidence of their race. Although the stories were new, the concept of “white-washing” a home to get a fair value has a long and painful history in the Black community.
Another option is to file a fair housing complaint. You can do that directly with the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity or get help through your local fair housing center. Funded through HUD’s Fair Housing Initiatives Program, fair housing centers do preliminary investigations and help people navigate the complaint process. You can find a fair housing organization near you on the HUD website.
Refinance programs that don’t require appraisals
If you have a mortgage backed by the Federal Housing Administration or the Department of Veterans Affairs, you may be able to refinance without getting an appraisal. These programs, however, don’t let you cash out any of your home equity:
MILAN — For the first time, designer Joseph Altuzarra’s upscale style can now be found in the home and for a moderate price.
West Elm, a portfolio brand of Williams-Sonoma, revealed Monday the launch of a new West Elm Kids collection in collaboration with the founder and creative director of the Altuzarra women’s ready-to-wear fashion brand. The collaboration marks the French American designer’s entry into the home furnishings sector.
With celestial elements and elevated handcrafted finishes and upscale textiles, the Joseph Altuzarra for West Elm Kids collection features furniture and decorative accessories that are infused with Altuzarra’s own hand-drawn motifs of moons, stars and hot air balloons.
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West Elm said the line was created as “a love letter to the designer’s two daughters and celebrates the signature artistry of Altuzarra while maintaining kid-friendly functionality.”
“When I became a father, I discovered a white space for chic, sophisticated interiors that were both beautiful and functional. Together with West Elm Kids, we created pieces that harmoniously blend style and practicality, capturing the whimsy and wonder of childhood,” the designer said in a statement.
Altuzarra tested the waters in 2020 with a collaboration with a handful of Etsy artisans to create limited-edition home decor items including tie-dye silk pillows, dog beds, ceramic vases, woven baskets, candlestick holders, notebooks covered in silk tie dye and woven placemats.
Sector-wide, fashion brands are making a splash in home decor and interiors, driven by the nesting and home entertainment trend sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic. In June, West Elm and L.A. fashion brand Rhode launched a collaboration for the home with decorative accessories, plates, glasses and colorful textiles.
In April, Marni unveiled tableware with Belgian design label Serax, and an upscale wallpaper series with Italian wall covering-maker LondonArt.
In July, Ulla Johnson made her first home décor foray, with a summer tablescape capsule made in partnership with Cabana and sold exclusively on Net-a-porter.
The Joseph Altuzarra for West Elm Kids 42-piece collection includes key items like an upholstered crib, priced at $1,199; a seven drawer dresser at $1,599, and a pendant light priced at $299. The collection is available on westelm.com.
Death may be a natural part of life, but it still catches us off guard. Even when we hear about the passing of our favorite celebrities we’re left with disbelief and heartache. This post will take you on an emotional rollercoaster as we look back at 13 celebrities who died way too soon and sent shockwaves through their fans all over the world.
1. Alan Rickman
“Alan Rickman,” one Redditor commented.
Another user shared, “I heard once that he was the only one who knew Snape’s ending because Rowling told him so that he could play the character more accurately. And the director used to get angry, but Rickman knew he was doing it right. I don’t think it’s true, but I like to think so.”
One user added, “I think it was that he asked her ‘What’s something important about Snape that no one else knows?’ Whe told him he was in love with Harry’s mom. Apparently, this heavily influenced his performance from the start.”
2. Anton Yelchin
One user posted, “Anton Yelchin. He was so young and had such a bright future, and for him to die in such a senseless way was heartbreaking. I still think about it.”
Another commenter replied, “All because of a faulty car.”
3. Grant Imahara
“Grant Imahara,” one user shared.
One user replied, “The Grant Imahara award they give out on BattleBots is a great tribute to him.”
Another user commented, “This is going to sound stupid, but he had an open Facebook account, and I added him; it turns out we shared a birthday; he even posted on my wall one time for it.”
One commenter responded, “It doesn’t sound stupid. It sounds awesome.”
4. Chris Cornell
One user added, “Chris Cornell.”
A second replied, “Black Hole Sun, ‘no one sings like you anymore,’ hits differently now.”
Another user shared, “This one hurt the most. I grew up with his voice, and the worst part was the reminder that you can never outrun your demons, and they can still show up at any age. His voice could always break my heart, but now more than ever.”
5. Norm Macdonald
“Norm Macdonald. Came out of nowhere, such a unique comedian,” one user shared.
Another commenter replied, “I didn’t even know he was sick.”
One Redditor added, “At least he went out killing the cancer too. I call that a draw.”
Another user responded, “One of the funniest norm bits, IMO. Especially after knowing he had cancer when he wrote it.”
6. Phil Hartman
“Phil Hartman,” commented one user.
Another user shared, “Yeah man… saw Andy Dick on tv last night, f- that guy.”
“Remember hearing about Jon Lovitz laying the smackdown on Andy? Yeah, I’d like to see the video,” one user replied.
7. Steve Irwin
One user commented, “My favorite thing was I was mad at the stingray taking him out. Saw another dude who posted a fist at an aquarium saying he should beat up sting rays to let them know Steve Irwin still got shooters out here. Then he posted another picture with his hand to the same sting rays and said, ‘That’s not what Steve Irwin taught me.’”
Another Redditor replied, “I remember seeing a post somewhere some time ago saying that Steve is probably in Heaven now patting that stingray and apologizing to it for startling it and saying ‘No hard feelings mate’ and that made me cry again. It’s definitely him.”
8. Carrie Fisher
“Carrie Fisher followed by her mom, Debbie Reynolds, the next day,” one user exclaimed.
Another user responded, “Man, that was a terrible year. Carrie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds, David Bowie, Prince, Leonard Cohen….”
One commenter added, “The way that year started with David Bowie, then a week later Alan Rickman really set us up for depression. George Michael going on Christmas Day, and Carrie Fisher to end the year was brutal.”
9. Cameron Boyce
One user posted, “Cameron Boyce—grew up with Jessie playing now and then. Awful to lose someone so young.”
Another user replied, “This was my answer too. I’m older, but I watched Jesse with my kids, and we LOVED the Descendants movies!! He was so young and multi-talented. He had a great career ahead of him, and I feel for his family.”
10. Heath Ledger
“Heath Ledger,” one user said.
Another user replied, “The career this man was about to have.”
One Redditor commented, “Same. I had always appreciated him as a teen and then loved the leading man he was turning into heading into my twenties. His death was so surprising and sad.”
11. Anthony Bourdain
One user mentioned, “Anthony Bourdain.”
Another user shared, “That was a gut punch. Even worse that it was suicide.”
One commenter replied, “I don’t usually hold celebrities—people I don’t know—in admiration, but I absolutely did with Anthony Bourdain. He seems like he tricked the world into letting him live his best life while paying him handsomely for it. And in doing so, he injected some much-needed humanitarian perspective into often-forgotten parts of the world.
“‘Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts; it even breaks your heart. But that’s OK. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.’
That his death was a suicide—and knowing that he, like me—suffered with anxiety and depression, made this one a blow that really, really hurt.”
One Redditor added, “It’s interesting that everyone was jealous of the lifestyle he seemed to have on his shows. Traveling to incredible destinations and learning about new cultures is something a ton of people were envious of. But he did one interview where he talked about how grueling the schedule was for him. I remember when he talked about the fact that he was rarely home long enough for him to do a whole load of laundry. That always stuck with me,” one user commented.
One Redditor commented, “That was the reason why his second wife, Ottavia, divorced him. During an interview, she said she still loved him and would always love him, but being without a partner for 8 months out of the year wasn’t the life she wanted anymore.”
12. Chris Benoit
One Redditor posted, “[Chris] Benoit. I was a huge fan of his for a very long time and followed his whole career. I had no idea he could do something like that; it was horrifying.”
One user commented, “I remember watching the WWE tribute to him before the circumstances were revealed. They were doing a storyline in which Vince ‘died’ then to see him the following week with everyone one stage was odd. The news was crazy. Even more so later.”
13. Chadwick Boseman
One user answered, “Chadwick Boseman. No one really had any idea of his struggle with cancer and only knew him as a beefed-up Black Panther. Dude was a Marvel Superhero, for crying out loud, then one day… gone.”
Another user agreed, “Same here. It was a shock for sure.”
One Redditor added, “That death really hit me hard. It still does to this day—one of the few deaths that made me break down crying. He wasn’t only a comic book hero. He was a hero for so many black children (even adults like myself) because seeing ourselves represented in such a positive and impactful way invoked so much pride. Because I had most of what I needed, I went as Killmonger for Halloween after that movie came out!
“That movie hit differently for the black community, so his death was devastating. To know he was battling that cancer while he was filming Black Panther, while also visiting children with terminal cancer, just… Ugh… We lost a good one. RIP.”
One user shared, “That one hit my son hard. We’re actually white, but Black Panther was his absolute favorite superhero and still is. And that was such a significant relief to me. As a parent, particularly in a rural area, I’m always concerned that he may pick up bad ideas from kids at school or wherever. While I don’t think it should be necessary, Black Panther was a great representative of positivity for the black community, and for my white son to have a black superhero as his favorite gave me quite a bit of relief that he’s not picking up racist ideas from his peers.
“When I told my son what happened, he teared up. He didn’t cry, but he’s still bummed to this day about him dying.”
Do you agree with the list of actors above? Share your thoughts!
Source: Reddit.
These are 10 Things That Completely Destroyed The Love in a Relationship
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Applying for a new passport can be a complicated and time-consuming endeavor, especially if you plan to take your own passport photo to send in with your application.
But things can get even trickier if the passport you’re applying for is for an infant or small child. Taking a baby passport photo that the U.S. Department of State will approve can be challenging to get right.
Remember, all U.S. citizens flying internationally must have a passport, including children and infants.
Official U.S. passport photo rules
Once you’ve filled out all the necessary forms for a minor’s passport, you’ll have to include a photo with the application. Whether you’re taking your own passport photo or your child’s passport photo, the same rules apply:
The photo must be taken within the last six months.
It should be in color, not black and white.
The image should be clear and in focus and feature natural skin tones.
Don’t use any filters or special effects.
Selfies aren’t allowed.
Remove glasses and any hats or head coverings not intended for religious purposes.
Take the photo in front of a plain white or off-white background.
The subject should directly face the camera with a neutral expression.
Crop and frame the photo correctly. When cropped to 2-by-2 inches, the photo should include the subject’s whole head centered in the frame with some space around the top and sides, plus their shoulders.
Tips for infant passport photos
While baby passport photo requirements are the same as for adults and older children, they can be trickier to meet given young children’s squirminess, inability to sit or stand upright and exaggerated facial expressions.
Here are a few ways to help guarantee you get the shot right the first time around.
Remove glasses, hats, pacifiers and anything that obscures the baby’s face.
Don’t hold or have someone else hold the baby while taking the photo. No one else should be in the photo.
Don’t obsess about facial expressions. The child shouldn’t be crying or laughing, but as long as they’re facing the camera, the photo will likely be deemed acceptable.
Use a favorite toy to get the baby’s attention and encourage them to look at the camera. Plan to snap your child’s passport photo when they’re awake and in a good mood.
In a child or toddler passport photo, the child’s eyes should be open and looking at the camera. But for an infant or newborn passport photo, closed eyes are acceptable.
Place babies or very small children in a car seat draped with a white sheet or lay them on top of a white sheet placed on the ground and shoot from above.
If you’re standing over your infant to get a passport picture, be careful not to cast a shadow over any part of the frame.
Take the photo in natural light in a well-lit room to avoid harsh shadows and multiple, different-colored light sources.
Turn off the flash to avoid harsh light, red eyes and shadows.
Take a lot of photos for the best chance of capturing a good one.
Use a tripod and a fast shutter speed in a well-lit room to help ensure the photo won’t be blurry.
Take your time and have fun.
Keep in mind you won’t have to go through this process often. You may update your child’s passport photo every year if you would like to keep it current, but you don’t have to. Passports for children under 16 are good for five years.
Where to get an infant passport photo taken
As long as you have a decent camera, or even a capable phone camera, you can probably take the photo yourself at home. But if you’re unsure of how it will turn out or want the best chance of your photo getting approved with your application, you can have pictures taken elsewhere.
Some U.S. post office locations will take passport photos, as will some office supply stores and pharmacies with photo departments, like FedEx or Walgreens.
But if your child can’t sit or stand upright, locations may not be able to accommodate them, so call ahead. Alternatively, you could schedule an appointment at a local photography studio.
Bottom line
Infant passport photo requirements may be the same as for adults, but the process can be far more time-consuming and involved.
Just remember to keep in mind these tips, follow government requirements and take your time. You’ll have a new baby passport photo in no time.
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You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it has entered into a settlement with American Bank of Oklahoma (ABOK) to resolve allegations that ABOK engaged in unlawful redlining in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The DOJ opened its investigation of ABOK after receiving a referral from the FDIC.
In its complaint, the DOJ alleged that from 2017 through at least 2021:
All of ABOK’s branches and loan production offices were located in majority-white neighborhoods;
For purposes of the CRA, ABOK designated its Tulsa Metropolitan Services Area (MSA) to exclude all of the majority-Black and Hispanic-census tracts in the MSA;
ABOK did not assign a single loan officer to conduct outreach in majority-Black and Hispanic areas and did not market, advertise, or take steps to generate loans from majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods;
ABOK failed to implement effective fair lending compliance management systems;
ABOK significantly underperformed its “peer lenders” in generating home loan applications from majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods;
ABOK made a smaller percentage of HMDA-reportable residential mortgage loans in majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods compared to its peers; and
ABOK loan officers and executives sent and received emails via their ABOK email accounts containing racial slurs and racist content.
Notably, in addition to alleging that ABOK’s redlining practices violated the Fair Housing Act, the DOJ alleged that such practices violated the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. The question whether the ECOA applies to prospective applicants is currently before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Townstone Mortgage. The CFPB appealed to the Seventh Circuit from the district court’s decision in the CFPB’s enforcement action against Townstone in which the district court ruled that a redlining claim may not be brought under the ECOA because the statute only applies to applicants and not to prospective applicants.
The actions that ABOK must take under the proposed consent order include:
Hire or designate a full-time director of community lending to oversee the development of ABOK’s mortgage lending in majority-Black and Hispanic census tracts and ABOK’s compliance with the consent order;
Establish a community-oriented loan production office in a majority-Black and Hispanic census tract in Osage, Rogers, Tulsa or Wagoner counties within the Tulsa MSA (Tulsa Lending Area) that has a no-fee ATM for ABOK customers and with lower fees for non-customers than what is available at nearby ATMs for non-customers;
Assign at least two full-time loan officers to solicit mortgage applications primarily in majority-Black and Hispanic census tracts in the Tulsa Lending Area;
Invest at least $950,000 in a loan subsidy fund with the goal of increasing credit for home mortgage loans, home improvement loans, and home refinance loans made in majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in the Tulsa Lending Area (with no more than 25% of the fund to be used for refinances);
Partner with one or more community organizations that provide residents of majority-Black and Hispanic census tracts in the Tulsa Lending Area with services related to credit, financial education, home ownership, and foreclosure prevention and, through these partnerships, spend at least $20,000 per year ($100,000 over the term of the consent order) on professional services to majority-Black and Hispanic census tracts in the Tulsa Lending Area that increase access to residential mortgage credit;
Spend at least $20,000 per year ($100,000 over the term of the consent order) on advertising and outreach directed to residents and prospective residents of majority-Black and Hispanic census tracts in the Tulsa Lending Area;
Advertise its mortgage lending services and products to majority-Black and Hispanic census tracts in the Tulsa Lending Area at least to the same extent that it advertises its mortgage lending services and products to majority-white census tracts in the Tulsa Lending Area; and
Provide at least six financial education events per year, with translation and interpretation services in Spanish, targeted towards residents of majority-Black and Hispanic census tracts in the Tulsa Lending Area.
In its press release about the settlement, the DOJ indicated that it is part of the DOJ’s initiative to combat redlining, which it announced in October 2021. Other redlining cases that have been part of this initiative include settlements with ESSA Bank & Trust and Park National Bank.
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Karrie Trowbridge, the owner of Lark Mountain Modern, had never owned or worked in a home décor shop when she decided to purchase Lark from its original owners.
Lark opened in January of 2020 and soon after that, was forced to shut down due to the pandemic. The team decided to weather the storm by turning to online operations, creating a business that offered in-store pickup. As soon as the online store went live, customers went crazy, said store manager Liz Odell.
(Editor’s note: This story has been updated from the print edition to reflect that Trowbridge purchased the store from its original owners. We regret the errors).
Lark carries specialty home décor as well as furniture, soft goods like table linens and napkins, jewelry and gifts. According to Odell, the retail store attempts to source as many local and women-owned goods as they can.
In addition to the variety of items in the store, Odell mentioned that the prices range greatly as well. Shoppers can find décor and gifts for under $10.
From left: Lori White, Joann Wolpert and Liz Odell.
Julianna LaFollette” class=”uk-display-block uk-position-relative uk-visible-toggle”> click to enlarge
Julianna LaFollette
From left: Lori White, Joann Wolpert and Liz Odell.
“Anybody can come in and get something,” Odell said. The selection of upscale and carefully picked décor is something that Odell believes makes the store stand out. The location isn’t so bad either; on NW Wall Street in Bend. The downtown building that home décor shop sits in has housed several businesses before them. It was a men’s clothing store, a home goods store and, right before Lark, a record store.
Shoppers can find a variety of goods at Lark.
Julianna LaFollette” class=”uk-display-block uk-position-relative uk-visible-toggle”> click to enlarge
Julianna LaFollette
Shoppers can find a variety of goods at Lark.
Odell and Trowbridge have been Bend locals for many years and believe the “mountain modern” décor fits Bend perfectly. “We know what Bend is. . . we love our customers and we love talking to them,” said Odell. The staff hopes that Lark is a place where people come in and feel a sense of happiness and beauty.
Flowers have the remarkable ability to elevate the decor of any home. Whether you live in an apartment in Irvine, CA or a home in Lexington, KY, adding a touch of elegance and freshness to your living spaces will make a positive impact. Whether you’re a seasoned floral enthusiast or just starting, these expert tips will help you enhance your home’s floral decor.
1. Embrace neutral tones for timeless elegance
“When in doubt, use neutral tones. Colors like white and green compliment any space regardless of decor choice, while also adding a touch of modern elegance,” shares Stephanie from Mercer Island Florist.
Neutral tones act as a canvas, allowing your flowers to take center stage. White lilies, green foliage, and soft creams create a serene atmosphere that complements any interior style.
2. Focus on flower variety, space, and placement
Flowers can freshen up any space, but their impact depends on the flower variety, space, and placement. Justine Aylward, Program and Category Manager at Floral at New Seasons Market, advises, “For higher spaces like mantles or bookcases, go dramatic with tall and draping flowers and branches to make a statement. Try tall flowers, such as lilies or sunflowers that drape a bit with an accent flower like hanging amaranthus.”
3. Match containers to your home’s style
According to Lawrence The Florist Team, “Choose containers that mimic your home’s style, whether it’s new or vintage, to inspire your arrangement’s design. Bring the beauty of the Pacific Northwest into your home by choosing local seasonal foliage and flowers with your favorite colors and textures whenever possible.”
Selecting containers that resonate with your decor style can fluidly bring your space together.
4. Maintain freshness for longer lasting blooms
“Flowers do best away from direct light and kept as cool as possible. Even putting them in a cool dark room when you are not home enjoying them can extend their life. I also recommend a re-cut of the stems at an angle and changing the water often,” states Ann Vandehey, owner of Annabell’s Garden & Floral Design.
A recut of the stems at an angle and regular water changes keep your blooms vibrant for longer.
Owner of Goldenrod Floral Design Carlee Donnelly, advises, “When choosing or designing flowers for your own home, always, always strip any bottom leaves or foliage from the stems. Leaving foliage in water will cause your flowers to die faster.”
“The key to longer-lasting blooms is fresh, clean water,” says the Ribbon and Twine Floral Team. “Remove all leaves and dirt from the stems before placing them in the vase and refill with new water every few days.”
Clean water and removing foliage is essential for keeping your floral arrangements vibrant.
5. Embrace seasonal blooms
Cory Beckman, Owner of Milwaukie Floral and Garden, emphasizes the importance of freshness, “Fresh is best. Local flower shops refresh selections all week long, but in my professional experience shopping midweek guarantees a good selection of fresh blooms.”
“To add cheer to a room or spruce up your decor, keep it simple and fresh by asking your florist for the flowers that are currently in their peak season,” says Laura Gifford Kerr, Owner of Gifford’s Flowers.
Seasonal blooms not only reflect nature’s beauty but also align with the changing seasons, keeping your decor fresh. Choosing flowers that are in season ensures their quality and affordability.
“Pick flowers that are in season, even going with a bunch of the same flower. Keep it simple,” suggests Owner of Emerald Petals, Hilary Holmes. Single-variety blooms gathered in your favorite vase create a timeless and elegant look that suits any decor style.
6. Choose containers wisely
“Use an opaque container that will disguise any discoloration in the water,” advises The Flower Lab Team. “Ask your florist for a design that reflects the home’s style, such as modern garden style, or architectural for the most appropriate style.”
Containers play a crucial role in enhancing your floral arrangements’ visual appeal and blending with your home’s decor.
7. Create a living arrangements for longevity
Val Wayne of Acorn Floral recommends creating living arrangements. “Start with a decorative planter, choose a few orchid plants from your local grocery store or garden center and a few small 2 inch potted plants and assemble them pot and all inside your decorative planter. Then use crumpled butcher paper to wedge all the plants in place and cover with sheet moss. These living arrangements can run up to hundreds of dollars retail, but you can DIY one for under $100.”
Living arrangements are ideal for home decor because they can last for months and instantly elevate a space. It’ll be worth the cost when you consider the shelf life.
8. Combine flowers with herbs for aromatherapy
According to Lisa Aliment of Bear Creek Florist, “Growing herbs like sage, mint, or rosemary isn’t just for cooking anymore. Add those clippings to simple flower bouquets to add more aromatherapy to the room.”
The combination of flowers and herbs can engage multiple senses, enhancing the ambiance of your space.
9. Set the mood with color and design
“When selecting flowers for your home, think about the feeling you are trying to create,” advises Jennifer Silberg, Owner of Juniper Blooms. “Colorful, vibrant flowers bring a lively energy to the room, while a soothing neutral palette provides a more calm and peaceful environment.”
Consider how the flower arrangements can guide the viewer’s gaze around the room, whether through tall, eye-catching designs or low, intimate ones.
10. Brighten every room with small bunches
The One Little Bunch Team suggests, “Smaller bunches placed throughout the house will brighten up each room. A little bunch in the bathroom adds freshness and a pop of interest, or add a little bunch to your side or entry hall table for a welcoming surprise.”
Small floral accents can elevate the ambiance of every corner of your home.
11. Improve your mood with bouquets
“Flowers are not only beautiful but studies have shown that people report reduced stress levels when receiving bouquets or having flowers in their home after just 3 days,” says Melissa Mercado-Denke, founder of Campanula Design Studio. “Keep it simple – just a few bud vases in areas you spend the most time such as your kitchen or bedroom will have a positive impact on your mood.”
12. Create nostalgic vibes with flower choices
Juliet LaVassar, designer at LaVassar Florists, recommends selecting flowers that evoke memories: “Smell and memories are closely related, according to a 2020 Harvard study. Having flowers around that remind you of loved ones or life events brings joy into your home.”
Personal touches in your floral decor selections add a sentimental dimension to your home.
Incorporating these tips into your home decor journey will not only enhance your living space but also infuse it with the timeless beauty and natural charm of flowers. Whether you opt for dramatic arrangements or simple single-variety bouquets, the right flowers can transform any room into a sanctuary of color, fragrance, and elegance. So, let your creativity bloom and watch your home come to life with the magic of flowers.