What is a Land Loan? 

A land loan, also known as a plot or lot loan, is a financial option allowing individuals to purchase a piece of land using credit. This type of loan is suitable for those who intend to acquire land without immediate construction plans. It’s important to note that land loans differ from home loans or construction loans. It can be used for both residential and business purposes.

Types of Land Loans 

Land loans can be categorized based on the level of land development. Each type of land loan necessitates distinct preparations to convince lenders to provide financing. Let’s explore the different types:

• LOAN FOR UNDEVELOPED LAND (RAW LAND LOAN) 
  • Undeveloped land refers to properties without road access, water supply, electricity, or sewer lines, rendering the land unsuitable for immediate construction. While raw land is the most economical option for purchase, it also requires higher down payments and interest rates to secure a loan. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) sets a minimum down payment of 35% for undeveloped land. Additionally, to obtain a raw land loan, you’ll need a well-structured and detailed plan for the land’s development to convince lenders that it represents a calculated risk.
• LOAN FOR SEMI-DEVELOPED LAND (UNIMPROVED LAND LOAN) 
  • Semi-developed or unimproved land typically possesses some basic infrastructure, although it may need more amenities such as phone boxes, natural gas, or electric meters. Financing a loan for unimproved land is less risky than undeveloped land but still requires a rigorous process. The FDIC’s minimum down payment standard for unimproved land is 25%.
• LOAN FOR DEVELOPED LAND (IMPROVED LAND LOAN) 
  • Developed lands, often called lots, come with access roads and all the necessary utilities for residential construction. Although improved lots are more expensive, they tend to have comparatively lower land loan interest rates. Lenders are also more inclined to finance this type of loan, with the FDIC setting the minimum down payment for improved land loans at 15%.

Advantages of Taking a Land Loan 

Land loans offer several advantages for individuals who need more time to build on their purchased land. These advantages include:

1. Flexibility: Land loans provide the flexibility to secure land for its potential, such as in areas with upcoming business opportunities or future development. You can hold the land until the timing is right for your construction project.
2. “Blank Canvas”: Acquiring land before any construction allows you to start with a “blank canvas.” You can envision and create your dream home or commercial space according to your preferences and needs.
3. Transition to Construction Loan: When you’re ready to build, your land loan can be seamlessly integrated with a construction loan to finance the land purchase and construction costs. Ultimately, this can transform your land loan into a standard mortgage when you’re ready to move in.

Disadvantages of Taking a Land Loan 

Despite the advantages, land loans come with certain disadvantages, mainly due to the higher risks involved:

1. Limited Lender Options: Lenders for land loans can be limited in number due to the inherent risks, which may limit your choices when selecting a lender.
2. Stricter Qualifications: To secure a land loan, you must meet more stringent qualifications than a standard mortgage.
3. Higher Down Payments and Interest Rates: Land loans have higher down payment and interest rates than traditional mortgages. These additional costs are a result of the higher risks faced by lenders.

To mitigate these disadvantages, having a well-defined construction plan, including a set timeline and cost estimates, can increase your loan approval chances, is essential.

Land Loan vs. Other Land-Buying Options 

If you encounter difficulties meeting land loan qualifications, alternative methods exist to finance your land purchase. Some options cater to home-building purposes, while others are designed for commercial space.

• SELLER-FINANCING 
  • Seller financing is where the seller acts as your lender in a land contract. This arrangement can be more flexible and suitable for those who may not meet traditional bank loan requirements. It’s essential, however, to engage an attorney to review the land contract to ensure clarity and prevent potential gray areas or loopholes.
• HOME EQUITY LOAN 
  • Another method for purchasing land is through a home equity loan, where you receive a lower interest rate against your home’s equity. It’s important to note that defaulting on this type of loan could lead to the risk of losing your home.
• HOME EQUITY LINES OF CREDIT
  • Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) provide a flexible way to access funds over a specified timeframe using your home’s equity. You can use a HELOC as a down payment for a land loan and repay the HELOC amount and interest.
• USDA LOAN 
  • The USDA offers a land and construction loan designed for low to moderate-income families planning to build a home in a qualified rural area. This option can particularly benefit those seeking a more affordable land and home construction path.
• SBA LOAN 
  • Small Business Administration (SBA) loans are available to assist small business owners in financing raw land and construction costs for commercial buildings. The SBA 504 loan program provides fixed-rate financing with a 10% down payment, 40% loan financing through the Certified Development Loan, and 50% provided by a bank or credit union.
• PERSONAL LOAN 
  • A personal loan can also finance your land purchase. While this approach can offer flexibility, it can have higher interest rates. You may also need to compare its shorter repayment periods with the rest.

Looking for a Land Loan? 

Securing a land loan can be more challenging than obtaining a standard mortgage. However, you can increase your chances of approval with proper preparation. A credit union consultant specializing in land financing can provide significant assistance in navigating the process and ensuring your specific needs are met when purchasing land. Explore your options and receive expert guidance by scheduling an appointment with us today.

Canopy Credit Union | Land Loans

Social security is an important part of retirement planning and yet, few people don’t understand how the benefits are calculated or what factors determine the amount received monthly or over its lifetime. Even when using a Social Security benefits calculator, not understanding the different aspects that go into determining the number can give you the wrong result and likely unnecessary worry. 

To better understand how social security benefits are calculated, read below and learn the different areas that contribute to your retirement benefits. 

AIME and PIA: Essential Retirement Benefits Factors

Understanding the calculation of your social security benefits means diving deep into two primary concepts: Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) and the Primary Insurance Amount (PIA):

Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME)

AIME plays a key role in calculating Social Security benefits, but what exactly is it?

 AIME represents an average of your monthly earnings over your highest-earning 35 years, adjusted for inflation. The Social Security Administration doesn’t only look at your raw earnings; instead, it indexes them. This means that earnings from earlier years in your career are adjusted to account for inflation and wage growth over time, providing a more accurate reflection of your earnings in today’s dollars.

To arrive at the AIME, the SSA takes your annual earnings for each year (up to a particular maximum that might change annually), indexes those for inflation, and then identifies the 35 years in which you earned the most. By adding those highest-earning years together and then dividing by the total number of months in those 35 years (420 months), the AIME is figured out.

Primary Insurance Amount (PIA)

Once the AIME is calculated, it’s time to determine the PIA. The PIA is essentially the baseline amount you would receive at full retirement age.

To calculate the amount, the SSA uses a progressive formula that breaks the AIME into portions and then multiplies each segment by a specified percentage. For instance, the first segment of your AIME could be multiplied by 90%, the next by 32%, and any remaining amount by 15%. The sum of these results is your PIA.

What’s crucial to understand is that PIA is central to the benefits you’ll receive. While factors like choosing to take benefits before or after your full retirement age can influence the final amount, the PIA sets the groundwork.

Solving the SSA’s Approach: From Earnings to Benefits

At the heart of social security payments is a comprehensive process that is based on your earnings history and age. This formula recalculates your benefit annually, ensuring accuracy and fairness by tallying up the earned income you made in your top earning years and applying specific adjustments. The benefits also depend on other factors besides AIME and PIA: 

Factors That Can Influence Your Social Security Benefits

The other factors that can influence the amount of social security benefits an individual might receive include. Understanding the other factors that influence the amount of social security benefits received is essential to making informed decisions about when and how to claim benefits:

1. Claiming Age: As mentioned earlier, the age at which you start claiming benefits can impact the monthly amount. Claiming before your full retirement age will result in a reduced monthly benefit, while delaying can lead to increased monthly payouts, up to age 70.
2. Work While Claiming: If you claim benefits before reaching full retirement age and continue to work, there’s a limit to how much you can earn before the amount is temporarily reduced.
3. Lifetime Earnings: The more you’ve earned, and therefore paid into the Social Security system, the higher your benefit will be, up to a point. Social Security is designed to replace a percentage of your pre-retirement income rather than it being your only source.
4. Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs): The SSA may adjust benefits to account for inflation to ensure that the purchasing power of your benefits doesn’t decline over time due to inflation.
5. Taxes: Depending on your overall income, a portion of your Social Security benefits might be taxable.
6. Government Pensions: If you receive a pension from a job where you didn’t pay Social Security taxes (such as some government positions), it could affect the amount of your Social Security benefits.
7. Family Benefits: If you have children or a spouse who are eligible for benefits based on your work record, it could mean a higher total family benefit, though individual benefits might be reduced.

Understanding Retirement is Crucial 

Navigating social security benefits can be daunting, but with the right knowledge, understanding, and professional guidance it becomes much easier. Here at Marken Law Group, we are extensively experienced with social security, having represented hundreds of claimants in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and California to obtain what is rightfully theirs. We focus on your individual needs rather than treat all clients as the same, bringing our comprehensive experience to help guide you through. 

Whether you’re years away from claiming Social Security or on the brink of retirement, understanding these terms and how they factor into your benefits can make a significant difference in your financial planning.

Marken Law Group

How a Free Financial Coach Helps You Stay on Track with Your Money Goals Throughout the Year

Beyond simply crunching numbers, a financial coach is someone who helps you develop healthy money habits and instills confidence in managing your finances. They serve as an accountability partner who keeps you motivated and on track toward achieving your desired financial outcomes. Whether you set a New Year’s resolution to save more money, pay down debt, or start building wealth, a free financial coach can help keep you on track along your journey to financial wellness.

GET HELP CREATING A PERSONALIZED BUDGET THAT ALIGNS WITH YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS AND LIFESTYLE CHOICES 

A financial coach understands that each individual has unique circumstances and priorities. They take the time to listen to your specific needs and help you create a budget that not only addresses your immediate concerns but also sets you up for long-term success.
One of the key benefits of working with a certified financial coach from Canopy is their ability to help you craft a budgeting strategy that you’ll actually stick to. They provide guidance and support throughout the process, making sure you understand the importance of tracking expenses, identifying areas where adjustments can be made, and finding creative solutions for saving more money.
Over time, you’ll learn to take control of your finances in a way that feels manageable and sustainable. With their guiding expertise at your side, you’ll have the tools necessary to make informed decisions about spending, saving, and ultimately achieving greater financial stability.

RECEIVE TIPS FOR MANAGING DEBT EFFECTIVELY TO ACHIEVE LONG-TERM FINANCIAL STABILITY 

In today’s fast-paced and often financially challenging world, managing debt can be a source of stress and anxiety for many individuals. However, there is a solution that can help alleviate this burden and pave the way towards long-term stability: working with a free financial coach.

A financial coach is not just someone who provides tips on managing debt; they are your ally in navigating the complex world of money management. They understand the unique challenges you may be facing and offer personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation.

One of the greatest benefits of working with a financial coach is the ability to reduce stress. Debt can weigh heavily on our minds, affecting our overall well-being and quality of life. A skilled coach will not only provide practical strategies for paying off debt but also offer empathy and compassionate support throughout the process.

Best of all, the financial coaches at Canopy Credit Union offer this service completely free of charge, to both members and non-members of the credit union. This means that anyone, regardless of their financial situation, can access expert advice regardless of how much is in their checking account. This service is an opportunity to gain valuable insights from professionals who genuinely care about helping you achieve your long-term financial goals.

LEARN STRATEGIES FOR SAVING MONEY AND BUILDING AN EMERGENCY FUND 

In uncertain times, having a solid emergency fund can bring a sense of security and peace of mind. It serves as a financial cushion that can help navigate unexpected expenses or job loss. However, building an emergency fund requires discipline and strategic planning.

One of the most effective strategies for saving money and building an emergency fund is to create a budget that fits this consistent savings goal within its framework. By tracking your expenses and identifying areas where you can cut back, you can allocate more funds toward your savings. This may involve making small sacrifices in your daily spending habits, such as eating out less frequently or finding cost-effective alternatives for entertainment.

Automating your savings is another powerful strategy. Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to a separate savings account specifically designated for your emergency fund. This way, you won’t have to rely on willpower alone to save; it becomes a consistent habit that happens automatically.

It’s also important to explore ways to save more money in your everyday life. Look for opportunities to reduce monthly bills by negotiating with service providers or switching to more affordable options. Additionally, consider embracing frugal habits such as couponing, buying in bulk, or opting for second-hand items when possible.

While saving is crucial, it’s equally important to maximize the growth of your emergency fund through smart investments. Explore high-yield savings accounts or CD/term share options that offer competitive interest rates. Remember that the goal is not only saving but also allowing your money to work for you over time.

Lastly, maintaining motivation and staying focused on the long-term benefits of having an emergency fund is essential throughout this process. Celebrate small milestones along the way and remind yourself of the security and freedom that comes with financial preparedness. Plus having a free financial coach at your side to guide you along the way will help you stick with your goals for the long term.

By implementing these strategies and consistently prioritizing saving, you can build an emergency fund that provides stability during unforeseen circumstances while also fostering healthy financial habits for the future. 

FINALLY, DISCOVER HOW TO GROW WEALTH OVER TIME 

A financial coach understands that before you can start building wealth, it’s essential to address certain foundational elements. First comes debt management – they will assist you in creating a plan to pay off any outstanding debts efficiently. By managing your debt effectively, you can free up more resources to allocate towards building an emergency fund and putting resources towards wealth-building activities.
Throughout this journey, a compassionate financial coach recognizes that everyone’s situation is unique. They will listen attentively to your concerns and tailor their guidance accordingly. Their goal is not only to help you build wealth but also to empower you with financial literacy so that you can maintain long-term financial stability.

By working alongside a knowledgeable financial coach, individuals can gain the confidence necessary to make sound financial decisions throughout their lives. Together, they lay the foundation for lasting wealth by addressing debt management, establishing an emergency fund, growing net worth, and harnessing the power of strategic investments.

By partnering with a free financial coach, you can stay accountable to your money goals throughout the year. Their guidance and support will help you navigate challenges, track progress, and make informed decisions that align with your long-term financial well-being. 

Schedule your first appointment and start working with one of Canopy’s free financial coaches today.

Canopy Credit Union | Free Financial Coach

In today’s fast-paced world, relaxation is more than just a luxury—it’s a necessity. For many, the serenity of a spa or massage parlor is no longer a far-off dream, but a reality within their living rooms, thanks to the growing popularity of massage chairs. Leading the charge in this industry is the renowned brand, Osaki.

What is a 4D Massage Chair?

Before delving into the Osaki DuoMax 4D Massage Chair’s unique offerings, it’s essential to understand the technology that powers it. While traditional massage chairs may offer 2D or 3D technology, focusing primarily on width and height, 4D massage chairs introduce an added layer of depth. This added dimension ensures that the chair can move in multiple directions, accurately mimicking the nuanced hand movements of a professional masseuse, ensuring a more immersive and therapeutic experience.

Spotlight on Osaki

Osaki has carved a niche for itself in the massage chair industry, being a beacon of innovation and quality. Their commitment to relaxation is evident through their range of best-in-class electric massage chairs. Each product is a testament to their dedication to helping users find relaxation and relief within the confines of their homes.

Features of the Osaki DuoMax 4D Massage Chair

While specific details of the Osaki DuoMax 4D remain elusive in the vast online space, general features of 4D chairs hint at the product’s sophistication. With its potential ability to simulate the delicate and precise techniques of a masseuse, it’s undoubtedly a promising addition to any home.

Furthermore, the Osaki brand consistently prioritizes user experience, ensuring intuitive controls and ergonomic designs in its offerings. For an in-depth look into this particular model, the “Osaki Platinum Duo Max Massage Chair Introduction” on YouTube offers promising insights.

User Experiences and Reviews

Any savvy shopper knows the importance of user reviews. These first-hand accounts offer invaluable insights into the product’s performance, durability, and overall worth. For those considering the Osaki DuoMax 4D, the “Summer Market Preview – Osaki DuoMax 4D Massage Chair” on YouTube provides a glimpse into user experiences, potentially easing the decision-making process.

Where to Buy and Pricing

For those ready to make the leap into unparalleled relaxation, the Osaki website or massage chair showroom is the first port of call. Not only does it provide detailed information about the Osaki DuoMax OS Pro 4D Massage Chair, but it also offers a range of other products to cater to various needs and budgets.

Conclusion

The journey to relaxation and body relief has never been more accessible or more luxurious. With a modern massage chair such as the Osaki DuoMax 4D Massage Chair, every day can end with the soothing movements of a professional massage, right in the comfort of your home. Why wait? Dive into the world of Osaki today and discover a relaxation experience like no other.

Introduction

Inflation, the steady increase in prices of goods and services over time, is a phenomenon that has far-reaching consequences for various sectors of the economy. One such sector that’s significantly feeling the heat of inflation is home building in the United States. As inflation continues to climb, the cost of constructing new homes has surged, presenting challenges for both builders and potential homeowners. In this article, we’ll delve into how inflation is affecting home building across the USA and explore the implications of these rising costs.

The Rising Costs of Materials

One of the primary drivers behind the inflation-induced challenges in the home building industry is the escalating cost of construction materials. From lumber to steel to concrete, the prices of essential building components have witnessed substantial increases in recent years. Lumber prices, for instance, experienced a dramatic surge, driven by supply chain disruptions and increased demand during the pandemic. This surge not only impacted the cost of wood-framed structures but also sent ripple effects throughout the construction industry.

Builders, grappling with higher material costs, find themselves in a dilemma. They must either absorb these increased expenses, which eats into their profit margins, or pass them onto the potential homeowners, making housing less affordable. Inflation’s impact on material costs also trickles down to other aspects of home construction, such as plumbing fixtures, electrical wiring, and roofing materials, further compounding the issue.

Labor Shortages and Wage Pressures

In addition to materials, another crucial factor affecting the home building industry is the labor shortage combined with wage pressures. The construction industry has been grappling with a shortage of skilled labor for years, and the pandemic only exacerbated this challenge. The demand for new homes continues to rise, but the supply of skilled workers is struggling to keep up. As a result, construction companies are faced with the need to offer higher wages to attract and retain skilled labor, further driving up construction loan and construction costs.

Higher wages can have a cascading effect on overall project costs. When labor costs rise, builders are compelled to increase the prices of their services, contributing to the overall escalation of housing prices. This scenario creates a double-edged sword: while higher wages are essential to ensure fair compensation for workers, they simultaneously contribute to making homes less affordable for potential buyers.

Land and Regulatory Costs

Inflation’s impact on home building doesn’t stop at materials and labor. Land prices and regulatory costs are additional components that significantly contribute to the overall cost of constructing new homes. As demand for housing continues to grow, the cost of available land has also risen. This is particularly evident in urban areas where space is limited and competition for land is fierce.

Moreover, regulatory costs, including permits, inspections, and compliance with building codes, have also seen an upward trajectory. While these regulations are essential for ensuring the safety and quality of homes, the increased costs associated with them pose a challenge for builders who are already grappling with other inflation-induced expenses.

Implications for Homebuyers and the Housing Market**

The cumulative effects of inflation on home building have significant implications for homebuyers and the housing market as a whole. As the cost of construction materials, labor, land, and regulations continue to rise, the prices of newly constructed homes are also climbing. This trend has the potential to make homeownership less attainable for many individuals and families, especially those with lower incomes or first-time homebuyers.

Furthermore, the affordability crisis in the housing market can impact the overall health of the real estate industry. A slowdown in new home construction due to higher costs could lead to a shortage of available housing units, which may result in increased competition for existing homes and drive up their prices as well.

Conclusion

Inflation’s impact on home building in the USA is undeniable, with rising costs of materials, labor shortages, and escalating land and regulatory expenses all contributing to the challenges faced by the construction industry. As builders grapple with these inflation-induced pressures, potential homebuyers find themselves facing higher prices for new homes, making the dream of homeownership seem further out of reach.

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, involving collaboration between government entities, builders, and other stakeholders. Policymakers need to consider ways to streamline regulations without compromising safety standards, and the construction industry must explore innovative methods to enhance efficiency and productivity.