• lsu GUARD Hailey Van Lith enters transfer portal.

    Report: LSU’s Hailey Van Lith Enters Transfer Portal

    1 Min Read

    That didn’t take long. LSU point guard Hailey Van Lith has entered the transfer portal, according to news reports.

    The news comes just days after Van Lith has manhandled by college basketball leading scorer Caitlin Clark, who torched her for 41 points in the Elite 8 matchup in the NCAA tournament.

    Hailey Van Lith Leaving LSU

    In her one season at LSU, Van Lith averaged 11.6 points and 2.3 assists per game.

    Despite her struggles during March Madness, Van Lith is still regarded a standout basketball player who gained prominence for her exceptional skills on the court.

    She initially played for the Louisville Cardinals, where she quickly made a name for herself as one of the top players in the country.

    Van Lith became known for her scoring ability, ball-handling skills, and tenacious defense.

    Final Word

    The announcement comes one day after LSU’s star player Angel Reese declared for the WNBA draft.

    She has been recognized with several awards and honors for her performance, including All-American selections. Her talent and potential have made her a highly regarded prospect for the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).

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  • curb appeal New Orleans

    Selling Your Home? Here’s How To Boost Its Curb Appeal

    3 Min Read

    So you want to put your home up for sale on the market to see what it does. You can list it all you want, but if it doesn’t have curb appeal, you might not attract any potential buyers.

    What is curb appeal? It’s a cosmetic look of a home’s exterior that is pleasing to the eye.

    In this article, we’ll go over some ways you can increase your home’s curb appeal and ultimately get it sold.

    How To Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

    Could the walkway in front of your home benefit from a good power washing? Are there still leaves in your gutter?

    Take a good look at the front exterior of your home and write down all the things you can do to beautify the property and not bust your budget.

    1. Take Lawncare Seriously

    Your lawn is the first thing a prospective buyer may notice about your property. Always make sure your hedges, trees and shrubs are trimmed to compliment your home. The last thing a potential buyer wants to see are wayward vines and branches encroaching on the porch or walkway.

    Take the time to invest in some shears so that you can cut your shrubs and other things out of the way.

    3. Go With a Fresh Coat of Paint

    You may also consider painting the rooms inside or even the home’s exterior. Nothing illuminates a home’s beauty like a nice coat of paint. Not only can a fresh paint job be pleasing to the eye but it can increase your bottom line.

    Zillow analysis found that homebuyers would pay 1.6% more ($5,000 on a $290,000 home) for a bathroom with light blue walls.

    4. Opt for Modest Upgrades

    You don’t have to break the bank to get your home in selling shape. Consider making some modest upgrades that will attract buyers.

    New Orleans, Louisiana, presents some great opportunity for potential homebuyers who save up for a home, but like much of the country, high prices and mortgage rates will temper the market.

    Final Word

    It could cost you a lot of money if you missed out on the sale of your home just because you didn’t tidy things up around the property. In essence, clean up.

    The time and energy you spend into boosting your curb appeal will be more than worth it in the long run.

    New Orleans has one of the best real estate markets in the country, with affordable housing in every quadrant of the city. Large backyards, manicured parcels and strong neighborhoods with ample dining amenities make it one of the top places for families and singles alike.

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  • Angel Reese declares for the WNBA draft.

    Angel Reese Declares for the WNBA Draft: ‘I Feel Like I’m Ready’

    3 Min Read

    LSU Lady Tigers star Angel Reese declared for the WNBA draft on Wednesday, days after her team lost in the NCAA tournament. The decision was a long time coming, she said.

    “I’ve done everything I wanted to in college,” Reese told Vogue about her decision. “I’ve won a national championship, I’ve gotten [Southeastern Conference] Player of the Year, I’ve been an All-American. My ultimate goal is to be a pro — and to be one of the greatest basketball players to play, ever. I feel like I’m ready.”

    LSU’s Hailey Van Lith enters transfer portal.

    During her short time in Baton Rouge, LSU phenom Angel Reese has redefined what a female college athlete can earn. Now, the junior from Maryland has decided to take her talents to the WNBA.

    “I’m leaving college with everything I ever wanted, a degree, a national championship, and this platform I could’ve never imagined,” she said.

    Will Angel Reese Declare for the WNBA Draft?

    Reese said that she will make her decision whether to return to the Tigers or declare for the WNBA draft after the season, which is now. She was likely tempted to run it back with LSU, given the strong bond she has forged with teammates Flu’Jae Johnson, Hailey Van Lith and others. But then there’s the money.

    Reese’s decision will in large part be shaped by how much money she stands to make at the next level.

    In the WNBA, the average salary is around $102,000 a year. The league minimum is $62,000 and the maximum is around $240,000.

    How Much Does Angel Reese Make in College?

    Because of NIL (name, image and likeness) deals, Reese commands nearly $2 million based on endorsements and deals. In 2023, some reports said that she pulled in more than $3 million. In 2024, she reportedly made another $1.4 million.

    After playing two seasons with the Maryland Terrapins, Reese transferred to LSU and immediately became a star, taking the Lady Tigers to a National Championship powered by the forward guidance of head coach Kim Mulkey.

    After the game, Reese reflected on her championship year and the abuse she endured along the way.

    “I’ve been through so much, I’ve seen so much, I’ve been attacked so many times,” Reese said. “Death threats, I’ve been sexualized, I’ve been threatened, I’ve been so many things and I’ve stood strong every single time. I just try to stand strong for my teammates because I don’t want them to see me down and not be there for them.”

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  • Angel Reese and LSU vs. Caitlyn Clark and Iowa.

    LSU Loses 94-87 To Iowa Behind Caitlin Clark’s Record Night

    2 Min Read

    The LSU Lady Tigers knew that they would have their hands full when they played the Iowa Hawkeyes in a rematch of the national championship game a year ago, but they had no idea how different this one would be.

    Powered by Caitlin Clark’s three-point shooting, Iowa beat LSU 94-87 to advance to the Final Four.

    LSU had a big game from their star, Angel Reese, who finished with 18 points and 20 rebounds, but a controversial offensive foul by her got her disqualified from the game and ruined any hopes that the Tigers had of coming from behind.

    The matchup, featuring not only Reese, but teammate Flau-Jae Johnson, lived up to the hype.

    For most of the game, Clark toyed with LSU’s Hailey Van Lith, scorching her one on one, until late in the game when it was too late.

    LSU Lady Tigers Vs. Iowa: Elite 8 Matchup

    • Matchup: LSU Lady Tigers vs. Iowa Women’s Basketball
    • TV Channel: ESPN
    • Tipoff Time: April 1, 7:19 p.m. ET
    • Livestream: FubuTV

    You can stream the game for free on FubuTV, which has a 7-day free trial.

    It seemed like it was just yesterday when LSU and Reese won the national championship over Iowa. It was Reese’s coming out party, but it also showed sports fans what Clark could do.

    LSU Head Coach Kim Mulkey, who knows a thing or two about winning championships, praised Clark for her deft shooting after she poured in nine three-pointers against Van Lith and the Tigers.

    “You’ve got to guard her,” Mulkey said of Clark, calling her “a generational talent.”

    Final Word

    Now Reese has to make a decision as to whether she will return to LSU or declare for the WNBA draft.

    Taking care of yourself financially is the #1 way to live better later in life. If you do so, you can save money on travel, what you pay at the grocery store and other expenses.

    Read how to get out of debt right now.

    More From NolaFi.com:

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  • besst etouffee restaurants in New Orleans

    Best Étouffée In New Orleans: 7 Restaurants That Don’t Miss

    4 Min Read

    In New Orleans, étouffée is one of the most-ordered dishes in the city. This delicious delicacy is typically served over a bed of rice sprinkled with parsley. For that reason, étouffée is one of the most delicious seafood dishes you can order at a local restaurant.

    If you’re thinking about visiting New Orleans or perhaps you’re a local who wants to treat yourself: Where is the best étouffée in the city?

    Where To Get The Best Étouffée In New Orleans

    We’ve researched area menus to come up with the best New Orleans restaurants for étouffée. Keep reading to find out.

    How Many Types Of Étouffées Are There?

    The first thing to know is that there are several types of étouffées. Depending on the restaurant you go to, you may see these on the menu:

    • Shrimp étouffée
    • Crawfish étouffée
    • Gator étouffée

    Those are the main types of étouffées, but there may be other various ones depending on the creativity of the chef or what’s popular with the patrons.

    Now let’s get into the best places to get some étouffée in New Orleans.

    Creole House Restaurant & Oyster Bar

    509 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 323-2109

    Creole House has the best etoufee in New Orleans.

    Here’s what one diner says about Creole House. “… ! Lots to choose from in the historic place. Hostess was very accommodating and waitress was quick and helpful. Tried the 4-way sampler of gumbo/etouffee/jambalaya and red beans. Delicious.”

    Mr. Ed’s Seafood & Oyster House

    Greater New Orleans Locations:

    • Bienville: 512 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70130
    • 1327 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
    • 301 N Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
    • 1001 Live Oak St, Metairie, LA 70005
    Mr. Ed's has the best etoufee in New Orleans.

    Here’s what one customer says about Mr. Ed’s. “The best shrimp etouffee I’ve had in New Orleans! We also had creole gumbo, which was fantastic. Such a good meal! And our waiter, Carli, was awesome and helped make the meal even better. I highly recommend Mr Ed’s.”

    Jacques-Imo’s

    8324 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118 | (504) 861-0886

    Jacques-Imo's has the best etoufee in New Orleans.

    Here’s what one diner says about Jacques-Imo’s. “The food is amazing. Great cajun selections and large portions. I had the crawfish etouffee and the rabbit and sausage gumbo. They were both excellent. We also had the grilled oysters. They were also good. Service was great. It’s a very popular place, crowded and noisy but not in a bad way. Worth the wait. In fact, wait at the Maple Leaf bar next door and grab a quick drink.”

    Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar

    739 Iberville St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 522-4440

    Felix's has the best etoufee in New Orleans.

    Here’s what one customer says about Felix’s. “Great spot for all of your New Orleans favorite food. Fresh shucked oysters on the half shell, char-grilled or fried in a poor boy. Best gumbo, jambalaya and etouffee. Always my first and last stop in the French Quarter.”

    Evangeline

    329 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130 |  (504) 373-4852

    Evangeline has the best etoufee in New Orleans.

    Here’s what one diner says about Evangeline. “The crab cakes are Fresh and crispy sauteed in butter. The Etouffee is also made from scratch….and you can certainly tell! Our bar man/server was Amazing Thank you Craig.”

    Mother’s

    401 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 523-9656

    Mother's restaurant has the best etouffee in New Orleans

    Here’s what one customer says about Mother’s. “Crawfish etouffee is the best! Seafood gumbo is average. Pecan pie is great. Bread pudding is ok. Jambalaya is great! Definitely worth a try. Thanks to the rain, didn’t wait at all.”

    Mambo’s

    411 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 407-3717

    Best etouffee in New Orleans is at Mambo's in the French Quarter.

    Here’s what one reviewer says about Mambo’s. “Absolutely lights out Crawfish Etouffee. Amazing how they can cram all of that intense seafood flavor into every bite. Honestly one of the most complex dishes I’ve ever had. The depth and character is something to behold. So much crawfish in every bite. Worth every penny and every minute of waiting. Host was super friendly and accommodating while we were in line.”

    Final Bite

    Like delicious Gumbo, Étouffée is one of New Orleans’ signature dishes. South Louisiana is not the only place for you to enjoy top-notch Étouffée. The popular food item can be found in the Acadiana region of the state as well as up north as far as Caddo Parish near Dallas, Texas.

    As long as you’ve got the proper Cajun or Creole seasoning, you should be straight.

    More From NolaFi.com:

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  • Find a home inspector in New Orleans.

    New Orleans Ranks Among Top City for Termites

    2 Min Read

    New Orleans ranks in the middle of the list when it comes to the most termite-infested cities in America.

    If the bugs give you the blues, the bright side is thst things could be worse. You could live in South Florida.

    The nation’s southernmost big city — Miami — is #1 on the list. Los Angeles comes in second and Tampa is third.

    Four cities are new to this year’s list, including Louisville, which climbed a whopping 34 spots to make this year’s Top 50 cities.

    as developed this list based on treatment data from the cities where Orkin Pros performed the most termite treatments. The data was collected from February 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024, and includes both residential and commercial termite control services.

    1. Miami, Fla.
    2. Los Angeles, Calif.
    3. Tampa, Fla. 
    4. New York, N.Y. (+5)
    5. Washington, D.C. (-1)
    6. Philadelphia, Pa. (+10)
    7. Atlanta, Ga. (-1)
    8. Orlando, Fla. (+2)
    9. West Palm Beach, Fla. (+6)
    10. San Francisco, Calif. (-2)
    11. San Diego, Calif. 
    12. Chicago, Ill. (+1)
    13. Raleigh, N.C. (-8)
    14. Baltimore, Md. (+3)
    15. Norfolk, Va. (-8)
    16. Dallas, TX (+3)
    17. Charlotte, N.C. (+1)
    18. New Orleans, La. (-4)
    19. Houston, TX (+4)
    20. Greenville, S.C. 
    21. Nashville, Tenn.
    22. Phoenix, Ariz. 
    23. Myrtle Beach, S.C. (+4)
    24. Richmond, Va. (-12)
    25. Charleston, S.C. (+1)
    26. Charleston, W.Va. (+2)
    27. Pittsburgh, Pa. (+5)
    28. Columbia, S.C. (+6)
    29. Greensboro, N.C. (+7)
    30. Indianapolis, Ind. (-6)
    31. Memphis, Tenn. (+4)
    32. Knoxville, Tenn. (-2)
    33. Ft. Myers, Fla. (+16)
    34. Cincinnati, Ohio (-5)
    35. Baton Rouge, La. (+7)
    36. Kansas City, Mo. (+1)
    37. Jacksonville, Fla. (+1)
    38. Greenville, N.C. (+6)
    39. Mobile, Ala. (+4)
    40. St. Louis, Mo. (-9)
    41. Austin, TX (+6)
    42. Louisville, Ky. (+34) (New to List)
    43. Tulsa, Okla. (+3)
    44. Oklahoma City, Okla. (+9) (New to List)
    45. San Antonio, TX (-4)
    46. Savannah, Ga. (-6)
    47. Roanoke, Va. (+7) (New to List)
    48. Waco, TX (+8) (New to List)
    49. Chattanooga, Tenn. (+1)
    50. Augusta, Ga. (-17)

    Last Words

    New Orleans’ culture for sure. from jazz clubs to the city’s diverse bar scene, from historic cocktail bars to trendy craft beer spots. listening to lie music is a popular nighttime activity, especially in areas like the French Quarter and the Warehouse District.

    Comments Off on New Orleans Ranks Among Top City for Termites
  • How much house can I afford in New Orleans, Louisiana

    How Much Home Can I Afford In New Orleans?

    5 Min Read

    With higher prices and stagnate paychecks, many Americans see affordability is a major issue when it comes to buying a home. In a major city like New Orleans, saving up for a home can be difficult.

    This article will tell you how to determine how much home you can buy in New Orleans.

    There are many affordable homes in large metropolitan cities like New Orleans and others, but it depends on what you’re looking for.

    Here’s How Much House You Can Afford In New Orleans (Calculator)

    People buy more house than they need for several reasons:

    • Bad advice from Realtors
    • Keeping up with the Joneses
    • Resale purposes

    Let’s talk about each of these a little bit before we move into what homes cost in New Orleans:

    Bad Advice From Realtors

    Real estate agents play a vital role in the homebuying process, but you have to know when they’re in and out of their lane. 

    A Realtor has no business telling you how much house you can afford. That’s what a lender is for. A Realtor should only advise you on what type of home you want.

    Still, many people listen to Realtors who are out to make a buck. Some of them will tell you that you can afford the home by this strategy and that strategy, but the truth is, it may be a bad deal.

    Keeping up the Joneses

    This is the worse reason to buy a big house: To keep up with your neighbors, friends or other family members. 

    If you are vain enough to buy a huge home because of someone else’s situation, then you’re the type that will end up with bad credit because you’re paying too much for your home, car and appliances.

    Resale Purposes

    Some potential home shoppers want to buy a home because they think that appreciation is going to let them double or triple their money (again, bad advice).

    That’s not the reason you should buy a home. You should purchase a home because you like it, the way it looks, feels and speaks to your sensibilities.

    The resale market is too unpredictable to base such a big purchase on, especially if you’re not a seasoned investor.

    So, how much home can you afford? Here’s how to find out:

    Multiply Your Annual Income

    To find out how much home you can afford, you would multiply your annual income by two or three.

    Let’s say you make: $50,000 a year. That means you could afford a home that costs anywhere from $100,000 to $150,000.

    Of course, this will be affected by two things:

    • Interest rate: The percentage that is paid by borrowers for the money that they borrow.
    • Credit score: A three-digit number that indicates to banks and other lenders how likely you are to repay debt.

    Here Are 5 Ways To Determine How Much Home You Can Afford

    Answer these questions:

    • 1. How much is your annual income?
    • 2. How much is your downpayment?
    • 3. What ZIP code do you want to live in?
    • 4. How much are your monthly expenses (food, clothing, mortgage, etc)?
    • 5. What is your credit score?

    Here’s a mortgage calculator to help you:

    How Can I Calculate How Much Home I Can Afford?

    https://www.mortgagecalculator.net/embeddable/v2/?size=1
    Powered By www.MortgageCalculator.net

    Other Factors That Determine How Much Home You Can Afford

    Another factor that will indicate how much house you can afford is your expense-to-income ratio. 

    Front-End Ratio

    This is how much your monthly expenses are vs. how much income you bring in. Banks like this number, commonly called a “front-end ratio,” to be between 28 and 30%. 

    Your mortgage lender will look for your mortgage payment and PMI (private mortgage insurance) to all be around 28% of your income.

    Debt-To-Income Ratio

    You’ll also need to have a relatively low debt-to-income ratio to get the home you want. This means that the amount of debt you’ve borrowed and  paying back is not gobbling up most of your income.

    Banks like your debt-to-income ratio to be around 36% typically.

    Are You A Veteran?

    If you have served your country, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers home loans and grants to help you buy, refinance or renovate your home.

    For ex-military and their surviving spouses, the VA guarantees part of the loan, meaning they will cover a portion of the loan if you default. Learn more here.

    30-Year-Loan Or 15-Year Fixed?

    If you have a choice, you may be wondering which is better: A 30-year mortgage or a 15-year mortgage?

    The truth is that both have their advantages. A 30-year mortgage would typically mean a lower monthly bill because the payments are spread out over more years.

    The bad part is that you’ll pay a lot more in interest over those years.

    For a 15-year fixed, the interest rate is lower and you’ll pay off the principal faster.

    The bottom line is if you can afford to do a 15-year mortgage, you should!

    Are you looking to buy a home in Atlanta? If you’re selling your old home, there are some things you’re going to need right off the bat:

    • A fresh coat of paint
    • Freshly manicured lawn
    • Latest home trends

    Once you’re all set in those areas, you’ll be ready for New Orleans’ real estate scene.

    Final Word

    When it comes to getting a home, you should always make sure that you’re pre-approved for a mortgage before you begin your search.

    And before you choose a lender, make sure you read the reviews.

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  • How to save money for a home

    How To Save Money To Buy a House in Louisiana

    3 Min Read

    When you compare it to other states, buying a house in Louisiana is very affordable. Of course, it depends on where you decide to purchase. The New Orleans real estate market has some of the most pricey homes in the state. Meanwhile, rural parishes in the northern part of the state have some of the most affordable dwellings.

    In this article, we will cover how to save money for a house in Louisiana.

    How To Save Up For a Home in 4 Steps

    Saving up for a house requires careful planning and discipline. How to afford a home is a challenge this year as economic factors loom. Here are some ways you can save up for your future home:

    Set a Savings Goal

    Determine how much money you need to save for a down payment and other homebuying costs. This will give you a target to work towards.

    Consider taking on a part-time job or freelance work to boost your income and accelerate your savings.

    Put any unexpected windfalls, such as tax refunds or bonuses, directly into your house savings account.

    Create a Budget

    Review your income and expenses to identify areas where you can cut back and save more money. Allocate a portion of your income specifically for your house savings goal.

    Regularly review your savings progress and adjust your budget and savings plan as needed to stay on track.

    Get Out Of Debt

    Look for ways to reduce your expenses, such as eating out less, cutting cable or subscription services, and finding cheaper alternatives for everyday items.

    Pay off high-interest debt, such as credit card balances, to free up more money for savings. This will also improve your credit score, which is important when applying for a mortgage.

    Open a Dedicated Savings Account

    Open a separate savings account specifically for your house fund. This will help you track your progress and avoid spending the money on other things.

    Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your house savings account each month. This will make saving easier and more consistent.

    Final Word

    Saving up for a home can be a big task, but with hard work, dedication and a lot of patience, you can do it. The key is to stay motivated.

    Keep your goal of homeownership in mind and remind yourself of the benefits of saving up for a house, such as financial security and stability.

    And before you choose a lender, make sure you read the reviews.

    1 Comment
  • New Orleans housing market

    New Orleans Housing Forecast 2024: Prices, Inventory, Home Values

    4 Min Read

    New Orleans, Louisiana, presents some great opportunity for potential homebuyers who save up for a home, but like much of the country, high prices and mortgage rates will temper the market.

    The good news is that the local real estate market is expected to get better in the Greater New Orleans area, as long as you are priced right and have curb appeal.

    Although there are still some cheap homes out there, Greater New Orleans home prices rose throughout the previous year and are poised to continue to do so into 2023 although not as greatly.

    Will Prices Go Up Or Down In 2024 In New Orleans?

    While the scorching mortgage rates that recently topped 7.79% appear to be cooling, don’t expect a plunge back to the paradise of low rates. Forecasts mostly agree: a slight downward creep is likely, but expect most loans to remain above 6%, significantly higher than both historical lows and current rates enjoyed by the vast majority of homeowners.

    This means a major shakeup for the 90% of mortgage holders with enviable sub-4% rates is improbable. In fact, two-thirds of home loan owners sit comfortably below the 4% mark, leaving them largely unaffected by the potential decrease.

    Prices in New Orleans, Louisiana, are expected to fall on average of 1% based on Zillow data. The rate of appreciation has been above the national average for most of the past 10 years and that is expected to continue over the next 12 months.

    What is The Average Price Of A Home In New Orleans?

    According to the latest figures on Zillow, the average home price for a home in New Orleans is just under $250,000. In Metairie, the average price is around $256,000, which is up about 10% over the last year.

    There will be a glut of inventory of homes for sale in the metro area, and they will likely take longer to get offers and sales. How to afford a home will also be more of a challenge this year as economic factors loom, expert data says.

    There will be more homes for sale, homes will likely take longer to sell, and buyers will not face the extreme competition that was commonplace over the past few year.

    Will House Prices Be Cheaper This Year?

    Home prices in New Orleans are forecast to decline a bit, which will only serve to strengthen an already steady market. Homeowners are looking for affordable properties in the metro area, and New Orleans will continue to modestly shed inventory.

    New Orleans, one of the solidly traditional cities when it comes to home sales, is not unlike other large Southern cities in that it is expected to continue to be an in-demand market. That means the forecasted dip in local housing prices is only temporary.

    One of the main factors that will influence home prices is the economic landscape of the United States. Namely, the incremental movements by the Federal Reserve to get inflation in check.

    While interest rates are ticking upward, the chance that a full-blown recession takes hold in 2023 can’t be entirely discounted. But what such a move will no doubt do is slow down the mortgage industry.

    Rising mortgage rates are expected to continue to shed competition among people looking to buy a home. While a buyers market is a possibility in some areas, for Greater New Orleans, it is anticipated that real estate prices will hold up just enough that such a market won’t firmly take hold.

    Home shoppers priced out of the market will likely create pressures on the rent market, boosting prices once again.

    How Much Mortgage Do I Qualify For?

    To find out how much mortgage you qualify for, use this mortgage calculator.

    MortgageCalculator.org

    Javascript Mortgage Calculator by MortgageCalculator.org

    Final Word

    Contrary to popular belief, the coronavirus pandemic won’t stop housing prices from climbing in New Orleans or anywhere else. In fact, it may be quite the opposite.

    The pandemic set off a buying frenzy that will be hard to sustain. As prices continue to level off, make sure you’re pre-approved for a mortgage so that you can take advantage of low rates.

    If your finances need work, make sure you try to raise your credit score so you are an attractive homebuyer.

    4 Comments
  • best instant money apps

    What Is The Best Instant Money App To Use?

    6 Min Read

    One of the best ways to get access to your cash is to take advantage of instant money apps.

    It’s a good idea not to use an instant money app just because the person on the giving or receiving end uses it. You can end up losing a lot of cash that way.

    This article will show you what the best money apps are and how to choose.

    What Is The Safest Instant Money App To Send Or Receive Cash?

    The best money app is the safest money app. That’s why we’ve compiled a list that shows you the refund and cancellation policy of each of the popular mobile apps that allow you to transfer cash.

    Let’s look at what they have to say as far as protection.

    Payment AppApp Payments Refund and Cancellation PolicyGoogle Play StoreApp Store
    Cash App Cash App to Cash App payments are instant and usually can’t be canceled. The recipient can also refund your payment. AndroidIOS
    PayPal If you changed your mind on a purchase or made a mistake you can cancel the payment or ask your seller or merchant for a refundAndroidiOS
    Venmo It is not possible to cancel a payment to an existing Venmo account. Once you send a payment, the funds are available to the recipient right away. Android iOS
    Western UnionRefunds for transactions within the U.S. will be made within 45 days of receipt of Your valid written requestAndroid iOS
    ZelleYou can only cancel a payment if the recipient hasn’t yet enrolled with Zelle.AndroidiOS

    Cash App

    Save money with Cash App

    Cash App is one of the most popular payment apps in the United States. Your Cash App balance is similar to a bank account except that it does not accrue interest.

    Here’s what one reviewer says about Cash App:”I love this app! I have 4 kids and they borrow and pay me back. I sell a lot of items and use it for taking payments from my renters. It can categorize each person and the payments I’ve made to them & the payments I have received from them. I can pull up one person & look at the entire account. It allows you to state what the money is for so u can keep track of it. PayPal which is not free! I do not use now.”

    PayPal

    PayPal safest money app

    PayPal is mobile payment app that allows you to transfer money to and from most countries in the world. The app is known for its ease of use and amenities such as business accounts and credit integration.

    Here’s what one reviewer says about PayPal:

    “Every time you call an automated machine will answer you.. it takes a while just to get it right which is a complete waste of your time if you are busy person or run a business. if they can’t get the help you need it the automated so will automatically disconnect you automatically.”

    Venmo

    Venmo one of the safest money apps

    The Venmo app is one of the most popular in America, especially among young people. The interface is easy to use and the app works smoothly.

    Here’s what one reviewer says about Venmo: “Despite some of the bad reviews that I’ve read, I actually have had nothing but great experiences with Venmo! I started my account to only use it to send rent money to my landlord but then I said to myself let me try the debit card out, which is also awesome! I literally had no money to eat on at work for lunch and payday was one day away so I swiped my Venmo debit card just to see if it would work & it did! I looked in the app, so basically Venmo will take from your bank account in inclements of $10 even if your bank doesn’t have any money in it, which I love! “

    Western Union

    Western Union is one of the safest money apps

    Western Union is the only money transfer service in the United States, but it has been largely foreshadowed by Silicon Valley’s tech techs. Still, if you want reliable service, Western Union’s name is internationally known and respected.

    Here’s what one reviewer says about Western Union’s app: “It limits you by how many times you send a month but not by dollar amount. that is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. The reason why I say this is the dumbest thing? they say it is to stop money laundering money”

    Zelle

    Zelle is one of the safest money payment apps.

    Zelle is a mobile payment owned by Early Warning Services, LLC, a private financial services company owned by a cabal of major banks, including Bank of America, BB&T, Capital One, JPMorgan Chase, PNC Bank, U.S. Bank and Wells.

    Here’s what one reviewer says about Zelle: “I have Zelle, however, it does not keep track of how much Is paid or received. You can not pull up an individual to see all the transactions for the one person.”

    Which Is Better: Cash App Or PayPal?

    PayPal has become known for its reliable service and many functionalities, including credit card integration and business accounts. If you’re looking to do several things at once, PayPal is the clear choice.

    On the other hand, if you want a money app that’s simple to use, it’s hard to be Cash App. The payment system, made by Square, prides itself on allowing straight-forward transactions that take only seconds to complete.

    Which Is Better: Zelle Or Venmo?

    Zelle is known for its fast transactions, which are facilitated by the major banks. Venmo, on the other hand, could take anywhere from one to three business days unless you agree to a fee.

    For that reason alone, many people prefer Zelle.

    Final Word

    When it comes to sending and receiving money on your mobile phone, it’s easier than ever today. But you need to choose the right payment apps for the best experience.

    No matter which money app you use, you should watch out for scams. If you ever get a message or money request from someone you don’t know, don’t do it.

    If you get a money request from someone you do know but is not in your contacts, it’s best to call the person beforehand to confirm that they sent the request.

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