Dually Licensed Lisa Jones
Dually LicensedForum Replies Created
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The mortgage industry has been experiencing political and economic turbulence, which has been shaping the world, as you mentioned in your discussion with us. Let us examine the core factors affecting the industry.
Rising Mortgage Rates
Effect: Rates surged from a historic low of around 2% to 8%, making it difficult for homebuyers to consider purchasing a house. Homebuyers are cautious about lending money against apartment loans and are focusing on owning many more properties for single buyers, which ultimately results in them holding off on the buying spree. Monthly payments have also surged, making it less beneficial and encouraging for buyers in the market.
Industry Issues: The low-rate business environment that ensured high activity levels revolved around refinancing has now collapsed. This caused many businesses providing mortgage loans to experience sharp decreases in their loan volume, and they had to resort to layoffs and consolidations.
Inflation
Effect: Consumers have found it difficult to maintain their household budgets due to inflation, which has made saving for a downpayment and paying their mortgage extremely challenging.
Industry Issues: The increase in demand for affordable housing due to inflation hasn’t faced any form of deprivation, such as lack of affordability. However, the demand is still high.
Pandemic Effects
Effect: The pandemic affected powering chains, labor markets, and the stability of economics, which caused the recovery to deviate from the standard. In addition, home prices boomed as home sales began setting new records.
Industry Issues: Although there was a boom in home sales and a desire to refinance due to the pandemic, there was a slowdown later on because the interest charges were high.
Home Values at All-Time Highs
Impact: While the increase in home values is advantageous to homeowners, it has discouraged numerous first-time buyers from entering the market. Loss in margins from increased borrowing costs has also made some investors withdraw.
Industry Struggles: As a consequence, the purchase volume has been negatively constrained, and the industry has relied disproportionately on high-credit borrowers, hence limiting opportunities for other lending estimations.
Political corruption and voter fraud allegations.
Impact: Economic instability caused by voter fraud allegations and political uncertainty can negatively affect consumers’ trust and disturb economic conditions, which can, in turn, negatively influence housing markets.
Industry Struggles: Political instability usually causes high volatility of the interest rate and the demand for housing, leading to greater unpredictability in the business and making it difficult to plan and expand.
Regulatory Changes and Scrutiny
Impact: Lending activity is being scrutinized more closely as governments and regulators finally start responding to the above challenges. Compliance costs have increased, further compounding the challenges faced by lenders.
Industry Struggles: Such changes may be difficult for smaller lenders and mortgage brokers, forcing consolidation in the industry.
The Mortgage aspect that we can be optimistic about
The aspects that we discussed that could pose barriers are, but the mortgage sector can still manage to go forward:
Demand for Non-QM Loans: Borrowers who couldn’t meet traditional lending standards are now taking out non-QM loans.
Home Equity Products: Rising residence values began to drive more home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and cash-out refinances from homeowners with low fixed rates.
Innovation: Due to increased competition, lenders are using technology and AI on a larger scale to simplify processes, cut expenses, and attract new clients.
Forecast
The market is not collapsing. Rather, it is trying to achieve balance. Mortgage companies are relearning ways of functioning, expanding the range of products, and targeting new areas to seek balance rates with decreased demand and increased interest rates. Still, this process, combined with constant unstable economics, politics, or existence, could worsen the present conditions.
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Starting a marijuana business requires considering and analyzing the law, regulations, and industry. This business is highly competitive and continuously evolving. Countries around the world view marijuana differently than one another, as some have legalized its cultivation. In contrast, others permit medical and recreational purposes only to a certain extent. Three major requirements need to be kept underpass by an interested marijuana entrepreneur, which are as follows:
Know The Legal Requirements
From a broader perspective, every industry is regulated to some extent, and marijuana is no different. It operates on a regulation system implemented by the federal, state, and local authorities.
Federal Level
In accordance with the Controlled Substances Act, marijuana is listed as a Schedule One substance, making it illegal for federal use.
Although marijuana is illegal federally in the United States, a vast majority of states have initiated medical and recreational marijuana.
Local And State Laws
Suppose you are looking to set up a business. In that case, geography will play a critical role for you as different states have different laws. Some states allow recreational sales while others permit medical only; local governments, too, can impose restrictions, meaning you need to obtain licenses and follow zoning laws.
Select Your Mode Of Doing Business
The legal steps are out of the way; now it is time to decide the structure of your firm, which is a crucial step:
Cultivation
Start growing marijuana for medical and recreational use. To grow plants, knowledge of agriculture is a prerequisite, along with adhering to the state’s set limitations on how much can be cultivated.
Dispensary
You can start selling cannabis products. You will need a store location and go, government permission to conduct business. Just like any other business, cannabis dispensaries will be required to follow strict regulations regarding inventory, packaging, labeling, selling of marijuana, and most importantly, the age of the buyer.
Processing
Suppose you wish to make edibles, concentrates, oils, or topical products. In that case, you will need specialized equipment, internal standards, and external safety regulations.
Delivery Services
Delivers marijuana products to clients. However, before that, determine whether your state allows such delivery services.
Ancillary Businesses
Offering services in marketing, security, legal advisory, or even software solutions would fall under this category. Islamic law, which permits the marketing of marijuana products, prohibits these businesses from dealing directly with the plant anywhere, reducing the regulatory burdens.
Create a Business Plan
If seeking to operate in this region and still go ahead seeking potential investors, it would be wise to draft a business plan. It will need to cover:
Executive Summary
A section that articulates the goals of the business and its business model.
Classification of the Market
What is in most demand in the area, and who are the competitors? What are their characteristics?
The Operational Plan
An outline of how you intend to source, produce, and sell the products has to be provided.
Financial Plan
What are the expenses of starting the venture, the anticipated income, and what type of funding would be needed?
Compliance Strategy
Details of how the company will obtain licenses and comply with regulatory requirements will be required.
Secure Licensing and Permits
The Application Process.
It is usually competitive, and you need to write up several documents. Be sure to include any certificates relating to where the funding will come from, marketing and business plans, security protocols, and compliance.
Types of Licenses
Colonial farming license: lets an owner grow marijuana.
Dispensary license: Allows carrying out retailing.
Processing license: allows to make products.
Distribution license: allows for transportation and/or wholesaling.
Costs
The type of license purchased largely determines the costs, with some compassionate use cultivation licenses costing only a few thousand dollars and others costing hundreds of thousands.
Secure Funding
Remember that traditional loans are usually off the table due to federal restrictions. Instead, consider:
Private Investors: venture capital and angel investors are great options.
Cannabis-Focused Funds: Look into investment funds that only provide Capital for Marijuana Firms.
Partnerships: Work alongside already existing actors in the field.
Personal Savings: If you can, make use of your own money.
Build a Team
Employ individuals who have previous experience that would help you to run your firm:
Growers and Cultivators: Those with a degree or educational background in agriculture or horticulture.
Sales and Marketing Professionals: One of their main tasks is to attract and retain customers.
Compliance Officers: They must help ensure the business complies with the set regulations.
Legal and Financial Advisors: Those with a specialty and focus on the complexities of cannabis laws and taxes.
Find a Suitable Location
Zoning Restrictions: Most local authorities have different zoning criteria for communities without these businesses. These include schools, parks, or even residential neighborhoods.
Lease vs. Purchase: Find a location that is within the local laws.
Develop Strong Branding and Marketing
Engage a specific market in e-commerce by developing a brand that is yet to be based.
Contact customers through digital marketing, social networking, and physical events. (Note the useful strategy for you according to the restrictions that apply to advertising during the events at your location.)
Set Up Operations and Inventory Systems
Seed-to-Sale Tracking: A vast majority of states in the United States will require systems that track products from cultivated seeds to sale.
Point of Sale (POS) Systems: Select marijuana retail software.
Compliance Systems: This technology can also track sophisticated and specialized inventory, labeling, and other aspects of the reporting system.
Stay Compliant
Ensure that cannabis products are only sold in approved packages with the correct labeling and proper testing.
You must continually update your understanding of the ever-changing requirements.
Keep every detail diligently for audits and inspections.
Hindrances in the Marijuana Business as an Industry
Banking: Many cannabis-related businesses accept cash only because of federal restrictions, which makes them vulnerable. Cannabis businesses are subject to high taxation under IRS Code Section 280E because the law prohibits tax deductions on activities considered illegal at the federal level.
Regulatory Complexity: The legal status of the industry’s activities and operations is complicated, and constantly changing laws are in force and must be met.
Investigation of the Federal Legalization Avenues
Follow up on the developments in the federal sphere aimed at simplifying the relevant legislation, which could create further opportunities.
Resources and Support
NCIA: Provides materials necessary for the industry and opportunities to meet other industry leaders.
Local recycling and cannabis trade associations: Help individual states with education, politics, and news.
Online Education: For example, Green Flower and Marijuana Business Daily teach and give insights.
Establishing a marijuana business is very risky but potentially productive. The key to success is extensive research, followed by legal compliance and execution. Seeking help from legal and financial experts in this dynamic business is necessary.
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Can you elaborate on the current market expectations for rate changes?
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This reply was modified 2 months, 3 weeks ago by
Gustan Cho.
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This reply was modified 2 months, 3 weeks ago by
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What are the predictions for interest rate changes in the next six months?
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German Shepherds are a large and versatile breed known for their intelligence and loyalty. Understanding their growth patterns can help owners provide the right care at each stage. Below is a detailed overview of the expected weight ranges for male and female German Shepherds at various ages.
Growth Chart for German Shepherds
Male German Shepherd Weight
Age (Months) Weight Range (lbs)
3 Months Old 25 – 30
6 Months Old 50 – 60
9 Months Old 65 – 75
12 Months Old 70 – 85
18 Months Old 75 – 90
24 Months Old 80 – 95
30 Months Old 85 – 100
36 Months Old 90 – 105
Female German Shepherd Weight
Age (Months) Weight Range (lbs)
3 Months Old 20 – 25
6 Months Old 40 – 50
9 Months Old 50 – 65
12 Months Old 55 – 70
18 Months Old 60 – 75
24 Months Old 65 – 80
30 Months Old 70 – 85
36 Months Old 75 – 90
Growth and Maturity
Full Size: German Shepherds typically reach adulthood by 18 to 24 months. Males generally weigh between 90 to 105 pounds, while females weigh around 75 to 90 pounds when fully grown.
Full Maturity: While they may reach their full size by age 2, German Shepherds continue to mature emotionally and behaviorally until they are about 3 years old.
Additional Considerations
Growth Rate Variability: Individual growth rates can vary based on genetics, nutrition, and overall health.
Diet and Exercise: Proper nutrition and regular exercise are crucial during their growth stages to ensure healthy development and prevent obesity.
In summary, male German Shepherds typically weigh between 90 and 105 pounds, while females weigh between 75 and 90 pounds when fully grown. They reach their full size by 18 to 24 months and continue to mature until about 3 years of age. Tracking their growth can help ensure they develop healthily and reach their potential as strong, loyal companions.
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The USDA has approved the sale of lab-grown meat in the United States, which has sparked the debate. There’s a scientific, ethical, environmental, and economic aspect to this topic, and here’s all about that:
What Does Lab-Grown Meat Mean?
Definition: Lab-grown meat is another term for cultured meat cultivated inside a controlled setting. It can also be called cell-based meat, and it describes the concept of growing meat from animal cells in a lab instead of raising baby animals and killing them.
Production Process:
Cell Collection: This process involves extracting a small piece of tissue from an animal to use as a source of cells without harming the animal.
Cultivation: This step involves placing the cells inside a culture medium enriched with nutrients, which allows them to multiply.
Forming Meat Products: Finally, once the cells have grown enough, they can be shaped and designed into the form of either chicken, burgers, or fish.
Regulatory Approval
USDA and FDA Roles: The US Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration have regulations around lab-grown meat. It includes the following measures:
Safety Assessments: This section contains assessments to determine whether the meat cultivated inside the lab is safe for human consumption.
Labeling Requirements: These involve instructions around how the products should be marketed and labeled for consumers.
Controversies Surrounding Lab-Grown Meat
A. Ethical Considerations
Animal Welfare: Proponents of lab-grown meat state that its production cuts down the commercial slaughter of animals, and most of their ethical arguments are related to animal rights and welfare.
Naturalness: Lab-grown meat may also be unpalatable for other critics because it produces unnatural meat, which may pose other health risks to its consumption.
B. Health Concerns
Nutritional Value: Arguments exist about whether lab-grown meat has the same nutritional value as conventional meat. Research is also being carried out on its consequences for health.
Processing and Additives: There are controversies concerning two issues, which include the techniques employed in food production, the constituents added to the food products, and even the growth factors employed in the food production methods.
C. Environmental Impact
Sustainability: Lab-grown meat is often hailed as more sustainable than animal protein because it requires less land, water, animal feed, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Carbon Footprint: There are claims that lab-grown meat has better carbon footprints than ordinary meat, but there are questions about the energy-intensive methods employed to produce these forms of meat and what this will mean for the environment.
Economic Implications
Market Disruption: Farmers, ranchers, and the meat industry are likely to feel the effects of lab-grown meat the most as it is likely to disturb traditional markets for meat.
Consumer Acceptance: Consumer support for lab meat will be a major determinant in the meat technology market. Taste, price, and health-related aspects will be among some of the key factors.
Investment Consultation And Innovation: Meat-producing industries or companies worldwide have been able to attract quite a bit of funding in the meat technology sphere, which has, in turn, given them a business model that allows them to remain in competition with other meat producers.
Consumer Perspectives
Acceptance Levels: People’s opinions on lab meat range from excitement regarding its market advantages to skepticism or denial due to the cultural or health aspects raised in the conversation.
Labeling And Visibility: There are concerns regarding the new technology; trust needs to be improved to a large degree, and this is where clear labeling and consumer education will help a lot.
Future Prospects
Market Growth: As tech progresses and the cost of production goes down, lab meat is expected to become common and cheap.
Regulatory Policies: Most importantly, safety measures, labeling, and production standards are some of the areas of concern for regulatory measures that will be in place in the future.
The USDA has approved lab-grown meat, which marks a good turning point in the food systems; it also promises to deliver ethical, health, and sustainability gains. Of course, this doesn’t come without complexities, as it furthers the debate on the ethics, health, environmentalism, and economics of society. The way forward will require lab-grown meat to be continuously discussed by various players in the market, ranging from end consumers to producers and everyone else in between. This will be key as meat production gets a revolution with this high-tech solution.
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Lab-grown enhanced meat – this is the future everyone was talking about. The USDA, in its never-ending quest for control or maybe just outright insanity, has given the Stamp of Approval to this wondrous futuristic food to be consumed in America. Here are a few details about the meat here:
The Approval: In June 2023, the meat industry made a big breakthrough. Two companies from California, GOOD Meat and UPSIDE Foods, were allowed by the USDA to sell chickens made in a laboratory. This is big as it expands the definition of chicken. No longer is it just something that comes out of the farm. Imagine it as a chicken out of a laboratory instead of the pasture.
The Controversy: This is the better half of the question, Or should we say, this Approval has more than one half to it, like how “Oh, the Nature Of That Vegitarian Grandfather Who Lives Next Door Seems To Enjoy This Approaval But That’s The Only Thing That Is Tender.” Here’s a tip:
Health and Safety: Ears like to be drilled with ideas such as “Animal-free food options? Now there is some hope!” Move tables towards the left side to make room. Someone always asks, “But Is It Good For My Body Or Is It Like That Stuff That Came Outbear Night?” The FDA and USDA say it’s all good, and even if they are on some meat high, they would be right.
Economic and Cultural Consequences: Our traditional farmers are furious. They claim this is like having digital bulldozers in the meat market. Lab-grown meat carries a certain threat of becoming the next Uber for steaks, putting the traditional American rancher at the backwaters. It is not only about jobs; it is about culture and traditions, as some even passed laws in some states to temporarily ban or limit these products.
Defending the Products: Supporters say that this is potentially the most eco-friendly idea since solar panels because it promises to eliminate the need for thousands of methane-belching cows. However, whether the energy required to develop meat in laboratories is replacing one environmental problem with another is debated. Besides, the sustainable debate often revolves largely around the entire production process.
Acceptance Figure: Finally, there is a taste test. Would the Americans who seem to enjoy everything with beef in it consider something that has never been outdoors? Responses are from side to side on the spectrum. Some exclusive restaurants are starting to serve it. Still, the average consumer would find the idea of ‘immortalized cells’ more difficult to swallow than opening a Twinkie and reading its ingredients list.
Presently, there are only a few outlets where lab-grown meat is available. This meat is still largely confined to the tasting menus of high-end restaurants. The technology does exist, but expanding it to the level where it can be cost-competitive and readily available will become an issue. In layperson’s terms, it’s as complex as explaining the cosmos to a goldfish.
USDA opened a Pandora’s box; the truer statement is that they opened a bioreactor. However, this will only prove useful if Americans start grappling with the novelty of this recent way of eating. Does this mean that food will evolve from now on, or will it all be like the pet rock? It depends on the time and a couple of taste tests.
In the end, when put in perspective, we are all small dots in the area trying to decide what to have for dinner today.
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Whether you purchase a new construction home or a pre-owned home as your first property depends on several factors, including your financial position and the housing markets in your locality. Below is the summary of both scenarios and the lending procedure for building a new construction home.
Constructing a New Home Perks vs Downsides
Purchasing a pre-construction home
Benefits:
Inhabitable right away: There is no waiting period as with new construction houses, which means you can instantly relocate to this kind of house or the unit of your liking.
Occupational neighborhood: Such houses are usually built in an occupational neighborhood with already developed amenities, schools, and other infrastructure.
Negotiable cost: Some market situations allow you to negotiate the price or ask for certain concessions from the seller.
Drawbacks:
Reno needed: There is the possibility that such houses may require renovations or repairs, which increases the undertaking of this option.
Old AC units: Such houses usually have older boilers, electrical systems, and plumbing systems that may need replacement.
Buying A New Construction Home
Advantages:
Design your own home: You can choose the layouts, finishes, and other prominent household features that meet your needs, meaning it will be built to your specifications.
More energy efficient: New structures usually incorporate new materials with energy-efficient mechanisms that negate higher monthly utility bills.
Lower Upkeep: Most repairs may not be required shortly, and you can enjoy warranties on your new houses.
Cons:
Waiting Period: Multiple months can be added to the house construction timeline. Because of this, moving in may not be a straightforward task in some cases.
Complexity of the Financing Process: Financing the construction of a house is more involved than getting a mortgage for an older home.
Paying For Newly Built Houses
Options Available for Financing:
Construction to Permanent Loans: These are short-term loans needed to initiate the construction of the house. The main drawback is the relatively high interest rate, which drops when the construction is finished, and the loan is converted into a mortgage.
Builder Mortgage: Amazingly, some builders provide mortgages with the option to use any offer lenders at a discounted price.
Eligibility Requirements:
Credit Score: A construction loan requires that the score fulfills the requirement of being considerably good, which is sometimes higher than 620.
Down Payment: A considerable sum of 20 to 25 percent of the property’s value will be required.
Builder Qualifications: Before applying for a loan, qualified lenders should be sought since a construction loan requires that the builder be competent and reputable.
Approval Process:
What is the Value of Appraisal? Unlike land, the lender will determine the worth of a house after it is built.
Recommendation: Whether to purchase an existing house or construct a new one will vary according to your preferences, available resources, and current economic environment. Suppose personalization, modern technology, and adapting to new energy-efficient systems appeal to you. In that case, investing in a new build and going through its complexities may be worth it. Otherwise, for those who value not having to go through the uncertainty of construction and l end up with an asset immediately, an existing home could work better.
Financing Difficulty: As stated above, loans for new builds allow complexity, but understanding the claim process will make acquiring the loan more reasonable. Due to the many steps and pieces primarily involved in this type of loan, construction-oriented mortgage bankers can guide you properly on what to expect.
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Certainly! A construction loan can be quite complicated, but knowing the various steps in the process can help streamline it. So here’s a well-structured explanation of the steps in acquiring a construction loan. Enjoy!
Preparation and Planning
Determine Budget and Costs
Estimate Total Costs: First, look at the overall picture and break down the expenditures that will occur in the project, such as land costs, construction expenses, project permissions, and any other additional costs if needed.
Contingency Fund: Always account for a scenario where the project cost goes up for some unforeseen reason, like always setting aside at least 10 to 20 percent of the total planned-out budget for such cases.
Choose a Builder
Select a Reputable Builder: When looking for a builder/lender, ensure they are licensed, insured, and have a decent history. Most construction loans will only accept it as a valid credential if it is.
Develop Plans and Such
Architectural Plans: Always work with a professional architect and designer who can assist you in creating intricate blueprints and specifications that include details such as the layout, materials, and the home’s finishing touches.
Apply for the Loan
Gather Documentation
Personal Financial Information: For documentation, collect taxes, bank statements, proof of income, and credit history.
Construction Plans: Ensure that the contractor can provide intricate details regarding the plans, specifications, and construction timeline, along with other documents.
Loan Application
Choose a Lender: There are several lenders online who offer loans for construction. Therefore, reading the reviews and comparing the rates to find the best option can be beneficial.
Loan Approval Process. A. Underwriting:
Evaluating Credibility: It’s time for the lender to judge your worthiness based on your credit score and financial capabilities.
Assessment of the Project: Before proceeding to the next stage, lenders will ensure that the construction feasibility plans, the financial budget, and the builder’s qualifications meet well-defined criteria.
Appraisal
Appraisal of Property: Based on the specifications and plans, the lender will conduct an appraisal to determine the anticipated worth of the house after Completion and try to understand the market better.
Loan Commitment
The Letter of Approval: After the Loan is successfully approved, you will receive the loan commitment letter, which outlines all the terms, conditions, and the amount that the Loan will cover.
Closing the Loan
Loan Closing
Signing the Documents: All of the loan documents, including the agreement for the construction loan, must be signed.
Disbursement Start: The financial institution will only give a percentage of the Loan for initial costs, such as land down payments.
The Process of Construction
Schedule for the Draw
The Drawing Processes: The Loan is distributed in parts, each referred to as ‘draws’ and provided when a selected part of the construction is completed. There are many phases of a construction project, including but not limited to laying the foundation, framing, and roofing, and each stage is finished with a different set of draws.
Inspection Requirements: Before the draw, the lender may demand an inspection to ensure that the completed work is good enough before a new set of draws can be issued.
Managing funds
Due to the need to manage manpower and resources throughout construction, expenses must be tracked and budgeted accordingly to ensure the effective use of cash flows.
Transition to permanent end loan
Completion of work
Verification: On Completion, the lender will conduct a site visit of the house to verify that construction and the assets conform to the requirements that were set up in the terms and conditions of issuance.
Permanent Financing.
Post-completion, a construction loan is usually automatically changed to a permanent mortgage loan, where regular monthly payments are made, or a refinance is undertaken if required.
Closing / Final Closing: Complete any outstanding paperwork to transition to the permanent end loan.
The sequence of events culminates in getting the construction loan for new home construction, starting from planning, devising a budget, applying for the Loan, and the actual building processes. I concur with your point that construction loans can be complicated. So, the loans can be easily navigated with the help of the builder, lender, or even a financial advisor. It is all right to understand each phase of these processes to make the whole construction experience of a new house more enjoyable.