Upcoming Trends in Bangalore Real Estate Market

The recent COVID-19 pandemic that struck has shown the importance of investing in houses and real estate. According to Business  Industry experts, humongous growth and opportunity in the real estate market are predicted to be worth $1 trillion by 2030. While there are massive opportunities that can be tapped, it is also important to make investments that increase in value over the years. This is why Assetz Property Group has made a list of the emerging trends in the Bangalore real estate market. As mentioned, investing in real estate listings that have the potential to grow can increase ROI, and bring a solid, secure asset for you and your future.

All the metropolitan cities have seen unprecedented growth in this industry. The Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore, has seen tremendous demand in the real estate market for its ever-bustling, lively ambience. Without further ado, let’s look at some of the trends in the Bangalore real estate market. 

1. Increase in the millennial workforce:

The increase in the millennial workforce in Bangalore is one of the biggest trends in real estate in India. This could also lead to an increase in demand for commercial spaces such as offices, co-working spaces, studios for start-ups, etc. However, not everybody can invest in massive commercial spaces that require hefty investments. 

If you are an individual with a  purchasing power limited to 2BHKs and 3BHKs, it is recommended to look into real estate projects in and around commercial areas like White field, and Indiranagar. Not only are these areas popular and well-developed, investing in them would mean an increase in their value due to a predicted spike in demand.

2. Sustainable housing:

With the millennial workforce seeking more career opportunities in the Silicon Valley of India, there is an increasing trend of looking for sustainable housing in real estate listings. According to several studies, the millennial consumer behaviour pattern involves seeking environmental-friendly options, be it daily essentials or investing in assets. Millennials and the public in general, have started to follow the school of thought that encourages “collective empowerment”. Hence, a rise in demand for sustainable living options in the Bangalore real estate market is visible. 

It is wise to look at real estate listings that enable conscious spending through amenities like energy conservation, solid waste management, etc.  For example, Assetz Property has launched one such sustainable project called Sun & Sanctum, it would be a fruitful choice to invest in an apartment that not only increases in value but also protects the environment.

3. Student housing and co-living:

The third trend in the Bangalore real estate market would be co-living and student housing options. Apart from being a lush green city blooming with flowers in spring, it also blossoms year-round with career and educational opportunities. College students and young professionals look for real estate listings near their educational institutions and workplaces. For students, the amenities in the college dorm may be limited and would come with restrictions. On the other hand, an apartment would make them feel safe, and help them feel “at home”.  As for young adults, they would like to rewind when they come home after a long day, but not be too far from the lively events of the city. Therefore, they would look for apartments that host bachelors and bachelorettes such as student housing and co-living. Investing in affordable studio houses, 2BHKs and 3BHKs would be a great option if you’re looking to earn rent money. You can check out Here & Now apartments launched by Assetz Property that offers a plethora of property options!

4. Housing for senior citizens:

Housing for senior citizens happens to be one of the biggest trends in real estate in India. Most children with elderly parents look to strike a balance between staying close to family and having their own privacy. Most often, children would feel reluctant to leave their parents at the senior homes and would look for apartments in gated communities and societies. Apartments in North Bangalore would be the perfect place to invest in. The Bangalore real estate market is touted to be the most sought-after market as the city is known to be cool, calm and breezy. With the apartments packed with amenities like 24/7 security personnel, CCTV cameras, fire safety, etc. they guarantee a safe environment for elders. Additionally, luxury houses are on-demand in real estate listings as they are the best plans after retirement.

5. Innovation-driven housing:

Another important trend in the Bangalore real estate market would be innovation-driven houses. People no longer look for apartments that just have a swimming pool or a gym, they also look for state-of-the-art amenities. They look for spas, barbeque spaces, skating rinks, game rooms, libraries, etc. and make a purchasing decision based on innovation. For example, Leaves & Lives by Assetz Property is a wonderful and innovative option that keeps the preferences of all age groups in mind and is loaded with resources like coffee shops, dedicated spaces for organic farming, squash court, etc. These spaces are carefully designed to provide the most for the house owners and make an excellent investment opportunity.

In a nutshell, trends in Bangalore real estate market show that investing in houses in commercial areas, houses that accommodate co-living, offer senior care, equipped with latest technology etc. are worth every penny. These properties will only increase in value as Bangalore is becoming one of the most important commercial hubs in the country.  If you are looking for such lucrative investment opportunities, then check out the projects by Assetz Property Group. With a decade-long experience in building dream homes, Assetz offers diverse options to suit everyone’s needs. 

Best Properties to invest in North Bangalore

It is a known fact that investing in a property adds tremendous value and prosperity within a short span of time. Before buying a new home, you need to do your research and understand the best properties within your preferred locality, and make an informed decision! 

We understand that choosing a property in an emerging locality like North Bangalore can be a challenge. Hence, we have curated a list of top properties in North Bangalore that you can choose from! 

Best Properties in North Bangalore by Assetz Property:

1. Earth & Essence 

This residential project in North Bangalore is spread across 25 acres and is divided into communities of row houses and luxury villa plots. Earth & Essence boasts of wide, open spaces placed right in the midst of all the hustle and bustle of the city.  If you are searching for a “house for sale in North Bangalore”, this is the perfect choice for you!

Specifications for row houses:

  • Availability:

3 BHK, 4 BHK, and 5 BHK row houses 

  • Community Amenities: 

Earth & Essence’s community amenities have two spaces:

-The Earth Club: This 1.5-acre clubhouse was created to connect the residents with each other and with the environment. It has several amenities like a futsal field, infinity pool, tennis court, pool deck, trampoline, community dining, and more! 

-Central Spine: This 13,000 square feet of greenery was exclusively crafted for relaxation and pleasure. It has interesting amenities such as a fireplace with seating, a forest lounge, an open lawn, and more. 

  • In-unit specifications: Large balconies, walk-in wardrobes, multi-level living spaces, natural ventilation, backyards (includes space for dining), and more. Our units also include green features like rainwater harvesting, solid waste management systems, solar-heated water for select bathrooms, etc. 
  • Location-specific advantages: Living in Earth & Essence, you can enjoy proximity to important locations in North Bangalore, such as  REVA University, Stonehill International School, decathlon sports retail store, etc. You also have the NH7 service road (airport road) within just a 3 KM distance.

Specifications for plotted developments:

  • 90+ luxury plots ranging from 1500-4800 square feet
  • 1.5-acre clubhouse with a plethora of fitness and leisure amenities. This also includes 14,000 square feet of children’s play area. 

2. Sun & Sanctum 

This real estate in North-East Bangalore provides you the perfect opportunity to experience the buzz of urban life and the tranquility of nature. Not only does Sun & Sanctum bring you a luxurious lifestyle, but this impressive abode is also sustainable and eco-friendly, thus reducing your carbon footprint drastically. 

Specifications of Sun & Sanctum Apartments in North Bangalore:

  • Availability: 2 BHK and 3 BHK apartments
  • Community amenities: Sun & Sanctum has an exclusive 15,000 square feet clubhouse, making it the perfect space to rejuvenate and relax during your leisure time. It has a multitude of amenities, such as a fitness studio, indoor badminton court, multi-utility court, kids play area, and more! 
  • In-unit specifications: Each unit has an abundance of natural lighting and good ventilation. Electrical fittings, sanitary fittings, floorings, doors, windows, etc. are made with high-quality building materials sourced from around the world. 
  • Location-specific advantages: Proximity to important locations such as Whitefield, International Tech Park Bangalore (ITPB), RMZ Infinity, Phoenix Marketcity, and many more! 

3. Here & Now

Located right near Manyata Business Park in North Bangalore, Here & Now proves to be one of the best apartments in North Bangalore for first-time buyers & young professionals. With an innovative and smart design, this modern abode perfectly complements global lifestyles. If you are searching for a “house for sale in North Bangalore”, this is the perfect choice for you!

Key Specifications:

  • Availability: Studio, 1 BHK, 3 BHK 
  • Community amenities: Here & Now provides a plethora of outdoor amenities like a beach volleyball court, badminton court, open-air yoga deck, a barbeque pit, and so much more. The project also comes with a 5000 square feet clubhouse, which includes indoor games, a pool table, a fully equipped gymnasium, wifi zones, etc.
  • In-unit specifications: The project ensures that each element in every unit is of the highest quality. Key specifications, such as the flooring, doors, windows, electrical fittings, sanitary fittings are designed and structured to suit your unique needs. 
  • Location-specific advantages: Here & Now enjoys proximity to many important destinations in North Bangalore, such as Manyata Business Park, Kirloskar Business Park, Hebbal, and many top hospitals and educational institutions.

4. Soul & Soil

The Soul & Soil project by Assetz Property focuses on a “closer-to-nature” way of living! Spreading across 7 cosy acres, you get to experience a simpler, yet luxurious life all in one community! This project is made for the ones who yearn for a touch of nature amid a fast-growing urban neighbourhood. 

Key specifications:

  • Availability: 3 BHK and 4 BHK luxury row houses
  • Community amenities: 15+ amenities that include a multipurpose hall, party lawn, play areas, beach volleyball court, indoor badminton court, fitness and gymnasium centres, etc.
  • In-unit specifications: 

The row houses have a commodious living room, dining room, guest room, and large bedrooms. The houses also come with a terrace area on the top floor. 

  • Location-specific advantages: Soul & Soil is placed near top schools like United International School, Legacy School Bangalore (LSB), etc. The project also gives you the added advantage of being close to many hospitals and nursing homes in North Bangalore. Within a 8 KM radius, you can be close to the well-renowned Manyata Business Park. 

5. Atmos and Aura

Find Your Ikigai (code name) is a plotted development project located in Shettigere, North Bangalore. The project is spread across 15.6 acres, offering over 240+ luxury plots! The most unique aspect of investing in a plotted development project is that you get to design your home the way you want. Be it vintage decor, a marble finish, or a contemporary look, you have the freedom to choose how you want your home to look.

Key specifications:

  • Availability: 240+ luxury plots ranging from 996 – 2890 square feet 
  • Community amenities: The project includes outdoor amenities such as recreational play parks for toddlers, gymnasium centres, a multipurpose hall, and other leisure facilities. The project also includes 1.5 acres of green, open space meant for relaxation. 
  • Location-specific advantages: Find Your Ikigai (code name) is an excellent investment option as it is located in the largest technology cluster in South Asia, North Bangalore. Being in the heart of Shettigere, the project is very close to Hebbal, Jakkur, & Devanahalli.

With this comprehensive list of top properties in North Bangalore, we hope this will help you in making an informed choice for your future abode! You can bookmark this blog for future reference, if needed. Additionally, you can also check our most recent blog on house maintenance tips

Apartment vs Independent House – Blog – Home Living

Searching for a new apartment means scouring the internet for hours to check for properties that meet your residential needs! We understand that it is imperative to search for necessities, such as a bedroom, proper kitchen set up, balcony, etc. However, it is also essential to check for apartment amenities! From exclusive clubhouses to multi-utility courts, there are a plethora of amenities designed to make your living space more enjoyable! 

Before we get into the topic, what are ‘apartment amenities’? They are simply any unique feature offered by the property developer. Anything beyond the essentials of an apartment can be considered an amenity. 

Apartment amenities list: What to look for? 

Community Amenities:

Recreational areas

Recreational amenities can include:

-Apartments with swimming pools

-Fitness facilities (If you are someone who goes to the gym regularly, you do not have to worry about paying for a gym membership if you choose an apartment with cardio rooms/ gym centres! Most importantly, you will also be cutting down travel time and fuel cost with an in-house gym!)

-Rooftop lounge areas

-Barbeque stations

-Apartment clubhouse

-Community garden areas

-Children’s playground

Parking/ Transportation Amenities

When it comes to parking amenities, you need to check for secure parking within the building. This is more important if you are moving to a large city. Ensure that the apartment provides you with secure parking to avoid chances of theft/ burglary. 

Parking amenities can include:

-Assigned parking spaces

-Secured garage

-Guest parking spaces

-Access to public transportation. Living close to important public transportation routes can be a huge advantage! 

Pet Amenities

If you do have a pet, be sure to do your research and understand if a particular apartment building is pet-friendly. You do not want to be stuck in a difficult situation where you have to re-home your pet because your apartment does not allow it. 

Additionally, here are some amenities you can look for:

-Pet-friendly units

-Pet parks

Other Community Amenities

Gated community

-Laundry facilities

-Community events

-Classes for hobbies/ interests

-Security guards

In-unit Apartment Amenities:

In-unit apartment amenities are the facilities that only you can access within your unit. Listed below are some of the in-unit amenities that you can familiarize yourself with:

-Large storage spaces

-Balcony space

-Energy-efficient appliances

-Large windows with ample natural light. (Note: Windows that let an abundance of natural light into your homes can be beneficial to your health!) 

Are apartment amenities free?

They are free. However, this just means that you are not providing a special fee for them. Most often, they are included in the cost while you’re buying a new home. Apartment builders often compete with each other to offer more features, as compared to the buildings nearby. The more amenities an apartment offers, they are more likely to keep their homeowners happy in the long run! 

In any case, be sure to research property developers in your preferred neighbourhood and determine what flat amenities you’d like to have within your budget. 

Are apartment amenities worth it?

While apartment amenities are not considered a necessity, it makes your life easier and enjoyable! Amenities like apartments with swimming pools, apartment clubhouses, or even fitness centers can provide a plethora of benefits in the long run! In most cases, flat amenities are worth the extra investment!

Besides, if you are looking to invest in a property, you can check our in-depth blogs on property documentation checklist and home loan applications as well! 

To conclude: It can be a huge challenge to sift through various properties to find one that fits all your residential needs. If required, you can bookmark this blog so that you can come back to refer to this apartment amenities list. If you are looking to buy a property in Bangalore, you can refer to our residential projects section. You can also check our latest blog on home maintenance tips to get a better understanding of how to manage your home, especially if you are a beginner! 

Top 10 Home Maintenance Tips

We understand the feeling of relief once your property documentation and legal processes are done! While buying a new home may seem like a herculean task, home ownership does not just end there. 

At first, home maintenance may seem intimidating and laborious. However, the results are always rewarding! Consistent residential cleaning can save you money in the long run. In most cases, you can perform home maintenance tasks on your own, even with no prior experience! 

However, we do understand that these tasks may be overwhelming, especially if you are a first-time homeowner. It can be difficult to keep a track of things, while also balancing other aspects of your life.

Hence, we have curated a comprehensive home maintenance/ home cleaning checklist to make your job easier! 

Monthly Residential Cleaning Tasks:

1. Inspect drains

It is important to regularly check your sink/ washbasin drains to ensure debris is not accumulated. If it is clogged, a quick home remedy is to mix equal amounts of baking soda and vinegar in a cup. Pour the solution into the drain and wait for it to bubble. When it subsides, you can put a stopper and wait for another 15 minutes. Once this is done, slowly pour boiling water to clear your drain! 

2. Clean showerheads, bathroom taps

Don’t forget to remove the mineral deposits on your showerheads and bathroom taps as part of your cleaning home process! This can avoid rust formation in the future.

3. Flush toilets/ Run water in unused restrooms

This home maintenance tip is important for individuals who have guest rooms, or rooms that are not regularly used in their house. This is to prevent any kind of dirt build-up due to water accumulation.

Biannual Home Cleaning Tasks:

4. Water the inverter batteries

If you have an inverter at home, it is imperative to re-fill the batteries with distilled water as part of your biannual home maintenance tasks. You can easily buy distilled water cans in supermarkets, pharmacies in India. This tip will help increase the shelf life of batteries and improve their efficiency.  

5. Gardening!

While watering your plants/ garden daily is important, you must clean them periodically as well. Here are some important tips to remember:

-Pluck weeds and remove unnecessary debris from your plant pots/ garden. 

-Inspect for bugs/ insects on your plants. (To make a simple, homemade insecticide, mix one and a half teaspoons of mild liquid soap with a litre of water. You can spray the solution directly on the affected areas of the plant. Ensure that you spray the solution only during the evenings/ early mornings. )

If you are looking for indoor garden ideas, we have a comprehensive blog on unique kitchen gardening ideas to spruce up your living space! 

6. Dust your entire house

One of the most important home cleaning tasks is to dust your entire house, once every few months. Clean all your furniture, ceiling fans, windows, and appliances. Don’t forget to cover door edges or other places where it might get ruined by excess water. If you have toddlers at home, it is crucial to have a good lock system in place for your doors and windows. We also have an in-depth checklist on child safety at home that you can refer to. 

Annual Home Maintenance Tasks

7. Clean your AC filter

The most important annual cleaning home task is to ensure your air conditioning (AC) filter is running efficiently. If you have a reusable AC filter, it can simply be washed under running water and reused. You can skip this step if your AC is compatible with auto-cleaning mode. 

8. Check roof surface for damages

You need to check your roof surface for wall cracks, paint chipping, holes, or any other damage. If you find damages, be sure to contact a roofing contractor in your area immediately. 

9. Clean your kitchen chimney

Cleaning your chimney once a year can ensure a continual flow of smoke from your kitchen. The soot build-up can be cleaned by a professional chimney sweep. You can contact your nearest kitchen cleaning/ repair services company for more information. 

10. Re-paint your home!

You can check the exterior of your house for paint chipping. It is recommended that you touch-up the exterior of your house at least once a year. You can either do this activity by yourself, or you can hire a professional for re-painting. 

Note: Do not re-paint your house during the monsoon season as rain can damage wet paint. 

You can keep an online version of this home maintenance checklist, or you can print it and have a hard copy with you at all times! Check this list to ensure you complete all your residential cleaning responsibilities on time for a well-furnished home! If you or someone you know are looking to buy a property in Bangalore, we, at Assetz, have several residential projects available! If you want to catapult your career growth in Bangalore, you can refer to our previous blog on top IT companies in Whitefield

Top IT Companies in Whitefield you would want to work for

It’s no secret that the software boom in Whitefield has transformed the area into one of the most important tech hubs in Bangalore.

Did you know that Whitefield has the highest number of tech parks than any other locality in Bangalore? These parks are known to have the best IT companies to work for in Bangalore, with lakhs of employees coming in to work everyday! 

Back in the ’90s, Whitefield was only known for the Sai Baba Ashram situated further away from the city. With the expansion of townships across the area, affordable residential complexes paved the way for employees to be close to IT companies in Whitefield. If you are looking to buy a new home in Whitefield, we have an in-depth guide on all aspects of living in Whitefield

Here is a list of software companies in Whitefield, Bangalore:

  • Oracle
  • TCS
  • IBM
  • Mindtree
  • L&T Infotech
  • SAP

An overview:

Oracle:

Oracle is a computer technology multinational corporation that was co-founded by Larry Ellison with Bob Miner and Ed Oates in 1977. The company is well-known for selling database management systems, and cloud engineered systems. While Oracle is headquartered in Texas, United States; they have offices across several cities in India. 

You can reach them at Gopalan Global Axis, Unit 1 & Unit 2, #152, EPIP Zone, Whitefield. 

TCS:

Tata Consultancy Services, or TCS, is one of the largest IT companies in Whitefield. TCS was founded in 1968, making it the oldest IT company in the country as well! They are global leaders and provide a plethora of information technology-related services and products, such as software management, consulting hardware sizing, and many more! 

You can reach them on the 11th Floor, Innovator Building, ITPL, Whitefield Main Road.

IBM:

IBM, also known as International Business Machines Corporation, was founded in 1911; making it the oldest company on this list! IBM is known for its revolutionary inventions in the field of technology. IBM is currently known for producing and selling hardware, software, and a multitude of consulting services. With over 1.5 lakh employees in India, IBM is known to be one of the biggest IT employers of the country. 

You can reach them at the following address: 1st Technology Place, KIADB Export Promotion Industrial Area, Whitefield (Landmark area: Adjacent to Satya Sai Baba Hospital)

Mindtree:

Mindtree Ltd was founded in 1999 and majorly deals with modern information technology-related services, such as data analytics, cloud computing, e-commerce, and more. Mindtree has close to 22,000 employees worldwide and has also acquired 11 companies over their fairly short existence! 

With its impressive products and services, Mindtree is also known to be one of the top IT companies in Whitefield. 

You can reach them at the following address: No.150, Shivaji Nagar, KIADB Export Promotion Industrial Area, Whitefield

L&T Infotech: 

L&T Infotech is a global technology & digital solutions company under the conglomerate Larsen & Toubro. They mainly deal with IT Consulting, Cloud & Infrastructure Services, Assurance & Quality Engineering, and more! With a record of helping over 400 clients, L&T Infotech also tops the list of best IT companies to work for in Bangalore! 

You can reach them at the following address: No. 25-31, Rd Number 7, KIADB Industrial Area, EPIP Zone Second Phase, Whitefield

SAP: 

SAP Enterprise is one of the best companies near Whitefield that provides business solutions in the IT industry. Being a leading B2B firm, SAP helps companies create a plethora of opportunities for constant innovation. With its presence in India, as well as globally, SAP Enterprise is easily one of the biggest software companies in the world.

You can reach them at the following address: #2b/2c, Sonnenahalli Village, Mahadevapura East Taluk, Whitefield

To Summarize: Working in companies near Whitefield is bound to give you several career opportunities! With the rising importance of career growth, seize the opportunity by applying to some of the above-mentioned IT companies in Whitefield! If you are someone looking to invest in properties in the Whitefield area or Bangalore, you can check our residential projects section for more information! We also have in-depth blogs on the best restaurants in Whitefield and a comprehensive list of the best malls in Whitefield that you can check out! 

Ways to ensure Child Safety at Home

We tend to associate the term ‘safety’ with places that we are most comfortable with, like our homes! However, a research study found that 54% of home injuries were from the age group of 1-3 years. This data suggests how imperative it is to re-consider child safety at home. 

Our houses consist of many objects, such as toys, batteries, medicines, furniture, hot and sharp objects, etc. As a guardian, we must ensure safety measures are kept in place to avoid any type of injury. 

To make it easier for you, we have collated a childproofing/ babyproofing checklist to ensure safety at home for kids. 

1.Children should not be left alone in the water. 

Playing in the water can be a fun activity and helps toddlers develop their gross motor skills and physical fitness. However, it is important to supervise them as unintended actions may result in harmful consequences. Do not leave them unattended, even if you just need to grab your phone from the other room! 

2. Detergents and chemical products should be out of reach.

It is natural for toddlers to be inquisitive. Given that detergents have a strong odour, your child may get curious and start meddling with them. By locking these products in a cabinet or storing them on a high shelf, you protect your child from accidentally inhaling harmful vapours, or consuming them. 

3. Childproofing your electrical outlets is a must. 

Electrical outlets and switches may pique your child’s curiosity. Moreover, unattended gadgets/ devices connected to the plug points may intrigue a child; leading them to play with them. This can be very dangerous: hence, babyproofing all reachable electrical outlets should be a priority. You can do so by covering them with electrical guards or socket covers. If your toddler is old enough, you can start teaching them about electricity and the dangers that come with it as well. If you’re looking for ways to conserve energy and electricity at home, we have a detailed blog that you can refer to! 

4. Ensure that all openings in your living space are secured.

Toddlers may not be aware of how doors/ windows work. If left unsupervised, they may get their fingers stuck in the door gaps, or end up accidentally opening your bedroom window! It is advisable to have secured locks on all windows and doors that cannot be unlocked easily. You can also improve child safety at home by installing barriers at the staircase to prevent your kid from crawling. 

5. Your kid’s sleeping area should be clutter-free!

Parents tend to fill their kids’ room with soft toys, pillows, blankets, and so on! However, you need to ensure that all blankets and pillows are tucked in securely to the bed; thus, preventing any accidental suffocation. Practice child safety at home by storing most toys away from the bed, and keeping only a couple of them for the baby to play with. 

6. Sharp home decor items should be placed out of reach.

Decorating our home with the right wall colours, furniture sets, and carpets has become essential in creating a mindful living environment. While most of them are babyproofed, some items like glass vases or showcase pieces may be dangerous for your little one. It is best to keep these items out of their reach to prevent injuries. If you are looking to spruce up your home, we have collated a list of eco-friendly home decor ideas that you can try out! 

7. Pet interaction has to be handled with utmost care.

Pet interaction is often neglected when it comes to safety at home for kids. Generally, kids and pets are caring and affectionate towards each other. However, a kid may not always know how to interact with them correctly. In some cases, a child may accidentally treat a pet like a toy and meddle with them while they are sleeping/ eating. 

It is best to advise your child to maintain some distance if the pet feels uncomfortable, or starts making noise. Also, advise your child to not disturb the pet while they are sleeping or eating. 

To conclude this child safety at home checklist, we suggest you be as vigilant as you can! It is unrealistic to give up all your duties and observe your child’s day-to-day activities. However, you should check in from time to time. If your kid is grown up, you should call them regularly to check on how they are doing. 
If you are interested in buying a new home in Bangalore, you can check out our residential projects that consist of properties ranging from row houses to high-rise gated apartments! You can also check our recent blog on real estate terms if you want to learn more about the industry!