I bought two laundromats over the last year and I have learned so much after diving into the business headfirst. I am not an expert on laundromats but I have learned enough to point out some of the pros and cons for someone thinking about geting into the business. I bought one of the laundromats with the real estate and the other I am leasing. There are pros and cons to both of those structures as well. I love the business and people can make a lot of money but it is not as easy as it may appear.
Why did I want to get into the laundromat business?
My main career is real estate. I own commercial, multifamily, and single-family rentals. I flip houses and I also own a real estate brokerage and have an online presence with this blog and social media. I have a successful YouTube channel and love doing different things. I have always wanted a brick-and-mortar business to go along with my real estate and online businesses. In 2022 I bought a building that came with a liquor store and a mini-mart. That has been a fantastic experience and I loved every inch of it. I also bought a bar in 2022 which was a horrible experience I never want to experience again!
Being in the online real estate niche I have met many interesting investors and business people including Brandon from Investment Joy who owns laundromats. I loved watching him collect quarters and it appeared his laundromats had done very well. I decided that would be a business I wanted to get into at some point even before I bought the liquor store. I even tried to turn one of the bars I bought into a laundromat without any success. Then I ended up buying an 8 plex with coin-op laundry and I realized how much I love collecting quarters.
I knew I wanted a laundromat but I was not sure how to get one because starting a laundromat is so difficult and I had never seen one for sale in my area before.
How to get started investing in real estate
Why did my first attempts at starting a laundromat fail?
Since I could not find any laundromats for sale I tried to start one from scratch. I had bought a building in a small town that used to be a bar but the bar shut down during covid. I was thinking of opening it back up as a bar again but that did not go as planned. There were no laundromats in this town or any of the other towns within 10 miles so I thought the area would work well.
I will be the first to tell you I was naive and in way over my head. I did not realize how hard it would be to start a laundromat from scratch. Here are some of the issues I ran into.
The city wanted me to bring 2 shares of water to get a laundromat approved in my building. I am in Northern Colorado and that would have cost me $70k for each share if I could find them.
To buy all new equipment (for a fairly small building) was going to cost me more than $200,000. Commercial washers and dryers are expensive and most companies offer financing for that reason.
Not only did I need new equipment but I needed to upgrade the electrical, gas, and plumbing. Many of the big washers require 3-phase electricity.
To run big machines you usually need a concrete slab to handle the weight and torque they produce. My building had wood floors with a crawl space.
After looking at the numbers, I knew there was no way this laundromat was ever going to make money if I financed all of the equipment and repairs. It was going to cost me close to $500k to start this laundromat in a building I already owned and it was not going to be very big. I thought I was being clever starting a laundromat and could not figure out why no one else had done it yet. I realized there was a reason very few people start new laundromats!
How did I find a laundromat for sale?
I put my dreams on hold for a while but as I was still very active in the real estate world. I post videos of all of my deals on my YouTube channel including my effort to start a laundromat that did not work.
Because of my videos, someone reached on on YouTube and said their family might have a laundromat for sale soon. This was a very small laundromat with a very small car wash in a small town but it was better than nothing. I talked to the person who said it might be for sale but we could not get a deal done. They wanted to trade a house for the property and I did not have anything they wanted.
Then about 6 months later, they reached back out and said they really wanted to sell now. It took months but eventually, we made a deal I was able to buy an existing building with a laundromat, a small apartment, a 2-bay car wash, and a 600 sqft shop. I paid $310,000 for everything which is not bad considering I am in Colorado where real estate is very expensive.
This laundromat had only top-loading washers and very old dryers but it has taught me a ton about the business. I am working on getting better machines for it now which is not easy to do!
What have I learned from my first laundromat?
There were many things I did not know about owning a laundromat before I bought it. I tend to jump into things before I know everything which can be good and bad. The previous owners gave me almost no information on the utilities, income, or the property at all. However, I knew the apartment, shop, and space where the laundromat was were worth what I paid even if the laundromat was not there.
Here are some key points I have learned so far. I will be totally honest and admit the business is not making money yet but I think it will eventually.
Finding big machines is very hard! I thought it would be easy to find some of the bigger machines the other YouTube laundromat guys mention are their big money makers and it is not. The big companies with new or used machines will not even return my calls or emails because I am so small. I have found some bigger machines but I had to search far and wide for used machines from individuals in my state.
Finding people to work on the machines is hard! I have called every appliance person I know in the area and most of them don’t work on appliances anymore and those that do won’t work on laundromats. I have found some people but they are pretty far away, charge me trip fees, and take their time. I found that most laundromat owners work on the machines themselves.
The big machines are not a simple installation. I have a couple of larger machines but they need a concrete pad, 3 phase-electric, and someone who knows what they are doing. I am not sure my small laundromat will ever be able to use the big machines because it also has a wood floor with a crawl space.
Finding parts to repair machines is hard! After finding some people who can work on the machines I ordered parts or tried to order parts for some of the broken machines I have. I actually took over a second laundromat with bigger machines and some of the parts needed are not being manufactured and are out of stock everywhere.
Used machines are so much cheaper than new ones. While it is hard to find used equipment it does come up for sale occasionally. Some companies and people will tell you, you must have all new but I have found others who swear by used equipment. Instead of spending $200k you could spend $40k for the same machines but realize you may need to repair the older machines more often.
Conclusion
It took me a long time to find a laundromat, to learn the ins and outs, and to network with people in the industry. However, it has been a ton of fun and I have just scratched the surface of the industry. I plan to improve my laundromats and document everything I learn along the way. I took over the lease on a newer bigger laundromat this summer as well and I can’t wait to see how it does when we open. I found that laundromat through networking and people knowing I was looking for machines from my YouTube videos.
The moving average is a tool that can help investors decide whether and when to buy or sell a stock. It presents a smoothed-out picture of where a stock’s price has been in the past and where it’s trending now. Investors may compute moving averages over a variety of time frames, and they are useful to both long-term and short-term investors.
What Is a Moving Average?
A moving average is a metric often used in technical analysis. For a stock, it’s a constantly updated average price.
Unlike trying to track a stock price day-to-day, a moving average smooths price volatility and is an indicator of the current direction a price is headed. A moving average reflects past prices — usually a stock’s closing price — so it’s not a predictor of future direction, just what’s happening now or in the past.
You can compute moving averages using almost any time frame. Common time frames include 20-day, 30-day, 50-day, 100-day and 200-day moving averages.
While a moving average is useful on its own when analyzing different types of investments, it also forms the basis of other types of technical indicators, such as the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) and the McClellan Oscillator. 💡 Quick Tip: If you’re opening a brokerage account for the first time, consider starting with an amount of money you’re prepared to lose. Investing always includes the risk of loss, and until you’ve gained some experience, it’s probably wise to start small.
Types of Moving Averages
There are three common types of moving averages that investors might consider when deciding when to buy or sell a stock:
Simple Moving Average:
As the name states, this is the simplest type of moving average. You can calculate the simple moving average by finding the arithmetic mean of a set of data points. For instance, if you had an average daily price for a stock each day for the last 30 days, you would add them all together and divide by the number of days.
The Simple Moving Average (SMA) formula is as follows:
P = Price on a given date
n = The time period
Example: Suppose you were trying to find the simple moving average of a stock price over 10 days.
A weighted moving average (WMA) gives more weight to certain price prices. If you overweight recent prices, for example, the measure becomes more responsive to recent price moves and less prone to the lag effect.
Exponential Moving Average:
An exponential moving average is a type of weighted moving average that calculates changes in a price cumulatively, rather than based on previous average. That means that all previous data values impact the EMA, since there is less variation over time.
Why Would an Investor Use a Moving Average?
Using a moving average to analyze a stock can help you filter out the “noise” that comes from random price fluctuations. By looking at the direction of the moving average, you can get a sense of whether the price is generally moving up or generally moving down. If a moving average is moving sideways (neither up nor down), the price is probably sticking within a window and not fluctuating much.
A moving average is sometimes plotted as a line by itself on a price chart to illustrate price trends. And different moving average lines can be used in tandem to spot changes in direction. For instance, an investor might be looking at a faster moving average (one with a shorter period, such as 10 days) versus a slower moving average (one with a longer period, such as 200 days). When these lines cross each other, it’s called a moving-average crossover, and can indicate that the trend is changing or is about to change.
Moving averages can also indicate support or resistance levels. Support levels are a price level where a downward trending line would be predicted to pause, due to demand or buying interest. A resistance level is a price ceiling where an upward trending line would be expected to plateau due to selling interest. Over time, watching moving averages can help investors identify these levels of support and resistance, and use them to make buy/sell decisions. 💡 Quick Tip: How to manage potential risk factors in a self-directed investment account? Doing your research and employing strategies like dollar-cost averaging and diversification may help mitigate financial risk when trading stocks.
Pros of Using a Moving Average
A moving average offers several benefits to investors.
It smooths the data.
Day-to-day price swings can be confusing to track, and make it difficult to determine a stock’s direction. A moving average smooths out volatility, giving you a better look at how a stock is trending.
It’s a simple gauge.
As an analytical tool, a simple moving average is easy to interpret. If a stock’s current price is higher than an upward trending moving average line, the stock is headed up in the short-term. If a stock’s price is lower than a downward trending moving average line, the stock is headed down in the short-term.
Easy to calculate.
A moving average is a relatively easy metric, so the average investor can calculate it on their own.
Cons of Using a Moving Average
It’s important to keep the drawbacks of moving averages in mind when using them to determine whether to buy shares of a company.
They’re not predictive.
As with all investments, past performance is not an indicator of future performance, so a moving average — no matter which type you use — can’t tell you what a stock will do next.
There’s a lag.
The longer the period your moving average covers, the greater your lag — meaning how responsive your moving average is to price changes. A 10-day exponential moving average, for instance, will react quickly to price turns, while a 200-day moving average is more sluggish and slower to react to changes.
There’s trouble with price turbulence.
If prices are trending in one direction or another, a moving average may be a helpful metric. But if prices are choppy or volatile, the moving average becomes less useful, since it will swing along with the price. Allowing for a lengthier time frame may resolve this issue, but it can still occur.
Simple moving averages weigh all prices equally. This can be a disadvantage if a stock’s price has taken a significant but recent shift.
Weighted moving averages may send false signals.
Since WMAs put more weight on more recent data, they’re faster to react to price swings, which can occasionally be misleading.
The Takeaway
Moving averages are just one metric you can use to evaluate a stock. They can help quiet the noise of price fluctuations and show you what a stock is doing over time. That said, in some environments or with specific price patterns, moving averages may lag or send a misleading signal.
With that in mind, knowing what a moving average is can be helpful when learning how to size-up potential investments. It’s critical to consider the pros and cons, of course, but moving averages can be another tool in an investor’s tool chest.
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Real estate investment trust Rithm Capital Corp has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Computershare Mortgage Services Inc. for about $720 million, the companies announced Monday. The deal includes the purchase of Specialized Loan Servicing LLC.
The deal represents the second major acquisition that New York-based Rithm, which operates NewRez, Caliberand other businesses, has announced in the past three months. In July, the company struck a deal to acquire Sculptor Capital Management Inc. for $639 million, leading to a dispute among the shareholders at the asset management firm.
Rithm’s deal with Computershare will add a mortgage servicing rights (MSR) portfolio of about $136 billion in unpaid principal balance (UPB) to the company. It includes $85 billion in third-party servicing and the Specialized Loan Servicing’s MSR portfolio.
“Our track record of acquisitions in the mortgage servicing space continues to deliver value not only for our shareholders but also for the millions of consumers we serve,” Michael Nierenberg, chairman, CEO and president of Rithm Capital, said in a statement.
Rithm expects to conclude the acquisition in the first half of 2024.
Following the deal’s closing, Specialized Loan Servicing portfolio and operations will be under Newrez, the 8th largest U.S. mortgage lender in the first six months of 2023, with a production of $17 billion in loans, per Inside Mortgage Finance data.
Newrez was also the fifth largest company in owned mortgage servicing in the second quarter, with a $540 billion MSR portfolio. Computershare Loan Services was No. 36, with $53 billion in total, according to the IMF data.
Rithm intends to use a mix of existing cash, available liquidity on the balance sheet and additional MSR financing to close the Computershare deal.
Rithm had 1.8 billion of total cash and liquidity to support its acquisitions at the end of the second quarter. From April to June, Rithm delivered a $357.4 million GAAP net income — higher than the $68.9 million the prior quarter.
So far this year, the company has also invested $145 million to purchase $1.4 billion of consumer loans from Goldman Sachs and purchased 371 newly built single-family rental properties from Lennar.
Inside: Looking for the best travel essentials? Look no further! This guide has everything you need to pack for a trip.
There’s no feeling quite like the thrill of embarking on a new adventure, and with these top-notch travel essentials, your journey is set to be an absolute blast!
These travel essentials play a crucial role in not just enhancing your travel experience but also in keeping your trip organized, efficient, and absolutely “funner”!
Prepare to soar into hassle-free travel filled with joy, convenience, and unforgettable moments.
Many of my readers diligently save for their vacation and sometimes forget the small details like – travel essentials.
Traveling can transform from a stressful ordeal into an exciting escapade when armed with these must-haves that smart travelers swear by.
So, buckle up for an exhilarating journey ahead, knowing you’re perfectly prepared to take on the world. Let the adventures begin!
What are Travel Essentials?
Getting back to travel? Isn’t it just lovely!
Well, travel essentials are your new best friend! Waves of seasoned globetrotters have prepared this special guide for your benefit.
These items qualify as essentials because they streamline the packing process, afford comfort while traveling, and add a dash of fun to your adventures.
Also, there are so many cool gadgets available now that make traveling seamless.
What things are essential for Travelling?
Before you head off on the trip of your dreams, pack the right travel essentials to maximize your fun!
Meds: Don’t forget your prescriptions and common medicines for allergies or pain. Remember, health first!
Travel Insurance: Give yourself peace of mind by buying travel insurance – especially if you are traveling internationally.
Travel Credit Card: Credit cards are a simple way to pay when traveling. Make sure you have no foreign transaction fees!
Document Copies: Keep digital copies of essential documents to minimize panic and ensure quick verification in case of loss. And share this with someone in case you lose your phone!
Joyous journeys come from well-prepared travelers!
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What are 3 items to take on vacation?
Embrace the exhilarating aura of preparing for your much-awaited vacation!
Tuning into your needs and wants as a traveler, three crucial items stand out as top priority:
Anti-Theft Bag: This is an ideal travel companion – it comes with built-in security features that keep your belongings secure, reducing the risk of theft during your travels. With advancements in fashion, you can now find stylish options with exceptional functionality, making them perfect for vacations where style and security are priorities.
eReader: like the Kindle Paperwhite, makes the perfect vacation companion as it combines the portability and weightlessness of a single book while providing the capacity to store thousands of novels for entertainment. Moreover, its adjustable light settings and long battery life facilitate reading during transit, whether it’s mid-flight or at night, without disturbing others – a luxury traditional books can’t offer.
Tech Organizer Case: ensures all essential tech accessories like cables, adapters, and devices are neatly organized and easily accessible. This not only eliminates the hassle of rummaging through your bag for a tangled cord but also helps to maximize the efficient use of space within the bag.
Remember, the key is to pack smart and embrace savvy travel essentials that optimize comfort and convenience!
Best Travel Essentials Everyone Wants
Planning for a trip often entails the excitement-charged task of selecting the right essentials to pack.
This section highlights the best travel essentials that everyone craves, from the appropriate attire to tech gadgets, that go a long way in enhancing convenience during your journey.
These items, carefully curated by experienced travelers, promise to make every trip, whether short or long, a hassle-free experience.
1. Apple AirTags
Get ready for your next adventure with a travel essential that’s as smart as it is useful – the Apple AirTag.
This tiny gadget can make your trips stress-free by preventing the harrowing instances of lost luggage.
As a modern-day traveler, you’ll love the security it brings to your journeys. Simply sync the AirTag with your ‘Find My map’ and place it in your luggage to keep track of your belongings from point A to point B.
Lost luggage is increasingly common, but with an Apple AirTag, you’re covered.
Don’t forget these handy AirTag holders!
2. Travel Backpack
A travel backpack is your next must-have travel essential!
It’s an easy and convenient way to keep all your essentials – think wallet, phone, keys, passport – in one place, and with some even featuring a built-in USB port, you’ll never run out of battery on the move.
Its versatility and functionality, such as several compartments for organization and a separate section for shoes, are just unbeatable. Seriously, these travel backpacks are way cooler than your backpack from high school!
3. Luggage Scale
Traveling soon? Don’t even think about neglecting the trusty luggage scale!
This small but mighty tool, loved by frequent travelers like us, is your ticket to a stress-free journey.
With this compact gadget, say goodbye to dreaded overweight baggage fees.
Pack it in your carry-on for on-the-go convenience and weigh it with precision every time. One of my best gifts ever!
4. Anti-Theft Bag
An Anti-Theft Bag offers peace of mind when traveling, with built-in safety features deterring theft. These bags aren’t just secure but also fashionable, which is perfect!
The locking zippers act as a deterrent against potential theft as they add an additional barrier of protection.
Moreover, the incorporation of RFID blocking technology in these bags ensures your valuable information stays protected. This technology prevents identity theft by safeguarding any object with an RFID chip, such as passports issued after 2006 and credit/debit cards, from being read through your bag.
While traditionally, anti-theft bags have been seen as lacking in style, new versions of these bags are coming up in several fashionable options. As stated, they are now available in various colors like navy, charcoal, merlot, and blush apart from the usual black.
5. Underwater Action Camera
As a travel essentials superstar, the Underwater Action Camera ensures you never miss capturing a thrilling aquatic adventure. Turning ordinary snapshots into extraordinary keepsakes, this camera becomes a must-have for wanderlust souls.
Remarkably sealed, this camera captures stunning photos even from underwater.
Perfect for beachy holidays, and even more beneficial for snorkelers and swimmers.
Get for a tech-free vacation!
Pro tip: Master using this camera during daylight for better results.
6. Bluetooth Earbud Transmitter – Perfect to Use Your Airpods Pro
Head off on your next adventure armed with the Twelve South Bluetooth Audio Transmitter. This coveted travel essential turns your flight into a personal cinema!
Its superb features include high-quality sound transmission, pairing capabilities with airplane TVs, and functioning as a headphone splitter.
Ideal for tech-savvy travelers and those who love using their own headphones.
7. External Portable Charger
Don’t forget your portable charger – it’s a true travel hero! Imagine never running out of battery while navigating unfamiliar territories or capturing memorable moments.
This external power bank ensures your devices always stay juiced up.
Lightweight and compact size
Fast-charging capability
Can charge multiple devices at once.
Expert tip: Choose a charger that can power your device type at least 4x from zero battery.
8. Lightweight Luggage
Investing in lightweight luggage helps travelers avoid excessive baggage fees.
This is what we did over ten years ago and I can truly say we have saved thousands of dollars.
Look for luggage that weighs less than ten pounds. With most airlines capping luggage weight between 40-50 pounds that gives you 30-40 pounds of your stuff that you can pack.
While it is an upfront investment in new luggage, you will significantly reduce the risk of incurring additional fees.
9. Travel Wallet
This is something I picked up right before my last flight (teal of course)! I loved it because it was lightweight and compact size for easy carrying. Even in my yoga pant pocket!
Heald exactly what I needed with organized compartments for ID, cash, and credit cards
Sleek design that suits any style
RFID protection to keep your information safe
Travel wallets are perfect for minimalist travelers who love simplicity and security.
Learn how much cash can you fly with. It is more than your travel wallet!
10. Passport Holder
A passport holder: the travel essential you never knew you needed.
It’s the perfect companion for safeguarding your most priceless travel accessory – your passport.
Super convenient, passport holders come equipped with slots for important IDs, boarding passes, and even stashed currency.
The RFiD-blocking feature ensures your personal details remain secure from potential scams.
If you are traveling internationally, then this is something you want to seriously consider.
11. Tech Organizer Case
It’s a must-have to neatly stash all your tech essentials. Never be frazzled by tangled cords or lost chargers again.
The Tech Organizer Case, like the top pick FYY Electronic Organizer, is your ultimate travel buddy ensuring a clutter-free trip.
Ample space for multiple chargers, durable, and easy-to-use zippered compartments.
Be the organized traveler everyone envies!
12. Portable Door Lock
You mustn’t miss out on the Portable Door Lock when packing your travel essentials! This compact lock adds top-notch security and peace of mind to your trips.
Portable door locks are hot on the list of travel essentials because of their simplicity – easy to use, install, and pack in your luggage.
Best for solo travelers and Airbnb guests, this device prevents unexpected entrance even with a key.
Pro tip: Always test the lock right after installation for foolproof safety.
13. Carry-On Rolling Luggage
With precise packing, it is feasible to fit everything you need into this one carry-on, thereby ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Picking the best carry-on rolling luggage for your needs requires careful consideration. Rolling luggage with 4-wheels can be ideal as it takes the weight off your wrist and can be rolled effortlessly by your side.
Spacious enough to accommodate all your travel essentials like laptop, shoes, etc.
Opt for brands that offer a good warranty to ensure the durability of your luggage.
If your travel involves different types of terrain or switching from airports to cobblestones, you might want to consider a wheeled backpack which can be rolled or carried as needed. Lastly, always ensure that your chosen luggage is lightweight, versatile, and
These suitcases not only provide convenience due to their mobility but also allow the freedom to avoid checked luggage.
14. Toiletry Bag
Toiletry bags have become an essential part of smart packing for travel.
Hanging toiletry bags, like the Bagsmart option, represent a game changer, contributing significantly to an organized, convenient, and hassle-free travel experience.
Pick one that has the ability to accommodate a week’s worth of travel-size toiletries.
15. Travel Duffel Bag
Whether it’s a long adventure or a weekend getaway, a travel duffel bag is incredibly useful.
It holds your essentials—clothes, tech gadgets, toiletry bag, keys, phone—safely and conveniently.
Remember the thrill of keeping all your belongings organized? You get that with the multiple compartments.
Also, let’s not forget about that separate section for shoe storage—talk about clutch!
Best feature? Some come with a built-in USB port to ensure your devices are always charged.
Expert tip: Look for a bag that’s airline-compliant, lightweight, and durable.
16. Travel Pillow
Ready for your next adventure? Don’t forget your travel pillow – it’s your key to ultimate comfort!
Many popular Travel Pillows offer tailor-made support for your head and neck, especially on those long-haul flights. It’s lightweight and packs easily, meaning less hassle for you.
Best for those who value a peaceful in-flight snooze, this game-changing essential comes with a memory-foam wall offering unmatched comfort.
Pro Tip: Pair it with the EverSnug travel blanket, It doesn’t just keep you cozy but doubles as a compact cushion too! Now, that’s travel made comfy and convenient!
17. Sunglasses Case
Off to a sun-soaked adventure, you need a nifty sunglasses case! It’s a must-have to safeguard your shades from damage while in transit.
Perfect for those eyeing to pack multiple pairs of sunglasses, you’d love this.
Expert tip – Choose a case that securely holds your glasses snugly, ensuring no damage takes place during the journey.
18. Contact Lens Case Kit
After my last late night flight, I was determined to find a better system for my contact. Enter the Contact Lens Case Kit.
Perfect for maintaining your vision care away from home, this kit boasts a mirror, mini solution bottle for your contacts, lens case, tweezer, and remover tool.
You can also get a contact lens and glasses case combo travel kit!
This handy, compact kit is an asset to anyone wearing contacts. Not only will it make your travel simpler, but it’s also affordable, priced under $10.
19. Reusable Water Bottle
Set off on your travels with the ultimate companion, a reusable water bottle!
Refill at any airport water fountain and save on plastic and expenditure – a savvy choice for our planet and wallet!
Plus this is a frugal green item with less plastic waste and sustainable hydration.
Expert Tip: Pack Liquid IV or Nuun tabs to make your drink a fun experience!
20. Packing Cubes
Say goodbye to disorganized luggage with packing cubes—your best travel buddy!
They’re a lifesaver for the frequent flyer seeking an organized and hassle-free travel experience. Especially those traveling with kids!
With features like shoe sleeves and compressibility, they’re ideal for chronic over-packers or shared-luggage travelers. I cannot say how helpful packing cubes are for trips!
21. Luggage Straps
Luggage straps are a travel essential you shouldn’t overlook! These handy accessories offer added security and ease for every traveler.
Designed with durability and convenience in mind, luggage straps, such as the TSA-approved luggage nylon straps, keep your checked bags secure during long flights. You’ll also love their visibility feature – bright neon colors that make your suitcase easily identifiable!
Ideal for people frequently on the go, they’ve garnered solid endorsements from seasoned travelers.
22. Travel Pill Box
Say goodbye to loose pills and experience medication portability at its finest with the Travel Pill Box – a real game changer for travel essentials!
The sheer convenience it offers makes it a must-have for every traveler.
The Travel Pill Box keeps your medications organized with multiple compartments that can be labeled as you wish.
Ideal for people on the go, it eliminates the need for bulky pill boxes and plastic bags.
Expert Tip: Allocate distinct sections for different medications and times of the day to ensure regularity even when your travel schedule is unpredictable.
23. Universal Travel Adapter
This top-quality adapter is a jet-setter’s delight, ensuring you’re always powered up on your globe-trotting adventures.
A travel adapter is a useful device that allows travelers to use their electronic devices in countries where different plug standards are used. It provides a hassle-free way to keep electronic devices like laptops, phones, or cameras powered up, vital for staying connected and entertained during international travels.
With its functionality in over 150 countries and capacity to charge six devices simultaneously, it’s perfect for the tech-savvy traveler.
Remember, it’s not a voltage converter, so ensure your devices are dual-voltage. If not, pack an adapter that converts voltage.
24. TSA Approved Luggage Lock
Secure your luggage with the TSA Approved Luggage Lock, an absolute must-have for every savvy traveler.
With this lock, enjoy peace of mind on your journeys, assured your luggage is safe and no one has been through your stuff!
Featuring easy-to-read dials, an inspection indicator, and a durable zinc alloy design, it’s perfect for frequent flyers and security-conscious travelers.
Expert Tip – Always lock your suitcase when unattended to deter theft. And carry an extra in case yours is lost.
25. TSA Approved Travel Bottles
These TSA Approved Travel Bottles are magnificent game-changers for any frequent flier.
They’re precisely designed, with an easy dispensing mechanism, and leak-proof tops, plus conform to TSA size limits.
A supreme choice for savvy travelers, they’re reusable, eco-friendly, and wallet-friendly.
26. Luggage Cup Holder
The Luggage Cup Holder is about to be your new jet-setting best friend. (In fact, I’m buying this for my son for Christmas.)
This genius accessory deftly holds your coffee or water bottle, freeing you up to maneuver through busy airports effortlessly.
Even better, it features a handy pouch for storing essentials like ID’s or credit cards.
Juggle less and travel more, with this brilliant travel necessity!
27. Compression Socks
Long-haul flights call for compression socks! They increase blood flow while reducing swelling and the risk of blood clotting which may occur due to prolonged periods of sitting, such as during long flights.
Thankfully, they are way more stylish than the traditional hospital-issued white compression socks. This has caused their popularity to soar, providing pressure from the ankle upwards, making them essential for flights.
These socks provide graduated compression especially high at the ankles and reduce upwards towards the knee, facilitating increased blood flow.
Moreover, they are not only meant for those with medical conditions, but also beneficial for travelers, athletes, and those who stand for long hours at work. They enhance overall leg health by minimizing swelling, fatigue, and discomfort, thus improving the quality of your daily activities and sleep.
28. Cruise Luggage Tags
Get ready to sail in style and convenience with one indispensable travel essential – cruise luggage tags.
It’s that little gadget you never knew you needed until you’ve used one and seen its magic.
Here’s why: These tags make your bags unmistakable, reducing the risk of losing them amidst a sea of sameness. It’s a godsend for frequent cruisers as your company-issued tags won’t fall off.
Go for brightly-colored, durable tags. A simple trick, but could save you from a world of lost luggage stress.
29. Laundry soap sheets
One of the best ways to pack less is to run a quick load of luggage on your trip. So, these laundry soap sheets come in handy! We also pack two dryer balls as well.
Ready to pack for your next adventure? Don’t forget laundry soap sheets, a travel game-changer! –
They’re lightweight and occupy minimal space. This is great when packing a minimalist capsule wardrobe.
No time to find a laundromat? Then, use SinkSuds which can be used anywhere!
30. Security Cameras at Home
Securing your home with surveillance cameras while traveling is a crucial precaution.
The peace of mind offered by a vigilant “electronic eye” is incomparable. These cameras capture real-time footage, aiding in deterring burglaries and providing evidence if needed. Perfect for frequent travelers, it assures your abode’s safety from afar.
When we travel, we install one inside our house with an instant notification on our phones. As motion is detected, a siren noise goes off, which I’m sure would terrify any intruder!
Expert tip: Opt for cameras with remote-access features, so you’re always a glance away from your home.
What are the five most important items you need for these vacations?
Setting off for your much-anticipated vacation?
Here are the top five must-have travel essentials for an easy-going and memorable adventure.
Travel Planner and Journal: This bundle is essential for planning your trip and keeping track of your daily activities. The planner helps organize your itinerary, while the journal provides a wonderful means to record memories and experiences from your trip.
Multipurpose Clothing: Items like versatile shoes or pants that are ideal for multiple activities such as hiking and sightseeing are crucial to pack. Such items can save you space in your baggage, simplify your travel outfits, and cover a variety of travel occasions or activities.
All-in-One Travel Bag: A multipurpose bag, like a fanny pack or backpack, is an important versatile travel essential. This item keeps your essentials within easy reach, aids organization, and can adapt to a variety of travel situations.
Personal Care Essentials: Depending on your destination and planned activities, personal care items may include sunblock, moisturizer, or insect repellant. They ensure you are prepared for the environmental conditions you may face and can greatly enhance your overall comfort and well-being during your travels.
Travel Luggage: This trendy luggage piece thrills travelers with its durability and sleek design. Make sure your suitcases are lightweight!
Remember, a well-prepared traveler is a happy traveler. Aim for comfort, protection, and convenience!
Which Essentials for Travelling are your Next Purchase?
Ready to embark on your next adventure?
Don’t let unexpected situations curb your enthusiasm – it all starts with being prepared.
Remember, travel isn’t just about the destination but the journey, and the journey includes packing well!
With these travel essentials ideas, you can load up your bags with high-quality travel gear, ensuring comfort and stress-free experiences during your trip and beyond. Many of which are actually Amazon travel must haves.
Investing in essentials now will not just save you money down the line, but also help avoid irritating travel hitches.
Whether it’s tangle-free cords, smart luggage, or convenient packing tools – each item on our list has earned its spot by proving its worth on countless journeys for me.
So, next time you’re planning a trip, remember to refer back to this list. Good preparation equals to great journeys!
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Equity Prime Mortgage (EPM), which shifted to the TPO business after exiting its retail channel in the fall, has embarked on a new chapter. EPM wants to help grow the industry’s wholesale channel through its newly launched broker recruiting website.
BLVR – a marketing and promotional campaign launched by EPM on Monday – aims to reach as many retail loan officers to provide information about the wholesale channel.
When retail loan originators visit the website, LOs are asked to fill out their names, contact information and comments or questions about wholesale lending.
A third-party call center agent of BLVR will reach out to the loan officer for a follow-up and potentially connect the LO with another broker to explore business options in the wholesale channel.
“They can continue the conversation [with another broker] to the point where they make the decision to stay in retail or move over to the light side of the force,” Phil Mancuso, president and chief investment officer of EPM, said in an interview with HousingWire.
“As folks come into the funnel, we just push it through a call center and out to the brokers (…) There are no strings attached. If EPM happens to get one of those loans down the line, great, even better. We believe that we will earn business if the pie is bigger.” Mancuso explained.
The goal is to bring more than 4,000 loan officers to the wholesale channel over the next 12 months, EPM said.
The BLVR website gives retail loan officers a glimpse of the opportunities in wholesale origination, Mancuso added.
With mortgage rates having sharply risen since 2022, loan officers who have already made the jump to wholesale say they have an advantage in being able to shop around for lower rates.
Not having to bake in overhead costs found in the retail channel is a key advantage, wholesale lenders say.
About 16.8% of first-lien mortgage originations last quarter came from the broker channel, correspondent lending took up 26.8% and retail consisted of 56.5% of total volume, according to data from Inside Mortgage Finance (IMF).
That’s a jump in the broker (13.9%) and correspondent (24.1%) channels while a drop in retail origination(62%) in Q2 2022.
“The broker portion of the industry is less than it was pre-financial crisis. Yet, brokers have never been more competitive. The offering had never been more compelling. We’re pretty adamant, as others are about the future of this segment of our business (wholesale lending),” Mancuso said.
Timing the market, as it relates to trading and investing, requires a whole lot of luck. In effect, it means waiting for ideal market conditions, and then making a move to try and capitalize on the best market outcome. But nobody can predict the future, and it’s a high-risk strategy.
When seeing stock market charts and business news headlines, it can be tempting to imagine striking it rich by timing investments perfectly. In reality, figuring out when to buy or sell stocks is extremely difficult. Both professional and at-home investors make serious mistakes when trying to time their market entrance or exit.
Why Timing the Stock Market Doesn’t Work
Waiting to start investing could cost an individual thousands of dollars over their lifetime. It’s also important to know that by leaving money in a checking or savings account, a person is not protecting their money from inflation risk. That’s because the value of that cash in a checking or savings account erodes if the prices of goods and services increase.
Meanwhile, stock market timing is incredibly complex. Stock prices can be influenced by global macroeconomic events, political events in a country, developments in specific industries or companies, as well as the sentiment of investors as a collective.
Even professional investors struggle to “beat the market,” which often means simplifying trying to outperform a benchmark stock index. In fact, most investors can’t beat the market, and are likely better off sticking to index investing.
Fear and Greed in Investing
When investing, it’s also important not to let two key emotions – fear and greed – drive decisions. That means if the stock market is plummeting, investors may be fearful, but they can’t let those feelings push them toward a decision to sell. That could cause them to “lock in” losses. There’s even a Fear and Greed Index that investors sometimes use to make contrarian decisions.
Take for instance what happened during the 2008 financial crisis. After Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. filed for bankruptcy in September 2008, the stock market entered a tumultuous stretch. The S&P 500 finally bottomed on March 9, 2009. However, the index eventually regained all its losses in the course of roughly the next four years. Investors who had hung on likely may have recovered their losses.
Meanwhile, greed can cause investors to make poor decisions as well. For instance, during the dotcom bubble, investors bought into many newly public Internet companies without always doing the research. Some of these stocks weren’t even turning a profit, making their businesses vulnerable to going belly up. Ultimately, many at-home investors suffered losses when the dot-com bubble burst.
Of course there are no guarantees when it comes to investing. There’s always risk and volatility involved. However, one of the most tried and true methods for building wealth has been a buy-and-hold strategy when it comes to stock investing.
💡 Quick Tip: When people talk about investment risk, they mean the risk of losing money. Some investments are higher risk, some are lower. Be sure to bear this in mind when investing online.
Why It May Be a Good Idea to Invest Immediately
One of the most important predictors of your returns is the length of time you’ve invested in the stock market. While it’s difficult to predict what the market will do in the near future, an investor can get a better sense over the long term.
When an investor lets their money grow, it has the chance to weather short-term ups and downs and grow over time. On average, the S&P 500, often used as a market benchmark, has grown 7% a year after adjusting for inflation. That doesn’t mean a person can predict what will happen this year, or even in the next 10 years, but looking at long term trends can give them a better sense of market dynamics.
An individual might put off investing because they want to pay off all debts first or achieve other goals, like buying a house. In some cases, that might be true, like paying off high-interest credit cards or saving for a short-term goal, such as a three to six-month emergency fund.
But once a person has an emergency fund and is out of credit card debt, they should consider investing, even if they have a mortgage or student loan debt. Even if they’re only investing for retirement, it’s a good idea to start as soon as possible.
💡 Quick Tip: How to manage potential risk factors in a self-directed investment account? Doing your research and employing strategies like dollar-cost averaging and diversification may help mitigate financial risk when trading stocks.
Consider Investing as Early as Possible
The younger you are when you invest, the better the chances are that you’ll reach your financial goals. For example, imagine Person A invests $200 a month in a retirement account starting at age 25.
Person B invests the same amount starting at age 35. They both continue to add $200 a month to their account. When they both retire at age 65, Person A will have almost twice as much as Person B: $306,689, compared to $167,550, assuming a 6% rate of return, 2% inflation rate, and 15% tax rate.
That’s true even though Person A only contributed 33% more to her account. This is how compound interest grows investments, or the power of how earnings from one’s investments can continue to build wealth.
Percentage of Retail Investors in Stock Market
As mentioned, after the 2008 financial crisis, many people were reluctant to invest in the stock market. But in recent years, that’s changed. Retail investor participation in the U.S. stock market increased considerably in 2020 and 2021, for a variety of reasons.
As of 2023, retail inventors comprise about a quarter of all total trading volume in the stock market. That may change in the future, too, as younger investors – with quicker, easier access to investing tools, in many cases – look at getting into the markets.
The Takeaway
Timing the market is difficult, if not impossible, and involves trying to “time” trading or investing moves to coincide with an increase or decrease in the stock market. Nobody can tell what the future holds, so it’s generally hard to accurately pick the right investments at the right time. That’s not to say that some investors don’t get it right from time to time, but as an overall strategy, it’s likely not advisable.
If an individual is skittish about investing, their anxiety makes sense in light of the dramatic market ups and downs many have witnessed in the past two decades. But trying to time the market doesn’t work. Instead, investing in a diversified portfolio can be a good step toward building individual wealth.
Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).
For a limited time, opening and funding an Active Invest account gives you the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.
SoFi Invest® The information provided is not meant to provide investment or financial advice. Also, past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investment decisions should be based on an individual’s specific financial needs, goals, and risk profile. SoFi can’t guarantee future financial performance. Advisory services offered through SoFi Wealth, LLC. SoFi Securities, LLC, member FINRA / SIPC . SoFi Invest refers to the three investment and trading platforms operated by Social Finance, Inc. and its affiliates (described below). Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of the platforms below. 1) Automated Investing—The Automated Investing platform is owned by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor (“Sofi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC, an affiliated SEC registered broker dealer and member FINRA/SIPC, (“Sofi Securities).
2) Active Investing—The Active Investing platform is owned by SoFi Securities LLC. Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
3) Cryptocurrency is offered by SoFi Digital Assets, LLC, a FinCEN registered Money Service Business.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above, including state licensure of Sofi Digital Assets, LLC, please visit www.sofi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform. Information related to lending products contained herein should not be construed as an offer or prequalification for any loan product offered by SoFi Bank, N.A.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Claw Promotion: Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $10 within 30 days of opening the account. Probability of customer receiving $1,000 is 0.028%. See full terms and conditions.
Investment Risk: Diversification can help reduce some investment risk. It cannot guarantee profit, or fully protect in a down market.
Gross Domestic Product, or GDP, is an economic measure representing the total value of all goods and services that a country or region produces in a specific time period, usually a quarter or a year.
The GDP of the United States was $26.49 trillion at the end of Q1, 2023, an increase of 1.3% over the previous quarter, according to the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).
GDP can serve as a quick, numeric shorthand for explaining a country’s economy’s trajectory, and investors can use it as a factor, along with market trends and other analysis, in making their investing decisions. It’s important for investors to know more than just the definition of GDP in order to have context about what the number truly means.
Calculating GDP
When calculating the GDP of a country, economists look at a wide range of factors, including: Public and private consumption, government spending, investments, growth in private inventories, construction spending, as well as the balance of foreign trade (exports minus imports).
The GDP formula can be complicated, so to enable comparisons, countries typically follow a set of internationally accepted guidelines, known as the 1993 System of National Accounts, created by the International Monetary Fund, the European Commission, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the United Nations, and the World Bank.
In the United States, the BEA uses data collected by other federal agencies, including the Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Treasury. It also gathers information directly from private industry, including trade groups and companies that specialize in sales data for a wide range of products, from prescription drugs to cars.
💡 Quick Tip: Did you know that opening a brokerage account typically doesn’t come with any setup costs? Often, the only requirement to open a brokerage account — aside from providing personal details — is making an initial deposit.
Multiple Measures of GDP
There are several ways to measure GDP.
Real GDP
Real GDP is an inflation-adjusted measure of the value of the amount of goods and services produced by a given economy. This is the number typically released by the United States.
Nominal GDP
Nominal GDP uses current market prices to compare countries’ GDP. It does not adjust values based on inflation. If a country’s output remains steady, but the value of what they produce changes, then its nominal GDP would change. That makes it much harder to compare GDP in two different time periods.
Purchasing Power Parity GDP
Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) measures GDP as adjusted for the differences in both local prices and local living costs. This metric allows economists to make more meaningful correlations from country to country about the impact of GDP on the people who live there.
Per Capita GDP
This breaks down the GDP by the number of people in a country’s population. As such, it shows the average output or income of each person in that country, and is often used to paint a picture of the relative wealth or poverty in a given country.
Recommended: 101 Investing Guide
What GDP Means for Investors
When the GDP makes the financial news, the number in the headline is usually a percentage, namely how much the GDP rose or fell in the most recent quarter. The standard definition of a recession is two quarters of consecutive declines in the GDP.
During a period of rising GDP, employment tends to increase because companies staff up for expansion. This means that more people have more income to spend. That creates more business, which keeps the growth cycle spinning. But when GDP is in decline, the opposite tends to occur, with fewer people working, and wages depressed, leading to a downward cycle.
While there is not a direct cause-effect relationship between the GDP and stock or bond prices, some investors use a strategy known as business-cycle investing to determine how to allocate their portfolio.
Recommended: Asset Allocation by Age
Equity Investors
Many stock investors prefer an economy where the GDP is steadily rising, since it often means a healthy economy and higher company earnings, which can boost the stock market. In contrast, a falling or stagnant GDP can be bad news for stock prices.
Bond Investors
Fixed-income investors may have a different view of GDP. That’s because GDP growth often comes with more borrowing by both consumers and businesses, which can create inflation. Inflation often leads to higher interest rates, which have the effect of driving down bond prices. With sinking GDP, the opposite tends to happen, resulting in higher bond prices.
The Takeaway
GDP is essentially an economic scorecard for a country. By understanding how a country’s GDP is changing over time, and how it compares to other countries, you can get a sense of its overall economic health. Investors can consider GDP trends when planning their investing strategy.
Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).
For a limited time, opening and funding an Active Invest account gives you the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.
Photo credit: iStock
SoFi Invest® The information provided is not meant to provide investment or financial advice. Also, past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investment decisions should be based on an individual’s specific financial needs, goals, and risk profile. SoFi can’t guarantee future financial performance. Advisory services offered through SoFi Wealth, LLC. SoFi Securities, LLC, member FINRA / SIPC . SoFi Invest refers to the three investment and trading platforms operated by Social Finance, Inc. and its affiliates (described below). Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of the platforms below. 1) Automated Investing—The Automated Investing platform is owned by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor (“Sofi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC, an affiliated SEC registered broker dealer and member FINRA/SIPC, (“Sofi Securities).
2) Active Investing—The Active Investing platform is owned by SoFi Securities LLC. Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
3) Cryptocurrency is offered by SoFi Digital Assets, LLC, a FinCEN registered Money Service Business.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above, including state licensure of Sofi Digital Assets, LLC, please visit www.sofi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform. Information related to lending products contained herein should not be construed as an offer or prequalification for any loan product offered by SoFi Bank, N.A.
Claw Promotion: Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $10 within 30 days of opening the account. Probability of customer receiving $1,000 is 0.028%. See full terms and conditions.
Working from home has emerged as a common option for some employees as many companies have adopted the hybrid model and new work from home trends have evolved.
A dedicated workplace is becoming more of a priority for employees, especially those who live with roommates or other family members in an apartment. An extra bedroom or a nook is now an essential feature when people consider moving to or renting a new apartment.
While some employees have returned to the office, other people work for companies that allow a hybrid schedule and only require going to the office two to three days a week. Creating an office atmosphere is critical, especially for people who work with teams or spend many hours of the day on phone calls or video meetings. Sitting at the dining table or in a corner of the living room is no longer a conducive work situation for some people who want a dedicated space.
Here are six work-from-home trends that renters are seeking for 2022.
1. Extra bedroom-nook
“Renters will continue to prioritize functional remote workspaces,” said Ericka Rios, co-founder and director of leasing for Downtown Apartment Company, a Chicago-based brokerage that matches renters with approximately 16,000 apartments in more than 200 properties across the Windy City.
Rios also expects renters to seek work from home-friendly floor plans offering bonus rooms or pocket office nooks.
“Working from home has become a permanent part of the landscape with Chicago renters and they are changing their living situations to accommodate it,” she said. “While some workers have gone back to the office, many are still working from home some or all of the time and need a more functional space for their home office. Many have upgraded to a larger living space with an additional room dedicated to a home office, while others are moving to buildings that offer a more traditional co-working space. The common thread is that nearly everyone has prioritized finding a functional WFH situation within their apartment community.”
Maria Abbe, a public relations executive who lives in Florida, said she recently moved into a two-bedroom apartment to have additional space.
“I wanted extra space, ample lighting and an open kitchen/living room so I don’t feel like I’m holed up in one room all day,” she said. “The palm trees help, too.”
2. Storage areas
Having enough storage in an apartment or in another part of the building is important to many people who prefer to spend their time outside and want to safely stash their sports or exercise equipment, such as a bicycle.
“Storage space in the common areas is critical these days,” said Teresa DeVos, executive vice president of operations at RKW Residential, a Charlotte, NC-based, third-party, multifamily management firm that oversees more than 30,000 apartments throughout the southeast region.
“How that space is designed and delivered depends on the demographics and geographic area the community is located in,” she said.
Secure storage located in a nearby location is a consideration
A community in a walkable, urban neighborhood requires significant space for bike storage. Renters working from home want to get their bikes out of the apartment and in a secure space.
“One of our communities located on the water has many kayaking enthusiasts as residents, so we had to allocate space for kayak storage,” DeVos said. Working from inside an apartment all day makes getting fresh air and exercise that much more important.”
3. Adequate natural light/more windows
When you spend all day working from home, having enough natural light emerges as a priority. Some people thrive in work environments with a lot of sunlight and are more productive.
“Natural light or a big window to place your workstation is vital for the workday when you live in New York City,” said Raj Nijjer, CMO of Refersion, a company that helps online shops track sales driven by promoters, influencers and affiliates. He prefers anything green or trees outside and likes having the ability to take a short walk on quiet streets for breaks or phone calls.
“Natural light is very beneficial to wellness, especially for those who work from home,” said Linda Kozloski, creative design director at Lendlease, an Australian-based integrated real estate and investment group.
The broad windows at Cascade, a 503-unit luxury apartment tower that recently opened in Chicago’s Lakeshore East neighborhood, and Porte, a 586-unit development in Chicago’s West Loop that opened during the pandemic, not only let in the “ample daylight that residents desire, they offer views of the skyline and nearby parks, allowing residents to take mini breaks as they work, moving their eyes from their screen to the view,” she said.
“The most common request we are getting from renters about working from home is having the ability to carve out a little area of the apartment as a space to work comfortably and with plenty of natural light or LED lighting,” DeVos said.
“We have taken the step of staging our model apartments to incorporate such spaces so prospective renters can visualize what working from home would look like,” she said.
Large windows help with productivity
Freda Moon, a travel editor at SFGate, said having a view like a big window overlooking a park and a location with restaurants and bars nearby with a lot of activity becomes more important. “I don’t want to feel cooped up,” she said.
Large windows with natural light and “a view of the city to feel like I was in a real office which helps with productivity,” said Justine D’Addio, a publicist for startups, who works from home in downtown San Francisco. “Having a larger than average balcony is great for work breaks and overlooking whatever ‘hustle & bustle’ is left here,” she said.
4. Noise control
Being able to manage the amount of noise from inside the apartment and from within the building is critical for people who need less noise to complete projects. WFH employees find this to be a necessity, especially if they’re living with a partner, children or roommates.
“There has always been high demand for sturdy, well-built communities, but now that more of our residents are working from home, they appreciate that our projects are designed to high acoustical standards,” Kozloski said. “The double-glazed glass in the façades of Porte and Cascade act as a noise-mitigation measure, ensuring that most external sounds are not detectable.”
Other people want a quiet respite from street noise or have no desire to hear their neighbors walking around their apartments. Michael Dehls, an IT professional living in Rutherford, NJ, said, “I think the ability to manage noise is extremely important, especially for couples. ”
His previous apartment had no doors between rooms, which made it tough when both he and his wife had to take conference calls simultaneously. Their new apartment has doors in most of the rooms.
“Being able to limit the amount of noise she heard from her neighbors was essential,” said Liz Froment, a Boston resident, who moved during the pandemic.
“A huge one for me was limiting neighbor noise,” she said. “I went from being surrounded on all sides to a top floor corner unit sharing only one small wall.”
5. Meeting or co-working room
Being able to work in a meeting room in the apartment’s lobby or having a silent booth for taking phone calls is a necessity. Others need a break from their roommates or family members.
“Building amenities like co-working areas with meeting rooms, private booths or dedicated Zoom rooms will be in high demand during the year ahead,” Rios said.
“Renters also want the ability to create such environments throughout the community, whether it is individual ‘phone booth’ private spaces to make calls and have virtual meetings or co-working areas for small groups to get projects done,” DeVos said. “If we can incorporate small workspaces into rooftops, especially in cities with great views, we make sure to do so.”
Change of scenery needed for WFH employees
“The amenity arms race has always included meeting spaces that allow residents a change of scenery so they can get work done outside of their unit,” Kozloski said. “Since the start of the pandemic, some buildings also offer work pods that are designed for one person to do head-down work.”
“At Cascade (which is 50 percent occupied) there have been nearly 600 reservations for the two reservable conference rooms since launching reservations on Oct. 1,” she said. “These spaces are open 24 hours a day and the most popular reservation time is between 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Cascade also added Stockwell vending machines, coffee service and a Print with Me printer in this same space as the reservable study areas as a convenience for those that work from home.”
“A top consideration for renters is how an apartment building provides working from home options,” said Jon Schneider, senior vice president for Fifield Cos., a Chicago-based boutique real estate developer that owns multifamily buildings in multiple markets, including two properties that opened during the pandemic in Chicago.
Their buildings are primarily located in or near city centers, which offers easy access for those who have returned to the office, but “estimates show about 50 to 60 percent of its residents are still working from home,” he said.
“We anticipate the flexibility to work from both an office and from home will continue to be a factor for the long term,” Schneider said. “Data suggests eight out of 10 renters expect to be working from home at least part of the time now and in the future,” he said.
Demand for co-working suites is rising
“Residents at their building in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago like having access to a full co-working suite with individual booths providing separation with a sense of openness, small offices offering a less distracting, more private space for phone calls and focused work and a more traditional conference room with a large table and wall-mounted monitor for group meetings or space to spread out,” Schneider said.
“Having this common space allows residents the flexibility to lease whatever floor plan best fits their budget and lifestyle because they know work-from-home space is covered,” he said. “The co-working spaces in our buildings like Logan Apartments and Westerly are consistently utilized and some residents even bring an entire computer set-up with monitors and PCs down to the co-working space on a daily basis. In terms of COVID protocols, we follow whatever the local government guidelines are for masks and social distancing.”
6. Outdoor space
Having access to outdoor space at the apartment complex, such as a balcony with adequate room for a table and chairs, a small garden and/or a dog park, is what some renters prefer.
Some renters find that having a dog park is just as important as having enough light or an extra room.
A dog park is what made the difference in choosing the last apartment for Angela Tague, a marketing writer and journalist who lives in Sioux City, IA.
“It was great for my dog to exercise and meet other dogs and got me outside more,” she said. “Win. Win.”
Access to outdoor areas is a priority
The Downtown Apartment Company in Chicago said 75 percent of its rental clients now want access to private outdoor space and they’re willing to pay a premium for it. Units with balconies tend to rent at 30 cents to 40 cents more per square foot. Rios also said that the No. 1 location for a balcony is off the bedroom, which can be hard to find as most units feature a balcony off of the living area.
“Another interesting insight is that balconies are leveling the playing field a bit between older Class A buildings and newer Class A+ buildings with tons of high-end amenity space, but no private balconies, ” Rios said.
“Balconies allow renters to work outside in temperate weather,” she said. “I’ve heard from the Porte leasing team that balcony units were the first to go because people wanted that second location to work from home.”
“Both Cascade and Porte have generous outdoor amenity decks that include, among other things, plenty of lounge furniture where renters can sit with a laptop to get work done. In addition, Cascade has a 32nd-floor lounge space overlooking Navy Pier that includes an adjacent study room for those who want great views and a quiet space.”
Work from home trends will continue
Many work-from-home trends will continue in 2022 as renters seek new living quarters. Some will continue their hybrid work models, while others will spend more time in the office.
Employees prefer to have a defined workspace, whether it’s another room or areas dedicated to relaxation or exercise, such as a balcony, small green space or a dog park. They want to spend time outdoors and away from their screens.
Prospect Mortgage, a unit of private equity group Sterling Partners, announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire most of Indymac’s retail mortgage branches a day after the Pasadena-based mortgage lender halted most loan origination.
While the press release didn’t provide specifics, it is believed that 60 Indymac branches will be re-branded under the Prospect Mortgage name and 750 employees will be part of the migration.
Interestingly, Metrocities Mortgage, a unit of Prospect Mortgage, today carried out an undisclosed number of layoffs, though it’s unclear if they have anything to do with the aforementioned agreement.
In related news, Indymac sent a letter to clients notifying them that a one percent rate lock fee (of the loan amount) would be required to continue processing locked loans, which is due by 5pm Thursday.
While the fee will be credited back to the mortgage broker if the loan is declined or funded, the agreement requires a one percent fee based on the client’s total locked pipeline.
So those with a large number of loans will need to put up some serious cash, though they could lose much of that investment if a handful of their loans fail to close before the lock expires (no lock extensions are being accepted).
The deadline for refinance loans to fund is July 31 and August 15 for purchases, and loans that do not fund by that time will lose the associated rate lock fee, and result in a lost loan.
It’s unclear if this policy has anything to do with the recent run on the bank’s deposits, but it’s obvious that Indymac is not facilitating the funding process.
Quadruple witching refers to the simultaneous expiration of four popular investment contracts, creating wild market conditions. Given its name, it may just be the spookiest day of the year for investors – sorry, Halloween! Quadruple witching day occurs on the third Friday in March, June, September, and December.
The last hour of those trading days is known as the “quadruple witching hour”, when many derivatives contracts expire, often creating volatility in the markets. That’s because there may be higher market volume on those days as traders either close out or roll over their positions.
What is Quadruple Witching Day?
Quadruple witching, or quad witching, is trader’s terminology for the four dates on the calendar when four kinds of options contracts expire: stock options, stock index futures, index options, and stock futures.
Each of the contracts has expiration dates that will match up each quarter, which is why quadruple witching, or quad witching, happens in the third, sixth, ninth and twelfth month of the year respectively. The expiration for these contracts happen at the same time in the day — the afternoon.
While events like quadruple witching may not impact how and when you invest (especially if you’re investing for the long term), they are a good reminder of the investment risks that any investing strategy or approach brings.
How much attention individual investors pay to witching day may depend on their investing philosophy and their time horizon. Since quad witching can result in short-term volatility, many passive investors may ignore them entirely. On the other hand, active investors who try to time the market and get in and out of trades quickly in the most advantageous manner, may use them to inform their strategy and consider buying or selling witching hour stocks.
💡 Quick Tip: If you’re opening a brokerage account for the first time, consider starting with an amount of money you’re prepared to lose. Investing always includes the risk of loss, and until you’ve gained some experience, it’s probably wise to start small.
Contracts Involved in Quad Witching
To understand quadruple witching, you have to first understand the different options contracts involved. Stock index futures, stock index options, single stock futures and single stock options are all derivatives, meaning their value corresponds to the value or change in value of an underlying asset. The underlying assets are either stock market indexes, like the S&P 500, or individual company stocks.
Options contracts give holders the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a stock at a certain price at a future date. Futures contracts are contracts to purchase shares of a given stock at a certain price in the future.
For indices, futures and options are contracts on the value of an equity index. Investors often use these either to hedge or make outright speculations on the moves of an index. All four derivatives are complex investments that involve risks when playing the market, and they’re more often used by professional traders and institutional traders than retail investors.
Recommended: Is it Possible to Time the Stock Market?
How Does Quadruple Witching Affect the Market?
Quadruple witching days are those four days of the year when these types of contracts all expire, those who bought contracts and choose to exercise them will receive their stock or cash, or they make additional transactions to take advantage of arbitrage opportunities.
This can lead to more buying and selling of shares than is typical for a given day or, especially a given hour. Increased volume can mean more volatility in the markets and the possibility of large swings during the day.
One reason these days can cause hiccups in the markets is that while certain positions expire, investors may want to extend them. This means they have to “roll” the bet in order to keep it active, potentially forcing other players in the market to buy or sell, especially if the market is already volatile or choppy.
For trades that involve the transfer or automatic buying of stock, like options trades on individual shares, the quadruple witching date can mean automatic buying up of shares to fulfill the options contracts, leading to spikes even if there is no “fundamental” reason for them.
Overall, volumes in options trades can go up on quadruple witching days, which can sometimes have knock-on effects on the price of the underlying assets involved in options contracts.
The Takeaway
Quadruple witching day occurs on the third Friday in March, June, September, and December. The last hour of those trading days is known as the “quadruple witching hour”, when many derivatives contracts expire, often creating volatility in the markets. That’s because there may be higher market volume on those days as traders either close out or roll over their positions.
Quadruple witching offers an opportunity to understand how market mechanics can affect actual prices, but it may not impact the strategy for most long-term investors. More experienced investors and traders may find profitable opportunities, however, as the markets enter a period of volatility.
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