2024

The state of Montana has been more heavily promoting its state-based Reverse Annuity Mortgage (RAM) program for seniors. Unspent funds allocated to the program can be put to use by assisting the state’s older residents with reverse mortgage financing at a relatively low interest rate when compared to either Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-backed Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) or...

The landmark date of Aug. 17, 2024, has come and gone, and the real estate industry is still plugging along, despite the business practice changes mandated by the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) commission lawsuit settlement agreement now being implemented nationwide. In the Greater Boston area, Linda O’Koniewski, the broker-owner of Leading Edge Real Estate, described the first few days...

A majority of Americans are seriously concerned that their retirement will be negatively impacted by the rising costs and uncertainty associated with sudden, unexpected and more frequent extreme weather events taking place across the country. This is according to the 2024 Annual Retirement Study from Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. More than half of U.S. adults surveyed (56%) said they...

How much would it cost to walk a mile in John Dutton’s cowboy boots? If you’ve been fantasizing about living the life of Yellowstone’s famed patriarch (flawlessly portrayed by Kevin Costner in the hit TV series), and found yourself wondering how much it would cost to run a sprawling ranch that spans thousands of acres, we have the answer — but spoiler alert, it’s pretty expensive! The...

Maximize storage and style in a small space with these bedroom decorating tips. David Land Small bedrooms require a strategic design plan in order to feel inviting and spacious, rather than cramped and cluttered. With a bed taking up much of the room, you'll want to consider how to maximize wall treatments, decor, and color to either make the room feel larger or enhance a small, cozy...

Transform the entrance of your home into a welcoming and functional area with these expert tips and creative ideas. Tria Giovan It's easy to overlook the entryway, since you don't spend a lot of time in the space, compared to a bedroom or living room. But this transitional area is where you walk in and out of the home each day, and where you drop purses, shoes, jackets, and mail. The best small...

The podcast host and reality TV star is here to introduce you to your new favorite drink to share with your besties. La Marca If you don't know who Paige DeSorbo is, let us enlighten you. She makes up half of the Giggly Squad, a podcast she hosts with her best friend and comedian Hannah Berner. She's also known for her contributions to Bravo reality shows Summer House, Winter House, and Southern...

Yet still well above 6 percent and over double the rate in August 2021 Based on Freddie Mac's latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.49 percent as of August 15, 2024. Sam Khater "While rates increased slightly this week, they remain more than half a percent lower than the same time last year," said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's Chief Economist. "In 2023,...

Learn how to be a better (and less stressed) host with Culpo’s entertaining advice. Courtesy of Crate & Barrel Former Miss Universe, model, actress, and media personality Olivia Culpo is a woman of many talents and interests—just one of them being hosting. Culpo recently hosted the ultimate party with her picture-perfect wedding day, where she married NFL star Christian McCaffrey, and...

No wonder more than 9,000 Amazon shoppers love it. Better Homes & Gardens / Marcus Millan For most people, even those who love to clean, scrubbing is one of the most labor intensive, time-consuming chores. Depending on the size and shape of your bathroom, windows, or floors, deep cleaning can take nearly half a day. Fortunately, Amazon shoppers have discovered a versatile cleaning product that...