On Thursday, April 27^th, Executive Chef Bryce Shuman of the Michelin-recognized Sweetbriar, formerly of Eleven Madison Park, and The Sylvia Center, an organization founded in 2007 to address diet-related diseases in under-resourced communities across the five boroughs, will be hosting a 15^th anniversary celebration fundraising event at their Art of Cooking Benefit.

Throughout the evening, The Sylvia Center will celebrate its founding supporter, Great Performances Hospitality Group and honor Wendy Dessy of Proskauer. The inaugural Miriam and Carl Stern Community Partnership Award will be granted to Jeannette Bocanegra of Justice for Families, a partner organization in the Bronx. The event will also feature students from three of The Sylvia Center’s Teen Culinary Apprenticeship programs in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens, who will create their own dish that will be featured during the event’s cocktail hour.

The Art of Cooking Benefit will take place at Hudson Mercantile (500 W 36^th St.) with cocktails being served from 6 pm – 7 pm and a sit-down dinner by Chef Bryce Shuman and programming will be from 7 pm – 8:30 pm.

Photo by ADG Photography

Do you need clarification and help with the new changes to the mortgage regulations? It can be hard trying to understand exactly what everything means for homeowners. But don’t let these complex rules get you down. This blog condenses important information into one practical, simplified guide. The following section will break down the most crucial points of amended legislation so you can confidently navigate the mortgage process while keeping your homeowning dreams alive.

Overview of the 2021 Mortgage Rules

In 2021, the mortgage landscape shifted as new rules were implemented to protect homeowners. Understanding the ins and outs of the new requirements can be daunting, but going through the fine print is key to making smart home-buying decisions.

This guide will provide an overview of the most pertinent points of the new mortgage rules, followed by a deep dive into limitations on down payments, loan limits, credit scores, and more. With this information, you’ll be better equipped to make educated decisions for your mortgage needs.

Types of Mortgages and Fees

Navigating the new rules can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Two main types of mortgages are available for borrowers; fixed-rate and adjustable-rate. Fixed rates come with an interest rate that remains constant for the full loan period, ensuring your payments stay the same.

Adjustable-rate mortgages change yearly depending on market conditions, potentially decreasing costs in the long run. Along with interest charges, there may be additional associated fees when taking out a mortgage, such as processing and origination costs. It’s essential to understand any applicable costs before making a decision. Become informed and ensure you get the best deal for your situation.

Determining Eligibility for a Mortgage

It’s important to note that your credit score is a major factor in determining eligibility. If you have a low credit score or poor financial history, getting approved for a mortgage may be challenging. Additionally, lenders will look at factors such as employment status, debt-to-income ratio, and down payments when deciding whether or not to approve an application.

Knowing this information upfront can help prepare you for any conversations or paperwork required with lenders. Whatever path you take on your journey to getting a mortgage, remember that educating yourself on all the criteria is the most effective way to ensure successful approval.

Reasons to Consider a Mortgage Refinance

Refinancing can help improve your budget by reducing your monthly payments, changing the term of your loan, and lowering your interest rate. Furthermore, you can access cash equity that provides extra funds for investments, home improvements, or debts.

Overall, a well-crafted refinance plan will help you take advantage of today’s market conditions to pay off debt more quickly and also gain financial freedom in the long run.

Tips for Shopping Around for the Best Mortgage Rate

Shopping around for the best mortgage rate is essential to home buying. To save time and money, compare rates from several lenders. Look for offers with no up-front fees and lower closing costs.

Consider factors such as how flexible the lender is with repayment options, whether incremental payments are allowed during the loan term, and if the lender provides additional support while buying a home. By understanding all your options before committing to one lender, you’ll be better positioned to find a loan that suits your budget and lifestyle.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Navigating the new mortgage regulations is no small feat. From exploring the various types available, researching eligibility requirements and rates, to thinking through refinance options and successfully shopping around for the best terms, staying on top of the details when planning for a mortgage is important.

Many resources are available such as lenders, banks, or real estate agents who can answer any mortgage queries—taking time to research thoroughly. It is wise to utilize all available resources to navigate regulations, such as talking to a financial advisor or contacting government agencies.

Asking questions will help you understand all the mortgage details and determine what knowledge you may need to gain insight. Going into this process armed with information and being aware of your rights can be extremely helpful in understanding these new policies. Educate yourself on important matters.

Renewable energy sources are derived from natural resources such as sunlight, wind, water, geothermal and biomass. These energy resources are easily replenished compared to non-renewable sources such as fossil fuels. They are also considered clean and alternative energy sources because they don’t produce large amounts of harmful carbon dioxide gas and other similar emissions.

There’s a more pronounced push to transition from traditional energy sources to alternative energy. Whereas before, renewable energy entailed prohibitive costs, technological developments have lowered the attendant costs of installing and maintaining such facilities in commercial and residential setups. Investing in such equipment is now more cost-efficient, and the benefits typically outweigh the cons. If you want to integrate alternative energy sources into your property, you can find reputable companies to help you. You can check out their website details to arrange for appointments for their experts to come and assess your household energy needs. They can provide you with a personalised scheme tailored to your needs.

Here are some of the advantages of using renewable energy sources.

Limitless supply 

Unlike fossil fuels that are quickly depleted and must undergo intense processing to provide gasoline or diesel and other byproducts, renewable energy sources present an unlimited and highly replenishable supply. Sunlight, wind, hydropower, and even biomass are easily supplied. With the right angles and location, you can easily stock up on solar power. It goes the same way with wind and hydroelectric turbines; find a good spot and let nature take its course. With the right technology, you’re sure to generate enough supply.

Zero carbon emissions

With greenhouse gases and global warming among the trending topics, it’s necessary to remind people that when you transition to using alternative energy sources, there’s a significant decrease in the production of harmful gases. Whereas coal power plants produce about 2.2 pounds of carbon dioxide for every kilowatt-hour produced, solar, wind, and hydropower don’t produce any harmful emissions that can affect the ozone layer. When you switch to renewable energy, you greatly contribute to environmental protection.

Cheaper electricity 

Yes, installing alternative energy sources can cost a pretty penny upfront, but technological developments are driving the prices down. Compared to traditional electricity powered by fossil fuels, you can realise tremendous savings with solar and wind power. With more countries investing in solar energy and other renewable sources, it’s becoming a trend for big companies to reassess their position regarding renewables. Depending on the locale, you can produce your daily electricity supply cheaper than traditional sources. The cost may initially be high, but in the long run, you’re guaranteed savings for a lifetime.

Cleaner water and air 

When you depend on traditional electricity, you support coal power plants that emit harmful smoke. These factories produce greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. They also produce heavy metals such as mercury, zinc, lead, and other harmful particulates. These can mix with the water table and the air that we consume. These elements have been proven to have harmful side effects, so it’s imperative that more people transition to cleaner energy.

Alternative energy sources represent a better way to produce energy for households and commercial properties. In addition, people who make the switch can enjoy several benefits immediately.

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