Author: Rodeo Realty Media Team

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Mortgage Rate Update | October 31, 2024

Mortgage rates – Every Thursday Freddie Mac publishes interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of October 31, 2024, were as follows:

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.72%, up from 6.54% last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.99%, up from 5.71% last week.

The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.

Freddie Mac was chartered by Congress in 1970 to keep money flowing to mortgage lenders in support of homeownership and rental housing. Their mandate is to provide liquidity, stability, and affordability to the U.S.

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Weekend Events | November 1 – November 3

October has come to an end but there is still some spooky fun to be had. Enjoy the last weeks of fall with this weeks round up of things to do! From haunts to galas, concerts and more, there are plenty of happenings November 1 through November 3.

Los Angeles Weekend Events | November 1 – November 3

Two Faced Ceramics classes at Hotel Figueroa

When: Until November 16

Where: Hotel Figueroa | DTLA

What: Two Faced Ceramics is bringing its home studio poolside to DTLA’s Hotel Figueroa for a series of beginner-friendly classes. For $75, each session includes all materials and equipment, plus mimosas and a hotel tote bag. Every class explores a unique theme, with this weekend’s session focusing on an election-inspired design.

Color in Motion: Chromatic Explorations of Cinema

When: October 6 – July 13, 2024

Where: Academy Museum | Museum Row

What: “Color in Motion” showcases nearly 150 objects, including technology, costumes, props, and film posters, spanning from the 1890s to the present. Divided into six thematic sections, the exhibition explores the relationship between color, music, and movement, as seen in early dance performances and animated shorts. It delves into the evolution of color technologies, from Technicolor and Disney’s women-led Ink & Paint Department to modern digital techniques. The exhibition also highlights monochrome silent films, the narrative significance of color, and experimental art. The final gallery, the Color Arcade, is an interactive, neon-lit space featuring a corridor inspired by the stargate sequence from 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Downtown Día de los Muertos

When: October 19 – November 2

Where: DTLA

What: Grand Park’s two-week display of 20 altars, created by local artists and community organizations, kicks off with Grand Ave Arts: All Access. For the first time, the opening festivities will span two days, starting on October 19 with face painting, live music, and poetry, followed by a festival and inaugural parade on October 20. The celebration concludes with an outdoor film screening on November 2, presented by the GuadaLAjara Film Festival.

Westside and Beach Communites Weekend Events | November 1 – November 3

Maggie Rogers 

When: November 2

Where: Forum | Inglewood

What: The YouTube sensation has officially transformed into a pop star, shifting from gentle folk tunes to rich, soulful dance pop. Catch her headlining the Forum for two unforgettable nights.

Diane von Furstenberg: Woman Before Fashion

When: October 17 – August 2025

Where: The Skirball Museum | Westside

What: Explore over 50 garments from Diane von Furstenberg, including her iconic wrap dress, in this career-spanning exhibition at the Skirball. The show also highlights her philanthropic work and the impact of her upbringing as the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, alongside artwork and fabric swatches.

Cirque du Soleil: Kooza

When: October 19 – December 1

Where: Downtown Santa Monica

What: Cirque du Soleil brings its high-flying show KOOZA to the beach, leaving DTLA for Santa Monica. This marks the troupe’s first performance under the big top by the Santa Monica Pier since 2014.

San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | November 1 – November 3

Blended Worlds: Experiments In Interplanetary Imagination

When: Until January 4, 2025

Where: Glendale

What: In this collaborative exhibition in Glendale, artists and JPL scientists unite as 11 creatives across various mediums showcase their interpretations of how nature and the night sky spark wonder within us.

House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée

When: Until November 2

Where: Glendale

What: Step into a Glendale theater (324 N Orange St, Glendale) for a supernatural soirée filled with magic, hauntings, and mystery that will send shivers down your spine. House of Spirits offers a two-hour immersive experience where you can explore eerie performances and macabre pop-ups, all while sipping on themed drinks. Each ticket includes four mini cocktails to accompany your chilling adventure.

Halloween Horror Nights

When: Until November 3

Where: Universal Studios | Universal City

What: Spooky season is creeping up, and the first sign is here: haunted houses have begun to take over Universal Studios. The theme park’s Halloween Horror Nights, just outside of Hollywood, features terrifying experiences inspired by A Quiet Place, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Insidious, and The Purge, along with a chilling maze created by The Weeknd.

Conejo Valley Weekend Events | November 1 – November 3

Nights of the Jack

When: September 27 – November 2

Where: Santa Monica Mountains

What: Stroll through the picturesque King Gillette Ranch as it transforms into a glowing wonderland, with thousands of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns lighting up the Santa Monica Mountains hideaway. This year, Nights of the Jack features a mile-long walking trail, complete with food trucks and a festive “Spookeasy” to enhance the experience.

Bags, Bling & Bubbly Champagne Luncheon Fundraiser

When: November 2

Where: Las Posas Country Club in Camarillo

What: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC) is hosting its Annual Bags, Bling & Bubbly champagne luncheon at Las Posas Country Club in Camarillo on November 4, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Early bird tickets are available for $100 until September 1 at bbsvc.org/bubbly. For over 45 years, BBSVC has supported local youth through mentoring, relying on private donors for 75% of its funding.

Simi Valley SnowFest

When: November 3

Where: Rancho Madera Community Park, 556 Lake Park Dr. Simi Valley

What: Join Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District for its annual SnowFest on Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rancho Madera Community Park in Simi Valley. The event features sledding, snow lots, kids’ activities, a vendor expo, and food stalls. Admission is free for the snow lot, with $10 all-day wristbands available for snow slides and kids’ attractions.

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From Meta AI to a Nintendo Music App and More! | Tech News

Stay connected to the latest tech news headlines! From Meta AI to a Nintendo Music App and more, we have you covered. Check out our weekly round-up below!

Meta’s Llama AI Expands into Public Sector for Positive Impact

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that the company is collaborating with the U.S. government to use Llama AI for impactful public sector projects. Initial partnerships with the State Department focus on improving access to essential resources like safe water and electricity and supporting small businesses, while discussions with the Department of Education aim to simplify the financial aid process for students. Meta’s ambitious AI expansion includes a powerful Llama model in development, set to bring advanced reasoning and faster performance in 2025. Meanwhile, Meta continues to grow, reporting $40.5 billion in Q3 revenue and a 5% increase in daily app users, underscoring its commitment to innovation and public benefit.

Nothing Launches Glow-in-the-Dark Phone 2A Plus Community Edition

Nothing has announced the Phone 2A Plus Community Edition, a limited-edition smartphone featuring a glow-in-the-dark design created through a community-driven contest. Developed by designers Astrid Vanhuyse and Kenta Akasaki, the phone’s phosphorescent green tint requires only daylight to emit a soft glow for hours. Its custom packaging, crafted by Ian Henry Simmonds, mirrors the glow-in-the-dark theme. This first co-creation effort from Nothing drew over 900 design submissions, with only 1,000 units available for purchase starting November 12 for $399. The phone also includes six new wallpapers, the “Connected Collection,” and is marketed with the campaign “Find your light. Capture your light.”

Nintendo Launches Nostalgic Music App for Switch Online Subscribers

While fans await Nintendo’s next console, the company has surprised us with Nintendo Music. The Nintendo mobile app for Switch Online subscribers features classic tunes from iconic games like Splatoon, Animal Crossing, and The Legend of Zelda. Available on iOS and Android, the app offers curated playlists by game, character, and mood, plus options to create custom playlists, stream, or download tracks for offline enjoyment. The Unique features include a spoiler filter and loop settings for extended listening. Likewise, this allows Nintendo users to enjoy anything from Hyrule ambiance to full game soundtracks uninterrupted.

Google’s Pixel 9 Debuts Smart Weather App for Real-Time Summaries

The new standalone Google Weather app on the Pixel 9 uses AI to give clear, concise summaries of daily weather, helping users know at a glance if they’ll need an umbrella. The app syncs with saved locations on Pixel devices, letting users track multiple spots, view weather data on maps, and customize information blocks. Available on Pixel 6, 7, 8, and 9 models, this feature-rich app is a fresh choice for users seeking an alternative since Dark Sky’s closure in 2020.

Google Wallet Expands to Kids with Parental Controls for In-Store Purchases

Google will soon allow kids to use Google Wallet on Android phones, enabling in-store purchases through tap-to-pay, with parental controls via the Google Family Link app. Parents can approve new cards, monitor transactions, and control access, while kids can use fingerprint, facial recognition, PIN, or passwords for secure payments. The feature, set to roll out in the US and other countries next year, limits online purchases and excludes health or ID cards, offering a safe, parent-supervised way for kids to manage funds—catching up with Apple’s Apple Cash Family service.

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New Restaurants – Week of October 31 | L.A. Eats

In Los Angeles, culinary innovation continues to thrive with new restaurants offering diverse flavors and unique dining experiences. Whether you’re craving smoky wood-fired meats, Caribbean-infused rotis, or delicate Japanese sashimi, the latest arrivals in LA’s dining scene promise something for everyone. Here’s a look at some standout spots redefining the city’s food culture.

MXO

Location: 826 North La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90069

Wes Avila’s MXO, a West Hollywood steakhouse, brings a bit of Monterrey, Mexico to LA with an enticing focus on wood-fired cooking. Created in collaboration with Giancarlo Pagani and SBE’s Sam Nazarian, MXO is all about bold, communal dining experiences. The birria beef martillo, crafted from premium wagyu beef, served with marrow and consomé, and perfect for groups of up to 12, is a centerpiece at $275. Alongside large-format meats, find playful dishes like Okinawa sweet potato tacos, queso fundido, and a grilled cabbage Caesar.

The Benjamin

Location: 7174 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90046

Bringing Art Deco elegance to Melrose Avenue, The Benjamin is Ben Shenassafar’s stylish debut into the restaurant world. This American-inspired bistro offers comfort foods diners crave on any given night. Classics like a well-executed cheeseburger, crispy crab beignets, and cocktails like ice-cold martinis make it a hot reservation. Shenassafar’s background with the Hundreds and Family Style shines in a space where trendy, well-traveled patrons feel right at home.

Udatsu

Location: 6634 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90028

Udatsu, the acclaimed Michelin-starred new omakase spot from Tokyo led by chef Hisashi Udatsu, brings a refined sushi experience to Los Angeles. Located above Rokusho, this intimate establishment serves an exquisite 17-course omakase highlighting seasonal sashimi and nigiri. Guests are treated to specialties like Hokkaido and Santa Barbara sea urchin, aged tuna, and a beautifully crafted sardine roll — all in a calm, modern space designed for an immersive sushi journey.

Norikaya

Location: 554 South Western Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90020

Norikaya is Chef Akira Back’s latest venture, an energetic temaki bar nestled in the heart of Koreatown. Partnering with Robert Kim, Back brings hand rolls and small bites inspired by his Korean-Japanese roots and honed in his global ventures. Here, simple hand rolls are elevated with top-quality ingredients, served at an elegant counter where guests can unwind and savor elevated sushi culture.

Bridgetown Roti

Location: 858 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Finally grounded in a permanent space, Bridgetown Roti, an Eater 2021 Best New Restaurant, offers East Hollywood a taste of Caribbean-inflected dishes. Chef Rashisa Holmes showcases traditional roti made with Grist & Toll flours, filled with everything from chicken curry to green curry shrimp. Other highlights include weekend-only doubles, oxtail patties, and cod fish cakes. Be ready for a wait — these creations have made Bridgetown an instant hit.

Barr Seco

Location: 3820 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90026

Sister to the Silver Lake hotspot Santo, Barr Seco operates as a cafe by day and a cozy bar by night. Chef David Potes’ menu complements the natural wine selection curated by former Kismet sommelier Kae Whalen, with dishes like scallop crudo and adobo-marinated pork tostadas. This dual-purpose spot provides a comfortable yet refined environment for casual dining or a night out.

Komal Molino

Location: 3655 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90007

New restaurant Komal Molino is the brainchild of Chef Fátima Juárez, a veteran of the celebrated Holbox. With partner Conrado Rivera, Juárez serves Mexican dishes rooted in her upbringing and prepared with heirloom corn masa made by hand. Each item, from the Taco Sonia to family-recipe squash bread, tells a story of heritage and culinary passion.

Bar Sinizki

Location: 3147 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90039

Chef Scott Zwiezen’s Bar Sinizki is inspired by the all-day cafes he encountered across Eastern Europe in the ’90s. Located in Atwater Village, the new cafe features a checkered floor and marble bar reminiscent of Vienna and Berlin’s laid-back charm. Offering pierogi, steak frites, and tartines from breakfast to dinner, this no-reservation spot welcomes guests with familiar flavors and relaxed vibes.

Butchr Bar

Location: 301 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90026

Tyson and Bridgette Blackney’s Butchr Bar serves Westlake a selection of small plates, charcuterie, and Australian-imported wagyu. This new restaurant combines butchery expertise with a love of wine. Additionally, the family-owned bar provides a cozy setting for wine and meat lovers alike, with options for solo diners or larger cuts like tomahawks for groups.

Camélia

Location: 1850 Industrial Street, Los Angeles, California 90021

The former Caboco space now houses Camélia, a French-Japanese bistro from the team behind Tsubaki and Ototo. Chef Charles Namba and Courtney Kaplan elevate French fare with Japanese ingredients. Endulge in aioli with pickled turnips or beef cheeks paired with crispy burdock root. Creative cocktails round out this stylish experience in LA’s Arts District.

Mala Class

Location: 5816 York Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90042

Mala Class, a modern Sichuan eatery in Highland Park, offers revamped Chinese favorites in a relaxed setting. Helmed by two New York City dining veterans, the menu includes dan dan noodles, chile oil dumplings, and sesame noodles. With affordable prices and a friendly atmosphere, it’s a refreshing addition for fans of Sichuan cuisine outside the SGV.

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Top Fall Camping Spots | Out & About

As autumn rolls in, Southern California’s scorching summer temperatures begin to mellow, creating the perfect backdrop for a camping adventure. Fall’s crisp air, vibrant foliage, and less crowded campgrounds make it an ideal season for outdoor enthusiasts to embrace nature. Whether you prefer the ocean breeze, desert serenity, or mountain chill, here are some of the best fall camping spots in Southern California.

1. Joshua Tree National Park

  • Why Visit: Famous for its stunning rock formations, spiky Joshua trees, and starlit skies, Joshua Tree is a top destination for fall camping. As summer’s intense heat subsides, fall brings cooler, more comfortable temperatures. It’s an excellent time for stargazing, rock climbing, and hiking among the unique desert landscapes.
  • Campgrounds: Hidden Valley and Jumbo Rocks are two popular campgrounds, offering proximity to hiking trails and fantastic rock formations. Make reservations early, as these spots are in high demand during fall.

2. Idyllwild Park

  • Why Visit: Nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild offers a quintessential mountain camping experience. Fall is a magical time here, with cooler mountain temperatures and colorful foliage. It’s a haven for hikers, mountain bikers, and nature lovers.
  • Campgrounds: Idyllwild Park Campground is a favorite for its scenic views and easy access to hiking trails. For a more rustic experience, the nearby Mount San Jacinto State Park offers campgrounds with less development and more seclusion.

3. Point Mugu State Park

  • Why Visit: For beach lovers, Point Mugu State Park along the Malibu coast is a stunning fall destination. The fall months mean smaller crowds, cooler weather, and a quieter coastline. The park features five miles of ocean shoreline, making it perfect for beachcombing, surfing, and hiking coastal trails.
  • Campgrounds: Sycamore Canyon Campground offers a serene setting with both mountain and ocean views. It’s a great spot for those who want to experience the coast’s beauty without the summer hustle and bustle.

4. Lake Hemet

  • •Why Visit: Set against the San Jacinto Mountains, Lake Hemet is a family-friendly fall camping destination with opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife spotting. The surrounding pine forests turn golden, making autumn hikes particularly picturesque.
  • •Campgrounds: Lake Hemet Campground offers lakeside sites that are perfect for fishing enthusiasts. It’s also known for its kid-friendly atmosphere and proximity to water activities.

5. Big Bear Lake

  • Why Visit: Big Bear Lake’s cool alpine climate and stunning fall foliage make it a top camping destination in Southern California. The area boasts numerous trails for hiking and mountain biking, and the lake offers kayaking and fishing options.
  • Campgrounds: Serrano Campground is one of the most popular spots, with sites near the lake and access to biking and hiking trails. In the fall, the aspen and oak trees turn brilliant shades of yellow and orange.

6. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

  • Why Visit: The vast, rugged landscapes of Anza-Borrego are perfect for fall exploration. As the largest state park in California, it offers a wide array of hiking trails, unique geological formations, and some of the best stargazing opportunities in the state. Fall temperatures are mild, making it ideal for day hikes and night-time astronomy.
  • Campgrounds: Borrego Palm Canyon Campground is the main camping area, offering a mix of developed and primitive sites. The nearby palm oasis and seasonal waterfalls make it a must-visit during the cooler months.

7. Malibu Creek State Park

  • Why Visit: With its rolling hills, oak woodlands, and dramatic rock formations, Malibu Creek State Park is a favorite among hikers, rock climbers, and bird watchers. Fall brings cooler temperatures, making it perfect for exploring the park’s diverse landscapes.
  • Campgrounds: The Malibu Creek Campground offers easy access to the park’s trails and scenic views of the Santa Monica Mountains. It’s a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the city and enjoy a fall weekend in nature.

8. Leo Carrillo State Park

  • Why Visit: For those who want to camp by the beach, Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu is a top choice. In fall, the crowds dwindle, making it easier to enjoy the sandy beaches, tide pools, and coastal trails. Fall weather is still warm enough for beach activities without the summer heat.
  • Campgrounds: The Leo Carrillo Campground is shaded by giant sycamores, offering a cool and comfortable camping experience. It’s just a short walk from the beach and great for families.

From the high desert’s expansive views to the coastline’s calming waves, Southern California’s diverse landscape offers endless possibilities for fall camping. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to outdoor adventures, these destinations promise a memorable experience surrounded by the beauty of the season.

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Top Crown Molding Styles | Home Tips

Crown molding is one of those subtle but impactful design elements that can elevate any room’s appearance. It’s a decorative feature installed where the ceiling meets the walls, adding architectural interest and a touch of refinement. Whether you’re updating a classic home or designing a modern one, the right crown molding style can transform a space from plain to luxurious. Below are eight of the most elegant styles to consider for your home:

1. Traditional Crown Molding

crown molding

This quintessential choice for classic homes is characterized by its curved, sweeping lines and layered design. This style typically features intricate details that mimic ancient Greek and Roman architecture, making it perfect for those who love a vintage or timeless look. It works beautifully in formal rooms like dining rooms or entryways where you want to make a lasting impression.

2. Modern Minimalist Molding

crown molding

For those with a taste for clean lines and simplicity, modern minimalist molding is an excellent option. This style is often narrow, sleek, and understated, providing just enough detail to define the space without overwhelming it. It’s an ideal choice for contemporary or modern homes where less is more, creating a streamlined, sophisticated look.

3. Cove Crown Molding

crown molding

This type of molding is a simple, curved style that blends seamlessly with ceilings and walls. It has a concave shape, with no sharp edges or ornate detailing, making it a great choice for those who prefer subtle elegance. The smooth, rounded profile suits both traditional and modern interiors, adding a touch of softness to any room.

4. Dentil Crown Molding

crown molding

Known for its distinctive “teeth-like” pattern, this style is a bold and classic choice. This style features a repeating pattern of small, square blocks that resemble teeth, adding a sense of grandeur and sophistication to any space.

5. Craftsman Crown Molding

This style is defined by its simple lines and robust construction. This style is perfect for homes with a rustic or traditional design aesthetic. The molding typically has a straight, chunky profile that emphasizes natural wood grain or clean, painted finishes. It’s a perfect fit for bungalow-style homes or any interior aiming for a warm, inviting feel.

6. Egg and Dart Crown Molding

crown molding

The egg and dart pattern is a classic motif that dates back to ancient architecture. It consists of alternating oval (egg) and pointed (dart) shapes, adding texture and visual interest to a room. It’s a versatile option that pairs well with other ornamental elements like wainscoting or decorative ceiling medallions.

7. Stepped Crown Molding

For a dramatic and layered look, consider stepped crown molding. This style features multiple layers that “step” up toward the ceiling, creating depth and visual intrigue. This style is an excellent choice for high ceilings, as it draws the eye upward, emphasizing the height of the room. It adds a luxurious, custom-built feel to any space.

8. Art Deco Crown Molding

crown molding

Art Deco crown molding is all about geometric shapes, symmetry, and bold lines. Inspired by the 1920s and 1930s design era, this style is perfect for those looking to add a touch of glamour and drama to their interiors. It works particularly well in spaces with other Art Deco elements, such as mirrored furniture, metallic accents, and dark, rich colors.

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Economic Update | Week Ending October 26, 2024

Weekly Economic Update WEU econ
Stock markets sold off this week as investors took profits and moved to bonds, ended six weeks of gains and moving the Dow and S&P off their record highs last week. Bond yields have spiked as recent data suggests that the economy is picking up steam which could reignite inflation. This jump in bond yields began after the September jobs report which revealed that 254,000 new jobs were created, over 100,000 more new jobs than expected. Wages also jumped from their July and August levels. New jobless claims this week were lower than they were in July and August when it looked like hiring was stalling for the second straight week. Consumer confidence also jumped this week. Unfortunately, a heating economy could cause inflation to increase. That pushes up bond yields and mortgage rates. Both are a little over 1/2% higher than they were just a month ago when the Fed dropped short term rates. The Nasdaq closed the week slightly higher and just below its all-time high set July 10, as tech company profits are coming in strong.

Stock markets – The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 42,114.40, down 2.7% from 42,275.91 last week. It is up 11.2% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 5,808.12, down 0.6% from 5,864.67 last week. The S&P is up 21.8% year-to-date. The Nasdaq closed the week at 18,518.61, up 0.2% from 18,489.55 last week. It is up 23.4% year-to-date.

U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 4.25%, up from 4.08% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 4.51%, up from 4.38% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields.

Mortgage rates – Every Thursday Freddie Mac publishes interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of October 17, 2024, were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.54%, up from 6.44% last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.71%, up from 5.63% last week.

The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.

Home sales data is released on the third week of the month for the previous month by the National Association of Realtors. These are September’s home sales figures.

U.S. existing-home sales September 2024 – The National Association of Realtors reported that existing-home sales totaled 3.84 million units on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate in September, down 3.5% from an annualized rate of 3.98 million units last September. The median price for a home sold in the U.S. in September was $404,500, up 3% from $392,700 one year ago. There was a 4.3-month supply of homes for sale in September, up from a 3.4-month supply one year ago. First-time buyers accounted for 26% of all sales. Investors and second-home purchases accounted for 18% of all sales. All-cash purchases accounted for 30% of all sales. Foreclosures and short sales accounted for 2% of all sales.

Have a great weekend!
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Mortgage Rate Update | October 24, 2024

Mortgage rates – Every Thursday Freddie Mac publishes interest rates based on a survey of mortgage lenders throughout the week. The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as of October 24, 2024, were as follows:

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.54%, up from 6.44% last week. The 15-year fixed was 5.71%, up from 5.63% last week.

The graph below shows the trajectory of mortgage rates over the past year.

Freddie Mac was chartered by Congress in 1970 to keep money flowing to mortgage lenders in support of homeownership and rental housing. Their mandate is to provide liquidity, stability, and affordability to the U.S.

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From Prime Perks to Apple iOS 18 and More! | Tech News

Wrap up your week with the leading tech news headlines! We have you covered from Prime Member Perks to iOS 18 updates and more. Check out the major tech and media announcements from the week below!

Apple Expands Default App Options for iPhone Users Globally

Apple has announced that all iPhone users, not just those in the EU, can set default apps for calling and messaging in iOS 18.2. This iOS change initially thought to be exclusive to the EU, was confirmed on Apple’s developer website and spotted in the first iOS 18.2 beta by 9to5Mac. A new settings section allows users worldwide to manage default apps, including browser, email, call filtering, and more. This update is part of Apple’s broader response to EU regulations, which also supported RCS, though features like alternative app stores remain EU-specific. By extending some of these options iOS globally, Apple ensures a more consistent experience across regions.

Amazon Prime Adds Gas Savings to Member Benefits

Amazon Prime members can now save 10 cents per gallon at BP and Amoco stations by linking their Amazon account with BP’s loyalty program, Earnify. This discount is similar to Walmart’s offer through its Walmart Plus program at Exxon stations. Although joining requires sharing some data with BP, you can link your account by providing a phone number, with no need to download the app. Amazon plans to expand its savings to include EV charging by 2025, a move to enhance Prime’s value as subscription costs rise. The addition of perks like free food delivery through Grubhub has helped boost Prime membership, which now includes about 75% of Amazon shoppers.

Lomography Launches Upgraded Lomo’Instant Wide Glass Camera

Lomography has released the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass, featuring a new multi-coated glass 90mm lens, promising sharper images compared to its plastic predecessor. Priced at $279, the new model is a step up from the original $169 plastic version but still faces competition from alternatives like the Nons SL660 and Fujifilm’s Instax Wide 400, which costs $149.95. The Lomo’Instant Wide Glass uses Instax Wide film, is notably bulky at 7.3 inches wide, and includes extras like colored filters and a Splitzer attachment for creative shots. It offers both automatic and manual modes, with focus zones ranging from close-up to infinity and a simple optical viewfinder. Powered by four AA batteries, it retains a nostalgic, lo-fi charm, with the option to use rechargeables for an eco-friendly touch.

Spotify Introduces Custom Cover Art Feature for Playlists

Spotify now offers a “Create cover art” feature for playlists, allowing users to make personalized collages with layered images, effects, and stickers. Available in beta to both free and Premium members in 65 English-speaking markets, Spotify collaborated with renowned artists like Ugly Primo and Cey Adams for the design elements. While users can rotate, resize, and layer images, editing options are limited—images can’t be modified once saved, and drafts aren’t available. This feature differs from YouTube Music’s AI-driven approach, offering a more interactive, hands-on experience with 40 custom stickers. To use it, open a playlist, tap the three dots, and select “Create cover art.”

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy Launch New Tech-Infused Golf League, TGL

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy are set to debut TGL, a high-tech, team-based golf league, with the first match airing on ESPN and ESPN Plus on January 7th. TGL features a stadium setting where teams drive balls into a 3,400-square-foot screen before playing on a dynamic, artificial green that shifts between holes with advanced motorized technology. Each two-hour match involves three players from each team, with six teams competing overall, including Woods’ Jupiter Links Golf Club and McIlroy’s Boston Common Golf. The season kicks off with a matchup between New York Golf Club and The Bay Golf Club. Tickets for in-person events at SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, start at $160, with sales beginning October 28th, and the season concluding in March with a Finals Series.

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