The Small Balance Intersection Update - November 9, 2024

College Football Fun Facts:

Yale has won the most championships in college football history with 18. Alabama and Princeton are tied for second with 15 each.

Michigan has won the most games, followed by rival Ohio State, Yale, Alabama and Texas.?

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, two place-kickers made history for being the first two women to score points during a college football game. Liz Heaston, for Williamette successfully kicked two extra-points for her team in 1997. Williamette was then an NAIA school but is now apart of Division III. In 2001, Ashley Martin kicked three extra points for Jacksonville State to be the first woman to score during a Division I college football game.?

Passenger Rights Blvd

New U.S. Airline Rule Guarantees Quick Refunds for Cancellations and Delays

U.S. passengers whose flights are canceled or significantly delayed will automatically receive a refund without having to file a request. Under the new Department of Transportation (DOT) rule, airlines must process refunds back to the original payment method within seven days for card payments or 20 days for cash or points. The regulation standardizes “significant delays” as three hours for domestic flights and six for international flights. Additionally, passengers are entitled to refunds if an airline changes their departure or arrival airport, adds an extra connection, or transfers a passenger to a less accessible plane in cases of disability. Airlines must also refund fees for lost baggage, paid Wi-Fi, or seat selections if these services are unfulfilled. Last year, these rules could have cost major U.S. airlines—like United, American, and Delta—over $1 billion each, according to travel publication Upgraded Points. This consumer-friendly regulation aims to ease frustrations for travelers facing unexpected disruptions.

Read more about the new refund rule

Investor Insights Ave

Top Commercial Real Estate Books: Essential Reads for Investors and Professionals

Propmodo recently compiled its list of the top 50 commercial real estate books, featuring a range of essential reads for both budding and experienced industry professionals. Among the standout titles, "What Every Real Estate Investor Needs to Know About Cash Flow" by Frank Gallinelli teaches critical investment metrics such as cap rates and IRR, ideal for understanding property valuations. "The Real Estate Game" by William J. Poorvu offers a holistic perspective on deal-making, valuable for those interested in strategic decision-making. For those focusing on syndication, "Best Ever Apartment Syndication Book" by Joe Fairless guides readers through financing and partnership strategies for multi-family projects. "Confessions of a Real Estate Entrepreneur" by James A. Randel combines actionable advice with industry insights, blending personal anecdotes with professional guidance on high-stakes investments. "Negotiating Commercial Real Estate Leases" by Martin Zankel offers practical advice on tenant-landlord lease negotiations, a must for real estate brokers. Lastly, "The Millionaire Real Estate Investor" by Gary Keller compiles insights from over 100 successful investors, sharing strategies for achieving financial freedom through real estate. Together, these titles provide a comprehensive knowledge base covering investment fundamentals, negotiation, portfolio management, and high-level market insights.

Discover the full list on Propmodo

Winter Wander Way

Discover Winter Magic in America’s Charming Small Towns

Many U.S. small towns transform into enchanting winter destinations, drawing travelers seeking seasonal charm and outdoor activities. The Discoverer’s list of the top 10 small towns to visit in winter highlights places like Leavenworth, Washington, where a Bavarian village ambiance and Christmas lighting attract holiday-goers. Breckenridge, Colorado, known for its skiing, also offers events like the Ullr Fest, celebrating the Norse snow god, while Stowe, Vermont, combines excellent slopes with quintessential New England beauty. In Taos, New Mexico, visitors enjoy a unique blend of Native American culture and snowy mountain scenery.

Further south, Fredericksburg, Texas, charms visitors with German-inspired holiday festivities and nearby wineries. For those seeking coastal beauty, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, provides a cozy seaside retreat with mild winter temperatures and art galleries. On the East Coast, Woodstock, Vermont, captures the spirit of winter with its historic buildings and Wassail Weekend, celebrating holiday traditions. In the Midwest, Galena, Illinois, and Bayfield, Wisconsin, offer Victorian architecture and frozen lake views, perfect for ice fishing or cozy stays. For a mountain town with a Wild West feel, Jackson, Wyoming, offers ski trails, wildlife sightings, and proximity to Yellowstone’s snow-covered landscapes.

These small towns highlight diverse winter attractions, blending seasonal festivities, cultural experiences, and outdoor recreation, making them ideal winter getaways for different tastes. Read the full article here.

NIL Fees Ahead: Prepare for Rising Ticket Costs

Fans Face Rising Costs as College Sports Spending Surges

With college athletes increasingly permitted to earn from their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), universities are turning to fans and other revenue streams to offset rising costs. Tennessee plans a 10% "talent fee" on ticket renewals, while Arkansas is adding a 3% concession surcharge, and Clemson is implementing a $150 athletic fee on student tuition. These adjustments come as schools confront the financial implications of a recent $2.8 billion settlement, allowing direct revenue sharing with athletes up to $22 million annually. As NCAA disbursements shrink to cover part of the settlement, athletic budgets are tightening—prompting schools to seek new ways to fund scholarships, facility upgrades, and competitive recruiting.

For schools like Michigan, these pressures may push longstanding no-advertising policies as they explore potential seat fees and even stadium ads. However, not all fans are on board, with some voicing frustration over rising costs amid economic constraints. Meanwhile, schools like Texas Tech have been forced to increase athletic funding sharply, with others eyeing creative solutions, including new sponsorships and possible cuts in non-revenue sports. As athletic departments test the limits of fans’ willingness to pay, the balance between maintaining tradition and generating revenue becomes increasingly complex.

Read more from AP News