Saturday,
March 23, 2024
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The week in review
• Home sales in February jumped 9.5%, the largest monthly gain in a year. Inventory also increased 5.9% from January, while the median sale price was $384,500.
• Homebuilder sentiment turned positive this month for the first time since July 2023 as demand outlook improves.
• Manufacturing activity hit a 21-month high in February while the services sector hit a three-month low, though both still showed an expansion of overall activity.
For more economic news, visit On the Money — SoFi’s one-stop-shop for news, trends, and tips!
Spring Cleaning: Giving your home a makeover without breaking the bank
Spring has sprung, and what better moment than the start of a new season to look for a refresh in your home. But as always, we want to do so without breaking the bank.
Declutter: It’s the quintessential spring cleaning activity, and it’s amazing what getting rid of stuff you don’t use or need can do to your space. You might even be able to sell some of the things you want to rid yourself of.
Spruce up the walls: A fresh coat of paint, adding framed photos or art, or simply a few new plants can change the feel of a room with limited cost.
Work with what you have: Maybe it’s as simple as rearranging the furniture. If a room flows according to how you’re using it, it can give it a whole new feel. Resources online can help you get to the right floor plan.
Funding bigger renovations: Bigger upgrades, like creating the ultimate chef’s kitchen or finally finishing the basement, are going to come with a different price tag. But loans, including a home equity loan, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or a home improvement loan, may help you pay for them. Make sure to understand the difference between the loan types and what best fits your situation.
This week’s top stories
A landmark settlement could change the way we buy (and sell) homesThe homebuying process might never be the same again. Last week, the National Association of Realtors settled a class-action antitrust lawsuit and agreed to change its broker fee rules. Here’s what that means.
Read more >> Mexico’s peso is rallying — and it matters north of the border tooWhat might be good news for certain investors means something very different for tourists heading south for Spring Break.
Read more >> Looking for a new job? Don’t burn out in the processJob searching can be stressful and disheartening. But sending your resume out en masse rarely has the desired response either. Here’s how to avoid burnout and get the result you want.
Read more >>Deep dives from SoFi Learn
What happens to your household debt if you get divorced?If you’re separating, you might wonder if you can wind up being held responsible for your partner’s debt. Here’s what you need to know.
Read more >> Can you deduct your home office from your taxes?It’s tax season, and it’s key to know the deductions you qualify for.
Read more >> Looking to get a dog? Here’s how to add your new pet to your budgetNearly half of all households in the U.S. include a dog. If you’re looking to add a furry friend to yours, keep your eyes on your budget and sketch out what this commitment might cost.
Read more >>