Myrtle Beach, SC, is a coastal city that attracts thousands of visitors each year with its stunning beaches, fantastic weather, and diverse entertainment options. However, the city isn’t just for tourists, it’s also an excellent place to call home. So whether you’re searching for an apartment or looking to buy a home in Myrtle Beach, this Redfin article has 7 great reasons why you should consider moving to the area and why you’ll love it.
1. Miles of Beautiful Beaches
Myrtle Beach’s biggest draw is undoubtedly its beautiful beaches. With over 60 miles of coastline, residents can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and surfing in the Atlantic Ocean. The city has some of the most pristine and well-maintained beaches in the country, and the stunning views of the ocean make it a paradise for beachgoers.
2. Year-Round Activities and Entertainment
Myrtle Beach has plenty of activities and entertainment options to keep residents busy all year long. The city has several amusement parks, museums, theaters, and water parks. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade offer beautiful ocean views and are home to many restaurants, bars, and shops. With a range of activities available, residents will never run out of things to do.
3. Outdoor Recreation
In addition to its beautiful beaches, Myrtle Beach offers many outdoor recreation opportunities. The city has many parks and nature preserves, including the Myrtle Beach State Park, where residents can enjoy hiking, camping, and fishing. The Intracoastal Waterway is also a popular spot for boating and fishing. If you’re thinking about moving to Myrtle Beach, you’ll love the abundance of outdoor activities available in this coastal city.
4. Affordable Cost of Living
Myrtle Beach, SC is renowned for its affordable cost of living, with expenses 8% lower than the national average. In comparison to neighboring Charleston, SC, and the bustling city of Charlotte, NC, Myrtle Beach offers a 6% lower cost of living. Additionally, with a median sale price of $237,000, Myrtle Beach homes are significantly more affordable compared to the national median of $407,500. This affordability makes Myrtle Beach an enticing destination for individuals and families seeking a cost-effective and comfortable lifestyle in a picturesque coastal setting.
5. Mild Climate
Myrtle Beach’s mild climate is one of its most significant draws for newcomers, making it an ideal place to live for those who love outdoor activities and spending time at the beach. The subtropical climate ensures warm temperatures all year round, with average temperatures ranging from the high 50s in the winter to the mid-80s in the summer. The warm water temperatures and ample sunshine make it a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and kayaking. Even in the cooler months, the beach is a popular destination for walks, picnics, and enjoying the beautiful ocean views.
6. Rich history and culture
Myrtle Beach boasts a rich history and culture that can be explored through its museums, galleries, and landmarks. The Horry County Museum offers insights into the area’s Native American and colonial past, while the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum showcases local art and music. The city’s vibrant cultural scene also includes events such as the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival and the Carolina Country Music Fest.
7. Southern Hospitality
If you’re considering moving to Myrtle Beach, you’ll appreciate the city’s reputation for friendly locals and Southern hospitality. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel right at home in this welcoming and inclusive community. With its laid-back lifestyle and warm-hearted residents, Myrtle Beach is an exceptional place to live and experience true Southern hospitality.
Myrtle Beach, SC, is a wonderful place to call home, offering residents miles of beautiful beaches, a range of year-round activities and entertainment options, and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The city’s affordable cost of living, mild climate, and rich history and culture add to its appeal, making it a popular destination for those looking to make the move. In addition, Myrtle Beach’s welcoming and inclusive atmosphere and the Southern hospitality makes it easy for newcomers to feel at home almost instantly. If you’re considering a move to Myrtle Beach, be aware you might just fall in love with living in this beautiful coastal city.
Property consultancy Fisher German has appointed a new leader of its IT operations to help drive the firm’s ongoing growth.
Fisher German, which has offices in Banbury, Hereford, Hungerford, Thame, and Worcester, has appointed Carl Stirland as IT Director.
Carl will oversee more than 20 in-house professionals in teams specialising in software development, project management, business change, IT infrastructure and IT service management.
Carl joins Fisher German with 30 years of IT experience across the construction, housebuilding, engineering, manufacturing, and distribution sectors.
This included 20 years of service at a multi-million-pound construction and development group, where he played an instrumental role in laying the digital foundations for key projects to be carried out efficiently, ranging from supermarket developments through to mass housebuilding.
He also spent two years at a FTSE 250 construction firm to help them overhaul their cloud migrations, network, and telecom systems for around 6,000 users.
Carl has recently worked for a leading multi-national plc supplying insulation, roofing, commercial interiors, and specialist construction products as the UK IT business partner to develop the firm’s technological efficiency across 580 distribution centres and trade counters.
Carl said: “Joining a progressive firm such as Fisher German is a brilliant challenge for me to be able to put my three decades of IT experience into practice to help accelerate the firm’s ongoing growth.
“I am passionate about working for a business that is focused on providing great client satisfaction, and my role is to ensure that Fisher German’s IT platforms enable the business to maintain this and improve even further.
“Another key aspect of my role is striking the balance between future proofing the business’s IT portfolio – both for our colleagues and through the services we provide to clients – whilst also ensuring the company’s digital and operational strategies are aligned.”
Carl, who is also a chartered engineer and chartered IT professional, will be based at the firm’s Ashby-de-la-Zouch headquarters with nationwide responsibility for developing the firm’s IT capabilities across its 29 offices.
Managing Partner, Andrew Bridge, added: “We are excited for Carl to join us and to oversee our continued investment in sophisticated and market-leading IT solutions for our colleagues, to help deliver a first-class client service.”
![Hand holding wooden home with text message Buy or Rent, on wooden desk office.](https://ukpropertyguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Is-It-Better-To-Buy-or-Rent-in-2023-Experts.jpg)
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You’re interested in buying a home, but due to the crazy uncertainty of the current real estate market, you’re not sure if now is the right time. Since this is likely one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make, you’re taking the time to make an informed decision.
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As of March of this year, the median sale price of a home in the U.S. is $400,706 – actually down 3.3% from this time last year. Sounds good, right? Well, that number was $303,201 in March 2020 (meaning 32% two-year growth). Perhaps unsurprisingly, 441,631 homes were sold during the month, marking a -20% year-over-year decrease.
Clearly, the market is in a strange place – demand has fallen significantly, but prices have not yet fallen to meet the reduced demand. This can make it hard to decide whether to keep renting or buy a home of your own because you don’t want to overpay if prices will soon be trending downward.
“The challenge right now with the housing market is that prices are still high, and mortgage rates are on the rise. House affordability is down, which makes renting more attractive in many areas,” said Jay Zigmont, Ph.D., CFP® founder of Childfree Wealth.
Jenna Lofton, a New York City-based stock trader and investor said, “I generally recommend people buy or rent depending on what they value most — security or flexibility.”
In terms of not wanting to overpay for a house, she said the decision to buy or rent depends on where prices are going. Lofton believes buying might be a good idea if you’re financially secure and want a stable housing situation, but warned not to forget about maintenance expenses and other costs associated with homeownership.
“Renting makes sense for people who worry about their financial security,” she said. “If the market changes, then they won’t be stuck with something they can’t afford, which is [a] valuable peace of mind.”
Fear of overpaying for a house in the current real estate market is a very valid concern, so Cynthia Kellogg, a San Francisco Bay Area-based real estate agent with Avenue 8, said to think about how long you can see yourself living in it. In most markets, she said real estate is a long-term investment.
“If your answer is less than five years, depending on your market, then renting might be a safer option,” she said. “But if you’re planning on staying in a home for more than that, your home will likely appreciate and you will make money when you go to sell.”
However, if you’re looking to invest in the real estate market and you have the financial ability to do so, she recommended buying and holding onto the property for as long as you can. “There’s no such thing as timing the market,” she said. “The only real thing that matters is your time in the market.”
To avoid overpaying, she advised looking for properties that have been on the market for longer than average and working with a real estate agent who can help you find a great investment.
“This might mean you make some trade-offs,” Kellogg said. “Perhaps buying a bit outside your desired neighborhood or being willing to commit to some work and potential home improvement projects.”
Clearly, the decision to start shopping for houses right now or continue renting for a while depends on your unique circumstances. The best choice for you might not be the same as a friend or family member in the same predicament.
It’s worth noting that while interest rates have risen sharply – 6.3% for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage as of April 25 (a massive increase from the all-time low of 2.65% in January of 2021), the average rate since 1971 is 7.75%, implying that rates aren’t likely to go up that much more.
If you’re ready to put down long-term roots in a home and you feel like you can afford a sale price that might be more than what you originally expected, now might be a great time to buy. On the other hand, if you’re not sure you’ll live in the house very long or feel uneasy about spending more than planned on a home, it might be better to keep renting for at least a while.
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Anchorage, AK is a vibrant city with many positives including its stunning scenery, no sales tax, and friendly community. However, the city also has its downsides, such as limited job opportunities and challenging traffic and transportation conditions. The short summer season and long winter nights can also be factors that potential residents need to consider. So, is Anchorage a good place to live? Whether you’re looking to rent an apartment in Anchorage on Redfin or purchase a home in the area, the answer may depend on your priorities and lifestyle preferences. In this diverse and complex city, it’s important to consider the benefits and drawbacks before making a decision about living in Anchorage.
Pros of Living in Anchorage
1. Scenic beauty
Anchorage, Alaska, is known for its breathtaking scenic beauty with its picturesque mountains, stunning glaciers, and expansive forests. One of the most popular attractions is the Chugach State Park, which covers over half a million acres of wildlands, including glaciers, lakes, and forests. The park offers many activities including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, a scenic 11-mile trail along the coast, is another must-visit destination. It offers incredible views of the Cook Inlet, the Chugach Mountains, and even the occasional glimpse of beluga whales. Anchorage is also home to several beautiful gardens, such as the Alaska Botanical Garden and the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, where visitors can admire the region’s distinctive flora and fauna.
2. No sales tax
One unique aspect of Anchorage is that there is no sales tax on goods and services. This is due to the city’s reliance on property taxes and other revenue streams, such as fees and licenses, to fund city services and operations. The lack of a sales tax in Anchorage can be a significant draw for residents. Additionally, businesses in Anchorage can benefit from the lack of a sales tax, as it can make their products more affordable and competitive compared to businesses in other states with sales tax.
3. Outdoor recreation opportunities
Anchorage, Alaska, is a hub of outdoor recreational activities. One of the most popular activities in Anchorage is hiking. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a popular trail for visitors and locals alike, offering incredible views of the Cook Inlet and surrounding mountains. In the winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities, with several groomed trails in and around Anchorage. Downhill skiing and snowboarding are also available at Alyeska Resort, located about an hour’s drive from Anchorage. During the summer months, visitors can go kayaking, fishing, or take a wildlife viewing cruise. Anchorage is also known for its incredible wildlife, including moose, bears, and bald eagles, which can be spotted on many outdoor excursions.
4. An abundance of daylight during the summer months
Anchorage is known for its long summer days, which are characterized by an abundance of daylight. From late May to early August, the sun remains above the horizon for up to 19 hours a day, giving residents plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors. This phenomenon is due to Anchorage’s location at a high latitude, which means that during the summer months, the sun never sets below the horizon.
5. Access to fresh seafood and other locally sourced food
Anchorage, Alaska, is known for its access to fresh seafood, thanks to its location on the shores of the Cook Inlet and proximity to the Gulf of Alaska. The city is home to several seafood markets and restaurants that offer a variety of fresh seafood options, including salmon, halibut, crab, shrimp, and more. In addition to local markets and restaurants, Anchorage also hosts several seafood festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Anchorage Salmon Daze Festival.
6. Friendly community and welcoming atmosphere
Anchorage is a city that is renowned for its friendly community and welcoming atmosphere. Despite being the largest city in Alaska, Anchorage has managed to maintain a small-town feel. The community is made up of people from all walks of life, and this melting pot of cultures creates a unique community. Anchorage residents are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming nature, which is reflected in the numerous community events and festivals that are organized throughout the year like the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, Anchorage First Fridays, and the Anchorage Market.
7. Opportunities for northern lights viewing
Anchorage is one of the best places in the world to view the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis. The city’s location within the auroral oval, a band of light around the Earth’s magnetic poles where auroras occur most frequently, makes it an ideal spot for viewing this natural phenomenon. The northern lights are most visible during the winter months, from late September to early April when the nights are long and dark. Anchorage has numerous locations where residents and visitors can view the northern lights, such as the Chugach Mountains, the Arctic Valley, and the Knik River Valley.
Cons of Living in Anchorage
8. Limited job opportunities
Anchorage offers fewer job opportunities compared to other cities. This is due to government agencies, the healthcare sector, and the oil and gas industry being the primary employers, leaving limited prospects for other industries. The Ted Stevens International Airport, Providence Alaska Medical Center & Hospital System, and Fort Richardson US Army Base are among the largest employers in Anchorage.
9. Isolation
Anchorage is located in a remote area, separated from the rest of the United States by vast stretches of wilderness, which can make it difficult to access goods, services, and resources that are readily available in other cities. In fact, Anchorage is around 350 miles from Fairbanks and around 850 miles from Juneau, two of Alaska’s major cities.
10. Traffic
Despite having a relatively small population, Anchorage has limited road infrastructure, which can lead to congestion during peak travel times. During rush hour and other busy periods, the city’s main roads can become congested, resulting in long delays and frustrating commutes. The harsh winter weather conditions can also exacerbate traffic conditions, as snow and ice can make roads slick and difficult to navigate.
11. Cold weather
Anchorage is known for its bitterly cold weather, which can make daily life challenging for residents. The winter season in Anchorage can last from October to March, with average temperatures ranging from 5 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. The cold weather can be exacerbated by wind chill, making it feel even colder.
12. Limited Public Transportation
The city’s public transportation system is relatively small and primarily consists of the People Mover bus system. However, the frequency and coverage of these routes can be limited, making it difficult for residents to rely on public transportation to get around the city. Anchorage residents typically rely on People Mover if they choose not to drive themselves.
13. Short summer season
While summer in Anchorage can be beautiful and enjoyable, the season is relatively short compared to other parts of the country. The summer season typically lasts from mid-June to mid-September, which means that residents have only a few months to enjoy the warm weather and outdoor activities before the cold winter months set in. Additionally, the weather during the summer months can be unpredictable, with rain and cold temperatures still possible even in the heart of summer.
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They’re the go-to people in every crisis, and they’ve boomed in recent years. Management consultancies helped design vaccination programs during the pandemic and are currently providing advice on how to rescue one of the world’s biggest banks.
But they’re now in retreat as the economy slows, laying off thousands of people, and facing renewed criticisms about some of their work and the impact they have on the ability of governments and companies to solve their own problems.
The $230 billion management consulting industry is a broad church: it includes companies offering everything from project management expertise to designing new organizational structures. Within that, strategy consultants offer clients their take on how to build and improve their organizations.
Many big firms — think EY and KPMG — also conduct audits and advise on their clients’ tax issues, though these services are generally seen as distinct from their consulting work.
Last week, the Swiss government awarded a contract worth 8.7 million Swiss francs ($9.8 million) to Alvarez & Marsal Switzerland, a management consultancy, to help with aspects of the emergency takeover of Credit Suisse by its bigger rival UBS.
But this type of professional problem-solver has come under strong criticism as of late.
In The Big Con, published in February, prize-winning economist Mariana Mazzucato and her co-author Rosie Collington argue that management consultancies “infantilize” governments by keeping them dependent on their services.
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Mariana Mazzucato, professor of economics at University College London, photographed on March 7, 2023
National administrations have “become reliant on consultants, and the problem is the consultants take advantage of that,” the University College London professor told CNN. “They have no incentive to make governments better; otherwise they won’t get a future contract.”
Officials farm out some of their most interesting work to consultants who, she argues, often lack the necessary skills and experience to do it well.
“Governments have stopped investing in their own brains,” Mazzucato said. “They’ve become… inertial, not very capable, because they don’t invest in their own capacity.”
The professor, who also advises policymakers around the world, reserves much of her ire for the United Kingdom — a key provider of public and private sector work for consultancies, although the United States, Canada, France and Germany are also big markets.
Many of the criticisms are not exactly new. The stereotype of the overpaid and underqualified consultant advising an organization on how to cut costs (read: headcount), or simply rubberstamp a decision it has already made, has long hung over consulting firms like McKinsey & Company and Boston Consulting Group.
An article published in 2013 in the Harvard Business Review noted that “consulting has long inspired some degree of the-emperor-has-no-clothes skepticism,” citing books such as The Witch Doctors and The Management Myth.
Even so, demand for consultants’ services grew last year, with overall revenue up 10.7%, according to Source, a consulting sector think-tank.
The global consulting industry also enjoyed an “exceptional” period of growth in the wake of the pandemic, said Fiona Czerniawska, chief executive of Source. Between late 2020 and the first half of 2022, companies and governments hired consultants to work on a glut of new projects while many of their own staff were off sick.
Consultancies are on shakier ground now. In recent weeks several major players have announced thousands of layoffs as the outlook for the global economy darkens.
Consultancies hired “aggressively” because of “all the restructuring work coming out from the pandemic, which is now ending,” according to Nicholas Bloom, a research fellow at the London-based Centre for Economic Policy Research and an economics professor at Stanford University.
Layoffs are concentrated in back-office functions, Czerniawska also notes, rather than among client-facing consultants.
“We don’t see any shortage of demand from clients,” she said, referring to both governments and businesses.
Source forecasts total industry revenue will rise between 6% and 10% in 2023.
Mazzucato is not opposed to governments’ use of consultancies in principle. Yet, all too often, she argues, these firms don’t deliver on their promises.
While some companies do have credible experience, she calls a lot of their work “expertise-free.”
Similarly, UK lawmaker Meg Hillier, who chairs the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee, says there has been “a mushrooming” of big consultancy firms that can do “sort of anything you ask,” but some consultants “haven’t got the experience.”
The committee has raised concerns about the UK government’s reliance on consultancies over a number of years, including conducting an inquiry in 2019 into the tens of millions of pounds spent on these firms to prepare the country for leaving the European Union.
Mazzucato packs her book full of examples of high-profile blunders. One is Britain’s £37 billion ($46 billion) test-and-trace program, designed to limit the spread of Covid-19, but which, according to Hillier’s committee, failed to make any “measurable difference.” Deloitte, one of the Big Four accounting firms, was paid about £1 million ($1.2 million) a day for its work on the program.
The author also cites the case of the US federal health insurance website, which ran into technical problems in 2013 shortly after its launch. President Barack Obama’s administration largely took the flak, she writes, despite the participation of 55 contracted companies, including consultancies, in the project.
Tamzen Isacsson, chief executive of Britain’s Management Consultancies Association, counters with other examples: consultants were involved in the successful rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine in the country, she told CNN, and have helped the UK National Health Service speed up its screenings for breast cancer.
“The results speak for themselves,” she said. “We bring in short-term, specific, technical expertise to our clients, and we leave them in a better place.”
Isacsson vehemently rejects the charge that consultants often lack relevant expertise. Mazzucato is trading in “outdated stereotypes,” she says, adding that firms are bound by contracts to deliver specific results.
Czerniawska of Source also argues that consultants’ expertise is not in question. Nearly 80% of firms surveyed globally have told the think-tank that consultants’ work is either of high or very high quality, she noted.
But Czerniawska acknowledged that some “really big, complex projects” were not delivering “the kind of success that taxpayers would expect.”
Thomas Coex/AFP/Getty Images
McKinsey & Company’s stand at the 2023 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona
Bloom at Stanford University, who is a former McKinsey consultant, argues that “the big question is what is the average impact of consulting?”
“From the data I’ve seen it’s positive, although it’s hard to know if they earn their fees,” he told CNN, noting that consultancies do not share relevant information on that.
And Mari Sako, professor of management studies at Oxford university, points to the “revolving door” between governments and management consultancies, with many former civil servants now working for these firms.
That can be a strength, she said.
“You need very contextual knowledge [to work in government], and if that’s done well, then I think that consultants, as part of a team, would add value.”
The UK government is hiring more digital, procurement and finance specialists, in part, to become less reliant on consultants, according to Hillier, the lawmaker.
“There can be a very high cost to consultants,” she told CNN. “Sometimes, some of the consultancy work, you wonder why they’re paying quite so much for it.”
Ultimately, Mazzucato argues, only by doing more of the work themselves can governments become better at solving problems, devising economic strategy and innovating.
“You learn how to ride a bike by falling off, and getting up again.”
Environment Analyst study rates consultants on their climate and ESG efforts and urges further action to maintain client, employee and investor trust.
![report cover](https://ukpropertyguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Report-showcases-consulting-firms-efforts-to-accelerate-impact-and-net.png)
Our new report, ESG Strategies: Accelerating Impact and Net Zero Goals in Consultancy, provides a unique assessment of how the world’s major environmental & sustainability (E&S) consultants are responding to the rapidly evolving climate and ESG disclosure landscape, gauging their progress using sector-specific ratings criteria and industry carbon intensity benchmarks developed by our analyst team.
Find out about the Net Zero Journey & ESG Impact ‘leaders’ and ‘innovators’…
DOWNLOAD FREE SUMMARY REPORT HERE
MEMBERS DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT HERE
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[PRESS RELEASE]
*****AECOM, BCG, Jacobs and WSP are five-star rated firms*****
Environment Analyst (www.home.environment-analyst.com, Shrewsbury, UK), the independent market intelligence partner and advisor to the global consulting and professional services industry, has published an assessment of how the world’s major environmental & sustainability (E&S) consultants are responding to the rapidly evolving climate and ESG disclosure landscape.
The report, ‘ESG Strategies: Accelerating Impact and Net Zero Goals in Consultancy’, finds that while the drivers and pressures for action are proliferating, some consultancies have been slow to respond – in spite of being on the front line when it comes to advising businesses and governments on how to engage. Others are leading in advancing the agenda, innovating solutions and making measurable progress that will ultimately benefit their clients and supply chains, as well as people, planet and society.
Environment Analyst developed a unique, stakeholder perception analysis and ratings system, assessing how fifty leading E&S consultancies (‘C50’) are reporting and acting on the climate and ESG imperative, based on their public disclosures and reports. Firms were scored against industry-specific carbon intensity benchmarks, as well as a range of other factors including their alignment to gold standard frameworks and initiatives – such as the SBTi, CDP, TCFD and UN Global Compact – and their net zero and sustainability goals, governance and progress.
Only four of the fifty consultancies achieved the top five-star rating across the Net Zero Journey and ESG Impact Leadership metrics: AECOM, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Jacobs and WSP. A further twenty firms were identified as ‘innovators’ – including the highest-scoring small (<2k full-time equivalent employees) and medium-sized (2-10k FTEs) consultancies: Anthesis, ERM, ICF, Ricardo and TRC (see figures).
“At Environment Analyst, we believe organisations in need of ESG and carbon advisory support will increasingly turn to those that have the expertise, the experience and have demonstrated leadership to do it first; those who have walked the talk,” says Ross Griffiths, Environment Analyst Managing Director. “We also believe these firms offer investors a credible, low-risk option for their sustainable portfolios, while others still have further to go in their journeys.”
“This industry, just as any other, must guard against greenwashing claims given the myriad of frameworks, standards and pledges being made, as well as ESG data limitations. This report highlights best practices and promotes real advancements being made by the consulting industry’s frontrunners and innovators who are living, breathing, and advising on the sustainable transition.”
The report finds that 62% of the C50 firms have set science-based climate targets under the SBTi. However, only three of the companies have aligned to the higher-ambition SBTi Corporate Net Zero Standard to date, which requires faster and harder absolute emissions reductions.
The total carbon footprint for the C50 is estimated at 11.7 million tCO2e over the last reporting period (based on disclosures for FY21/FY22). This is equivalent to ~4.5 million return flights from London to Cape Town. Environment Analyst’s carbon accounting analysis found that there was a 15% rebound in the industry’s average emissions during the last year thanks to the post-pandemic return to normal working practices, but some firms were able to buck this trend through hardening business travel policies and other decarbonisation initiatives.
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Media enquiries: emily.ridge@environment-analyst.com
© Environment Analyst. You may circulate web links to our articles, but you may not copy our articles in whole or in part without permission
CORRECTIONS: We strive for accuracy, but with deadline pressure, mistakes can happen. If you spot something, we want to know, please email us at: news@environment-analyst.com
We also welcome YOUR NEWS: Send announcements to news@environment-analyst.com
Generating leads is one of the most important skills an agent can master, and it’s often one of the most difficult, especially for newer agents. Some find it difficult to create the relationships needed to generate leads, while others find the task too expensive, because they think they have to purchase lists or spend a ton of money on marketing.
And some agents think lead generation should be quicker and easier than it is.
“Lead generation is not always about getting a ready, willing and able buyer and seller. Lead generation is about building your network,” says Ronnie Glomb, CEO of Your Town Realty in Morristown, N.J. “The toughest part is always keeping your eyes open for an opportunity,” noting that essentially, real estate agents are matchmakers who have to stay vigilant and aware in order to make connections.
Generating leads doesn’t have to be expensive, he adds. He believes it’s about giving value that other real estate professionals aren’t providing, being creative to attract inquisitive potential clients and staying authentic to one’s unique personality.
If your agents have expressed issues with lead generation and don’t want to spend a ton of money, there are still some great ways they can find clients.
Reach Out to Human Resources Departments
“This is one of the really inexpensive ways of getting leads,” Glomb, EPRO, SFR, C2EX, says. You meet with the HR people and bring along your marketing package to show what you can offer new hires or those relocating to that area.
Some companies, especially hospitals, says Glomb, bring in talent from other areas, but don’t necessarily use a relocation company to help that talent settle in. Forming a relationship with the HR department and offering services could lead agents to a lasting relationship as the go-to person for the company or organization to field incoming employees to when they need help securing housing.
Find a Cause, Get Involved
JJ Devore, a former New Yorker who was in the city during 9/11, witnessed the incredible sacrifice and dedication of the first responders who showed up after the terrorist attack. She wanted to give back to those who give their all during a crisis, so in 2016 she joined Homes for Heroes as a real estate affiliate. The organization helps first-responders, military personnel, veterans and teachers achieve the dream of homeownership by offering a nationwide network of affiliate real estate, mortgage and local business specialists to help navigate the home buying process. To become an affiliate, the service professional pays a monthly fee of $189 or an annual fee of $1,500. Devore, AHWD, EPRO, designated managing broker-owner of Green Acres Real Estate, which operates out of four offices in Illinois, was then added to a database and when Homes for Heroes clients in her area need assistance, they’re referred to her. Representing the Homes for Heroes client as their real estate agent is not guaranteed by becoming an affiliate, but Devore says she didn’t get involved with the organization to gain leads. Whether she represented them or not, she wanted to help first-responders find their path to homeownership.
Still, the veterans she’s counseled through Homes for Heroes often refer her to their friends and family, and she does end up with referral clients that way. Devore chooses to pay it forward on any lead that turns into a sale. “Whenever I help a hero buy a house, I donate 30% of my commission check. Twenty-five percent goes back to the hero after closing, in a reward check, and 5% goes to the Hero Foundation,” says Devore,
Even if you don’t volunteer with an organization that offers a built-in affiliate program, being a part of your community in a service-oriented way can help you meet people, learn about what your community needs and help you make connections.
Network, Network, Network
“Networking will always be important,” says Kama Burton, AHWD, C2EX, broker-owner of CMB Realty Services in Moreno, Calif. “Whether it’s social media or face to face, building relationships will never be replaced.” You never know where the relationships you build will bring you.
In many cases, it’s as easy as an active social media presence, says Burton. Stay active on social media by posting pictures, commenting on others’ posts, and staying current with new social media outlets.
Try a Giveaway
Glomb still uses this lead generation tactic by giving away free vacations. Anyone attending one of his company’s open houses and providing their information on the sign-in sheet is entered into a contest that can get them a free two-night, three-day hotel stay, choosing a location from a list of options he provides. He says that, at around $100 per contest, the cost for him is relatively minimal and allows him to build up a roster of people.
He’s able to provide this kind of contest by working with a company that offloads excess hotel and timeshare reservations. “People will come to the open houses just to sign up,” noting that everyone who signs up can be treated as a potential lead.
Use Scripts for Everything
In his early years, if Jeff Glover didn’t have an appointment scheduled each day, he would put on a suit and knock on doors of For Sale By Owner properties or contact those whose contracts had expired with other real estate professionals. His broker taught him to write scripts every day, chant them, and role play until he had them down. “Just sound like you have been doing this a long time, and no one will question your experience,” his broker advised.
At 19 years old, Glover sold 30 properties that way. Today, Glover leads the Glover Agency, a seven-office brokerage in Michigan affiliated with Keller Williams. He also runs a coaching company called Glover U. Scripts got him to where he is today, and he makes those available to other agents through a free download called Jeff’s Prospecting Scripts, which includes scripts for FSBO sellers, expired listings, seller and buyer objections, pricing presentations and more.
Get That Camera (Phone) Out
Video is one of the top-performing media types out there, and every real estate professional can benefit from creating video content to share with prospects and social media followers.
“Video creation is important,” Burton says. “Don’t feel like it always has to be perfect or real estate–related. Find a hobby or a subject you love to talk about, and people will draw to you.” It’s free. If you have a phone and camera, you are set. Later, you might want to look into upgrading to buying some ads to gain a bigger audience, she suggests. “If done right, it will sustain your business and keep you current.” Glover agrees, and believes every real estate agent should have a YouTube channel.
Use longer videos on YouTube and repurpose that same video content for social media, Glover adds. “You can chop up a [longer] video and turn it into three- or four-minute-long videos for Instagram or TikTok.”
Focus on How You Can Help
“Karma is very real if your heart is in the right place,” says Devore. “REALTORS® can never be replaced by technology with their human compassion for others.” She focuses on meeting her clients where they are in the process, and helping them in whatever way they need to secure a home.
“You take their hand and tell them, ‘We will get you there.’” Whether that’s saving a little more for a down payment or working on their credit so they can become mortgage-ready, Devore guides them through the process and ensures her clients have what they need to be successful homeowners. This personalized, service-oriented approach often leads to referrals.
Offer HUD Seminars
Glomb has been certified by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and offers free seminars to teach people how to buy a HUD home for as little as $100 down. He says he packs the house every time. “Everybody that walks into the door is a buyer. That person that comes in might need some credit repair or guidance on saving a little more for closing costs. You get those people ready, willing and able to buy with some education.” He has the seminars in library meeting rooms, which are free to use, keeping costs low.
When it comes to generating leads, many options are available. It’s important, though, not to get too bogged down trying several new approaches at once. Glover says that many real estate professionals get overwhelmed that way. “You need to double down and go all-in on one or two sources instead of spreading yourself too thin,” he adds.
Property consultancy Vail Williams has appointed surveyor Arabella Macrae in response to growing business demand.
Arabella has joined the Thames Valley agency team in its new offices at the heart of Reading town centre.
She was previously at residential and commercial agent Oakley Property in Brighton for two-and-a-half years where she was commercial lettings and sales coordinator.
Her Vail Williams responsibilities include commercial agency, acquisitions and disposals and data analysis.
Key specialisms include ‘flex space’ office disposals, digital marketing and property campaigns throughout the Thames Valley region.
She said: “I was gratified to be appointed by Vail Williams and I am looking to utilise my skill sets and experience in my new role as a Surveyor to ensure clients continue to receive a second-to-none service.”
Arabella, a psychology graduate from the University of the West of England in Bristol, added: “I am relishing being part of such a progressive and professional agency team in an exceptional firm.”
David Thomas, Thames Valley regional managing partner, said: “Arabella is a great addition to our agency team with her diligence, people skills and great communication attributes.
“We welcome her to the agency team as business continues to expand. She has a friendly and happy-to-help approach and I am expecting her to thrive in her new role.”
Vail Williams’ full-service property advice includes commercial agency, investment and development advice, building consultancy, property valuation, planning, lease advisory, property asset management, business rates and occupier consultancy.
He has a vast knowledge in technical analysis, financial market education, product management, risk assessment, derivatives trading & market Research. Applied to the bearish harami pattern, you could demand that the ranges of the candles making up the pattern are bigger than the surrounding ranges. That would suggest that more market participants took part in forming the pattern, which increases its significance. As said, a bearish harami is a trend reversal pattern that occurs at the top of an uptrend. The Bearish Harami candlestick pattern happens frequently – it’s one of the most frequent candlestick patterns. From 1993 until today, there have been 250 observations of Bearish Haram in the S&P 500 stock index.
Bearish Harami vs Bearish Engulfing
Now that we are short Citigroup, we wait for an opposite signal from the stochastic. 5 periods later, the blue stochastic line hops into the oversold area for a moment. This trade brought us a profit of $.77 cents per share in less than an hour. Later, a triple top came in the form of a shooting star which also led us to believe that we could be in store for yet another pullback.
Expected PPI in Trading: Understanding the Predicted Performance
The Harami candlestick pattern is a useful tool in technical analysis, indicating potential trend reversals in financial markets. It is this containment that gives the Harami its name, which means ‘pregnant’ in Japanese, referring to the appearance of a mother candle with a smaller baby candle inside. In conclusion, the Bearish Harami candlestick pattern can be a helpful tool for traders to identify potential trend reversals.
Best Trading Strategies (Backtested, Trading Rules And Settings)
In case of a bearish harami, you should place a sell-stop slightly below the bigger candlestick. Second, you should then look closely at the movement of the candlesticks and identify when a large candlestick is followed by a small candle. For the pattern to happen, the smaller candle must be completely engulfed by a larger one.
The characteristics of a Bearish Harami candlestick pattern is a large bullish candle followed by a smaller bearish candle. It’s easier to be misled following just the Bearish Harami candlestick pattern on the chart. It’s somewhat more effective as a confluence and confirmation bias for taking.
In that case, it could be favorable if the following candle is small and insignificant, signaling that the market indeed is hesitant about what to do next. However, we would like to issue a more general warning about shorting patterns in general. The first candle is a long bullish candle, which means bullish sentiment. Now, this means that we could use the moving average as a sort of profit target.
By recognizing this pattern and applying appropriate risk management strategies, traders can potentially profit from downward price movements. The small bearish candlestick is considered a “Doji,” which means that the opening and closing prices are equal or very close. This pattern suggests that the bears have taken control and are pushing the price downward. It is important to note that this pattern should be confirmed with additional bearish candlestick patterns or technical indicators. The reliability of the Harami pattern becomes greater when it is accompanied by other technical indicators, such as volume or moving averages. It is vital for investors to consider the bigger picture and confirm the pattern with additional analysis to make more informed trading decisions.
The bullish harami candlestick signals trend reversals from a bearish trend to a bullish trend. Yes, the bullish harami candlestick pattern is profitable, especially when used along with other technical indicators. The bullish harami is not ideally used in isolation as there are chances of possible false positives. Bullish harami patterns are profitable if they are used with other indicators that confirm the trend reversals.
In this, you will be waiting for confirmation that the reversal will happen. The Bearish Harami candlestick pattern is a bearish candlestick pattern. Many patterns named “bearish” turn out to be bullish in backtest and practice, but the Bearish Harami is not one of them. Additionally, the second candlestick should be wholly contained within the range of the first, further reinforcing the reversal in trend. By looking for these characteristics, traders can confirm the presence of a Bearish Harami pattern and potentially make informed trading decisions.
Since the Harami is a reversal pattern, we need a way to measure the likelihood of successful signal to reduce the noise. This is where a fast oscillator can be of great assistance in terms of trade validation. The further decrease in price then creates a bottom, marked with a green line. Within the orange lines, you will see a consolidation, which looks like a bearish pennant.
The second candle of the bearish engulfing completely engulfs the previous candle, while the bullish harami has the second candle residing within the range of the first candle. We have defined ALL 75 candlestick patterns and put them into strict testable trading rules. Each single candlestick pattern is backtested and includes rules, settings, statistics, probabilities, and performance metrics. In analyzing the Harami candlestick pattern, traders consider its appearance as a possible indication of a future reversal.
Recognizing Harami patterns can inform traders about a possible change in market sentiment. A bullish Harami occurs after a downtrend and suggests that the selling pressure is diminishing and a reversal upwards may be forthcoming. Conversely, a bearish Harami, appearing after an uptrend, signals that buyers are losing momentum and a downward reversal might be on the horizon. A bullish harami is a two-candle bullish reversal pattern that forms after a downtrend. The first candle is bearish, and is followed by a small bullish candle that’s contained within the real body of the previous candle.
The candlestick pattern is considered a bullish harami if it fulfils these conditions. There are three main advantages of bullish harami candlestick patterns. All the advantages primarily revolve around the ease of spotting and identifying the bullish harami candlestick. Its distinctive shape which resembles a pregnant woman aids in its quick identification.
The first step to using the bullish harami pattern to trade in the stock market is confirming the pattern on the stock price chart. The third or fourth candlestick in a bullish harami pattern usually confirms the upcoming bullish trend. The confirmation candlestick in a bullish harami is a bullish candlestick that closes above the prior bullish candlestick. The image below shows a trend confirming candlestick in a bullish harami pattern. Traders may use the Bearish Harami pattern and other technical analysis tools to make informed trading decisions. It is also essential to consider the overall market conditions and the stock or security traded.
The advantages of a Bearish Harami candlestick pattern include the ability to identify potential selling opportunities and the potential to profit from a downtrend. Additionally, this pattern can provide traders with an early warning signal of a possible trend reversal, allowing them to adjust their positions accordingly. The best way to trade with ta Bearish Harami candlestick pattern is to wait for confirmation of the reversal by looking for further bearish candlesticks or a break of key support levels. The Bearish Harami Candlestick Pattern is a bearish reversal signal that occurs when a large bearish candlestick follows a small bearish candlestick. This pattern indicates that the bulls were initially in control of the market, but the bears have now taken over and are likely to push prices lower.
- In the same way that every candlestick is a representation of market prices, it also is a representation of the market mood at the given movement.
- The high or low of a Harami cross setup provides resistance or support for any further price moves.
- When the harami candlestick pattern appears, it depicts a condition in which the market is losing its steam in the prevailing direction.
- The image shows that the third candlestick of the pattern is a bullish candlestick confirming the trend reversal.
There are so many misconceptions about the Bearish Harami candlestick. We’d explore everything you should know about the Bearish Harami candlestick and how to apply it to your trading strategies rightly. All in all, the bullish harami pattern is a sign that bulls managed to not only make the market gap to the upside, but also hold that level for the rest of the day. One point to note is that these four trading strategies can be used in combination with all other candlestick reversal patterns. The first Harami pattern shown on Chart 2 above of the E-mini Nasdaq 100 Future is a bullish reversal Harami. In the case above, Day 2 was a bullish candlestick, which made the bullish Harami look even more bullish.
For example, in some markets one day of the week or one-third of the month might be extra bullish or bearish. This means without any indicators, oscillators or moving averages, etc. Due to the lack of a real body after a strong move tells that the previous trend is coming to an end and a reversal may take place. We exit the position and collect a profit of $.30 cents per share for 25 minutes of work. Once you receive this additional signal, open a trade – a short position in our case. Then you can stay in the market until you get a contrary signal from the oscillator at the other end of the trade.
Harmonic patterns are used in technical analysis that traders use to find trend reversals. The image below shows an example of a bullish harami candlestick pattern used in trading. There are primarily three steps to trading in the stock market using the bullish harami pattern.
You use a Bearish Harami candlestick pattern in trading by making sure you have backtested its trading rules with an appropriate exit signal. Traders look for confirmation such as a third candle closing outside the range of the Harami pattern or accompanying volume indicators that corroborate the reversal signal. To ensure that we only take a bullish harami when volatility is high, we’ll use the ADX indicator. ADX is one of our favorite indicators that we’ve found to work very well with many trading strategies. When you spot a Harami candlestick pattern, the key here is to use the moving average to set an entry point.
The image shows that the first candlestick in a bullish harami pattern is a long bearish candlestick and the second is a short bullish candlestick. The entire body of the bullish candlestick must fall inside the body of the bearish candlestick. The second bullish candlestick must make a jump from the low of the previous bearish candlestick to open at a higher position.
Additionally, the Bearish Harami pattern may not be as effective in markets with high volatility or without clear trends. Traders should use this pattern with other technical analysis tools and consider fundamental analysis before making trading decisions. Traders need to pay attention to these patterns to make informed investment decisions.
The Bearish Harami pattern indicates that the uptrend may be coming to an end and that a downtrend may be starting. This is because the pattern shows a reversal in the bullish sentiment, with the small bearish candle indicating a potential shift in control from the buyers to the sellers. The second candle is a small bearish candle contained within the body of the first candle, indicating that the bears have taken control of the market.
The third step for investors and traders is to confirm the trend that the bullish harami indicates. The bullish harami pattern, in most cases, gives a trend confirmation in the third or fourth candlestick. The image below depicts trend confirmation in a bullish harami candlestick pattern. A bullish harami candlestick pattern appears at the end of a bearish trend.
We can see in the chart how after the pattern formation, the prices have gapped down confirming the reversal signaled by this pattern. In the daily chart of USD/INR, we can see a Bearish Harami formed at the end of the uptrend. One should rely on the chart patterns, candle patterns, support and resistance, and so on. One should note that the important aspect of the bearish Harami candlestick is that prices gapped down on Day 2, and also, they were unable to move higher back to the close of Day 1.
The Harami candlestick pattern is a two-day pattern that typically indicates a potential reversal in the market trend. It is characterized by a small body on the second day that is completely within the range of the previous day’s body. This section examines how the Harami pattern stands in comparison to other candlestick formations and its integration with other technical indicators for more robust trading strategies. The Harami candlestick pattern is recognized for its predictive capabilities in technical analysis, often signaling potential trend reversals. In this article, we’ve had a look at the bullish harami candlestick pattern.
When combined, a bearish Harami pattern and a trendline break might be interpreted as a potential sell signal. A bullish Harami occurs at the bottom of a downtrend when there is a large bearish red candle on Day 1 followed by a smaller bearish or bullish candle on Day 2. A bearish Harami occurs at the top of an uptrend when there is a large bullish green candle on Day 1 followed by a smaller bearish or bullish candle on Day 2.
The EMA plus Fibonacci strategy is strongly profitable, but sometimes the fast EMA could knock you out of a winning trade relatively early. This happens 28 periods later, almost 2 hours after we entered the trade. Bulls who have made gains in the stock may be taking a breather to either accumulate more shares or sell out of their existing positions. The large preceding candle would signify climactic conditions in that regard.
A Bearish Harami and a bearish engulfing pattern are both technical analysis patterns that indicate a potential downward trend in the stock market. However, there are some critical differences between the two patterns. The image shows that the third candlestick of the pattern is a bullish candlestick confirming the trend reversal. The third or fourth candlestick is considered a bullish harami confirmation candlestick only if it closes above the prior bullish candlestick. One potential drawback of the Bearish Harami candlestick pattern is that the pattern is unreliable and can produce false signals.
In other words, it measures how much debt and equity a company uses to finance its operations. A higher ratio may signal potential higher returns, as debt financing can amplify profits. However, it also indicates higher risk, as the company has more financial obligations to meet. Conversely, a lower ratio may appeal to conservative investors seeking stability and lower risk, even though this might come with lower potential returns. By understanding the implications of the debt-to-equity ratio, investors can align their investment choices with their risk tolerance and financial goals.
Why You Can Trust Finance Strategists
Different industries vary in D/E ratios because some industries may have intensive capital compared to others. In order to reduce the risk of bad loans, banks impose restrictions on the maximum debt-to-equity ratio of borrowers as defined in the debt covenants in loan agreements. Economic factors such as economic downturns and interest rates affect types of inventory a company’s optimal debt-to-income ratio by industry. Inflation can erode the real value of debt, potentially making a company appear less leveraged than it actually is. It’s crucial to consider the economic environment when interpreting the ratio. Firms whose ratio is greater than 1.0 use more debt in financing their operations than equity.
Is an increase in the debt-to-equity ratio bad?
A higher debt to equity ratio indicates that more creditor financing (bank loans) is used than investor financing (shareholders). The D/E Ratio is also crucial for comparing companies within the same industry. Different industries have different capital structures and financing norms, making it essential to compare a company’s debt-to-equity ratio against industry averages and benchmarks.
Common Misconceptions About Debt-to-Equity Ratio in Financial Analysis
- In other words, the assets of the company are funded 2-to-1 by investors to creditors.
- Long-term debt-to-equity ratio is an alternative form of the standard debt-to-equity ratio.
- This can increase financial risk because debt obligations must be met regardless of the company’s profitability.
- A higher D/E ratio means that the company has been aggressive in its growth and is using more debt financing than equity financing.
The D/E ratio is much more meaningful when examined in context alongside other factors. Therefore, the overarching limitation is that ratio is not a one-and-done metric. These https://www.bookkeeping-reviews.com/ industry-specific factors definitely matter when it comes to assessing D/E. The other important context here is that utility companies are often natural monopolies.
So, the debt-to-equity ratio of 2.0x indicates that our hypothetical company is financed with $2.00 of debt for each $1.00 of equity. Gearing ratios focus more heavily on the concept of leverage than other ratios used in accounting or investment analysis. The underlying principle generally assumes that some leverage is good, but that too much places an organization at risk.
Financial leverage allows businesses (or individuals) to amplify their return on investment. This is because the company will still need to meet its debt payment obligations, which are higher than the amount of equity invested into the company. Before that, however, let’s take a moment to understand what exactly debt to equity ratio means. For example, utilities tend to be a highly indebted industry whereas energy was the lowest in the first quarter of 2024. 11 Financial may only transact business in those states in which it is registered, or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. 11 Financial’s website is limited to the dissemination of general information pertaining to its advisory services, together with access to additional investment-related information, publications, and links.
Debt to equity ratio is the most commonly used ratio for measuring financial leverage. Other ratios used for measuring financial leverage include interest coverage ratio, debt to assets ratio, debt to EBITDA ratio, and debt to capital ratio. A high debt to equity ratio means that a company is highly dependent on debt to finance its growth. The quick ratio measures the capacity of a company to pay its current liabilities without the need to sell its inventory or acquire additional financing. From the perspective of companies, it is therefore important to measure the debt-to-equity ratio because capital structure is one of the fundamental considerations in financial management.
For this reason, it’s important to understand the norms for the industries you’re looking to invest in, and, as above, dig into the larger context when assessing the D/E ratio. It’s clear that Restoration Hardware relies on debt to fund its operations to a much greater extent than Ethan Allen, though this is not necessarily a bad thing. This figure means that for every dollar in equity, Restoration Hardware has $3.73 in debt.
Below is a short video tutorial that explains how leverage impacts a company and how to calculate the debt/equity ratio with an example. The D/E ratio represents the proportion of financing that came from creditors (debt) versus shareholders (equity). But if a company has grown increasingly reliant on debt or inordinately so for its industry, potential investors will want to investigate further. The personal D/E ratio is often used when an individual or a small business is applying for a loan. Lenders use the D/E figure to assess a loan applicant’s ability to continue making loan payments in the event of a temporary loss of income. In addition, debt to equity ratio can be misleading due to different accounting practices between different companies.
Higher D/E ratios can also tend to predominate in other capital-intensive sectors heavily reliant on debt financing, such as airlines and industrials. The debt-to-equity ratio is most useful when used to compare direct competitors. If a company’s D/E ratio significantly exceeds those of others in its industry, then its stock could be more risky.
For example, high-tech companies like Apple and Google have low debt-to-equity ratios, indicating that they are less reliant on debt financing. On the other hand, utility companies like Exelon and Duke Energy have high debt-to-equity ratios since they require significant capital expenditures to maintain and expand their infrastructure. These examples illustrate how the optimal debt-to-equity ratio varies depending on the industry and the company’s financial goals. It is important to note that a high debt-to-equity ratio may indicate that a company is relying too heavily on debt to finance its operations, which can be risky. On the other hand, a low debt-to-equity ratio may indicate that a company is not taking advantage of potential growth opportunities by not utilizing debt financing. Therefore, it is important to consider the industry and company-specific factors when interpreting the debt-to-equity ratio.