Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicated last week that a cut in the federal funds rate at the September meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is on the table, which would have the effect of driving mortgage rates lower. Most observers and professionals agree that a rate cut would provide immediate benefits to the reverse mortgage industry, particularly for Home Equity Conversion...

Mortgage banking executive and industry mergers & acquisitions advisor Rick Roque has taken a new executive position at NFM Lending. Roque will lead NFM’s retail growth strategy as corporate vice president of retail, NFM’s Managing Director Greg Sher announced on LinkedIn on Friday. “Your thoughtful leadership, data-driven market perspective, and unwavering support of mortgage and...

After nearly 18 years ERA King Real Estate, Anna-Marie Ellison is moving to Alabama-based ARC Realty.  In a post on her website ConsultWithAME on Wednesday, Ellison wrote that she is “honored” to be joining a team with the guiding principal of “Everything worth building starts with a relationship.” In her new role at ARC, Ellison will focus on strategic planning for agent and staff growth,...

If Succession has taught us anything, it’s that quiet luxury is IN. But that doesn’t just apply to wardrobes. When it comes to interior design, opulence has taken a completely new form. Gone are the days when crown moldings, coffered ceilings, and hand-carved fireplaces were the hallmarks of high-end living. Today, luxury homes embody a modern aesthetic that prioritizes clean lines, minimalist...

Maximize comfort and lower your electric bill. Better Homes & Gardens / Kristin Kempa When you want to keep your home at the ideal temperature without throwing away money on your monthly energy bill, a smart thermostat is worth it. These devices conserve energy by allowing remote access, tracking energy usage, and allowing you to schedule set times for heating and cooling.According to Bill...

When space is tight, placing your bed over a vent might be your only option. Here's what to consider before arranging your room. Rett Peek Vents carry air into a room, but when a vent is blocked, airflow becomes restricted, which reduces the efficiency of the HVAC system. Beds take up a lot of space, especially in small bedrooms, making it difficult to avoid objects like wall outlets, return air...

We turned to thrifting experts for their secrets to a successful thrift-shopping trip. 9 Thrifting Tips to Ensure You Find the Best Secondhand Items Thrifting experts Kat Steck and Bronwyn Tarboton share their secrets to a successful thrift shopping trip. For some, the appeal of thrift shopping lies in the thrill of the hunt and the joy of finding items that are totally unique. Others shop...

You’ll be set for next summer. Better Homes & Gardens Summer is coming to an end, and if you’re bummed about saying goodbye to these long, mostly sun-filled days, we have some news to cheer you up: Labor Day sales are here, and you can score big on patio furniture for next season at Amazon. The retail giant is offering excellent deals on conversation sets, loveseats, and more for your...

Our experts unpack their deadly reputation. Getty Images / Thanasis An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but what about those pesky apple seeds?While snacking on an apple or slicing some up for a classic apple pie, you may have wondered why apple cores, including the seeds, are typically thrown away. Apple seeds have earned a deadly reputation for containing cyanide, which is highly lethal to...

Based on AAA booking data, Seattle is the top destination for Labor Day weekend, showing an increase of nearly 30% from last year when it also ranked first. Anchorage and Juneau have also made it into the top ten Labor Day destinations, driven by strong consumer demand for Alaska cruises in late summer. "This is the time of year to go on an Alaska cruise," said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA...