Home Ownership

Lower Fed Rates Mean Lower Mortgages, Right? Not Exactly

Mortgage rates have been higher since the Federal Reserve began hiking interest rates to combat inflation in 2021, but what is the relationship between mortgage rates and Fed rates? Now that inflation has cooled, the public hopes interest rates will be dialed back, and prospective home buyers hope for lower mortgage rates. But are lower mortgage rates automatically tied to the Fed lowering interest rates?...

The role of the Federal Reserve and Fed rates

The Federal Reserve is not a government agency. It is a private corporation empowered by the government to serve as the nation’s bank, influencing interest rates and the supply of money for the entire U.S. banking system. Banks lend money to each other continually to restore regulatory reserve requirements. The interest rate they charge each other is called the federal funds rate, which is what the Fed raises or lowers. The Federal Reserve influences rates through the purchase and sale of U.S. government bonds and by creating additional money and distributing it into the banking system....

Think of the federal funds rate as being like the wholesale cost of money sold from one bank to another. The retail price for money is the rate banks charge customers for car loans, mortgages, and other lending products. However, between the federal funds rate and the mortgage rate, there are additional layers that influence the cost of car loans, mortgages, and other types of retail lending....

Meet the 10-Year Treasury Note

Between the wholesale federal funds rate and consumer interest rates lies the 10-Year Treasury rate. The 10-Year Treasury is a debt obligation of the U.S. government, its way of borrowing money from investors to fund government spending. The Federal Reserve does not set the rate paid on 10-Year Treasury notes. Instead, the rate rises or falls on the open market just like any other investment. The rate is higher than the federal funds wholesale rate but lower than the 30-year mortgage rate. The spreads between the three different lending rates are affected by expectations of investors:...

The 10-Year Treasury must pay a higher interest rate than competing shorter-term debt investments to make it worthwhile for investors to tie their money up for 10 years.
Investors have confidence that their Treasury investments are secure because the U.S. government backs them.
The spread between the federal funds rate and Treasury rates also includes various lending costs, such as fees, guarantees, and miscellaneous expenses.
Economic conditions, such as inflation, expectations of economic growth, or recession, spur investors to bid rates up or down.
Between the 10-Year Treasury and mortgage rates lie additional costs, including higher fees, investor profits, and compensation for taking on added risk. Mortgages are often bundled into investment products, and since mortgages can be defaulted on, unlike U.S. Treasury securities, investors want part of the spread to be profit that offsets the risk.

So why is it that sometimes the Federal Reserve lowers the federal funds rate, but mortgage rates don’t automatically follow suit? Between the federal funds rate and mortgage rates are the 10-Year Treasury, which is a much better predictor of mortgage rates, plus all the economic conditions that affect consumer and investor confidence. The Fed’s rate cuts are not an automatic guarantee of lower mortgage rates, given the complex relationship between the two....

Indoor Living, Ownership,

Indoor Air Pollution – Meet the Dirty Seven

There are many reasons for indoor air pollution in our homes. Most metro areas issue alerts when air pollution levels are high. We may be cautious about our outdoor activities to avoid poor air quality, but we should also consider that indoor environments can harbor harmful pollutants. Here are the seven most common sources of contaminated air in our homes and businesses....

The dirty truth about indoor air pollution

There are quite a few ways that your home’s interior can harbor harmful irritants. You may be surprised to find that some steps meant to improve your indoor air quality actually do more harm than good. Here are the dirty seven:...

Cooking is the most significant source of indoor air pollution. The aroma of your favorite foods is enticing, but smoke and certain gases are respiratory irritants. Consider converting to induction cookware and installing a ventilation fan that carries cooking odors outside. Additionally, opening a window while cooking can also help.
Dirty HVAC filters, clogged with dust and allergens from infrequent changing, increase the airborne particulate matter in your house and cause your system to labor harder to operate. Change or clean filters monthly. Consider upgrading your filters to a higher MERV rating, but consult your HVAC professional to ensure your system can handle the increased airflow required by denser filters. Not all can.
Pets bring us love and joy, along with nasal irritation from shedding hair and dander. Vacuum upholstery and floors often to keep the flying hair down.
Mold can grow in appliances and plumbing fixtures, as well as in any place that is continually wet. Drains, washing machines, and refrigerator water dispensers are all sources. Leave the door partly open for 30 minutes after washing a load of clothes or dishes. Keep showers, tubs, and sinks clean to prevent mildew from gathering. Leave the shower door open for 30 minutes after use.
Cleaners make surfaces shiny, but the chemicals can be respiratory irritants, especially if the label boasts of its germ-killing prowess. This usually means it contains bleach or other pungent agents to prevent pathogens. Use the cleaner sparingly or dilute it with water.
Now for the surprising pollutants: Lighting aromatic candles or burning incense may smell heavenly, but both produce smoke. They essentially release carbon emissions into your house! Use things that burn only for special occasions to limit your exposure.
Likewise, sprayed air fresheners, although they smell fragrant and mask odors, contain strong chemicals that can also irritate the breathing passages. It’s better to simply open windows for a while to banish odors and let fresh breezes naturally cleanse the air.

Outdoor Living, Ownership,

Get a Gorgeous Carpet of Grass by Laying Sod

Every homeowner loves a lush, green lawn, and the easiest way to get one is to lay sod. In a day’s work, you can go from a shabby lawn—or no lawn at all—to beautiful grass. Here are the essential steps to ensure your sod project pays off the way you hope....

Proper preparation is essential when laying sod

Sod is delivered as long, rolled-up strips stacked on pallets. Depending on the area to be covered, multiple pallets of sod will be delivered to your home. Before that day, however, you must prepare the soil:...

Completely remove any existing grass, weeds, and other organic material from the ground before laying sod. You may need to hire a landscape crew to use equipment to scrape the ground, removing the plant life down to the roots. Anything left will eventually spring up through your new sod, spoiling all your hard work and expense. Thereafter, you may spread fresh, new soil.
If your property slopes more than 1 foot for every 4 feet of distance, you may need it to be graded to level it out. Otherwise, runoff from heavy rain or sprinklers will exit your property and flow into a neighbor’s—or pool in your flowerbeds or against your home’s foundation. Leveling will also prevent ponding water in any mid-yard depressions.
Have your soil’s pH level checked. Contact a local nursery to inquire about testing kits or services. Learn the pH level required for the grass you want, then add mineral supplement spreads as needed.
You may also consider having loads of soil delivered to lay on top of your native soil, then lay your sod.
Measure the area carefully using those geometry skills you learned in school but thought you’d never use. Depending on the area’s shape, you may need to divide it into separate sections, calculate the area of each, and then add them together. Remember, the area of a square or rectangle is the width in feet multiplied by the height in feet. A triangular area is the base multiplied by the height, then divided by two.

Now it’s time to lay sod

The day has arrived to lay your sod! Be sure to:...

Have the pallets set out apart from each other across your yard, not all in one place. This cuts down on the distance you’ll have to carry sod or push a wheelbarrow from one side of your property to the other.
Lay the sod as soon as possible after delivery, preferably the same day. Lingering on the pallets causes it to dry out.
Roll out the sod with edges flush to avoid gaps. Use a sharp knife to trim away excess. Save remnant pieces for filling in gaps around borders and against structures.
Rent a grass roller and roll the grass, going in the same direction as the strips, to ensure the sod makes full contact with the underlying soil.

Important follow-up instructions

Following up after laying sod is just as important as the preparation and installation. The two-week rule applies:...

For two weeks, water the grass with about 1 inch of water in the early morning before the sun gets very high.
Walk as little as possible on the new lawn for two weeks, until the roots have a chance to penetrate down to the topsoil.
After two weeks, tug at the edges of the strips in a few places around the yard. If the roots have established themselves and the grass is getting tall, it’s time to mow. Use a walk-behind mower only. Set the cut high; don’t cut it short. If the roots are not established, wait another week and try again.

Buying, Financing a Home,

Dreaming of Owning a Home? Consider Down Payment Assistance

The American dream of homeownership increasingly seems out of reach for many first-time buyers, especially those carrying student loan debt, but down payment assistance programs can help. To purchase a home, a 10%–20% down payment is required, so young homebuyers often feel defeated before they even begin. These programs seek to alleviate the problem. ...

Who is eligible for down payment assistance?

There are thousands of down payment assistance programs available, most offered by state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and lenders. Many are geared toward first-time homeowners, although not all. ...

Most programs require buyers to meet specific criteria:...

The home must be a primary residence, not an investment property.
It must be a single-family home. Multifamily dwellings may be allowed in some circumstances.
Buyers must have an income below the Area Median Income (AMI).
Buyers must work in public service or purchase a home in a specific geographic area.
Buyers must meet the lending requirements for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.

Additionally, many down payment assistance programs require recipients to complete a homebuyer education course. ...

Types of assistance programs

There are several different types of programs nationwide:...

Gifts and grants are monies given to qualified buyers that do not require repayment. There are tax implications associated with receiving this money, so it is recommended that you consult a tax advisor.
A forgivable loan is issued as a mortgage, but if the buyer meets specific criteria during repayment, it need not be repaid; in essence, it acts like a grant.
A low-interest loan for the down payment is a second mortgage. The primary loan on the remaining balance is usually at a higher interest rate.
Deferred payment loans are repaid toward the end of the primary loan payment schedule or upon refinancing.
Individual Development Accounts are matching programs in which the IDA matches the qualified buyer’s down payment.
Lender programs by banks such as Chase, Wells Fargo, and others offer special down payment assistance to qualified buyers.
Homebuyers should begin their search for down payment assistance by exploring their state’s housing assistance programs. Information websites exist in most states.

Home Technology, Ownership,

Are Your Smart Devices Listening to You?

We’ve all had an uneasy experience with our smart devices at some point. For example, you’re having a conversation with a friend when one of you mentions a particular product or service; shortly afterward, you get served an ad online for that very thing. Creepy! But are your various smart devices actually listening to you?...

Are your smart devices eavesdropping?

The answer to this is mixed, with somewhat conflicting responses. Mitigating factors include the type of tech company device you are using and what you are saying. Those devices include Amazon’s assistants, such as Echo and Dot, Apple’s Siri on all Apple devices, and Google Home. ...

Generally, Amazon, Apple, and Google all have practices in place designed to protect your privacy. That does not mean, however, that your conversations and other interactions are not being recorded and, possibly—although very unlikely—heard by human ears. Sometimes you inadvertently trigger the device to listen briefly by saying an errant word....

The main listening is done by algorithms that turn your voice commands, purchases, and third-party interactions into a tracking code to serve you more of the same. If you show interest in a product, you’ll receive ads for it....

Alexa, Siri, and Google Home passively listen for their “wake” word. They are supposed to activate active listening when their wake word, such as “Alexa” or “Siri,” is spoken. Then you will see the indicator light turn on, indicating that the device is activated....

Smart devices collect information about you, such as the products you order, the music you listen to, and the tasks you ask them to perform. The devices save that information, much like your browsing history online uses cookies for the same purpose....

Are your smart devices always engaged?

Do the devices ever listen without detecting the “wake” word? Passively, yes, while waiting for that word. But there are anecdotal reports that people having arguments or even couples engaged in intimacy have accidentally triggered devices, although the instances seem to be rare. ...

Researchers have analyzed smartphones and not found evidence of covert active listening. Plus, federal and state wiretapping and surveillance laws prohibit illicit activity....

Another uncertain source is third-party apps you may have downloaded, which, in their terms of service, may have given you access to your microphone without your knowing. Go to Settings, locate that app, and disable its microphone access. ...

Do real humans ever listen?

The tech companies claim that a very small percentage of recordings are used solely for language learning and performance. The conversations are not kept indefinitely and are supposed to be stripped of any identifying information. ...

Security measures

There are several steps you can take to protect your privacy as much as possible. ...

First, do what 99% of people never do: Read the privacy policy in the terms of use for your device and for third-party apps. This will reveal essential measures you can take:...

Clear the device’s cache of commands, recordings, and searches for the day.
Use the mute button on the device to pause a conversation.
Set up a strong password for your device and for the Wifi network and router in your home. Use two-factor authentication when possible. This last step is primarily for protecting you from hackers, rather than from the tech companies themselves.

Indoor Living, Ownership,

Transform Your Bathroom Into a Wellness Retreat

After a long day of work, carpools, errands, and family responsibilities, you deserve a space that restores your energy like a wellness retreat. More homeowners are transforming their primary bathrooms into private oases designed for relaxation, rejuvenation, and even a touch of luxury. From spa-inspired showers to mood-boosting lighting, here’s how to create a bathroom that feels like your personal sanctuary....

The rise of the bathroom wellness retreat

The bath is no longer just a functional space. In modern home design, the primary suite bathroom has evolved. Today’s bathrooms feature spa-like touches, innovative technology, and design elements that create calm and comfort....

Spa-inspired showers and soaking tubs

Therapeutic showers use multiple spray nozzles—from overhead rainfall to side jets—to create a massage-like experience. Handheld wands make it easy to target sore muscles. For those who prefer soaking, deep tubs with whirlpool jets or freestanding designs provide full-body relaxation. Some homeowners even trade bathtubs for oversize steam showers with built-in benches....

Functional luxury with double vanities

Double vanities maximize storage, counter space, and convenience. Pair custom cabinetry with sleek countertops for both style and function. Add light-framed mirrors and dimmer switches to adjust brightness, creating the perfect mood for morning or evening routines....

Lighting, color, and mood enhancement

Wellness bathrooms often use chromotherapy paint colors that enhance mood. Deep blues and muted earth tones encourage calmness, while skylights and natural light boost energy. Combine color with bright, motion-activated lighting for a soothing yet modern touch....

The smart bathroom: comfort meets technology

Welcome to the “smart bath.” Features like heated floors, motion-sensor lighting, built-in speakers, and even self-cleaning toilets make daily routines easier and more enjoyable. These tech upgrades combine convenience with comfort, elevating the wellness retreat experience....

Easy-care design for stress-free living

Wellness extends to maintenance. Choose easy-to-clean surfaces, tile with minimal grout lines, and fixtures that are easy to clean. A bathroom that looks good and is easy to maintain will genuinely feel like a sanctuary....

Cost of creating a wellness retreat bathroom

A luxury bathroom remodel doesn’t come cheap. Depending on size and location, expect to invest between $30,000 and $60,000 for a turnkey remodel. Always work with an experienced bath designer, not just a general contractor, to ensure your new space is both stylish and functional....

Budget-friendly ways to create a bathroom wellness retreat

Not ready for a complete remodel? You can still bring a spa-like feel to your bathroom without spending tens of thousands of dollars. Try these affordable upgrades:...

Add a rainfall shower. For less than $100, you can swap your old showerhead for a rainfall model that mimics a spa shower.
Invest in plush towels and bath mats. High-quality textiles instantly add comfort and luxury.
Use calming paint colors. A fresh coat of soft blue, sage green, or warm earth tones can transform your bathroom mood.
Upgrade your lighting. Install a dimmer switch or add LED candles for a relaxing ambience.
Bring in greenery. Plants like aloe vera, peace lilies, or bamboo thrive in bathroom humidity and create a natural spa vibe.
Add an essential oil diffuser. Aromatherapy can help you relax while you’re soaking in the tub or showering.
Declutter and organize. A clutter-free bathroom instantly feels more serene. Use baskets, trays, or floating shelves to keep things tidy.

Even with small touches, you can create a calming environment that feels like your own retreat....

Related – Is a Bathroom Redo In Your Future?...

Home Technology, Ownership,

Tech Devices for Emergencies – Must-Have Gadgets for Your Emergency Kit

Each year brings its share of natural disasters—from severe storms and floods to wildfires—often leaving families without power, cell service, or reliable communication. It’s essential to be prepared with the right tech devices for emergencies. These can be a lifeline, keeping you connected, safe, and informed when it matters most. From backup power supplies to emergency radios, here are the essential gadgets every household should include in an emergency preparedness kit....

Tech devices for emergencies: what to keep on hand

A backup power supply keeps your mobile phone charged. A backup battery or power bank charger with at least 10,000 mAh is good for two cell phone recharges before it needs recharging.
A solar-powered battery charger is a good backup when there is adequate sunshine.
Have plenty of charging cords with a variety of plug types, USB, and USB-C.
A hand-crank-powered radio with AM, FM, and NOAA weather bands can keep you informed indefinitely when there is no power.
A portable generator can power larger devices such as refrigerators, space heaters, or portable air conditioners. A dual-fuel generator runs on gasoline or propane.
Google Maps offers downloadable versions of specific maps that you can save. This comes in handy if cell service is down. Or you can go retro and order a hard-copy paper map online to keep in your emergency kit.

Other important tips for emergency preparedness

FEMA will send you emergency information specific to your area if you text keywords such as “Prepare” and “Shelter” to 43362....

Many metro and county governments offer mobile phone emergency alert services that you can sign up for. You will receive push notifications whenever severe conditions are possible. ...

It is important to keep devices dry and store them at the right temperature. A cell phone operates properly within a range of 32º to 95º Fahrenheit. If your cell phone gets wet, place it in a sealed Ziploc bag filled with rice to dry it out....

Store backup batteries and charger devices during non-emergency times in a cool, dry place, protected within a plastic storage container....

The American Red Cross offers a downloadable app that continues to operate even when cellular service is down. It contains potentially life-saving information....

Investment, Money,

Make Extra Money Renting Your Property for Events and Parties

Airbnb made it easy for you to earn income by hosting travelers as overnight guests, but did you know there’s another way to generate cash by renting your property for events? More families are turning to this money-making idea, allowing their spaces to be used for celebrations ranging from backyard weddings to photo shoots and catered dinner parties. If your home has the right features, it could become a small event venue and a profitable side hustle. Before you jump in, here’s what you should know about legal requirements, insurance, and pricing your property as an event space....

Renting your property for events: beauty plus functionality

You may have a spacious backyard with a luscious lawn, a shady arbor, overhead string lights, a firepit, and a built-in outdoor kitchen. You enjoy it as a family, but if the size and accommodations make it a great small venue for events, you may have a moneymaker....

Other settings with appeal:...

An idyllic garden with a waterfall is perfect for photo shoots, commercials, and small weddings.
Large outdoor patios with tables are terrific for hosting catered dinner parties.
If you have acreage, you can host larger events with plenty of parking for guests.
If the property is rural, you could offer it for overnight camping.

Considerations before renting your property

Before putting the word out about your availability, here are important considerations:...

Check local zoning ordinances on event size, the number of cars permitted to park, and any required permits for hosting an event by crowd size.
Causing a traffic jam of parked cars in your neighborhood will be very unpopular and may violate ordinances and HOA rules.
Noise ordinances may limit the hours during which you can host events with loud music and a chatty crowd.
Safety is paramount. If you have a pool, always hire a lifeguard to be on duty. Study your property for any hazards.
Garbage—lots of it—may overwhelm your residential garbage cart and leave you with extra charges, not to mention your neighbors’ ire.
Your homeowners’ insurance probably won’t cover accidents happening when you are receiving payment to use your home. Consult your insurance agent for enhanced coverage.
If alcohol will be served, check whether special permitting is required. State laws are strict regarding alcohol sales.
Will smoking be allowed?
Money received from this venture will be taxable as income and may also be subject to local taxation.

How to price your property as a small event venue

What is the right price to charge for hosting an event? Research known venues nearby that are professionally owned and operated. You can price your space below what those locations charge because you are doing this part-time and are not a professional....

Outdoor Living, Ownership,

Invasive Plants: The Ones That Take Over Your Yard

Some plants look beautiful in the garden center but can turn into a homeowner’s nightmare; soon, these invasive plants may spread aggressively, crowding out other flowers and shrubs, damaging structures, and creating long-term maintenance headaches. Here are six plants that require you to pause before adding them to your landscape....

Kudzu: the king of invasive plants

Kudzu spreads fast, covering fences, trees, and even houses if left unchecked. While some use it for erosion control, its aggressive growth has overtaken large stretches of roadsides across the Southeast. Planting kudzu at home is simply asking for trouble....

English ivy: a persistent groundcover

Although not as overpowering as kudzu, English ivy can smother flowerbeds, climb trees, and damage masonry. Once established, it’s tough to remove, requiring constant cutting back to keep it under control....

Wisteria: gorgeous but destructive

Wisteria’s cascading purple blooms are stunning, but its woody vines twist around fences and masonry, causing long-term damage. Without heavy pruning, it can easily overwhelm your yard....

Bamboo: fast-growing and hard to remove

Bamboo may seem like a great natural privacy screen, but it spreads underground through rhizomes and can grow up to a foot per day. Once it takes hold, bamboo is nearly impossible to remove completely....

Morning glory: charming but invasive

Morning glory’s trumpet-shaped blooms look sweet, but this plant quickly spreads and strangles nearby flowers. Consider a less-invasive option like honeysuckle for color without the takeover....

Ferns: lush but unruly

Ferns create a tropical feel, but once planted, they spread aggressively and are hard to eradicate. Before adding them to your landscape, check with your local nursery for less-invasive varieties....

Buying, Financing a Home,

Parents Helping With Home Purchases: Smart Ways to Assist With Your Child’s First Home

Buying a first home isn’t easy these days, as rising mortgage rates and student loan debt keep many young adults on the sidelines; that’s why more families are turning to parents helping with home purchases. Here’s what parents and their kids need to know before making this big move....

How are parents helping with home purchases today?

There are a variety of ways parents can help their young adult kids buy their first home, from gifting down payments to co-signing or co-buying. These forms of support can be life-changing, but they come with legal and financial implications. ...

Gifting money toward a home purchase: rules and tax tips

The most straightforward way to help is by gifting money to the kids. Current gift tax law allows each parent to gift up to $19,000 without the gift being reported by the parents for tax purposes. If you are married, you and your spouse can combine your exclusions. This effectively doubles the amount you can gift: $38,000 per child in 2025. However, if only one spouse makes the gift and exceeds the $19,000 limit, they must file a gift tax return (Form 709), and the other spouse must consent to the gift splitting. Since the taxable estate exemption threshold is almost $14 million, taxes are very rarely an issue for the parents. The recipient children owe no taxes, nor must they report the gift. ...

If the children are depending on the gift for a down payment on a mortgage, the lender may require a copy of a gift letter from the parents to the children. ...

Co-signing a mortgage: what parents should consider

Co-signing the mortgage is another way parents can help. This comes with an obligation on the children to make payments consistently and on time. If a payment is late, the lender’s collections representative will contact both the child and the co-signing parent. Late fees and default notices affect not only the child’s credit but also the parent’s, as a credit report on the parents reflects their co-signer status for the loan. ...

Co-buying a home with your child: shared ownership basics

Increasingly, parents are assisting by becoming co-buyers with their kids. In this scenario, an equity partnership is established, with co-ownership divided by percentage based on the kids’ and the parents’ respective contributions to the purchase. ...

Setting clear boundaries

When aid to the child’s home purchase is in the form of a gift, boundaries and expectations may be few or nonexistent....

However, parental co-signing or shared equity requires setting out in writing the requirements for all parties. It is not a matter of trust, but of clear communication to avoid disputes later about what was agreed upon. Money disputes have driven wedges between even close families....

In a co-signing situation, the children must make timely payments. There should be a written agreement between the children and parents for repaying the parents in the event of late payments, default, or short sale. The parents’ credit will be damaged, so the consequences must be clear.
In a shared equity situation, an agreement should outline the percentage of shared ownership by parties, who has decision-making rights for remodeling or leasing out the property, what to do if anyone wants out of the deal, how to handle a future sale, and any other decisions that affect the condition and value of the property.

When to involve a CPA or estate attorney

Parents and children should consult with a CPA and, if necessary, an estate attorney to understand how their decisions may affect everyone involved....

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