Latest news with #Grahm
Hindustan Times
22-04-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Renting vs buying property: Why homebuyers shouldn't let FOMO drive their real estate decisions
The rent-versus-buy debate continues. With the risk of project delays, global economic instability, fear of job losses, and the track record of a few developers, it's better to hold off than to make decisions driven by the fear of missing out (FOMO) or influenced by others' timelines, advises a Redditor. 'Rather than feeling late to the real estate party, now may be the perfect time to skip the hype and wait for the market to stabilize. After all, it's your money and your future—don't spend the next 20 years repaying a loan for a decision made out of fear. Be smart, be patient, and most importantly, don't fall for the hype,' the Redditor cautions. 'And let's not forget the bigger picture: We're living in a time of global uncertainty—tariff wars, recession warnings, job market volatility. In times like this, cash is king. You might think you're late to the real estate party. But here's a different perspective: You're actually right on time—to skip this overhyped wave and wait for a correction or stabilization,' the Reddit post noted. 'Just like the stock market eventually cooled off after irrational highs, real estate too will level out. The prices may not crash dramatically, but they will stay in this inflated range for the next 2–3 years. You've already waited this long—what's the harm in waiting a bit more?', the Redditor wrote. Finally, do not let someone else's timeline dictate your financial decisions. 'It's your money. Your future. Don't spend the next 20 years repaying a loan for a rushed decision made in fear. Be smart. Be patient. And most importantly, don't fall for FOMO,' the post said. Also Read: Real estate advisory firm Grahm to invest around ₹100 crore in FY26, to expand into seven cities The Redditor said he has been residing in Bengaluru for six years. 'Like many professionals in this city, I moved here seeking better opportunities and career growth. All these years, I've chosen to stay on rent, not because I couldn't afford a flat, but because I've always believed in financial flexibility over long-term debt,' he explained. He recalled that between 2020 and 2022, 2bhk apartments from Tier 1 and Tier 2 builders were priced between ₹70 lakh and ₹1 crore. Despite these comparatively lower prices, he held off on making a purchase, pointing to the uncertain job market and steep interest rates as key factors in his decision. The Redditor admitted that as rental prices nearly doubled in recent years and many of his peers began buying homes in gated communities, the fear of missing out (FOMO) eventually got the better of him. He booked a 2BHK apartment in East Bengaluru for ₹1.2 crore, influenced by a sales representative who claimed that 80% of the units had already been sold and that prices were expected to rise soon. However, soon after paying the booking amount, a legal review uncovered several red flags. The buyer learned that the builder had a history of delayed projects and financial mismanagement, raising serious concerns about the investment. 'Worse? The project that was '80% sold' when I booked? A few weeks later, a friend got a call from the same builder offering the same flat for ₹1.10 crore— ₹10 lakh less than what I was quoted,' the post stated. The buyer then cancelled the booking and faced delays in securing a refund. Also Read: Brigade Group to add 8 million sq ft of office space, plans to double flex space portfolio 'Bengaluru real estate is already inflated. Don't believe the hype,' the Redditor said. 'If 80% of the flats are sold, why are advertisements and cold calls still happening? Why are discounts offered under the table if demand is really that high?' With many new projects promising possession dates four to five years down the line, the buyer pointed out that homebuyers could end up paying EMIs long before they even move in. He urged others to research a builder's track record thoroughly, avoid making impulsive decisions, and maintain financial caution, especially given the current global economic uncertainties. 'While homeownership is a goal for many, entering the market without careful planning and patience could lead to long-term financial strain,' the post said. 'The truth is, most of these flats have possession dates around 2028–2030. That's 4-5 years from now! You'll be paying EMIs long before you even get to live in your home. The risk, delays, and stress aren't worth it—especially with Tier 3/4 builders who don't have a strong track record,' the post added.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sweet Spot: Compartés Celebrates 75 Years in L.A.
This Valentine's Day, many in Los Angeles are choosing to show love and affection for their hometown as well as each other, especially in the wake of the California wildfires. Which makes Compartés gourmet chocolatier the sweetest choice in town. From its uniquely beautiful packaging to its delectable flavors and recipes, the chocolatier's 75-year history and growth is a true local success story.'We're a homegrown L.A. brand, here since 1950,' owner and CEO Jonathan Grahm says of his company, which built its local fanbase in beloved retail stores in Brentwood and West Hollywood (they closed during the pandemic) and its profile as a national brand via collaborations with fashion houses and pop culture figures. 'Our chocolate factory in Culver City is still standing and I'm happy we're able to come to work and make chocolate, which makes people happy. It's kind of a nice thing in this moment of not-so-nice things.' Grahm, who started at the company at the age of 15, designed a special new bar, called 'I Love L.A.,' while watching the fire coverage on TV last month. He's donating 100% of its proceeds to wildfire relief.'As an L.A. brand, it's so important,' he says. 'People see our packaging not only all over town, but all over the country and worldwide. We're sold in 3,000 shops all over the U.S. Compartés is really emblematic of Los his signature dark chocolate with a sprinkling of gourmet sea salt, the new vegan, gluten-free L.A. bar joins his other hometown homage, the popular 'California Love' bar, which he created 15 years ago. Boasting a pink-hued sunset and swaying palm trees graphic, it's become famous for its design as well as the rich dark chocolate and San Francisco sourdough pretzel candy inside. Graham was 21 when he bought the family company and rebranded. Driven by a fashion-forward, artisanal approach, his confections now stand out amid other more typical boxed chocolate offerings on the market. Compartés is a special and luxurious choice to give loved ones for birthdays, anniversaries and holidays, both for its aesthetics and its flavors — which whimsically blend creamy smooth cocoa in dark, milk and white chocolate with a variety of other ingredients, like strawberries, potato chips, coffee and donuts (an ode to Grahm's favorite L.A. donut shops). Just in time for Valentine's Day, Compartés offers new bars packed with pieces of red velvet cake and strawberry cheesecake, the latter featuring a tie-dye heart design. The brand also boasts decadent new collections, in boxes adorned with florals, swans and peacocks. Try chocolate-covered fruit; pink chocolate-covered Oreos and hearts; and its popular take on the classic heart-shaped box, a sumptuous crocodile-textured design available in shades of crimson red and dark green. While Grahm's goals to transform Compartés into a chic, elevated chocolate brand have been achieved, he hopes that his commitment to using local ingredients and printing facilities convey the deep connection and community that have inspired him since he took the company's helm.'I've been in L.A. my whole life,' he says. 'I went to Beverly High and I grew up on the Westside. I love L.A; it's my inspiration. It's my heart and it's my home. All of those things come through when you look at the brand.'5735 W. Adams Blvd., Culver City,
