Jennifer Aydin is making some big changes to her home. The Real Housewives of New Jersey cast member recently revealed that she and her family have been living in the basement while their kitchen undergoes a major remodel.

On December 10, the mom of five took to her Instagram Stories to share her renovation plans. Weve been living in the basement. Im redoing my kitchen, she explained in the video as she panned the camera around the massive space.

Jennifer previously shared a closer look at her sprawling, 8,000-square-foot basement back in April. The area is certainly one of the highlights of her enormous Paramus manse. In addition to featuring a small kitchenette, the basement also boasts plenty of amenities to keep the family entertained, including a movie theater, a spa, a sauna, and even an indoor basketball court.

As for the kitchen renovation, Jennifer didnt share any specific details of her plans, although she did promise to make a big reveal once the work is completed. Im not going to show you guys until its done, she said.

See more of Jennifers house and get a before shot of the kitchen in the video above.

Want moreRHONJ? Catch upon Peacock.

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Jennifer Aydin Reveals She's Renovating Her Kitchen and "Living in the Basement" - Bravo

COVID-19 has shaped the face of 2020, delivering shockwaves through the economy and sending much of the American workforce into sudden unemployment. Record-breaking hurricane and wildfire seasons have further impacted millions of peoples daily lives and finances across the country. While there have been some signs of economic improvement in recent months, many Americans continue to face hardships. Despite this, it appears that a significant number of people may have left money on the table by failing to review or update their insurance policies in response to the unprecedented circumstances of 2020.

To study the importance of insurance policies to a consumers overall financial well-being, Bankrate partnered with YouGov to survey nearly 3,000 adults across the country in early November, asking what these policyholders did differently in 2020 that could have affected their insurance. We found that about 46% of people with home insurance policies and 36% of those with auto insurance policies did not review their 2020 policies. Of those who did not review their policies, nearly half (48%) with homeowners insurance and more than one-third (38%) with auto insurance should have done so based on lifestyle adjustments that could either help them save money or may have caused them to require additional coverage.

The survey also revealed some interesting trends about things people have done in 2020 that could have affected home and auto policy premiums. Of the U.S. adults that Bankrate surveyed, 21% improved their credit score, 15% did home renovations, 12% stopped commuting to work, 8% got a dog and 7% added new security to their home.

As everyone heads into 2021, it may be a good idea to pull out those policies to review them and make any changes needed before the new year begins.

In 2020, one-third of American adults have turned to their retirement or savings to pay the bills, especially those in lower-income households who were already struggling. Pew Research Center reports that about 25% of American households have been affected by job losses and layoffs this year, making money tighter than ever as COVID-19 numbers continue to spike ahead of an anticipated vaccine.

According to the World Bank, as the pandemic progresses, the economic damage is already evident and represents the largest economic shock the world has experienced in decades.

With money tight for so many Americans, people are looking for ways to save money wherever possible. Still, many may not have considered the importance auto and home insurance can have to their overall financial portfolio.

For many, their homes represent their largest asset as well as their highest expense. And many may not realize what activities and behaviors impact home insurance premiums. For example, simple daily life changes can lower rates. For the 7% of survey respondents with homeowners insurance who did not review their policy but added new security to their home, their insurance companies would likely have agreed to extend extra policy discounts in exchange for the additional protection.

Credit score, one of several factors that determine premiums, is another area where consumers can lower insurance costs. The 19% of survey respondents with homeowners insurance believe their credit score improved in 2020 and would likely be able to negotiate a lower premium with their insurance providers going forward.

An activity that can have either a positive or negative effect on home insurance premiums is home renovation. It depends what kind of work has been completed on the home some renovations, such as putting in a new roof, can decrease premiums, while others, such as adding a pool in the backyard, drive rates up. Based on survey results, the 17% of respondents with homeowners insurance who did not review their policy but completed home renovations may be over or underinsured and not realize it.

Since adding pets to the family seemed to be a popular activity in 2020 as well, its worth noting that owning certain dog breeds can also drive home insurance costs up or prevent home insurance providers from covering you.

Its a good idea for homeowners to check their existing policies and speak with their insurance providers to see where they can save money, either now or in the first half of 2021. Its also smart to check and see what kinds of activities may require additional insurance coverage so that there are no surprises in the event of a claim.

The amount of time people spend on the road has changed significantly in 2020 as well. Early on, the COVID-19 pandemic essentially cleared the roadways, and major car insurance providers Allstate, GEICO and Progressive all reported a 30% decrease in auto insurance claims related to damaged property and bodily injury through mid-2020, according to Fitch Ratings. Some insurance companies distributed refunds or extended discounts to policyholders because of so many cars grounded at home. Through the YouGov study, Bankrate found that many drivers did not take advantage of all the savings that might have been available to them. However, even as traffic levels begin to increase again towards pre-pandemic levels, there may still be some opportunities for car owners to save money.

Almost 40% of surveyed Americans with auto insurance reported that they had not reviewed their policy. However, more than 20% who had not reviewed their policy believed that their credit score had improved. Similar to home insurance, a credit score is typically an important factor in determining auto insurance premiums.

Working from home can also reduce auto insurance rates. For the 14% of auto insurance policyholders who have stopped commuting but still have not reviewed their auto insurance policy, its possible they can lower their auto premiums. Many of those working from home since the pandemic began will continue to do so into 2021, so it may be a good idea to contact your insurance provider and ask for a discount.

Insurance providers employ people to regularly review and evaluate their customers policies to ensure that they keep up with trends and charge appropriate rates. However, these people work for the insurance company, not for you, which is why its important to remain diligent with your policies.

Our study shows that only 54% of homeowners and 64% of auto insurance policyholders had reviewed their insurance policies since the beginning of 2020. Policyholders over 18 with a higher income were more likely to review their home insurance, with 60% making over $80,000 annually, compared to 47% of homeowners who make below $40,000. 64% of auto policyholders over 18 across all income brackets were more likely to have reviewed their auto insurance, compared to just 36% who make below $40,000.

Anyone can benefit from reviewing their insurance policies to identify savings, but it may be especially helpful for households with lower incomes. By cluing your provider into key lifestyle changes, you could save a fortune in insurance premiums and also perhaps find alternate coverage that is more suitable for where you are in life.

This survey makes one thing clear: by not regularly reviewing their home and auto insurance policies, policyholders are missing opportunities to save money and protect their most valuable assets. Insurance is an integral part of any financial plan because life is full of surprises. But even if you failed to take advantage of some of the unique opportunities that 2020 presented to save money on insurance, its not too late.

Many insurance providers have simplified the process, making it easier to monitor policies with online and mobile tools. You can also review your policies, file claims, track progress and contact customer service for support. 2020 may have presented new challenges for many of us, but taking a moment to review home and auto insurance policies could help you set yourself up for success and savings in 2021.

Bankrate.com commissioned YouGov Plc to conduct the survey. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 2,931 adults, including 1,968 with homeowners insurance and 2,441 with auto insurance. Fieldwork was undertaken November 5 6, 2020. The survey was carried out online and meets rigorous quality standards. It employed a non-probability-based sample using both quotas upfront during collection and then a weighting scheme on the back end designed and proven to provide nationally representative results.

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Why Reviewing Home, Auto Insurance Should be Part of Your Year-End Financial Checklist - Bankrate.com

The wind-driven Silverado Fire in Irvine burned 12,466 acres two months ago. The land is a scorched checkerboard with some areas black and barren, and others with signs of life.

Crews and volunteers with the Irvine Ranch Conservancy spent the last five years restoring Agua Chinon Canyon, in the east hills of Irvine, back to its native state, with lush vegetation around the creek. The conservancy had just finished restoring it when the Silverado Fire hit, burning in much of the same footprint as the destructive Santiago Fire did in 2007. That earlier fire churned through 28,445 acres, destroying 16 homes.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy CEO Michael OConnell said there is a silver lining from the Silverado Fire. Part of restoring the habitat means taking out the invasive species before you restore the natives. And if we did a good job of that, its unlikely that there are a lot of invasive weeds in there to come back and that it will come back as native plants. Weve seen that in other areas like some of the restorations after the Woolsey Fire in the Santa Monica Mountains. Theyve actually come back pretty healthy. So we look at this as a big opportunity to study further our restoration methods and see if they are resilient over time.

Read more from the original source:
Native plant restoration and Silverado Fire in OC | Greater LA - KCRW

HGTV's blockbuster hit 'Home Town' will be returning to screens with a Season 5 soon. Here's all you need to know about it and everything you can expect to see in the show featuring endearing home experts Ben and Erin Napier, as well as baby Helen who'll be joining her parents yet again for the new season.

'Home Town' Season 5 will premiere on January 3, 2021. A new episode will air every Sunday night at 8 pm ET on HGTV.

Home renovation stars Ben and Erin Napier will continue to revitalize their small town of Laurel, Mississippi. The season will once again focus on the couple helping people to realize their dreams of owning an ideal home. Audiences will be able to see the couple overhaul outdated homes with customized renovations that spotlight Erin's stunning design aesthetic and Ben's handmade wood creations.

"In the season premiere of 'Home Town', Ben and Erin will help just-married friends find their first home. After suffering a tragic loss, the bride, her young son and their newly blended family are eager to embark on a fresh journey together," states a press release.

It adds, "With a dramatic dining room featuring a hand-crafted wood table, a play area with an upcycled, personalized toy box, and a living room with a custom family tree painting, Ben and Erin will weave the young family's story into every detail of their new space."

"Additional memorable projects during the season will include a cabin for a Grammy-nominated music producer and guitarist from Nashville, a first home reno for Ben's brother, Jesse, and an outdoor kitchen complete with a handmade crawfish table for a Louisiana family buying in Laurel", according to HGTV's press release.

Ben and Erin Napier live and restore homes in their hometown in Mississippi. Erin started her career in corporate graphic design. Ben, a woodworker with a degree in history, had a passion for restoring historic houses that he embraced along with his wife Erin. The latter's imaginative hand sketches and Ben's custom handiwork showcasing local reclaimed materials benefit the home-buying families that feature on the show.

When they arent renovating homes for new residents, the couple keeps themselves occupied with their four best friends operating a shop that sells heirloom wares and durable goods made in the USA.

There's no trailer yet for 'Home Town' Season 5. Check this space closer to the release date for fresher updates.

'Good Bones'

'Fixer Upper'

'Property Brothers'

'Love It or List It'

'Bargain Mansions'

Link:
'Home Town' Season 5: Release date, plot, cast, trailer and all you need to know about HGTV's renovation show - MEAWW

The price tag for the Cannon House Office Building renovation project continues to rise as one leg of the construction effort lags years behind schedule, an Architect of the Capitol inspector general report shows.

The project began in 2014 and was originally expected to cost $752.7 million, stretched over 10 years and five phases (numbered 0-4). That original cost estimate has jumped to $890.1 million, a $137.4 million or 18 percent increase.

The added infusion of taxpayer money marks at least a $24.1 million increase since September 2019 when the House Administration Committee examined the massive renovation at a hearing. In his testimony before that panel, Terrell Dorn, managing director of infrastructure operations at the Government Accountability Office, cited an AOC report from June 2019 projecting the total cost to range between approximately $828 million and $866 million.

Dorn, who worked in a similar monitoring capacity on the Capitol Visitor Center project, said in a phone interview that it was not unusual for renovation projects to deviate 20 percent from the original budget. The CVC was initially projected to cost approximately $150 million in 1998. When the space opened in 2008, the final invoice reached $621 million.

Cannon, first used in 1908, is the oldest congressional office building with the exception of the Capitol. It is riddled with substantial environmental, health, safety and operational issues. Polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, and asbestos, which can cause adverse health effects, have both been found in Cannon during the construction process.

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Cannon renovation expected to go $137 million over budget - Roll Call

On Tuesday, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA), a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure whose district includes 200 miles of the Sacramento River and is adjacent to several major ports, secured key provisions in the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (S.1811) for the California Delta and Central Valley.

The legislation passed the House Tuesday and is expected to pass the Senate with strong bipartisan support and become law this year.

This bipartisan legislation supports levee projects throughout the Sacramento Valley, which will provide critical flood protection and make local communities more resilient to climate change, Garamendi said. I secured provisions in this bill to authorize and expedite construction of flood protection and aquatic ecosystem restoration projects, address harmful algal blooms in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, and give local agencies greater flexibility in using federal Army Corps funds to meet local needs. Working together, Congress has provided the federal support needed to keep key flood control projects in the Sacramento Valley on time and on budget heading into flood season.

Congressman Garamendi secured the following provisions in the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (H.R.7575):

Delta Focus Area for New Army Corps Harmful Algal Bloom Program: Working with Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), Garamendi included all 5 California Delta counties (Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, and Yolo) as a focus area for the new Army Corps Harmful Algal Bloom Demonstration Program to determine the causes of, and implement measures to effectively detect, prevent, treat, and eliminate, harmful algal blooms associated with Army Corps Dredging and flood control projects. This will help protect the Deltas precious ecosystem from toxic algal blooms.

Yuba River Ecosystem Restoration: Garamendi secured Congressional authorization for the Yuba River Ecosystem Restoration Project. Once completed, this project will restore approximately 178 acres of aquatic and riparian habitat along the lower Yuba River, between Englebright Dam and the confluence of the Yuba and Feather Rivers, downstream of Marysville.

Yolo Bypass System Improvement: Working with Rep. Doris O. Matsui (CA-06), Garamendi included the Yolo Bypass System Improvement Act to develop a coordinated planning and review process for all restoration projects and federal permitting in the Yolo Bypass.

Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Islands and Levees: Working with Rep. Jerry McNerney (CA-09), Garamendi secured Congressional authorization for the Delta Islands and Levees Ecosystem Restoration Project, at the request of Californias Department of Water Resources. This project will restore the interior Deltas ecosystem and provide vital flood control.

Sacramento Riverbed Gradient Restoration Facility: Garamendi transferred control of the riverbed gradient restoration facility in the Sacramento River to the Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District. These riverbed gradient restoration structures were constructed along miles 205 and 206 of the Sacramento River Flood Control Project, as part of fish screen improvement projects for the Hamilton City Pumping Plant.

Western Pacific Interceptor Canal: Garamendi transferred control of a portion of the Western Pacific Interceptor Canal to the Three Rivers Levee Improvement Authority, removing this canal section from unnecessary inspection, and operation, maintenance by the Army Corps as it no longer serves a purpose.

San Francisco Bay to Stockton Navigation Improvement: Working with Rep. Jerry McNerney (CA-09), Garamendi expedited completion of the Army Corps feasibility study for the San Francisco Bay to Stockton Navigation Improvement Project. This feasibility study examines deepening the John F. Baldwin and Stockton Deepwater Ship Channels from their existing depths of -35 feet mean lower low water to -40 feet and beneficially reusing dredged sediment for marsh restoration of subsided islands in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

City of Woodland and Lower Cache Creek Flood Risk Management: Garamendi expedited completion of the feasibility study for the Army Corps Lower Cache Creek Flood Risk Management Project with the City of Woodland, Central Valley Flood Protection Board, and California Department of Water Resources to reduce flood risk and lower the cost of flood insurance for property owners.

Sacramento Regional Water Bank: Working with Reps. Doris O. Matsui (CA-06) and Ami Bera (CA-07), Garamendi expanded the Army Corps environmental infrastructure assistance to the Sacramento Area to include all of Sacramento County and increase from $35 million to $45 million the authorized federal funding to support the development of the Sacramento Regional Water Authoritys proposed groundwater bank.

Sutter Bypass and Sacramento River Basin Feasibility Study: Garamendi secured Congressional authorization for a new Army Corps study for improved flood risk management in southern Sutter County between the Sacramento River and Sutter Bypass, at the request of Reclamation District 1500 and the Sutter Mutual Water Company.

Federal Support for Earthquake-resistant Projects: Working with Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano (CA-32), Garamendi ensured that Army Corps flood control projects like dams and levees requiring earthquake-resistance and other seismic safety costs in California remain equally competitive for federal funding compared to projects in states without earthquakes.

This is the fourth biennial Water Resources Development Act passed by Congress since 2014.

Continued here:
House passes Water Resources Development Act; final bill expected to become law this year - Lake County News

TipRanks

Investing is all about profits, and part of generating profits is knowing when to start the game. The old adage says to buy low and sell high, and while its tempting just to discount cliches like that, theyve passed into common currency because they embody a fundamental truth. Buying low is always a good start in building a portfolio.The trick, however, is recognizing the right stocks to buy low. Prices fall for a reason, and sometimes that reason is fundamental unsoundness. Fortunately, Wall Streets analysts are busy separating the wheat from the chaff among the markets low-priced stocks, and some top stock experts have tagged several equities for big gains. These stocks are trading low now but the reasons are not necessarily bad for investors.Weve used the TipRanks database to pull up the data and reviews on two stocks that are priced low now, but may be primed for gains. Theyve been getting positive reviews, and despite their share depreciation, they hold Buy ratings and show upwards of 60% upside potential.Digital Media Solutions (DMS)We will start with Digital Media Solutions, an adtech company which connects online advertisers with customers through performance-based branding and marketplace solutions. DMS boasts a powerful consumer intelligence database, which it uses to fine-tune customer acquisition campaigns while offering advertisers accountability for the project budget.DMS went public in July of this year, via a merger with a special purpose acquisition company, Leo Holdings. The combination took the DMS name for the ticker, and initiated trading at $10 per share. The stock has been volatile since, and is currently down 27% since it started trading.Digital advertising is a huge and growing sector, worth $100 billion in 2019 and expected to reach $130 billion by the end of next year. DMS has a solid piece of that cash cow, and the Q3 numbers demonstrate that. Quarterly revenue hit a company record, of $82.8 million, which was up 10% sequentially and 44% year-over-year. Of that total revenue, the company saw a gross profit of $25.1 million, for a 30% gross margin. All in all, DMSs first quarter as a publicly traded company showed strong results.Covering the stock for Canaccord is analyst Maria Ripps, who is rated 5 stars by TipRanks, and stands in the top 1% out of more than 7,100 stock analysts. The company saw meaningful volume growth from both new and existing clients, with particular strength from its auto insurance business along with the eCommerce, education, and non-profit verticals We continue to think investors will gradually come to appreciate DMS similarities with other leading digital marketing peers that trade at more premium valuations, and expect multiple expansion over time as the story becomes better understood, Ripps noted.To this end, Ripps rates DMS stock a Buy, and her $15 price target suggests an upside of 106% from the current share price of $7.20. (To watch Ripps track record, click here)Overall, DMS Moderate Buy consensus rating is based on 2 recent reviews, both positive. The stock has an average price target of $14, which indicates a 92% upside potential. (See DMS stock analysis on TipRanks)ViaSat, Inc. (VSAT)From digital advertising we move on to digital networking. ViaSat provides customers with high-speed broadband access through a secure satellite network system. The company serves both military and commercial markets, meeting the growing need for secure communications links.The anti-coronavirus shutdown policies have particularly hard on ViaSat. This may sound counterintuitive, as online networking has been busier than ever, but a large segment of ViaSats business comes from the airlines, and with air travel first grounded and still facing depressed travel volumes, ViaSats shares have yet to recover from their February/March swoon.On a positive note and one that is indicative of the essential nature of secure satellite communications in todays networked economy ViaSat reported $577 million in Q3 contract awards, representing a 29% yoy gain. For the year to date, the company has seen awards totaling $1.9 billion, which is up 5% from this time last year. The third quarter (the companys fiscal Q2) revenues and earnings were somewhat mixed, reflecting both the increase in contract awards and the decline in airline business. Revenues were $554 million, down 6% yoy, but up almost 4% sequentially. EPS was 3 cents per share, beating the predicted 5 cent loss by a wide margin.JPMorgan analyst Philip Cusick writes of ViaSat: [We] believe long-term growth levers remain intact highlighted by record segment backlog of $1.1b We view ViaSat as a satellite innovation leader and believe the companys future ViaSat-3 fleet will accelerate growth in satellite services over the coming years. At the same time, we see a long-term government systems tailwind driven by the companys radio portfolio, mobile broadband, and SATCOM.In line with his bullish comments, Cusick rates VSAT shares an Overweight (i.e. Buy), and his $60 price target implies ~72% upside on the one-year time horizon. (To watch Cusicks track record, click here)Overall, the stock has 5 recent reviews, including 3 Buys and 2 Holds. Shares are priced at $34.14, and the average price target of $55 suggests a 61% upside potential from that level. (See VSAT stock analysis on TipRanks)To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks equity insights.Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analysts. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment.

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Restoration Hardware (RH) Q3 Earnings and Revenues Beat Estimates - Yahoo Finance

[12/09/20 - 08:00 AM]Ty Pennington Takes on Other HGTV Stars to Help Homeowners Decide Their Next Move in New Series "Ty Breaker"Look for the first of eight hour-long episodes on Monday, January 11 at 9:00/8:00c.[via press release from HGTV]

TY PENNINGTON TAKES ON OTHER HGTV STARS TO HELP HOMEOWNERS DECIDE THEIR NEXT MOVE IN NEW SERIES 'TY BREAKER'

New York [Dec. 9, 2020] Popular carpenter, craftsman and designer Ty Pennington will help conflicted homeowners decide whether to overhaul their current home or renovate a different property to suit their needs in the new HGTV series Ty Breaker. Premiering on Monday, Jan. 11, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, each of the eight hour-long episodes will feature one of HGTV's savvy design experts: Alison Victoria (Windy City Rehab), Grace Mitchell (One of a Kind) or Sabrina Soto (The High Low Project), as she tries to persuade the family to let her create a beautifully customized new place. Meanwhile, Ty, who spends quality time with each family to find out about their property's problem areas, will strive for clients to stay put and enjoy a whole-home renovation. The friendly competition will up the ante between Ty and the starring guest expert as each vies to impress clients with stunning home renovation options. Two design plans will be presented, but only one will be the "Ty Breaker."

"I can't wait for folks to watch Ty Breaker! I loved meeting so many awesome families and helping them decide on their future home," said Ty. "I'm doing all I can to sway them to stay in their current digs by adding some spectacular upgrades, but Alison, Grace and Sabrina are amazing renovators, designers and competitors - they know how to win!"

The series will showcase a range of inspiring home renovation and design solutions, including adjusting a home to suit a multigenerational family, helping a newly engaged couple combine households and reimagining the perfect home for a newly blended family. Each client will see enticing options and customized design elements.

Fans also can stay connected with Ty Breaker on HGTV's digital platforms. Viewers can visit HGTV.com to see photos and videos from the show and interact on social media using #TyBreaker. Each episode will be available on HGTV GO the same day as the TV episode premieres - Mondays beginning Jan. 11 at 9 p.m. Fans also can connect with the Ty Breaker team on Instagram @thetypennington, @thealisonvictoria, @astoriedstyle and @sabrina_soto.

ABOUT HGTV

HGTV delivers families with relatable stories, superstar real estate and renovation experts and amazing home transformations that inspire a passionate audience. For anyone seeking entertaining and aspirational home and lifestyle content, HGTV is the place to be. HGTV offers: a top 10 cable network that is distributed to more than 86 million U.S. households; a website, HGTV.com, that attracts an average of 10.2 million people each month; a social footprint of 21.2 million; HGTV Magazine, a monthly publication that reaches more than one million readers and exclusive collections of home-oriented products through the HGTV HOME(TM) consumer products line. Viewers can become fans of HGTV and interact with other home improvement enthusiasts through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. HGTV is owned by Discovery, Inc., a global leader in real life entertainment spanning 220 countries and territories, whose portfolio also includes Discovery Channel, Food Network, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, MotorTrend, Animal Planet, Science Channel, and the forthcoming multi-platform JV with Chip and Joanna Gaines, Magnolia, as well as OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.

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Breaking News - Ty Pennington Takes on Other HGTV Stars to Help Homeowners Decide Their Next Move in New Series "Ty Breaker" - The Futon...

Drawn by one of the hottest residential real estate markets in the nation, Offerpad plans to join the crowded scrum of companies in metro Denver providing sellers an instant offer on their homes.

Success for Offerpad is capturing markets that provide growth for not only the services and products we provide today, but those with the right environment to support dynamic growth as we continue to rapidly innovate offerings, Matt Brohn, Offerpads vice president of strategic initiatives, said in a release.

After studying the trends to understand where its business model might work best, the company targeted Denver and Nashville for an expansion early next year, adding the cities and their suburbs to the 830 locations where the company is already active.

Offerpad, based outside of Phoenix, was one of the early pioneers when it came to using technology to give sellers a quick bid on their homes. Rather than having to deal with getting a home ready for sale, a parade of potential buyers dropping by and the ping pong game between agents hammering out the fine print, working with an iBuyer promises a much more direct approach.

A seller requests a bid. An iBuyer offers one. The price is then adjusted by the cost of repairs estimated after a visit. Closing can happen within a few days or it can be timed to when the seller needs it, like the completion of a home under construction. The iBuyer handles the repairs and sells the home.

Opendoor and Zillow Offers opened shop in Denver in October 2018 and were joined the following May by RedfinNow and Boulder-based 8z Real Estate. The firms were gaining traction in the market until the pandemic hit. Prices were hard to pin down in March and April, and some sellers had their offers rescinded, leaving them high and dry.

Since this summer, the metro Denver market has run hot, with most properties under $750,000 often selling within two weeks, often in a weekend. That has taken away a key advantage of working with iBuyers, a quick turnaround.

The consumer proposition of an instant sale is a lot less compelling given how hot the market is. Consumers wont want to leave money on the table with just one offer, and are more inclined to list traditionally to get top dollar for their home, said Mike DelPrete, a real estate technology strategist.

He adds theres always demand for an instant sale, but the national numbers are showing it is a lot less now than it was pre-pandemic.

Offerpad plans to locate an office in Denver and is actively recruiting real estate talent and home renovation vendors. Those opportunities will be listed on the companys Careers page once theyre made available.

Original post:
Offerpad joins the instant offer fray in metro Denvers real estate market - The Denver Post

Leading real estate and technology innovator Offerpad is wrapping up a year of feverish growth and exciting expansions with the announcement that it will be offering its full suite of customer-centric real estate solutions to home sellers and buyers in the burgeoning Denver and Nashville metropolitan areas, beginning in early 2021.

Adding to the more than 830 cities and towns across the U.S. where Offerpad now operates, Denver and Nashville will be the first of several new market rollouts the company has planned for 2021. The companys growth strategy going into the new year continues to build on Offerpads successful expansion in 2020 into the booming Birmingham, Alabama metro area and widening of its existing footprint in its rapidly expanding Florida and other markets.

Success for Offerpad is capturing markets that provide growth for not only the services and products we provide today, but those with the right environment to support dynamic growth as we continue to rapidly innovate offerings, says Matt Brohn, Offerpads Vice President, Strategic Initiatives. After a thorough quantitative and qualitative analysis where we blend traditional MLS and trending market data, as well as leverage our unique internal insights on what we know works well for our business model, Denver and Nashville more than meet that criteria for our companys aggressive growth agenda.

When looking at markets, Offerpad seeks to leverage area demand and regional data that trend positively for growth in overall real estate transactions; strong economic, employment and population growth; affordability; as well as home construction dynamics and inventory, the latter of which is a pivotal metric for the companys continually expanding national Homebuilder Alliance program.

With its headquarters in Arizona, Offerpad plans to open additional physical offices in Denver and Nashville to cement its presence in both areas. As Offerpad finalizes preparations ahead of its official launch dates, recruitment for local Market Directors and other top real estate talent, as well as vendors to assist in home renovation work, is already under way. To learn more about new employment opportunities, visit Offerpads careers page.

Colorado is currently one of the hottest housing markets in the country, and one of the fastest-growing states in terms of housing units, meeting key metrics for Offerpads decision to open in Denver. Considered a strong city for tech talent, the Denver metro areas supply and demand dynamics, healthy new construction and builds, and large amount of real estate transactions are all strong indicators of support for current and future Offerpad services.

Ditto for Nashville, another key market and environment perfectly suited for scaling Offerpads real estate services and solutions going into 2021. Tennessee was ranked #1 in fiscal stability last year, according to US News & World Report, and its capital city was ranked #15 by the

magazine as one of the 125 Best Places to Live in the USA. Nashville also ranked high on national comparative index scores used by Offerpad in its market analysis, as well as the strength of the companys partners in both regions.

As in every Offerpad market, customers in Denver and Nashville will soon enjoy real estate options including selling their home instantly to Offerpad the perfect solution for those who seek a competitive cash offer with the convenience and control that comes with no showings and the customers ability to select their closing date. They may also choose to partner with Offerpads dedicated team of experts in real estate, renovations and home marketing to list their home, the best choice for sellers who want to maximize their homes value when putting it on the market.

Were known for providing quick competitive cash offers, which will always remain a core offering, said Offerpad Founder and CEO Brian Bair. For new customers in Denver and Nashville looking to list their home, Offerpad is by far the most advanced way to maximize a homes value on the open market. Our 100% free, show-ready home services, matched with our Home Improvement Advance program and back-up instant cash offer, are unparalleled.

Sellers are now, more than ever, in control of their experience through our solutions center, continued Bair. We provide solutions, they select their option. We look forward to extending these options to our new customers in Denver and Nashville, and into other new markets later in 2021.

Real estate agents in Denver and Nashville will also have the opportunity to receive a 3% referral fee the highest in the industry when working with Offerpad to sell their clients home. Interested brokerages and agents can learn more here. Area homebuilders interested in partnering with the company through its Homebuilder Alliance can get more information by contacting Offerpad at builder@offerpad.com.

About Offerpad

Offerpad is a leading technology and real estate solutions provider with a mission to offer the best way to buy and sell a home. With firsthand real estate experience and utilizing powerful proprietary technology, the company provides several consumer-focused options including instant cash offers and superior home listing services. Offerpad is a privately held company headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, operating across the country in more than 830 cities and towns. Visit Offerpad.com for more information.

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Offerpad sets sights on expansion into Denver and Nashville - AZ Big Media