RHOBH alum Teddi Mellencamp’s family nabs $5M for their Dana Point home

• July 30, 2024

“The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” alum Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave’s former home in Capistrano Beach, center with the red roof, recently sold for $4.95 million. (Google Earth)

A two-story Dana Point home on the sand linked to “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” alum Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave recently sold for $4.95 million.

The 1954 bungalow spans 2,738 square feet and sits on an extra-deep lot on Beach Road in guard-gated Capistrano Beach. Under its beamed ceilings are five bedrooms, three bathrooms and dual Nano accordion glass doors that open to a beach-level patio covered by a pergola with a fire pit.

A low wall separates it from the sand and surf beyond.

Records viewed at PropertyShark.com show that on the day the house sold for $3.25 million in December 2014, the reality personality transferred ownership to her second husband, Edwin, the CEO and founder of Skyline Security Management. He then placed ownership into a living trust in February 2016.

In April 2024, the house hit the market for $5.295 million.

The buyers are a Riverside couple working in the medical field. On July 19, records show they bought the beachfront property through an LLC for 7% less than the listed price.

Inside, the open-concept design has been updated. There’s a stone fireplace with a floor-to-ceiling black marble surround and raised hearth, an open dining area and a solarium-style bonus room. The all-white kitchen includes stainless steel GE Monogram appliances, a built-in refrigerator and a waterfall-edge peninsula with seating.

Glass doors open from the primary suite onto a large sun deck.

A two-car garage with driveway parking for three more vehicles adds to the offering.

Doug Echelberger of Inhabit Estate was the listing agent. Vinod Desar of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Realty represented the buyers.

Arroyave, 43, is a reality TV personality best known for her run as a primary cast member on Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” from 2017 to 2020. She is the founder of All In by Teddi, a weight-loss accountability coaching program.

In addition, she co-hosts the weekly Bravo-centric podcast “Two Ts in a Pod” with fellow ex-“housewife” Tamra Judge. She is the daughter of heartland rocker John Mellencamp, whose catalog of hits includes “Jack and Diane,” “Hurts So Good,” “Pink Houses,” “Small Town”  and “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.”

Arroyave shares three children with her husband and is stepmother to his daughter from a previous relationship.

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Jim Harbaugh gets up-close look at Chargers’ O-line vs. D-line battles

• July 30, 2024

EL SEGUNDO — Jim Harbaugh played quarterback at the University of Michigan and then with the Chicago Bears, the Indianapolis Colts, the Baltimore Ravens and the Chargers during a stellar 14-year career in the NFL. So, maybe it wasn’t all that strange to see him assuming the position for a drill Monday.

Actually, given what we’ve seen from him since training camp began last week and, in fact, during spring practices, perhaps it was to be expected. After all, he has joined his players in the weight room and participated in other drills over the days, weeks and months since he was hired last winter.

This time, Harbaugh took snaps from center Bradley Bozeman with the offensive lineman engaging in one-on-one battles with the defensive linemen during the Chargers’ first day in pads. Harbaugh didn’t get hit once. So, did the offensive linemen win the competition against the defensive linemen?

Harbaugh couldn’t say definitely without reviewing the video.

Rookie right tackle Joe Alt was matched against veteran edge rusher Joey Bosa in one of the more intriguing battles. Harbaugh cautioned Bosa for getting a little too aggressive with Alt with a bull-rush on their first matchup. Left tackle Rashawn Slater was paired with edge rusher Khalil Mack in another key battle.

It was the most physical period in camp to date.

“It was really good,” Harbaugh said of the competition. “Somebody asked me who won. We’re going to have to go to the tape to figure that one out. It was a good give and take. Both sides. Just kind of what you want to see. You don’t want to see the offense dominate the defense at this stage, for sure. You could have the defense dominate the offense in these early stages of camp. That would be OK.”

Asked for his impressions of Alt, the fifth pick in the draft in April, Harbaugh said, “Acquitted himself well.” Harbaugh later said Bosa was guilty of a “tempo violation,” going a little too aggressively in a bull-rush attempt against Alt. Harbaugh reminded Bosa to throttle back a little bit.

After only five days of training camp, it would appear that Alt has won the starter’s job at right tackle, supplanting Trey Pipkins III. In fact, the entire offensive line appears set with Pipkins shifting to right guard, Bozeman at center, Slater at left tackle and Zion Johnson at left guard.

“Everywhere I’ve been, I’ve been fortunate to have really good players on the offensive line,” Harbaugh said. “It goes to show you there are no good coaches without good players, and that goes for the team overall. Really been blessed to have good offensive linemen. That is a group that has to play five players as one.”

CLICKING TOGETHER

Bozeman signed with the Chargers as a free agent after spending two seasons with the Carolina Panthers and four with the Ravens. His job isn’t an easy one, having been given the role as protector of standout quarterback Justin Herbert and assisting in the Chargers’ attempts to bolster their ground game.

“Justin has been playing at a super-high level,” Bozeman said. “You have to go in and earn those kinds of guys’ respect. I’ve got to come in here and earn my respect and show what I can do. It’s all great in shorts and shirt, but when you put on the pads, that’s when you start to figure out who guys are.”

Herbert spent two-plus seasons working with Corey Linsley before Linsley suffered a heart ailment that forced him to retire. Herbert and Linsley developed a relationship that enabled both to excel at their positions, with Herbert throwing for a Chargers record 5,014 yards in the 2021 season.

Herbert and Bozeman are still developing their connection.

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“He’s telling me more than I’m telling him, but there’s a big line of communication there,” Bozeman said. “We’re sitting there making sure we’re all on the same page. When I have a recommendation I’ll throw it out there, but he’s running the show. Our relationship is really good. It’ll continue to grow as we work together.”

GILMAN SIDELINED

Safety Alohi Gilman was absent from practice, and he had a good reason.

“The team got bigger and stronger,” Harbaugh bellowed when asked about Gilman’s absence. “Alohi and his wife had a baby (girl). The measurables are good. Close to nine pounds. Got some length. Twenty-one inches. Haven’t got the wingspan yet. Hopefully, we’ll get that (later) today.”

​ Orange County Register 

What to watch at the Paris Olympics on Tuesday, July 30

• July 29, 2024

Simone Biles leads the U.S. women into the gymnastics team final as part of an action-packed slate Tuesday at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Here is a guide of what to look out for:

Biles in gymnastics team final despite injury

The 27-year-old Biles is in the lineup to compete in all four events of the team final despite a calf injury. Biles tweaked her left calf while warming up for floor exercise during qualifying on Sunday. She still topped the all-around with the highest scores on floor and vault.

Simone Biles of United States, has her ankle taped after competing on the uneven bars during a women’s artistic gymnastics qualification round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Competition begins at 6:15 p.m. CEST (12:15 p.m. EST) at Bercy Arena. The Americans are favored to win gold after finishing runner-up to Russia in 2021.

Biles’ teammate Jordan Chiles also will compete in all four events. Chiles finished fourth in the all-around during qualifying behind Biles, Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade and 2020 Olympic champion Sunisa Lee.

U.S. women start defense of 3×3 basketball title

The U.S. women begin defense of their 2021 Olympic title in 3×3 basketball when the competition begins Tuesday. Dearica Hamby and Rhyne Howard of the WNBA join Hailey Van Lith, a college basketball player at Texas Christian University, and former WNBA player Cierra Burdick on the team. They will face Germany at 5:30 p.m. CEST (11 a.m. EST) at La Concorde.

Later, the U.S. 3×3 men’s team will take on Serbia. The U.S. men did not qualify for the Olympics in 2021.

Katie Ledecky back in pool, swimming finals continue

Ledecky is back in the pool to compete in the women’s 1,500-meter freestyle, one of her signature events. The qualifying heats start at 11:44 a.m. CEST (5:44 a.m. EST) at Paris La Defense Arena. Ledecky is the world and Olympic record holder in the event and is a favorite to defend her 2021 title.

Gold medalist Ariarne Titmus, of Australia, middle, stands with silver medalist Summer McIntosh, of Canada, right, and bronze medalist Katie Ledecky, of the United States, after winning the women’s 400-meters freestyle final the at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

The women’s 100 backstroke final will take place at 8:56 p.m. CEST (2:56 p.m. EST). That’ll be followed by the men’s 800 free final. Ireland’s Daniel Wiffen qualified in first place in the heats at 7:41.53.

The last swimming final Tuesday is the men’s 4×200 free relay at 10:01 p.m. CEST (4 p.m. EST).

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Gold in women’s rugby sevens

The gold and bronze medal matches for women’s rugby sevens add to the excitement of Tuesday’s slate. The bronze match at Stade de France will start at 7 p.m. CEST (1 p.m. EST), followed by the gold medal match at 7:45 p.m.

New Zealand, the defending champion, was set to take on China in a quarterfinal Monday night. Britain and the United States were to begin their quarterfinal match Monday at 9:30 p.m. CEST (3:30 p.m. EST). And Tokyo runner-up France was scheduled to face Canada at 10 p.m.

​ Orange County Register 

Santiago Canyon College’s international program supports students from 26 countries

• July 29, 2024

Students in SCC’s International Students Program come from 26 countries from around the world, including China, Brazil, India, Vietnam, Ski Lanka, France, Mexico and Colombia. As the 2024 fall semester nears, enrollment is inching toward last fall’s high of 101 students.

The number of international students has been growing steadily each year since the COVID-19 pandemic, the program’s director, Jetza Torres, said. “We’re doing very, very well in our program.”

Santiago Canyon College has a reputation in the U.S. and abroad for its high-quality academic programs and student support services, Torres explained. In May, she accepted an Export Achievement Certificate from the Deputy Undersecretary for International Trade Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce. The certificate recognizes businesses and educational institutions for their work with overseas markets.

The program recently was presented with a commendation from Rep. Young Kim, who represents California’s 40th congressional district.

Students in foreign countries learn about SCC from their high school counselors, recruiters, educational agencies or friends and family.

They’re attracted to SCC by the student-centered approach, personalized attention and its safe and welcoming environment, Torres said. They also appreciate the small class sizes where they won’t get lost. “Most of our international students come from private high schools where they are accustomed to classrooms with fewer students,” she said.

Business administration is a popular program among international students as are the many STEM programs, she points out.

The college accepts international students three times a year. “We have three intakes—we accept students in fall, spring and summer,” she said, explaining that this is to accommodate the high school calendars in foreign countries. “Our work at the international office never stops because we are recruiting, we are accepting applications, reviewing applications and issuing those admissions letters all year round.”

Jetza Torres received an Export Achievement Certificate from the Deputy Undersecretary for International Trade Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce in recognition of SCC’s International Students Program. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, contributing photographer)

One recent SCC graduate, Muhammad Shahmir Shamim, 21, who was born in Pakistan and grew up in Saudi Arabia, had already enrolled in another U.S. college when he visited SCC at the invitation of a friend. He was immediately impressed with the friendliness of everyone he met on campus. He was even invited to sit in on a class he was interested in.

“Although they were full, they included me in the class,” he said. “And it was really, really welcoming.” He filled out all the paperwork as soon as he could and began attending SCC.

He encouraged his younger brother, Muhammad Shahwar Shamim, to also come to SCC. It wasn’t hard to convince him.

“First, I’m already there, so I knew the atmosphere,” said Shamim of his brother’s decision to join him. “Second, because of how helpful everyone is at Santiago Canyon College — not just international students, but everyone.”

Muhammad Shahmir studied computer science and will be transferring to UC Irvine. His younger brother worked hard so that he could graduate at the same time. He, too, studied computer science and is transferring to Cal State Fullerton.

The brothers credit their parents, both engineers and college professors in Saudi Arabia, for instilling in them the drive to get an education. Studying so far from home, they appreciate the support SCC provides.

The International Students program hosted students from 26 countries all over the world, and the number continues to grow. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, contributing photographer)

“The international student program office takes pride in offering exceptional customer service in college experience to ensure a student’s success,” said Torres, admitting that her business background causes her to express the success in business terms. She has worked in international business and education for more than 20 years. “The program helps them integrate into the campus socially and academically so they can transfer to a four-year college. Our students are our priority,” she said.

Looking back on their years at SCC, the Shamim brothers happily recalled the many social activities organized by SCC’s International Student Program, such as outings to baseball games and Universal Studios. During exams, students were taken to the beach to enjoy pizza and a bonfire to give them a break from the stress of studying.

International students bring a meaningful dimension to campus life, Torres said. “There is no doubt that hosting international students has many advantages for any U.S. education institution,” she said. “It promotes global citizens, promotes intercultural understanding and enhances that diversity of perspective in class discussions. We can all benefit from that.”

Whether in the classroom or outside, meeting students from other countries broadens the view of American students. “Just interacting with international students from different backgrounds enables all students to form new perspectives and perhaps see the world in a different way,” Torres said. “Bringing people from around the world into campus is a great way to learn about the experiences of others and allow us to be more understanding and respectful of those differences. So, international students promote cultural awareness and enhance that diversity of perspective in class discussions.”

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Dodgers add Tommy Edman, Michael Kopech in three-team trade

• July 29, 2024

The Dodgers made a three-team trade they hope will help them in at least two ways.

On one leg of the deal, they acquired switch-hitting utilityman Tommy Edman from the St. Louis Cardinals. On the other, they added right-handed reliever Michael Kopech from the Chicago White Sox. The Dodgers also received 17-year-old right-hander Oliver Gonzalez who is currently pitching in the Dominican Summer League.

In exchange, they gave up Miguel Vargas, once considered the top prospect in the Dodgers’ system, and two infielders from Class-A Rancho Cucamonga, Jeral Perez and Alexander Albertus. Both Perez and Albertus were ranked among the Dodgers’ top 20 prospects by Baseball America. Perez appeared in the All-Star Futures Game earlier this month.

Also in the deal, the St. Louis Cardinals acquired right-handed starter Erick Fedde and outfielder Tommy Pham.

In Edman, the Dodgers add a former Gold Glove winner (at second base in 2021) who was also a finalist in 2022 and 2023 when a utility position was added to the award – but one who hasn’t played a major-league game in 2024.

Edman had surgery on his right wrist last October and missed the first half of this season while recovering. He began a rehab assignment in Double-A earlier this month but his return was pushed back when he suffered a sprained ankle while doing defensive drills. He resumed his rehab assignment after the All-Star break and has played eight games – but only as a DH.

When healthy, Edman is an excellent defender who has played six positions – second and third base, shortstop and all three outfield positions. He could fill in at shortstop until Miguel Rojas returns or give the Dodgers another option in the outfield with Vargas traded and neither James Outman nor Andy Pages providing consistent offense.

Edman represents an upgrade over Chris Taylor (who is currently on the Injured List) and Kiké  Hernandez (batting .204 in 80 games this season) who have not been productive offensively in utility roles this season. As a switch-hitter, Edman has been slightly better batting left-handed.

In Kopech, the Dodgers add a hard-throwing right-hander who converted from starter to reliever full time this season.

The 33rd overall pick in the 2014 draft, Kopech threw a pitch 105 mph in Class-A in 2016 and was a key part of the trade package the Boston Red Sox sent to Chicago for Chris Sale that year. Kopech made the majors for four starts in 2018 but missed the rest of that season and all of 2019 recovering from Tommy John surgery then skipped the 2020 season during the COVID pandemic.

In the White Sox rotation for the most part in 2022 and 2023, he went 10-21 with a 4.52 ERA and led the American League in walks last season when he had a 5.43 ERA. Moved to the bullpen this season, Kopech’s fastball has averaged 98.5 mph and he struck out 59 in 43 ⅔ innings but his ERA was 4.74.

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He joins a bullpen that has been breaking under a heavy workload recently with Evan Phillips, in particular, struggling. Over the past 11 games, the Dodgers’ bullpen has a 6.16 ERA.

Neither Edman nor Kopech can become a free agent until after the 2025 season. Edman signed a two-year contract in January that will pay him $7 million this season and $9.5 million in 2025. Kopech will be arbitration eligible for the final time this offseason.

ALSO

The Dodgers also traded right-hander Ricky Vanasco to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for cash considerations. Vanasco was designated for assignment last week. Vanasco made two relief appearances with the Dodgers this season, his first major league action.

UP NEXT

Dodgers (RHP Tyler Glasnow, 8-6, 3.47 ERA) at Padres (RHP Matt Waldron, 6-9, 3.64 ERA), Tuesday, 6:40 p.m., SportsNet LA, 570 AM

​ Orange County Register 

Women need more sleep than men do, studies say

• July 29, 2024

Avery Newmark | The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (TNS)

It turns out there might be a scientific reason behind women needing extra “beauty sleep.” Studies show, on average, women require about 11 minutes more sleep per night than men do. Although this difference might seem small, it can have significant implications for overall health and well-being.

Research is limited, but the reasoning points to hormones, according to the Sleep Foundation. Women experience a roller coaster of hormonal changes throughout their lives — from menstruation to pregnancy and menopause. Each of these stages can disrupt sleep patterns. Women are also 40% more likely than men to suffer from insomnia.

“When it comes to physiology, women’s hormones have a huge role to play in sleep,” Dr. Aileen Alexander, a women’s health and sleep expert, told Glamour magazine. “Overall, this means women are suggested to have a greater need for sleep and are more likely to indulge in daytime naps.”

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Beyond biological factors, societal expectations and responsibilities also contribute to women’s sleep needs. Research has shown women often shoulder the majority of household and caregiving duties, leading to increased fatigue and stress, according to Glamour. “Women are typically the ones who get up through the night to support children or, in some cases, elderly parents,” Alexander said. These added pressures may require more sleep to recover and maintain optimal cognitive function.

However, individual sleep needs can vary from person to person, regardless of sex. Factors such as age, lifestyle and overall health all contribute to a person’s optimal sleep duration.

“While we need more research to understand the gender gap between men and women’s sleep requirements and cycles, the consequences of not getting enough sleep are well evidenced and can have a huge impact on both men and women,” Alexander said.

To get the proper rest you need, experts recommend adults sleep between seven and nine hours a night. If you still find yourself not getting enough rest, talk to your doctor.

©2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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5 ways credit cards can offer a break on back-to-school purchases

• July 29, 2024

By Melissa Lambarena | NerdWallet

As back-to-school season approaches, your kids may have outgrown their clothes — but they don’t have to outgrow your budget.

Families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $874.68 on clothing, shoes, school supplies and electronics, according to data from the National Retail Federation. For college students and their families, the expected amount on items for the coming year is an average of $1,364.75.

Here’s how credit cards can cut some of those costs.

1. Rewards

Reward rates vary by type of card, but a decent return for cash-back credit cards might range from 2% back per dollar spent to 5% back on rotating bonus categories. Those rewards can be redeemed for cash or a statement credit to offset school purchases, for example, or applied to future travel.

A credit card that earns cash back generally requires good credit (typically, FICO scores of 690 or higher). A rewards credit card is ideal only if you pay your balance off in full every month to avoid interest charges. Otherwise, the steep interest rates on these cards will cancel out the value of rewards.

You can leverage these kinds of credit cards with purchases already allocated in your budget like gas, certain utilities or groceries, said Barbara Quan, accredited financial counselor and manager of financial education at Golden 1 Credit Union, in an email.

2. Sign-up bonuses

A credit card sign-up bonus can be worth hundreds of dollars if you meet the minimum spending requirement with planned expenses. If you’re seeking a new credit card, it’s one way to potentially defray the costs of back-to-school spending or lessen the costs of other expenses.

“Many cards offer hundreds of dollars in cash back or rewards points after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months,” Quan said. “By strategically timing your back-to-school shopping to coincide with this period, you can earn the bonus while purchasing necessary items like clothes, supplies and electronics.”

Quan suggested doing research to select a card that aligns with your spending patterns and overall financial goals. A budget that outlines projected expenses during the bonus period can also help you track your progress and prevent overspending, she added.

3. Interest-free windows for purchases

Certain gadgets and supplies carry hefty price tags. A rewards credit card with an introductory 0% annual percentage rate can offer breathing room for large purchases. You still have to pay monthly, but you won’t be charged interest during the promotional period.

A word of caution, though: A store credit card may also offer an interest-free promotion that might sound like a true 0% introductory APR, but is actually a deferred interest offer. Typically advertised as “special financing” or “no interest if paid in full,” a deferred interest offer means that interest is postponed but continues accruing in the background, to be applied at a later date if you don’t finish paying off the balance by the deadline.

A deferred interest offer can still be a useful way to finance a purchase, but you’ll need to make absolutely sure you can pay it off on time to avoid owing interest charges retroactive to the time of the original purchase. The ongoing interest rates on these store credit cards can run high, so these charges could be a pricey surprise that derails your finances if you’re not prepared to cover them.

4. Online shopping portals

Multiply your credit card rewards by shopping through the card’s bonus mall or linked offers. For example, a credit card issuer might offer a discount or additional rewards if you use that card to shop with select merchants.

Before you hit the stores in person or online, browse your credit card offers by logging into your account. If you find some money-saving opportunities, map out a plan that maximizes the value of your purchases.

5. Credits

A few credit cards may offer credits for streaming services, meal plan subscriptions, grocery or restaurant delivery services, or other useful options that could save money or simplify the transition back to school. As you adjust to a new schedule, such a credit could potentially save you money on a music subscription for the car ride to school, or a meal prep service that gives you some time back.

Look up your credit card online or log into your account to see whether it provides any helpful credits.

Melissa Lambarena writes for NerdWallet. Email: mlambarena@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @LissaLambarena.

The article 5 Ways Credit Cards Can Offer a Break on Back-to-School Purchases originally appeared on NerdWallet.

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More than half of US renters who want to buy a home fear they’ll never afford one

• July 29, 2024

By Matt Egan | CNN

The dream of homeownership feels out of reach for many American families.

The vast majority (86%) of current renters in the United States say they would like to buy a home — but can’t afford one, according to a CNN poll conducted by SSRS released Monday.

Among those same renters who can’t afford to buy a home right now, 54% think it’s unlikely they’ll ever be able to, the poll found.

The findings underscore the damage done by the one-two punch of surging home prices and elevated mortgage rates, creating an affordability crisis. And given that homeownership is the ticket to wealth generation in America, that pessimism exacerbates the risk that the divide between the haves and have-nots will only grow.

Younger people especially are having trouble buying a home right now. The CNN poll found that 90% of renters younger than 45 say they’d like to buy but can’t afford it, compared with 79% of those age 45 and above.

Not surprisingly, younger Americans are more hopeful that situation will change.

Most adults (53%) younger than 45 who want to buy but can’t afford it believe it’s at least somewhat likely they’ll eventually be able to buy a home. That’s compared with just 32% of those 45 and older.

‘Homeownership seems impossible’

Even some working parents in high-paying jobs are struggling to keep up with the spike in home prices.

Brent Bjornsen, a 39-year-old pediatrician and father of two in Phoenix is renting a home as he digs out from student debt.

“Buying a home is absolutely something we would love to do,” Bjornsen told CNN. “It seems out of reach.”

Bjornsen said his wife works part-time at an elementary school. The couple was dealt a financial setback when Hurricane Harvey flooded their Houston apartment.

“We’re straddled with seemingly insurmountable debt,” he said. “Homeownership seems impossible…and that hurts for two kids of Baby Boomers and feels like a disappointment.”

Two-thirds of Americans currently renting (68%) say their family owned a home when they were growing up, according to the CNN poll.

High rates. Even higher prices

The good news is that mortgage rates — one of the main obstacles to homeownership — have eased a bit. in recent months. And if the Federal Reserve is able to deliver interest rate cuts this fall and winter, rates could fall further.

However, home prices continue to rise. A price spike that began during the pandemic has pushed home ownership out of reach for many.

The median existing-home price climbed to a record of $426,900 in June, according to the National Association of Realtors. That was 4.1% higher than a year earlier and the second straight month of record home prices on data going back to 1999.

Among renters who want to buy but can’t afford it, 40% say the biggest barrier is saving for a down payment, according to the CNN poll.

Nearly a third (31%) say the biggest obstacle to buying a home is high interest rates. Just 17% say the inability to qualify for a mortgage is the biggest hurdle.

‘We have given up’

Jeremy Andersson, a digital marketing specialist living north of Atlanta, is among those Millennials who have lost hope.

“We have given up on homeownership,” Andersson told CNN.

The 40-year-old father of twin toddlers wanted to buy a home when his wife became pregnant in 2019.

“We felt the societal pressure to buy a house because that’s the American Dream, right? Have a family and buy a house,” he said.

Seventy percent of Americans call owning a home essential to achieving the American dream, the CNN poll found. That includes about two-thirds (65%) of those currently renting.

But like other families, Andersson and his wife were dismayed by what they could afford.

“I’m not going to pay $350,000 for a run-down house. It almost seems laughable. We can’t find anything affordable for a family of four,” he said. “I’m not going to play your game anymore. I’m done.”

In some markets, starter homes are fetching nearly three times that price.

$1 million starter homes

According to Zillow, the typical starter home is now worth $1 million or more in 237 cities. That’s up from just 84 cities in 2019 before Covid.

Perhaps that’s why many homeowners don’t think they’ll be able to buy in this market.

The CNN poll found that just about one-third (32%) of current homeowners think they could afford to buy a similar home in their neighborhood today.

Even among households earning $100,000 a year or more, most doubt they’d be able to afford to buy something similar today.

“We did everything we were supposed to do. We went to college. We did well. We got jobs. We’re not felons,” Andersson said. “I’ve worked my tail off and so has my wife.”

This situation has taken an emotional toll on Andersson.

“At first, I wondered if I was a failure as a father or husband because I can’t get my kids a lawn to play on,” he said. “It’s taken a lot of soul-searching to understand this is not my fault. It’s the fault of a poorly planned system.”

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