Dually Licensed Lisa Jones
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Hollywood Actor ICE T goes off at police for being pulled over for a traffic violation. 🚨 Hollywood Actor GOES OFF On Police Officer at a traffic stop when he discovers he IS NOT ABOVE THE LAW! Witness the drama unfold here on GCA FORUMS NEWS.
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Yes, please. I would like detailed instructions on taping or a list of supplements to support ear health??
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I heard there are new gun laws in a number of states starting January 1st, 2025. Can you please go over the new gun laws as well as the concealed gun permit laws, training for a concealed weapons identification card, what are the proper rules and regulation carrying a concealed permit, and what states is your state’s concealed permit is valid. I heard once you apply and earn a concealed permits gun card, that concealed permit is good in couple of dozen states. Thank you.
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American homebuyers, brace yourselves, as the February 2024 mortgage trends report suggests that mortgage rates are expected to rise drastically! Read on to understand the report, its details, and the specifics regarding current mortgage rates and their contributing factors.
What Are the Current Mortgage Rates for 2024?
According to the February report, mortgage rates have risen by a whopping 0.13% since the last update, with the 30-year fixed mortgage rate now being about 6.85% whores this highest record in July 2024.
The 15-year fixed mortgage has also noticeably risen in value, reaching 6.00%. However, these two are not the only noticeable rates. Here is some more data:
- 30-Year Fixed-Rate Refinance: 7.04%.
- 15-Year Fixed-Rate Refinance: 6.30%.
Why Are Mortgage Rates Rising?
Higher Bond Yields:
- Predictably, the surge in bond yields has an inverse relationship with mortgage rates.
- This is evident by the rise in the yield of the US 10-year Treasury, which has simultaneously caused inflation to rise.
- This drastic shift in yield from September until now stands at 4.61%, as opposed to less than 3.7%.
Federal Reserve Policy
- The Federal Reserve’s planning committee met earlier.
- Chair Jerome Powell commented that only two cuts are planned for the federal funds rate in 2025.
- This is a reduction in the cuts planned earlier.
- As a result, mortgage rates are predicted to be elevated for a while now.
Economic Conditions
The economic backdrop, which includes inflation, national debt, and many other factors, is also an important determinant of mortgage rates. Higher inflation means higher rates will be charged, as lenders will have to cut their margins, raising the inflation further.
Housing Market Dynamics
High mortgage rates and ever-accelerating home prices across the country make it difficult for many willing sellers to become homeowners, let alone buyers. As a result, the housing market is in a recession and is heading towards its sharpest fall since 1995, as recent data show.
With bond yields escalating, the Federal Reserve’s policies tightening, and the economy shaky, mortgage rates are shifting upward. Due to these forces and many more, future buyers in the housing market will face further barriers to acquiring financial support for mortgaging their homes and buying them at reasonable prices.
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Of course! Here are some of the top national headlines for Thursday, December 26th, 2024:
Trump’s Christmas Message
During the holiday, the former President posted on his Twitter account sharing Christmas wishes and zoomed in on Barak Obama’s memes.
Biden’s Christmas Message
The President released President Biden’s Christmas Message, which said Americans should try to unite and care for one another.
$1.1 Billion Jackpot Claim
Out of thousands of hopefuls, a single individual was found with a winning ticket worth 1.1 billion dollars.
In Space Rescue
This was an incredibly happy moment for the families of the astronauts abducted in space and for the Americans who were svea Sahabli in the space rescue mission.
Elon Musk Scolds MacKenzie Scott
Elon Musk gave MacKenzie Scott a thumbs down for making charitable contributions to some liberal entities, an act he described as “worrisome.” Should You Want Further Information Concerning Any Of These Tales, You Should If You Want More Specifics Regarding Any Of These Stories Feel Free To Call Ask!
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Like to congratulate President Donald J. Trump for getting elected. I have no doubt the new Trump Administration will do great to fix the broken economy Joe Biden and Kamala Harris has cause. How about the mortgage and housing markets? What can President Trump do to fix the housing and mortgage markets? Inflation through the roof, home prices doubled and tripled, mortgage rates nearing 8%. Most would be first-time homebuyers are priced out of the housing market. The economy is experiencing a flood of business and corporate bankruptcies, record foreclosure, skyrocketing unemployment, and the dollar does not go far. This is a major concern among Americans. Can the economy, housing markets, and mortgage markets even be fixed?
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What is the latest update on Kamala Harris? It seems she has disappeared off the face of the Earth after her election defeat drunken speech. What is in store with Kamala Harris? Harris has proven to the public her financial irresponsibilities by spending 1.5 billion dollars on her ill-fated campaign and owing over 20 million dollars. There have been talks of Kamala Harris eyeing the governor’s seat in California. California cannot afford to take a chance on someone incompetent like Kamala Harris to manage the largest state in the union. Please provide us with a detailed update on Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
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Podcast Recap
Joe Rogan’s Interview with the Ex-governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich. In this riveting episode, Joe Rogan speaks with ex-Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and discusses how he went from being a political figure to being arrested and how he seeks self-redemption. Below are the main points from the discussion that they had:
Blagojevich’s Political Fall
Corruption Charges:
- Blagojevich recalls the coup that led to his arrest and conviction on corruption charges.
- This includes the attempted selling off of a Senate seat that Obama once occupied.
Media Narratives:
- He criticizes the role of the tabloid media in public opinion.
- Particularly its impact on his trial and reputation in the aftermath.
Emotional Toll:
- Blagojevich elaborates on the impact of the criminal allegation and punishment on his family.
- Especially children, regarding the pain of not being with his daughters.
Reflections on the Justice System
Oversentencing:
- He observes a flaw in the American socio‐political space.
- This is due to what he interprets as sentencing policies, that of issuing lengthy prison terms to United States citizens.
Political Pressures:
- He considers how different it is for politicians to do business in the public eye.
- The imperfections in the system that drive unscrupulous behavior.
Advocacy for Reform:
- According to Blagojevich, changes are needed to ensure that the justices aren’t excessively punitive or too soft.
Redemption and Personal Growth
Faith and Family:
- The former governor of Illinois interprets the spiritual practices and the protection portrayed by his family as his reason for avoiding despair during his 14-year conviction period.
Life Lessons:
- The ex-governor urges these individuals to learn education and self-accountability.
- The art of humility, especially during trying times.
Time in Prison:
- To Blagojevich, his time spent ‘locked up’ taught him invaluable life lessons on resilience and the power of empathy.
Hope for the Republican Party
Inclusivity:
- Blagojevich paints a picture and shares his ideas of a Republican Party that supports multiple causes instead of a section of them.
Future Goals:
- Even without announcing his campaign for a lower political office.
- He says he wants to get involved in the political debates on justice and policies.
The Power of Storytelling
Human Connection:
- This episode accents the heavy reliance on storytelling in the ambit of empathy and understanding.
- Blagojevich wants his audience to consider human actions and systemic issues from a prism of layered complexities by recounting his functioning life experiences.
Lessons Learned:
- In his narrative, Blagojevich offers deeper meaning than describing his personal experience.
- He also reflects on how he has come to make sense of such an important part of life when everything goes sideways.
Key Moments
Voices from the Crime Scene:
- Blagojevich describes his issues and the bonds he made while serving his jail sentence, combining problem-solving with storytelling.
More than Normal:
- Rogan and Blagojevich discuss the nature of responsibility, hopefulness, and whether people can change.
Political Shot:
- The episode discusses politics, journalism policy, and law enforcement, offering one sophisticated facet of the broader picture.
This episode of The Joe Rogan Experience combines humor, critique, and advocacy, given Paulina’s amount of time and Blagojevich’s open approach to his life and what he has lived through. Still, it’s not as complicated as it might seem if anything, and it’s even interesting. There is no better show. Serving the people can mean something completely different to someone worse than one would expect – serving oneself.
It is very hard to imagine such a sentiment coming from a country that underwent an experiment of systemic failure, such as America. What stands out is that it involves an ideology and even a conviction.
Joe Rogan Experience #2245 – Rod Blagojevich | Podcast Summary
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Comprehensive Guide to Flood Insurance
Flood insurance is a specialized type of property insurance designed to cover damages caused by flooding, which are not typically covered under standard homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies. Below is a detailed guide covering who needs flood insurance, how it is regulated, and how to obtain it.
Who Needs Flood Insurance? Required by Lenders
Homes in High-Risk Flood Areas:
If you have a federally backed mortgage and your property is in a high-risk flood zone (Special Flood Hazard Area or SFHA), lenders require you to carry flood insurance.
Properties Outside High-Risk Zones:
While not mandatory in low-to-moderate-risk areas, it’s often recommended since approximately 25% of flood claims occur outside high-risk zones.
Voluntary Buyers
Homeowners Without Mortgages:
Even if not required by a lender, flood insurance is wise if your property is at risk of flooding.
Renters:
Renters can purchase contents-only policies to protect personal belongings in flood-prone areas.
Businesses
Commercial Properties:
Businesses in flood-prone areas should obtain flood insurance to protect against potential financial losses.
How Flood Insurance is RegulatedNational Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
The NFIP, managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is the primary flood insurance provider in the U.S.
Coverage Limits:
- Residential: $250,000 for the structure and $100,000 for contents.
- Commercial: $500,000 for the structure and $500,000 for contents.
Private Flood Insurance
In addition to NFIP, private insurers offer flood insurance with higher coverage limits or more flexible terms.
Private flood insurance is becoming more popular as it can sometimes be more affordable than NFIP policies.
Flood Zones and Mapping
FEMA maps flood zones and assigns risk levels. These maps determine whether flood insurance is required and influence premium costs.
Property owners can access flood maps on the FEMA website to understand their risk.
The Process of Getting Flood InsuranceStep 1: Determine Your Flood Risk
- Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center to check your property’s flood zone.
- Consult with local planning or building departments for historical flood data.
Step 2: Choose Between NFIP and Private Insurance
- NFIP policies are standardized and widely available but may have coverage limitations.
- Private insurance may offer customizable options and higher limits.
Step 3: Find an Insurance Provider
NFIP Policies:
- Purchase through an insurance agent or company participating in the NFIP program.
Private Policies:
- Contact private insurers specializing in flood insurance.
Step 4: Decide on Coverage
Building Coverage:
- Protects the structure and its foundation.
Contents Coverage:
- Covers personal belongings, such as furniture, clothing, and electronics.
Additional Riders:
- Some policies may offer extra protection for basements, landscaping, or other exclusions.
Step 5: Understand Costs
Premium Factors:
- Costs depend on the property’s location, flood zone, elevation, and construction.
Average Costs:
- NFIP policies typically cost between $700 and $1,200 annually, which can vary widely.
Step 6: Wait for Policy Activation
- NFIP policies typically have a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins.
- Some private insurers may offer shorter waiting periods.
Filing a Flood Insurance Claim
Report Damage Immediately:
- Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible.
Document the Damage:
- Take photos and videos of affected areas and items before beginning cleanup.
Work with an Adjuster:
- The insurer will send an adjuster to assess the damage and estimate repair costs.
Submit Proof of Loss:
- Provide a detailed inventory of damaged items and their value within 60 days (NFIP policies).
Receive Payment:
- Once the claim is approved, payment will be disbursed.
What Flood Insurance CoversBuilding Coverage
- Electrical and plumbing systems.
- HVAC systems.
- Appliances like refrigerators and built-in dishwashers.
- Flooring, walls, and ceilings.
Contents Coverage
- Furniture and electronics.
- Clothing and personal items.
- Portable appliances.
- Valuables up to certain limits (e.g., artwork).
Exclusions
- Damage caused by moisture, mildew, or mold not attributable to the flood.
- Temporary living expenses or lost income.
- Cars or other vehicles.
Benefits of Flood Insurance
- Protects against significant financial loss due to flooding.
- Helps comply with lender requirements.
- Peace of mind for homeowners and businesses in flood-prone areas.
Tips for Reducing Flood Insurance Costs
Elevation Certificates:
- Obtain an elevation certificate to demonstrate your property’s reduced risk of flooding.
Mitigation Measures:
- Install flood-resistant materials, elevate utilities, or use flood barriers.
Community Participation:
- Some communities offer discounts if they participate in FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS).
Flood insurance is a critical investment for protecting your property from flood-related damages. Whether mandated or voluntary, it offers peace of mind and financial security, especially as climate change increases the frequency of severe weather events.