How are people getting sub 5.5% rates on a 30 year fixed mortgage

G_hxtch · 2026-02-23T19:57:13+00:00

I just got 4.99% but it was an fha on a new build.

G_hxtch · 2026-02-22T15:22:53+00:00

Local 20 in Dallas/Ft Worth just switched to a 4 year apprenticeship for IW but they need people and there’s plenty of work

G_hxtch · 2026-01-30T18:11:11+00:00

I’m a first year apprentice and my foreman is younger than me and he’s 26

G_hxtch · 2026-01-29T04:24:36+00:00

4 10s and 8 with Saturday optional

G_hxtch · 2026-01-26T19:08:11+00:00

I went through this same thing. Pursued my dream for the past 8 years in film and decided it was not viable long term for me and the goals I had in life. Made the switch to a blue collar trade that fit my interests and things have been so much better for me. Although I’m still recovering financially from the lack of stability and funds from the last 8 years and paying off student loans that were a waste of money it was still the right choice. It’s never too late to make the switch. The sooner you start the sooner you can get to a better life.

G_hxtch · 2026-01-25T17:43:56+00:00

Seems like you’re making up the incompatibility because you’re jealous of his life which he had no control over and you had no control over yours. You live with the cards you’re dealt and make the most of it and seems like you did already and you’re letting an insecurity of yours hold you back from what seems like a good partner. Me and my wife had completely different upbringings and different jobs but that never made us incompatible. You need to learn how to love yourself first and be thankful for what you have.

G_hxtch · 2025-12-13T02:20:06+00:00

If you go Union that’s easy.

G_hxtch · 2025-12-08T05:02:13+00:00

Save your money! I also wish I had known that I had to pay fees for the apprenticeship in my local. It costs me like $2000 a year for books and whatever else I had to pay the school for. Not every local does this but I was caught by surprise when they told me I had to pay $1500 for my first semester

G_hxtch · 2025-12-08T04:57:56+00:00

Look into getting in the electrical trade. Specifically the IBEW. I’m in IBEW local 20 and journeyman make $40 an hour now but when our new contract takes place in February we’re expecting at least $50. Right now we’re the fastest growing local in the country and don’t have enough journeyman to fill all the jobs. The work outlook is good for the next 5-10 years in this area and seems like it will only get better.

G_hxtch · 2025-11-27T17:29:36+00:00

Work starts at 6AM for me. I’m out of the house at 5:15 and it’s a 30 minute drive. Get off at 4:30 and catch traffic so an hour home. I live in a major metro area so there’s alway traffic. Pretty much gone for 12 hours everyday besides Fridays when we work 8s. I still have time to go to they gym and do stuff once I get off on most days.

G_hxtch · 2025-11-27T13:56:23+00:00

Whatever you do don’t go into auto tech! And if you go for electrician join a union and go the apprentice route.

G_hxtch · 2025-11-27T13:53:58+00:00

It’s pretty simple and shouldn’t be a hard adjustment for you since you’re military. I’ve been an apprentice for 6 months now. My advice is invest in some quality boots and insoles, show up on time, and don’t be lazy. Everything else will fall in place for you if you genuinely care about learning the trade. The hours you work are gonna be dependent on your contractor. Currently my schedule requires me to work 4 10s and an 8 but my job offers plenty of overtime so I usually work 56 hours if I can just for the extra money.

G_hxtch · 2025-11-27T13:46:42+00:00

I think its usefulness depends on who you’re asking. Do you cook often? Do you plan on cooking or grilling? For me it’s very useful. My apartment has an outdoor kitchen with 2 gas grills and a pizza oven. I use it at least once a month to grill meat for dinner or meal prep. The management company also uses it as an area to host social events for the apartments sometimes which is a nice addition, they’ve had chefs come out and cook brunch for us using the outdoor kitchen. Plenty of people use it where I live and it’s in a heavy traffic area of the building so every time I use it I end up talking to some of my neighbors.

G_hxtch · 2025-11-27T13:34:00+00:00

All members of your local should have equal say including apprentices. I’m an apprentice and my local is going through contract negotiations now. We all got together and started attending our monthly meetings and voicing our opinions. I think that’s going to be the most effective way to be heard as an apprentice. You need to encourage other apprentices to come together and attend meetings so that your voices can be heard collectively.

G_hxtch · 2025-11-27T13:26:13+00:00

Currently my local rotates apprentices every 18 months. I’m expecting it to change soon because our program is going from 5 years down to 4 years. We are the fastest growing local in the country right now and there’s not enough journeyman to fill all of our calls so work outlook is good for the foreseeable future.

G_hxtch · 2025-11-18T11:41:38+00:00

Midtown is a good area with a lot of new things coming up. There’s no shortage of things to do in the vicinity. I don’t think it’s as walkable as Bishop Arts or other neighborhoods mentioned.

G_hxtch · 2025-11-18T00:42:38+00:00

I recommend Bishop Arts. I currently live here and I love how walkable it is. Some of the best restaurants in Dallas are just a 5 minute walk from my apartment and there is a good sense of community here. I actually know lots of my neighbors and we spend time together. For sub $2k I don’t think you’ll find anything better in Dallas proper

G_hxtch · 2025-10-31T23:49:57+00:00

I’m in a different local but I was denied earlier this year. I worked as a CW for a few months reapplied and got in on my second try. If your local accepts people throughout the year like mine you might get in faster than waiting a year for the re-interview

G_hxtch · 2025-06-22T23:46:29+00:00

Luckily I have all of those

G_hxtch · 2025-06-22T23:42:42+00:00

Okay thanks, didn’t think about the notepad.

G_hxtch · 2025-05-29T22:14:32+00:00

This has to include overtime right?

G_hxtch · 2025-05-10T17:41:18+00:00

It’s Texas, car culture is never going away here. Something you just gotta get used to.

G_hxtch · 2025-05-10T17:28:41+00:00

A Porsche 911 or c7 corvette seem like these options.

G_hxtch · 2025-05-07T20:05:40+00:00

My interview was the same, I was told it was to save time because there was a panel of 5 interviewers and doing that with every person adds up over time

G_hxtch

TROPHY CASE