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All About Insurance, Tips & Advice

Why You Don’t Need a College Degree for a Real Estate Career

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Many real estate agents and investors have college degrees, but they are not specifically real estate-focused. The reason being that a college degree is not necessary for a real estate career.

For investment, the best teacher is real life. You won’t get the same experience learning in a classroom as you would on the job.

College can give students a false sense of confidence. They may believe the classes they are taking are preparing them for the job, but a hiring manager may disagree.

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All About Insurance, Tips & Advice

How to Avoid Credit Card Fraud During the Holidays

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Credit card fraud is more common than ever, and the holiday season is a particularly vulnerable time.

To reduce your chances of becoming a credit fraud victim, you should first choose your credit card company carefully. Look for zero liability protection and sign up for alerts.

One of the best ways to avoid fraud is with a strong password. Make sure it is long, with letters, numbers and symbols, and isn’t something obvious like your birthday or children’s names.

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All About Insurance, News

Hilton Experiences Credit Card Security Breach

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Hilton Hotels recently confirmed that they experienced a series of credit card security breaches last year and earlier this spring.

These breaches occurred at several hotel restaurants, gift shops and other stores.

The hotel group launched an official investigation of these security breaches in September after financial institutions discovered credit information stolen from Hilton properties.

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All About Insurance, News

Chinese Buyers Get Involved in U.S. Real Estate

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Chinese money is becoming a major force in real estate around the world, despite the country’s current situation.

China has recently experienced a currency devaluation and a stock market crash. This has left many looking to invest in places other than their own country.

In the U.S., Chinese buyers began buying luxury condos in Manhattan and mansions in Silicon Valley, but they are now moving inward from the coasts.

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Credit

How to Use Chip-Enabled Credit Cards Safely During Holiday Season

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This holiday season, more customers than ever have debit and credit cards with EMV chips. While this may cut down on fraud, shopping may be a slower process.

With these cards, consumers don’t swipe, but insert the card into the machine instead.

“This will be the first holiday season after the transition,” said Rob Nichols, incoming president and CEO of the American Bankers Association. “It will be an instructive holiday season for our industry.”

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News

Credit Card Skimmer Use Is On the Rise

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The police recently arrested five suspects for stealing personal information from gas pumps, prompting an official investigation of credit card skimmers.

“It’s crazy,” said Craig VanBuren, director of the Consumer Protection Section at Michigan’s Department of Agriculture. “What we’re finding since August has just really blown our mind.”

Skimmers, devices which allow thieves to record credit or debit information, are being found in both large and small towns.

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Tips & Advice

How to Use Credit Cards for Holiday Savings

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It’s no secret that your bank account gets a bit strained during the holidays. But if you use your credit cards strategically, you can ease some of the financial burden.

If you’re traveling a lot for the holidays, consider using a travel rewards card. Buy your tickets with the card to rack up miles for future trips and gain other special perks.

When you’re cooking big holiday meals, you’re going to be spending a lot of money at the grocery store. Get some of that cash back with a grocery rewards card.

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News

Luxury Entry Doors Are Newest Trend in NYC Real Estate

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In New York City, one of the biggest trends right now are luxury entry doors. These doors help to personalize an apartment and create a grander entrance.

“It’s not just the front door — it’s the entrance to the apartment,” Ian Bruce Eichner, CEO of the Continuum Company. “And it’s the message you get when you walk off the elevator and look at it.”

Buildings are also going beyond the door and putting more effort and money into creating dramatic entry spaces.

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News

Mortgage Applications On the Rise

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Despite the higher interest rates of the past five months, buyers are still taking out home loans at an increasing rate.

According to a survey by the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage applications increased 6.2 percent last week, up from the week before.

“This was despite the fact that mortgage rates reached their highest level since July,” said Michael Fratantoni, the association’s chief economist.

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Credit

Common Credit Card Mistakes to Avoid

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High credit scores are really valuable, so it’s important that you realize how to keep your score as high as possible.

Don’t close old credit cards. Even if they are unused, keeping credit cards open helps your utilization remain low, which is an important part of your credit score.

When you’re looking for an auto loan or mortgage, don’t take too long to find the best interest rate. There is a 45-day shopping period, during which all credit inquiries count as just one inquiry. But if you take much longer, those inquiries can start to impact your credit score.

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