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  • The Best Super Mario Bros. Games: All 20 Ranked

    The Best Super Mario Bros. Games: All 20 Ranked

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    The Super Mario Bros. series is packed full of outstanding games, which means it’s time to take a look back at them and see which ones were the cream of the crop. Here’s our ranking of all the best Super Mario Bros. games.

    Note: Due to the expansive nature of the Super Mario Bros. series, spin-offs have been omitted from the rankings. This includes: Mario Party, Mario & Luigi, Mario Maker, and more.

    20. Super Mario Land

    Image Source: Nintendo

    Nintendo pulled off the impossible when they released Super Mario Land for the Game Boy. Many thought Mario’s gameplay was meant solely for home console releases.  Thanks to Gunpei Yokoi, creator of the Game Boy, and the rest of the team at Nintendo’s R&D1, Super Mario Land was a successful port of the traditional Mario gameplay.

    While the game didn’t do much to innovate Mario gameplay, it did introduce a fun alternative to traditional underwater levels by giving Mario access to a submarine capable of shooting missiles, transforming Mario into a side-scrolling shooter.

    19. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins

    super mario land 2
    Image Source: Nintendo

    The second installment of the Land series saw the introduction of Mario’s infamous rival, Wario.

    6 Golden Coins expanded on its predecessor with improved graphics, a save feature, and new power-ups. Unlike the original game, 6 Golden Coins added a significant amount of gameplay. Mario could now explore six new worlds in his quest to thwart Wario’s evil plan.

    18. New Super Mario Bros. Wii

    Image Source: Nintendo

    The Wii release of New Super Mario Bros. transplanted the agility of Mario’s DS foray and mixed it beautifully with cooperative gameplay. The resulting game, when played with three other friends, transforms the usual precision of a typical side-scrolling Mario game into a chaotic game of precision and teamwork.

    The biggest downside to the game is its difficulty – or lack of it. The game is pretty easy, even allowing players to “bubble” to safety at the tap of a button should they venture off a cliff or come dangerously close to an enemy Koopa.

    17. Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels

    super mario bros: the lost levels
    Image Source: Nintendo

    The official sequel to the original Super Mario Bros game didn’t come to the US for quite some time, due to Nintendo believing the game to be too difficult for American audiences.

    Fortunately, given the crazy success of Mario in general, they ultimately released this “Super Mario 2,” as The Lost Levels. Instead of walking you around the mechanics of the game, Lost Levels pushes you into the deep end right from world 1-1. This game is meant for people who’ve mastered the original game – the added challenge is nice, but can be discouraging for new players.

    16. New Super Mario Bros. 2

    new super mario bros 2
    Image Source: Nintendo

    New Super Mario Bros. 2 holds on to its “new” moniker, and actually means it. The focus of NSMB2 is coins. Lots of coins. The game motivates players to actually collect coins, by making it feel good to actually grab them. The key?  Shoving loads of coins in players faces, and giving players access to new power-ups, like the Golden Block, which continues to give Mario coins the faster he runs.

    This simple gameplay tweak introduces an interesting new dynamic: throw caution to the wind and collect tons of coins. However, racing towards the end of the level now comes with a risk – death. This gambling-esque gameplay tweak is fun and refreshing. But for all the coins the game manages to shove in players faces, it doesn’t do much to reward greedy players.

    15. New Super Mario Bros. (NDS)

    new super mario bros
    Image Source: Nintendo

    New Super Mario Bros. breathes a breath of fresh air into the traditional side-scrolling Mario experience. Mario retains his acrobatic abilities first introduced in Super Mario 64, and allows Mario to traverse a 2d landscape with style.

    Fun new power-ups like the Propellor Mushroom and the Giant Mushroom force players to approach levels in new ways. And of all the “New” Super Mario games, this original DS title has the most cohesive level design, by forcing players to navigate thoughtfully made worlds.

    14. New Super Mario Bros. U/New Super Luigi U

    new super luigi u
    Image Source: Nintendo

    New Super Mario Bros U iterates on the cooperative gameplay introduced in the Wii version of New Super Mario Bros, and expands on it by introducing a fifth player to the mix via use of the Wii U gamepad. This fifth player has the ability to draw platforms and stun enemies.

    New Super Luigi U ups the difficulty ten-fold, bringing a challenging new take on an otherwise easy game.

    13. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island

    super mario world 2
    Image Source: Nintendo

    Despite the confusing name and shift to a more action-oriented gameplay style, Yoshi’s Island features some of the most interesting level design in the series. There’s tons of collectibles and each level has many different routes. If you compare the levels of Yoshi’s Island to Mario World, it’s clear that the former’s levels are much longer and more explorative.

    Despite all the excellent level design and charm the game has going for it, there are some annoyances. The game manages to elevate player stress through its clever timer mechanic and crying Baby Mario. Should an enemy manage to land a hit on Yoshi, the little green dinosaur sheds Baby Mario from his back, and players are then forced to scramble their way back towards a crying Mario trapped in a floating bubble threatening to float away. We still hear that crying Mario in our dreams sometimes, and it’s one of the reasons this game isn’t higher than it is on the list.

    12. Super Mario Bros. 2

    Image Source: Nintendo

    This unofficial sequel to the original Super Mario Bros game was actually a completely different game to begin with. Before the Mario title was added to the cartridge, Super Mario Bros 2 was actually a game called Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic.

    The resulting game is classic Mario gameplay with an action-adventure twist. Not only does the game introduce a new cast of characters in addition to Mario, each with their own unique abilities, but it also allows players to go on the offensive by throwing items at enemies. The dream-like nature of the levels makes progression interesting and refreshing, ensuring players never grow weary of whatever challenge lies ahead.

    11. Super Mario Bros. Wonder

    super mario bros wonder cover key art
    Image Source: Nintendo

    The 10-year return of 2D Mario couldn’t have been better. Not only does Super Mario Wonder give Mario fans unique mechanics and gimmicks that surprise at every turn, but the game honors the series’ 30-year legacy with it’s familiar tight control scheme and classic roots. Super Mario Wonder feels like a modern-day Super Mario World; the secret exits, special world, and level design are prevelant in both games.

    What sets this title apart is the fresh ideas and concepts across every level. This tremendous variety between levels makes the 2D Platforming genre fresh and exciting again, just when it was starting to feel overdone with Mario Maker 2. The only things keeping Super Mario Wonder from the taking the top spots on this list are its easy difficulty and derivative boss battles.

    10. Super Mario 3D Land

    super mario 3d land
    Image Source: Nintendo

    One of the few rare games to actually make excellent use of the 3DS’ 3D capabilities, Super Mario 3D Land brings the excellent design of 3D Mario games and squishes them into bite-sized chunks perfect for any road trip.

    For those who aren’t big fans of New Super Mario’s gameplay, Super Mario 3D Land is intimate and puzzle-heavy. Perfect for player who want to feel invested in the portable world.

    9. Super Mario Bros.

    super mario bros
    Image Source: Nintendo

    The game that started a legacy, and provided the gaming industry the shot in the arm it needed to stay alive, Super Mario Bros is a definitive masterpiece.

    In terms of design and mechanics, Super Mario Bros reinforces player expectations through thoughtful, unobtrusive “teaching” moments disguised as challenges. Many platformers look to the source for inspiration, even newer Mario games, but few come close to capturing the feel of of loading into world 1-1 for the first time.

    8. Super Mario Sunshine

    super mario sunshine
    Image Source: Nintendo

    Mario’s shift to a higher polygon count came with a fresh new coat of paint – literally. Sunshine introduces a new twist to the standard Mario gameplay by giving Mario access to a new world to play around in and a new tool: F.L.U.D.D.

    This super-soaker backpack not only allows Mario to clean up the graffiti-drenched walls of the tropical Delfino Plaza, it also helps Mario traverse the land with new power-ups. Tired of walking from place to place? Slap on the jet, and race around the world at break-neck speeds. Having trouble with a distant platform? Switch nozzles to “hover,” and gracefully glide across the air.

    Despite all the new additions to Mario’s repertoire and world, Sunshine falls painfully short of Super Mario 64’s open-world design by forcing players to return to the main hub world after completing any objective, as opposed to SM64’s design that allowed players to freely float from objective to objective at their leisure.

    7. Super Mario 64

    super mario 64
    Image Source: Nintendo

    Mario’s first appearance on the N64 shook the gaming world to the core. The 2D franchise was successfully brought into the third dimension, and showcased what a Z-axis provided for video games as a whole.

    The brilliance of the game can be seen in the design of the Castle Courtyard seen shortly after Mario’s introduction. Players needed time to adjust to this added dimension of gameplay, and this courtyard served as a playground to see what new moves Mario picked up in the transition.

    But Super Mario 64’s appeal isn’t limited to a retrospective glance. Despite being an early 3D hodgepodge of clumpy polygons, SM64 holds up remarkably well thanks to brilliant world design and challenges. Each new world introduced in SM64 adds a new layer of expectations for players, testing their mettle against the rising challenges presented as you progress throughout the game. Good luck acquiring all 120 stars though…

    6. Super Mario 3D World

    super mario 3d world
    Image Source: Nintendo

    Super Mario 3D World is a culmination of the cooperative mechanics introduced in the New Super Mario Bros. console games, with the thoughtful level design of the 3D Mario games.

    3D World retains the charm of uncovering secrets strewn about the beautiful environments, while injecting a shot of stressful mania that comes about when one player decides to stray away and do things for themselves. Plus – cat suit power-ups!

    5. Super Mario Galaxy 2

    Image Source: Nintendo

    The original Super Mario Galaxy was the first to bring players to space. Galaxy 2 was the reason for keeping them there. After having time to toy with 3D level design, Galaxy 2 features some of the most inventive level design in any Mario game.

    But, the lack of any substantive hub world left the player rather lonely. Cohesion is an important part of tying all the levels together, and for Galaxy 2, it is sorely missed.

    4. Super Mario Galaxy

    super mario galaxy
    Image Source: Nintendo

    While Super Mario Sunshine shied away from the open level design of Super Mario 64, Galaxy retains it and brings it into the next logical representation of 3D space – space itself.

    Bringing Mario to space brought with it an ability to overhaul traditional Nintendo level-design. While Galaxy 2 has arguably better level design, the original Galaxy has the luxury of being the first to wow audiences with a novel with a novel world….er, space.

    3. Super Mario Odyssey

    Super Mario Odyssey Nintendo Switch
    Image Source: Nintendo

    Mario’s tremendous 3D streak reaches a climax with Super Mario Odyssey. This exemplifies the best in 3D platforming. Each stage is filled to the brim with creative challenges and fun collectibles. The hat transformations are a game-changer and completely freshen up the gameplay mechanics as if it were a different genre entierly at times.

    There are no less than 50 hat transformations in Super Mario Odyssey, from a ridiculous T-Rex dinosaur to the series classic, Bullet Bill. This game is challenging, has tremendous depth, and has consistent quality through every single level. It’s also one of the very best Mario games of all time, so do yourself a favor and play it.

    2. Super Mario Bros. 3

    super mario bros 3
    Image Source: Nintendo

    In 1988 players all around the world thought that game developers had maximized the potential of what the NES hardware. Then Super Mario Bros. 3 released.

    The world first gained a glimpse at the sequel to the beloved Mario Bros. franchise in the 80s film The Wizard, and what they glimpsed was a world of wonder and intrigue. SMB3 was completely different from the Mario games of the past. Sure – it still revolved around platforming, but now, Mario could bank power-ups, traverse floating airships, and utilize a wide variety of crazy new abilities that changed the fundamental nature of a Mario game.

    1. Super Mario World

    super mario world
    Image Source: Nintendo

    Super Mario World debuted on the Super Nintendo in 1991 cementing Nintendo’s position as the premier console of the early 90s. Many games since have attempted at recreating the precise platforming, genuine feel-good momentum, and inventive power-up design, but none have come close to this platforming powerhouse.

    Despite being a platformer, Super Mario World subverts the genre expectations by allowing players multiple ways of clearing new levels and old, thus incentivizing players to make their way back to previously completed locations. If you have yet to play this Mario masterpiece, you owe it to yourself to track down a copy.

    And that does it for our ranking of the best Super Mario Bros. games. Be sure to search for Twinfinite for more Mario-related content, including a list of the weirdest Mario games you might’ve missed, as well as our Super Mario Bros. Wonder review and related guides!

    About the author

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    Matthew Carmosino

    Matthew Carmosino is a freelance writer for Twinfinite. He started gaming in the mid-90s where his love for SquareSoft RPGs like Chrono Trigger changed him forever. Matthew has been working in the game industry for two years covering everything from story-rich RPGs to puzzle-platformers.
    Listening to piano music on a rainy day is his idea of a really good time, which probably explains his unnatural tolerance for level-grinding.

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    Matthew Carmosino

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  • Stretch of the Central California coast is about to be designated a marine sanctuary. What does that mean?

    Stretch of the Central California coast is about to be designated a marine sanctuary. What does that mean?

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    A stretch of land that is expected to be designated as a national marine sanctuary by next year would preserve more than 5,000 square miles of ocean off California’s Central Coast.

    It was the dream of a Native American tribal leader who died before he could see it come to fruition.

    The proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary is not yet finalized, and the public can submit comments on the draft proposal through Wednesday. The sanctuary would span 134 miles along the coast from Hazard Canyon Reef, south of Morro Bay, to just south of Dos Pueblos Canyon, which is home to one of the largest historical Chumash villages. The designation would protect a 5,617-square-mile area.

    The designation would prohibit dumping matter into the sanctuary, disturbing cultural resources, drilling or producing oil, gas or minerals, and disturbing the seabed, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

    The NOAA is hoping to finalize a sanctuary designation by next year, which would add to the agency’s marine sanctuary system that already includes “more than 620,000 square miles of marine and Great Lakes waters from Washington state to the Florida Keys,” according to its website. The network encompasses 15 national marine sanctuaries.

    President Biden has endorsed the proposal as part of his America the Beautiful Initiative, which includes a goal to restore and conserve 30% of U.S. waters and land by 2030.

    The proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary would also protect marine life and cultural and archaeological sites under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act. Regulations would be imposed to protect water quality, habitat and species. The sanctuary would also protect the ecological qualities of the area including marine mammals, birds, fish, sea turtles, algae and other organisms, as well as rocky reefs, kelp forests and beaches.

    Fred Harvey Collins, the chair of the Northern Chumash Tribal Council and an ardent advocate for the protection of sacred Northern Chumash lands, submitted the nomination for the creation of the sanctuary, with the support of Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) and Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.). He died on Oct. 1, 2021.

    NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries issued a notice of intent to begin the designation process for the sanctuary in November 2021.

    The draft management plan outlines a framework for Indigenous and tribal collaborative management, providing an opportunity to incorporate Indigenous people’s traditions, values and knowledge.

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    Summer Lin

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  • The Answer To The Housing Crisis Is More Housing

    The Answer To The Housing Crisis Is More Housing

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    After a long stretch of increases, in May 2023 rent prices dropped for the first time since Covid, according to the June 2023 Rent report by Rent.com. However, the U.S. housing market is still short 6.5 million homes, as reported by CNN. Data from Freddie Mac shows that not enough homes are being built to keep up with the number of new households that are forming.

    If rents have been rising until recently, and there is a dramatic housing shortfall, the question is: why are developers not building more housing? The answer is multi-faceted and must address both affordability and development factors.

    Among Americans, 61% say they cannot afford a home, as reported in A Dime Saved. Moreover, one in five believe they’ll never be able to secure a house for themselves. At the same time, developers often pursue housing projects when they can see clear opportunities. In places where conditions are favorable for building and there is a demand for housing, contractors may be more likely to create and sell properties. Simply put, building more homes could resolve shortages and even drive down rents.

    The following points can help shed light on why more housing is not being built, along with ways to create more opportunities for Americans to find homes at prices they can afford.

    Land and Building Conditions

    After years of development projects, it can be difficult for contractors to find a place to build in certain regions. Some municipalities might not have a large supply of land available for development. In other communities, there can be a case of NIMBY (“Not in My Backyard”), which reflects a sentiment among residents who oppose new structures. Cities may have density caps in place too. A floor-area ratio (FAR) cap exists in New York which allows residential buildings to be up to 12 times the size of their lot.

    Developers typically ask questions regarding regulations before moving forward with a project. While zoning may be necessary in some places, if it is less constrictive, it could be an incentive for new projects. For instance, investors might find places like Houston, Texas, to have fewer restrictions on height and density.

    Financing Factors

    Historically, development has always been viewed as one of the most speculative types of financing. Today, with the recent bank failures and the resulting increased pressure on lenders, issuing loans for construction could carry even more risk. Lenders may prefer to grant financing options to existing apartment buildings, especially those that are already cash flowing.

    Higher interest rates can play a role too. Developers who are interested in projects such as building rental housing and selling the finished product will be calculating the sale price that they’ll be able to get on the market. With rising interest rates and cap rates, along with investors seeking higher returns, the value of the completed project is being pushed down. Until there’s a reduction in land prices, it could be difficult to justify building, especially if developers feel there’s not enough of a margin to complete the project and resell it.

    Tax Incentives

    Developers may shy away from projects if there are not favorable tax advantages offered. In New York, for instance, there was a 421-a tax abatement which expired in 2022. This program gave developers a 35-year tax abatement in exchange for providing 25% to 30% of the units at affordable rents. After the program expired, developers were less likely to take the risk and build projects knowing that upon completion, they’ll be fully taxed.

    In June 2023, a senate bill in Florida was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis which provides ample opportunities for developers in the state. The bill invests $711 million for housing projects and programs throughout Florida. It provides multifamily developers and owners with access to property tax exemptions and tax credits.

    Incentives like this tend to drive up construction. If developers are able to include tax relief in their business plan, it can spur them on to create housing options for a community’s residents. Thus, local governments that provide tax abatements and incentives could attract a new stream of construction projects.

    Rent Regulations

    In some states like New York, California, Oregon, and Minnesota, there are limits in place regarding how much rent can be raised on a property. If rates are capped, there can be downward pressure on the pricing of the finished product. When developers believe they won’t be able to create units that accommodate market rate increases, it can chill their appetite to build.

    However, when rent regulation is removed, it can help level the playing field and lower rents across the board. In Boston, after the rent control was lifted, the single greatest housing and development boom in the history of the city occurred. Rather than increase rents as feared, the new construction actually led to a decline in housing prices.

    Transit-Oriented Opportunities

    In New York, the Regional Plan Association is working to promote the construction of new homes near transit stations, in an effort to ultimately make housing affordable and stable. The concept includes taking under-utilized parking lots and building properties that are adjacent to major infrastructure and transportation.

    In areas where more people are using ride share services, walking, biking, or working remotely, there may be less need for large parking spaces. These spots could be converted into housing for residents who want to be near access to amenities and public transportation. Developers could take advantage of the building projects to provide healthier, sustainable options for communities.

    Without a doubt, in some places a housing crisis is underway. In New York City, for example, Mayor Eric Adams has stated that there is a need for 500,000 new units. Moreover, the Real Estate Board of New York calls for 530,000 units by 2030.

    While there is certainly a demand for affordable options, there is also interest in market rate housing. As such, the answer to the housing crisis could be more housing at all different affordability levels. The more housing you have, the more it can level the playing field and lower rents across the board.

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    James Nelson, Contributor

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  • Northbrook Wynyard Quarter to be city’s 1st vertical retirement village: $750m plans, $13.75m penthouses – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

    Northbrook Wynyard Quarter to be city’s 1st vertical retirement village: $750m plans, $13.75m penthouses – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

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    Julian Cook and Chris Meehan inside the new $4m showroom on Beaumont St. Photo / Dean Purcell

    NZX-listed Winton Land has a $750 million scheme for Auckland CBD’s first vertical retirement village and to redevelop part of Wynyard Quarter’s waterfront edge, refurbishing and rebuilding a 1.7ha site.

    Units up for grabs include

    Original Author Link click here to read complete story..

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    MMP News Author

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  • Investment Decisions In Today’s Development Market

    Investment Decisions In Today’s Development Market

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    Investors looking at development opportunities may face obstacles this year as speculation about a recession looms and interest rates rise. The market uncertainty and shifting demand could cause extensive delays or abandoned developments. Property developers, who are the parties that oversee the project, will need to make tough decisions ahead.

    If you’re thinking about investing in a development project, there can be higher returns, but a lot more risk too. In this article of the series, “Making Investing Decisions in Today’s Real Estate Market,” we’ll go over some of the factors that need to be weighed as you consider development investments. (See the first, second, third, and fourth articles of the series.) Keep these in mind as you peruse land for sale.

    Look at entitlement requirements: Getting entitlement refers to the legal process you’ll need to go through to obtain a city’s approval for your project. Some places, such as New York City, grant a right of development which allows you to build without seeking entitlements. Still, there could be a variety of issues and complications that arise. You might face restrictions in historic districts or neighborhoods near transportation infrastructure, which could ultimately make it difficult to build. Bring in zoning and transactional counsel when going through the approval process. To avoid risk, you might look for projects that are already fully entitled.

    Be aware of environmental issues: Is it possible to build on the land you buy, based on the soil’s consistency? Will your project interfere with environmental codes in the region? You’ll need a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment, which will research the history of the project. If there is reason to believe that contamination is possible, you may need a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment. This step involves soil samples. Gather good counsel for this, as making a clean environmental report (or at least capping the exposure) will be essential in a contract.

    Recognize capital for development is key: Even if you create a timeline for your business plan, delays for approvals and supplies could lead to long wait periods. Unexpected costs might increase your forecasted financial needs. If you are not properly capitalized, and you borrow money or commit to paying returns to a group of investors, it could drain the cash flow of the project.

    That said, some savvy investors do look to get sites tied up, meaning they put soft deposits on contracts that are contingent on approvals. If you’re able to do this, and you’re willing to speculate the cost to get entitlements and approvals, that could be a way to come out ahead. You might sell or flip the contract to get a return. (However, remember there is no guarantee in this space!)

    Know that lenders will be careful: Getting financing can be especially tough in today’s market. Lenders tend to be very cautious about the riskiest types of real estate investing, meaning they will often only look to provide construction financing for the most experienced and credited developers. Oftentimes, the construction loans require personal guarantees. For a private individual, this could be catastrophic if the project falls through. It’s essential to consult your attorney before moving forward. Also check with a mortgage broker to understand the realities of financing in today’s market.

    Ask about incentives for development: If your city or state offers assistance for projects, it can open doors to opportunities and ease the cost burden. In some markets, these perks are virtually a requirement to get started. For instance, with the current land prices in New York City, it can be tough to make the numbers work for rental development without a tax abatement. Other municipalities might have pilot programs or incentives based on your project’s plan to support public infrastructure.

    In certain pro development markets, such as Houston, it could be easier to build. However, that also creates a chance for a neighboring developer to step in and compete with your project. Oftentimes it’s helpful if there’s income in place, such as from a parking operator or short-term retail tenants. In these cases, make sure the leases are all cancellable so they don’t hold up your development.

    Finally, remember that when you’re investing in a development project, it’s not a question of where the market is today. You’ll want to be looking two to three years down the road, when the project is ready to bring to market. It can be difficult to predict the future, but if you’re in a supplied constrained market and you deliver the right product at the right time, it can lead to a very successful project.

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    James Nelson, Contributor

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  • Austin Pets Alive! | Austin, We Need You

    Austin Pets Alive! | Austin, We Need You

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    Jun 04, 2021

    If you’ve lived in Austin for more than a year, you might be wondering how we are doing over here at the Town Lake Animal Center with all this rain. Historically, our little 70 year old facility floods when we get these crazy Texas torrential downpours. This happens because the land around our buildings is higher than the kennel buildings that have sunk just a little every decade into the ground. Over the past decade of our inhabiting this facility, we have flooded many times in both minor and major ways. We have worked hard to prevent this issue year after year, and in the past 12 months we have made even more improvements to correct the problem. That is why you haven’t heard from us these past weeks — our drains are actually working better than ever! This has only been possible because of the generosity of donors and the City of Austin Water and Watershed Protection Departments.

    But even with these improvements, our drains are still 70 years old, and there is only so much they can take.

    What is happening right now with the weather is very much like what we experienced in 2015 right before the Memorial Day Flood. It rained for many days straight and the land was completely saturated. By the time the big downpour happened on Memorial Day, the only thing water could do was travel as runoff. While we were nowhere near the hardest hit, our kennels and buildings flooded and we had to do an emergency evacuation of our pets.

    We are hopeful that the rain predicted over the next week stays light, but because it would be foolish to bet against Mother Nature, we are preparing for the worst.

    Right now, we need your help to move our dogs to fosters and adopters as fast as possible in an effort to decrease the number of kennels being used. That way any dogs still left at the shelter can be moved to dry kennels, as some kennels may flood before others.

    If you are interested in fostering a dog and giving them a dry place to stay out of the rain, please email [email protected] to be connected to the Austin Pets Alive! Dog Foster Team.

    If you cannot foster or adopt a pet in need at this time, consider making a donation to support APA!’s future life saving efforts. You can also spread the word to your networks by sharing this blog or this Facebook post.

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  • Bid4Assets.com to Host Los Angeles County’s Largest-Ever Online Tax-Defaulted Property Auction

    Bid4Assets.com to Host Los Angeles County’s Largest-Ever Online Tax-Defaulted Property Auction

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    Sale will open Aug. 4 with over 1,000 properties starting at $1,426

    Press Release
    –


    updated: Jul 27, 2018


    LOS ANGELES, July 27, 2018 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Bid4Assets.com will host Los Angeles County’s tax-defaulted properties sale, auctioning 1,011 tax-defaulted properties online this August 2018. The online auction will include a mix of vacant lots, including land zoned residential, commercial and acreage. All properties will open at a low starting bid of $1,426, except for three items with multiple parcels sold in blocks. No reserve price will be set, so the properties will sell to the highest bidder, regardless of price.

    Following an annual in-person tax-defaulted property auction in October 2017 and follow-up online auction in December 2017, Los Angeles County is once again hosting an online sale through auction website Bid4Assets.com. The August 2018 online sale will expose properties to a wider range of buyers in order to return more distressed properties to the tax rolls. Funds generated support essential county services, which can face shortfalls when taxes go unpaid.

    “We’re honored to serve Los Angeles County in conducting their public auction for tax-defaulted properties,” says Jesse Loomis, CEO of Bid4Assets. “The hope is always that the auction will prompt property owners to pay their taxes and redeem the properties. When that doesn’t happen, we auction the property and find a new buyer. If there aren’t enough bidders in the local market, we bring a database of hundreds of thousands of nationwide real estate bidders to the auction.”

    Auctions will open Aug. 4 at 6 p.m. ET (3 p.m. PT) and begin closing at staggered times between 11 a.m. ET (8 a.m. PT) and 5:50 p.m. ET (2:50 p.m. PT) on Aug. 7. A free Bid4Assets account is required to participate in the sale. Bidders must submit a $5,035 deposit to qualify for bidding. Deposits are due by July 31. You can view a list of properties available in the sale at www.bid4assets.com/losangeles.

    About Bid4Assets

    Bid4Assets (http://www.bid4assets.com) is an online auction site based in Silver Spring, Maryland. The privately held company auctions distressed real estate for the federal government, county tax-collectors, financial institutions and real estate funds. Bid4Assets is particularly active with county governments in California, where it has conducted tax-defaulted property sales for the counties of Monterey, Humboldt, Yolo, Napa, Riverside, San Francisco, Imperial, San Diego, Siskiyou, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, Santa Cruz and Los Angeles, to name a few. Since its inception in 1999, the company has sold more than 100,000 properties nationwide and grossed over a billion dollars in sales.

    Media Contact:

    Sean McLaughlin
    Bid4Assets Marketing Manager
    301-562-3427
    sean@bid4assets.com

    Source: Bid4Assets Inc.

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