Art, Fabrics, Furniture, Jewelry & Accessories
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Explore these sections of our website to enhance your understanding of Mid Century Modern style:
Art – The Modern artists went one step further than the Impressionists’ impressions by abstracting even their own impressions. Kinda crazy, but fascinating all the same. They relied on using color, shape and geometry to convey the meaning of the piece. They challenged the mind, evoked emotion and even shocked critics and the public.
Fabrics – Knowing Mid Century Modern designers’ motivations for jazzing pillows, wall and floor coverings with abstract, futuristic patterns helps you choose the pieces that express your style and values fully.
Furniture – The popularity of Mid Century Modern furniture has been multiplying, but its aesthetic appeal is just one aspect driving this interest. Knowing about the dramatic shift in values and social trends in the 1940s through the 1960s that shaped this style adds an important dimension to your appreciation of Mid Century Modern furniture.
Jewelry – The same clean, bold vision that drove the Mid Century Modern architects and artists captured the jewelry designers, too. A whole new, unadorned style caught fire as Mid Century Modern jewelry swept the upper classes in the late 1940s through the 1960s. Know the key designers so you can pick up the most valuable pieces.
Accessories – Mid Century Modern accessories like lamps, mirrors, clocks and ceramics express your depth, uniqueness, even your quirks! Before you head to the vintage store or auction, however, you should be aware of the range of modern pieces available today, as well as the period’s designers who may be collectible.
Designers -Knowing the artists and designers of the period is critical to your collecting and appreciating success. Reveiw the top designers in all Mid Century Modern genres: art, fabrics, furniture, jewelry and accessories. An original Harry Bertoia or Margaret de Patta piece can fetch three to 10 times more than a reproduction.
Art, Fabrics, Furniture, Jewelry & Accessories
Interest in Mid Century Modern Art & Design Surging
For decades, Mid Century Modern homes and interiors didn’t get the historical respect they deserved.
Today, however, Mid Century seems to be on the lips of everyone in the art and architecture worlds. These trends reflect its resurgence:
- Prices for the period’s furniture, jewelry and accessories have soared in the past 10 years.
- The number of times people enter “Mid Century Modern” in the Google search bar has increased by 50% since 2014 and multiplied more than 10 times since 2004.
- Museums have been mounting more and more Mid Century Modern exhibits.
- Realtors, designers and decorators now specialize in Mid Century Modern style.
- America’s practical Millennials have a proven affinity for smaller homes, natural materials and lower consumerism (fewer accessories and furniture).
- Preservationists have managed to save more Mid Century Modern homes and buildings in the last 5 years.
Mid Century Modern collectors and enthusiasts are on the right side of history.
Why is Mid Century Modern so Popular Today?
Why is Mid Century Modern so Popular Today?
In the early 2000s, preservationists and art historians mounted a robust effort to save many modern homes scheduled for demolition. With many Americans growing up in what became “tract” homes, we didn’t understand the value of these everyday, modern masterpieces. We considered only big Victorian, Georgian and Baroque homes to have historical interest.
Then, two factors converged:
- Mid Century Modern homes began to reach 50 years old, the age at which they qualify for entry on the U.S. National Register of Historic Homes. This birthday helped establish a perception that Mid Century Modern style had a rich history and unique set of values behind it.
- AMC’s launched hit series Mad Men (2007 – 2015) which featured homes, offices, decor and fashion from the 1950s and 1960s.
In the past 10 years, Americans have begun to appreciate simplicity, natural materials, interior openness and functionality, all tenets of the Mid Century Modern style. These standards were developed by period’s best architects, artists and designers, all intent on bringing beauty to the burgeoning middle class.
Those who embrace modern values like simplicity and functionality will find all they need here and at our sister site to extend their knowledge of the period and become discerning collectors of these fabulous items.
Peek inside this sleek midcentury-mod Silicon Valley house
See how a couple renovated their mid-century home to create more space and a brighter interior.
High-end midcentury time capsule on Seward Park waterfront asks $3.9 million
High-end midcentury time capsule on Seward Park waterfront asks $3.9 million
https://seattle.curbed.com/2019/5/23/18637861/midcentury-modern-waterfront-home-for-sale
How to Obtain No Credit Car Loans
How to Obtain No Credit Car Loans
Though good credit is valuable, is there a such thing as no credit car loans? Yes! Find out how to easily obtain an auto loan without credit experience.
Did you know that approximately 45 million Americans have no credit score at all?
If you’re part of this group, you might think that it’s impossible for you to get approved for a car loan. That’s not exactly true, though.
There are lots of loans out there designed for people with low credit scores, as well as those with no credit score.
Read on to learn more about no credit car loans and how you can increase your chances of getting approved for one.
No Credit Car Loan Minimum Qualifications
If you have a bad credit score or no credit score, you can still qualify for a car loan. You just have to make sure you meet some other basic qualifications, including the following:
- Have a gross monthly income of at least $1,500
- Provide proof that you are a legal U.S. or Canadian resident
- Provide proof that you are at least 18 years of age or older
If you have filed for bankruptcy in the past, you may also need to complete some additional paperwork to show that you authorized to purchase a car.
Many car dealerships also work with specific lenders to provide financing to people who might not otherwise qualify for an auto loan.
When you begin looking to purchase a car, consider asking the lender which dealerships they work with or recommend purchasing a car from.
Increase Your Chances of Approval
If you meet these minimum qualifications, there’s a good chance your auto loan application will be approved.
There are some other steps you can take to increase your chances even more, though, including the following:
Check Your Credit History
You may think you have no credit history, but it’s a good idea to double check before you apply for an auto loan. You might find out that you do, actually have a credit score.
Checking your credit report also allows you to notice and correct any errors that might affect your credit in the future.
Set a Budget
Figure out how much money you are able to spend on a car before you apply for a loan, too.
Think, specifically, about what you can afford to spend each month on the car and insurance. Don’t forget about maintenance and gas, too.
Doing these calculations and putting together a budget first will help you figure out how much money you should ask for when you fill out your loan application.
Consider a Higher Down Payment
You’ll have an easier time getting approved for a car loan — even if you don’t have a credit score — if you’re able to put down a larger down payment.
This makes you a more credible lending candidate. It will also help to lower your monthly car payments, so it’s a good strategy for every car buyer to use.
Consider a Co-Signer
You can also increase your chances of getting approved if you find someone who can co-sign your loan.
A co-signer is someone with a high credit score who agrees to take over your loan payments if you default.
Having someone co-sign your loan can help to bring down the monthly payments and give you better terms and interest rates.
A co-signer is a great option to consider.
Just keep in mind that it’s a big responsibility, and it can be difficult to find someone who’s willing to co-sign your loan. You may have to ask a few different people before you get a “yes”.
Gather Appropriate Documents
Make sure you have all the necessary documentation ready to go when you apply for your auto loan, too.
The following are some documents that will help you make a good case for yourself and prove that you can pay back the loan:
- A copy of your bank statement to verify your monthly income
- Documentation of recurring bills like your cell phone or utility bills — this helps to show that you pay your other bills on time each month
- Pay stubs or other documents that provide proof of employment
If you can provide these documents when you’re applying for a loan, you’ll have a much better chance of getting approved.
Work with an Online Lender
You can also increase your chances of having your auto loan application approved if you work with an online lender.
Online lenders are often more flexible than traditional lenders and are willing to work with a wider range of customers.
Keep in mind that online lenders also tend to have better loan terms and rates, so it’s worth working with them even if you do have a good credit score.
Tips for Building Your Credit Score
If you want to build up your credit score before you apply for a car loan, there are a few different steps you can take, including the following:
- Make all of your loan payments on time
- Pay your utility bills and other bills on time, too
- Open a credit card account and pay your balance in full each month (it’s a common mistake to assume that you should carry a balance over from month to month)
- Don’t apply for too many credit cards or loans at once (this has a negative effect on your credit score)
Once you have your auto loan application approved, you can also use that loan to build your credit score.
If you make the monthly payments on time, you’ll start building credit and will have an easier time getting approved for loans in the future. You might also be able to refinance your loan later to get better terms.
Apply for No Credit Car Loans Today
If you don’t have a credit score but need a car, you still have options (that don’t involve taking public transportation for the rest of your life).
There are lots of no credit car loans that you can apply for.
If you meet the minimum qualifications listed above and keep these other tips in mind, you’ll have a much easier time having your application approved.
Are you ready to apply for an auto loan? If so, we can help at First Financial.
Contact us today to learn more about our auto loan requirements or to fill out an application.
5 Great Reasons for a Personal Loan
5 Great Reasons for a Personal Loan
Whether faced with an emergency or you need to borrow, discover the benefits of a credit product that suits your needs and great reasons for a personal loan.
We live in one of the strongest economies in the world. Yet, despite that strength, wages haven’t kept up and about 40% of Americans struggle to make ends meet.
Fortunately, there are financial tools that people can use to help them meet their monthly obligations or dig out of debt. Personal loans have easily passed credit cards as a preferred form of debt.
What are 5 outstanding reasons to take out a personal loan?
Keep reading to find out.
Why Are Personal Loans Popular?
Personal loans have moved past credit cards to become the fastest growing type of debt. To understand why let’s look at what personal loans are.
Personal loans are loans that you can take out for any reason. When you take out an auto loan or a home loan, it’s for those specific purposes. You borrow a certain amount of money at an interest rate determined by your lender and you make monthly installment payments for the term of the loan.
The terms of the loan can be anywhere from 6-60 months, depending on the amount you borrow. The great thing about personal loans is that they are available to people with good credit and bad credit.
Personal loans offer a lot more flexibility and stability than other forms of debt because you can take them out for a number of reasons, and you know what the monthly payments will be every month.
5 Reasons for a Personal Loan
Would you like to improve your financial situation? In that case, a personal loan may be a smart move for you. Let’s look at some of the more common reasons for a personal loan.
1. Consolidate Credit Card Debt
The most common reason why so many people turn to personal loans is to consolidate credit card debt. The average person has about three credit cards, which means three separate debt payments.
Depending on your interest rate, you can be paying much more in interest over the long haul than what you actually paid for.
What a personal loan can do for you is you can pay off those credit cards completely and just have one monthly payment. The monthly payment is likely to be lower than what you’re paying out every month.
The interest rate is likely to be lower than credit card debt, too. That means that you’re saving on your monthly payments and paying less in interest.
2. Start a New Venture
Starting a new business is an exciting opportunity that does require some start-up capital. Most small businesses cost between $3,000 and $5,000 to start up.
That doesn’t seem like a lot, but when you are in debt or you are having trouble making ends meet, a personal loan can be a lifeline.
You can avoid the trouble of having to present a formal business plan when trying to get a business loan by getting a personal loan.
A personal loan won’t have the same strict requirements as a business loan, and you have the flexibility to invest the borrowed money as you see fit.
3. Add Value to Your Home
One of the reasons why people take out personal loans is because they want to take on a major home renovation project. A remodel could cost anywhere from $18,000 to $36,000 depending on the size and scope of the project.
Not many people have that kind of cash lying around, so they’ll turn to personal loans to finance the project.
It’s a smart move because these projects can add a lot of value to the home, which will increase the sale price. You’ll often see people renovate when they’re getting ready to sell, knowing that they’re going to see a return on those funds.
4. Cover Unexpected Expenses
Car repairs, a medical emergency, home repairs, pet emergencies can all take a bite out of your finances. If you’re having a hard time making ends meet as it is, how will you be able to come up with the funds to these possibilities?
That’s where a personal loan can help you. One of the reasons why people turn to personal loans for emergency expenses is because they will be able to pay it back in monthly installments.
5. Build Up Credit Score
Your credit score determines so much in life. Your ability to get a home, an apartment, a job, or any other forms of credit all hinge on those three numbers that make up your credit score.
Do you have to start building up a credit history or rebuild your credit?
Taking out a small personal loan will help you do that. With a small personal loan that’s paid back on time and in full, you’re showing creditors that you’re responsible with debt.
That will also help you increase your credit score.
Ready to Get a Personal Loan?
There are many reasons for a personal loan. When you do take out a personal loan, you want to make sure that you can either save money or make money.
Starting a business, consolidate debt, or start a home project that will pay off down the road are great reasons for a personal loan. The great thing about a personal loan is that you can take them out for any reason, even finance a vacation or a wedding.
Would you like to find out more about getting a personal loan for your financial situation? Find out more about First Financial’s personal loan programs here.
Articles:
How to Start a Small Business in the U.S. as a Non-Citizen
How to Start a Business in USA for Non-Citizens (remitfinder.com)