After spending a good amount of years working abroad to provide only the best life for your family, the time will soon come when our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and migrant Filipinos would want to go back to the Philippines and retire for good. Before that time comes, it’s good to devise a retirement plan so that they can still continue to support themselves and their family as they approach the graying years.
And as the lyrics in a song goes, we’re only getting older. A couple of years from now, we will be saying goodbye to our golden years and welcoming the sunset chapters in our life. Today, we will be looking at tips on how to plan your retirement in the Philippines and the benefits of investing in real estate for retirement.
OFWs like you should only enjoy the graying years of life, especially after that hard work and effort. With that, we’ve curated essential tips on how to plan your retirement here in the Philippines.
Take the time to sit down and ponder what you really want to do after resigning. Do you want to explore the hidden gems of the Philippines or travel around the world? List down all of your dream destinations and who you want to take with you. Wanting to put up a business? Specify the type of business, location, and your target market. Or perhaps you want to build or own an elegant retirement house? Let Vista Land International help you with that! With our wide array of properties to choose from, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect home for you!
Whatever your plans may be, the most important thing is that you are certain of them!
If your answer is an immediate ‘no,’ then you may want to consider opening one. Having a retirement fund account prepares you for unexpected expenses like accidents or sickness. Moreover, your pension may not be enough to cover the major plans you have listed down earlier.
For starters, avail of insurance or open a savings account solely for retirement purposes. There are insurance companies that allow you to pay premiums for 10 years. After that, you can utilize the money when you retire. The same thing goes when opening up a savings account.
The main thought is that you have something to utilize during your retirement years.
Setting up a retirement fund account is one, paying your contributions diligently is another. To ensure that you won’t miss out on your payments, set an exact and comfortable amount that you’re going to pay monthly.
For instance, you can pay for as low as PHP500 a month in a savings account. For insurance, the lowest amount will be around PHP1,500-2,000 per month, but that still depends on the plan you availed.
Whatever your chosen amount may be, self-discipline is the key to achieving your target amount.
Sometimes it could be enticing to use your retirement funds for other purposes. But that just strips off the essence of your retirement fund– you should only use it after retirement.
This is also part of your self-discipline and being able to have an effective strategy for retirement.
Investing in real estate before or even during your retirement years can provide you with retirement income. With the right assets, real estate knowledge, and management, you can easily gain financial independence while funding your living expenses– you know, the goals you set earlier. Plus, it’s never too late to become a real estate investor even when you retired!
Real estate investing is a great way to help fund retirement. There are many ways in which you can use real estate investment as a hedge during your retirement years. From rental properties to real estate investment trust, you can easily find avenues for your retirement needs. Due to its low-risk, high-return characteristic, purchasing real estate assets is slowly becoming popular among investors.
Here are some ways on how you can invest in real estate to fund retirement.
There’s is nothing more rewarding than being able to buy an affordable house and lot or several condominium units using your hard-earned money abroad. But more than being a humble abode, you can also convert your home equity into cash.
When the time comes that you and your family require a larger home, you can sell your current one as additional funding. The real estate market is full of home seekers and buyers so looking for the right buyer is just a breeze!
Putting up a rental property business will provide you with a lucrative retirement income when done the right way. Investing in rental real estate before or even during your retirement years will provide you with sufficient cash flow (in the form of passive income or rental income) to support you throughout your unemployed years.
Essentially, you can generate income by renting out single or multiple properties. The monthly rent collection coming from these rental properties serves as your income.
If you feel like playing a bit in the stock market, you can try investing in REITs. They are similar to mutual funds but instead of company stocks, they are a collection of multiple real estate properties.
There are different types of REITs–ranging from high-risk to stable– that you can choose from, depending on your appetite.
Basically, house or condominium flipping is buying old or used properties at a low price, conducting some home improvements, and selling them at a higher price.
Also called wholesale real estate investing, flipping properties is slowly becoming popular among real estate investors due to its lucrative yield when done right.
In the Philippines, the optimal age for retirement is 60 years old while 65 is the compulsory retirement age. Further news states that a proposal under the House Bill No. 3220 filed by Senior Citizens party-list representative Rodolfo Ordanes Jr. eyes to remove the compulsory retirement age for workers who reach the age of 65, provided that the employee is still capable and meets his or her qualifications of the job.
As the old adage goes, when you plan to fail, you fail to plan. And that is also true when it comes to your retirement. As you enter another chapter of your life, it’s important to know the responsibilities and expenses that come along with it. Retirement means so much more than hanging up that blue-collared uniform or standing up from your aching position in front of your computer. It entails a brand new experience for yourself to explore as you watched your golden years fade into black. So before everything blurs out into oblivion, make sure you’ve prepared enough to enjoy and savor every second of it.
Whether you plan to retire at the age of 60, 65, or beyond that, retirement planning is equally important to prepare yourself for the remaining years to come.
A lot of Filipinos dream of owning their first apartment or house and lot. With today’s booming real estate opportunities, there are so many options to choose from.
Here at Vistaland International, we have a roster of affordable property listings from several locations across the country. Whether you’re looking for a place to live in Manila, Cebu, Davao and etc, we’ve got you covered. So contact our real estate agents today!
Vistaland International was primarily created to bring OFW closer to their dream of finally acquiring a home in the Philippines. And with the rising cost of living in the country, OFWs and their families are looking for ways to earn extra cash flow to support their daily needs. Luckily, you can also join the global network of Vistaland International as a real estate professional and earn a commission!
Let us tell you about One Stop Service Centers for OFWs or OSSCO.
Following the mission of reducing the transportation expense, shortening the time of document processing, and promoting the overall welfare of aspiring and returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and migrant Filipinos, an all-in-one service center was launched by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) called the One-stop Service Center for OFWs or OSSCO.
Initially launched last August 15th, 2016, DOLE joined hands with several government agencies and regional offices to shorten the processing time of documents needed by OFWs.
Looking back, our Kababayans who are planning to work or return abroad have to hop from one agency to another just to accomplish and acquire the papers needed for their travel. As OSSCO is a centralized government agent forged to consolidate government frontline services, it effectively eliminates the need for returning or aspiring OFWs to travel different places in order to process documents they need abroad.
Now, with OSSCO, they can finish the acquisition of such fine print all in one single place.
The creation of OSSCO is also in line with the Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, aiming to streamline the current systems and procedures of various government services.
Operating Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 5pm, here are the services OFWs and migrant workers can avail at OSCCO:
Processing and copy issuance of the following documents:
Since their launch in 2016, OSSCO branches have expanded nationwide and can be found in various satellite and regional offices. Here’s an update list of the directory as of writing:
The One Stop Service Center for OFWs is just one of the government’s numerous initiatives to promote the welfare of our OFWs and migrant Filipinos. The amount of time OFWs spend in processing such fine print can now be used to spend more time and bond with their families before flying back abroad. They don’t have to spend the whole day just to accomplish one or two documents only to go back tomorrow for another fine print.
Not to mention amount of savings they can get when it comes to travel expenses. As this is an all-in-one service center, OFWs can possibly finish processing their necessary documents in one take; inside the cool temperature of air-conditioned buildings. Imagine the comfort of not walking under the scorching heat of the sun just to acquire a piece of paper or two.
Every aspiring or returning OFW can now safely and easily process their necessary travel documents in just a breeze through ORCC!
Looking for an affordable property? Contact us today
A lot of Filipinos dream of owning their first apartment or house and lot. With today’s booming real estate opportunities, there are so many options to choose from.
Here at Vistaland International, we have a roster of affordable property listings from several locations across the country. Whether you’re looking for a place to live in Manila, Cebu, Davao and etc, we’ve got you covered. So contact our real estate agents today!
Vistaland International was primarily created to bring OFW closer to their dream of finally acquiring a home in the Philippines. And with the rising cost of living in the country, OFWs and their families are looking for ways to earn extra cash flow to support their daily needs. Luckily, you can also join the global network of Vistaland International as a real estate professional and earn a commission!
How often should carpets be cleaned?
Carpets are great additions to any living space; they create a sense of coziness all the while being an eye-catching feature, especially in the living room area. However, due to the high foot traffic your carpet receives on a daily basis, it is very likely to accumulate dust and allergens over time.
The trapped dirt, dust, pollen, and even dead skin cells in your carpet fibers will eventually harbor germs and bacteria that are detrimental to your family’s health. So, before these can harm you and your family, it’s better to remove them as early and as frequently as possible.
In this article, we will determine the factors that affect how often should you clean your carpets and what are the benefits of cleaning them.
The frequency of cleaning your carpet depends on how much foot traffic it gets. For instance, high traffic areas like dining rooms, living rooms, mudrooms, and hallways, regular vacuuming is a must. For low traffic spaces like your bedroom, it’s best to leave the cleaning done once a week. Vacuuming the carpet in your guest room can be done at least once every two weeks.
To increase your carpet’s durability, it is advisable to vacuum once a week to lift loose particles that might have been seated deep in between your carpet fibers. Regular cleaning also prolongs the time you need before hiring a professional carpet cleaner.
Carpet stains due to spills are inevitable, especially if you have little kids running and playing around. And this scenario happens more often than not, prompting you to have more cleaning duties with each spill your kids make.
The amount of times you need to clean your carpet depends on the strictness of allowing your kids to run around the carpet with their shoes on. Or how often you permit them to carry their food and beverage on the furry rag. If this happens regularly, you may need to clean your carpets every six to 12 months. Professional carpet cleaning shall also be done once a year.
Aside from kids, your furry friends that you love dearly are also great contributors to all that loose particles, specifically pet dander, and lingering odors when they ‘accidentally’ peed or vomited on your carpet.
Carpet cleaning when you have pets should be done twice a week to regularly remove dirt, mud, or pet hair that seeps through the carpet fibers.
There’s a huge debate about whether carpeted floors are good for people with allergies. However, studies have shown that carpeted floors trap dirt and dust, reducing the number of particles floating in the air. This makes carpets better options for people with allergies.
However, these allergens eventually build up within the carpet fibers and become airborne once someone steps into the room. If someone in the household has allergies, it’s best to vacuum your carpet once a week and ask for service from a professional carpet cleaning company every two months.
A light colored carpet is a staple in a minimalist room as it brightens and adds depth to a living space. Putting aesthetics aside, cream-colored rugs are notorious for highlighting dirt, stains, and spills.
For that, you might need to clean them frequently compare to dark colored ones. But this doesn’t mean that you should refrain from using them at all! You just have to treat spills immediately using the appropriate cleaning solution. And to ensure that they are in their best condition, get your cream carpet professionally cleaned every six to twelve months!
The time will come when you will need to get your carpet professionally deep cleaned. Stubborn stains and spills (like wine spills) can only be remove through professional cleaning. And even though your carpet looks bright and clean at first glance, there at still bacteria and dirt lurking deep in between the fibers that may produce foul odor over time.
Good thing, professional deep cleanings remove such using specific treatments. For instance, anti-microbial treatment kills molds and yeast, restoring a clean and odor-free home that is safe for you and your family. Similarly, steam cleaning treatments remove tough stains using high temperatures.
Aside from eliminating odor, professional carpet cleaning also extends your carpet’s life.
The general recommendation for cleaning your carpets is between 6-12 months. However, the cleaning frequency still depends on the amount of foot traffic your carpet receives, along with other factors. High traffic carpet areas may require more frequent professional cleaning than you would’ve expected.
Cleaning carpet not only removes unsightly stains from every peeking eye but also contributes to the better air quality inside your affordable house and lot or condominium unit. For a healthier living environment, always see to it that you clean carpet regularly.
Looking for an affordable property? Contact us today
A lot of Filipinos dream of owning their first apartment or house and lot. With today’s booming real estate opportunities, there are so many options to choose from.
Here at Vistaland International, we have a roster of affordable property listings from several locations across the country. Whether you’re looking for a place to live in Manila, Cebu, Davao and etc, we’ve got you covered. So contact our real estate agents today!
Vistaland International was primarily created to bring OFW closer to their dream of finally acquiring a home in the Philippines. And with the rising cost of living in the country, OFWs and their families are looking for ways to earn extra cash flow to support their daily needs. Luckily, you can also join the global network of Vistaland International as a real estate professional and earn a commission!
Do you know about the four types of travel visa?
Before you go fly out of the country, there are certain documents that you need to obtain and present to push through with your travel. Among these are your passport, your plane ticket, IDs or other personal identification, a certificate of vaccination or a vaccination card, and of course, your visa.
Depending on the purpose of your travel– business, vacation, or schooling, your destination country might require you to acquire a travel visa that will permit you to stay in the country for as long as 30 days. Today, we will be looking at the four most common visa types. Though these types of travel visa are universal, the requirement to acquire them may vary per country.
Essentially, a visa is a type of document that grants its holder permission to enter, stay, and leave a foreign country. Moreover, your visa may allow single or multiple visits, depending on the country you are traveling to.
Not to be confused with a passport, which on the other hand, is issued to a local citizen for identification and international travel purposes.
Now that we’ve cleared that part out, let’s take a look at the common types of travel visa.
Primarily, there are two types of visa: immigrant visa and non immigrant visa. Furthermore, these categories are broken down into four sub-types: tourist visas, immigration and naturalization visas (including naturalization by marriage), student visas, and business visas (including immigrant visas and nonimmigrant visas).
To take a closer look, we will be examining the visa requirements for foreign citizens who wish to enter the United States.
Depending on the purpose of your visit, there are two types of tourist visa you can apply for in the US.
Relating closely to citizenship and naturalization process, an immigrant visa grants a foreign national a permanent residence in the US.
There are ways in which you can obtain this type of visa such as:
Falling under non immigrant visas, a student visa is required if someone wishes to pursue or continue his or her education in the United States.
Ultimately, a student visa is categorized into two: F and M student visas. An F visa is used for academic courses while an M visa is for non-academic, technical, or vocational purposes.
If you have excellent scholastic records and impressive working skills, you might be able to employ yourself in the US for good through an employment-based visa. In general, there are different types of work visa in the US, all dependent on specific factors and conditions.
After learning the types of travel visa, let’s take a look some tips for the application process.
It pays a lot to be punctual, especially if you are applying for a visa to your dream country or destination. Don’t leave everything at the last minute! It is advisable to apply for a visa 3 months before the actual date of your visit to give room to check all of the necessary documents and fix any errors or problems that might arise.
This tip is also handy if it’s your first time going abroad or visiting that specific country. Double check the processing time of the embassy of the country you are visiting to ensure everything falls correctly onto the schedule.
No one wants to read and process long fine print, but it won’t hurt to know nuggets of information, especially if it makes the visa approval faster. As mentioned earlier, every country calls for different travel document before issuing a visa, so it’s best to check on the country’s website for the fine print needed.
Moreover, some countries impose specific programs that allow international travelers to stay in the country visa free for a period of time, so you might want to grab that opportunity.
For instance, the Visa Waiver Program in the US offers visa free travel for international travelers coming from the 40 participating countries for 90 days.
Why do you want to visit the country?
A majority, if not all of the nations’ embassies will ask international travelers like you this question. Remember, you want to convince the consular officer that you are not a potential immigrant planning to stay inside their border under a tourist visa, so state your travel intentions clearly.
We know how excited you are to travel, but do not book or confirm any travel arrangements until your visa is confirmed.
Aside from clear travel intentions, you should also prove that your finances are sufficient enough to sustain your travel expenses throughout your duration of stay. Not only that, but you must also prove that your bank account has a consistent cash flow. This may include presenting bank certificates or statements.
Luckily, there are countries that will tell you beforehand how much money you must have.
When in doubt, do not hesitate to ask for help. Research on the requirements you need by visiting the website or contacting the Embassy via phone or email. Forums provide you insights but some details might be outdated, incorrect, or inaccurate.
Make sure you reach out to the embassy or consulate abroad to give light on any questions you have.
Your dreams of traveling abroad might burst out into thin air if you come out unprepared. Aside from the usual travel necessities, you need to ensure all the necessary documents like your passport and visa are ready as well. Don’t forget to check out our guide of the types of travel visa!
And as said earlier, the process of obtaining a visa will require an ample amount of your time, so it’s best to work things out in advance. Before you pack and bags and leave on a jet plane, make sure you had ironed things out for a seamless, hassle-free, and fun travel abroad!
Following the talks between the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) in Saudi Arabia, the year-long deployment ban for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) bound to the Land of the Arabs will be lifted this November 7.
Looking back, the Philippines halted OFW deployment to KSA due to reports of unpaid wages of Filipino construction workers amounting to billions. There are also allegations of a retired general abusing Filipino workers.
The bilateral talks between the countries proved fruitful as the Philippines will now resume deploying overseas contract workers to Saudi under a joint statement with KSA. MHRSD recognizes the value and contribution of OFWs to the country’s socio-economic growth and thus will take a more proactive approach to protect the welfare of OFWs working in their land.
DMW Secretary Susan Ople expressed her gratitude towards MHRSD Minister Ahmad Bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi and the Saudi Arabian government in expressing their concerns for the rights of overseas Filipino workers. She also thanked the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Embassy for their support in the bilateral talks.
According to 2020 data published by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains undisputed as being the most preferred destination of OFWs, eating up a total of 470, 820 (22.1%) of the whole OFW population. The United Arab Emirates comes second with 15.1%, followed by Qatar at 63.%, Singapore at 5.9%, and Hong Kong at 5.7%.
And with the lifting of the deployment ban, we can expect more work and job opportunities for our overseas foreign workers, making the Filipino community in Riyadh Saudi Arabia, and other parts of the country to balloon even more.
You are sure to find or meet Kababayans working as healthcare professionals, engineers domestic helpers, or domestic workers in KSA. Which then leads us to the question, “Why Saudi Arabia is the leading country for OFWs?”
In this article, we will talk about how and why many Filipinos prefer to find opportunities for a better life in the Land of the Arabs.
Large deserts, the scorching heat of the sun, seemingly endless sand dunes, and camels– these are the things that probably come into your mind when we mention Saudi Arabia. Going past the stereotypes of this country, this Middle Eastern Nation prides itself on its thriving economy and high employment rate, making it an apple in the eyes of aspiring and even returning overseas Filipino workers.
Unlike other countries, Saudi Arabia doesn’t impose an individual tax income for salaries that are earned through employment in the country. This allows more room for personal savings and investments like house and lot or condominium properties. You may be able to put a small business like a sari sari store back here in the Philippines with your extra money.
Saudi Arabia also provides OFW with lots of opportunities to go high up in the ranks. There’s lesser competition–acancies are posted left and right due to employees moving from one job to another, or not returning after going on vacation back to their home country. You can easily find positions that may help elevate your career in the future with hard work and a sprinkle of luck.
A tax-free salary sounds enticing enough, but do you know that most employers in Saudi Arabia also cover housing and transportation needs? You don’t have to worry about slicing off a portion of your salary for monthly rental payments as you’ll be opening doors to quality homes complete with top-notch amenities like swimming pools, fitness gyms, and even recreational areas in the Land of the Arabs!
Most Filipinos shy away from job postings that do not offer health insurance or coverage, especially now that we’re living in a society threatened by the pandemic. Luckily, the government of Saudi Arabia mandates all of its employers to provide medical or health insurance for their employees. This also covers an annual medical check-up, so OFWs are assured they are in tip-top shape throughout the course of their employment and when flying back to their home country.
You’ll never know when you’ll get sick, so having medical insurance while working abroad is a must!
Aside from the virtually tax-free salary and housing accommodations, Saudi is also home to the most high paying jobs out there, particularly in the fields of Information Technology (IT), engineering, education, finance & banking, and petroleum. So, if you are eyeing for a career in the mentioned sectors abroad, Saudi Arabia might be the priority on your list!
Since most of the goods and commodities are subsidized in Saudi Arabia, OFWs can enjoy lower costs of living in KSA. Water, electricity, gasoline, as well as consumer goods, are significantly lower in price, and even if there’s a price increase, they are still comparatively cheaper compared to other countries.
Since the cost of living in KSA is low, you can expect a high standard of living there. If you have more room for spending, you can hire maids, guards, and drivers. They can be helpful especially if you want someone to look after your family (assuming they migrated with you) while you go to work.
OFWs can find a lot of travel opportunities in Saudi Arabia since it is strategically located near lots of tourism hotspots and other countries in the Middle East. Riyadh is just minutes away from Dubai International Airport, so traveling to other nations like Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, and Egypt is just a breeze. Filipinos who wish to travel to Southeast Asia can book cheap flights in Dubai.
Other Filipinos who prefer to wander around the sand dunes of Saudi can marvel at the Kingdom’s local tourist hotspots like the Masjid Al-Haram, also known as the Great Mosque of Mecca, Abraj Al-Bait Towers, a towering modern skyscraper, and Al Masjid an Nabawi, the famous mosque built by Muhammad The Prophet.
We all know that OFWs love to fill their Balikbayan boxes with lots of stuff up to the brim to send back to their loved ones here in the Philippines. Filipinos looking for souvenirs can find a plethora of options in Saudi’s traditional markets called ‘souks.’ Textiles in varied colors and textures, spices, perfumes, and other holy grails! You’re certain you can find the perfect pasalubong for your friends and relatives!
Aside from its thriving economy and booming eco-tourism industry, Saudi Arabia offers a rich culture that will surely delight not only Filipinos but other nationalities as well.
From sumptuous foods, stunning architecture and landscapes, historic forts, and the seamless mix of modernity and traditionalism, going to Saudi Arabia is a gateway for you to experience a new culture that’s somehow similar yet different from ours.
High-paying jobs, tax-free salaries, and lots of room for career growth– it is not surprising to know why Saudi Arabia remains the most preferred destination for our OFWs and migrant workers. If you are an aspiring OFW, you might be considering including Saudi Arabia in your itinerary list. If you are a returning migrant worker, you may be anticipating stepping back into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to maximize all of the opportunities it offers.
Whatever your reason may be, it is important to equip yourself with the right information and knowledge of the country you are visiting. Remember, you are entering a foreign land, with a whole new different customs and traditions. It pays a lot to learn the basics of their culture and show the local people some respect.
So, if you’ve already decided, lock and load and have fun on your journey to the Land of the Arabs!
Looking for an affordable property? Contact us today
A lot of Filipinos dream of owning their first apartment or house and lot. With today’s booming real estate opportunities, there are so many options to choose from.
Here at Vistaland International, we have a roster of affordable property listings from several locations across the country. Whether you’re looking for a place to live in Manila, Cebu, Davao and etc, we’ve got you covered. So contact our real estate agents today!
Vistaland International was primarily created to bring OFW closer to their dream of finally acquiring a home in the Philippines. And with the rising cost of living in the country, OFWs and their families are looking for ways to earn extra cash flow to support their daily needs. Luckily, you can also join the global network of Vistaland International as a real estate professional and earn a commission!
Discover the DMW’s new initiative, One Repatriation Command Center.
In light of the recent pandemic, a big number of our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are repatriated or sent back to their home country, the Philippines. According to data published by Statista, an international provider of market and consumer data, there are about 2.4 million Filipino migrant workers who were repatriated because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Excluded from this data is the number of other OFWs who were repatriated for completely different reasons. For instance, the Department of Migrant Workers assisted and welcomed home 289 OFWs from Ukraine, amid the country’s campaign to track overstaying migrant workers as well as those who ran away from their employers. Similarly, 14 distressed Filipinos who were victims of illegal trafficking and abuse were rescued from Lebanon and sent back home to their families.
Adding to the growing number, there are a total of 11,300 OFWs repatriated from countries such as Dubai, Vietnam, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Oman, Lebanon, India, and Kuwait since July 2021.
For our modern-day heroes, being sent back home is like a double-edged sword. Sure they get to escape the cruelty of their foreign employers, the threats of a war-torn land, and most especially, embrace their loved ones who they haven’t seen in years. But now, they face a probable setback upon returning to their mother country, and that is the source of income or employment.
According to an article published by Inquirer.net, this reverse diaspora created looming concerns for our OFWs, primarily in finding new streams of income to continue supporting their families who rely heavily on them.
In order to provide better assistance to our repatriated and distressed Overseas Filipino Workers, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) introduced a new government office called One Repatriation Command Center (ORCC).
Photo credits from Department of Migrant Workers Official Facebook Page
Spearheaded by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Administrator Bernard Olalia, Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan V. Ople, Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for DMW Eduardo Jose Vega, and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Hans Dadac, the One Repatriation Command Center was officially launched last July 20th, 2022. Its office currently resides on the second floor of Blas Ople building in Mandaluyong City.
ORCC is forged and introduced for the primary purpose of proving every distressed and repatriated OFWs responsive assistance. This is also the flagship program of Ople under the newly-conceived DMW.
Its staff consists of various representatives of several government agencies willing to assist OFWs and their families with their welfare needs.
ORCC is a one-stop repatriation center that consolidates various functions such as assisting, monitoring, and recording distressed OFWs into one central command center, eliminating the need for their families to hop from one agency to another, especially those who came from far-flung provinces to seek help.
“In the past, OFWs and their loved ones had to knock on the doors of several government agencies to ask for help. It’s heartbreaking to see families from the provinces traveling all the way to Manila, incurring needless debts and expenses, and dealing with long periods of anxiety while waiting for the response from government agencies,” Ople said in a press release.
From concerns like sexual abuse, illegal recruitment, employer cruelty, and even requesting for the remains of their relative who died abroad, families of distressed OFWs can reach out to one repatriation center to seek help and assistance.
They can simply call the DMW repatriation center hotline at 1348 or send an email to [email protected]. Walk-in requests are also welcome from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Mondays to Fridays.
Similarly, distressed Overseas Filipino Workers can seek help through the OWWA Repatriation Assistance Program during times of disasters, conflicts, or epidemics. Migrant workers can go to the nearest Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) in the Consulate or Philippine Embassy of the foreign country they are working and request to be taken home back to the country.
The OWWA Repatriation Assistance Program offers all forms of repatriation assistance such as:
What are the requirements of the OWWA Repatriation Assistance Program?
Distressed OFWs and migrant workers only need the following documents to avail of the repatriation services:
Head on to the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate, bringing in with you your Exit Visa. State on the counter that you want to apply for repatriation assistance. You will soon get a form or request for a repatriation assistance program. Wait until the Embassy processes your request.
The OWWA Repatriation Assistance form can also be easily accessed online through the OASIS form. If the OFW won’t be able to fill it out digitally, he or she can download the form, print it, and fill it out. Make sure to provide all the necessary information before going and submitting it to the Consulate office.
Albeit regarded as our country’s modern-day heroes, our OFWs and migrant workers are no superhuman bearing powers or anything close to that. Even though they serve as the support system or the pillar of their families they leave behind in the Philippines, they sometimes do falter, physically and mentally, or get tangled up in external conflicts. During tough times like these, it’s important for them to know that they have something or someone to lean on as well.
Our government wants them to know that they are not alone throughout the course of their venture abroad. It is there to help them pull back their feet up if they stumble. It is there to extend a helping hand whenever needed. Through these government programs and services, our OFWs and migrant workers are assured that they can find security and refuge when they found themselves trapped up in difficult situations.
Looking for an affordable property? Contact us today
A lot of Filipinos dream of owning their first apartment or house and lot. With today’s booming real estate opportunities, there are so many options to choose from.
Here at Vistaland International, we have a roster of affordable property listings from several locations across the country. Whether you’re looking for a place to live in Manila, Cebu, Davao and etc, we’ve got you covered. So contact our real estate agents today!
Vistaland International was primarily created to bring OFW closer to their dream of finally acquiring a home in the Philippines. And with the rising cost of living in the country, OFWs and their families are looking for ways to earn extra cash flow to support their daily needs. Luckily, you can also join the global network of Vistaland International as a real estate professional and earn a commission!
Throughout the years, OFWs send money to their loved ones via efficient foreign remittance services to their bank accounts as they are cost-effective and efficient with high exchange rates, low transfer fees, and faster fund transfers. However, with the pandemic affecting how the Philippine Peso increases the value of the US Dollar, so does everything that people normally buy such as groceries, clothes, and many others, and this also affects the USD – PHP ratio because it continues to increase dramatically.
In other words, when people receive more money, the more expensive things get compared to the ones that we’re used to with pre-pandemic, and this is where the Overseas Filipino Bank (OFBank) comes in.
Overseas Filipino Bank (also formerly known as the Philippine Postal Savings Bank) has been around since 1906, serving OFWs worldwide for easier money transfer for their loved ones. With its launch being the rave for OFWs, they can now send money as easy as 1, 2, 3, and with a few taps on a mobile device! But the only question new OFWs face is how it works and how they’d know if their money is with their loved ones already.
Well, fret no more! We’re going to guide you about what the Overseas Filipino Bank is all about and how you can open an account and why it’s the best bank for OFWs just like you! After all, who doesn’t want the best?
With the help of Land Bank and the Department of Finance, OFBank is one of the financial institutions that keep up with OFWs to be financially healthy and keep them and their beneficiaries their top priority. This financial institution aims to provide the Overseas Filipino Workers community with all the banking and financial requirements which include easy transactions, quality and efficient foreign remittance services, OFW – specific products, and many more.
In short, this is the first digital only bank for Filipino migrant workers who want to open accounts or complete banking transactions anytime around the globe!
Any OFW or Overseas Filipino who is 18 years old and above can open an overseas Filipino Bank account. Although there are different purposes for people who open an OFBank account such as people who have an OFBank Visa Debit Card can send money to their beneficiaries through Visa Direct via Visa partners abroad while those who have an OFBank Visa Debit Card for Beneficiary can receive money abroad and they can also transfer money to those who have an OFW bank account or a Land Bank account for free.
Those who have an OFBank Regular Debit Card are usually for people who are 18 years old and below but require you to be at least 7 years old for you to be able to receive money without an initial deposit and maintaining balance.
Always make sure to have a stable internet connection and your OFBank mobile banking app downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Aside from these, here are the requirements that you need to open your OFBank account:
After submitting the IDs or supporting documents in the OFBank mobile banking app, you’ll be asked to take a picture of your documents or IDs that have your photo of it during the account opening process.
OFBank offers 15 banking products and services at the moment, which include:
On the other hand, this investment product that is offered by OFBank enables Overseas Filipinos to invest in their preferred shares of OFBank, allowing them to be co-owners of the bank.
Overseas Filipino Workers will no longer struggle to look for Filipino banks abroad just because they’ll send money to their loved ones all thanks to the digital banking services that have gone online, and downloading the OFBank Mobile Banking app is no exception with its straightforward and easy steps in opening your account.
Here are the steps for your online account opening in OFBank:
Since this is the first branchless bank for the migrant Filipino community that is certified by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, you don’t need to go to a physical bank just to make some quick and easy transactions wherever you are in the globe. If you really need to, you can always go to your nearest Land Bank to claim or replace your ATM/Debit Card and to deposit cash and checks for areas without LBP Cash Deposit Machines as Land Bank of the Philippines is a fully owned subsidiary of OFBank.
Having an overseas bank account online with secure digital banking services aims to solve common problems that OFWs and their beneficiaries face, which are expensive remittance charges in the remittance market, investment scams, and inadequate access to all of the banking and investment tools that you need for your beneficiaries.
It’s also committed to providing reliable and secure financial products and services tailored to meet its target market (which are the Overseas Filipino Workers and their beneficiaries) which includes delivering quality, efficient, and secure foreign remittance services. You can have a loan of up to P350,000, making it easier for you to provide for your loved ones in times when emergencies arise.
Nowadays, technology evolves with the way banking works, especially with other banks in the Philippines. But with an OFW Savings Account at a branchless bank, it brings banking and financing to a whole new level of sending and receiving money to and from your loved ones as well as from other people that they trust. Having an OFBank account and opening an account is straightforward, but doing your financial transactions with just a few clicks or a few taps on your mobile device anywhere around the globe is even more straightforward and easier than just dealing with the remittance market and their high exchange fees and lower currency exchanges.
OFBank makes everything more convenient with their online remittance services that are secure and efficient, which makes sure that your money gets transferred to your family and loved ones safe and sound, and a lot of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) will find it a solution with a Peso Savings Account that they can rely on with secure digital banking services, lower fees, and high exchange rates in a branchless bank they can depend on.
So if you’re an OFW and you’re finding a way to send money minus the trouble of going to an actual bank, you can set up an Overseas Filipino Bank account, and experience all the benefits that are waiting not only for you but also for your beneficiaries.
Looking for an affordable property? Contact us today
A lot of Filipinos dream of owning their first apartment or house and lot. With today’s booming real estate opportunities, there are so many options to choose from.
Here at Vistaland International, we have a roster of affordable property listings from several locations across the country. Whether you’re looking for a place to live in Manila, Cebu, Davao and etc, we’ve got you covered. So contact our real estate agents today!
Vistaland International was primarily created to bring OFW closer to their dream of finally acquiring a home in the Philippines. And with the rising cost of living in the country, OFWs and their families are looking for ways to earn extra cash flow to support their daily needs. Luckily, you can also join the global network of Vistaland International as a real estate professional and earn a commission!
Quality health service is more than just a need–it’s a must. The recent pandemic brought into light our country’s need for quality health care, not only for local citizens, but for those who are returning from their work abroad and going overseas once again; our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
Our OFWs are considered to be the country’s modern day heroes because of their huge contribution to the socio-economic development of the country in form of personal remittances. Looking at the data by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the remittances sent by OFWs ballooned by 2.3% or 2.92 billion this July 2022, compared to the 2.85 billion recorded in the same month last year.
The remittances they send alone contribute a significant portion to he country’s overall GDP, bridging the gap between the rich and the poor, and creating a growing middle class with a dispensable income. The economy drives forward with the country’s increased ability to spend.
Not only that, but Filipinos are also renowned for providing quality services and performance in their respective fields, that’s why there’s been a growing demand for the Filipino workforce all across the globe. In fact, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority, there are an estimated 1.77 million Filipino overseas workers deployed during the period of April to September last 2020.
Despite their humongous contributions, our OFWs risk their lives working in a foreign land just to provide their family a better life back here in the Philippines.
So, as a way to give back and commend the efforts and sacrifices of our OFWs and migrant Filipinos, former President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Executive Order No. 154, which hastened the construction and completion of the first ever Overseas Filipino Hospital located in Barangay Sindalan, San Fernando, Pampanga last December 2021.
Photo courtesy: OFW Hospital Official Facebook Page
Standing proudly on a 1.5-hectare land given by the provincial government of Pampanga is a 7-story medical facility built to provide free and high-quality medical services to our modern day heroes. The construction of the first ever hospital for OFWs was funded, thanks to the PHP 500 million donation of Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc., and through the PHP200 million aid of PAGCOR, the acquisition of medical equipment was made possible. Currently, it has a 100-bed capacity, but additional medical tools like dialysis equipment, CT scan, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are soon to be included. The government is also eyeing to build more OFW Hospitals in various regions in the future.
In addition, the Department of Labor and Employment teamed with the Philippine General Hospital in the lieu of a memorandum of understanding, stating that the PGH will assist in the training of administrative and clinical personnel, as well as the planning and acquisition of hospital equipment.
Though it initially operated as a polyclinic, providing only standard treatment and outpatient services a day after its launch, additional medical services were offered after it had become fully operational last June 2022. The facility is open from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
With this, OFWs and their dependents can only expect high-quality health services in exchange for their sacrifices abroad.
The OFW Hospital is devoted to providing comprehensive medical care to current and former OFWs and their legal dependents in instances where they fell ill or were injured.
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) contributors, whether active or inactive can also avail of the free medical services.
They say that health is wealth, and this is extremely true, especially for our dear OFWs. At one point or another, you may require to pay a hospital a visit to ensure your physical and mental capabilities are in the best shape. Good thing, the OFW Hospital is dedicated to providing free medical care such as:
Aside from the free services mentioned above, OFW Hospital also offers various health insurance plans that cover pregnancy and pre-existing illnesses. Referrals to other specialists are also provided in instances where the diagnosis requires another perspective from other specialists. The second opinion coming from those who are knowledgeable in the field may be beneficial to the OFW or its dependent.
Such programs are vital to the overall welfare of our Overseas Filipino Workers as they ensure that our OFWs are in the best condition throughout the whole duration of their job so they can stay productive while reducing the risk of life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
This in return, saves a lot on the employer’s part as he won’t be dealing with money lost due to work delays due to the employee’s poor health condition. Overall, OFW Hospital is one that ensures migrant workers are fit to work before deployment.
Eligible OFWs and migrant workers who wish to avail of the hospital’s services and medical assistance should book an online appointment first by following these steps:
1. Go to the OFW Hospital’s appointment page at https://appointment-ofwhospital.owwa.gov.ph/
2. Fill up the form by choosing from the drop-down menu the location and your desired program.
3. Choose the date of your visit/appointment.
4. Type in your personal information.
5. Confirm your appointment.
Once you confirm your appointment, you can take a screenshot of it and show the image on the date of your visit.
Yes. As long as they meet the requirements/qualifications, patients from foreign countries are eligible for the medical services offered in the OFW Hospital.
Yes. The OFW Hospital also opens its doors to patients referred to by Overseas Filipino Workers, as well as companies that employ workers in foreign employment but are non-OFWs. Dependents of Filipino citizens serving in the military or government employees working overseas can also avail themselves of healthcare services.
Website: https://ofwhospital.owwa.gov.ph/
E-mail address: [email protected]
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OFWHospital
It’s about time we allot a specialized healthcare facility for our Overseas Filipino Workers who work from daytime to nightfall in a foreign land, far away from their families and loved ones. They endure the hard work of their foreign jobs and settle for hours of calls and conversations with their loved ones to alleviate the feeling of homesickness.
Behind the smiles and laughter we see on the screens of our phones and computer, is a thousandfold of hard work and sacrifices, all for the benefit and future of the family they left behind in the Philippines.
The construction of the OFW Hospital is just a small token compared to the hardships and sacrifices they experience abroad. Nonetheless, this just proves that the government puts the welfare and health of our OFWs and migrant workers, as well as their family members that depend on them. After all, they are truly deserving of the title ‘modern day heroes.’
Looking for an affordable property? Contact us today
A lot of Filipinos dream of owning their first apartment or house and lot. With today’s booming real estate opportunities, there are so many options to choose from.
Here at Vistaland International, we have a roster of affordable property listings from several locations across the country. Whether you’re looking for a place to live in Manila, Cebu, Davao and etc, we’ve got you covered. So contact our real estate agents today!
Vistaland International was primarily created to bring OFW closer to their dream of finally acquiring a home in the Philippines. And with the rising cost of living in the country, OFWs and their families are looking for ways to earn extra cash flow to support their daily needs. Luckily, you can also join the global network of Vistaland International as a real estate professional and earn a commission!
Whether you want to enter the real estate world, you want to be educated with these so that you can decide to rent, buy, or have it rent-to-own, or you just need a refresher about these real estate terms, one of the ways to get to know the real estate industry is to talk the talk, and the way to do that is to know the real estate lingo.
Every real estate newbie needs to know a bunch of terms so that they could get the hang of the real estate work, but it can get overwhelming at times, especially when you’re dealing with a well-known real estate company, and we understand that it can take a lot to handle.
Well, you don’t need to worry because we got you with a bunch of commonly used real estate terms along with their real estate definitions that you can use so that you can get a head start in your real estate career or investment (and pick up the others later). You can bookmark this article, and go back to this anytime for a refresher!
Adjustable rate mortgages (ARM) vary interest rates as it is the date your mortgage interest rate begins to adjust when it follows the market rates. It usually falls on your first day of the month after the mortgage payments have been advanced to the mortgage lender.
Amortization refers to the schedule of your monthly mortgage payment that is spread out over time. Typically, it goes to the interest first and then the principal and it’s usually scheduled over a 15 or 30-year period time.
An appraisal is an unbiased estimate of how much a home is worth. They’re an expert’s opinion of a home market’s value according to its location, condition, and the number of recently sold properties that are similar to the real estate property you have. A typical real estate appraisal by neutral third parties with no interest in the sale.
Appreciation is a certain amount of time a home increases its value over time. To calculate a home’s appreciation rate, add one to the annual appreciation rate, then raise this to a power equal to the number of years you’d like to make an approximate, then multiply it by the current value of the property.
An assessed value is a professional estimate of a real property’s market value for property tax purposes. The home’s location and condition are considered when making an assessed value.
A balloon mortgage is paid in one lump sum, and it’s usually associated with investment or construction projects that are issued for short term and don’t require collateral. In other words, the borrower pays the interest payments until the end of the loan, and then he/she will pay the balloon or the full amount. It’s usually issued for five to seven years, so the borrower would have a lot of time to settle the loan and pay for the property in full.
You’re legally referred to as a borrower when you pay using a loan such as a mortgage loan, a home loan, and other kinds of loan that involves real estate. For instance, you’re planning to build a physical branch for your business, but you’re short on funds and you need to pay for it immediately. So you apply for a construction loan, and you’re now considered a borrower.
A bridge loan is a loan that is set for the meantime to buy a new property while waiting for the current property to be sold until a permanent financial plan is set. It’s usually taken out for a few weeks until three years, and this takes out the need for a contingency clause because of high interest rates.
A buyer’s agent is a real estate agent that represents the prospective buyer to assist the home buying process. He/She also finds a home within a budget to attract prospective buyers according to their preferences, and they exclusively represent the buyer during the real estate transaction.
A co – borrower is someone who pays back the loan with the help of the borrower. In other words, this person is a back – up borrower in case the primary borrower is having trouble with getting approval for a loan or paying the monthly mortgage payment. He/She is also the person in charge of the title, ownership interest, loan documents such as home loans, and the monthly mortgage payments to manage mortgage debt.
Closing costs are expenses that are incurred by home buyers and sellers to finalize the real estate transaction. These may include taxes, loan organization fees, credit report fees, appraisal fees, title insurance, and many more. They’re usually around 2% – 5% of the total price of the property, and they’re paid on or before the closing date.
A commission is a payment based on a complete sale. It’s generally around 5% – 6% of the property’s sale price, and it’s split between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent along with the seller at the time of the closing date.
Your debt to income ratio comes from your monthly debts that are divided by your monthly gross income. Mortgage lenders and private lenders use this percentage to assess your ability to repay a loan.
It’s a legal document where it shows the property ownership from the seller to the buyer. It must be a written document that is signed and delivered to you at the closing date, and it’s sometimes referred to as the vehicle for property transfer.
A down payment is the amount a home buyer pays at a certain percentage of the home’s sale price to secure your home loan. A lot of mortgage lenders allow home loans with smaller down payments, but you can avoid private mortgage insurance by having a down payment of 20% of the sale price.
Due diligence is a time period when a buyer takes a look at the property’s condition and contact terms before they’re legally obligated to purchase. It’s the home buyer’s time to discover any financial risk associated with an investment property or a personal property.
Also known as home equity, it evaluates how much of a home’s value can be attributed to the new owner. It also makes you a part property owner because your mortgage lender will monitor your monthly mortgage payments until your mortgage debt is paid off. It’s calculated from the home’s market value minus the amount the home buyer owes.
A property in its fair market value is an accurate property’s representation of its value or worth. In other words, it’s the property price that would be able to sell for the open market, provided that the condition of the buyers and sellers are knowledgeable about the asset, acting out their best interests, and aren’t pressured for some reason to complete the real estate transaction.
A fixed rate mortgage (FRM) is one of the most common types of loans that comes with an interest rate that stays for the loan. It provides the borrower more stability and flexibility over the loan time, making the monthly principal and interest payment stay the same.
A foreclosure happens when a homeowner fails to do their half of their mortgage agreement and can’t able to make mortgage payments that exceed up to 90 days. The owner goes through a legal process to forfeit all of their property rights, and he/she would put the property up for a foreclosure auction to pay off their outstanding debts or for a short sale, or the mortgage lender will control the property.
During a home inspection, a home inspection would be conducted by an inspector who will report the things that need to be fixed and the overall condition of a property. This will identify major issues that might affect the property’s value as well as your and your lender’s investment and return.
This is usually found when you purchase a property such as condominiums, townhomes, apartments, and many others that are under major companies. You also must pay the monthly or yearly HOA fees because these can cover repairs, general upkeep, and common area maintenance.
A jumbo mortgage or loan is used for high-end or luxury properties because it exceeds the loan limits provided by the Federal Housing Administration, which are tied to local median home values. The borrower has to have a sterling credit score, plenty of cash reserves, a high income, a down payment of 10% and above, and a big amount for closing costs.
This is the actual property value when it’s placed for sale in an open market. It’s determined by home buyers and it’s defined by the amount they’re willing to buy for that property.
A mortgage loan is a secured loan to get some funds by providing an immovable asset as collateral to the lender. They keep the asset for a while until you repay the loan.
A mortgage insurance lowers the risk of a loan given by the lender, but it also increases the cost of the loan. This is usually required if the home buyer makes a down payment of less than 20% of the purchase price of a property or is a recipient of an FHA or USDA loan.
A real estate agent is a licensed real estate professional that negotiates and coordinates real estate transactions. Most real estate agents work for a broker or a realtor with additional training and certification.
A real estate broker is a real estate agent who receives a broker license and has met certain qualifications. They can be a buyer’s agent, seller’s agent, or a real estate agent supervisor, and real estate brokers work independently and hire other real estate agents to work for them.
A title represents the rights of a property, and it also represents the concept of ownership. Those rights are handed over to the buyer during the real estate transaction and given the property rights when the seller and buyer seal the deal.
Now that you know some real estate terms, you can pick up the rest of the real estate terminology as you go along the real estate business from real estate professionals. This real estate glossary will serve as a guide for you to where the real estate jargon comes from, and it’ll serve you as a basis for other real estate terms (just like how you learn different languages).
All you need to do is to learn the basics, and you’ll get the others in a breeze! You just need to take it slow when you learn the real estate terminology because you’ll get the hang of the others from real estate professionals (or from the internet) when you’re used to the ways of the real estate industry.
Looking for an affordable property? Contact us today
A lot of Filipinos dream of owning their first apartment or house and lot. With today’s booming real estate opportunities, there are so many options to choose from.
Here at Vistaland International, we have a roster of affordable property listings from several locations across the country. Whether you’re looking for a place to live in Manila, Cebu, Davao and etc, we’ve got you covered. So contact our real estate agents today!
Vistaland International was primarily created to bring OFW closer to their dream of finally acquiring a home in the Philippines. And with the rising cost of living in the country, OFWs and their families are looking for ways to earn extra cash flow to support their daily needs. Luckily, you can also join the global network of Vistaland International as a real estate professional and earn a commission!
Moving into your new house is the most exciting part of the home buying process. After that long, tedious process, you can now embrace the new space that you will eventually call home. But before you chip in all of your furniture and belongings into the new house, you might want to consider deep cleaning it.
If you’re lucky enough, the previous owners of the home might have given it a deep clean before they moved out, but certainly, there are areas and spots that they missed. So, this is the perfect time to do a quick rundown and give your new home a few sweeps, dust, and wipes since your house is still quite bare– no furniture and appliances yet.
And even if your home is a ready-for-occupancy unit, you cannot be too complacent with the cleanliness of the place. A little cleaning won’t hurt, right?
With that, we’ve curated a move in cleaning checklist to help guide you through the whole process! Not only that it will clear the space from hidden and leftover dirt, but will also prepare the house for new energy and experiences to come through!
If you’re still having doubts about going through such an ordeal, then here’s the definitive answer: yes!
The construction done prior to moving still left a few dust and debris, even if the construction company assured you that they’ve combed through the place. If you are moving into a new home with a previous owner, there may be hidden areas littered with dirt that went unseen and hidden during the home staging process.
Before the big day, allot some time for a deep cleaning schedule so you won’t have to clean around boxes and furniture during the day of the move.
We’ll break down every area of your home and we’ll start right from the top going down. You’ll do these in every room– combing the ceiling and light fixtures from any leftover dust and cobwebs, allowing all the dirt to fall on the floor to be swept out later.
This is the reason why you should jump on to the opportunity of cleaning while the furniture and appliances aren’t placed yet– it’ll be another cleaning task the moment dust clings onto them!
Next, we’ll head on to one of the busiest places in the house– the kitchen. It’s crucial for you to deep clean this area to release any trapped odors and give way for fresh air to circulate. Here are some ways to clean certain areas of your kitchen:
The next area you may want to deep clean is the bathroom. Use the same vinegar-baking soda solution to remove sink and shower stains, and in dissolving soap scum. For glass doors, use the 1-part water and 1-part vinegar and wipe the surface with a clean cloth. Here are other ways to clean specific areas of your bathroom.
Even if you are planning to repaint your walls, it’s still important to give them a quick wipe. You can either use a water-vinegar solution or warm water with a few drops of mild detergent to clean either painted or wallpapered walls.
Pay close attention to the corners, this is where the dirt and dust usually accumulate. Check also the areas around the waist level if there are any streaks and marks left by the previous owners’ kids.
You can either rent or purchase a steam cleaner or hire a professional to do the steam clean job for you. Steam cleaning will remove all dust, allergen, and bacteria build up, as well as accumulated pet hair and pet odor on the floor carpet.
Steam cleaning is also applicable to sealed hardwood floors. Remember to check your floors if they are sealed or unsealed. Steam cleaning unsealed hardwood floors may lead to damaging the floor.
Don’t forget to comb through other areas like the following:
When you move into a new house, you want a fresh start, literally. Therefore, cleaning a house before moving in is the first step to acquiring that. When you clean before you move, you are erasing all previous living traces, making way for new moments and memories to make in the same space. After all, you want to feel at home inside your new home!
So, before your big move, make sure you’ve scrolled down through this moving in checklist for a cleaner and fresher start!
Looking for an affordable property? Contact us today
A lot of Filipinos dream of owning their first apartment or house and lot. With today’s booming real estate opportunities, there are so many options to choose from.
Here at Vistaland International, we have a roster of affordable property listings from several locations across the country. Whether you’re looking for a place to live in Manila, Cebu, Davao and etc, we’ve got you covered. So contact our real estate agents today!
Vistaland International was primarily created to bring OFW closer to their dream of finally acquiring a home in the Philippines. And with the rising cost of living in the country, OFWs and their families are looking for ways to earn extra cash flow to support their daily needs. Luckily, you can also join the global network of Vistaland International as a real estate professional and earn a commission!
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