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When the housing bubble burst across the country in 2008-2009, prices plummeted and, in many areas, there were more empty houses than people. This was a bad thing for sellers, as home values were down, but good for buyers and renters, who had plenty of opportunities to choose from.

In the decade since, there has been a significant recovery in most areas. The issue is that in cities where people want to live, there are not enough houses to accommodate the growing workforce, and prices are high.

This is fine if you are a seller, or even a buyer with good credit. If you are a renter,though, the market is tough, and the entry level price of a house is also rising. The dreaded Adjustable Rate Mortgage is making somewhat of a comeback as those who are less fortunate are trying to find a way to afford a home.

Low-income housing is at a premium and hard to get into, with waiting lists as long as a year. Other housing dominates family incomes, forcing them to make some hard choices. Here are some of the effects of the rising costs of housing on consumer credit.

Less Disposable Income

The general rule of thumb is that your housing should not cost more than 1/3 of your income. However, for many Americans who are low income or lower middle class, that number is closer to fifty percent. This means that those families have less disposable income.

In a consumer-based economy, this is a real problem. The less consumers consume, the less profit companies make, and the fewer employees they need. Or the hours of the least essential employees are cut, meaning those families make even less money. This s a vicious cycle. There are other issues though, ones that then impact credit even more than just lower income.

The Roommate Dilemma

One “solution” to the cost of housing is to take on roommates. This comes with risks as well as rewards, but it is hard to tell sometimes which is greater. First, rooms for rent gives those with lower income places to live that are more affordable. It does help them, but it creates other social and personal tensions.

For the homeowner, the roommate situation can help financially at least on a temporary basis. However, if the homeowner then becomes dependent on the income from that roommate, and the renter leaves, the budget is once again wrecked. This dependence on this kind of situation creates other issues for the homeowner, including increased utilities, potential damages, and the lack of privacy. The financial risk can potentially affect their personal credit.

The roommate is often not building credit or real rental history. When they eventually move, the landlord is more of a personal reference, and they have not been paying full rent, making it harder to prove they can afford a place on their own. Their credit can be potentially impacted as well.

Less Savings

Less disposable income and more spent on housing means families have less to save both for emergencies and for pleasure and large purchases. This can lead to some bad credit habits. For instance, a family might use a credit card for these purchases instead. If their credit is already not good, they may get a card with lower limits and higher interest rates.

This makes them more likely to “max out” a card, which impacts credit score due to how little available credit they have. This also makes them more susceptible to the dangers of a financial emergency. Without available credit or savings, they can hardly weather an emergency car repair or similar issues without taking out a personal loan, and using that money to cover their expensesand therefore creating more debt.

Borrowing to Live

The other danger in high housing costs is that often those who are spending too much on housing must borrow to live. Gas cards, store cards like those offered by WalMart, and other credit cards are used to cover everyday expenses, while at the end of the month the user is only able to make the minimum payment.

This means the credit balance is rising while the limit is not, again creating issues. If the credit card user misses a payment or two, their score drops even more, making it less likely they will get more credit to help them survive.

The Toughest Choice

The toughest choice comes in the area of health. Many will have to choose between going to the doctor and paying for prescriptions or paying for housing and food. The result is an unhealthy spiral. The person spending too much on housing will not pay medical bills, further impacting their credit.

Being underinsured and unable to afford healthcare, they are less likely to go to the doctor when they need to. Also, since for the most part, eating healthy costs more at least in the short term, they are unlikely to take as good of care of themselves, which promotes more unhealthy behaviors. Those who need the doctor more and need to be healthier are unable to afford to do so.

If they do stretch themselves, go to a doctor appointment or hospital they cannot afford, and then don’t pay due to high housing costs, their credit score goes down again. They cycle never seems to end.

What is the solution? Communities must plan for low to moderate income housing so that workers have an affordable place to live. Renters and buyers alike must be careful not to take on more than they can reasonably pay for housing, and if they do, to have an alternate plan in case something goes wrong.

The rising cost of housing has a huge impact on consumer credit, and if we don’t address it soon, we’ll have another housing crisis on our hands.

 

Business

The Art of Seating: Choosing the Right Lounge Chairs for Your Venue

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Choosing lounge chairs plays a pivotal role when creating a welcoming and stylish ambience in your venue. Lounge chairs are more than just functional pieces of furniture; they are integral to your space’s overall design and comfort. To assist you in making the right choice, we’ll explore various aspects of selecting lounge chairs and introduce you to designformfurnishings.com, a leading name in furniture design.

Design form Furnishings: Elevating Your Venue’s Interiors

Before delving into the world of lounge chairs, let’s take a moment to understand the significance of well-designed furniture. Design form Furnishings has earned a stellar reputation for its ability to craft furniture that seamlessly blends aesthetics with functionality. Their pieces are known for their transformative power, making them an excellent choice for venues aiming to create inviting and stylish interiors.

Understanding Your Venue’s Style

The first step in choosing suitable lounge chairs understands your venue’s style and theme. Are you designing a cosy coffee shop, a modern lounge, a rustic restaurant, or an upscale hotel lobby? Your venue’s aesthetics will guide you in selecting lounge chairs that harmonize with the overall design.

  • Contemporary Elegance: If your venue boasts a modern and sleek design, choose lounge chairs with clean lines, minimalistic profiles, and high-quality materials. Design form Furnishings offers a range of contemporary lounge chairs that exemplify elegance.
  • Classic Charm: For venues with a classic or traditional theme, consider lounge chairs with ornate details, rich upholstery, and timeless silhouettes. Design form Furnishings provides classic lounge chair options that capture the essence of sophistication.
  • Eclectic Vibes: If your venue embraces an eclectic or bohemian style, explore lounge chairs with unique shapes, vibrant colours, and diverse textures. Eclectic lounge chairs can add flair and character to your space.

Comfort and Durability

Comfort is paramount when choosing lounge chairs. Your guests should feel at ease while enjoying your venue. Lounge chairs should offer proper back support and be upholstered with materials that are both comfortable and easy to maintain.

Durability is equally essential, especially in high-traffic venues. Chairs from Design form Furnishings are crafted with quality materials to withstand the rigours of daily use, ensuring longevity and value for your investment.

Versatility in Arrangement

Consider the layout and arrangement of your lounge chairs. Versatile seating arrangements can accommodate different group sizes and activities. Modular lounge chairs, like those offered by Design form Furnishings; can be rearranged to suit various needs, from intimate conversations to larger gatherings.

Customization and Branding

Personalize your lounge chairs to align with your venue’s brand and identity. Design form Furnishings allows you to select upholstery fabrics, colours, and finishes that reflect your unique style, creating a cohesive and branded look throughout your space.

Space Optimization

If your venue has limited space, consider lounge chairs with a smaller footprint or those that can be stacked or nested when not in use. This ensures that your area remains flexible and functional.

Practical Features

Lounge chairs with practical features can enhance the guest experience. Integrated USB charging ports, swivel bases, or built-in storage are features that can set your venue apart.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Ensure that the lounge chairs you choose are easy to clean and maintain. This is especially important in venues where spills and stains are common occurrences.

The selection of lounge chairs for your venue is a design decision that impacts aesthetics and comfort. Design form Furnishings offers various lounge chair styles to suit different themes and preferences. Whether you prioritize contemporary elegance, classic charm, versatility, or comfort, there are lounge chairs that will perfectly complement your venue’s ambience and enhance the overall guest experience. As you embark on furnishing or renovating your space, remember that the art of seating goes beyond functionality; it’s about creating an inviting and memorable atmosphere for your patrons.

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Family

Selling a Distressed Property? We Buy Houses Companies Can Help

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Understanding Distressed Properties

Before we delve into the heart of the matter, let’s first understand what distressed properties are. Distressed properties are real estate assets that are under the threat of foreclosure due to non-payment of mortgage loans or are already owned by the bank because the homeowner couldn’t keep up with the mortgage payments. They can also refer to properties that require extensive repairs, making it difficult for the owner to sell the property on the open market.

However, there’s good news for homeowners in such a situation. There are companies known as “cash home buyers in Charlotte” that provide a quick, convenient solution for homeowners looking to sell their distressed properties. These are real estate investors who buy homes directly from the owners, offering cash upfront.

Why Sell to Cash Home Buyers

A Quick Sale

One of the most significant advantages of selling your home to cash home buyers is the speed of the sale. Traditional real estate transactions can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. However, cash home buyers can close the deal within a week or even less.

No Need for Repairs

Another benefit of selling your home to a cash buyer is that they buy houses “as is.” This means you won’t have to worry about making expensive repairs or renovations before selling the property. This is particularly beneficial if you own a distressed property that needs extensive work. 

How the Process Works

Step 1: Initial Contact

The process begins when the homeowner contacts the cash home-buying company. This can be done through a phone call or by filling out a form on the company’s website.

Step 2: Property Evaluation

Next, the cash home-buying company will evaluate the property. This usually involves a home visit by a representative from the company. They will inspect the house to assess its condition and determine its market value.

Step 3: Cash Offer

After the evaluation, the cash home-buying company will present the homeowner with a no-obligation cash offer. The offer will typically be less than the market value of the property, but the speed and convenience of the sale often outweigh this aspect.

Step 4: Closing the Deal

If the homeowner accepts the offer, the company will then proceed to close the deal. This usually happens at a local title company. The homeowner will receive the cash payment, and the ownership of the house will be transferred to the cash home-buying company.

When It Makes Sense to Sell to a Cash Home Buyer

Selling your house to a cash home buyer is an excellent option if you need to sell your home quickly or if your house is in poor condition. This could be due to various reasons such as avoiding foreclosure, resolving a divorce settlement, moving to a new location, or simply not wanting to deal with the hassle of selling on the open market.

It’s essential to remember that while cash home buyers offer less than the market value of your property, the quick sale, convenience, and saving costs on repairs often make this a worthwhile option for homeowners looking to sell their distressed property.

 Wrapping Up

In conclusion, “We Buy Houses” companies offer a viable solution for homeowners looking to sell their distressed properties quickly and conveniently. The process is straightforward, hassle-free, and can be completed in a fraction of the time it takes to sell a home through traditional real estate transactions.

While these companies won’t offer you the full market value for your property, the benefits of quick cash, no obligation offers, no need for repairs, and speedy closure make them a compelling option for distressed homeowners. Make sure to do your research and choose a reputable company that offers fair cash offers and has a track record of successful transactions.

In this way, you can avoid the stress and uncertainty that often come with selling distressed property and move forward to the next chapter of your life with more ease and peace of mind.

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Events

Win-Win Wedding Party Entrance Songs to Get the Party Started

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Not every couple has a favorite song suitable for the first wedding entrance. If you’re having trouble choosing a romantic composition and need inspiration and ideas urgently, we’ll be happy to help. In this collection, wedding party entrance songs that have long been real hits remain relevant until now.

Do You Really Need Spend Time For Selecting a Wedding Song?

The wedding party entrance songs are the most memorable moments at a ceremony. The composition sets the tone and mood for the upcoming event. The music must suit the style of your couple. And if you like retro, you should not choose Rihanna or Lady Gaga but rather take something from the classics.

We want to help you and publish a list of the most popular wedding hits that will never go out of style. Take note.

Top 10 Most Popular Wedding Entrance Songs 2023/24

  1. A Thousand Years — Christina Perri.
  2. I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing — Aerosmith.
  3. You Are The Best Thing — Ray LaMontagne.
  4. Beautiful Day — U2.
  5. Marry Me — Train.
  6. You Are the Love of My Life — Sam Cooke.
  7. Can’t Help Falling in Love — Elvis Presley.
  8. At Last — Etta James.
  9.  I Choose You — Sara Bareilles.
  10. I’m Yours — Stevie Wonder.

How to Select Songs for Wedding Party Entrance?

Your entrance at the altar is one of the central moments on the wedding day, meaning the musical accompaniment must be perfect. Make sure all the guests take out their smartphones to film this main event at the ceremony so that your task is to provide them with the ideal soundtrack.

Your Vision

First, imagine how you see your entrance at the wedding: traditional — with your father, spectacularly accompanied by bridesmaids, or unusual — for example, getting out of a retro car right in front of the podium. When you imagine this moment, you will feel the mood you want to share with the guests. This will be the starting point for finding wedding entrance songs for bridal party.

General Wedding Style

When choosing melodies for the bride and groom, some couples consider the style of the celebration. A country-style composition at a country wedding often accompanies the bride’s entrance. At an urban chic or loft celebration, covers of modern hits about love are usually used.

Movie Inspiration

Another way to choose the right wedding party entrance songs is to review wedding scenes from cult melodramas and select a composition that best matches your ceremony’s atmosphere. So, how do you appear to your guests, luxurious and stylish or romantic and exciting?

Add Emotions

Music for a wedding is not always only trendy compositions from the best DJs. This music is close to you in spirit and mood, the beginning of your event, and its general atmosphere, which is transmitted to the guests. Therefore, for key moments, select wedding party entrance songs you will later remember with trepidation in your soul.

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Entertainment

Events For October

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Statue of Liberty, 4th of July Cruise

The Statue of Liberty’s birthday, Oktoberfest, Open House New York, pumpkins, Halloween and more wait for your attention this October.

The Perelman Performing Arts Center has officially opened to the public, marking the final piece in the puzzle of the World Trade Center site.

Events this month include:

  • An intimate “Evening with Brian Stokes Mitchell” (October 5).
  • 2023 Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Piano Competition (October 14 and 15)
  • Actress and creator of the “Red Table Talk” series Jada Pinkett Smith (October 16).

Photograph: Courtesy of TAO Group Hospitality

Magic Hour at the Moxy Times Square, 485 7th Ave, has pink theme’s right now it’s “Pink Pumpkin Patch.

Open Streets Columbus Avenue, every Sunday from 68th to 77th street from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

  • October 1, 2023
  • October 8, 2023
  • October 15, 2023
  • October 22, 2023
  • October 29, 2023

Until 10/15: The 61st The New York Film Festival at Lincoln Center.

Until 10/15: Hispanic Heritage Month. Look for parades, events, film festivals, and more.

Until 10/31: OctoberFest the Loreley Beer Garden, 7 Rivington Street (between Bowery and Chrystie) will be serving sausages and pretzels as well as German beer from liter steins and boots. On Sundays at 3 p.m., there’s a delicious free pig roast. There’s also a haunted beer garden starting on 10/18.

Until 11/1: If you want a spooky celebrations to be more festive and less frightening, Halloween House try the The Oculus, 185 Greenwich Street.

Photograph: Courtesy of Color Factory


Until, 11/1: The Color Factory has 14 immersive exhibits that engage all the senses in an exploration of the art and science of color. The museum works with local artists, designers and creatives to bring the designs to life. This Soho immersive art museum will present Haunted Hues, a Halloween-themed takeover.

Until 11/4: Blood Manor, haunted house’s 20th season at 359 Broadway. This year three new rooms, and brand-new costumes by designers from Abracadabra, Manhattan’s iconic Halloween store. Immersive experience, professional actors, set designers and makeup artists, with twisted characters and jumpscares at every turn.

Until 1/7/24: Manet/Degas, this exhibition examines one of the most significant artistic dialogues in modern art history: the close and sometimes tumultuous relationship between Édouard Manet and Edgar Degas. Born only two years apart, Manet (1832–1883) and Degas (1834–1917) were friends, rivals, and, at times, antagonists who worked to define modern painting in France. Through more than 150 paintings and works on paper.

10/3: Rooftop Cinema Club Midtown, 60 West 37th Street, will present Mean GirlsRosemary’s Baby, Paranormal, The Exorcist, The Shining, American Psycho and other cult classics as well as Hocus Pocus and Halloween.

10/3 – 15: Off-Broadway Week a bi-annual event that offers 2-for-1 tickets.

10/4 – 11/11:”Dreams of Dracula: An Immersive Masquerade Experience” recreates the classic Dracula universe as a brand new vampire theatrical adventure. Head to Musica NYC, 637 West 50th Street. Two floors and six rooms across 25,000 square feet for a heady mix of immersive theater, dance and decadent masquerade.

10/4: 2023 Empire State Building Run-Up, where about 150 runners will get to race up the 1,576 stars to the 86th floor of the iconic building.

10/ 5 – 6: NYC pop-up “Love Me (Bar)Tender,” with Elvis-themed cocktails, music from Memphis bands and a photobooth. It’s sold out, but sign up here to get alerts.

10/6 – 8: The New Yorker Festival. Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Misty Copeland and more. Live conversations, musical performances, and more, hosted by the magazine’s acclaimed writers and editors. The Festival brings together today’s most influential voices for a one-of-a-kind event in New York City.

10/6 – 8: The New York City Coffee Festival will return this fall for its seventh year with food, cocktails, live music, art, and more, including unlimited tastings. Metropolitan Pavilion.

Columbus Day Parade10/9: Columbus Day Parade. The parade starts at Fifth Avenue on the corner 44th Street. It heads north up to 72nd Street (start: 11:30 AM, end: 3:00 PM).

10/12 – 15: The Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival has 80-plus events that include more than 500 chefs from around the world. Tastings, classes, dinners, late-night parties, drag brunches and demonstrations. Across the boroughs. This year, The Cookout, will celebrate hip-hop’s 50th Anniversary.

10/12 – 15: New York Comic Con is back. Expect superhero galore at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on Eleventh Ave.

10/17 – 31: Black Lagoon is a Halloween pop-up cocktail bar at Pretty Ricky’s (101 Rivington Street). The experience features a curated cocktail menu of eerie Halloween-themed drinks created by Ramage and Hayes, macabre dens festooned with frightfully fun decor.

10/20- 27: Open House New York Weekend Festival. Access the city’s main buildings for 3 days. All sorts of buildings can be visited, from the very historic to modern apartments or industrial buildings that are scattered all over the five boroughs. There will be tours, lectures, performances and events around the meaning of architecture and urban design. All the information about this cool event can be found here.

Photograph: Courtesy of the Balloon Museum

10/27: The Balloon Museum is officially set to take over Pier 36 at The Seaport in 80,000-square-foot space, and is scheduled to run through January 14, 2024. You can expect a 4,000-square-foot ball pit, inflatable lava lamps and the sorts of infinity rooms that you’ll itch to post about on Instagram.

10/28: Happy Birthday Statue of Liberty. In 1886, the Statue of Liberty was ceremoniously opened and is without question one of the most important landmarks of New York.

The big Village Halloween Parade10/31: The Village Halloween Parade where zombies, ghouls, witches, monsters, giant puppets and more take to the streets for a night of costumed revelry. The parade rolls out at 7pm. Sixth Ave becomes most congested with spectators between Bleeker and 14th Sts, so we suggest setting up camp at either the head (Spring to W Houston Sts) or tail (14th St to 16th St) of the parade.

Halloween Parade and Pumpkin Flotilla10/31: The Annual Pumpkin Flotilla at Central Park. As is gets dark around 6:30 pm, carved pumpkins are released into the Harlem Meer and will be float around for 30 minutes. The spectacle draws hundreds of visitors to the northeast corner of Central Park.

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Food and Drink

Halloween Delights with Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey

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Boo! It’s time to get your Halloween on with a sweet and sinfully delicious delight – Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey.

Spooky cocktails with rich flavors and bold tastes will have your festive spirit soaring this year. Try these phenomenal recipes to make the most of an incredible holiday.

Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini

Ingredients:

  • 1 ¼ oz. Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
  • ¾ oz. coffee liqueur
  • ½ oz. pumpkin syrup
  • 2 oz. espresso
  • Dash of pumpkin spice

Directions:

  • Combine 1 ¼ oz. Skrewball, ¾ oz. coffee liqueur, ½ oz. pumpkin syrup, 2 oz. espresso & a dash of

pumpkin spice into a shaker with ice.

  • Shake vigorously.
  • Strain into coupe glass.
  • Sprinkle with pumpkin spice & drizzle with chocolate.

 

Pumpkin Hot Buttered Skrew

Ingredients:

Directions:

  • Add sugar, butter and hot water to mug and stir until dissolved.
  • Add Skrewball, pumpkin spice syrup, star anise and stir.
  • Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

 

Pumpkin Paradise

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ oz. Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
  • ¾ oz. Zaya Gran Reserva Rum
  • ½ oz. orange juice
  • ½ oz. pineapple juice
  • ½ oz. pumpkin cream of coconut mix*
  • 3 pineapple top leaves
  • Pumpkin spice

Directions:

  • For the pumpkin cream of coconut, blend all ingredients to taste.
  • To make the cocktail, shake all ingredients together in a shaker with ice and pour into cocktail glass.
  • Garnish with three pineapple leaves and powdered pumpkin spice.

Pumpkin Cream of Coconut Mix Ingredients:

  • 15 oz. can pumpkin puree
  • 15 oz. can cream of coconut
  • 2 dashes vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • ¾ tsp. nutmeg
  • 3 tbsp. sugar

 

 

Cover art by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

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