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- Crate & Barrel is allowing Bed Bath & Beyond customers to transfer their registries to furniture and home-decor chain.
- Bed Bath & Beyond filed for bankruptcy in April after months of cost-cutting measures.
- Fewer customers were using Bed Bath & Beyond’s registries ahead of the bankruptcy.
Apache is functioning normally
Despite that I don’t own it, I like my apartment. It’s got a mountainous view, it’s comfortable, and my neighbors are few but friendly. Sure, I’d like to own a home someday. But, unless I move to another city, that probably isn’t going to happen in the next few years. I’m fine with that. Like my neighbor said, I’d rather live here than anywhere else, at least for now.
If you sense a wee bit of defensiveness in my tone, you’re not imagining it. Part of me is trying to justify something.
After my upstairs neighbor moved out a few months ago, our management company began gutting their apartment. We found out they were completely updating it and tearing down walls to put in central air, a dishwasher and an entirely different floor plan.
It didn’t take long for me to notice all the stuff I hate about our apartment: doing the dishes by hand — what are we, cavemen? — and no central air. Life shouldn’t be this hard.
In case there’s any doubt, I’m joking. My point is: I never really noticed these things until I learned about the amenities that will be enjoyed by the Future Joneses in Apartment 9.
“We should move into that apartment,” my boyfriend and I have been joking over the past few months. “Wouldn’t that be funny? To move up one flight of stairs?”
But at some point, we got kind of serious about it. “Well, the rent will only be $240 more per month,” he pointed out. In our area, that’s not a huge jump. Plus, we split rent, so we’d each only pay an extra $120 a month. “If we moved, we’d still be living below our means,” I conceded. “But I don’t know.”
It’s pure lifestyle inflation. And in recent weeks, I admit that I’ve started to mull over the question of whether lifestyle inflation is ever okay and, if so, how do you decide when it is okay? Here’s how I’m sorting out my thoughts on the matter.
(Warning: This is another one of those “First World problem” posts. I’m really grateful to be debating over something like this.)
How will this affect my budget?
It’s the first, and most important, question. Our spending will automatically change, monthly, with this expense. It’s not something we buy once and get to enjoy it. It will truly inflate our lifestyle and our budget. To be honest, I don’t really use a strict budget. I make savings goals each year, and simply aim to reach those goals.
I crunched the numbers to see what our spending looks like, using the 50/30/20 paradigm (50 percent bills/30 percent spending/20 percent savings goals) as reference. If we were still trying to get out of debt, it would change my perspective quite a bit, but here’s how my spending stacks up in any event, generally speaking.
I was surprised that spending was my highest percentage, because I consider myself a frugal person. But I guess it makes sense — my fixed expenses are pretty low, compared to the 50/30/20 method, and that’s because I am so frugal with those expenses. I cut back on the things I don’t care about so I can spend more money on the things I love, like travel and dining out.
If we moved to the new apartment, the bills and rent percentage would jump to almost 30 percent.
“That’s still great compared to most people’s budgets,” my boyfriend argued. Which is true, but I’d rather compare my spending to my own goals, not other people’s expenses.
So back to the question: How will this affect our budget? I’m not going to budge on my savings goals.
I guess I could always take on extra work to make up the difference. That would keep my spending and income gap in tact. But dammit, I don’t want to work more.
In that case, the extra money would have to come out of our spending. That means less dining out or less travel. I have to ask myself, Is the apartment worth giving up a bit on those things? And, in that case, is it truly lifestyle inflation, or just a trade-off?
(Note: My boyfriend and I haven’t fully merged our finances yet, so I’m only calculating my own budgetary changes.)
What is the opportunity cost?
The extra amount I’d pay each month, $120, equates to $1,440 a year. And I could be losing even more than that, if you consider the opportunity cost. What additional opportunities are we giving up by spending that money?
For example, let’s say we choose to invest that money instead. If I invest $140 a month, in a year, that’s almost $1,500 (assuming a return of 7 percent). And in three years, that would be $4,800. If we combined our savings, that amount will jump to about $9,500.
Suddenly, I wonder if I really hate doing the dishes that much. Is a more comfortable lifestyle worth the opportunity cost?
And what is that cost in terms of my goals?
Let’s say my goal is to save up for a down payment for a home in L.A. If I save that money instead, I could buy a home sooner. But how much sooner? Homes here are expensive, and, unfortunately, $9,500 would be about a tenth of what our down payment might cost. I might rather live it up in this apartment for the next three to five years at the risk of pushing back my homeownership goal a bit. In that time, maybe I’ll pick a cheaper place to live, anyhow.
What am I getting in return?
I showed my boyfriend that figure.
“But it’s not like we’re not getting anything in return for our money,” he said. “Plus, we’ll cut back on spending, not our savings.”
Even though I defended renting a while back, I couldn’t help but argue:
“But we’re spending more money on a place we don’t even own. It’s like throwing money away.”
“With that logic,” he said, “Why don’t we just move into the cheapest apartment we can find?”
He has a point. Renting is just our reality. I’d love to buy a home someday; but if I stay where I’m at, it’ll be a while before that happens. Isn’t it okay to enjoy my income a little in the meantime?
Still, there’s a part of me that feels we’re spending more money on something, and, when it’s all said and done, we have nothing to show for it, because we don’t own it.
“When we travel, we don’t own anything, either,” he said. “Except the memories. It’s more of an experience purchase. In this case, we’re paying for comfort.”
And here’s the comfort we’d be getting in return:
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A bit more free time: We’d save time doing the dishes. Also, when both of us have a busy week, we sometimes order out too much and avoid cooking. Cooking equals dishes, and I know neither of us will have time to do those dishes the next day, so it’s just easier to order out. I’m not arguing that this dishwasher will save us money, but it might make it easier to avoid stress spending.
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Brand new stuff: This is a rarity when you rent. It’d be really nice to use a tub and toilet that a hundred other people haven’t used on a regular basis.
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More space: The apartment is slightly bigger, which is nice, though it’s not that big of a deal to me. I don’t mind small spaces. But it would be nice to have more room for my home office.
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Better aesthetics: The layout, lighting and amenities are better, making our day-to-day environment more comfortable and pleasant.
How frequently will I enjoy this?
Another important consideration in mulling over my lifestyle upgrade: Is this upgrade something I will enjoy often? It makes sense to spend your money where you spend your time.
A couple of years ago, we splurged on an expensive mattress, part of the justification being that we spend 8 hours a day on the thing. My back and I have zero regrets about that decision.
On the other hand, I once bought an expensive pair of heels. I work from home and rarely go to fancy places, so these shoes mostly just collect dust in my closet. Every now and then, I look at them and wonder if I should just try to sell them.
The apartment splurge is something I would enjoy on a daily basis, especially since I work from home. Also, I’d have more room for my home office, which would be nice.
I like being frugal. But, as we’ve discussed before, frugality isn’t just about saving money. It mostly seems to be about optimizing value. I’m not saying that this move would be a frugal choice; I just wonder if it’s inherently un-frugal. I’ll admit, I’m leaning on the side of moving, because I have no real concrete goals, I’m just saving to save, and, hell, I want to live a little. I’m into personal finance for the financial freedom, flexibility and options. What’s the point of managing my money so well if, when I finally get to the third stage of finance, I hesitate to spend it on day-to-day comfort and convenience?
It all sounds very rational, but the cautious side of me worries that I’m only justifying things. After all, I didn’t get to the third stage by giving into lifestyle inflation.
Still, it sure would be nice to move into what now seems like the perfect apartment.
What do you think? Is moving into a better apartment a bad personal finance decision? How do you decide on lifestyle upgrades? Is there something else to consider?
Source: getrichslowly.org
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If we had to use one word to describe this home, it would be comfort. This exquisite single-family home at 1195 West Brookhaven Drive Northeast is the epitome of comfort and luxury, boasting neutral colors and plush fabrics throughout.
Set on a large private lot in historic Brookhaven, the 5,627-square-foot home features 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and a plethora of fabulous amenities. It was built in 1935 and incorporates expansive living, lounging, dining and office spaces, as well as plenty of outdoor space.
Outside the home, you’ll find a swimming pool and a cabana-style pool lounge attached to an upstairs private apartment that has its own secret garden.
Inside, comfort and relaxation await. The neutral, super-stylish decor creates a wonderfully relaxing and luxurious ambiance that is even more enhanced during autumn and winter.
The library does not disappoint, either; it is magnificently cozy, decorated with soft carpets, comfy armchairs, fluffy pillows, warm-light lamps, and a working fireplace.
We can just picture ourselves basically submerged underneath ten layers of fluffy blankets, surrounded by books, candles, delicious snacks and hot beverages. If that’s not luxury living, we don’t know what is, really.
If the library of this Brookhaven house has sealed itself into your reading-addicted mind, feel free to reach out to Jere Metcalf Partners and make sure you have $1.5 million on hand. This is one big purchase that you definitely won’t regret.
More charming homes
This Perfectly Preserved Mid-Century Home in Palo Alto Was Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright Student Aaron Green
Timelessly Elegant, Architect-Owned Townhouse in the Heart of Manhattan Back on the Market for $17M
Spotlight On: the Razor House — Alicia Keys’ Crazy New Mansion
Breathtaking $35M Spanish Villa in Montecito Is Looking for a Buyer
Source: fancypantshomes.com
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Everyone always wants their house to be pulled together for the holidays. I’m no different. But since I can’t make couches or rugs magically ship faster, I’m making progress wherever I can. Case in point: Our laundry room! I’d neglected to actually design the space before we moved into our new house. But now that the room is all dressed up nice, I can actually smile while doing my chores!
You may have caught the before pic of the space in this post. But in case you missed here it is again.
It was essentially nothing more than a tiny box with a giant washer & dryer in it! When it came to actually designing this space, I focused on 3 main goals.
Make it Functional: In the rush of the move, I didn’t put thought into the laundry room. I knew I wanted a front loading washer dryer for their easy loadability and capacity. But I got mine and just plopped them in there. I didn’t spend anytime thinking about how to optimize space, storage or really make the room work.
Add Storage: Now that I’m mom, I’m dealing with every kind of laundry dilemma under the sun. So the amount of stain boosters, whiteners and laundry pre-treaters have exploded. I needed to create space in our laundry room so there would be room for it all.
Make it Really Really Good Looking: Utility spaces can look just as good as any other room in the house. A few design tricks can make even highly functional spaces chic.
And if I do say so myself, I think I was able to achieve all three of my goals – though I’ll let you be the final judge.
Let’s talk function first. I selected the LG SideKick for my laundry room. I adore them, but they are a pretty big washer and dryer. They both sit on pedestals making them nice and tall. They are also rather deep. We nestled them into the wall as much as possible, but the room is relatively narrow. To get the storage I was craving, I had a custom shelf built that just fits over the two units. That shelf allows me to have everything I use daily – detergent and boosters like Clorox Control Bleach Packs at arms reach. I like that I don’t have to open any cupboards or move things in and out. Everything is right at my finger tips.
I was also able to capitalize on storage built into the LG Twinwash washer/dryer system itself. For one thing, the washer pedestal actually conceals an additional washer! That lets me do a quick small load, wash delicates or soak stained items in my favorite pre-treaters without needing an additional tub or bucket. Winning! The dryer pedestal is actually a storage drawer. That’s where I house all my laundry secret weapons like Clorox 2 Stain Remover, Clorox 2 Darks and Denim, Oxi Max Radiant White and the like. I love that it keeps all the packaged goods tucked away where I don’t have to stare at any labels. Again, winning!
The design elements of the room are where the form and function really come together. I started by installing beautiful Erica Tanov wallpaper to create a dramatic feature wall at the back of the room. I’m in love with the gold foil. It’s the perfect backdrop for my storage system. I worked with local organizing guru Bliss Haus to design a beautiful laundry storage set up. Everything is decanted into glass jars for a clean, uniform look. There are even jars to collect dryer lint and lost socks! The custom print labels are so cool. It really took the room to the next level. A modern white and wood metal Japanese basket holds spray bottles and scented room spray. Because sometimes laundry rooms just get funky.
I used jars with wooden lids from the Jenni Kayne to mix in a modern touch. To add even more texture, I added a vintage Moroccan dhurrie from St Frank to the floor. The golden tones warm up the room and tie in with the Erica Tanov wallpaper’s golden hue. My favorite design idea in the space might have to be the Meghan Shimek weaving I found at local San Francisco boutique The Podolls. I needed something to conceal our electric panel. The wall hanging does the job perfectly. A fiddle leaf fig and white textured planter from Flora Grubb adds life and a pop of rich color.
All these elements come together to create my dream laundry room. I can do loads and loads while loving my surroundings. One more room down. Many more to go!
Check out our entire archive of house updates and all the rooms completed to date HERE.
For more of my favorite house tours, CLICK HERE.
original photography for Apartment 34 by aubrie pick
This content was created is in partnership with Clorox.
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Source: apartment34.com
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For the most part, we think of hobbies as activities that we naturally gravitate toward. The idea of being strategic in our selection of hobbies may seem contradictory to their very nature! However, I think that being strategic in the selection and pursuit of hobbies isn’t mutually exclusive with enjoying yourself. What’s more, you have options in how to strategize.
The Hobby-as-Side-Gig Option
One obvious method of making your hobbies work for you is by getting others to pay you to do them! Maybe you enjoy making quilts but hate the outlay of money and Stuff. Plus, how many quilts do you (and the friends and family you make gifts for) really need? By selling what you make on sites like Ebay or Etsy, you can keep your house uncluttered and come out ahead financially.
This method may work best for hobbies that produce an end result that takes up space, especially if the process of making the item appeals to you as much or more than the item itself. You can always take a picture of the item you made before selling it. That way, you can look back and admire your handiwork without having to store and dust it.
Another twist on the hobby-as-side-gig option is providing a service instead of a product. Perhaps you enjoy something like writing, event planning, or tinkering with cars or electronics. Many people hate those tasks (or don’t have time for them). Offering up your services for a fee can lead to a tidy profit for something you enjoy.
There are a couple of caveats with service hobbies, however. Many times, you will have to work around another person’s schedule rather than your own. Having a deadline can take a lot of the enjoyment out of an activity. Additionally, charging for some services requires obtaining a professional license. That process can be more expensive or time-consuming than it’s worth, especially for an activity that’s intended for your spare time.
The Hobby-as-Something-You-Have-to-Do-Anyway Option
A number of studies have poked holes in Malcolm Gladwell’s claim in Outliers that 10,000 hours of practice will “automatically” make you an expert in any domain. Some skills take longer to learn than others, and innate ability may make some skills easier to learn for some individuals. However, two conclusions seem to be generally supported by the literature:
- First, the more you do something, the better you are likely to get at it.
- Second, the better you are at something, the more likely you are to enjoy it.
So use that to your advantage. Come up with a skill-based task that you have to do no matter what and make a conscious effort to improve in that area.
As I’ve mentioned on several occasions, one of my hobbies is cooking. I came to that hobby after becoming vegetarian (a transition I made for a couple of reasons, mainly health-related). However, I quickly discovered that if you want delicious food as a vegetarian, you pretty much have to make it yourself.
Tip: In fact, if you are looking for strategies to cut back on restaurant spending, try going veggie! The dearth of options will do a lot to kill your desire to grab a quick bite.
From there the line of thinking went, W ell, if I have to eat, and cooking myself is the best option, I might as well be really good at it. I started simple. As I’ve gotten better I’ve used techniques like the Pinterest strategy to branch out and expand my comfort zone. At this point I’ve won my office’s holiday appetizer competition two years in a row!
Maybe you’ve got a flair for fashion, so you develop your thrift-store skills. You’ve got to wear clothes, after all, at least in public! These hobbies may not earn you any money. However, they might enable you to increase your enjoyment of activities you used to think of as a chore. Plus, you might find time- and cost-saving strategies that will make your life even easier.
The Free-or-Super-Cheap Hobby
These are hobbies where you either don’t have to spend any money or can make a dollar stretch a long way. My library card, for example, lets me check out books for free. While I sometimes have to wait for a new release, the selection’s good enough that I can always find something off of my to-read list. If fiction’s not your bag, you can even check out personal finance books from your public library!
My love of fiction also goes beyond books. A well-crafted TV show is a source of endless joy for me. I don’t like movies because two hours later you’re right back where you started. Most of my favorite TV shows, however, have 100 episodes or more. At one or two episodes a night, that’s something I can sink my teeth into! The selection of movies on Netflix streaming leaves, shall we say, something to be desired. But for $8 per month, I have access to more TV shows than I’ll ever be able to watch.
Some “free” hobbies can be deceptive. I recently started jogging with a friend from work because the community trails are free and easy to access. Once we started going longer distances, I discovered my shoes are woefully inadequate. And I’m not willing to just go with the cheapest replacement option when doing so could lead to discomfort or injury. But at least I waited until I determined that I enjoyed jogging before spending money on shoes! Here’s a list of other tips for saving money on hobbies.
You Don’t Have to Cut Every Expensive Hobby
This isn’t to say that every single hobby has to make you money or be low-cost or free. I really enjoy hot yoga, which is fairly expensive. However, by saving some dough on the majority of my hobbies, I can budget in something that is on the pricier side.
Even then I am strategic. I can’t afford the unlimited monthly pass (and I don’t fool myself that I will go that often anyway). So I buy the 25-pack that expires in a year. That way I can feed my yoga addiction once every couple of weeks without breaking the bank.
Do you strategically choose your hobbies? Share your experiences on cutting costs or even making money below!
Source: getrichslowly.org
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Higher interest rates for Hong Kong homebuyers lead today’s survey of real estate news from around the region as the city’s biggest lenders adjust to central bank moves. Also making the list today is a Swire ground-breaking on a Miami supertall, Blackstone’s India mall REIT and FedEx shipping itself to Singapore.
HSBC Raises Best Hong Kong Mortgage Rate to 5.75% After Central Bank Move
Hong Kong’s biggest lenders will raise their prime rates by 12.5 basis points to a fresh 15-year high from as early as Friday, following another round of policy tightening as the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) told consumers to brace for more pain.
HSBC and its subsidiary Hang Seng Bank will reset their best lending rates to 5.75 percent from 5.625 percent, starting on Friday, according to separate statements, while Bank of China (Hong Kong) will reprice to the same level from Monday. Standard Chartered and the Bank of East Asia have decided to raise to 6 percent from Monday. Read more>>
Swire, Related Break Ground on Miami’s Tallest Commercial Tower
Big changes are coming to the heart of Miami’s Financial District and skyline. Related Companies has partnered with Swire Properties to build the tallest commercial building in Florida, but first, they needed the space to build. On Thursday morning, the companies took another step towards construction by starting demolition on the 51-year-old building currently on the site.
“It’s the kind of space that will really will attract first-class corporations to be here,” said Stephen Ross, the founder of Related Companies. The more than 1,000-foot high super tower, to be called One Brickell City Centre, is expected to be the tallest commercial office building in Florida. Read more>>
Brookfield, Tata Said Mulling Investment in Blackstone India Mall REIT
Brookfield Asset Management and Tata Group are in talks to invest in the upcoming initial public offering (IPO) for Nexus Malls, betting that the Indian real estate investment trust will benefit from a rise in the country’s consumption levels, two sources told Reuters. The IPO, the first-ever by an Indian retail REIT, comes at a time when volatile markets and global macroeconomic challenges have scuppered or delayed various listing plans in India.
Blackstone Inc-owned Nexus is seeking a valuation of about $3 billion and plans to raise about $390 million in the share sale, a newspaper advertisement showed on Wednesday. Read more>>
Mainland Tycoon Hopes to Get Back Hong Kong Holdings After Default
Chinese tycoon Chen Hongtian is in discussions with lenders to retrieve assets worth HK$10 billion ($1.27 billion) after a “short-term liquidity issue” forced him to miss mortgage payments.
There are plans to inject fresh funds to resolve the “mild default” issue related to three properties, including a HK$2.1 billion house on The Peak, said the chairman of Cheung Kei Group, which owns offices, hotels and finance firms in Hong Kong. Read more>>
FedEx Set to Shift APAC HQ From Hong Kong to Singapore
FedEx Corp. is planning on moving its Asia-Pacific regional headquarters to Singapore from Hong Kong – another blow to the city’s image as an international business hub.
In an emailed statement, FedEx said it will consolidate some Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) headquarters functions in Singapore “to connect all of our operations in this region with greater speed and agility.” The company said it will retain a “significant” presence and leadership roles in Hong Kong. The courier has 35,000 workers in the region and provides service to more than 100 countries, FedEx said. Read more>>
Sino-Ocean Capital Seeks to Delay Payment on USD Bond in Latest Default
An affiliate of Chinese state-backed developer Sino-Ocean Group Holding Ltd. is adding to a wave of debt extensions among Chinese builders by seeking to delay a coupon payment as liquidity worsens further in the real estate sector.
Sino-Ocean Capital Holding Ltd. is proposing to set back its interest payment to October instead of April for its 6 percent dollar notes maturing October 2023, according to a consent solicitation document seen by Bloomberg. Read more>>
Majority of Sunac Creditors Said to Back Restructuring Plan
Embattled property developer Sunac China Holdings Ltd said on Thursday that about 85 percent of its existing bondholders had agreed to a proposal on debt restructuring.
The company had met the minimum requirement for the proposal in late April, after creditors holding about 75 percent of its existing debt had agreed to the restructuring, but said some of them needed additional time to complete certain “internal processes”. Read more>>
Hong Kong Home Buyers Ignore Higher Rates to Buy Up SHKP Project
Homebuyers turned up in droves and snapped up the second batch of flats at Sun Hung Kai Properties’ University Hill project in Tai Po, New Territories, on Thursday, even after HSBC raised its prime rate within hours of the latest interest-rate hike by Hong Kong’s de facto central bank.
Hong Kong’s biggest developer sold out all 191 units available by 5.30 PM, suggesting that homebuyers have shrugged off rising mortgage loan costs, according to agents. Read more>>
Tune in again soon for more real estate news and be sure to follow @Mingtiandi on Twitter, or bookmark Mingtiandi’s LinkedIn page for headlines as they happen.
Source: mingtiandi.com
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California mortgage tech firm Blend Labs is at risk of getting delisted from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as a consequence of the company’s stock price slumping below $1 for more than a month.
Blend announced on Thursday that it received notice on April 28 from the NYSE that it was not in compliance with the stock exchange’s bylaws, which state that a company could be de-listed if its common stock traded below $1.00 for more than 30 trading days.
Blend has a six-month cure period to comply with the minimum share price requirements. As of market close on Thursday, it was trading at $0.58 a share.
Blend has a chance of meeting compliance if the stock has a closing price of at least $1.00 on the last trading day of calendar month during the six-month cure period, and an average closing share price of at least $1 over the 30 trading-day period ending on the last trading day of that month.
A spokesperson for the company said they are working with the NYSE and are “confident” in their ability to comply with the requirements.
Blend plans to notify NYSE of its intent to cure the deficiency, which may include initiating a reverse stock split, subject to approval by the board of directors and stockholders of the company, according to its 8-K filings.
The spokesperson said that Blend will share a formal update on how it plans to comply with the minimum share price requirements during its Q1 earnings call, which is scheduled for May 9.
“We are focused, we have a sense of urgency, and we are making meaningful progress as we execute against our strategy (…) We will share details about our business momentum and progress on our path to profitability then,” the spokesperson added.
The California mortgage tech firm — now at risk of getting delisted from the NYSE — was off to a promising start when it went public in July 2021.
Blend sold 20 million shares of Class A stock at $19 apiece, raising $360 million. With shares closing at $20.90, Blend had a valuation of around $4.6 billion.
Blend brought on hundreds of clients — including Wells Fargo, First Republic Bank, Mr. Cooper and U.S. Bank. — that ultimately powered about a quarter of mortgages originated during the pandemic years.
To survive the cyclical mortgage business, Blend has been striving to transform its mortgage business-dependent business model to a platform company.
Since 2019, the mortgage tech firm has been expanding into the consumer lending space, but with the Federal Reserve‘s unprecedented series of interest rate hikes, Blend wasn’t immune to financial losses.
In 2022, the firm posted a staggering loss of $796 million and operating expenses in 2022 jumped to $835.8 million from $313.2 million in 2021.
Source: housingwire.com
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Ironing boards are a household essential for those who like to keep their clothes neat and crisp. Whether you are a busy professional or a stay-at-home parent, a good-quality ironing board can make all the difference in the world when it comes to wrinkles.
From compact tabletop ironing boards to deluxe extra-wide ones, you’ve got plenty of options when it’s time to add an ironing board to your home. But, don’t stress, we’ve tracked down the best ironing boards from space savers to large, luxury ones. Which one will be right for you?
Tabletop ironing boards
Tabletop ironing boards are small and portable, making them ideal for those with limited space or those who only occasionally iron. They are characterized by their compact design and lightweight construction, and most models come with retractable legs or folding mechanisms for easy storage.
These tabletop ironing boards work for many because they are:
- Small
- Portable
- Compact
- Lightweight
They’re also pretty affordable and easy to store out of the way.
Honey-Can-Do Tabletop Ironing Board
Source: Amazon.com
Made of durable plastic, the Honey-Can-Do Tabletop Ironing Board is a sturdy choice that provides ample ironing surface. It folds in half for easy storage, making it a space-saving solution for small apartments. This ironing board also includes a metal iron rest to prevent scorching to ensure your iron stays in place whenever you need to set the iron down.
With its compact and portable design, the Honey-Can-Do Tabletop Ironing Board is a durable and reliable choice that makes ironing efficient and easy.
Household Essentials Tabletop Ironing Board
Source: Amazon.com
Compact and collapsible the Household Essentials Tabletop Ironing Board is designed to fit on tables, counters and flat surfaces. Its steel mesh construction provides a durable and sturdy ironing surface, while the slide-out wire shelf is perfect for holding your iron or other ironing essentials.
The Household Essentials Tabletop Ironing Board features a 100 percent cotton cover and thick 5mm fiber pad, providing a resilient and matte-free ironing surface. Overall, this ironing board is perfect for small spaces, such as dorms or apartments. When not in use, it can be easily stored out of the way thanks to the over the door hook.
T-leg ironing boards
T-Leg ironing boards have a specific design for stability and support during the ironing process. They feature a T-shaped leg configuration that allows for maximum balance, making them ideal for heavy-duty ironing tasks.
These ironing boards are popular because they’re:
- Stable
- Supportive
- Ideal for heavy-duty ironing
If you have a little more room in your apartment, they might be the way to go for your ironing needs.
Mabel Home Extra-Wide Ironing Pro Board
Source: Amazon.com
The Mabel Home Extra-Wide Ironing Pro Board is a high-quality and durable option with an extra-thick felt pad that provides a smooth ironing surface, with no bumps, ridges, or wrinkles. The one-piece laminated cover and pad ensure durability and longevity, and the loop leg design, with a contemporary gunmetal finish, provides extra strength and stability.
Designed for comfort and performance, this ironing board works great whether you’re sitting or standing. It features an ambidextrous iron rest that is angled for a naturally comfortable ironing rest position. Additionally, it has a stable low-level shelf that can be used to store folded clothes or a steamer. Overall, the Mabel Home Extra-Wide Ironing Pro Board is a versatile and efficient option.
Homz 4 Leg Steel Top Standard Freestanding Folding Ironing Board
Source: Amazon.com
The Homz 4 Leg Steel Top Ironing Board has a fully adjustable height, a large ironing surface and a patented leg lock for secure transport. Its white legs and designer cover adds a touch of style to this particular chore. You can get this ironing board in blue lattice, navy chevron, purple pattern, a few striped options and even a few solid colors.
The Homz 4 Leg Steel Top Ironing Board includes a 100 percent cotton cover with foam padding for a smooth and resilient ironing surface. Its steel top ensures durability and stability, making it ideal for heavy-duty ironing tasks. Overall, this is a great option for those who are looking fora reliable and sturdy ironing board.
Freestanding ironing boards
Freestanding ironing boards are full-sized boards that are designed to provide ample space for ironing clothes. They are typically adjustable in height and come with a range of features, such as steam iron rests and storage compartments.
The bulkiest of our boards, they’re defining characteristics include:
- Full-sized
- Adjustable in height
- Feature-rich
If you’ve got a decent amount of storage space in your apartment, and have a lot to iron, this could be the right pick for you.
Brabantia Ironing Board C
Source: Amazon.com
The Brabantia Ironing Board is a plus-sized ironing board that provides a generous ironing surface ideal for large items such as sheets, curtains and tablecloths. This ironing board is designed for use with steam units, featuring an extra-large metal holder to comfortably hold them while you work. The adjustable working height of 29.5 to 38.6 inches ensures comfortable and ergonomic ironing for your back.
Despite its size, the Brabantia Ironing Board is easy to move thanks to its transport lock, which keeps the board folded and secure. The perfect-fit cover with cord binder and Stretch-System ensures a smooth and crease-free ironing experience.
This ironing board is Cradle-to-Cradle Certified at the Bronze level, making it planet-friendly. It also comes in a variety of colors and patterns making it a fun and functional accessory to have in your home.
Bartnelli Pro Luxury Ironing Board
Source: Amazon.com
A high-quality ironing board designed to provide users with a sturdy and reliable ironing experience, the Bartnelli Pro Luxury Ironing Board is all about durability and long-lasting performance. The heavy-duty wide legs and big-sized board make it safe and stable, while the protective plastic shield on the legs prevents scratches on your floors.
The Bartnelli Pro Luxury Ironing Board features an extra-thick 100 percent cotton cover supported by foam to withstand heat and keep clothes from sticking. The metal mesh top allows steam to pass through and evaporate, providing an optimal ironing experience. The board cover is washable and changeable, and the iron and steam iron shelf and hanging rack provide added convenience while ironing.
This ironing board is height-adjustable and foldable, making it easy to store and move around. It also locks when folded to keep you safe as you carry it.
Xabitat Deluxe Extra Wide Ironing Board
Source: Amazon.com
The Xabitat Deluxe Extra Wide Ironing Board is designed for both business professionals and everyday home use. This ironing board features a premium, extra-wide surface to accommodate various clothing items, from pants to shirts. The board’s heat-resistant triple layering, consisting of foam, felt and fabric, can withstand high heat and steam, ensuring that clothes drape smoothly over the surface without sticking or damaging fabrics.
The Xabitat Ironing Board has a design that optimizes your storage options, including an unfolding storage tray at the bottom for stacking finished clothing, and a hanging rail that prevents wrinkled slacks, suit jackets or tops.
For added safety, the ironing board features a wire holder to keep the iron cord up and out of the way while you’re ironing, as well as a safety iron rest to keep the hot side away from you or your clothes.
Compact and portable, the Xabitat Ironing Board is the perfect size to keep in your bedroom closet or under the bed. Its non-slip shoes on the “feet” add better surface stability and grip, and the adjustable height helps match your hand level for optimal comfort while ironing.
ironMATIK Space Maker Premium Ironing Board
Source: Amazon.com
The ironMATIK Space Maker Premium Ironing Board has the ultimate space-saving design that is perfect for those who want to keep their ironing essentials organized. It comes with an extendable iron tray that snaps into place, providing the perfect space for your linen spray, cell phone, drink and other essentials you may need while ironing.
The wide ironing surface features an extra-thick, three-layer padding sleeve with a foam pad and durable felt pad that sits on top of the board’s mesh base to improve steam flow for wrinkle-free ironing. Six different height options add in the comfort of using this ironing board, and a sturdy leg design prevents wobbling while protecting your floors.
The board comes fully assembled, and its rust-proof paint ensures that it can sustain heavy steam usage for years to come.
Minky Homecare Ergo Plus Prozone Ironing Board
Source: Amazon.com
An extra-thick felt pad gives the Minky Homecare Ergo Plus Prozone Ironing Board a smooth ironing surface, and the one-piece laminated cover ensures no bumps, ridges or wrinkles as you iron. The Prozone cover also features a metallic coating at the nose end of the board for faster crease removal.
The loop leg design of the ironing board, with a contemporary gunmetal finish, provides extra strength and stability when in use, and an ambidextrous iron rest, angled for a naturally comfortable ironing rest position, makes using this board even better.
With flexible use for ironing and steaming, extra features let you store folded clothes, or a steamer, on the stable low-level shelf.
Over-the-door ironing boards
You can’t have a conversation about ironing board without mentioning at least one that stores over the door for the smallest footprint possible. They are designed to be hung over the back of a door and can be easily stored away when not in use, hardly taking up any room at all.
Household Essentials Over the Door Ironing Board
Source: Amazon.com
The Household Essentials Over the Door Ironing Board is an innovative solution for those who are tight on space but still need to iron their clothes. This ironing board can be easily hung over any standard or commercial door with its convenient over-the-door hooks.
The cotton board cover, with padding, provides a smooth surface for ironing, while the lever-action, open and close feature allows for easy setup and put up. The iron storage rack at the top ensures your iron is always within reach.
Choosing the best ironing board for your needs
Investing in a good-quality ironing board can make a significant difference in the way you keep your clothes neat and crisp. As you begin to shop though, don’t forget to think about the size of your ironing board, and how much room at home you have to spare, the type of ironing board you want and what additional features are important to have. By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the ironing board that meets your specific needs and makes ironing easier and more efficient.
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Source: apartmentguide.com
Apache is functioning normally
The Honeycutt House, designed by Lloyd Wright—son of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, seeks a new owner to revel in its recent restoration.
Completed in 1955, the midcentury modern marvel is in Long Beach, CA, a coastal community 25 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. The 2,382-square-foot home features three bedrooms and four baths.
It’s listed for $2.95 million with Cynthia Voss and Nathan Walter, of Re/Max Real Estate Specialists.
Lloyd Wright, who also went by Frank Lloyd Wright Jr., designed the Hollywood Bowl’s band shells and assisted his famous father with four Southern California homes, including the Ennis House.
In 1953, Wright received the commission to design the property, now known as the Honeycutt House, on a sloped lot.
The sellers, who are only the home’s third owners, snapped up the property in 2021 for $950,000 from a family who had owned it since 1978.
“It was not maintained,” says Voss. “My client had to fix a lot of termite damage.”
Operation restoration
The sellers completely refurbished the place in 2022 and into 2023.
They reinforced the carport and created a deck on top, added a new roof and a lower-level living area, and replaced all the windows—improvements that made the home more conducive to modern living.
The home’s electrical wiring and HVAC systems have been updated, and two new outlets in the carport can charge electric vehicles.
The reimagined, 780-square-foot lower level—now accessible from upstairs—could be used as an in-law suite or for a college graduate.
“It’s kind of like having a suite of their own,” Voss says.
The renovation sought to retain original design features—including paneling; a wall of open, vertical slats; wood-framed, sliding-glass doors; and a double-sided, brick fireplace.
Voss notes that the wood floors have been restored, and the kitchen cabinetry and custom facades were made to match the look from 1955.
“They remodeled the kitchen but to the form and style of the original home,” she says, adding that the bathrooms were also redone “to the midcentury modern style but also to 2023 standards.”
Appealing area
The home is situated in a beloved area, adding to its allure.
“Market State is a lovely neighborhood with large lots—and the most expensive in Long Beach, with the exception of Naples,” Voss says. “It’s very much a family neighborhood and also empty nesters. People love the neighborhood so much, they stay after their kids have grown.”
This home is near the 18-hole Recreation Park Golf Course and California State University, Long Beach.
In this community of single-family homes and tree-lined streets, “you have to get permission to even cut a tree down,” Voss says. “They really maintain a classic neighborhood look.”
She thinks the buyers will be “professional people that have a love of architecture and art and an appreciation for owning a trophy or legacy property.”
The potential party pad might also attract an entertaining enthusiast.
“The way [Wright] positioned it on the lot and created the outdoors space, it would be a wonderful home to entertain in,” Voss says.
Source: realtor.com
Apache is functioning normally
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Home Lifestyle Sustainable fabrics that are taking over home décor
Source: luxebook.in