Dream a Little Dream: A Film for Your New Year

Dear Readers,

Happy New Year!

On this pivotal day of our year I thought it would be nice to step back and air something again that is close to my heart and which represents my highest aspirations for the company: helping people to live better on any budget and at any age. While we center on the youthful part of life, the lessons are evergreen.

So here it is. Way back in 2014 we celebrated our tenth year and, feeling particularly youthful, we decided to make a short film for fun inspired by YOU ALL, Woody Allen, Charlie Chaplin and this amazing song by The von Trapps & Pink Martini. We invite you to take a few minutes to watch and send it to your friends. Full credits are below.

Best, Maxwell Ryan
CEO & Founder

Dear Readers,

Happy New Year!

On this pivotal day of our year I thought it would be nice to step back and air something again that is close to my heart and which represents my highest aspirations for the company: helping people to live better on any budget and at any age. While we center on the youthful part of life, the lessons are evergreen.

So here it is. Way back in 2014 we celebrated our tenth year and, feeling particularly youthful, we decided to make a short film for fun inspired by YOU ALL, Woody Allen, Charlie Chaplin and this amazing song by The von Trapps & Pink Martini. We invite you to take a few minutes to watch and send it to your friends. Full credits are below.

Best, Maxwell Ryan
CEO & Founder

READ MORE »

from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2Royv65

A Charming Old Portland House Is Now a Natural History-Infused Tattoo Parlor — House Tour

Name: Alice Kendall
Location: Wonderland Tattoo, SE Portland, Oregon
Size: 1,300 square feet
Years lived in: 5 months, renting

Alice Kendall is one of the most sought-after tattoo artists in Portland. She opened her shop Wonderland in 2013, and quickly established her ranking as a top artist in one of the nation's most inked cities. Praise from the New York Times boosted her already successful career to the next level; clients travel from around the world for a few hours of her highly coveted time. Five years and thousands of tattoos later, Alice has amassed a team of artists and has opened a brand new Wonderland... in a vintage house next door to her first shop in Southeast Portland. She tapped artist Trish Grantham to completely rework the interior of the home, with the goal of creating a space that is luxe and feminine, and very intentionally "not the typical dude tattoo shop." The new Wonderland has an upstairs nautical-themed apartment for the rotating artist-in-residence, Grantham's signature hand-painted wallpaper is featured throughout the home, and Kendall's original paintings adorn the walls.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2Vo5M0u

Single-Family Homes Now Integral to Rental Stock

Posted To: MND NewsWire

When one thinks about renters it is usually clusters of three-story garden style apartments, or high-rise elevator buildings that come to mind. But Freddie Mac says that the majority of America's 43 million renter households, 25 million of them in fact live in properties considered single-family housing - detached homes, townhomes, and two-to-four-unit properties (with the last category accounting for about 8 million units). The total valuation of single-family rentals (SFRs) is estimated at well over $4 trillion, compared to $3.7 trillion for the traditional five+ unit rental properties. Urban dwellers make up 35.5 million of the nation's renters while 7.5 million live in rural areas, but in the latter, 66 percent of the rental stock is single family housing. Because of the heavy involvement...(read more)

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from Mortgage News Daily http://bit.ly/2TinW1J

Single-Family Homes Now Integral to Rental Stock

Posted To: MND NewsWire

When one thinks about renters it is usually clusters of three-story garden style apartments, or high-rise elevator buildings that come to mind. But Freddie Mac says that the majority of America's 43 million renter households, 25 million of them in fact live in properties considered single-family housing - detached homes, townhomes, and two-to-four-unit properties (with the last category accounting for about 8 million units). The total valuation of single-family rentals (SFRs) is estimated at well over $4 trillion, compared to $3.7 trillion for the traditional five+ unit rental properties. Urban dwellers make up 35.5 million of the nation's renters while 7.5 million live in rural areas, but in the latter, 66 percent of the rental stock is single family housing. Because of the heavy involvement...(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Mortgage News Daily http://bit.ly/2TinW1J

Mortgage Rates End Year on Strong Note

Posted To: Mortgage Rate Watch

Mortgage rates moved lower again today--this time in a slightly more noticeable way. More than anything, this was a reflection of last Friday's market movement, which lenders were hesitant to pass along on their rate sheet offerings ("market movement" + "lender-specific factors" = mortgage rates). As of Friday, the average lender was offering the best rates since August. As of today, we're seeing the best rates since April. In other words, the year is ending with the best rates in 8 months. My comments from last Friday are still relevant: 2 months ago, all hope seemed lost. Rates were the highest in years and there were few reasons to expect the pain to subside, short of a massive meltdown in stocks or a big picture shift in the economy. As you're likely aware, stocks indeed tanked heading...(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Mortgage News Daily http://bit.ly/2RrwFBg

Mortgage Rates End Year on Strong Note

Posted To: Mortgage Rate Watch

Mortgage rates moved lower again today--this time in a slightly more noticeable way. More than anything, this was a reflection of last Friday's market movement, which lenders were hesitant to pass along on their rate sheet offerings ("market movement" + "lender-specific factors" = mortgage rates). As of Friday, the average lender was offering the best rates since August. As of today, we're seeing the best rates since April. In other words, the year is ending with the best rates in 8 months. My comments from last Friday are still relevant: 2 months ago, all hope seemed lost. Rates were the highest in years and there were few reasons to expect the pain to subside, short of a massive meltdown in stocks or a big picture shift in the economy. As you're likely aware, stocks indeed tanked heading...(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Mortgage News Daily http://bit.ly/2RrwFBg

7 Beautiful Wintry Color Palettes We Can't Get Enough Of

I love color and really think any shades can work year-round in your home if you're a big enough fan of them. And sure, colors are seasonal—white feels like summer, pastels read as springy, and darker shades are always going to be more autumnal or appropriate for winter. But the magic is really in the mix. Most shades can go either way, depending on what you pair them with. So if you're looking for a little palette inspo for a 2019 makeover or renovation, take a peek at these rooms. They've all channeled winter vibes but aren't sparse, cold, or off putting in the slightest bit. Here's why they work so well, for winter and beyond.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2Ar2BvV

How I Bought a Modern Bungalow on a Writer’s Budget — My First Home

I've dreamed of owning my own home for as long as I can remember. Looking at real estate listings is a hobby for me, and house-hunting shows make me blissfully happy.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2FJS6om

A Home Decorated to Feel Like the Weekend Every Day — House Tour

Name: Liz Martin
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Size: 1,800 square feet
Years lived in: 6 months, owned

Charleston blogger and shop owner Liz Martin has a simple mission: to make every day feel like the weekend. And according to Liz, it starts at home. "It's about being surrounded by little things that make you smile," she says. "[things like] fresh flowers, glorious candles, and fun decor." Nothing says weekend like a getaway, and Liz incorporated elements from all of her favorite vacation destinations into her design.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2EZbZuy

8 of the Best Maximalist Home Buys You Can Find on Amazon

2019 is officially upon us and it's bringing a whole new slew of home decor trends with it. According to our friends at Etsy, the ultra-minimalist look is on its way out and maximalist decor items—a.k.a. clashing patterns, bright colors, and bold prints—will be taking over our homes instead. So to kickstart your design endeavors for the new year, we rounded up some maximalist-inspired home goods you can order on Amazon. From floral printed contact paper to a tiger striped footstool, here are eight products on Amazon that any maximalist will love.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2BOYwBG

5 Books Celebs Couldn’t Put Down in 2018

Need help deciding what to read next? Take a cue from these famous bookworms.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2EYzpzG

MBS Day Ahead: 8 Examples of New Year Bond Trading Themes

Posted To: MBS Commentary

This week promises a slow start due to the early close today and full closure tomorrow, but a strong finish due to Friday's NFP and the simple fact that it's a new trading year during a fairly volatile phase for markets. I've talked a lot in recent weeks about the general truths of new year trading, so I figured it was time to put together charts with examples of recent new year themes. Here are the 7 most interesting new year trends/reversals of the past 8 years. 2 of them didn't make the cut because nothing new happened, but 7 out of 9 is more than enough to suggest a risk of volatility ahead. As the charts show, the bigger volatility risk is for that of a reversal, although there's at least one notable example of a rally actually accelerating. It's very important...(read more)

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from Mortgage News Daily http://bit.ly/2BP0Icl

MBS Day Ahead: 8 Examples of New Year Bond Trading Themes

Posted To: MBS Commentary

This week promises a slow start due to the early close today and full closure tomorrow, but a strong finish due to Friday's NFP and the simple fact that it's a new trading year during a fairly volatile phase for markets. I've talked a lot in recent weeks about the general truths of new year trading, so I figured it was time to put together charts with examples of recent new year themes. Here are the 7 most interesting new year trends/reversals of the past 8 years. 2 of them didn't make the cut because nothing new happened, but 7 out of 9 is more than enough to suggest a risk of volatility ahead. As the charts show, the bigger volatility risk is for that of a reversal, although there's at least one notable example of a rally actually accelerating. It's very important...(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Mortgage News Daily http://bit.ly/2BP0Icl

Need Some Breathing Room at Home? These Design Tricks Can Help

We need to talk about your clutter.

No, not the dirty dishes in your sink or your unmade bed (that's a mess); we're talking about the loose papers on the kitchen counter, the knick-knacks taking over your bookshelf, and all those storage bins occupying important floor space. You know, clutter.

Turns out, your clutter can do a lot more than cramp your space's style. Research shows cluttered areas can make it difficult to focus. Ugh.

But just because you want to declutter your space doesn't mean you have to go full-on Marie Kondo and toss every little thing that doesn't bring you joy. Instead, try these expert-approved hacks for giving your space the breathing room it deserves.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2RrcZNZ

This Mountain Retreat Was Built to Escape from Urban Life

When the typical city dweller yearns for a break from the traffic, crowds, noise, and light pollution, some of the most immediate forms of relief can come by hopping on a quick flight to a remote, quiet destination, or packing up the car for a weekend road trip.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2GPZrra

Dec. 31: Rates, the Fed, World Economies, Affordability, and the Shutdown

Posted To: Pipeline Press

How important is it for lock desk personnel to charge the correct fees for rate lock extensions? Very. Lock mistakes were included in Wells Fargo’s latest settlement with states, this time around for $575 million. There were other non-mortgage items listed, however, including opening millions of unauthorized accounts and enrolled customers into online banking services without their knowledge or consent, improperly referred customers for enrollment in third-party renters and life insurance policies, improperly charging auto loan customers for force-placed and unnecessary collateral protection insurance, and failure to ensure that customers received refunds of unearned premiums on some optional auto finance products. (In other legal news, the video industry is scrambling since athletes...(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Mortgage News Daily http://bit.ly/2SusrpR

Dec. 31: Rates, the Fed, World Economies, Affordability, and the Shutdown

Posted To: Pipeline Press

How important is it for lock desk personnel to charge the correct fees for rate lock extensions? Very. Lock mistakes were included in Wells Fargo's latest settlement with states, this time around for $575 million. There were other non-mortgage items listed, however, including opening millions of unauthorized accounts and enrolled customers into online banking services without their knowledge or consent, improperly referred customers for enrollment in third-party renters and life insurance policies, improperly charging auto loan customers for force-placed and unnecessary collateral protection insurance, and failure to ensure that customers received refunds of unearned premiums on some optional auto finance products. (In other legal news, the video industry is scrambling since athletes...(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Mortgage News Daily http://bit.ly/2SusrpR

A North Portland Rental Is Bohemian, Eclectic, and Filled with Plants — House Call

Name: Jordan Jones, my boyfriend, and our Maine Coon Cat, Thor
Location: Portland, Oregon
Size: 700 square feet
Years lived in: 1 year, renting

I'm a fashion blogger, barista, and hairstylist and I live in a one-bedroom apartment in North Portland with my partner Grant Thomas and our 20-pound Maine Coon cat named Thor. Grant and I met on Tinder three years ago back in San Diego, California, which is where we used to live. For our first year anniversary, we decided to travel to Portland for the first time together and just fell in love with the city and each other. So six months later we decided we would move in together and move to Portland. Currently, we've been in our '50s style building for a year now and I've had so much fun decorating it since it's the first time in my life that I've had a "real" place of my own and not with roommates. Grant and I really enjoy our new city and our life we've created here together.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2TkfVZY

The 10 Best New Organizing Hacks We Learned in 2018

This year we discovered that it's quite possible to make something out of nothing. This knowledge comes with a lot of power: It's helped us be less wasteful, plus keep our homes spotless. Here are some of the best—and most useful—organizing hacks we learned.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2Apwlcv

9 Celebs Share The Books You Should Add To Your 2019 Reading List

For many, a new year means a new reading list that you're determined to get through in 365 days. To help you with your 2019 goals, some of our favorite celebrities shared what they read this past year—giving you an inside look as to what you should stack on your nightstand next.

Regardless of whether they like eBooks or the real deal, almost all the well-known personalities we've spoken with are burying themselves in a good read. From actress Olivia Wilde to interior designer Jonathan Adler and everyone in between, we've rounded up current books that they've dived into. You're next!

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2ViSjXx

13 of the Most Vibrant, Colorful Homes of the Year

Full of boldly colored walls, fun furniture, and vibrant accessories, these 13 homes are bursting with vivid hues in bold ways. They just might inspire you to do some painting in the new year.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2Rp1cQj

Inside a 160 Square-Foot, Off-the-Grid Cabin With A Minimalist Vibe

For getaway seekers eyeing remote accommodations of the more sophisticated variety, Virginia design studio GreenSpur has come through marvelously with the Lost Whiskey Cabin.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2VjUcU0

5 Great Places in the U.S. to Live in a Tiny House

Yes, home is where the heart is and all that good stuff. But, if you're a prospective tiny home owner, it also helps to have zoning regulations on your side and a place to hook up and plug into the grid.

Take it from Chase Bowler, who lived in a tiny home for two years in both Ottawa, Ontario and Burlington, Vermont. Originally, he wanted to buy his own plot of land, but quickly realized many lots didn't have electricity hook ups—and putting one in would be a huge expense.

If you've got your sights set on a particular location, it's important to review the county and city zoning laws, says Emily Gerde, who lives in a tiny home near Steamboat Springs, Colorado with her family and is the author of "Minimalist Living for a Maximum Lifestyle." To get started, look for minimum square footage requirements and what kind of Accessory Dwelling Unit (or ADU) requirements exist. (ADU is a tiny house on the same property of a larger existing home, often in the backyard). Gerde points out that many tiny home dwellers have had the best success in unincorporated or agricultural zoning areas.

With that explainer out of the way, here are five places in the United States that are especially noteworthy when it comes to being tiny home-friendly. (And if you're getting serious about scouting out a spot for your next tiny home that doesn't appear on this list, check out the American Tiny House Association, which keeps tabs on zoning regulations across the United States and helps potential tiny home owners navigate zoning nuances.)

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2BSaTg7

How to Say "Cheers" in 10 Different Languages

New Year's Eve means a lot of different things to different people across the globe, but one thing stays true for just about everyone: It's a time to celebrate and reflect. And while stateside we like to ring in the New Year with champagne and a congenial "cheers," different cultures around the world have their own distinct celebratory toasts.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2AltLEq

I Keep My Holiday Lights Up All Year Long—Here's Why You Should, Too

I wish I could tell you about the first time I realized that holiday lights look great as year-round interior decor, but I don't remember a specific incident that acted as a catalyst here. Perhaps—in fact, most likely—it was when I was still in high school, living with my parents in the woods of Appalachia. Without much to do as a byproduct of living in a remote place and being a teenager, my bedroom became my sanctuary, just as it is for other teenagers across the world. It's a tale as old as time. So I expressed myself hard in that space. I drew on the walls, collected band posters with pride, and draped twinkle lights about that I kept there all year long.

I did this again in my apartments in New York City as a young adult and yet again in the first standalone house I ever lived in as an older young adult in Austin, Texas. Once I became a parent, I went a little extra overboard on the holiday lights for my daughter's first Christmas, stringing them every which way across my living room ceiling. I didn't take those lights down for two years, and they only came down because I was moving out of that house, transporting my life one last time, from Michigan to Oregon. When I spent my first Christmas in my new home last year, I joked as I framed my fireplace in small white lights. "These aren't ever coming down," I said.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2QUqSVz

Beauty Blogger Sydne Summer's Serene California Condo — House Tour

Name: Sydne Summer
Location: West Hollywood, California
Size: 740 square feet
Years Lived In: 10 years, owned

"After ten years of living in my condo, I was ready for a fresh start," writes fashion and beauty blogger Sydne Summer. "My renovation started because I needed to replace my hardwood floors after some bad storms. What began as a small project turned into a three-month complete renovation. Even though it was beyond exhausting, it was totally worth it! I love waking up with natural sunlight in an all-white space."

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2CAYTOX

8 Great Sources for Buying Authentic Turkish and Moroccan Rugs on Etsy

When I was in Morocco earlier this month, my favorite thing to do was to get lost in the rug souks. Carpets spilled out the doors and were stacked in technicolor columns, catching the eye with their orange and gold patterns, their peach and juniper shades, their traditional prints and busy weaves. My fingers itched to buy 12 on the spot and worry about how to fit them into my suitcase after—I wanted every inch of my house covered in these rugs. And knowing how pricey these same rugs are back in the States, the in-house prices were almost too good to pass up. But thanks to places like Etsy, I scaled back a little and held onto my self control (though I did buy a small area rug, because I only have so much strength).

I've been researching Moroccan and Turkish rugs for over a year now, trying to hunt down the perfect ones for my living room and bedroom without blowing a hole in my budget. Because of this (sort of) patient hunt, I have found a handful of shops that sell their vintage treasures at almost the same price that stores in Marrakesh and Fez do—meaning we can bring the beauty of Morocco into our houses without having to eat bread and beans for a month to compensate for it. Check out some of the shops below!

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2SqNSIr

A Sacramento Home Is "Bright, Eclectic, and Slightly Chewed-Upon" — House Call

Name: Sarah Huchel
Location: East Sacramento neighborhood — Sacramento, California
Size: 1,020 square feet
Years lived in: 8 years, owned

I was looking for a home to buy for over a year, and I completely lucked out with this place. Not only is the neighborhood geographically amazing (I commute to work and can do nearly all my errands by bike!), the neighbors are fantastic (one of my best friends ended up buying a house three doors down), and my sewer line has not yet collapsed. This house was a short sale and had been abandoned for awhile; there were mosquito fish in the pool, the walls were all painted a weird dark red, and I wasn't sure all the floors were salvageable. As a military brat, I was really looking forward to having a place I could live for a while.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2CGGP9c

The 10 Best-Designed Tiny Houses We Saw on Instagram This Year

2018 just might have been the year of tiny house saturation, and I'm okay with that. There are a number of HGTV shows on small space living, and every time you scroll through Instagram, it feels like yet another cute couple or family has decided to renovate a bus or RV—or build a tiny house on wheels from the ground up—and they've completely killed it on the design plan and execution. So inspired by all that aplomb, we're rounding up 10 of the most stylish tiny house interiors from Instagram for your viewing pleasure. Who knows? Maybe 2019 will be your year to live large in a downsized space. And if that's the case, this story will surely come in handy.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2Qc1KnX

10 of the Best Decluttering Tips and Tricks from 2018

Sometimes all you need to declutter your space is a new frame of mind. Sounds easier said than done? Not so fast. Take a look at some of the best lessons we learned this year about how to live with less.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2BSJVoG

The One Home Decor Trend I Hope Stays in 2018

Well, the end of the year is upon us, and it's time to look forward to what 2019 has to offer in terms of style and design. But I also think it's fun to reflect on the past and think about what trends might be running their course. What I'm about to say might be a little polarizing, especially if you live in a rental and can't really do much about your surroundings. But the one trend I hope stays in 2018 is: Bright white painted walls.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2rYuKpF

One Clutter-y Thing You Should Pack Away with Your Decorations

For those of us with limited kitchen space (or a penchant for minimalism), designer and blogger Melissa Coleman of The Faux Martha has a genius tip: When it's time to put away holiday decorations, pack your specialty cooking supplies with them.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2QbWbpp

These Tiny House Beach Rentals Start at $30/Night—and Are All Under $100!

Now that winter break is over, you're probably planning your next vacation—and it's most likely to some place warm. If your idea of paradise is staying in a sweet tiny house on the beach, then we've got you covered. Here, the best micro real estate to rent for an affordable coastal getaway:

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2EVIIjz

The Smartest Studio Apartment Layouts We Saw in 2018

Our homes have to host many different functions for our lives, from sleeping to cooking to lounging to working, and even sometimes entertaining. It's hard enough living in a small home, but when that home is literally only one room? It can be tough to relax when you can see every inch of your home from your bed. But some of the most popular studio apartment tours this year showed you don't have to let the lack of walls dampen your home or living style.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2BLpOsL

Dog Owners Take More Pictures of Their Pet Than Their Significant Other

If you were to hand someone your phone right now, what would the camera roll look like? A few snaps from recent date nights, a couple pictures of your loved ones, and roughly 500 photos of your pet, right? You just can't help yourself, they fell asleep in the cutest position and you had to snap a couple (50) pictures of them!

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2QadjMu

The Best Colors to Make Your Small Space Feel Bigger

The painter Wassily Kandinsky was on to something when he said, "Color is a power which directly influences the soul."

When decorating your home, color has the power to completely transform the place. A relaxing color can transform your room into a soothing oasis or add a jolt of energy to your kitchen or living room. And if you're working with a smaller space, some colors can even make your space look bigger.

Of course, not all colors and rooms are created, so we turned to the pros. Below, several experts weigh in on which hues can help you make the most of your space.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2ES4IMu

10 Secrets from Home Cooks for Starting a Food Budget You Can Stick To

Financial wizards will tell you that there's no time like the present to reign in your spending and get a grip on your budget—but it's their job to say that! Setting a food budget (that you can stick to) isn't exactly a cake walk. In fact, it's kinda the opposite. To help you get on the right track, we asked 10 (super-relatable) home cooks for their best realistic food budgeting advice that you can implement right now.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2CFMP1S

9 of the Most Underrated Items at Home Depot, According to Long-Time Renters

Think Home Depot is just for suburbanites working on DIY projects or shopping for a washer/dryer? Ask long-time urbanites-who-rent and they'll tell you that there are so many gems in this big-box store. In fact, many of the things you'd order from Amazon or pick up at Target for your place can be found at Home Depot—and with a better selection (and sometimes better prices). Here are nine surprising things my seasoned renter-friends and I recommend buying at Home Depot:

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2GNAnRH

A Modern Adobe Farmhouse Home in Marfa — House Tour

Name: Ginger Griffice and Chick Rabourn
Location: Marfa, Texas
Size: 1,200 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years, owned

If you ask people what the town of Marfa, Texas is all about, you'll hear a variety of different narratives describing this small, rural cultural curiosity: It's an old place that is having new life breathed into it; It's a dying town that's being reborn as a cultural center. It's hip...it's dried up. But if you ask Ginger Griffice and Chick Rabourn what Marfa means to them, they'll tell you it means home. Like many of the "expats" that move to Marfa from elsewhere in the country, Ginger and Chick quickly found that it was a place where the pace was slower, where they had the space to create, and that they could not only pursue their own personal goals and dreams, but also integrate themselves into a thriving community of artists. Their adobe house, which is both firmly grounded in Texas' indigenous architectural history and in Marfa's modernity, is a perfect example of Marfa's many contradictions...and of its many charms.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2D6bsTz

You Can Finally Proclaim Your Love of Rosé With This Giant Pillow From Urban Outfitters

We don't care if we get called "basic" for saying this, but we love rosé! Sure, it might seem like a summer drink, but every rosé lover knows that it can be enjoyed year-round. If you're a huge lover of rosé, chances are your friends already know that it is your go-to drink of choice. But, now, you can really advertise your passion for rosé in your home, thanks to Urban Outfitters.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2AhLe0w

The Best Things You Can Do for a Blank, Forgotten Corner

We all have that one corner we have no idea what to do with. It's too small for a piece of furniture, but too big for a small accent piece. And sure, it's only a tiny sliver of emptiness, but in a room that's otherwise decorated, it sticks out like a missing tooth. Here are some ideas that you can buy or DIY to make it feel a little less bare.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2Anduif

15 Beautiful Blue Bedrooms to Inspire Your Next Refresh

Unwinding at the end of a busy day is easier when your bedroom is soothing and resort-like, and incorporating shades of blue into your sleeping area is one way to create an automatically calming atmosphere. We love how these 15 rooms feature various shades of this versatile hue.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2s2pO2M

7 Actually Stylish Wall Calendars to Hang in 2019

Where has the year gone? It feels like just yesterday we were basking in the hot summer sun, but now we're bundled up in winter clothes and gearing up for a new year. But there are a couple things to do before we ring in 2019. We have to set our (and our home's) New Year's resolutions, for starters. But we also have to buy a calendar for the 12 months ahead.

We know what you're thinking: "A calendar? Who uses physical calendars when you can have everything stored on your smartphone and laptop?" Call us old-fashioned, but it's nice to have some things written down in case your gadgets experience a glitch.

Plus, there are many options out there that look more like a beautiful art print than a boring calendar. Ring in the new year in style with these ridiculously chic wall calendars:

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2GJLWtd

A Small Denver Apartment Is a Latin American-Inspired Boho Sanctuary — House Call

Name: Maria Cronin and my cat Frida
Location: Cheesman Park neighborhood — Denver, Colorado
Size: 500 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years, renting

I love that I smile when I walk in my apartment and throw down my work bag. My cat Frida (yes named after Frida Kahlo) awaits me while lounging on my favorite Peruvian throw blanket. I put a lot of thought into my home aesthetic. The inspiration behind my feminine meets eclectic vibe comes from my travels, my mother, fashion, and art. Though small, I wouldn't change a thing about my 1920s sunny apartment (okay I would ask for a bigger kitchen, but trust me I've made it work!). Just a stone's throw away from the best park in Denver, my home is filled with bright colors, lush plants, and framed artwork from yours truly! I love gushing about my pad and my friends love to compliment it. I don't believe in design faux pas; anything can work with a little sass and artistic eye.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2BOCBux

Women Sleep More Peacefully Next to Their Dog, Not Their Significant Other

There are some things about sleeping that seem to just be a fact. You sleep better in your own bed, totally true, right? Flipping your pillow to the other side will instantly cool you off and lull you back to sleep? Also true! Sleeping with your dog next to you, instead of your partner, will give you a better night sleep? That is also, apparently, true.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2Sq9CUR

3 Brilliant (and Free!) Hacks for Storing Christmas Decorations

Once Christmas is over, all you're left with is a container full of cookies and a whole mess of decorations to put away. And in the sugar-fueled stupor of the post-holiday season, it can be tempting to walk into the organizing store and blow a gift card or three on unitasking storage containers.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2lajUch

MBS RECAP: Bonds Improve Significantly Despite Stock Market Resilience

Posted To: MBS Commentary

Bonds have had their good eye on stocks for months now. Almost any instance of exceptional bond market strength has come courtesy of exceptional weakness in the stock market. Today was--well... and exception . Stocks and bonds both began the day fairly close to yesterday's latest levels. Stocks stayed there. Bonds didn't. It's really that simple in terms of recapping the movement itself, but what was the underlying cause? Given the timing of today's volume spikes in bonds, we're almost certainly dealing with year-end tradeflows. What does that mean? In a nutshell, these are trades that were going to be made today (or some time before the end of the year) regardless of any other inputs. Certain traders had positions they needed/wanted to close before 2019 arrives and other...(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Mortgage News Daily http://bit.ly/2ETJmz9

MBS RECAP: Bonds Improve Significantly Despite Stock Market Resilience

Posted To: MBS Commentary

Bonds have had their good eye on stocks for months now. Almost any instance of exceptional bond market strength has come courtesy of exceptional weakness in the stock market. Today was--well... and exception . Stocks and bonds both began the day fairly close to yesterday's latest levels. Stocks stayed there. Bonds didn't. It's really that simple in terms of recapping the movement itself, but what was the underlying cause? Given the timing of today's volume spikes in bonds, we're almost certainly dealing with year-end tradeflows. What does that mean? In a nutshell, these are trades that were going to be made today (or some time before the end of the year) regardless of any other inputs. Certain traders had positions they needed/wanted to close before 2019 arrives and other...(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Mortgage News Daily http://bit.ly/2ETJmz9

Mortgage Rates End 2018 at 4-Month Lows

Posted To: Mortgage Rate Watch

Mortgage rates moved lower by an almost imperceptible amount today. The improvement was enough to bring the average lender to the lowest levels since the end of August, 2018. In other words, these are the best rates in 4 months. 2 months ago, all hope seemed lost. Rates were the highest in years and there were few reasons to expect the pain to subside, short of a massive meltdown in stocks or a big picture shift in the economy. As you're likely away, stocks indeed tanked heading into the 4th quarter. And as I've mentioned many times since, that stock weakness was largely responsible for rates' ability to reclaim lost ground. This raises serious questions for the beginning of 2019 because the economic data and other indicators aren't necessarily looking like they justify all the pain we've seen...(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Mortgage News Daily http://bit.ly/2EU1jgR

Mortgage Rates End 2018 at 4-Month Lows

Posted To: Mortgage Rate Watch

Mortgage rates moved lower by an almost imperceptible amount today. The improvement was enough to bring the average lender to the lowest levels since the end of August, 2018. In other words, these are the best rates in 4 months. 2 months ago, all hope seemed lost. Rates were the highest in years and there were few reasons to expect the pain to subside, short of a massive meltdown in stocks or a big picture shift in the economy. As you're likely away, stocks indeed tanked heading into the 4th quarter. And as I've mentioned many times since, that stock weakness was largely responsible for rates' ability to reclaim lost ground. This raises serious questions for the beginning of 2019 because the economic data and other indicators aren't necessarily looking like they justify all the pain we've seen...(read more)

Forward this article via email:  Send a copy of this story to someone you know that may want to read it.

from Mortgage News Daily http://bit.ly/2EU1jgR

Here's What to Do If an Amazon Package Arrived Too Late for Christmas

Now that holiday shopping is phasing out, many people are wondering the whereabouts of a purchase that's yet to arrive.

If you're like me, you shopped last minute via Amazon because, who doesn't love two-day shipping? But sometimes they online retailer doesn't deliver—literally. Thankfully, the team at Offers offered (no pun intended) a guide detailing what to do if your Amazon Prime order arrived too late for Christmas.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2QRWHhA

This Artist's Home For Sale Comes With All the Sculptures

This two-bedroom, two-bathroom home that belongs to multimedia artist Michael Jude Russo is proof that the concept of becoming one with nature isn't just an overused cliché. The art-filled abode sits slightly north of Fort Lauderdale in Wilton Manors and is currently on the market for $1.2 million. Included in the sale are the hundreds of artwork and sculptures displayed in the home, the gardens, and the two-story studio.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2Akntot

A Vintage Furniture Collector's Thrifted Home — House Call

Name: Kelly Wheeler and three kids
Location: Darien, Illinois
Size: 1,500 square feet
Years lived in: 6 years, owned

I bought my home six years ago and live here with my three kids, Jack, Brice, and Ireland. The home is a split-level that was built in the '80s and when I moved in, it had wall-to-wall carpet and white walls. It was very dark and generic but I loved that it had lots of windows and space. I had a small budget and I used it all on the hardwood floors—which meant I had to DIY everything else. Since I had absolutely no money left for furniture, I started thrifting/junking to fill up my home.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2GMr1Wm

Is It Cheaper to Live in the City or the Suburbs?

Is it cheaper to be a city dweller or a suburbanite? When it comes to real estate, the obvious answer is that, yes, it's probably much cheaper to buy a home or rent in the suburbs. (Thank you, next!)

But, wait just a second! When you start factoring in other costs of living, or you hone in on some housing markets, you may be surprised to find that in some cases, living in the 'burbs can be more expensive than city life.

Here are some financial factors to consider when it comes to the cities versus suburbs debate:

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2Sp4j89

These Bathrooms Make the Case for Matching Your Wall Tiles to Your Floor Tiles

There is nothing quite as luxurious as a stylish bathroom, but sometimes it's hard to design the small space in a way that makes your eyes pop while simultaneously leaving a lasting impression. There are an infinite number of light fixtures and shower curtains you can choose from, but one way to take your bathroom up a design level is to match your wall tiles to your floor tiles. Does it sound intense? Sure, but have faith and hear me out. Having your floor tiles melt down to the floor and spread out a continuing print across the room creates a punch that's both creative and bold—but that doesn't mean it has to be risky. You can decide to cover an entire room with a certain print, or have it only cascade from one single wall down to the floor, or even have it start as a sink backsplash and extend down to the floor, limiting just how much drama you add to the room. To see which style you like best, check out some of the examples below.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2QSY9k3

Check Out the Floor Plans of 7 Famous Movie Hotel Rooms

There are movie fans and then there are movie fans, you know? For some true cinephiles, simply watching their favorite movie over and over again until they have the entire thing memorized and confuse its fictional characters for real people is not enough (not like I've ever done that with "Sleepless in Seattle" or anything, nothing to see here!). No, some true movie fans crave a more immersive experience. Standing where the characters in their favorite films stood. Taking in the same view. Maybe lying in the same bed? If that describes you (hey, no judgment here), it looks like Expedia may be able to help you in your endeavor.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2VficHP

7 Surprising Ways to Use This Super-Common $8 Buy

Keeping small stuff organized is never easy, and unfortunately, doing it on a budget can be even harder. Luckily, we found a clever buy that can help you corral all sorts of items around your home—that should only set you back about eight bucks. What could this wonderful mystery product be you ask? Glasses cases, just like this set of two for just $8 on Amazon!

Amazon

Portable Frosted Translucent Eyeglasses Case 2 Pack

$7.99

Turns out those cheap plastic eyeglass cases you can also find at the dollar store—or already have a stockpile of in your junk drawer—are actually pretty awesome for organizing an array of personal possessions. Don't believe us? Read ahead for seven ways to upgrade your storage game with a glasses case.

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from Apartment Therapy | Saving the world, one room at a time http://bit.ly/2EQ3fWW