Investing In Real Estate In The Post-Pandemic Era: What Experts Say

The global coronavirus pandemic has affected the economy of the entire world. Every industry has been witnessing a huge change since then. Some have managed to go with the new normal, while others are still struggling to adopt it.

The real estate industry is no exception to that. Though the industry mostly depends on the local environment and circumstances, the pandemic still has affected this industry. Here. We will discuss investing in real estate in the post-pandemic era.

Impacts On The Specific Asset Classes

Let’s first consider the specific assets of real estate that have the effects of a pandemic, and how they are performing in post-pandemic time. Now let’s start with different types of real estate assets and how they are performing now.

1.    Retail

The global pandemic has shifted our business to the digital world. Most businesses are now more focusing on having an online presence rather than opening a new physical store. So, from this aspect, we can say that investing in retail assets will not be a smart choice at this point in time.

During this post-pandemic time, when we are very slowly coming back to our normal life, there are still some restrictions. So, the business owners are also looking for retail spaces that will allow them to follow all of the necessary restrictions.

2.    Office Space

Office spaces or commercial buildings are also not a good choice now. Most of the companies are making their employees work remotely, and some are also planning to shift to this new remote working system.

The demand for office spaces is not witnessing the rise; it was a few years ago. But there still are hopes. Because at the same time, many individuals had also got the time to work on their dream project instead of working for another firm.

3.    Homes

When most industries are witnessing a challenging time, homes or residential properties are heading in the opposite direction. People are spending more time in their homes, so they are now becoming more specific and demanding about getting their own space.

In this post-pandemic time, in case you are thinking of investing in homes, or any other residential properties, go ahead with proper research before investing. Do not forget to consider the necessary factors before putting your money in.

Your Investment Plan And Challenge

When we are talking about real estate investments, we will also consider the scenario of small real estate investors or those who are thinking about digging their feet in the sea of the real estate industry.

There are usually two types of small investors, one who flip and resell properties, and the other ones buy and rent properties. Here, we will cover the scopes along with the challenges of both these types.

1.    Flip And Resell

On the basis of the local market, some real estate investors buy a property and do the necessary changes or renovations to it, then sell it at a higher price. They always have to be very specific about the profit that they will be able to get.

So, they always want to keep the renovation and interior costs as low as possible if you are also planning the same; Visit eightdesign.com.sg for HDB interior design to consider some budget-friendly options.

In this case, the investors always need to be very careful about the timeline. During this post-pandemic time, when the economy is still uncertain, a price drop can cost them a huge earning change. It becomes really challenging to consider everything within the time limit.

2.    Buy And Rent

Now comes the other type of investors who buy a property and earn money from it by renting it. Here also some renovations might be required as per the demand of the tenants. At the same time, those investors also need to care about their pockets as well.

Here also, the challenges are a little similar to the previous one. The valuation of the overall property plays a vital role in setting up the renting price. And time is the ruler here again. So, in short, you are always required to go as the time will drive you.

How Is The Local Market Now?

The real estate industry depends a lot on local factors. In this post-pandemic period, when any factor can change at any time, as an investor, you have to be really careful and cautious. Do your research, take experts’ assistance before investing your money.

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Get 2 Pfizer shares and 5 Haidilao shares for free. Here's how.

Get free shares allocated to you worth over S$140*

Sounds too good to be true? Read on.

moomoo Inc., is a subsidiary of Futu Holdings Limited, a company which is listed in NASDAQ (NASDAQ:FUTU) and backed by Tencent.

In Singapore, investment products available through the moomoo App are offered by to Futu Singapore Pte. Ltd. (“Futu SG”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Futu Holdings Limited. Futu SG is a broker-dealer and custodian licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, (License No. CMS101000).

They launched in Singapore in March 2021 and have been offering attractive sign-up offers to aggressively expand their customer base.

From now till 31 August, they are giving away 2 Pfizer shares and 5 Haidilao shares for free to new customers who sign up during this period. As of 3 Aug, they are worth approximately $145* in Singapore dollars.

What’s more, investors can enjoy commission-free trades for 6 months plus free access to Market Data for US and SG stock exchanges. T&Cs apply.

Steps on how to redeem your free shares

  1. Sign up for an account here and deposit a minimum of S$2,700, US$2,000 or HK$16,000 within 30 days of account approval. You will need to download the moomoo Trading App.
  2. Make 6 successful trades must or attain a Level 1 Trading Badge
  3. The bonus shares will be allocated to you automatically once you completed Step 2.

Tip: According to some users, you can easily complete Step 2 by buying and selling a non-volatile stock in the US market. That would make 2 trades. Do it 3 times to complete Step 2.Why US? Because you can buy a single share which sometimes cost you less than $10.


* T&Cs apply. Subject to price fluctuation. 

Money Digest receives monetary and other forms of compensation from Affiliates for various advertising, sponsorships (such as sponsored posts or sponsored stories within our editorial content), insertion orders, commercial messaging, and other promotional campaigns that we feature on our website.

 

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National Day Parade 2021 Moved To Aug 21

Amidst the latest COVID-19 restrictions and the emergence of new cases, the National Day Parade 2021 (NDP) will be postponed to August 21. All Singaporeans will be able to join the National Day celebrations safely at home as there will be a livestream of the parade.

To mark Singapore’s 56th year of independence, a ceremonial parade will be held on August 9 instead. It will be similar to the celebration held last year, but it will take place at the Marina Bay floating platform. This announcement was imparted by the Ministry of Defence (Mindef).

TIGHTER COVID-19 MEASURES

By the end of July, there was an emergence of a large cluster linked to Jurong Fishery Port. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung stated:

“Unfortunately, while our fishmongers and stall assistants were going about earning an honest living, they got infected at the port. As they went on to work at various markets around the island, many more cases in the community were seeded.”

Tightening of measures was deemed to be vital at this point. Changes in the NDP came as the country went back to stricter measures under Phase 2 – Heightened Alert. It was scheduled to last until August 18, after the National Day. During this period, dining inside eateries is not allowed, group sizes for social gatherings have been capped at two, capacity caps for attractions and malls were cut, and people were advised to minimize social interactions.

CANCELLATION OF FIREWORKS & CHANGES IN REHEARSALS

The Red Lions displays and heartland fireworks, previously announced to be held on August 7 and 8, will be cancelled. Rehearsals and preparations for the NDP will also be subjected to changes.

Last July 17, a combined rehearsal happened at the floating platform. Moreover, Red Lions parachutists made test jumps in Ghim Moh and Bishan on July 15. The succeeding rehearsals will be conducted in smaller component groups, according to Mindef. Dates will not be disclosed to the public to discourage crowds from gathering around Marina Bay.

NATIONAL DAY PARADE 2021

NDP 2021 is planned to be a centralized, in-person event at the Marina Bay floating platform. Precautions taken include requiring all the performers and spectators to be fully vaccinated. Performers must undergo rapid antigen testing before every rehearsal and spectators must undergo pre-event testing.

Tickets would be given to those who have contributed to the fight against COVID-19. These people include Singaporean front-liners, community volunteers, and essential workers.

Image Credits: unplash.com

NATIONAL DAY RALLY

NDP is an important event that brings together Singaporeans from all walks of life, as one united people to affirm unity and nationhood. Mindef said:

“The changes this year will enable NDP 2021 to be held in safer conditions, while maintaining that cherished tradition.”

Apart from the NDP changes, the Prime Minister’s Office adds that the National Day Rally will now be held on Aug 29.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Six top financial scholarships in the US in 2021

Business, finance, accounting, or any other degree that pertains to the financial world has always been prestigious. With the rapid increase in eCommerce, more students decide to delve into finances. Some want to become financial advisors and work independently. Others strive to be part of large financial corporations. Whatever they choose, they need to have substantial background and major in a specific course. However, many students can’t achieve their goals, as tertiary education in the US is expensive. Loans are clearly an option, but they often demoralize students by putting an extra burden on their shoulders.

There is a solution, though. The following list of the best finance scholarships will not only cover your expenses. It will help you remain focused on your studies and gain the necessary knowledge to work for the best companies after graduation!

Submission and Eligibility Criteria

Am I eligible? is the applicants’ most common question. With the number of scholarships out there, it is impossible to envision whether you qualify for the program without checking its requirements. Every academic institution sets peculiar requirements to analyze every candidacy and check if they pertain to the program.

Indeed, there is a standard set of requirements. For instance, to be eligible for the scholarship, applicants should:

  • Be 18 years old or more
  • Maintain a GPA score of 3.0 or above
  • Be in financial need

When it comes to submission elements, candidates are often required to attach:

  • Application form
  • Official transcript of records
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Resume
  • FAFSA report
  • Coursework
  • Essay

The two last elements are often pivotal in the applicants’ evaluation. They help the scholarship committee analyze the candidate’s skill set and viewpoints on various aspects. Knowing how to tackle such tasks is imperative, so make sure to learn the structure and format of such pieces. You may probably ask, “but who can write an essay for me?” You will get a clear picture of what top-notch papers should look like by turning to such writing services.

The Best Finance Scholarships for Students in the U.S. in 2021

Once it is clear what criteria you have to meet to qualify for the scholarship, it is time to look at top financial scholarships in the United States.

NSA Scholarship Foundation

NSA Scholarship Foundation has long been supporting students in their aspirations to become first-class experts in the field of finance. The program requires meeting several parameters, which are:

  • Undergraduates must be enrolled full or part-time in accounting at an accredited four (preferably) or two-year college or university in the U.S.
  • Must major in accounting
  • Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or above
  • Must be citizens of the U.S. or Canada

The award amount varies, yet it doesn’t exceed $2,200. The application deadline is December 31, 2021.

Mid-Atlantic STA Foundation Scholarship

The Mid-Atlantic STA Foundation was created to support students who study business and related disciplines. The program offers annual awards for active students who want to develop and enhance their skills. The Foundation awards two $2,000 scholarships for high school seniors and college students who took part in Stock Market Game.

Aside from that, the Mid-Atlantic Foundation offers two $5,000 scholarships for college and university students who reside in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. Applicants should also provide an essay on the given topic and attach an official transcript of records. The application deadline is set for June 2021. Recipients will be announced in August.

The MBA InternConnect Scholarship Program

The MBA InterConnect Scholarship Program looks for various college students majoring in a banking-related discipline to gain valuable experience and operate within the Missouri banking industry. The Missouri Bankers Foundation will award up to five $1,000 MBA InternConnect Scholarships annually to students who have served an internship in an MBA-member bank during 2020 or 2021. Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Be a Missouri resident or attend an accredited educational institution in Missouri
  • Have college sophomore standing
  • Be senior (but in this case, pursue graduate studies)

Apart from the mentioned, applicants must submit the next documents:

  • Letter of recommendation
  • Official transcript of records
  • Resume
  • Application Form
  • Essay

The application deadline is October 1, 2021.

NAFA Corporate Aviation Business Scholarship

The program is designed for students who plan to start a career in Corporate Aviation, precisely within the corporate aircraft Finance, Legal, and Insurance field. The NAFA Corporate Aviation Business Scholarship offers from $1,000 to $5,000 award amount annually. Applicants must attend higher educational institutions and major in Aviation Business or Management, focusing on Accounting, Finance, Marketing, or Business.

Other than that, candidates must fill out an application form and submit an essay on the given topic. The application deadline is set for October 31, 2021.

Horace M. Condley Scholarship Fund

Horace M. Condley Scholarship is designed for junior and senior students who major in accounting at McMurry University. The program was established many years ago by partners of Condley and Company, L.L.P., to honor the memory of its founding partner, Horace Condley, who stood up for the quality and availability of education. The award amount varies. The application deadline is November 1, 2021. Scholarships will be awarded for the fall 2022 semester, and a select committee will announce the recipients in May 2022.

Fifth Year Accounting Student Scholarship Program

The program’s primary purpose is to promote the professional and academic needs of the state. It also aims to increase the number of highly trained and educated expert accountants to provide the necessary services for the state’s residents. To qualify for the scholarship, candidates must:

  • Reside in Texas
  • Be active students in non-profit educational institutions
  • Complete 120 hours of college coursework
  • Demonstrate satisfactory academic progress
  • Prove financial need

Applicants should also plan to take the CPA examination in Texas and submit an Application of Intent to take the CPA examination to the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy.

The award amount is up to $5,000. The application deadline is December 31, 2021.

MBA degrees are prestigious and allow graduates to land the desired job. However, earning an MBA or related degree might be pricey, and not everyone can afford it. Fortunately, many scholarships exist nowadays. The mentioned list comprises active programs to let you study finance, business, or accounting and achieve your long-term goals.

 

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LINE Friends merchandise now available for redemption at Watsons

Get your LINE Friends merchandise at Watsons

LINE Friends are coming to town! Watsons will be offering LINE Friends Starry Starry Night merchandise for redemption from now till 11 August 2021.

Each time you spend at Watsons (min. $10), you are given a stamp. You will earn extra stamps for purchasing any participating products.

Stamp collection

  • Every $10 spent in a single receipt = 1 stamp
  • Purchase any participating products = +1 extra stamp
  • Every $40 spent for Watsons member = +1 extra stamp

The stamp collection period will be from now till 28 July 2021 with redemption until 11 August 2021.

Redemption

Product Usual Price 3 Stamps 6 Stamps
Floor Mat $19.90 $14.90 $10.90
Laundry Basket $15.90 $12.90 $9.90
Brown / Cony Bedroom Slippers $33.90 $21.90 $15.90
Cushion with blanket $49.90 $34.90 $25.90

Here’s a quick look of the merchandise:

Brown Bedroom Slippers 

Cony Bedroom Slippers
Brown Cusion
Brown + Sally + Cony Blanket
Brown Laundry Basket (at the bottom)

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