Author: josh
The Trump administration is asking countries that want a permanent spot on his new Board of Peace to contribute at least $1 billion. According to a draft charter for the proposed group seen by Bloomberg, President Donald Trump would serve as its inaugural chairman and would decide on who is invited to be members. Decisions would be taken by a majority, with each member state present getting one vote, but all would be subject to the chairman’s approval. “Each Member State shall serve a term of no more than three years from this Charter’s entry into force, subject to renewal…
As feeds get noisier and platforms more unpredictable, the brands that stand out are taking risks. From Liquid Death and E.L.F.’s culture-first approach to shifts in discovery, AI and visual storytelling, the real advantage is clarity — not scale — and a point of view audiences can recognize and trust.
When you decide to buy a house, you’re not only committing to paying for the purchase price of the home but also the interest rate on your mortgage loan – the cost of borrowing money from your mortgage lender. While interest rates have fallen in recent months, many homebuyers are still seeking ways to make homebuying more affordable. And while it may be tempting to sit tight and hope that mortgage rates continue to drop, that’s not guaranteed to happen. That’s where mortgage rate buydowns come into play. By paying a bit more upfront, you can ensure a lower mortgage…
Two days after Google insisted there are no current plans for ads in its Gemini AI app, OpenAI announced Friday that it is starting to test ads in ChatGPT. OpenAI CEO of applications Fidji Simo said in a blog post that ads will begin appearing at the bottom of the chatbot’s answers for free users and for Go subscribers (who pay $8 a month) in the U.S. in the coming weeks, opening an important new source of revenue for the high-flying startup which has been valued by investors at $500 billion. It’s a moment many in tech have long viewed…
In This Article The 10,000-pound search gorilla that is Alphabet’s Google has officially entered the real estate portal chat. While Google has long influenced how consumers discover homes online, a new test from the company suggests it may now be moving closer to owning the experience itself. In select markets, a Google data partner has begun displaying residential listing details directly inside Google Search results. If expanded, this shift could indefinitely alter how buyers, investors, agents, and brokerages interact with listings, and it raises an uncomfortable question for listing sites like Zillow, Homes.com, and Realtor.com: What happens if users no…
In This Article America’s tipping point for small investors might come not from a sudden drop in interest rates or a deluge of new construction, but from something far simpler: For the first time in many years, more homeowners carry mortgage rates at or above 6% than enjoy 3% loans. It marks a shift that will finally loosen the “rate-lock” grip on the housing market, which has kept potential sellers from listing their homes for fear of losing their low rate. The lack of inventory, fueled by too few listings, has been one of the biggest hurdles that investors and…
The home search can be one of the most exciting and overwhelming stages of the homebuying process, especially for first-time homebuyers. From location and price to structural concerns and potential red flags, there’s a lot to consider. Understanding what to look for when buying a house can help you avoid costly surprises and choose a home that fits your needs. In this Redfin Real Estate article, we’ll highlight what to look for when buying a house so that you know what questions to ask as you begin the homebuying process. Whether you’re buying a home in Irvine, CA, or a…
We’ve got THE “secret” to getting more cash flow from your rental property. Ready? Put more money down! It’s an obvious solution, but is putting 30%, 40%, or more really the best use of your cash? In this episode, we’ll get into all of the different things you should consider before putting more money down on your next investment property!Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Ashley and Tony are back with three new questions from the BiggerPockets Forums. First, we’ll tackle a question many rookies have, especially when looking for off-market deals: Do you need a Realtor? Another investor claims the…
For many veterans and active-duty service members, VA loans are one of the most valuable benefits of military service. Backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, these loans make homeownership more attainable through lower upfront costs, no private mortgage insurance, and flexible credit requirements. In this Redfin guide, we’ll explain who qualifies, what the main benefits are, and how to make the most of your VA loan when buying or refinancing a home. What is a VA loan? A VA loan is a type of mortgage guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It’s designed to help eligible…
Kyle Hency started Chubbies in 2011 with three Stanford friends as a fun, weekend‑and‑beer‑vibe shorts brand. The irreverent direct-to-consumer clothing brand—one popular item was a tear-away pair of shorts with a speedo-style bathing suit underneath—”was objectively maybe a bad idea,” Hency says, half joking. Nevertheless, the company caught fire—revenue went from $1 million to $8 million. And when Chubbies was acquired by Solo Stove in 2021, it marked a rare retail exit just as the direct-to-consumer boom began to collapse. After spending a few years on the sidelines, Hency is back: He cofounded Good Day in 2024 with former Chubbies…