JTE Elms
@jteelms.bsky.social
Writer on biz, tech, #realestate 🏡, #homeownership, #personalfinance & #decisionmaking. Fixer homeowner living Plan B. Always have a Plan B.
My fixer house needs new carpet, so I'm researching carpet makers. Here's a comparison I made across reviews from Better Homes & Garden, LifeStory Research, Carpet Captain, Houzz & Reddit. The last column counts sources with positive mentions for each manufacturer.
#homeownership #realestate
#homeownership #realestate
May 12, 2025 at 1:06 PM
My fixer house needs new carpet, so I'm researching carpet makers. Here's a comparison I made across reviews from Better Homes & Garden, LifeStory Research, Carpet Captain, Houzz & Reddit. The last column counts sources with positive mentions for each manufacturer.
#homeownership #realestate
#homeownership #realestate
If you buy a fixer house & can't fix it all in 2 years, you may end up replacing your earliest fixes before you even start on others.
Example: carpet. After 10 years in my fixer house, I haven't yet redone the kitchen because I'm paying cash as I go. But the "new" carpet has died.
1/10
#realestate
Example: carpet. After 10 years in my fixer house, I haven't yet redone the kitchen because I'm paying cash as I go. But the "new" carpet has died.
1/10
#realestate
May 5, 2025 at 1:06 PM
If you buy a fixer house & can't fix it all in 2 years, you may end up replacing your earliest fixes before you even start on others.
Example: carpet. After 10 years in my fixer house, I haven't yet redone the kitchen because I'm paying cash as I go. But the "new" carpet has died.
1/10
#realestate
Example: carpet. After 10 years in my fixer house, I haven't yet redone the kitchen because I'm paying cash as I go. But the "new" carpet has died.
1/10
#realestate
Some #personalfinance & #homeownership facts show up best in stacked area charts. I've shown a personal example. Some under-appreciated facts of life:
1. PAYROLL TAXES—including US & state income taxes, FICA & SDI—are your biggest expense by far. Include them in your budget & manage them!
1/5
1. PAYROLL TAXES—including US & state income taxes, FICA & SDI—are your biggest expense by far. Include them in your budget & manage them!
1/5
May 1, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Some #personalfinance & #homeownership facts show up best in stacked area charts. I've shown a personal example. Some under-appreciated facts of life:
1. PAYROLL TAXES—including US & state income taxes, FICA & SDI—are your biggest expense by far. Include them in your budget & manage them!
1/5
1. PAYROLL TAXES—including US & state income taxes, FICA & SDI—are your biggest expense by far. Include them in your budget & manage them!
1/5
Covid had an enduring impact on consumer sentiment, per the University of Michigan Index of Consumer Sentiment.
The index is measured relative to the year 1966. In 2017-2019, the US consumer level of satisfaction was almost equal to the riotous, protest-ridden 1960s. Then things fell off a cliff.
The index is measured relative to the year 1966. In 2017-2019, the US consumer level of satisfaction was almost equal to the riotous, protest-ridden 1960s. Then things fell off a cliff.
April 14, 2025 at 7:33 AM
Covid had an enduring impact on consumer sentiment, per the University of Michigan Index of Consumer Sentiment.
The index is measured relative to the year 1966. In 2017-2019, the US consumer level of satisfaction was almost equal to the riotous, protest-ridden 1960s. Then things fell off a cliff.
The index is measured relative to the year 1966. In 2017-2019, the US consumer level of satisfaction was almost equal to the riotous, protest-ridden 1960s. Then things fell off a cliff.
The Case Shiller national home price index increased 4.1% year-over-year in January. (This index tracks same-house price changes to ensure like-to-like comparison.)
#realestate
#realestate
April 10, 2025 at 7:54 PM
The Case Shiller national home price index increased 4.1% year-over-year in January. (This index tracks same-house price changes to ensure like-to-like comparison.)
#realestate
#realestate
In 2024 I invested 30% in mortgage prepays, 30% in I-bonds/T-bills/cash, & 40% in stocks.
In January, with DJT in mind, I switched to 50% prepays, 25% bonds/bills/cash, & 25% stocks for new investments. Half my existing stocks moved to T-bills.
Recent stock doings seem to ratify the plan. Holding.
In January, with DJT in mind, I switched to 50% prepays, 25% bonds/bills/cash, & 25% stocks for new investments. Half my existing stocks moved to T-bills.
Recent stock doings seem to ratify the plan. Holding.
April 10, 2025 at 1:06 PM
In 2024 I invested 30% in mortgage prepays, 30% in I-bonds/T-bills/cash, & 40% in stocks.
In January, with DJT in mind, I switched to 50% prepays, 25% bonds/bills/cash, & 25% stocks for new investments. Half my existing stocks moved to T-bills.
Recent stock doings seem to ratify the plan. Holding.
In January, with DJT in mind, I switched to 50% prepays, 25% bonds/bills/cash, & 25% stocks for new investments. Half my existing stocks moved to T-bills.
Recent stock doings seem to ratify the plan. Holding.
A CHART OF ACCOUNTS lists the financial accounts that record your assets, liabilities, income, expenses & net worth.
How you set up your chart of accounts matters. Choose accounts that:
• Break out the details you need to make decisions
• Give all crucial totals at a glance
1/8 #personalfinance
How you set up your chart of accounts matters. Choose accounts that:
• Break out the details you need to make decisions
• Give all crucial totals at a glance
1/8 #personalfinance
March 17, 2025 at 2:06 PM
A CHART OF ACCOUNTS lists the financial accounts that record your assets, liabilities, income, expenses & net worth.
How you set up your chart of accounts matters. Choose accounts that:
• Break out the details you need to make decisions
• Give all crucial totals at a glance
1/8 #personalfinance
How you set up your chart of accounts matters. Choose accounts that:
• Break out the details you need to make decisions
• Give all crucial totals at a glance
1/8 #personalfinance
In the ABCs of Real Estate, O is for OPTION:
The exclusive right to buy or lease a property on specified terms within a specified period.
The buyer pays the seller a fee for this right. The buyer need not exercise their right, but the fee to reserve this option is non-refundable.
1/3
#realestate
The exclusive right to buy or lease a property on specified terms within a specified period.
The buyer pays the seller a fee for this right. The buyer need not exercise their right, but the fee to reserve this option is non-refundable.
1/3
#realestate
March 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM
In the ABCs of Real Estate, O is for OPTION:
The exclusive right to buy or lease a property on specified terms within a specified period.
The buyer pays the seller a fee for this right. The buyer need not exercise their right, but the fee to reserve this option is non-refundable.
1/3
#realestate
The exclusive right to buy or lease a property on specified terms within a specified period.
The buyer pays the seller a fee for this right. The buyer need not exercise their right, but the fee to reserve this option is non-refundable.
1/3
#realestate
In the ABCs of Real Estate, N is for NEGATIVE AMORTIZATION:
An INCREASE in the balance owed on a loan after making agreed payments.
When agreed loan payments are less than the interest accrued, unpaid interest is added to the balance. A final BALLOON PAYMENT pays off the loan.
🧵 1/6
#realestate
An INCREASE in the balance owed on a loan after making agreed payments.
When agreed loan payments are less than the interest accrued, unpaid interest is added to the balance. A final BALLOON PAYMENT pays off the loan.
🧵 1/6
#realestate
February 12, 2025 at 7:04 PM
In the ABCs of Real Estate, N is for NEGATIVE AMORTIZATION:
An INCREASE in the balance owed on a loan after making agreed payments.
When agreed loan payments are less than the interest accrued, unpaid interest is added to the balance. A final BALLOON PAYMENT pays off the loan.
🧵 1/6
#realestate
An INCREASE in the balance owed on a loan after making agreed payments.
When agreed loan payments are less than the interest accrued, unpaid interest is added to the balance. A final BALLOON PAYMENT pays off the loan.
🧵 1/6
#realestate
Sadly, people WILL LIE TO YOU. A lot. On purpose. To your detriment. For the lolz.
SELF-DEFENSE VS LIES:
• Know what YOU want.
• See WHAT ELSE is there around the claim. Is the opposite possible? Do lines of cause & effect make sense? What warrants the claim?
• Do the MATH.
#decisionmaking
SELF-DEFENSE VS LIES:
• Know what YOU want.
• See WHAT ELSE is there around the claim. Is the opposite possible? Do lines of cause & effect make sense? What warrants the claim?
• Do the MATH.
#decisionmaking
February 10, 2025 at 7:54 PM
Sadly, people WILL LIE TO YOU. A lot. On purpose. To your detriment. For the lolz.
SELF-DEFENSE VS LIES:
• Know what YOU want.
• See WHAT ELSE is there around the claim. Is the opposite possible? Do lines of cause & effect make sense? What warrants the claim?
• Do the MATH.
#decisionmaking
SELF-DEFENSE VS LIES:
• Know what YOU want.
• See WHAT ELSE is there around the claim. Is the opposite possible? Do lines of cause & effect make sense? What warrants the claim?
• Do the MATH.
#decisionmaking
ATTOM Rental Affordability Report: Owning a Home Cheaper Than Renting in Much of the US
#realestate #homebuying
www.attomdata.com/news/most-re...
#realestate #homebuying
www.attomdata.com/news/most-re...
February 7, 2025 at 1:15 AM
ATTOM Rental Affordability Report: Owning a Home Cheaper Than Renting in Much of the US
#realestate #homebuying
www.attomdata.com/news/most-re...
#realestate #homebuying
www.attomdata.com/news/most-re...
The procedures for titling a manufactured home as real property vary by state. Fannie Mae provides introductory guidelines by state here:
4/
https://buff.ly/4fQMsRb
4/
https://buff.ly/4fQMsRb
January 27, 2025 at 5:51 PM
The procedures for titling a manufactured home as real property vary by state. Fannie Mae provides introductory guidelines by state here:
4/
https://buff.ly/4fQMsRb
4/
https://buff.ly/4fQMsRb
In the ABCs of Real Estate, M is for MANUFACTURED HOUSING:
A complete factory-built dwelling that is transported to a lot. May be transported in sections.
Must pass federal inspection at the factory to ensure it meets construction & safety standards established in 1976.
1/5
#realestate
A complete factory-built dwelling that is transported to a lot. May be transported in sections.
Must pass federal inspection at the factory to ensure it meets construction & safety standards established in 1976.
1/5
#realestate
January 27, 2025 at 5:51 PM
In the ABCs of Real Estate, M is for MANUFACTURED HOUSING:
A complete factory-built dwelling that is transported to a lot. May be transported in sections.
Must pass federal inspection at the factory to ensure it meets construction & safety standards established in 1976.
1/5
#realestate
A complete factory-built dwelling that is transported to a lot. May be transported in sections.
Must pass federal inspection at the factory to ensure it meets construction & safety standards established in 1976.
1/5
#realestate
In the ABCs of Real Estate, L is for LIEN:
A legally recorded charge against property that makes it a security for payment of a debt, mortgage, judgment, or taxes.
A SPECIFIC LIEN applies to one specific property. A GENERAL LIEN applies to all property owned by the debtor.
1/8
#realestate
A legally recorded charge against property that makes it a security for payment of a debt, mortgage, judgment, or taxes.
A SPECIFIC LIEN applies to one specific property. A GENERAL LIEN applies to all property owned by the debtor.
1/8
#realestate
January 20, 2025 at 5:51 PM
In the ABCs of Real Estate, L is for LIEN:
A legally recorded charge against property that makes it a security for payment of a debt, mortgage, judgment, or taxes.
A SPECIFIC LIEN applies to one specific property. A GENERAL LIEN applies to all property owned by the debtor.
1/8
#realestate
A legally recorded charge against property that makes it a security for payment of a debt, mortgage, judgment, or taxes.
A SPECIFIC LIEN applies to one specific property. A GENERAL LIEN applies to all property owned by the debtor.
1/8
#realestate
$ TIP: If your paycheck deposits in December for a payday in January, record the net pay in December like a payday loan & offset it against ACCOUNTS PAYABLE.
In January, record the check details & apply net pay against the AP loan.
This keeps all dollars in the right tax years. #personalfinance
In January, record the check details & apply net pay against the AP loan.
This keeps all dollars in the right tax years. #personalfinance
January 18, 2025 at 5:02 PM
$ TIP: If your paycheck deposits in December for a payday in January, record the net pay in December like a payday loan & offset it against ACCOUNTS PAYABLE.
In January, record the check details & apply net pay against the AP loan.
This keeps all dollars in the right tax years. #personalfinance
In January, record the check details & apply net pay against the AP loan.
This keeps all dollars in the right tax years. #personalfinance
Status of Eaton Canyon fire in Pasadena/Altadena:
January 15, 2025 at 6:50 AM
Status of Eaton Canyon fire in Pasadena/Altadena:
In the ABCs of Real Estate, K is for KICK-OUT CLAUSE:
A provision in a property sale contract allowing the seller to void the agreement if a better offer is received before the sale is closed.
🧵 1/4
#realestate
A provision in a property sale contract allowing the seller to void the agreement if a better offer is received before the sale is closed.
🧵 1/4
#realestate
January 13, 2025 at 5:51 PM
In the ABCs of Real Estate, K is for KICK-OUT CLAUSE:
A provision in a property sale contract allowing the seller to void the agreement if a better offer is received before the sale is closed.
🧵 1/4
#realestate
A provision in a property sale contract allowing the seller to void the agreement if a better offer is received before the sale is closed.
🧵 1/4
#realestate
I try to make accounting calculations just ONCE. That means figuring out TAXABILITY as well as biz & budget categories when I RECORD a transaction & labeling it then. Later I just READ this info from my balances.
Tax reporting is easy this way. But setting up the accounting to be easy is hard.
Tax reporting is easy this way. But setting up the accounting to be easy is hard.
January 12, 2025 at 5:51 PM
I try to make accounting calculations just ONCE. That means figuring out TAXABILITY as well as biz & budget categories when I RECORD a transaction & labeling it then. Later I just READ this info from my balances.
Tax reporting is easy this way. But setting up the accounting to be easy is hard.
Tax reporting is easy this way. But setting up the accounting to be easy is hard.
THE FEMA APP provides real-time emergency alerts to keep you aware of potential disasters in your area. Subscribe to the alerts relevant to you. I'm finding it very useful in conjunction with the local police & fire NIXLE app.
Download the FEMA app for free from Google Play.
Download the FEMA app for free from Google Play.
January 10, 2025 at 5:51 PM
THE FEMA APP provides real-time emergency alerts to keep you aware of potential disasters in your area. Subscribe to the alerts relevant to you. I'm finding it very useful in conjunction with the local police & fire NIXLE app.
Download the FEMA app for free from Google Play.
Download the FEMA app for free from Google Play.
5 fires currently burning near Los Angeles. The latest is the Lidia Fire in Acton, which spans 348 acres & is ~60% contained. Evacuation orders have been issued.
The entire Angeles National Forest is CLOSED from January 8 to 15.
The entire Angeles National Forest is CLOSED from January 8 to 15.
January 10, 2025 at 5:01 AM
5 fires currently burning near Los Angeles. The latest is the Lidia Fire in Acton, which spans 348 acres & is ~60% contained. Evacuation orders have been issued.
The entire Angeles National Forest is CLOSED from January 8 to 15.
The entire Angeles National Forest is CLOSED from January 8 to 15.
BUDGET TIP: Receive income ASAP. Defer payments until due. Then monitor bank balance daily, not monthly.
You want your bank balance to look like the light line for January below. Avoid monthly balances like the dark lines for Feb/March & avoid days that go below the red zero line.
#personalfinance
You want your bank balance to look like the light line for January below. Avoid monthly balances like the dark lines for Feb/March & avoid days that go below the red zero line.
#personalfinance
January 8, 2025 at 5:51 PM
BUDGET TIP: Receive income ASAP. Defer payments until due. Then monitor bank balance daily, not monthly.
You want your bank balance to look like the light line for January below. Avoid monthly balances like the dark lines for Feb/March & avoid days that go below the red zero line.
#personalfinance
You want your bank balance to look like the light line for January below. Avoid monthly balances like the dark lines for Feb/March & avoid days that go below the red zero line.
#personalfinance
In the ABCs of Real Estate, J is for JOINT OWNERSHIP:
Ownership of the same property by multiple parties. Benefits & obligations of the property are shared.
The 3 forms of joint ownership in real estate are JOINT TENANTS, TENANTS IN COMMON, and TENANTS BY THE ENTIRETY.
🧵 1/6
#realestate
Ownership of the same property by multiple parties. Benefits & obligations of the property are shared.
The 3 forms of joint ownership in real estate are JOINT TENANTS, TENANTS IN COMMON, and TENANTS BY THE ENTIRETY.
🧵 1/6
#realestate
January 6, 2025 at 5:51 PM
In the ABCs of Real Estate, J is for JOINT OWNERSHIP:
Ownership of the same property by multiple parties. Benefits & obligations of the property are shared.
The 3 forms of joint ownership in real estate are JOINT TENANTS, TENANTS IN COMMON, and TENANTS BY THE ENTIRETY.
🧵 1/6
#realestate
Ownership of the same property by multiple parties. Benefits & obligations of the property are shared.
The 3 forms of joint ownership in real estate are JOINT TENANTS, TENANTS IN COMMON, and TENANTS BY THE ENTIRETY.
🧵 1/6
#realestate
A NEW YEAR means:
• Do accounting for old year
• Study outcomes from old year's $ improvements
• PLAN $ IMPROVEMENTS for new year
• Automate bill pays, savings, & investments for plan
• Predict monthly results so you can check if you're on pace to achieve plan
• Set up PLAN B
#personalfinance
• Do accounting for old year
• Study outcomes from old year's $ improvements
• PLAN $ IMPROVEMENTS for new year
• Automate bill pays, savings, & investments for plan
• Predict monthly results so you can check if you're on pace to achieve plan
• Set up PLAN B
#personalfinance
January 5, 2025 at 5:51 PM
A NEW YEAR means:
• Do accounting for old year
• Study outcomes from old year's $ improvements
• PLAN $ IMPROVEMENTS for new year
• Automate bill pays, savings, & investments for plan
• Predict monthly results so you can check if you're on pace to achieve plan
• Set up PLAN B
#personalfinance
• Do accounting for old year
• Study outcomes from old year's $ improvements
• PLAN $ IMPROVEMENTS for new year
• Automate bill pays, savings, & investments for plan
• Predict monthly results so you can check if you're on pace to achieve plan
• Set up PLAN B
#personalfinance
IN GAME THEORY, the key principles for winning in a competitive situation are:
1. Maximize the WORST CASE win.
2. Minimize the WORST CASE loss.
Don't worry about the best case. That's upside & is fine if it happens. But CONTROL YOUR LOSSES & you will, at worst, play another day.
#decisionmaking
1. Maximize the WORST CASE win.
2. Minimize the WORST CASE loss.
Don't worry about the best case. That's upside & is fine if it happens. But CONTROL YOUR LOSSES & you will, at worst, play another day.
#decisionmaking
January 4, 2025 at 5:51 PM
IN GAME THEORY, the key principles for winning in a competitive situation are:
1. Maximize the WORST CASE win.
2. Minimize the WORST CASE loss.
Don't worry about the best case. That's upside & is fine if it happens. But CONTROL YOUR LOSSES & you will, at worst, play another day.
#decisionmaking
1. Maximize the WORST CASE win.
2. Minimize the WORST CASE loss.
Don't worry about the best case. That's upside & is fine if it happens. But CONTROL YOUR LOSSES & you will, at worst, play another day.
#decisionmaking
