The National WWII Museum in New Orleans is taking another significant step forward in its educational mission, announcing plans to expand its "education corridor" along Magazine Street thanks to a generous property donation from the Arlene and Joseph Meraux Charitable Foundation.

The donated real estate includes three adjacent properties in the 900 block of Magazine Street, directly next to the museum's John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion. This space is already home to key World War II artifacts, including a restored patrol torpedo boat, and features the STEM Innovation Gallery. Located just across the street from the museum's Higgins Hotel, the newly acquired 18,000 square feet will serve as vital support space for staff offices, meeting rooms, artifact storage, and programming.

According to museum leadership, the expansion is a critical part of a larger effort to broaden the museum's educational impact for students, educators, scholars, and lifelong learners—not just in Louisiana but across the nation.

"This meaningful donation comes at an ideal time as the Museum prepares to grow its educational impact," said CEO Stephen Watson in a statement Thursday. While the museum has not revealed the exact valuation of the properties, Orleans Parish records estimate the combined assessed value at just under $2.6 million.

The museum has long prioritized education in its growth plans. Founded by University of New Orleans historian Stephen Ambrose and fellow academic Gordon "Nick" Mueller, the museum began as a tribute to the D-Day invasion and has since evolved into a $420 million campus chronicling the entire war. Educational features are embedded throughout, including the Hall of Democracy's library and research floors, the Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy, and a partnership with Arizona State University that offers an online master's degree in World War II studies to nearly 200 students.

In May 2024, the museum's Board of Trustees approved a new 10-year strategic plan through 2035 that includes a $260 million fundraising campaign. The plan calls for upgraded campus facilities, improved visitor engagement, and expanded educational initiatives.

Earlier this month, the museum also broke ground on a $12 million educational facility just a block away at Magazine and Poeyfarre Streets. That 34,000-square-foot development was made possible in large part by a $7.5 million gift from Texas philanthropists Timber and Peggy Floyd. This facility will be known as the Floyd Education and Collections Pavilion and will serve as a production and storage site for exhibits, in addition to housing the Sanderson Leadership Center. The leadership center will offer courses tailored to CEOs, military officers, and other professionals seeking to grow in strategic leadership.

Rita Gue, president of the Meraux Foundation and niece of World War II Coast Guard veteran Joseph Meraux, underscored the foundation's commitment to the museum's mission. "At the Meraux Foundation, we believe that education is a powerful force for change," she said in the museum's announcement.

As the museum shifts from completing its exhibition footprint to deepening its educational offerings, this latest expansion signals that its focus is now squarely on legacy—preserving history not only through artifacts but through instruction, research, and the cultivation of future leaders.

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Buying a home is one of the largest financial commitments most people ever make. With the median price of a home in the U.S. now topping $361,000, according to Zillow, protecting that investment becomes a natural next step. But in the search for protection, some homeowners are tempted by TV commercials and online ads promising worry-free living through home warranties. These plans are marketed as safety nets, covering unexpected repairs to appliances and systems that homeowners insurance does not. But are they worth it?

Despite the name, a home warranty isn't an insurance policy. It's a service contract that promises to pay for the repair or replacement of covered items—such as HVAC systems, dishwashers, or plumbing—if they break down under normal use. That sounds reassuring, especially if your budget is tight and your appliances are aging. But before signing on the dotted line, you should take a closer look at what these contracts actually deliver and where they might fall short.

First, consider what you already have. Many appliances in newer homes are still covered under the manufacturer's warranty, and if you bought a device with a credit card, that card may automatically extend the original coverage. For example, several Chase cards offer an extra 12 months of protection beyond what the manufacturer provides. If you already have some of this coverage in place, you might not need a separate plan at all.

Cost is another major consideration. Prices vary widely depending on your location and the level of coverage you choose. Some plans cover just your appliances, while others extend to plumbing and electrical systems. A homeowner in Ohio might pay around $600 a year for a basic plan, while someone in Westchester County, New York could pay $1,200 for more comprehensive coverage. And that's before additional service fees—yes, most home warranties still charge you a fee each time a contractor comes out for a repair, even if the issue is covered.

Then there's the question of what is actually included. Many complaints about home warranties stem from confusion over what's covered. You may think your refrigerator is protected, only to find out the icemaker isn't. Or your oven might be excluded from coverage if it breaks while in self-cleaning mode or is damaged by a power surge. Even something as seemingly minor as poor installation or skipped maintenance could void your claim.

This is why experts stress the importance of reading the fine print. Melanie McGovern from the Better Business Bureau warns that many consumers are caught off guard when repairs are denied or the quality of service is underwhelming. She advises homeowners to ask every question they can think of before buying—and to expect real answers. A company with strong customer service can make a big difference if you ever have to file a claim.

Another catch is how repairs and replacements are handled. If your appliance fails completely, the company might offer to replace it—but not necessarily with something equal in value. In many cases, they only pay the depreciated value of the item, leaving you to make up the rest if you want a similar replacement. And even then, payouts are often capped. One provider, America's 1st Choice Home Club, limits coverage to $3,000 per item per membership term, which may not go far if you're replacing a major system.

Given these limitations, some experts suggest skipping home warranties altogether. Instead, consider building your own financial safety net. Consumer Reports recommends setting aside money in a dedicated savings account for home repairs and replacements. That way, you can control how and when that money is used without navigating red tape or service limitations.

Home warranties are not inherently bad, but they're not one-size-fits-all solutions. If you're buying a brand-new home, your builder's warranty and manufacturer coverage will likely provide more than enough protection in the first few years. However, if you're moving into an older home with aging appliances, a home warranty might offer some value—as long as you understand what it covers and what it does not.

Ultimately, a home warranty might provide peace of mind, but it will not remove the responsibilities of homeownership. Before you commit, take time to ask questions, read the fine print, and decide whether it's better to trust a third party—or yourself—with your home's most important systems.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

Buying a home is one of the largest financial commitments most people ever make. With the median price of a home in the U.S. now topping $361,000, according to Zillow, protecting that investment becomes a natural next step. But in the search for protection, some homeowners are tempted by TV commercials and online ads promising worry-free living through home warranties. These plans are marketed as safety nets, covering unexpected repairs to appliances and systems that homeowners insurance does not. But are they worth it?

Despite the name, a home warranty isn't an insurance policy. It's a service contract that promises to pay for the repair or replacement of covered items—such as HVAC systems, dishwashers, or plumbing—if they break down under normal use. That sounds reassuring, especially if your budget is tight and your appliances are aging. But before signing on the dotted line, you should take a closer look at what these contracts actually deliver and where they might fall short.

First, consider what you already have. Many appliances in newer homes are still covered under the manufacturer's warranty, and if you bought a device with a credit card, that card may automatically extend the original coverage. For example, several Chase cards offer an extra 12 months of protection beyond what the manufacturer provides. If you already have some of this coverage in place, you might not need a separate plan at all.

Cost is another major consideration. Prices vary widely depending on your location and the level of coverage you choose. Some plans cover just your appliances, while others extend to plumbing and electrical systems. A homeowner in Ohio might pay around $600 a year for a basic plan, while someone in Westchester County, New York could pay $1,200 for more comprehensive coverage. And that's before additional service fees—yes, most home warranties still charge you a fee each time a contractor comes out for a repair, even if the issue is covered.

Then there's the question of what is actually included. Many complaints about home warranties stem from confusion over what's covered. You may think your refrigerator is protected, only to find out the icemaker isn't. Or your oven might be excluded from coverage if it breaks while in self-cleaning mode or is damaged by a power surge. Even something as seemingly minor as poor installation or skipped maintenance could void your claim.

This is why experts stress the importance of reading the fine print. Melanie McGovern from the Better Business Bureau warns that many consumers are caught off guard when repairs are denied or the quality of service is underwhelming. She advises homeowners to ask every question they can think of before buying—and to expect real answers. A company with strong customer service can make a big difference if you ever have to file a claim.

Another catch is how repairs and replacements are handled. If your appliance fails completely, the company might offer to replace it—but not necessarily with something equal in value. In many cases, they only pay the depreciated value of the item, leaving you to make up the rest if you want a similar replacement. And even then, payouts are often capped. One provider, America's 1st Choice Home Club, limits coverage to $3,000 per item per membership term, which may not go far if you're replacing a major system.

Given these limitations, some experts suggest skipping home warranties altogether. Instead, consider building your own financial safety net. Consumer Reports recommends setting aside money in a dedicated savings account for home repairs and replacements. That way, you can control how and when that money is used without navigating red tape or service limitations.

Home warranties are not inherently bad, but they're not one-size-fits-all solutions. If you're buying a brand-new home, your builder's warranty and manufacturer coverage will likely provide more than enough protection in the first few years. However, if you're moving into an older home with aging appliances, a home warranty might offer some value—as long as you understand what it covers and what it does not.

Ultimately, a home warranty might provide peace of mind, but it will not remove the responsibilities of homeownership. Before you commit, take time to ask questions, read the fine print, and decide whether it's better to trust a third party—or yourself—with your home's most important systems.

Click Here For the Source of the Information.

No matter how you slice the numbers, the housing market is in a tight spot. Home prices keep climbing, home sales keep falling, and the dream of owning a home is becoming harder to reach for millions of Americans. But tucked beneath these bleak headlines is a surprising twist—homebuyers today are really shopping in two very different markets: new construction and existing homes.

For those looking to buy, the first major decision may not be about location or number of bedrooms, but about whether to pursue a newly built home or an existing one. And while both options come with trade-offs, a growing divergence between these two segments is shaping how and where homes are being bought and sold.

According to Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, this divide is unusual. "Usually, new home sales and existing home sales move together," he said. But that's not what is happening today.

Existing home sales have slumped for three consecutive months, dipping another 0.5% in April. Compared to last year, sales are down 2%, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of just 4 million—the lowest since September. Inventory remains tight, with only about 4.4 months of supply available. Homeowners with low mortgage rates are reluctant to sell, choking off fresh listings and creating fierce competition for what little is out there.

In contrast, the new construction market is gathering momentum. Sales of new homes jumped more than 10% in April, climbing to an annualized pace of 743,000. The reason? Builders have what many agents don't: inventory.

With fewer resale homes hitting the market, buyers are looking to new builds as their best or only option. "We don't have so much inventory of existing homes. For new homes, builders can simply build more," Yun explained. As a result, newly built homes now make up a growing share of all home purchases—and their prices are becoming more competitive.

Historically, new homes have carried a hefty premium over existing ones—often 10 to 20 percent more. But that premium has shrunk dramatically. In April, the median price for a new home was $407,200, nearly $7,000 less than the price of a typical existing home. Builders have started responding to the affordability crisis by constructing smaller homes, aiming to appeal to more moderate-income buyers and even FHA borrowers. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median size of a new home is now down 12% from its peak in 2015.

This shift in pricing strategy may explain why new homes are suddenly so appealing. Builders are no longer focused solely on luxury properties—they're adjusting to market realities, including interest rates, budget-conscious buyers, and stricter lending environments.

Still, buying new isn't for everyone. New homes tend to be smaller and farther from city centers, and for growing families, that trade-off may not be worth it. As economist Robert Frick of Navy Federal Credit Union noted, "It's really a question of family needs. I can see young families not wanting to buy a small new home because it just doesn't fit their needs."

Even with prices becoming more level, the decision between buying new or existing is still complex. Existing homes often offer more space, mature neighborhoods, and desirable locations. New homes, on the other hand, can offer modern amenities, builder warranties, and the benefit of skipping bidding wars.

For now, the split in the housing market appears likely to continue. Buyers are still facing high prices and limited choices, but those willing to consider new construction may find unexpected value—and fewer obstacles—waiting for them on the outskirts of town.

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FHA vs. Conventional Loans Explained

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you will ever make. As you begin your journey, you will quickly realize that choosing a property is just one part of the process. Selecting the right mortgage is just as important. For most buyers, that decision comes down to either a conventional loan or an FHA loan.

Both options are widely used and share some basic similarities. They are available through private lenders, can come with fixed or adjustable interest rates, and typically offer terms of 15 or 30 years. Yet, beneath those similarities lie crucial differences that can affect your eligibility, monthly costs, and long-term financial flexibility.

A conventional loan is the more traditional route. It is not insured by any government agency, which means the lender bears all the risk. Because of this, lenders typically require higher credit scores and more robust financial histories. If you have strong credit and can make a decent down payment, this is often the most cost-effective option in the long run.

FHA loans, on the other hand, are insured by the Federal Housing Administration. This government backing gives lenders more security, allowing them to offer loans to buyers with less-than-perfect credit or limited funds for a down payment. That flexibility has made FHA loans a popular choice among first-time buyers or those recovering from financial setbacks.

One of the most noticeable distinctions between these two loan types is the credit score requirement. FHA loans are accessible to borrowers with scores as low as 500, provided they can put down at least 10 percent. If you have a score of 580 or higher, that down payment drops to just 3.5 percent. In contrast, conventional loans typically require a minimum score of 620, and even then, many lenders prefer higher.

The debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is another key consideration. FHA loans generally allow a DTI of up to 43 percent, but with strong compensating factors, some lenders might go as high as 50 percent. Conventional loans usually cap out at 45 percent, although they too may allow more flexibility depending on the applicant's financial profile.

Down payments can also vary depending on the type of loan. Conventional loans can go as low as 3 percent for fixed-rate options, although adjustable-rate loans may require at least 5 percent down. FHA loans maintain their 3.5 percent minimum for qualified credit scores, with higher down payments for those below the 580 threshold.

Loan limits are also an important distinction. FHA loans in most areas are capped at $524,225 in 2025, while conventional loans allow for up to $806,500 in most markets. These limits adjust based on location, especially in high-cost areas. If you're looking to buy a more expensive home, a conventional loan may be your only route without jumping into jumbo loan territory.

Mortgage insurance is required for both loan types under certain conditions, but how long you pay that insurance varies. FHA loans require both an upfront and annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP). Unless you put down at least 10 percent, this insurance lasts for the life of the loan. Conventional loans require private mortgage insurance (PMI) if your down payment is under 20 percent, but this can be canceled once you reach 20 percent equity in your home, either through regular payments or home appreciation.

Another factor that sets these loans apart is the appraisal process. FHA appraisals are more detailed and must follow HUD guidelines, which means the home must meet certain safety and habitability standards. This can make sellers hesitant if you are in a competitive market. Conventional loans require a standard appraisal to assess the home's value, but the criteria tend to be more flexible.

Interest rates are often slightly lower for FHA loans because of the government backing. However, those lower rates can be misleading once fees and insurance are factored in. Always compare the annual percentage rate (APR) to understand the true cost of the loan over time.

So which loan should you choose? That depends entirely on your situation. If your credit score is below 620 or your savings for a down payment are limited, the FHA option may be the best or only choice. It provides a path to homeownership when conventional lenders may not be willing to take the risk.

But if your credit is strong and you can put down a substantial amount, a conventional loan often brings more long-term value. You can avoid mortgage insurance sooner, benefit from higher loan limits, and reduce your overall interest costs.

As Phil Crescenzo Jr., a mortgage executive at Nation One Mortgage, puts it, the biggest difference often boils down to the down payment. FHA loans are designed to be more accessible, but they come with trade-offs. Mortgage insurance can last for the life of the loan, and the appraisal process may slow down your homebuying timeline.

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. You need to evaluate your credit, income, down payment savings, and the price of the home you want to buy. Talk with multiple lenders, compare quotes, and take the time to understand what each option truly means for your financial future.

Buying a home is about more than just picking the perfect house. It's about choosing the loan that helps you afford it with confidence, now and for years to come.

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