Author: Victoria Vesovski

A woman from Queens, NY, found what looked like a phone buried in her front lawn, but it wasn’t just lost property.

Mary Kehoe, who’s lived in her Forest Hills home for 35 years, spotted the strange device outside. It looked like an Android phone wrapped in black tape, with only the camera exposed — like it was made to watch, not call.

“Why us? I had lots of things going through my head as to why they chose our lawn but realized we are in the middle of the block,” Kehoe told KTVZ 21.

Experts warn that these kinds of planted devices may be part of a growing tactic used by burglars to spy on homeowners, tracking their daily routines or scouting for valuables. And it’s not just an isolated case — similar incidents have popped up across the Tri-State Area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut).

Here’s how to identify these devices and what to do if one shows up in your yard.

Not just paranoia

Discovering a hidden device on your lawn isn’t just unsettling — it’s a serious breach of privacy. And unfortunately, it’s happening more often.

Police say covert surveillance cases like this are turning up across the United States, including in California, Massachusetts and New Jersey. And the tools being used aren’t high-tech spy gadgets.

“It could be any type of camera that is digital and wireless. It could be cheap; it could be expensive,” Sergeant Vahe Abramyan of the Glendale Police Department told the Los Angeles Times. “You can go on Amazon or go to Best Buy to get one.”

That’s exactly what happened in Garden Grove, where a resident discovered a camera hidden in a neighbour’s bush — aimed directly at her home. According to KTLA, the neighbour initially thought it was trash, but inside the bag was a camera and battery pack.

Canadian burglary statistics

Within Canada, there has been a steady decrease in burglaries, or breaking and enterings, over a span of two decades. In 2003, there was an alarming 284,925 reported incidents, with tht figure drastically dropping to 130,748 in 2023, according to Statista.

Moreover, the number of burglaries reported in 2023 is a 1.92% dip from the previous year, or 2,563 incidents.

How burglaries can impact your wallet and assets

There are many ways burglaries can impact your financial health, whether in the present or distant future. Some of these instances include:

• Having to pay for home repairs, such as broken locks and/or windows, due to unlawful entry into a home
• Recovering lost valuables and cash
• Home value decreasing due to neighbourhood instances of breaking and entering
• Rising insurance premiums for theft-prone locations

Staying safe

With these surveillance tactics on the rise, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your neighborhood.

According to the Halton Regional Police, there are certain things you can do now to make sure that stop a burglary before it can even occur:

• Ensure that your residence and its surrounding area are well lit
• Trim any hedges so that your home is visible to neighbours and passerby
• Install audible alarms
• Install home security cameras on the exterior of your home and position them to ensure they capture images of anyone on your property
• Lock all vehicles and access doors to your home
• Park your vehicle in a locked garage

In Kehoe’s Forest Hills community, neighbours are banding together — keeping a closer eye on their lawns, shrubs and anything that seems out of place.

Police recommend trimming hedges to eliminate hiding spots, installing motion-detecting lights and staying alert for camouflaged devices that could be stashed in your yard. Burglars may also drive through a neighbourhood or pose as salespeople to scout homes and monitor routines.

If something seems off — even a strange light or an out-of-place item in your yard — don’t ignore it. Report it to your local authorities right away.

Sources

1. KTVZ 21: Suspected surveillance device found buried in Queens lawn puts neighbors on high alert (Jun 7, 2025)

2. CBS News: Suspected surveillance device found buried in Queens lawn puts neighbors on high alert, by Kristie Keleshian (Jun 6, 2025)

3. Los Angeles Times: Burglars are hiding cameras in Southern California yards: Tips for protecting yourself, by Nathan Solis (Jun 21, 2024)

4. Statista: Number of burglaries in Canada from 2002 to 2023 (Jan 23, 2025)

5. Halton Regional Police: Burglary Prevention

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

When St. Louis resident David Murray moved out of his apartment two months early, he thought he had done everything right — giving proper notice and settling his lease. Then came the shock: a $4,500 bill for two months’ rent plus penalties.

Murray was sure it had to be a mistake, but when his pristine 815 credit score dropped, he realized the situation was far more serious. His landlord had turned to a debt collector — not to harass or sue him, but to hit him where it hurt: his credit report.

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“I asked them to please take me to small-claims court, and they’ve never contacted me,” Murray told The Wall Street Journal.

Landlords are increasingly using credit reporting to collect unpaid rent. With credit scores influencing everything from loan approvals to housing applications, a single dispute can derail financial stability.

While credit agencies have tried to include on-time rental payments in scoring models, negative marks still appear with alarming speed — leaving many renters like Murray scrambling to repair the damage.

Calling to collect

Rental debt is now one of the top consumer complaints in debt collection, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Nationwide, renters owe an estimated $9 billion in back rent, with approximately 4.5 million households struggling to keep up with payments. While landlords have the right to collect unpaid rent, everyday renters like Murray — who followed the terms of his lease — often bear the brunt of aggressive debt-collection tactics.

Consumer advocates warn that landlords are using credit reports as a weapon, bypassing the legal system and leaving tenants with little recourse. In the past, rent disputes played out in small-claims court, where tenants could at least present their case.

Landlords, however, see it differently. With small-claims judgments for unpaid rent no longer appearing on credit reports as of 2017, they argue that reporting tenants to credit bureaus like Experian, Equifax and TransUnion is one of the few ways to enforce accountability.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

How it impacts renters

A damaged credit score can have long-term consequences for renters. Many major lenders, such as Citi and Bank of America, maintain strict criteria for determining loan eligibility.

“The practical effect of having a poor credit score is that your access to mainstream funding is limited or nonexistent,” John Ulzheimer, formerly of Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) and Equifax, told CNBC Select.

This doesn’t just make securing a loan more difficult — it also affects the interest rates borrowers receive. For instance, a borrower with a 620 credit score might face an interest rate of approximately 4.8% on a $355,328 home, resulting in annual interest payments of about $17,056.

Meanwhile, a buyer with a score between 760 and 850 could secure a much lower 3.2% rate, bringing their annual interest down to roughly $11,370. Over time, this difference could add up to tens of thousands of dollars in additional costs. ​​Bad credit can also impact auto and homeowners insurance rates, as most U.S. states permit insurers to use credit-based scoring when determining premiums.

Murray’s daughter also learned this the hard way. After a landlord dispute in 2019 tanked her credit score, she struggled to find another apartment until Murray stepped in to settle the debt. When he faced a similar issue in 2022, he fought back — but despite providing evidence, his dispute was rejected.

His credit score still sits in the low 700s. For renters like Murray and his daughter, even a single disagreement can trigger a financial chain reaction — one that is rarely easy to undo.

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Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

There’s missing a flight, and then there’s missing every flight because your airline just went bankrupt.

That’s what happened to hundreds of travelers this week when Silver Airways, a Florida-based regional carrier, abruptly announced it was ceasing operations effective immediately.

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Passengers flying between Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean were left at airports with no warning, no alternative flight plans and no customer service reps in sight.

“We regret to inform you that we are ceasing operations as of today, June 11, 2025,” the airline posted on Instagram. "Please do not go to the airport."

The bankruptcy came with zero notice and even fewer answers, raising questions for customers who already paid for tickets. Here’s what led to the airline’s sudden nosedive — and what to do if your summer vacation just hit major turbulence.

What went wrong?

Silver Airways has officially flown its last mile. Roughly five months after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the Florida-based airline grounded all flights — and not because of stormy weather.

In a recent statement, the company revealed it had sold its assets to another airline holding company as part of a restructuring effort. But instead of reviving the brand, the new owner decided to ground all operations.

“In an attempt to restructure in bankruptcy, Silver entered into a transaction to sell its assets to another airline holding company, who unfortunately has determined to not continue Silver’s flight operations,” the airline wrote in a statement.

Silver had hoped the bankruptcy would help secure new capital and offer a path toward financial recovery. Instead, the collapse has left travelers stranded and staff without jobs — a costly detour for everyone involved.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

What about the travelers?

If you’re one of the many people left grounded by Silver’s sudden shutdown, don’t expect a refund from the airline itself. In its final Instagram post, the company made it clear that customers won’t be reimbursed directly.

But all hope isn’t lost.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, you might be able to recover your money depending on how you paid. If you bought your ticket with a credit card, you can file a dispute with your card issuer under the Fair Credit Billing Act.

Be sure to include a copy of your ticket and receipt, and clearly explain that the airline has ceased operations and failed to deliver the service you paid for.

Just don’t wait too long. You typically have 60 days from the date your statement was issued — the one that includes the airfare charge — to file the dispute.

If you booked through a travel agent or third-party site, it’s worth reaching out to see if they can help secure a refund or offer any alternatives. Some agencies have extra protections or recourse built into their services.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

While many high school graduates are celebrating the season with dinners, parties and well-deserved rest, one teen in metro Atlanta marked the milestone a little differently — trading his cap and gown for a shift at Burger King.

Still wearing his graduation medals around his neck, 18-year-old Mykale Baker showed up to work at the Dacula location just hours after receiving his diploma. His decision not only showed commitment but also caught the internet’s attention.

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Maria Mendoza, a customer who had just come from her own daughter’s graduation, stopped by the restaurant for a quick burger when she noticed Baker behind the counter. Inspired by his work ethic and touched by the sight of his medals, she filmed a short video and posted it to TikTok, where it quickly went viral, gaining nearly four million views.

But Mendoza didn’t stop there. She also launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover Baker’s college expenses. What started as a small act of kindness quickly turned into something much bigger: an outpouring of support from strangers across the country. The campaign initially raised just over $6,000, but as of this week, it has grown to more than $233,000.

At a time when headlines about Gen Z often focus on entitlement, Baker’s story stands out for one simple reason: he showed up. And sometimes, just showing up — even when no one’s watching — can change your life.

What a diploma really costs

In Georgia, the state minimum wage is officially listed at $5.15 per hour.

However, most workers are covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act, which requires employers to pay the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.

At the same time, the cost of attending college in the U.S. keeps climbing. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average annual cost of college, including tuition, books, supplies and living expenses, is $38,270 per student.

For many students working part-time jobs, especially in fast food or retail, those wages make it hard to cover even basic expenses, let alone build meaningful savings for tuition. Balancing school and work often means juggling limited hours and inconsistent income — forcing tough decisions about whether to delay college or take on serious debt.

“I was thinking of taking a gap year because I didn’t have money for school,” Baker told Mendoza’s TikTok followers. “But thank you to all of you now. I might actually go straight to technical college and get my mechanical (degree).”

With the GoFundMe campaign now exceeding its $60,000 goal, Baker is one step closer to turning those college plans into reality.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Follow Baker’s lead

Baker’s story proves that even a part-time fast-food job can open doors — especially when paired with a strong work ethic and a willingness to go the extra mile. Showing up to work on graduation day wasn’t just a sign of dedication. It was a message to others of his drive and determination.

While most part-time workers won’t end up in a viral video, the financial lesson still holds: even small paychecks can make a difference. Whether you’re using them to cover day-to-day expenses, build an emergency fund or chip away at tuition costs, consistency matters.

There are also ways to make those earnings work harder. For example, setting aside a portion of each paycheck into a high-yield savings account can help you take advantage of compounding interest. Even modest contributions — say, $100 a month — can grow over time. It’s not just about saving. It’s about putting your money in the right place so it continues to work for you.

If you’re passionate about a goal, don’t be afraid to share your story. Scholarships and grants often come when people understand what you’re striving for. Hard work rarely goes unnoticed — and sometimes, it pays off in ways you never expected.

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Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

A new federal lawsuit is targeting California’s labor rules, and the state’s Vietnamese-American nail technicians are at the center of the fight.

Filed at the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in Santa Ana, the lawsuit argues that a 2020 law, Assembly Bill 5, stripped nail technicians of their right to work as independent contractors, which violates the 14th Amendment’s promise of equal protection.

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The change has shaken up an industry with many immigrant employees from Vietnam. That industry also generates about $3 billion a year, according to the Pro Nails Association.

Representative of Little Saigon, California Assemblyman Tri Ta (R-Westminster), confirmed fear and frustration are flooding his office, and it’s impossible to ignore.

"Their lives have turned upside down overnight," Ta said at a news conference. "It is not just unfair, it is discrimination."

While some are critical of the law, which has turned their livelihoods upside down, labor advocates argue it’s a step toward ensuring a workforce that is often overlooked and underpaid, earns fair, stable wages.

More rules, more costs

In 2019, California passed Assembly Bill 5, a law that redefined how companies classify workers. The law stemmed from a 2018 Supreme Court ruling against Dynamex Operations West, which had misclassified delivery drivers as independent contractors to cut costs. The assembly bill established ground rules for who can be an independent contractor.

Under the new law, workers must meet three conditions to be classified as contractors. These include working independently, performing tasks outside the company’s core business and offering their services to other clients. If not, they must be treated as employees, with protections including minimum wage, overtime pay, workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance.

For nail salon owners, this shift isn’t in their favor. An Tran, who owns two Happy Nails & Spa franchises, is taking the state to court, arguing the rules impede how salons operate day-to-day. Turning contractors into full-time employees means higher payroll costs, higher insurance and tighter margins for owners, who also deal with overhead costs such as rent and supplies.

"We don’t have customers all the time. That’s going to cost us a lot more to pay them for the downtime when they don’t have any customers," Tran told the LA Times.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

A community under fire

This fight is also about community. Many Vietnamese refugees turned to nail salons in the late 1970s as a way to rebuild their lives in America. Decades later, that legacy endures. More than 82% of California nail technicians are Vietnamese, and about 85% are women, according to the lawsuit.

“Vietnamese American manicurists have faced blatant discrimination under California’s labor laws, stripped of the same rights and freedoms afforded to others in their industry,” Scott Wellman, attorney for the plaintiffs, said in a statement to KTLA 5. “If the State of California refuses to fix this injustice, we are prepared to hold them accountable in federal court.”

Worker advocates add that the lawsuit highlights deeper issues of exploitation across the industry. A UCLA Labor Center report found nearly 80% of nail salon workers earn pay at or below two-thirds of the median full-time wage, more than double the national low-wage rate for all workers. Beyond low wages, many salons are reportedly concerned about health and safety conditions as well.

Former nail technician Pabitra Dash confirmed those risks firsthand. She and her husband struggled with miscarriages while she was working in the salon industry. Once she quit, she was finally able to carry her baby to term. While her doctor never pinned the miscarriages on the chemicals she used at her job, Dash said she and her husband felt relieved they had a child after she left.

“(My doctor) said, ‘It’s really good for your health and your baby,’” Dash told NBC News.

Stoicism has been the response of many workers, who are worried that speaking up could cost them shifts or even their jobs.

The federal lawsuit has turned nail salons into the latest flashpoint in California’s struggle to balance gig work with fair labor protections. Salon owners fear that stricter rules might make it harder to keep their doors open, while many technicians quietly worry they’ll lose their employee rights.

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Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

It’s not exactly strange to hear noise coming from a neighbor’s home. Maybe they’re hosting a birthday party or firing up the grill for a family barbecue. That’s just part of suburban life.

But what’s happening on Northwest First Court in Miami Gardens is something entirely different.

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On an otherwise peaceful residential street, one single-family home has transformed into what appears to be a takeout restaurant.

“There’s no drive-thru window, but the orders are flying out the door,” one neighbor, who asked not to be identified, told Local 10 News. “It could be in the early morning, around this time. It could be at night. It’s constant.”

Those who spoke with Local 10 asked to stay anonymous, but they described the same thing: a steady stream of cars, takeout containers being handed off like clockwork and a home that’s more kitchen than living space.

But is this just a savvy home chef cashing in on a side hustle, or could it pose a bigger problem for the community?

Off the books but on the radar

To get a better sense of what’s going on, Local 10 spent several hours outside the home and observed a constant flow of customers picking up food.

One man, spotted walking around the side of the house, told reporters he wasn’t a customer — just a friend. Still, he admitted he was there to pick up food, listing off items like oxtail, rice and peas, as well as chicken. When asked if the house was operating as a restaurant, he denied it.

“No, it’s not a restaurant. It’s just a backyard,” he said, adding that the food was not free when pressed by reporters.

Starting a business or side hustle today isn’t easy. According to LendingTree, over 1 in 5 private sector businesses that launched in March 2023 had failed by March 2024.

With inflation holding steady at 3.5% year over year, it’s no surprise some entrepreneurs are looking for ways to cut overhead costs — skipping storefronts altogether and finding more creative (and quiet) ways to keep the money coming in. Even if that means operating out of a backyard.

But just because it makes business sense doesn’t mean it sits well with the neighbors.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Cooking up trouble

With inflation squeezing household budgets, many Americans are turning to unconventional income streams — even if it means bending a few rules.

Neighbors say the backyard setup includes propane tanks, industrial fans and cocktail tables — signs that this isn’t your average weekend cookout. Behind the house, there’s reportedly a shed that’s been converted into a kitchen, suggesting a much larger operation than what’s legally allowed in a residential area.

According to Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, running a food business from a private home is prohibited. This property has never passed a food safety inspection and isn’t licensed for commercial use — a red flag for both consumers and the neighborhood.

“If there is a fire, God forbid, my house is gone,” one neighbor said. “I’m very concerned. It is dangerous right now.”

Property records show the home belongs to Mardelle Gitters, a former restaurant owner whose Opa-locka business has since closed. While several neighbors claim they’ve reported the issue to city officials, Miami Gardens Assistant City Manager Tamara Wadley said there are no official complaints on file with police or code enforcement.

For now, the operation continues. But while side hustles can be a smart financial move, cutting corners on safety and legality can end up costing more than it’s worth.

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Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

A Queens woman found what looked like a phone buried in her front lawn — but it wasn’t just lost property.

Mary Kehoe, who’s lived in her Forest Hills home for 35 years, spotted the strange device outside. It looked like an Android phone wrapped in black tape, with only the camera exposed — like it was made to watch, not call.

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“Why us? I had lots of things going through my head as to why they chose our lawn but realized we are in the middle of the block,” Kehoe told KTVZ 21.

Experts warn that these kinds of planted devices may be part of a growing tactic used by burglars to spy on homeowners, tracking their daily routines or scouting for valuables. And it’s not just an isolated case — similar incidents have popped up across the Tri-State Area.

Here’s how to identify these devices and what to do if one shows up in your yard.

Not just paranoia

Discovering a hidden device on your lawn isn’t just unsettling — it’s a serious breach of privacy. And unfortunately, it’s happening more often.

Police say covert surveillance cases like this are turning up across the country, including in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey and even quiet neighborhoods like Scarsdale. And the tools being used aren’t high-tech spy gadgets.

“It could be any type of camera that is digital and wireless. It could be cheap; it could be expensive,” Sergeant Vahe Abramyan of the Glendale Police Department told the Los Angeles Times. “You can go on Amazon or go to Best Buy to get one.”

That’s exactly what happened in Garden Grove, where a resident discovered a camera hidden in a neighbor’s bush — aimed directly at her home. According to KTLA, the neighbor initially thought it was trash, but inside the bag was a camera and battery pack.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Staying safe

With these surveillance tactics on the rise, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your neighborhood.

“Put your alarms on, put lights on, and be aware. And we’re a nice little block here that we look out for one another, so when people do go away, they let us know so we can take a walk down their driveway and make sure everything is safe,” Kehoe said.“We are now watching.”

In Kehoe’s Forest Hills community, neighbors are banding together — keeping a closer eye on their lawns, shrubs and anything that seems out of place.

Police recommend trimming hedges to eliminate hiding spots, installing motion-detecting lights and staying alert for camouflaged devices that could be stashed in your yard. Burglars may also drive through a neighborhood or pose as salespeople to scout homes and monitor routines.

If something seems off — even a strange light or an out-of-place item in your yard — don’t ignore it. Report it to your local authorities right away.

What to read next

• Financial aid only funds about 27% of US college expenses — but savvy parents are using this 3-minute move to cover 100% of those costs
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement
• This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs

Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

The tables are turning in the U.S. housing market, and this time, buyers are calling the shots.

There are an estimated 1.9 million homes for sale across the country, but only about 1.5 million active homebuyers. That leaves a gap of nearly 500,000 — the largest on record, according to Redfin.

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“The balance of power in the U.S. housing market has shifted toward buyers, but a lot of sellers have yet to see or accept the writing on the wall,” said Redfin Senior Economist Asad Khan. “Many are still holding out hope that their home is the exception and will fetch top dollar.”

U.S. home prices were still up 3.9% year over year in February — a slight dip from January’s 4.1% gain — but a growing supply of homes and easing mortgage rates are cooling the market, according to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Index.

That’s left some sellers — especially those who bought at the peak — trying to recoup their investment just as buyer demand starts to slow. With listings rising and buyers getting more selective, the big question is: Is now the best time to sell?

A shift in control

Redfin economists expect home prices to dip by about 1% by the end of 2025. Demand is already down. Sales of existing homes fell 1.1% year over year in April, hitting a six-month low.

Buying a home remains a major financial leap. With economic uncertainty fueled by tariffs, layoffs and shifting federal policies, many would-be buyers are hitting pause on one of life’s biggest purchases.

Sellers are already feeling the sting. Take a single-family home in Sonoma, California: once listed for over $3.5 million during the pandemic boom, the 3-bedroom, 4-bathroom property eventually sold for $1.86 million — nearly half its original price.

The home saw several price cuts before it sold in April for 6.8% below its most recent $1.995 million asking price, according to Zillow, as reported by Newsweek.

That sale reflects how far the market has come from its 2021 peak. Back then, rock-bottom mortgage rates and limited inventory fueled bidding wars and drove up prices. But now, things look different.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

The balance tips further

If you’re thinking about selling, don’t wait too long. Listing sooner could help you avoid chasing a cooling market. And if your home’s already listed and not getting much attention, it may be time to switch gears — whether that means adjusting your asking price or making small, high-impact upgrades to help it stand out.

Many homeowners are still pricing based on what they paid during the market’s pandemic-era peak, not what today’s market will bear.

“A lot of the people selling right now bought in 2021 or 2022, when home prices were near their height,” said Corey Stambaugh, a Redfin Premier agent in North Carolina. “Even though we advise them to list at today’s market value, a lot of them decide to list high to recoup their money.”

But overpricing your home isn’t just wishful thinking — it can be a costly mistake. Properties that sit too long tend to raise red flags to buyers, giving them more leverage to negotiate.

For buyers, the market is starting to tilt in your favor, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go in unprepared. Getting pre-approved can make you a stronger buyer and help you stay realistic about what you can actually afford. When you’re ready to make an offer, negotiate like your rent just went up. You might be able to ask for repairs, appliances or even that oddly charming mid-century credenza in the living room.

Whether you’re buying or selling, the key is knowing when to move — and not being afraid to play a little hardball when the timing’s finally on your side.

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Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Thousands of drivers across the country are discovering their car paint jobs are literally peeling away — and fixing it could cost them thousands out of pocket.

For Ed Rinkowitz, a Florida Hyundai owner, the flaky paint job is a familiar and frustrating sight.

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“My daughter’s hood basically just flaked completely off, probably maybe 10% of the paint was left on it,” Rinkowitz told 10 Tampa Bay. “Then my wife’s car started and that was probably 30 to 40% that was coming off.”

Rinkowitz says it’s the third Hyundai in his family with paint issues — and he’s far from alone. A Facebook group called “Hyundai Paint Peel / Peeling” has grown to over 6,000 members, all sharing stories of paint jobs seemingly disintegrating.

So what’s causing the problem, and what can drivers do to protect their cars and wallets?

Paint problems, pricey fixes

While the issue spans several Hyundai models and paint colors, Rinkowitz says two of his affected vehicles were white — a trend echoed by dozens of other drivers. News station 10 Investigates also spoke with owners of Kia, Toyota and Chevrolet vehicles reporting similar issues.

Rinkowitz brought his concerns to the dealership, but hit a wall.

“I’ve got two white 2015 Elantras, very similar models, and they said, ‘Well, it’s not under warranty,’” he told 10 Investigates.

Instead, he was told to go to a body shop — a fix he didn’t feel should fall on him. And it isn’t cheap. According to Bankrate, repainting a car can cost anywhere from $300 to more than $20,000, depending on the vehicle size, paint type and finish. A typical paint job costs around $3,000.

A class-action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Hyundai customers who say their paint peeled off prematurely. In response, some automakers have extended warranties and issued recalls.

Hyundai announced a paint warranty extension for eight models, including 2017 and 2018 Elantras, Sonatas and Santa Fes. The coverage applies to peeling or bubbling white paint, especially around the hood, fenders and roof.

Other drivers haven’t been as lucky. One Toyota Corolla owner told 10 Investigates that her dealership said the paint recall expired last year — even though her paint is now peeling off her car with just a spray from a garden hose.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

What can consumers do

Whether the issue is a manufacturer defect or not, there are steps car owners can take to help prevent paint damage before it gets worse.

Parking in a garage or shaded area helps. Prolonged exposure to sunlight, bird droppings, tree sap and hail can speed up peeling and cracking. UV rays, in particular, cause paint to fade and break down over time.

If your car’s paint starts to peel, don’t assume you’re out of options. Attorney Charles Gallagher says a denied warranty claim isn’t necessarily the end of the road. He recommends asking the manufacturer for a warranty extension, especially if the issue stems from a known defect in the paint or its application.

Automakers have their own processes for addressing paint complaints. Hyundai advises drivers to check their vehicle identification number (VIN) on the company’s website to see if they qualify for a paint warranty extension. Kia recommends starting with your local dealership, but if that doesn’t work, the company encourages contacting its customer care team directly.

For now, many drivers are still trying to figure out what to do.

“I’m 70 years old. I’ve owned cars since I was like 16 years old,” Rinkowitz said. “I’ve never had a car where the paint flaked off like that.”

What to read next

• Financial aid only funds about 27% of US college expenses — but savvy parents are using this 3-minute move to cover 100% of those costs
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement
• This is how American car dealers use the ‘4-square method’ to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs

Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.