Like many green, budget-minded consumers, Fayre Makeig of Belfast, Maine, furnishes her home only with secondhand furniture. “I can’t imagine buying a new piece of furniture,” said the wife and mother of two. “I wouldn’t want to pay that much.”
Shipping solution makes getting used furniture, heirlooms easier
Until recently, however, her furniture search never went beyond her immediate area because she was the one picking it up. That changed when her 100-year-old grandfather died and she had the chance to inherit several heirlooms.
“He was so elegant and had great taste,” she said. “The thought of having my children grow up around furniture that reminds us of him meant a lot.” The hitch was how to get these pieces from her grandfather’s home in Georgetown, Texas,
to hers.
The answer came through a family member who told Makeig about uShip, an online platform that virtually connects folks who want items shipped with a network of drivers who have room on their trucks. The need for such a business rst occurred to uShip founder Matt Chasen in 2001 when he was moving from Seattle to Austin to start MBA school and driving a large, rented truck, full of empty space.
The wasted space gave him the idea, which blossomed into his MBA project, which became an international business, which inspired a long-running reality TV show on A&E called “Shipping Wars.” The show pitted independent truck drivers against each other to see who could deliver challenging items from a six-tier wedding cake to a life-size animatronic T-Rex most e ciently.
More family heirlooms, like this antique birthing chair, are making their
the next generation thanks to online shipping platforms that help those who want an item shipped book empty space on trucks.
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Marni Jameson At Home
Photo by Kendra Lindsay
Heirloom express —
way to
But back to Makeig whose haul was less exciting but important to her. She posted photos and descriptions of the furniture she wanted shipped — a tall, solid wood dresser, two large bookcases and an antique birthing chair —and found a driver who would drive the items cross country and deliver them in just a few days for $850. Wait. A what?
You heard right. Makeig sent pictures of the antique wooden birthing chair, which her aunts believe dates back to 19th century France. The uncomfortable looking perch has grip handles that allegedly “helped” women in labor. Alrighty then. Thanks to the online driver-matching service, this conversation piece now sits in Makeig’s living room.
The desire for a ordable, unique and environmentally friendly furniture is behind the growing popularity of secondhand market platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and AptDeco, said uShip spokeswoman Jami Caruso. However, shipping is o en a deal breaker.
In a recent survey, almost a third of secondhand-furniture buyers said
transporting the item was complicated and more than half of sellers said coordination for pick-up was their biggest challenge.
“We close the gap,” Caruso said.
“For those who want vintage or unique furniture and who care about sustainability and the environment, this could be the answer. It’s also a wonderful option for elderly family members who want their heirlooms to go to relatives far away.”
“Now that I know of this option,” Makeig added, “I can start shopping for furniture out of my area.”
Caruso then o ered the following tips for sending items you love long distance: Who should ship? Although shipping isn’t cheap, if a high-value piece is priced low, then a service like uShip could make the secondhand furniture market a lot bigger for buyers. Meanwhile, sellers of secondhand furniture who want to attract longdistance buyers can integrate uShip pricing into the checkout process, so prospective buyers can get a shipping estimate, she said. Getting a price estimate is free.
• What to ship? The most
common shipments include household furnishings, cars and light trucks, heavy equipment, such as tractors, and the occasional rescue pet, Caruso said.
• How it works. Customers list what they want to ship, including dimensions, weight and where it’s going. The system calculates a price range, say from $200 to $400. The customer can o er to pay a driver a price in that range, like $250, or can just ask for competing bids. The listing then goes out to a network of curated drivers, many of them small independent business owners, who can submit bids. Depending on how attractive the job is, requests typically get a driver within 24 to 72 hours.
Deliveries to rural areas or super heavy or fragile items get less interest.
• Take good pictures. Carriers love photos. When posting your listing, include good pictures from di erent angles. Take photos in good lighting and capture aws.
• Provide details. Let drivers know whether they will need to carry items upstairs or park on a steep driveway.
• Ask questions. Ask potential carriers if they have the right supplies — blankets, straps and dollies — to
load, protect, transport and unload your items. Ask what their delivery policy is, whether curbside only or to “room of choice.” Ask if they have or will need help unloading the item and whether their shipping price is all inclusive, or if they charge additional fees. Ask what sort of vehicle they will be driving, what kind of insurance they o er and how you will be compensated if the delivery is lost or damaged.
• Get protection. Although 99% of the time, customers have a great experience, Caruso advises shippers to read carrier reviews. Book with a carrier who has a decent number of reviews and a high rating. Don’t hire any shipper who asks to work with you o ine. Transacting on the uShip platform o ers several protections, such as safe payments, tracking, customer support, dispute resolution and optional insurance.
Marni Jameson is the author of seven books including the newly released “Rightsize Today to Create Your Best Life Tomorrow,” “What to Do With Everything You Own to Leave the Legacy You Want” and “Downsizing the Family Home.” You may reach her at marnijameson.com.
House hunting? Here’s how to secure a lower mortgage rate
StatePoint Media News release
If you’re hesitant to buy a home right now due to high interest rates, you can use this time to learn how interest rates work, and to take steps to secure a lower interest rate when you are ready to buy. De ning mortgage rates: A mortgage rate is the interest rate you pay on the money you borrow to buy your house, and a lower rate increases your purchasing power. Even a small di er ence in your interest rate can make a big di erence in your payments over the life of your loan. That’s why it’s important to watch mortgage rates closely when
Equal Opportunity Law
All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the federal Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, physical handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preferences, limitation or discrimination.” California also extends protection based on age and marital status. The Mountain Democrat makes every effort to comply with these federal and state regulations. We ask your assistance in maintaining an acceptable standard of advertising. While they may seem inconvenient at times, these laws are written to protect you, our readers and advertisers, as well as ourselves. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this paper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For further information, you can call the Dept. of Fair Employment & Housing at (916) 445-9918 or the State Dept. of Consumer Affairs at (800) 344-9940.Note: Rental ads that contain the phrase “Single Occupancy” refer only to the physical characteristics of the dwelling and are not intended to state a preference of either marital or familial status.
house hunting.
Lenders set a mortgage rate for each individual based on several factors, including current market rates and individual credit history. You can determine how much your monthly payments would be at di erent rates using Freddie Mac’s Fixed-Rate Mortgage Calculator at myhome.freddiemac.com/ resources/calculators/ xedrate-mortgages.
Improving your loan application: Boosting your credit score is one of the best ways to improve your chances of qualifying for a loan and lowering the interest rate you are o ered. Some proactive steps you can take to build and maintain your credit include:
• Making payments on time.
• Using as little of your credit limit as possible.
• Paying the full amount due or at least more than the minimum amount due, on your credit cards.
• Opening and maintaining credit accounts in your own name.
• Keeping only a few credit cards or credit accounts open.
• Paying down debts.
• Reviewing your credit reports annually.
• Disputing inaccuracies in your credit report.
• Trying to have credit inquiries made strategically within a limited time period when comparison shopping for mortgages and loans.
Lenders will also look at your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio when making a decision about your
loan application, as it is an important marker of your overall nancial health. As a guideline, your monthly debt-to-income ratio should be 33% to 36% or less. Representing how much of your monthly income you are using to pay your debt, this handy calculator can help you determine your DTI: myhome.freddiemac.com/ resources/calculators/debtto-income-ratio-calculator.
To learn more about smart credit management use Freddie Mac’s CreditSmart online courses found at creditsmart. freddiemac.com.
Shopping around: In addition to improving your credit and reducing your DTI, you can also potentially get a lower interest rate and avoid certain lender fees by shopping around. Freddie Mac research shows that similar borrowers may receive notably di erent rates based on the lender, and that homebuyers can potentially save $600 to $1,200 annually by applying for mortgages from multiple lenders. It’s generally a good idea to get three to ve quotes. During this process, you can use this Mortgage Worksheet to identify the best lender and mortgage option for you: myhome. freddiemac.com/resources/ mortgage-comparison. If you’re in the market to buy a home, watch mortgage rates carefully. And when you are ready to buy, don’t take the rst mortgage o ered. Be sure to shop around and ask about opportunities to secure a lower rate.
Find out how much your home is really worth in today’s market!
News release
Seasoned professional previously associated with Lyon Real Estate, Marilyn Go recently joined RE/MAX Gold in Cameron Park.
Marilyn has been in real estate for more than 30 years, earning her license in 1986. She immediately knew real estate was the right t for her as she earned the award of No. 2 agent at her brokerage in her rst year and claimed No. 1 producer for many years a er.
team leader include ranking No. 144 nationwide in Wall Street Journal and Real Trends Top One Thousand Agents, the distinction of 2013 Best Real Estate Teams in California and honored in receiving the Select Real Estate Agents Award by Sacramento Magazine readers.
A natural people person, she credits her success to a people- rst mindset and is fueled daily by her social and client interactions.
Marilyn Go changes up real estate career
people, the money will come.”
Even in moving to RE/ MAX Gold, Marilyn has been receiving cards congratulating her and admiring her generosity throughout her years of service.
“That really touches me. That is more a star in my life than it is somebody saying, well you’re No. 1. Who cares? That’s not that important. It’s important what you do with your life,” Marilyn said.
Vicky Holden, Marilyn made the impactful decision with the support of Darin Miller to join RE/MAX Gold.
“I’m excited about RE/ MAX Gold, you know, because everyone has been so good and so supportive,” Marilyn said.
Marilyn has been known to residents as the “face of the foothills for real estate” in El Dorado County. Now as a member of RE/MAX Gold and Gold Nation, her experience and expertise are an inspiration to share. Connect with her at (530) 308-5498. MARILYN GOFF
Marilyn’s career and community achievements as a prestigious
“I never worked for the money; I worked for the people so that was my whole goal,” Marilyn shared. “I always said if you work for the
In January, post a medical procedure, Marilyn knew that camaraderie was essential in her healing and in her business. Joining forces with previous team member
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Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Finance Lenders law - #6073455. CA Department of Business Oversight - 866-275-2677. California - Bureau of Real Estate Branch Of ce License Endorsement #00988341 1-2024
PLACERVILLE $840,000
Price Reduced, Seller wants it sold. View, View, View! Situated in the heart of the wine country and only 10 minutes to the American River, This Gorgeous 4 bedroom, 3 bath, home is located on 10 scenic acres in bountiful Gold hill. Light and airy is the best way to describe this well crafted home, with an indoor atrium, Vaulted Ceilings, Skylights and Walls of windows. Cool off in the warmer months in a secluded in-ground pool. There are 3 separate common areas, with a walk-in basement, that has a wet bar and a full bath. This area could easily be converted to in-law quarters. The seller’s have kept the home in incredible condition and it’s move in ready. The expansive master bedroom has a huge spa tub that has a 50 mile view, a fireplace, twin closets, a separate shower and a sitting room that would be perfect for a library or office. The on demand water heater and Whole home propane is is nearly new, and the roof was replaced in 2006. Cal.NET High speed internet is available and it has EID water, with an fire hydrant in the front yard. This property would be perfect for a vineyard or to have horses or livestock. Hurry, this home will not be around long.
in High
