Christian P. Pewitt Blogs: 2018

Monday, December 31, 2018

Mortgage rates today, December 31, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Mortgage rates today are driven by movements in financial markets worldwide. When the economy heats up, bond price drop, and rates increase. When the economy pulls back, interest rates tend to fall.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports http://bit.ly/2Qe19ST

Housing inventory is up — but there’s still room for improvement

Housing inventory finally seems to be turning around. According to the latest data, inventory has increased for three months running, with a 0.4 uptick in November alone.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports http://bit.ly/2EVP2I1

Sunday, December 30, 2018

Home renovation: Expect the unexpected

Nearly half of those have ever bought a home experienced an unexpected home renovation during the first year. Here's how to prepare for the unexpected.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports http://bit.ly/2LEqzs4

Saturday, December 29, 2018

House calls: home health amenities of the rich and famous

The best health amenities don't necessarily ensure the best health. But that doesn't keep the world's richest from trying -- from a home dentist office to off-the-charts wellness amenities, here's what the rich are putting in their homes.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports http://bit.ly/2GIQsrG

Friday, December 28, 2018

Mortgage rates today, December 28, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Renters spent more than Bezos’ net worth this year — and rents are still growing

American renters spent a startling amount on housing this year. According to new data, they paid a whopping $504.4 billion in rent across 2018 — nearly $13 billion more than last year and three times the net worth of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports http://bit.ly/2Rqccgs

Housing “diet” means better home buying conditions come spring, expert says

Home price growth recently slowed to its lowest rate since January 2017 — but according to one expert, it doesn’t mean the market’s bottoming out. In fact, it may even indicate prime home buying conditions come spring.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports http://bit.ly/2ESOB1R

Thursday, December 27, 2018

How to buy a home after a short sale [Updated for 2018]

How soon can you buy a home after a short sale? That depends on the circumstances of the sale and the mortgage program you choose.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports http://bit.ly/2CBtU8r

What credit score do you need for a mortgage? Complete guide to credit for mortgages

What minimum credit score do you need for a mortgage? The answer is 500 but not everyone will qualify. What to do when your FICO is lower than you hoped.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports http://bit.ly/2tAjMGS

Do a cash-out refinance on your rental property: 2018 guidelines and mortgage rates

Rates are low, home prices are up, and lenders are loosening cash out refinance rental property guidelines. How to cash out a rental, putting the equity to work.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports http://bit.ly/2qik1Du

5/1 ARM or 15 year fixed? What’s better in 2018?

When mortgage rates are on the increase, should you choose a 5/1 ARM (adjustable rate mortgage) or a 15-year fixed-rate loan? Both have advantages and drawbacks you should consider.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports http://bit.ly/2qiFQn9

Mortgage rates today, December 27, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Higher credit scores likely in 2019 and here’s why

Experian promises higher credit scores if only you will give them access to your bank account. Remember, these are the people who had security problems with more than 100 million accounts...

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports http://bit.ly/2BJcfKk

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Mortgage rates today, December 26, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Millennial first-time homebuyers would need 20 years to save 20 percent down

Millennial first-time homebuyers face a long slog if they try to come up with the "standard" 20 percent down payment for a home. But luckily, they don't need 20 percent. Or even 5 percent.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports http://bit.ly/2Q3KMbd

Mortgage rates continue downward fall, sending sales up with them

Mortgage rates are still on the decline, despite a recent rate hike from the Federal Reserve. This dip is likely behind the most recent increase in existing home sales — the first such jump in more than six months, according to Freddie Mac.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports http://bit.ly/2Q5Z0bT

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Mortgage rates today, December 25, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Single women homeowners outrank Single men — especially in these cities

Buying a home before marriage is becoming increasingly more popular — particularly with women. According to new data, single women are almost twice as likely as single men to become homebuyers.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports http://bit.ly/2EOHo2X

Monday, December 24, 2018

Self-employed mortgage borrower? Here are the rules

If you're self-employed, mortgage approval can be harder to get. But it's easier than it used to be. lenders are loosening up, and that's good news for self-employed mortgage borrowers.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports http://bit.ly/2sT6bc0

Mortgage rates today, December 24, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Will change at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mean higher mortgage rates?

Possible upcoming changes at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could cause higher mortgage rates. Here's what might happen, and what you can do about it. .

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports http://bit.ly/2EIY7EE

Sunday, December 23, 2018

Homeownership for millennials is top goal

Homeownership for millennials equals personal and financial success according to this new study.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports http://bit.ly/2AemZ3v

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Hard money, fast money: When a good investment won’t wait

How do experienced investors buy property fast without paying all-cash? With "hard money."

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports http://bit.ly/2R8O5Tj

Friday, December 21, 2018

January 2019 mortgage rates forecast (FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional)

January 2019 will be a pivotal month for mortgage rates. Economic forecasts aren't as rosy as they were just a few months ago. Rates are finally falling. Now could be the time to act.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports http://bit.ly/2lpIMjN

Mortgage rates today, December 20, 2018, plus lock recommendations

How to save thousands on your house payment without refinancing

You can save on your house payment without refinancing your mortgage. And it can be cheaper and faster. That's because your monthly housing expense is not just your mortgage principal and interest. It includes property taxes and homeowners insurance.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports http://bit.ly/2PU8A1c

These states see the most home burglary losses

Want to avoid a burglary or robbery in your newly purchased house? Then you might want to steer clear of Texas. According to a new study, the Lone Star State has the highest amount of burglary losses in the entire country.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports http://bit.ly/2UYveJA

Thursday, December 20, 2018

Recession coming? Take these steps to protect yourself now

Recent economic data indicate that a recession may be in the offing for 2019. How do the experts see a recession coming? The signs are there.

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Investing in winter vacation rentals: The best places to buy and when to do it

Looking to invest in winter vacation rentals? Then do it now. According to a new study, the best discounts historically happen between October and February — and time is running out.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2UY9HAJ

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Federal Reserve increases rates for last time in 2018

Today's Federal Reserve (FOMC) meeting ended with a .25 percent increase in interest rates, surprising no one and having little impact on markets.

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HARP replacement: New underwater refinance (updated December 19, 2018)

As the popular HARP program ends, FHFA will roll out a new program that will give more underwater homeowners the chance to refinance.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2tzUICU

How mortgage rates connect to the Fed funds rate

The Fed adjourns from a 2-day meeting Wednesday. The group doesn't set mortgage rates but it can influence them. How this week's meeting could affect your refinance and purchase mortgage rate.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2qoT6GW

Mortgage rates today, December 19, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Couldn’t qualify to refinance last year? Lenders more likely to say yes in 2019

If you have been wanting to refinance but had a hard time getting approved, 2019 might be your year. Lenders are allowing higher debt-to-income ratios, average credit scores for approved loans are falling, and down payments / equity are lower.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2ECSE2m

Homebuyers: here’s where you’ll find the best deals in 2019

Considering a home purchase in 2019? Then head to Miami. According to a new forecast, the Florida city will likely offer the most deals to homebuyers in the new year. [cta-link] Miami, Houston, Chicago top the list According to the Knock Deals Forecast, Miami will offer the most deals to 2019 homebuyers. Nearly 90 percent of all on-market properties are predicted to sell below listing price during Q1. In 2018, 85 percent of listings sold under list price. On average, Miami buyers can expect to save about 7 percent. Houston homebuyers will also see deals come Q1, according to the forecast. Over 84 percent of homes are expected to go for less than listing price, with an average savings of 4.8 percent. Chicago is No. 3 for predicted deals, with 83.5 percent of homes forecasted to sell for under list price. Buyers in the Windy City can expect to save just over 5 percent. Other cities with a high share of predicted deals include Jacksonville and Tampa, Florida; New Orleans; Hartford, Connecticut; St. Louis, Missouri; Pittsburgh; and Cincinnati. [cta-link] Homebuying deals nationwide Nationwide, over 60 percent of homes sold under the list price this year, with more than half selling 2 percent below or more. Most of these deals were in the South. Four Florida cities, along with Houston and New Orleans, all offered some of the nation’s highest shares of under-list price sales. Chicago; Hartford, Connecticut; Pittsburgh; and New York also made the top 10. Overall, November saw the most deals of the year, with 56 percent of listings going for 2 percent below listing price or more. Home prices predicted to keep dropping; many markets still overvalued According to Paul Habibi, Knock’s economic advisor and a lecturer at UCLA, the number of below-list price deals shows home prices have been inflated. “While there’s no denying that home prices have been steadily on the rise, list prices are clearly increasing above realistic levels, corroborated by the study’s findings that over 60% of homes sold well below their original list prices in 2018,” Habibi said. Home prices grow at slowest rate in nearly 2 years Get today’s mortgage rates Considering a home purchase? Then shop around and see what mortgage rates you qualify for today. [cta-link]

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Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Unique Stocking Stuffers for Golfers

Golf gifts are typically pretty standard. If you’re a golfer, you know that people love to give you golf balls, tees, towels, and everything else that the standard round requires. Just a few weeks ago... Read more

The post Unique Stocking Stuffers for Golfers appeared first on American Golf Blog.

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Mortgage rates today, December 18, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Down payment disappointment: Most Millennial renters just aren’t saving enough

When it comes to saving for a down payment, Millennials are falling behind. In fact, according to a new study, nearly half of Millennial renters have zero down payment savings at all.

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Real estate strategy: How to win at real life Monopoly

Part of a winning real estate strategy is the smart use of mortgage financing. This leverage allows you to control more rental real estate and acquire wealth.

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Monday, December 17, 2018

2019 FHA loan limits are higher in many locations

The FHA just announced that it has released it loan limits for 2019. 2019 FHA loan limits

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Mortgage rates today, December 17, 2018, plus lock recommendations

House flipping hits new low; why that’s good for today’s buyers

Recent research shows that house flipping activity slowed to a 6.5 year low. That's good news for today's buyers, who have been shut out by low inventories and competition from investors.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2S6RcrQ

Sunday, December 16, 2018

Can you really pay off your mortgage in 4 years? These people did

Don't you want to pay off your mortgage as soon as possible? One couple did it in just 4 years! Here's how you can pay off your mortgage faster than you thought you ever could.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2rG5Nil

Saturday, December 15, 2018

The S & P 500 “Death Cross” and what it means for mortgage rates

While most economists agree that mortgage rates are trending higher in the long run, there are some signs that mortgage rates could drop in the short term. One of those signs is the so-called "Death Cross" of the S & P 500.

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Mortgage with a low credit score: possible and affordable

Need a mortgage with a low credit score? It's possible if you are otherwise well-qualified or prepared to pay more for your home loan.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2rC1kxf

Friday, December 14, 2018

$2 million home: would you choose an exclusive ZIP Code or a luxury estate? [Video]

What does the right ZIP Code cost? In this case, a cool $2 million. That gets you a 70-year-old one-story home with a basement. But travel just a few miles away, and it's shocking what that same budget can buy.

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Out-of-state homebuyers head south; Florida claims top destination for 14 states

American homebuyers are flocking toward warmer climates. According to a new study, U.S. residents are increasingly leaving colder states, instead buying homes in places like Florida, Texas and California.

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Second mortgages: What could go wrong?

Second mortgages are loans against your home taken out after your primary home loan (your first mortgage). Thy can be a great source of cheap money, but things can go wrong. Here's what to watch out for.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2rAopQU

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Mortgage rates today, December 13, 2018, plus lock recommendations

The Fed may not raise interest rates in December: good news for mortgage seekers

Recent financial reporting has caused many investors to believe that the Fed may not raise interest rates one last time in 2018.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2RSe1j3

Where are America’s safest cities to call home? Maryland town tops the list

Can’t decide where to put down roots? If you’re looking for a safe spot to avoid natural disasters, identity theft or burglary, you might want to buy a home in Columbia, Maryland. The city was just named the country’s safest place in America.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2QtVuwP

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Mortgage rates today, December 12, 2018, plus lock recommendations

When mortgage rates drop, do applications always increase?

A mortgage rates drop can save you money. Be sure you're ready to take advantage when this occurs.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2SICneZ

2018 was a big year for homeowners; here’s how much home equity Americans gained

Homeowners have seen serious gains in equity this year. According to the latest data, the average owner saw their home equity jump 9.4 percent since 2018 — an aggregate increase of $775.2 billion across the nation.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2Ehg5wU

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Add a Golf Game to Your Rounds

I may be speaking from bias, but golf itself is a very fun game. It provides a dose of competition, a challenge to your dexterity, beautiful views, and infinite opportunity for self-improvement. You might be... Read more

The post Add a Golf Game to Your Rounds appeared first on American Golf Blog.

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Mortgage rates today, December 11, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Homeowners are self-gifting this year, planning costly holiday renovations

Homeowners are planning to spend big this holiday season — but not just on gifts. According to a new survey, a whopping third of homeowners are planning home improvements this season, opting to spend 10 times what most Americans have allotted for gifts.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2zQiHis

Jumbo home loans: Do you need 20 percent down to qualify?

You can find jumbo home loans with down payments as low as 5 percent. And there are other options as well.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2C4UmqQ

Monday, December 10, 2018

Falling mortgage rates: How the stock market is bringing holidays gifts to borrowers

Not all doom and gloom despite stock market losses Recently, concerns about the US and world economies has shaken up investors — both individual and institutional. If you’ve seen your […]

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2zP6fzu

Opinion: Home buyers shouldn’t feel guilty for buying coffee

Follow and tag friends on The Mortgage Reports on Instagram now to win a $250 Starbucks gift card. You hear it a lot: “Future home buyers shouldn’t go to Starbucks […]

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Mortgage rates today, December 10, 2018, plus lock recommendations

VA purchase loans are way up: Here’s why you should consider one

VA purchase loans are way up because they offer advantages no other mortgage program can touch. Learn about VA financing and see if it's the best loan for you.

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Best home equity loan lenders for 2019

If you like the mortgage you have, but want to cash out some of your equity, check out this list of best banks for home equity loans for 2019.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2C20S1p

Sunday, December 9, 2018

Selling a home: When to accept a lower price

When deciding when to accept a lower price, take a good hard look at your market, your situation and your property's desirability.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2G5c6Gg

Saturday, December 8, 2018

The home closing process for sellers

Your guide to buying a home and being ready for your closing, including "What to Bring" and why you should never bring a personal check to a settlement.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2rnhL0q

Friday, December 7, 2018

What $1 million gets you in the city vs 20 miles away

One million dollars. In some markets, that’s a lot of money. In others, it only gets you a typical home. In many areas of the country, though, it can do […]

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2BVTSTx

Mortgage rates today, December 7, 2018, plus lock recommendations

5 home interior design trends for 2019

Here's what's on the style horizon for 2019: Get ready for a pop of color, big statements, bold kitchens, floral patterns, and eco-friendly accents. Let’s look at what interior designers and homeowners will be doing to their homes next year.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2rrYQBD

Millennials and money: These homebuyers’ habits aren’t as bad as they seem

It turns out Millennials aren’t as bad with money as most assume. In fact, according to a new report from Bank of America, the Millennial generation is actually just as good — if not better — at managing their money than past cohorts were.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2Uq0L6Y

Thursday, December 6, 2018

Mortgage rates today, December 6, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Natural disasters are up, but homeowners aren’t prepared, survey shows

Natural disasters are on the rise — and according to a new survey, homeowners are woefully underprepared. Few have flood insurance, most don’t have generators and even fewer have a safe room or shelter in case of emergency.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2PlnM7f

Selling a home: How to get the most money

Selling a home can be stressful. Follow these tips to get the most money and minimize your time on the market.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2PocoHV

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Gifts That Golfers of All Skill Levels Will Love

The holidays are approaching, and if you haven’t already purchased gifts for your loved ones, you might be beginning to feel the crunch! Don’t worry, we have you covered for anyone you know that loves... Read more

The post Gifts That Golfers of All Skill Levels Will Love appeared first on American Golf Blog.

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Mortgage rates today, December 5, 2018, plus lock recommendations

What happens when my real estate offer is accepted? [Video]

Getting your offer accepted by a seller is exciting but stressful, too. Here's what to expect, and what you need to do once you get your first accepted offer to buy a home.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2E2p4lA

Digitizing real estate: Experts predict these tech trends in 2019

Digitization is on the rise across the real estate industry. According to a new survey of experts, homebuyers will likely encounter chatbots, eclosing processes, digital notaries and online communication portals as we head into 2019.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2Efyvzg

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Mortgage rates today, December 4, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Thee cities boast the nation’s youngest and oldest homeowners

Where are the nation’s oldest and youngest homeowners? According to a new analysis, older homebuyers flock to warmer climes in Florida, Arizona and Hawaii. Younger ones? You’ll find them in Utah, Iowa and Texas.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2RxhiUQ

Monday, December 3, 2018

Mortgage rates today, December 3, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Best cash-out refinance lenders 2019

If you want to pull equity out of your home in 2019, check out this list of best cash-out refinance lenders. Because mortgage rates and costs for cash-out refinancing cary a great deal, so you'll want to shop among the best.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2U8H2IG

Sunday, December 2, 2018

December is the best month to buy a home for less

December is the best month to buy a home below market value: Find out why.

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Saturday, December 1, 2018

Buy or rent? Further proof that it’s better to buy a home than rent today

Buy or rent a home? Today's research indicates that homebuyers enjoy more financial security than renters.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2FQhahN

Friday, November 30, 2018

Mortgage rates today, November 30, 2018, plus lock recommendations

What $500k gets you in the city vs the suburbs: You’ll be surprised

What difference does 20 miles make? Apparently, a big one. We wanted to see what a $500,000 budget would buy in a major city compared to what that same budget […]

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Thursday, November 29, 2018

Mortgage rates today, November 29, 2018, plus lock recommendations

New 2019 mortgage limits announced for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is raising Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac home loan limits to $484,350 in 2019. The 2019 mortgage limits can be found right here for single and multi-unit properties.

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Parents more willing to help with children’s debts — particularly housing-related ones

Want help paying down that mortgage loan? Just ask your parents. According to a new study, most would U.S. parents would give their children nearly $6,000 to pay down debts — without expecting any sort of repayment at all.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2Q6T0EE

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Mortgage rates today, November 28, 2018, plus lock recommendations

What is earnest money, when do I need it, and how much? [Video]

When buying a home, it's all about recognizing what is and isn't a good value. It's hard to do that by looking at just a few homes. Here's your best strategy to find the best house for you.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2PZR0Oo

Home prices grow at slowest rate in nearly 2 years

Home prices are still rising, but according to the latest data, they’ve hit their slowest growth rate since January 2017. Sixteen of the top 20 markets are also seeing slower price gains.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2RgZSeU

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

[GRAPHIC] How to Punch Out From Behind a Tree (in Emojis)

In order to fully demonstrate our method for getting out from behind a tree (stopping just short of actually videotaping us punching out from behind a tree), we’ve created this nifty graphic to depict... Read more

The post [GRAPHIC] How to Punch Out From Behind a Tree (in Emojis) appeared first on American Golf Blog.

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Mortgage rates today, November 27, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Buying a home: Should you skip the home appraisal?

Buyers may soon be able to opt out of the home appraisal when they apply for a mortgage. That may save hundreds of dollars, but id skipping the appraisal a good idea?

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2PUV2aJ

Sight unseen offers drop; is home buying getting easier?

There’s yet another reason for home buyers to celebrate. According to new data, the number of sight unseen offers has dropped significantly — indicating less competition and easing inventory pains in many markets.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2RimoUL

Monday, November 26, 2018

Mortgage rates today, November 26, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Home equity can make you rich: Here’s how

Building home equity is important, why finding a home with the potential to become equity rich is also important. Learn how to increase home equity here.

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Millennial homebuyers are big into DIY; here’s what projects they love the most

Millennial homebuyers are big on fixer-uppers. But what exactly are the projects they’re gravitating toward? According to a new report, closet overhauls, craft rooms and landscaping projects are among the tops.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2PV3pTL

Sunday, November 25, 2018

With construction down, homeowners are investing in their properties and staying put

It seems Americans are taking the country’s housing woes into their own hands. With construction down and inventory still low, new data shows homeowners are investing more in remodeling and building accessory dwelling units to make up for it.

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Saturday, November 24, 2018

Do mortgage lenders have minimum mortgage amounts?

Are there minimum mortgage amounts to buy or refinance a home? Not according to most official program guidelines, but most lenders do set minimum amounts and charge extra for smaller mortgages.

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Friday, November 23, 2018

Mortgage rates today, November 23, 2018, plus lock recommendations

2019 mortgage rates forecast from leading housing authorities

What are experts at housing authorities predicting for 2019 mortgage rates? Find out here.

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Mortgage lender satisfaction up, thanks to digital processes

Quicken takes the cake Increasing use of digital processes has pushed overall mortgage lender satisfaction significantly up over the last year, according to a new survey. Quicken Loans claims the […]

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Thursday, November 22, 2018

Buying A Home During The Holidays: 5 Top Strategies

Buying a home during the holidays has its advantages. Learn how to pull off a home purchase during this season and save money.

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Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Mortgage rates today, November 20, 2018, plus lock recommendations

How many houses should I look at before making an offer? [Video]

Analysis shows December offers biggest home purchase savings of the year

Really looking to save cash on your home purchase? Then close on your loan in December. According to new data, that’s when buyers see the biggest discounts off market value.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2BoNnZe

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

How to Punch Out From Behind a Tree

If you’ve hit a hard hook or slice in your lifetime, you have probably found yourself in a horrible spot: behind a tree. You can see the green straight ahead, but there’s an oak trunk... Read more

The post How to Punch Out From Behind a Tree appeared first on American Golf Blog.

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December 2018 mortgage rates forecast (FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional)

December 2018 will be an important month for mortgage rates. Economic turmoil abroad, falling oil prices, and market uncertainty are finally helping consumers secure lower rates. Now could be the time to act.

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Mortgage rates today, November 20, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Premium credit scores save recent buyers $31K

It pays to have a great credit score — especially if you’re buying or refinancing a home. According to new data, buyers with premium credit scores save more than $30,000 over the life of their loan compared to those with scores on the lower end of the spectrum.

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Monday, November 19, 2018

Mortgage rates today, November 19, 2018, plus lock recommendations

What are you willing to sacrifice to buy a home?

Today's young adults are willing to sacrifice some comforts to keep their costs down when they buy a home. But other amenities are still considered indispensable.

from Mortgage Rates, Mortgage News and Strategy : The Mortgage Reports https://ift.tt/2ORiEY9

Friday, November 16, 2018

Mortgage rates today, November 16, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Be wary of bargain home listings; many are too good to be true

Seeing the word “bargain” in a listing doesn’t make it true. In fact, according to a new analysis, in more than a third of the nation’s largest housing markets, most “bargain” home listings offer little or no savings at all.

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2019 mortgage rates forecast: experts

2019 mortgage rates forecast: What do the experts say we can expect in terms of real estate financing costs?

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Thursday, November 15, 2018

2019 Real Estate Forecast

What do the experts say we can expect from real estate in 2019?

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Mortgage rates today, November 15, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Many homeowners — parents included — are unprepared for an emergency

Thinking of renovating in 2019? You might want to add a few basic safety features to your tick list. According to a new study, a large number of homeowners are woefully underprepared for emergencies — especially house fires.

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Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Mortgage rates today, November 14, 2018, plus lock recommendations

How much should I put down on a house? [Video]

When you decide to buy a home, you'll face the question: Should I get pre-qualified or apply for pre-approval? Learn the differences, and which one might work better for you.

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More housing markets pass the $1 million mark; San Jose sees the biggest jump in million-dollar homes

Million-dollar homes are on the rise. According to new data, over 100 new neighborhoods joined the $1 million housing market this year, and in one city? Million-dollar houses now make up 81 percent of all housing in the area.

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Dealing with home disasters: prevention and protection

No one is exempt from home disasters -- natural and otherwise. Here is how to protect yourself and deal with the aftermath.

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Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Suzy Whaley Elected President of PGA of America

Congratulations are in order for Suzy Whaley, PGA/LPGA, who has just been elected the 41st President of the PGA of America. Whaley will be the first female President of the PGA of America. She also was... Read more

The post Suzy Whaley Elected President of PGA of America appeared first on American Golf Blog.

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Mortgage rates today, November 13, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Hip hop’s favorite mansion is for sale. Live the rap mogul life for only $12.9M

When you're a rap mogul, why not shoot your music videos at this waterfront mansion where the pool is almost an extension of the Miami Skyline? Get ready to see one of rap music's favorite locations.

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Single women homebuyers: These are the best housing markets for you

The Northeast is a great place for single, career-focused women, apparently. According to new data, all of the nation’s top three markets for single female homebuyers are in this region.

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Cash-out refinance to pay off HELOC or home equity loan

Should you attempt a cash-out refinance to pay off HELOC mortgages or home equity loans? Sometimes, you should. Here's how to make the decision.

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Monday, November 12, 2018

Military-focused real estate agents can guide veterans best

For veterans, real estate agents with military backgrounds may be the best men and women for the job. Here's why.

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Good deed by homeless veteran leads to $350K

Military veteran’s good deed doesn’t go unnoticed Kate McClure had no idea how she was going to get gas. Parked off an exit, past midnight she sat in her car. […]

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VA: 96,000 Veterans Avoided Foreclosure in 2017

VA home loans are among the safest mortgage types available. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs works with lenders to keep veterans in their homes.

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10 biggest benefits to VA home loans in 2018

VA loans offer benefits unmatched by conventional and FHA financing, plus the program provides extra low mortgage rates to eligible military borrowers.

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The Ultimate Guide to VA Loans and Benefits

Active duty military and veterans are eligible for benefits based on their service. This ultimate guide covers the financial side of those benefits.

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Mortgage rates today, November 12, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Friday, November 9, 2018

Mortgage rates today, November 9, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Can’t afford college? Want help paying off those student loans? Move to one of these 5 cities

Having trouble affording that college education or paying off your student loans? Apparently, five American cities will help you do it.

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Property problems that can cancel mortgage approval

Understand that your lender can approve you as a borrower, but refuse to finance the property you choose. That doesn't cancel mortgage approval for you, but it does for that property.

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Thursday, November 8, 2018

Mortgage rates today, November 8, 2018, plus lock recommendations

What if I my buyer’s mortgage does not go through?

What can go wrong with the buyer's mortgage? Almost anything, so make sure your prospect is mortgage-approved and keeps to the timeline specified in the contract.

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Housing inventory increases for first time in four years

The housing inventory shortage isn’t just letting up now. It’s actually reversing course. According to new data, listings jumped 2 percent in October — the first increase in inventory in four years.

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Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Mortgage rates today, November 7, 2018, plus lock recommendations

What is pre-qualified vs. pre-approved?

Home prices predicted to keep dropping, many markets still overvalued

It looks like home prices are going to continue their downward spiral. According to new data, once final October numbers come in, they’ll likely show a drop from September to October — especially in high-cost markets like Hawaii and California.

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Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Keeping Warm on the Golf Course

As temperatures wind down and days grow shorter, you might feel discouraged when it comes to getting out on the course. With chilly air and unpredictable winter weather, golf becomes an entirely new monster. But... Read more

The post Keeping Warm on the Golf Course appeared first on American Golf Blog.

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VA cash-out refinance guidelines & requirements for 2018, plus VA mortgage rates

The VA cash-out refinance is an often-overlooked but powerful program for U.S. military veterans who want to tap into home equity or pay off a non-VA loan.

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Mortgage rates today, November 6, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Rent prices reverse course, rising in 61 of the nation’s 100 largest cities

Despite a downturn in September, national rent prices have once again jumped, according to new data. More than half of the country’s biggest metros saw an increase in rents last month, with Orlando’s rents rising the most.

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New standards mean higher credit scores for millions

Recent changes to credit scoring mean mean higher scores for millions of borrowers.

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Monday, November 5, 2018

Mortgage rates today, November 5, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Here’s how much it costs to sell a home

What are the costs to sell a home? It depends, but some costs are more typical than others. Don't want to pay them? That's part of your negotiation.

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Friday, November 2, 2018

Mortgage rates today, November 2, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Thursday, November 1, 2018

Free Golf Balls at the Course

You’ve probably snatched up a few lost golf balls on the course every so often. In fact, if you’re trying to golf on a budget, it’s recommended that you peek in the bushes here and... Read more

The post Free Golf Balls at the Course appeared first on American Golf Blog.

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Home selling: What can go wrong with the buyer’s mortgage?

Mortgage rates today, November 1, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Who’s buying houses? All the single ladies

Single women have been a growing section of home buyers for the last few years. But just how much of today’s home sales do they account for and what kind of cash do they bring to the table? A new analysis reveals it all.

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Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Mortgage rates today, October 31, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Do you need good credit to buy a home?

When deciding whether to own a condo or house, it's important to look at the advantages and drawbacks to each. Examine your lifestlye and goals to make a great decision.

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Down payments get more affordable — especially in these states

Struggling to save for a down payment? You might be in luck, According to new data, average down payment are decreasing across the country — particularly in the South.

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Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Mortgage rates today, October 30, 2018, plus lock recommendations

The most common HOA complaints (and who’s doing the complaining!)

Moving to a neighborhood with a homeowner’s association? Then pay close attention to your music, pets and lawn. According to a new survey, these are some of HOAs’ most complained-about issues, regardless of location.

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Monday, October 29, 2018

Mortgage rates today, October 29, 2018, plus lock recommendations

What’s a Form 4506-T and why does my lender require it?

Why does your lender require a Form 4506-T? To verify your income. However, not all lenders or programs do. And you can protect your information by completing the form completely.

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Stuck in the rent vs buy dilemma? Consider the local price-to-rent ratio

If you’re debating whether to rent or buy, look to your local price-to-rent ratio for guidance. A recent analysis revealed which of the nation's housing markets boast the lowest ratios — thus favoring buying over renting — as well as the spots where renting might be more affordable in the long run.

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Sunday, October 28, 2018

What happens after I accept the buyer’s offer?

You've had your home on the market and you have decided to accept the buyer's offer. But what happens next?

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Friday, October 26, 2018

Mortgage rates today, October 26, 2018, plus lock recommendations

What luxury home buyers are looking for (and how much they want to spend to get it)

More than a third of high net worth individuals think real estate is the most obvious sign of wealth. But what exactly are these buyers looking for in their properties? A new study breaks it down.

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How do I receive an offer?

How do you receive an offer when selling a home? It depends on who it comes from and who's presenting it.

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Thursday, October 25, 2018

November 2018 mortgage rates forecast (FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional)

November 2018 will be an important month for mortgage rates. All factors point to rates trending higher, but that provides opportunity. Home prices are dropping amidst higher rates, and lenders are desperate for business -- ready to offer you the lowest rate possible.

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Mortgage rates today, October 25, 2018, plus lock recommendations

What’s the best time of year to sell a home?

What's the best time of year to sell a home? Usually, in the spring. But not always, and here's why.

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Homeowners rack up $141 billion in credit card debt for renovations

Americans might have more home equity than ever before, but most aren’t tapping it to fund renovations. For those costs? Many homeowners are turning to credit cards instead, spending more than $141 billion on home improvement costs just last year.

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Wednesday, October 24, 2018

When to Replace Your Golf Shoes

Think about your latest pair of workout shoes. Running shoes. Favorite sneakers. You probably replace them relatively frequently! After a year or two of solid use, sneakers tend to deteriorate. The soles aren’t as comfortable.... Read more

The post When to Replace Your Golf Shoes appeared first on American Golf Blog.

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Mortgage rates today, October 24, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Should I buy a condo or a house?

How student loan debt hurts Millennial home buyers

It’s no secret that crippling student loan debt keeps many Millennials from buying a home. But according to new data, Millennials with student loan debt aren’t just less likely to own a home. When they do buy? They face more expensive mortgage loans and lower home values, too.

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Tuesday, October 23, 2018

HARP replacement: New underwater refinance applications start November 2018

Mortgage rates today, October 23, 2018, plus lock recommendations

New ranking: Where borrowers can save the most by mortgage rate shopping

Buying a home in Cincinnati? Then make sure to shop around for your mortgage rate. According to a new analysis, it could save you nearly $24,000.

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How to analyze offers

When selling your home, you'll have to weigh offers from prospective buyers. How do you analyze offers and choose the best one? Find out here.

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Monday, October 22, 2018

Live in your own rental building and call it a primary residence

Owning a rental building and living in it can be an excellent way to save money on your mortgage, while building home equity for your future. How to do it.

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Mortgage rates today, October 22, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Selling a home: closing day and funding

If you're selling a home, closing day is a big deal. How it goes depends on if your buyer has a mortgage, the state in which the property is located, and the lender policies.

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Sunday, October 21, 2018

Should I make repairs when selling if requested by the buyer?

Should you make repairs when selling your home if the buyer asks you to? It depends on your contract, what you can afford, and how good the offer is.

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Saturday, October 20, 2018

Buying again after selling: documents you’ll need

When you apply for a mortgage, there's a lot of paperwork involved and hoops to hop through. This checklist puts it together for you.

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Friday, October 19, 2018

Mortgage rates today, October 19, 2018, plus lock recommendations

Moving to your new home: When should you schedule the move?

Moving to your new home was easier when you had college friends, pizza, and just a few carloads of personal items. Now you have a family, pets, furniture that does not involve crates and concrete blocks. And a mortgage. So consider this list before scheduling moving day.

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Thursday, October 18, 2018

Music's $20M A Month Man: Spotify's Daniel Ek Shows Tim Westergren How It’s Done

The industry gave a collective gasp of horror when founder Tim Westergren was pulling down $1,000,000 by selling of Pandora stock while simultaneously fighting artists with royalty loopholes. Chris Castle writes that Spotify's Daniel Ek is leaving Westergren in the financial dust with a monthly windfall of $20 million.

__________________________

Guest post by Chris Castle from Music Technology Policy

Remember when we were all appalled that Pandora founder Tim Westergren was making $1,000,000 a month from selling Pandora stock while he was behind fighting songwriters in rate court for ASCAP and BMI royalties and stiffing artists with the Internet Radio Fairness Act and refusing to pay pre-72 artists? And then there was the 13 bathroom house in Marin. It was all a bit hard to stomach.

According to Jem Aswad in Variety, Daniel Ek is putting Westergren in the rear view mirror for sheer excess. Based on SEC filings made available to a Swedish publication (probably SEC Form 4):

….Ek sold 336,213 shares $61.7 million worth of stock between July and September, and late last month signaled his intent to sell another $69.9 million sold in July–September for a total of $61.7 million.

So a little over $20 million a month, and it appears that when added to the shares he already sold and will sell, Ek should gross more than all the songwriter class action settlements combined.

“Daniel will sell a small share of Spotify shares in the next nine months as part of his long-term financial strategy. This sale of shares will constitute a minimal part of his holding in the company,” Spotify rep Sofie Grant told the [Swedish] paper. Ek and Lorentzon declined comment.

Of course, it remains to be seen how Spotify does with the several individual infringement lawsuits in Nashville and the Wixen Music Publishing lawsuit in Los Angeles. (Spotify recently lost a motion to dismiss against Bluewater Music represented by attorney Richard Busch, see Order Denying Motion To Dismiss For Lack Of Standing And Failure To State A Claim, Sept. 29, 2018, Bluewater Music Services Corporation, Inc. v. Spotify USA Inc., Case No. 3:17-cv-01051 (D.C. W.D. Tenn.) (2017), which also happens to be a great lesson in copyright law by the judge.)

So – Mr. Ek could spend his money on building an effective licensing operation, but….nah….Sounds like Mr. Ek is a man in need of yet another safe harbor, right?

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Spotify + DistroKid On Road To A Two Sided Marketplace

With news that Spotify had invested in DistroKid and offer it as a distribution conduit to other music services, came speculation as to the music streamer's greater motives. MIDiA analyst Mark Mulligan sees the move as part of Spotify’s strategy to work way up music's value chain by "a) removing some of the distribution component and b) entering into direct relationships with artists." But how will the record labels react?

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By Mark Mulligan of MIDiA and the Music Industry blog

Spotify has taken a minority stake in DistroKid. In itself, it may be a slightly left field but relatively insignificant move, except that it is in fact one small but important step on a much bigger journey. Back in September, Spotify announced that it was enabling artists to upload their music directly to Spotify, simultaneously aggravating record labels, distributors, DIY platforms and Soundcloud all in one fell swoop. This raised an intriguing possibility of a ‘coalition of the willing’ forming against Spotify from slighted partners and competitors. But that’s another blog post. Right now, though, DistroKid’s role in this performance is as an enabler for Spotify in its path to becoming a next generation label / creating a two-sided marketplace (delete as appropriate depending on how all this affects your business).

Bringing efficiencies into the supply chain

Spotify’s DistroKid deal will enable Spotify’s direct artists to “seamlessly distribute their music to other platforms through DistroKid”.So, instead of putting all their streaming eggs in one basket, Spotify’s direct artists now get to stream their music on Apple, Amazon, Deezer and the rest too. What wasn’t made clear in the announcement is whether Spotify will have visibility of the streaming data from those other platforms and / or whether the revenue will be recognised as Spotify revenue and then distributed to its artists. If these statements were to be the case, then Spotify’s competitors would be feeding it data and revenue…

UPDATE: A Spotify spokesperson clarified that “Spotify has no rights to see data from other digital service providers and DistroKid will not share confidential information.”

Why this relatively small announcement matters, is that it is another piece of Spotify’s strategy of shifting its way up the value chain by a) removing some of the distribution component and b) entering into direct relationships with artists. It’s what west coast tech firms call ‘bring efficiencies into the supply chain’. If it all works, Spotify will get more margin, artists will get more margin, but middle players (labels, distributors etc.) will get squeezed.

Treading a subtler path

This is how Spotify can edge quietly towards becoming a record label without going nuclear from the get go. It is a strategy we predicted by in April ahead of Spotify’s DPO:

“As much as the whole world appears to be saying Spotify needs to do a Netflix (and it probably does) it just can’t, not yet at least. In TV, rights are so fragmented that Netflix can have Disney and Fox pull their content and it’d still be a fast growing business. If UMG pulled its content from Spotify, the latter would be dead in the water. So, Spotify will take a subtler path to ‘doing a Netflix’, first by ‘doing a Soundcloud’ i.e. becoming a direct platform for artists and then switching on monetisation etc.”.

The challenge for Spotify is whether it can execute on the strategy quickly enough to excite investors (and thus drive up the share price), but slowly enough to keep record labels on board…so that when they realise where things are heading then it is too late for them to do anything about it.

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YouTube, Eventbrite Partner For Direct Concert Ticketing

YouTube and Eventbrite have partnered to expand direct concert ticketing on the video platform. Combined with its existing Ticketmaster partnership, YouTube now says it covers more than 70% of the US ticketing market.

Starting today, fans watching videos on YouTube Official Artist Channels will see Eventbrite listings for live music performances in the U.S. below each video. A “Tickets” button enables purchase directly from Eventbrite.

Big Potential Upside For Artists

With more than 1 billion monthly users, YouTube’s global audience is a major destination for music discovery. 26% of Millenials and 44% of teens say they already discover live music events on YouTube, according to Nielsen.

So today's partnership should offer a boost to d.i.y. and independent artists and venues who use Eventbrite for ticketing. Live events continue to be a major source of revenue for artists, as much as 65% -85%.

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Sonic Branding: What Is It?

'Sonic Logos' may most commonly be associated with text notifications, and the turning on of computers, but the reality that this kind of audio branding is prevelent throughout almost every commercial industry. Here we scrutinize what exactly sonic branding is, and how it's been used successfully in the past.

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Guest post by Evan Zwisler of Soundfly's Flypaper

Have you ever thought about why your text message notification sounds the way it does? Companies like Apple and Samsung spend huge amounts of money and time making sure that the sounds you associate with their products — be they message notifications or the sound your computer makes when it powers on — make you want to use these products even more.

But it’s not just for tech applications, sound identities pop up in “sonic logos,” advertising [jingles], sonic design motifs, and even playlists, as ways for companies of all kinds to connect on a deeper, emotional level with their customer base. And brands pay good money for artists to create these sounds! If you’re able to create electronic sounds and plenty of them, it’s not a bad idea to start building a portfolio and pitching to agencies.

I sat down with audio branding expert Mikey Ballou, who co-runs the digital creative agency Apostrophe 3, to find out more about why a musician like me might be interested exploring this territory.

But, first, a definition.

What Is Sonic Branding?

Ballou shares his definition: “Sonic branding is the strategic use of music and sound to help reinforce brand recognition and enhance the consumer experience.” Think about the Microsoft Windows startup sound (famously designed by Brian Eno) or the XBox’s sound logo below. They’re not jingles or songs at all — they’re small, powerful pieces of sound that are associated closely and identifiably with that brand’s values.

“Developing strategy based around sound helps to influence the relationship a customer has with a brand, and keeps the customer engaged,” he explains further.

“Consider the idea that every customer will have a multi-sensory experience when they buy — they see, they touch, they smell, and sometimes they taste. The listening component (when combined with the other senses), will ideally evoke new memories and feelings for the customer.”

Sound also contextualizes a brand’s message.

Think about how the music and sound that accompany Darth Vader in Star Warsimmediately tell you a story (a story within a story) about how to feel about the character. Sonic branding is often a huge part of a company’s promotional strategy, because the power of music and sound transcends language. It communicates via emotion and feeling, as opposed to the way that image and text serve to convey factual information; so sound can often be more enduring than a visual image.

Practically speaking, if you’re hired to work on a company’s sonic brand, you’ll need to be able to take the vague concepts central to that brand’s values and translate those into musical qualities. It may only be 3 or 4 notes, or a particular chord that resonates with the average listener, or it could even be nested primarily in the timbral identity of the track. (We can help with some of that, too!)

You may have to be able to provide a number of stylistic versions of your track, as well, like a samba or trap or polka version, and you may be asked to write something that emulates a specific artist, if asked. Often, the finished product will be a collection of clips and motifs that can be used throughout an ad campaign to express the dynamic boundaries of the campaign.

Ballou describes his own process as such:

“Usually an agency will provide a creative brief of what a client will want, and a composer will accommodate it as best as they can. If I develop a brief myself, I research the brand history, consumer demographics, and the geographical territories where the brand has its strongest influence, and overall goals of the campaign.”

Sonic Logos

A sonic logo often lies at the heart of a sound branding campaign. A sonic logo is the audio cue used by a company, TV show, radio network, etc., to leave a customer with a particular impression after the content spot ends, as well as strengthen that customer’s connection to their product in some way.

The best ones are designed to be instantly recognizable, without question as to what that music represents. Logos often will not change for decades, unless they’re either very unsuccessful or the company is rebranding its image and message and needs something new to build buzz and create new associations (keep reading for how McDonald’s accomplished this through music and sound).

Here are some of the most popular sonic logos, which, unless you’ve been living under a rock, you should be able to recognize in your sleep.

HBO’s “Ahh” evokes lots of “TV sounds.” The static and the click that triggers the ahhsound is particularly clever.

NBC’s “Chime” logo is elegant in its simplicity. It’s just three notes which makes it easy to remember and impossible to miss. And it’s a classic example of the major sixth interval too!

Coca-Cola’s “Taste the Feeling” logo was developed so people could sing “taste the feeling” along with the jingle. Their previous sonic logo didn’t do that.

Columbia Pictures’ “Intro Logo” evokes feelings of magical whimsy and it builds to a frenetic climax that makes me feel as if whatever I’m about to see is going to make me feel good.

Branding Through Playlists

Sonic branding goes beyond short examples of sound design, music curation can also be an important part of the sonic branding process. Think about how different the music is in an Abercrombie & Fitch store compared with a Sur la Table or a Hot Topic. Ballou is particularly sensitive to this as both a consumer and someone who works in the industry, himself:

“On several occasions, I have walked out of a retail store because the music playing in the background wasn’t consistent at all with what I wanted to buy that day.”

But if you’re not walking in and out of stores in ever-diminishing malls all that often, where else can you find examples of curated musical experiences? Spotify! Companies have now started making playlists to coincide with other types of content, marketing campaigns, new product launches, or just for general brand engagement.

Naturally, Pixar does a great job using playlists to market their movies. Ms. Squibbles from Monsters University has her own playlist, even though she was only briefly in the movie, because she’s seen head-banging to metal. Pixar has playlists for a variety of their characters to help audiences better connect with their brand and create deeper connections to the characters… and so they can sell merchandise related to these identifications.

Victoria’s Secret has used playlist creation on Spotify as a tool, as well, capitalizing on the obsessive, almost cultish popularity of their runway fashion shows. Their “Rock the Runway: From the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show (2001-2017)” playlist oozes with sex appeal and confidence, and will give any listener the sense that they themselves are the runway model. And every model deserves to be outfitted by Victoria’s Secret, so…

Even Carnival Cruise Lines has gotten into the playlist game on Spotify. Theirs are full of fun and family-friendly summer songs. Their Spotify campaign has only attracted approximately 2,000 followers to the branded playlist to date, but it serves to communicate the experience of being out on the ocean on vacation on one of their trips. Apparently the average listener engagement was about 20 minutes per session. Not bad, especially when you consider that on average a TV commercial only lasts about 30-60 seconds.

Here’s one that just makes sense. Hair product brand Herbal Essences released a playlist of “songs to sing in the shower.”

One bonus of using playlists for branding purposes is that, while an artist has the right to contact a company and ask that they not use their music, tracks do not have to be licensed or granted use permission when added to a playlist on Spotify.

Ad Music Done Right

Coca-Cola’s “Taste the Feeling” campaign is a brilliant example of sonic branding that takes many different aspects of their customer’s experience into account. The company’s previous major campaign (involving yet another redesign of the bottle itself), “Open Happiness,” was based around a bunch of different songs being played and tagged with the slogan “Open Happiness.”

This was successful in a few ways, primarily in creating a social aspect to their core product. But it didn’t allow consumers to sing along with the theme, something that creates internal connection and forges a personal relationship. The music was basically an afterthought.

Sound design has always been a big part of marketing products like Coca-Cola. We’ve been hearing sound effects like bubbles and sizzles and liquid pouring slowly to trigger thirst for years, so this, of course, was going to be used in Coke’s “refreshing” new campaign. But part of the reason this new campaign felt so successful was that the transitions between the entire sound design process, from opening the bottle, to pouring over ice, to drinking and expressing the sound of refreshment, “aaaah,” were so seamlessly blended with a singable melody.

It’s a holistic approach to their audio brand. And it didn’t hurt that that particular five-note melody was super catchy and instantly recognizable, just like another notable theme…

The McDonald’s “I’m Lovin’ It” sonic logo is another super successful five-note melody, which has some insane history (the video below is well worth your 6 minutes)!

Because this McDonald’s campaign has been so longstanding, and so global, this one is a great example of how different global cultures require different melodic, vocal, and instrumental choices when branding in the country in question. Every culture is, indeed, different and certain advertising norms and techniques simply don’t translate to other audiences. Here’s a compilation of Japanese versions of the “I’m Loving It” logo, for example.

Finally, Avon has also leveraged sonic branding to help their customers make stronger connections to their product. Avon was one of the first brands to use sonic branding with their “Ding, Dong, Avon calling!” marketing campaign back in the 1950s. Lately, the brand has started releasing tons of online content, capitalizing on a strategy they implemented early on, in which they strive to look beyond “their visual identity to keep their communications consistent around the world.”

They still use the iconic “ding dong” sound in their sonic logo, to evoke both the past (always popular) and the notion of building neighborly community through their product, and then use a woman’s voice to sing “Avon.” This is a sonic logo that is both “modular and flexible,” which means they can use it across multiple platforms, and it has proven very effective — which is part of the reason they’ve expanded the short logo into a full song recorded in a bunch of different languages.

If you’re an artist wanting to try your hand at sonic branding and logo creation, start building a sound portfolio to eventually pitch to clients and agencies. There are also tons of online competitions popping up that you can enter to see if you have a knack for this type of thing.

from hypebot https://ift.tt/2PBuyGW