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☆ I tried using Ikea's $99 interior-designer service. It was an incredible value with just one downside.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-27 | by ( Jordi Lippe-Mcgraw | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

That's when we discovered Ikea's $99 interior-designer service. AdvertisementFirst, we booked an appointment and filled out a questionnaireWe used Ikea's interior-design service to get inspiration for our living room. Jordi Lippe-McGrawIt was easy to book Ikea's design service but it can be a bit tricky to find on the retailer's website. We purchased some Ikea pieces and used other suggestions as inspirationWe bought bed frames and nightstands from Ikea. Overall, Ikea's service offers incredible valueWe used our designer's plans to inspire our home's design.

Persons: —, Jordi Lippe, McGraw Organizations: Service, Business, Ikea Locations: McGraw, Airbnb

It's also looking increasingly likely that mortgage rates will drop even further in the coming months. As inflation continues to slow and the Fed is able to start lowering the federal funds rate, mortgage rates should trend down. This will remove some of the upward pressure off of mortgage rates and allow them to fall a bit. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. Mortgage Rates for Buying a Home30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Inch Up (+0.08%)The current average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.38%, up eight basis points from where it was this time last week, according to Zillow data.

Persons: It's, you'll, refinance, they've Organizations: Commerce Department, Federal, Zillow, FHA Locations: Chevron

The summer is usually a peak time for the housing market, but rising prices and still-high mortgage rates have kept demand relatively low. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage Refinance Rates TodayMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's interest rates will affect your monthly payments. 30-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesLast week's average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.78%, according to Freddie Mac. Mortgage rates increased dramatically over the last two years, but they're expected to go down at some point this year.

Persons: Freddie Mac, Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's, you'll, it's Organizations: Federal Reserve, National Association of Realtors, Zillow Locations: Chevron

Average 30-year mortgage rates continue to hover in the mid-6% range after dropping earlier this month, according to Zillow data. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. 30-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesThe average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.77% last week, according to Freddie Mac. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesLast week, average 15-year mortgage rates were 6.05%, a 12-basis-point decrease from the previous week, according to Freddie Mac data. Once the Fed cuts rates, mortgage rates should fall even further.

Persons: homebuyers, myFICO, you'll, Freddie Mac, it's Organizations: Federal Reserve, Zillow Locations: Chevron

Mortgage rates haven't moved much in recent days, with average 30-year mortgage rates sticking around 6.51% so far this week, according to Zillow data. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesAverage 15-year mortgage rates were 6.05% this week, according to Freddie Mac data, which is a 12-basis-point decrease from the previous week. As inflation comes down and the Federal Reserve is able to start cutting the federal funds rate, mortgage rates should fall further as well. Now that the Fed has paused hiking rates, mortgage rates have come down a bit.

Persons: Lawrence Yun, Freddie Mac Organizations: National Association of Realtors, Zillow, Federal Reserve, Fed Locations: Chevron

☆ Inside John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy's relationship, from their courtship to his assassination
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-24 | by ( Allie Lembo | Erin Mcdowell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

1961: Jackie restored and renovated the White House, making a lasting mark on America's most famous residence. AP/William J SmithIt was said that while taking a tour of the White House as a child, Jackie wasn't impressed by the home. "From the outside, I remember the feeling of the place," she told Life Magazine, according to the Kennedy Library. According to the Kennedy Library, Kennedy had already spent the entire $50,000 budget allotted to the project just on furnishing the family's private quarters. "It was really the happiest time of my life," she once said of living in the White House, according to the Kennedy Library.

Persons: Jackie, William J Smith, Jackie wasn't, —, Kennedy Organizations: Kennedy, Mount, National Gallery, FBI, Kennedy Library Locations: Mount Vernon

Mortgage rates are up slightly today but they remain below their early-July highs. Mortgage rates are expected to trend down throughout the remainder of 2024 as long as inflation continues to slow. As mortgage rates drop, borrowers with rates in the 7% or 8% range should be able to save money by refinancing. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments. As inflation slows and the Federal Reserve is able to start cutting the federal funds rate, mortgage rates are expected to trend down as well.

Persons: Fannie Mae Organizations: Zillow, Federal Reserve, Mortgage, Association, ARM Locations: Chevron

☆ It’s too hot to sell a house this summer, some real estate experts say. What home sellers can do
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-23 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

watch nowOpen houses during the morning, virtual showingsSelling a home during summer with extreme heat will call for more flexibility from sellers, according to experts. If that's the case, offer handheld fans or refreshments can help buyers stay cool, Mainord explained. Make sure the HVAC system is servicedIf you're hoping to sell your home during the summer, make sure the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system in the house is working properly. "We want to make sure that the HVAC systems or units are being serviced, that they're being maintained properly, that they're working properly," said Sanchez. "HVAC systems can be vastly expensive," said Ashton Lawrence, director and senior wealth advisor at Mariner Wealth Advisors in Greenville, South Carolina.

Persons: I've, Sanchez, Terry Mainord, Mainord, Ashton Lawrence Organizations: Mariner Wealth Advisors Locations: Brooklyn , New York, Greenville , South Carolina

Mortgage rates have steadily been decreasing for several months now. Mortgage rates are determined by a variety of factors, including economic trends, Fed policy, investor demand, and more. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowToday's refinance ratesMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. This is a significant slowdown compared when it peaked at 9.1% in 2022, which means mortgage rates should start trending down soon. This means your entire monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn't exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.

Persons: they've, Freddie Mac, you'll, Fannie Mae Organizations: Federal Reserve, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, Sky Locations: Chevron

Before saving for a down payment, calculate how much you'll need and set a deadline. Exploring down payment assistance programsDown payment assistance programs can help cover part or all of your down payment. Saving windfalls and bonusesWindfalls — or sudden influxes of cash — are a great way to pad your down payment savings. Not having a clear savings planDepositing a few bucks here and there isn't going to make much of an impact on your down payment savings. Yes, high-yield savings accounts, CDs, and investment accounts can be excellent tools for saving your down payment, especially if you have a longer time horizon.

Persons: You'll, you'll, windfalls, Windfalls Organizations: Netflix, Spotify, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp, PMI Locations: homebuyers, Chevron

Just as homeowners insurance protects you financially if your home is physically damaged or destroyed, title insurance protects you if someone makes a claim against your property's title. How title insurance worksHere's what the title search and insurance process looks like from start to finish:The process of obtaining title insuranceWhen you (or your lender) hire a title insurance company, they'll perform a title search on your home. Once the title has been cleared (or cured), the title company will issue a title insurance policy. Unlike many other types of insurance, title insurance isn't an ongoing cost. While lender's title insurance is usually mandatory, an owner's title insurance policy is optional.

Persons: they'll, aren't, I've Organizations: New York, Title Association, Chevron Locations: Chevron

Some of the most important factors to consider when buying a house are price, size, and location. Location and neighborhoodLocation is something you're stuck with until you move, so be sure you're choosing a city, school district, and neighborhood that suits your needs. If homes are flying off the shelves, you'll need to be prepared to make fast offers that get noticed right off the bat. If the appraisal comes in lower than what you offer, you'll have to make up the difference or renegotiate with the seller. Evaluating a house's resale potential is critical, as you want to be sure you're making a smart investment of your money.

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Market trends and data analysisTo get a better idea of whether you should sell now, get familiar with your local housing market. The best time to sell a house depends on your local market, but generally speaking, you'll find the following are true. This would provide steady monthly income and allow you to wait to sell until market conditions improve. You should consider local market conditions, your financial and personal needs, and larger economic conditions before you sell your house. To determine the best time to sell your house, look at local market trends, economic forecasts, and seasonal patterns.

Persons: they're, you'll, it's, we'll Organizations: Data, National Association of Realtors, Chevron Locations: Chevron

Social Security income is viewed the same as any other type of income, with one exception that can work in recipients' favor. Age and Social Security incomeYour age and how much Social Security income that allows you to take in will make a difference, too. To get this information to share with your lender, you can request a Social Security Benefit Verification letter from the Social Security Administration's website. Getting a mortgage on Social Security FAQsWhat types of home loans are available for seniors on social security? Lenders consider Social Security income as part of your total income, which can help qualify for various home loan options.

Persons: you'll, Shashank Shekhar, Shekhar Organizations: Social Security, Social, Department of Housing, Urban Development, Department of Veterans Affairs, DTI, Security, Chevron Locations: Chevron

You can find foreclosed properties for sale on online listing sites or in your local newspaper. Often, you can browse foreclosed properties in your area using the same methods you would to buy a regular home, such as online listing sites like Zillow. Foreclosed properties owned by the government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can also be found online. Fannie Mae's program for Fannie-owned foreclosed properties is called HomePath, while Freddie Mac's is called HomeSteps. Just be prepared for repair costs, as many foreclosed properties need significant updates before they're habitable.

Persons: they're, they'd, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae's, Freddie Mac's, you'd, Kofi Nartey, it's Organizations: Fannie, HUD, REO Locations: Chevron

As long as inflation continues to slow, mortgage rates should tick down further throughout the remainder of 2024. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Barely Tick Up (+0.02%)The average 15-year mortgage rate is 5.68%, just two basis points higher than last week. Mortgage Refinance Rates30-Year Fixed Refinance Rates Fall (-0.37%)The average 30-year refinance rate is 7.08%, 37 basis points down from last week. Mortgage rates also rose dramatically in 2023, though they started trending back down toward the end of the year.

Persons: you'll, It's, refinance, they've Organizations: Federal, Zillow, FHA Locations: Chevron

Mortgage rates have been trending down this month, and they could fall further throughout the remainder of 2024. This should remove some of the upward pressure off of mortgage rates and allow them to decrease. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's interest rates will affect your monthly payments. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesAverage 15-year mortgage rates fell to 6.05% last week, according to Freddie Mac data. Mortgage rates increased dramatically over the last two years, but they're expected to go down at some point this year.

Persons: you'll, Freddie Mac, it's Organizations: Federal, Zillow, Federal Reserve Locations: Chevron

In America's 20 biggest cities, a 20% down payment ranges from $39,127 in Oklahoma City to $263,392 in San Jose, California. On a $200,000 home, a 3% down payment means you'll need $6,000. FHA mortgage: 3.5%To get an FHA mortgage, you'll need at least a 3.5% down payment. The exact amount you'll pay depends on your down payment and whether you've gotten a VA loan previously. PMI protects lenders on mortgages with high loan-to-value ratios, and it's added to the borrower's monthly mortgage payment.

Persons: you'll, Insider's, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, you've, You'll, it's Organizations: Phoenix, Fort, Oklahoma, PMI, Opportunity, National Association of Realtors, Chevron, USDA Locations: Oklahoma City, San Jose , California, Government, York City, NY, Angeles, LA, Chicago, Houston, AZ, Philadelphia, Antonio, Diego, Dallas, Austin, Jacksonville, Jose, Fort Worth , TX, Columbus, Charlotte, NC, Indianapolis, Francisco, Seattle, WA, Denver, homeownership, Chevron

☆ Insider Today: Italian reno nightmare
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-20 | by ( Joi-Marie Mckenzie | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

On the agenda:This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. You are presented with this mapped-out series of days," Travelzoo's senior editor Gabe Saglie told Business Insider. AdvertisementIf you're convinced, one travel planner rounded up the best all-inclusive resorts of 2024. After remodeling a dusty old Italian apartment and sharing the results on social media, they received some unexpected backlash. More of this week's top reads:The Insider Today team: Joi-Marie McKenzie, editor in chief of life, in New York.

Persons: —, she's, Wahoo, Travelzoo's, Gabe Saglie, Terri Peters, Saint, Victoria Craparotta, Flavio Fabiani, Craparotta, Alyssa Powell, Crispin la valiente, Jenny Chang, Rodriguez, didn't, Bradley Carroll, Carroll, Rachel Katzman, Stephen Pasterino, Katzman, Abigail, Kai, Rebecca Zisser, Joi, Marie McKenzie, Jordan Parker Erb, Dan DeFrancesco, Lisa Ryan, Amanda Yen Organizations: Service, Business, Northeast, BI, Netflix, CBS, Samsung, Universal Locations: Saint Vincent, Grenadines, Rome, New York, New York City

Renovation loan eligibilityTo get a loan for a house renovation, you'll need to meet certain credit requirements. Cash-out refinances or renovation loans rolled into mortgages are typically the best renovation loan programs because they come with the lowest rates. Home renovation loans FAQsAre renovation loans a good idea? Renovation loans, or home improvement loans, can be a good idea for homeowners looking to make both essential and cosmetic changes to their homes. Renovation loans make it relatively convenient to complete upgrades or repairs that can boost your home's value.

Persons: It's, Fannie Mae's, Freddie Mac's, you'll, Douglas Boneparth Organizations: Federal Housing Administration, Bone, reno, Chevron

Here are the best mortgage lenders for first-time homebuyers and the affordable loans they offer, as chosen by Business Insider editors in 2024. If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards customer, you can get discountsCheck mark icon A check mark. Offers many unique types of mortgagesCheck mark icon A check mark. Low Cost Mortgages come with only $295 in closing costsCheck mark icon A check mark. Mortgage credit certificatesSome HFAs also offer mortgage credit certificates to first-time homebuyers.

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Average 30-year mortgage rates are now down to 6.77%, the lowest they've been in over four months, according to Freddie Mac. "Mortgage rates are headed in the right direction and the economy remains resilient, two positive incremental signs for the housing market." See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesLast week, average 15-year mortgage rates were 6.05%, a 12-basis-point decrease from the previous week, according to Freddie Mac data. Once the Fed cuts rates, mortgage rates should fall even further.

Persons: Freddie Mac, Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's, you'll, it's Organizations: Federal Reserve, Zillow Locations: Chevron

Mortgage rates are down this week, with 30-year mortgage rates averaging around 6.30%, according to Zillow data. This should remove some of the upward pressure off of mortgage rates and allow them to trend down. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments. Now that the Fed has paused hiking rates, mortgage rates have come down a bit. Once the Fed starts cutting rates, which may happen this year, mortgage rates should fall even further.

Persons: Christopher Waller, Waller, Freddie Mac Organizations: Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Fed, Zillow, Federal Reserve Locations: Chevron

View at AmazonThere are even more options for Prime Day Apple Watches, and Prime Day iPads still available in our other guides. For an extensive breakdown divided up by size, see our full roundup of Prime Day TV deals. View at AmazonThere are even more sleep deals where those came from — check out our roundups of the best Prime Day mattress deals and Prime Day pillow deals. Do I need to be an Amazon Prime member to buy Prime Day deals? Amazon Prime Day deals are comparable to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, with the main difference being that Amazon is the only participating retailer.

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The best Prime Day deals under $25 can satiate that instinct to shop while the getting is good and still pay mind to your budget. Shop all Prime Day deals under $25 here. Top 5 Prime Day deals under $25:More of the best Prime Day deals under $25Staff Pick Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Mist $18.75 $25.00 Save 25% This makeup-friendly fine mist face spray, which is paraben-free and dermatologist-tested, dries quickly and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. In order to shop on Prime Day, you'll need an Amazon Prime membership. Shopping for more great Amazon Prime Day deals?

Persons: there's, La Roche, Kate Spade, We've Organizations: Business, Amazon, Adidas, Coffee, Brewers, New, Amazon Prime Locations: York, influencers, New York City

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