With new strains of the virus being announced on the news (we are now at Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 variant), and the threat of monkeypox virus knocking at our borders, realistically speaking, this pandemic is far from over. And while strict quarantine measures have been lifted and people are now somehow ‘free’ to roam around, it is still important to carry your spray bottle filled with alcohol with you to sanitize your hands.
However, despite how hard we sanitize and rub our hands to kill those germs and viruses, we might be forgetting important stuff to sanitize as well– and that is our electronics and gadgets.
These electronics are present in our daily life– whether it be for work, school, or leisure purposes, there’s a smartphone in hand or a laptop on the table (or lap). And since we use them in our daily ventures, they harbor germs, viruses, and other pathogens that can be harmful to your health.
With that in mind, we’ve listed down tips on how to clean electronics in the comfort of your home–or wherever you are. So get that rubbing alcohol and microfiber cloth and start wiping for a cleaner tap and swipe!
Typically, we use smartphones in our everyday life, whether it be for work, school, or if you just want to watch your favorite K-drama series while you’re stuck in traffic.
Here’s a not-so-fun fact: do you know that your cell phone screen you love to tap onto has 25,127 bacteria per square inch. That’s about 10 times the amount of bacteria found in your toilet seat! And what’s more is that the warm surface of your phone is the perfect breeding ground for them to grow. But before you panic, here’s some good news! The bacteria squirming on top of your smartphone are generally harmless. The bad news? Well, since your smartphone is virtually exposed to anything, it is also a magnet to disease-causing germs and viruses such as E. coli.
You can minimize this risk by cleaning your phone habitually. Your fingers leave streaks and marks on your screens which could feel icky and sticky if not wiped out immediately. Wipe your cellphone with a slightly dampened microfiber cloth or alcohol wipes, if you prefer. Don’t forget to go along the curves and sides of your phone! Remove gunk and dirt buildup using a dry toothbrush. Also, it will be handy to bring sanitary wipes with you so you’re ready to disinfect not only your hands but your cell phone, anytime, anywhere!
We carry our laptops for everyday travel, which makes them prone and exposed to germs and other pathogens. Before anything else, make sure that your laptop is turned off and remove the batteries if you can. Flip your laptop upside down and shake loose all crumbs and dirt that have accumulated. You can also use a can of compressed air to blast away any dirt left in between keys and crevices.
In cleaning your laptop screen, lightly dampen a dry microfiber cloth with a solution of dish soap diluted in liquid and gently wipe the screen. You can also use alcohol and water solution. For LCD screens, use an appropriate cleaning product along with a microfiber cloth to remove smudges and streaks. Then, give your keyboard one last swipe and your laptop is good to go!
We’ve developed this habit of eating over our desktop pc while scrolling through the internet, leaving crumbs all over your keyboard. Similar to how you clean your laptop, turn off the device first and unplug it from the socket. Use a microfiber cloth dampened with water to wipe the computer monitor.
Turn over your PC’s keyboard over a trash can to remove all the food particles. Use compressed air to get rid of any dirt that’s left. Wipe the keys and the rest of the keyboard using a damp cloth. Fetch a cotton swab and go over the grime hiding in the crevices of the keys. If your keyboard is ‘that’ dirty, mix a solution of half isopropyl alcohol and half water to go with the cloth and cotton swabs.
Finish cleaning your electronics by wiping your mouse (including the cords) with a cloth dipped in the alcohol and water solution.
If you’re an avid music lover or listener, I’m certain that you perform most of your tasks with your favorite playlist blasting in the background or with your earphones plugged in your ears. Aside from germs and viruses, you are also dealing with sweat and earwax buildup on the electronics.
For your earphones, start by removing the tips and dipping them in a water-dish detergent solution. Use a damp cloth to wipe the cords and the rest of the earphones. Before putting the tips back, ensure that they are completely dry.
As for the headphones, the lint free cloth and water duo will do the cleaning trick. Start by wiping down the band and the cushion. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to go along the grooves and crevices. For wireless headphones and earphones, it is advisable to use dry cloth to prevent damaging the electronics inside.
Use a lint free cloth to wipe the entire surface of your tablet to remove any fingerprint marks and streaks. Use the same water and alcohol solution in cleaning and disinfecting your touch screens. Avoid using paper towels as the lint may scratch the protective coating of your tablet.
When we deep clean our house, we might be tempted to spray glass cleaners on our TV, thinking the product will remove dirt and any pathogen lurking. However, do you know that some television screens have anti reflective coatings that are sensitive to such chemicals, so using glass cleaners might do more harm than good to your electronics!
Instead, use a microfiber cloth dampened with water and gently wipe across your TV’s surface, the bezel, and the base. Don’t forget the remote controls! Start by removing the batteries first and shaking off debris and dirt. Remove germs and gunk by blasting the buttons with compressed air. Reach out for your handy cotton swabs to clean around and in between crevices.
Your game consoles, especially the controllers can get oily and sticky after hours and hours of playing and munching snacks in between. Unplug the console first before cleaning. Start by spraying the device with compressed air and brushing the dirt off using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Wipe the controllers with a cloth dipped in water-alcohol solution, going along the curves and grooves of the device. Use the same solution in cleaning the buttons with cotton swab. Make sure the electronics are completely dry before turning them on.
Cleaning electronics can be a challenging task, especially if you worry about damaging the devices. It is worth noting to check the manufacturer’s recommendation or manual to know which cleaning products are safe to use and which are not to prevent your product’s warrant from being voided or nullified. Also, avoid spraying directly on your devices to prevent unwanted droplets of water entering and destroying your devices.
Now that you know the ways to clean your electronics, the next step for you to do is just maintain them for a cleaner and safer taps and clicks!
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!
Vistaland International Marketing, Inc. (VIMI) is the international marketing division of Vista Land. Aiming to provide OFWs and migrant Filipinos a home in the Philippines, VIMI has established long-lasting relationships with brokers and clients around the world.
Get started with your property investments! Contact us today and follow our social media accounts: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Whether you live in a studio apartment, want to add something to your room to cover yourself while dressing up, or need to break up a larger room without actually breaking your bank account, then dividers are your best friend. They are also known as folding screens simply because of how easy it is to fold and unfold whenever you need to separate a big room into two smaller rooms. But did you know that you can make homemade room dividers instead of having a hard time in buying one?
Well, now you know! Here are some clever and stylish homemade room divider ideas that you can do as well as some benefits of having your own DIY divider to get you started on this fun mini project for your haven!
Dividers are functional, affordable, flexible, and have a wide array of materials for you to choose from, making your home life easier and more flexible than just adding more walls (which can cost more). You can place them anywhere around your place and you can divide a large room or a big space, adding an element of privacy and portability that can make your house, apartment, or condo versatile and functional. There are many options for you in terms of materials to choose from such as textile, wood, and plastic, and you can decorate them in any way you want it!
Adding more walls has its advantages, however, if you want something quick, functional, portable, and practical to save space in your place, then we highly suggest that you should get yourself a divider, whether you want it built in or the ones fresh from the home decor store.
The most basic room dividers that you can find is a folding screen. These basic room dividers are lightweight, simple, attractive, and classic as they appear in most Asian house designs for centuries. These are hinged together in three, four, or more panels that are either translucent or opaque. If you’re going to DIY this, all you need to do is to pick out your favorite fabric, mount them on alternating sides, and attach them onto the panel frames so that they can fold up. Trust us, it’s that easy to make to the point you don’t need to buy one (and you can choose from bold statements to minimalistic ones)!
This simple yet minimalistic divider idea does double duty as a vertical scrapbook because the nails serve as hooks to hang your favorite pictures to separate your room from your living room in a new way! That way, you can look at your living room at a whole new level with hanging memories! How sentimental and simple can you get?
If you think fabrics are too mainstream for you, wait ’til you hear out this: You can add some chicken wire to make it look like you’ve been at the beach or at the market to make it look vintage and sentimental! Sounds tacky when you put it that way, but when you know your work with the ropes and wires, you would create a vintage feel that would blast you back to the past with the simple and quiet life on the farm or the beach!
If you don’t want the hassle of buying or making your own room divider out of raw materials, you can simply get your curtain rod and attach it to your ceiling, add some hooks or rings, and your curtains out of the closet, and you can simply push or pull whenever you need to. This is the simplest hanging room divider idea that you can think of because it’s perfect for instant space partitioning and instant privacy whenever needed.
You can also opt to use coiled wire mesh, beaded curtains, or even hanging plants to add a little variety to the traditional curtains as your room divider.
This is perfect if you have an additional space for a sleeping area or in a studio apartment or a mother-in-law suite.
If you want something that is free flowing and aesthetically pleasing at the same time, then macrame room dividers are the answer into making it your own style! With tons of different textures, you can get some privacy plus some air (minus the feeling of being trapped) so that you can do your own thing in peace while making your place fresh and ventilated. You may also want to put some indoor plants to save some space (especially if you love plants)!
Who says you need a vinyl player to play a vinyl disc? You can just go with hanging room dividers! And one way to achieve this is go to a garage sale or a music store, get some vinyl discs, some fishing line, and hooks that you can drill to a ceiling, and you can have your very own retro music studio atmosphere in a small space!
If you think the first two options are a bit flimsy for you, then sliding doors or accordion doors are the answer! Often perfect for meeting rooms, these commercial and professional dividers should separate spaces with the ease of a curtain as they are suspended from the ceiling until a half an inch from the floor to avoid tripping hazards (as they are hung to a plumbing pipe attached to walls). They’re typically made of wood, vinyl, laminates, aluminum, or acrylic, so they should have an easy movement when you open and close.
Another thing about sliding doors is that you can decorate them with chalkboard paint to make them look like a barn door or you can opt to make them into accordion doors if the simple sliding doors are too simple for you. You don’t need to buy a fresh sliding door for you to attach; all you need are a couple of discarded doors or wooden boards that fit the frame you have, and you’re good to go in decorating it!
An Ikea hack developed by Jules Yap of Ikea Hackers found a way to divide her studio apartment to create her own bedroom space by making a sliding wall using Ikea Pax wardrobe doors large enough to stretch from ceiling to floor, sliding effortlessly.
Sliding doors are hanging dividers that separate spaces and act like a normal door to your room for easy access and privacy.
Whether you have a floor to ceiling bookshelf, bookshelves with wheels, or tall and wide bookcases, these are perfect for an instant room divider and a reading nook at the same time! All you need to do is to set the bookcase perpendicular to the wall, attach some metal L brackets and a wall stud then drive a few screws through the side into the unit of the same stud, and voila! You have your own room divider and a good read in one go! To avoid tripping accidents, all you have to do is to anchor the bottom.
We get that additional walls come into your mind when it comes to permanent dividers, but you might want to consider in investing unique room divider ideas such as a DIY room divider that has a fountain that runs down from the pipeline in your ceiling and some pebbles to add a Zen vibe in your haven or add some window frames from your room to your living space for you to feel that you’re in another place with your own personal window to look at. Whatever that may be, there are lots of DIY solutions for you online to get ideas from and to work on!
If you want a unique way for your total privacy, then you can invest your time and effort in making an exposed lath room divider, which can give you a classy and beautiful vibe with some traditional lath boards. You can get creative with something simple like lath boards into something exquisite. After all, starting from scratch shouldn’t be too rugged.
You don’t need a lot of help in making homemade dividers: All you need are simple tools, creativity, imagination, willpower, and lots of patience for you to get your dream divider into an open space of reality. There are so many ideas that you can get online, the creativity never runs out as well as divider ideas that you can hack into so that you can make the most out of your living space. You just need a lot of thinking and experimenting to make your space work with a divider. After all, it’s easy to get creative with the space; all you need to do is to make it happen with a large space.
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!
Vistaland International Marketing, Inc. (VIMI) is the international marketing division of Vista Land. Aiming to provide OFWs and migrant Filipinos a home in the Philippines, VIMI has established long-lasting relationships with brokers and clients around the world.
Get started with your property investments! Contact us today and follow our social media accounts: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
With 52 gold medals, 70 silver, and 105 bronze (226 in total), Philippines clinches 4th spot in the overall medal standings in the recently concluded 31st Southeast Asian Games held at Hanoi, Vietnam.
Vietnam sea games officially opened at Mỹ Đình National Stadium with 5, 467 participating national athletes from all nations across Southeast Asia last May 12, 2022. The two-week non-stop action commenced its closing ceremony last May 23rd.
Host country Vietnam dominated the biennial sports event with a 446 overall medal tally, garnering 205 gold, 125 silver, and 116 bronze. Thailand comes behind with 92-103-136. Indonesia manages to slip past the Philippines and secures the third spot with 69-91-81.
Gilas Pilipinas bows down to Indonesia at 81-85, falling short to defend its SEA games men’s basketball gold reign since 1989.
Former San Miguel Beermen June Mar Fajardo and team import Matthew Wright led the national team, scoring a combined 43 points while Thirdy Ravena and Troy Rosario contributed 17 and 12 points respectively but fell short against Indonesia’s trio of naturalized players Marques Bolden, Abraham Grahita, and Derrick Michael Xzavierro who shot points from deep. Bolden proved to be a scoring machinery with his 18-point, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks finish even after facing foul troubles.
Aside from Indonesia’s towering trio, errors and inconsistent free throws also contributed to the Gilas’ point drought, finishing the close fight with a silver medal.
This leads to Indonesia clutching its first gold medal in the SEA Games men’s basketball division
In the women’s basketball division, Gilas women successfully defended its second gold medal despite a heartbreaking loss to Malaysia, 93-96, finishing the campaign with 4-1 record, locking in championship seat.
Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz continues to lift medals for the Philippines after dominating the women’s 55kg weightlifting event in the 2022 Southeast Asian games.
Diaz managed to lift 92kgs in snatch and 114kgs in clean and jerk, for a total of 206kgs, earning her second SEA Games gold medal after winning the same event in 2019.
Diaz is the first athlete to snag the country its first Olympic gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics back in 2021.
Related Read: Hidilyn Diaz Lifts Philippines’ First Olympics Gold Medal
With five gold medals and three silvers, 22-year old gymnast Carlos Yulo exhibited dominance in his medal hunt at the 31st Southeast Asian games.
Yulo competed in the high bar and men’s vault as well as in artistic gymnastics, respectively. He scored a total of 14.800 points in the men’s vault, enough to put him at the first spot. For the high bar, he tied with Vietnam’s Ding Phuong Thanh at 13.867 points, but then the organizing committee decided to give each a gold medal. He then settled for silver at parallel bars, scoring only 14.900 compared to Thanh’s 15.133 who clinched the event’s gold medal.
Ian Clark Bautista bags another gold medal for the Philippines after a victorious win over Myanmar’s Naing Latt in the -57kg boxing division. This is on top and in addition to Eumir Marcial’s victory, who successfully defends his 4th straight gold medal in the -75kg division, beating Delio Anzaqeci Mouzinho of Timor Leste.
And to continue the country’s gold medal reign in the boxing events, Rogen Ladon punches his way to defend his gold medal after defeating Tran Van Thao of Vietnam in the men’s -52kg finals.
SIBOL: Mobile Legends Bang Bang (MLBB) takes home the gold medal in the SEA Games E-sports tournament in a best-of-five grand finals, defeating rival Indonesian team at 3-1.
Philippines took off the lead in the series, inching a 1-o against Indonesia while Indonesia tied up the lead after securing win in game 2.
The intense battle in game three brought Indonesia on lead in the early minutes of the game, but SIBOL managed to bounce back after capitalizing on Indonesia’s mistakes and finally pushing the series to 2-1 in favor of PH.
Even in the midst of multiple technical pauses at game 4, SIBOL manages to clutch the gold medal after a swift siege to the enemy’s base, earning the country’s second gold medal at the e-sports tournament.
SIBOL’s Women Wild Rift team also capitalized as they bagged the first gold medal for the country in the respective event.
Philippines finally closes at 52 gold medals as Muay Thai representative Phillip Delarmino clinches the country’s last gold medal after a successful protest against Vietnam’s crowd favorite Nguyen Doan Long.
Delarmino initially placed silver in their bout last May 22, but is then declared as champion after the Muay Thai Association of the Philippines proved that Delarmino landed cleaner hits, and thus defending his throne against the same opponent he had back in 2019.
Other gold medalists for the muay thai event include Islay Erika Bomogao and Rhichein Yosorez, who both dominated the women’s waikru mai muay.
Even with the team Philippines finishing with a total of 226 medals, this is still far from its 387 medals (149 gold, 117 silver, 121 bronze) record back in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, where PH itself is the host country.
Still, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez poses a positive outlook for future national athletes who will set on a bout to win medals for the country in the succeeding international competitions. He emphasized that in order to reap fruits in the future, aspiring athletes have to start training at a young age.
“Rome wasn’t built in a day so athletes do not become champions overnight in international play like the SEA Games. It’s good to start them young since it takes time to develop them,” says Ramirez in Philippine Star.
He took Diaz and Yulo as examples. Both were products of long-term programs which made them exemplary and outstanding athletes in their respective fields.
“Diaz is a product of the PSC grassroots development program when she first made her debut as wild card entry at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games at the ripe age of 17,” recalled Ramirez.
He also stressed that Yulo excelled in Batang Pinoy and Palarong Pambansa before entering into more prestigious events like the Southeast Asian games, which helped him become the world-class gymnast he is now.
These early exposures (and failures) are just preparations not only for Yulo and Diaz, but for other aspiring and persevering athletes to stand on top of the pedestal while waving at thousands of spectators cheering and celebrating their victory. Dreaming and persevering are the key components as to why these athletes are now decorated, no matter if it’s gold, silver, or bronze.
At the end of the day, being able to stand and wave our flag in front of other nations in the Southeast Asian games is enough to make you feel proud of these athletes for coming in such a long way. A big salute to all of our national athletes! Thank you for making us feel proud of being a Filipino!
The four-walled structure with a roof on top is what you consider a house. But aside from that, your ‘home’ resides in a bigger, more complex habitat known as the planet Earth.
In this article, we will tackle ways to conserve natural resources so that our Earth home will be habitable not only today, but also for our future generations.
Natural resources are classified into two: renewable and non-renewable. Renewable sources are resources that replenishes like solar and wind energy, biomass energy, and hydroelectric power.
Water, fossil fuels, natural gases, minerals, and nuclear energy constitute the non-renewable resources group. They cannot replenish and will deplete if not utilized wisely.
Humankind primarily relies on natural resources for survival– from the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, and up to the materials we use to build our homes and shelter. And it is worth noting that these natural resources are not all renewable and can deplete if not utilized wisely. Through the conservation of our natural resources, we give not only ourselves, but future generations as well, the most wonderful gift, and that is life.
Water is one of the most important resources for mankind. Even though 70% of the globe is comprised of large bodies of water, rivers, and streams, this doesn’t mean that we will have an unlimited supply of clean drinking water for a lifetime. Since water is a non-renewable resource, we should do our part in conserving it.
There are simple and practical ways you can adapt into your everyday living to help conserve water. These include taking shorter showers (or you can just skip the shower part and use a bucket of water and dipper instead), turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, ensuring taps are tightly closed when not in use, and repairing pipes immediately when a leak is detected. You can also use the water from your sink and shower in your garden or backyard. A huge reminder– never release harmful and hazardous waste to any bodies of water!
Turning off the lights when not in use or after you leave a room? Basic. Finished watching your favorite noontime show? It’s not enough to just press the off button on the remote. While indeed your television is already shut off, it can still consume small amounts of electricity. This is called vampire electricity and covers about 20 percent of your electricity bill. So, for a more efficient energy consumption, plug off not just your TV, but any appliance in your household when not in use!
Additionally, you can conserve energy by using energy-saving fluorescent bulbs for they require lesser wattage than regular bulbs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, these LED bulbs last longer so not only that they are environment-friendly but pocket-friendly as well!
Plants and trees serve as natural habitats for various animal species. Vegetation is also vital to sustaining a symbiotic environment and wildlife. Their roots hold the land together to prevent soil erosion. On top of that, they convert carbon dioxide into oxygen for us to breathe. We all know the importance of trees and plants to humankind, so whether you have a green thumb or not, planting trees will contribute greatly to the conservation of our planet!
Solar and wind energy are alternative sources of energy that effectively cuts down our need to use natural gas derived from burning fossil fuels and charcoal. These alternative sources of energy are bio-friendly, particularly because they do not emit carbon footprint that damages our ozone layer. What’s more is that they are cheaper and renewable!
The industrialization has brought wonders to our life but at the same time, it entails danger to our environment. According to EPA’s Guide for Industrial Waste Management, 7.6 billion tons of solid waste is released into the environment every year in America alone! Think about the magnanimous number of waste the whole world dumps into nature annually!
Treating industrial and human waste before releasing it into the environment will help a lot in preventing water and land pollution all across the globe.
As much as possible, purchase items made from recycled materials. The production of new goods requires the use of natural resources whereas recycling promotes the usage of materials that we already have. There are lots of DIY videos online to help you transform used plastic bottles into elegant vases or planters, tin cans into alternative storage, and old clothes into cute string bags! Not only that you unleashed and expressed your own creativity, but you also helped our planet breathe!
As the campaign goes ‘reduce, reuse, and recycle.’
Every year, the Philippines alone generates a total of 21 million metric tons of garbage and 1,717 metric tons of food waste annually. Before the food gets on our table, it consumes an ample amount of natural resources, starting from the production up to the distribution. Moreover, after food consumption, the leftover plastic bags, containers, and cardboard boxes eventually find their way to landfills where they emit greenhouse gas as they break down at the slowest pace.
Ever wonder how you can reduce packaging and food waste? Well, here are some helpful tips. Before going out for grocery shopping, plan your meals early on (don’t forget to bring that grocery list with you!) so you won’t be tempted to buy food that you cannot consume.
Don’t be shy to take home leftovers when dining out and restaurants and consider growing a veggie garden in your backyard, balcony, or patio!
Taking a bath in the rain surely is fun, but have you ever heard of rain harvesting? It is an important practice of water conservation done by collecting and storing water during the wet months to be used when the dry season arrives.
Rainwater can be used for irrigation and watering plants at home and thus reducing the usage of water from water bodies and sources.
The majority of households use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for their everyday cooking needs. However, the continued use of LPG depletes our oil reserves. Using alternatives such as biogas cuts down the need to use such reserves. Biogas is generated from the breakdown of organic matter and can be used in a variety of ways such as vehicle fuel, heating, and electricity generation.
The continued use and demand for paper cuts down a large portion of our natural forests every year. Using e-mails, for receiving statements of accounts or receipts, for instance, reduces the need to print on paper. A simple change in your mail settings will do the trick! But remember, do not let emails pile up in your inbox as they also contribute to carbon emissions. Delete spam and unwanted emails for a decluttered inbox and a lesser carbon footprint!
You can also cancel subscriptions to magazines and newsletters that you no longer need.
We aren’t going to be the only inhabitants of our natural environment, there are also the wild animals and plants sharing this one big home with us. Also, don’t forget the next and future generations waiting in line to enjoy the wonders of our Mother Earth that’s why we need to do our part in natural resource conservation. By adapting these environment-friendly habits and practices, you sure are contributing a lot to creating a better, safer, and healthier world for all of Earth’s inhabitants.
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!
Vistaland International Marketing, Inc. (VIMI) is the international marketing division of Vista Land. Aiming to provide OFWs and migrant Filipinos a home in the Philippines, VIMI has established long-lasting relationships with brokers and clients around the world.
Get started with your property investments! Contact us today and follow our social media accounts: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
The introduction of technology and the internet had drastically changed our way of life; creating a new era of advancement and eliminating old and traditional methods while at the same time, forcing various sectors to transition and adapt to the new scheme.
Let’s take transportation for instance. The emergence of ride-sharing apps like Uber has transformed the way we travel from one place to another. The office sector has also adapted to a new working niche; incorporating new mediums of communications like Zoom, Microsoft teams, and such. This is widely seen during the pandemic where face to face interactions are prohibited and the working class has shifted into a work-from-home set-up. Jumping into the retail sector, platforms like Amazon, Shopee, and Lazada have given shopping a new definition as customers can now ‘shop until they drop’ at the comfort of their homes.
Such examples demonstrated how technology has disrupted various sectors and completely changed the way of life for humankind.
Of course, the real estate industry is also one of the sectors slowly adapting to the current innovative technologies. In this article, we will find out how technology is changing the real estate industry through the property technology.
Also called Proptech, property technology is the incorporation of new technology trends to optimize the way people sell, buy, research, market, and manage a property. Proptech is sometimes referred to as Real estate tech, Retech, or Realtech.
Proptech mainly consists of two domains namely:
Big data will play a crucial part in the real estate industry as structured data sets can now help real estate companies and websites by suggesting and providing insights about pricing, real estate market trends, available properties, and potential risks. Tailoring personal consumer preferences is done by going through the immense amount of stored information gathered from previous searches on various search engines and sites.
Nowadays, retail transactions had transcended from in-store purchases to checking out your favorite designer bag without leaving your couch. The same thing goes for finding and buying a new property. The real estate business have adapted to new trends and launched their own mobile apps where buyers can search for new homes without leaving their homes!
Adding to the new home buying experience comes in 3D virtual tours. Of course, buyers still want to inspect and take a 360 degree tour around the property they are eyeing on. Now, with the introduction of 3D virtual tours and open houses, potential home buyers can simply inspect every nook and cranny through their phones, tablets, or computers, and can even squeeze it in their busy schedule!
Virtual Reality will be the highlight of property technology in the year 2025 when the number of realtors depending on technology will balloon up to 1.4 million, according to a report published by Goldman-Sachs.
The get the best service out of real estate companies, they should be available 24/7 online to cater to their clients’ clarifications and queries. Key in chatbots where you can converse with a virtual or online assistant to give light to your questions. Chatbots are examples of artificial intelligence to deliver a full customer satisfaction.
Blockchain technology had infiltrated the real estate sector as various experts are now looking into the possibility of ‘tokenizing’ real estate assets and properties. This means that the way we deal and transact in the real estate industry will drastically change with these new technological advancements introduced.
Tokenization is the process of converting real estate properties into tokens that can be sold to investors. A blockhain stores the data and ensures no tampering of records. Tokenization in real estate allows buyers’ and investors’ involvement and ownership of portions of assets without the need of submitting traditional paperwork. Every token represents direct ownership of the property or asset, which could be a company share in owning a real estate, a piece of real estate or involvement in a real estate investment fund. You can also tokenize properties that are under construction.
With the big data aiding in easier data collection, brokers and real estate agents will have a more filtered process of screening and evaluating the leasing, buying, and selling processes. With streamlined paperwork on hand, they will also save much time in communicating with clients, especially if they need them to sign some documents. And even with the threat of pandemics and restrictions on face-to-face interactions, they can still continue to negotiate and introduce new deals and promos via Zoom meetings and calls and hosting virtual open houses.
Landlords and property managers can install smart devices in their properties for a more efficient property management at their fingertips via mobile devices. Moreover, rental property owners can reach a larger audience and potential renters via virtual open house tours and viewings.
On the tenant’s end, looking for residential properties will be much easier as they can scroll through various listing sites all at once. Also, it will be more easier to inquire about a property via chatbots incorporated on real estate companies’ websites. They also can enjoy touring around the virtual open houses and thoroughly inspect floor-to-ceiling of their potential home!
As for real estate professionals, proptech leaves little to no room for errors and critical mistakes when it comes to construction planning and development. Various proptech companies can also provide helpful insights about the current selling, leasing, and buying trends for better selling and buying opportunities. Proptech also eliminates the need for a ‘middle man’ or third party that can cause conflict of interests between buyers and sellers.
If you’re up for an upgrade for your set of investment properties, then townhouses are definitely a good investment for you to venture out in terms of cash flow if you’re treating it as a rental property. But a lot of people ask, “Are townhouses a good investment?” especially for first time real estate investors to make sure they’re not only getting their money’s worth, but also the value of the property that they’re dealing with.
If you’re not sure that a townhouse complex is a good deal for an investment property, then we’ve got a bunch of reasons along with the good (the bad, and the ugly) in investing in townhouses.
Here are a few reasons as to why investing in a townhouse complex is a good idea to step up your investment portfolio:
Unlike detached houses and some condos that are located in city centers and upscale neighborhoods, townhouses are usually in the suburbs where it’s less expensive to live in. Most real estate investors and banks go for properties that are inexpensive, require less maintenance, and lower financial risks since their prices are quite affordable, generating more chances of rental income in the long run!
Aside from positive cash flow, townhouses are usually situated in good communities with great amenities, convenience, and accessibility to schools, malls, restaurants, community gyms, and many other commercial establishments. These are perfect especially for young families as they have the right places for you to store things according to your lifestyle and needs!
As always, it depends on which property you choose as you have to consider a lot of factors (such as price, location, and so much more).
Most real estate investors recommend investing in townhouses as they are simple and flexible to other properties such as apartments, detached houses, and condos. With its simple and great quality and financial process, it’s easy to become a property owner with one of these row houses due to its great demand for renting or buying a townhouse, which is perfect for young families and couples who want to start their own lives.
Most townhouses give you the freedom to decorate in any way you want it, whether you want it to be environmentally efficient or practical with a splash of style! Nowadays, you find homes that have solar panels or an elevator for PWD or senior tenants, and this gives you an edge to decide how you want to make it feel more homey! So get your phone or computer, look up fun and creative designs on Pinterest and Facebook, and let your mind run free with hot tubs, swimming pools, and your dream aesthetic!
Townhouses are properties that provide multiple levels of livable space and mimic a traditional house that is owned on a strata scheme, meaning you get to live on shared land, but you own the property from its interior to your home’s exterior.
These are perfect for singles, couples, and families who are looking for more space (or similar to that of a house) but with fewer maintenance requirements, and they often come with larger outdoor spaces such as a backyard, porch, or a courtyard.
If you’re looking into investing in these simple yet maintainable properties, here are some of the pros and cons for you!
Renting or buying a townhouse means more space than that of a condominium and an apartment combined as they usually have two or three floors, depending on the townhouse you’re eyeing for.
Thanks to the house trends, a brand new townhouse can be upgraded to a suite or an open floor plan, making your home feel comfortable and futuristic (with security upgrades, a swimming pool, and a parking lot for instance) for an affordable price!
Most townhouse owners invest in townhouses that are near the beach or city and in competitive real estate markets, which are affordable compared to a regular house and attract potential renters and potential tenants.
These townhouses are like detached homes in a way because they don’t have communal facilities, communal walls, and shared amenities, making you enjoy your life in a more secured and conducive community that values your privacy.
With its close proximity to almost everything, you can get to any place in the nick of time! Aside from that, there are communal areas such as community gyms, parks, churches, swimming pools, and clubhouses, making leisure and business convenient for you to get done and enjoy!
Since you’re living in a rowed community, you’re on a strata scheme, meaning the owner owns the place along with the landlord (if you’re renting) or with a tenant (if you’re investing).
Townhouses have the same layout and design, meaning you have the same home’s exterior and interior since they lack individuality and diverse designs and layouts.
The flip side of having space in single family homes is that different townhouses have different layouts, meaning some have different spaces that feel like it’s less than what you’re getting in other properties such as a single detached house.
Most townhouses have second or third floors, so the first thing that pops up into your head when it comes to townhouses are stairs, which are unsuitable for aged people or people with physical disabilities.
If you bought it as an investment property and you’re planning to sell it, there’s less capital growth compared to a house. Its capital growth is roughly similar to that of an apartment’s, so it’s good for those whose risk appetite is more on the moderate aggressive side.
Whether you want to rent, buy, or invest in a townhouse, the first thing you need to consider is location. When you’re needs are in the same location, chances are that you’re investing in the same area because they are situated on small lands. The next thing you need to consider is that if you want to live in a community such as a homeowner’s association or not. And the third one to figure out are the costs, including HOA fees, emergency repairs, monthly dues, other legal fees, and maintenance fees such as interior and exterior maintenance.
Investing in a townhouse can be great for value, space, and living when you want to find an investment property that is low maintenance and easy to find in multiple cities (compared to other housing types). However, real estate investors rather invest in properties that are finished than to build properties so that it’s less hassle for people to rent, invest, and buy.
So, do a little research for a good property finder tool, get along with the homeowners association, and get that townhouse with a great property value so that you’re getting a positive cash flow and the simple life you’ve been dreaming of (while also being careful of the downfalls you might get into)!
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!
If you’re thinking of ways of achieving financial stability and improving your overall portfolio, then real estate investing is one good way to go. Investing in real estate has a lot of perks to offer, as well as various avenues in which you can opt to go. You can purchase a property and wait for it to appreciate over time or you can generate passive income by starting your own rental property business. Either way, you are guaranteed to get a hefty return of investment (ROI) when carefully planned and done in the right way.
Say you decided to go for the second option and opted to start a rental business. While this is a good investment strategy, you just couldn’t expect for the cash to come flowing at your doors just because you purchased a house or condo and rented it out. As a smart real estate investor, you have to carefully devise a business plan so that your rental property will translate into financial success.
In this article, we will walk you through the easy steps on how to start a rental property business and get the income odds in your favor!
First and foremost, let’s define the business venture you are diving into. To put it simply, a rental property business is when you purchase one or more commercial or residential property then rent them out to tenants for a monthly cash flow. Real estate investors have direct control over managing such properties or they can also utilize the service of property management companies to operate landlord duties on their behalf.
One of the important things in setting up your rental property business is to narrow down and determine the specific market your rental business will cater to. Do you want to rent out to single professionals or families? Or you are more inclined to businesses and small enterprises? Do you want to target low-income neighborhoods, university towns or high-income communities in urbanized cities?
Another influential factor for the success of your rental business is the location of the property itself. Properties located within the hearts of the city and local business districts are eye-appealing to potential buyers like returning OFWs and migrant Filipino workers due to their accessibility to shopping malls, offices, recreation & entertainment centers. Likewise, you are more likely to get families as renters if you chose to purchase properties in masterplanned communities.
When you finally decided what your market niche is when you can only draft your rental property business plan tailored to your market’s needs.
Of course, you need to finance your business to keep it rolling. Real estate investors agree that securing financing for a real estate deal is one of the biggest hurdles they face. Good thing is, there are lots of investment property loan options you can avail yourself of from banks and private money lenders. Securing financing for your rental business should be done before looking for a property so that you will know how much you can afford and which type of investment property is worth buying to gain a fruitful return of investment.
After successfully securing your finances, it’s time to map out where that money will go. The main goal of putting up a rental property business is to ensure a sufficient flow of income enough to cover maintenance costs, mortgage payments, home improvements, property taxes, and such. After establishing a budget, create a financial plan that will outline how much profit you are expecting from your rental payments, how much will be allotted for future maintenance repairs, and which fees will be shouldered by the tenants.
You can either manage the rental business yourself or hire a property manager to lend you a helping hand with the management tasks. Hiring a property manager may take some money off your profit (typically they charge about 8 to 12 percent) but working with someone who’s an expert in the field will save you an ample amount of time and effort. To put it simply, your property manager will take care of everything– from finding potential tenants, collecting rent, hosting house tours, screening tenants (and handling their complaints in the future), and paying property-related bills.
What’s a business without a business plan? Successful rental businesses have carefully drafted business plans that serve as their business’ foundation and structure. Remember, starting a rental property business is more than just renting out your property to prospective tenants. A business plan will be helpful, especially to first-timers to outline their long term goals and determine ways on how to achieve them.
How do you know if you’re getting the right tenants for your rental business? As the property owner, it’s your task to perform due diligence or background checks on your potential tenants to know if it’s worth letting them stay for a long period of time. We do not want tenants who don’t pay rent or cause physical damages to your investment property.
Start with the basic information first, then find out if they are employed enough to sustain the monthly rent payment, don’t have any criminal liability or record, and had good ties with their previous landlords. The largest mistake you can commit is to allow unqualified tenants to stay on your property so you need to scrutinize each and every applicant.
Being a landlord just doesn’t mean renting out your property to someone in need of space. As the property owner, you are in charge of all the deals (including legal) in relation to your property. It is also your duty to ensure that everything stated and agreed upon in your landlord-tenant agreement is carried out accordingly. On top of that, a good landlord responds immediately to any maintenance issue (faulty wiring, pipe or drains leaks, and such) brought to his attention.
There are several reasons why people are investing in rental properties, perhaps the biggest benefit is to generate passive income in the form of monthly rent payments. Aside from that, you can also diversify your asset portfolio which may serve as a hedge during the times of inflation. You also have the option to move back inside your home when a personal milestone calls for it. Truly enough, putting up a rental property business has its perks when done right.
With these curated steps, we hope that you will have a successful rental property business– a positive net cash flow for that financial stability and improved portfolio!
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!
Vistaland International Marketing, Inc. (VIMI) is the international marketing division of Vista Land. Aiming to provide OFWs and migrant Filipinos a home in the Philippines, VIMI has established long-lasting relationships with brokers and clients around the world.
Get started with your property investments! Contact us today and follow our social media accounts: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
We all know that pests like rodents, cockroaches, spiders, termites, ants and such not only bring threats to our health but can also cause damage to our property (and pockets because of repair costs). One of the best ways to get rid of these unwanted pests is to ask for help from pest control services and let them do their job.
Not only that these pests bring harmful diseases to your family, but they can also affect and lower your home’s market value and appeal to potential buyers and renters. I mean, who would want to live in a house full of flies, rats, and cockroaches?
But don’t worry! We’ve compiled simple and easy ways to address your pest problem. Don’t let the bed bugs bite by knowing and implementing these pest prevention tips!
Many pests love to thrive in dirty, damp places and one of their favorite areas in your home is the kitchen where they can feast on the rubbish and trash you throw in the bin. Keep the kitchen counters, sink, racks, and stove-top clean to prevent any pest infestation. Wipe away that spilled milk before ants could start circling around it. Don’t forget the fallen food crumbs and particles– ants love them too. Remember, your kitchen is one of the places that attract pests the most so it’s important to always keep it sparkly clean.
Keeping the shower curtain dry and moss-free, checking and cleaning the drain from any clogs (hair and soap particles), and wiping away the sink and counter are some of the measures that you can do to keep cockroaches and other pests away from your bathroom.
You can find common pests like rats, mice, and cockroaches feasting on the rubbish and litter in your trash bin. Household garbage is the main attractor of pests in our house so it’s important to empty that bin daily. Also, we do not want any rotten food particles scattered around the house so keep those bins tightly covered.
Windows and doors aren’t the only gateways of pests into your home. Yes, you may have fixed that broken window and installed mesh wires for an added layer of security but you forgot to fill in those cracks and gaps. The crevices, cracks, and gaps in the house exterior can serve as entry points for pests. You can use copper mesh or expanding foam insulation to caulk these entryways.
Stagnant water is the perfect breeding place for dengue-carrying mosquitoes. Make sure to get rid of any container that can stock water. Regularly check and clean drains from leaves, branches, or debris that blocks the free flow of water. Cover your buckets of water in the bathroom, if possible.
If you see a single, lone ant crawling on your table or walls, chances are, there’ll be more to show up soon. Ants leave a trail of scent for other ants to follow. In order to eliminate these trails and prevent ants nesting outdoors from entering your home, mix one part vinegar and 3 parts water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution in places where you’ve seen some ants.
For ants that are already nesting inside your home, it’s best to use ant baits to eliminate them.
Fruits and vegetables, especially overripe ones, can attract insects like fruit flies. Avoid leaving cut up fruits and vegetables out in the open for a long period of time. While fruit flies are harmless in general, leaving cut up fruits and vegetables out in the open for a long a period of time can attract other pests like rodents and cockroaches.
Speaking of rodents, these little creatures love to hang out in our pantry, kitchen drawers & cabinets and feast on our stocks behind our backs. You’ll find out about the dark deed the moment you fetch your favorite cereal and discover its gnawed top.
It’s better to store your pantry essentials like cereals and crackers in reusable containers if the packaging cannot be sealed completely. Clean your pantry regularly to get rid of spoiled food and those you don’t plan on eating for a pest free pantry!
Likewise, you should also store your beloved pets’ food inside sealed containers or metal, lidded cans.
Pest infestation can also happen outdoors– in your backyard and gardens. Prevent such thing by keeping your yard and garden well-maintained. Trim those tree branches that serve as bridges for these pests to crawl in to your home. Fill in pits or holes to prevent water stagnation. Ensure that the trash cans outside your house have proper lids as well.
Pest problems arise from dirty homes and surroundings. The most effective preventive measure against pest infestation is to keep your home clean and tidy on a regular basis. The cleaner your home is, the less it will be attractive to pests and insects. Regular sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming will disturb any breeding grounds that pests may consider for nesting. Inspecting your home regularly will make you spot more cracks and crevices to seal in to prevent pest entry.
Preventing pests from entering your home starts with your initiative and consistent effort of keeping our space well-kept and tidy. While having a regular pest control visit helps a lot in maintaining a pest free home, knowing and following these pest control tips is another preventive way to keep the bed bugs away.
Having a clean home keeps you and your family away from harmful diseases that these pests carry. Getting ahead of potential problems will save you a lot in your pocket– dodging frequent calling for pest control services and paying for repair these infestations caused. It’s better to act now than feel sorry for later. So, will you please stop ‘bugging’ me?
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!
Vistaland International Marketing, Inc. (VIMI) is the international marketing division of Vista Land. Aiming to provide OFWs and migrant Filipinos a home in the Philippines, VIMI has established long-lasting relationships with brokers and clients around the world.
Get started with your property investments! Contact us today and follow our social media accounts: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
In real estate investment, condominiums are practical for some people and families because of its size and most condominium buildings are easily accessible to more amenities such as public transportation, malls, stores, restaurants, and many more commercial establishments, especially for young professionals living in Metro Manila! But when a condo unit hits the golden number 50, you’re not sure if it’ll last or not and you’ll worry about ‘condo lifespan’ after some time.
Well good news! Here are some things that you should know about its ‘lifespan’ as well as some condominium recommendations from us to give you an idea what a good investment is!
Many people claim that the Condominium Act of the Philippines or the Republic Act 4726 states that condominium buildings are only good for fifty years since the law provides an overview of Section 8c, which includes three factors to consider for a condo unit to be inhabitable when:
This is actually false because the whole condominium project is part of the Corporation Code, especially when they’re placed at business districts around the Philippines. Regardless of how old that condominium building is, most buildings are up for restoration through modern means so that it could keep up with the trends and it could continue in making family members comfortable on a whole new level.
Like the first point we’ve mentioned, this is also false because the condominium corporation can renew their registration, making their unit owners rejoice for another 50 years because they are considered as shareholders in the condominium development. This is the main reason why major decisions such as repairs and renovations of the building (and the common areas) must be voted by at least more than fifty percent of condominium owners.
In the case of a demolition of a building and when there is income in raw materials, condominium owners holding their units are entitled to get their share depending on the extent of their ownership, making it a good way to earn passive income. But just because a condominium building hits fifty years, it doesn’t mean it’s inhabitable. The condominium corporation has the right to renew as long as it’s still a great investment and a good residential space for you to live in!
Out of all the real estate properties for you to invest in, condominium units are relatively cheaper compared to a typical house and lot in an ordinary subdivision (unless of course, you’re investing in an upscale apartment). For one, it’s because people are measured by the means to live through their financial capacities, and these include young professionals who don’t want to fuss too much on property taxes. Buying a condominium unit is the most practical investment in the Philippines out of all the real estate investments one could think of.
Another could be the proximity of the commercial establishments, especially when it’s strategically placed at the business districts. When we talk about condo living, we talk about modern living by being close to your work place and other amenities such as schools, malls, restaurants, and many more!
Buying a condo is more practical than plain renting or looking for houses for sale for these reasons, especially when you’re planning on living alone around Metro Manila and in provinces that have city centers as well. Moreover, it becomes an investment when a condo property appreciates its value overtime, giving you a more reasonable passive income, making it a win – win situation for everyone!
For Overseas Filipino Workers who plan to retire in the Philippines, there are condos all over the country for them to choose from! Here at Vista Land, we offer condominium units that will guarantee your money’s worth while making your permanent residence, modern living, and condo investment a great one!
Here at Vista Residences, Inc., you get three options, which are a studio type, one bedroom, and two bedroom unit, which all feature bedroom/s, a comfort room, a kitchen area, a dining area, a living room, and a stellar view of the sunrise (or sunset) while starting and ending your busy day at the hustle and bustle of the city rush while its near proximity invites the hassle – free convenience of being near to schools and work places in a blink of an eye! Their University and Professional series target to students and young professionals for having easy access to public transportation to get where they need (and want) to go in a nick of time! So if you’re living independently, then this is the one for you!
Located at the heart of Tagaytay Crosswinds, Alpine Villas is an option every Overseas Filipino Worker should consider as it’s the most luxurious condo in the Philippines with its own amenities such as a swimming pool, gym, and a clubhouse with a function room for you to hold events and meetings for you to get things done and unwind after. It also has a 24 – hour CCTV system and Wi – Fi that is accessible to common areas, making your leisure time worthwhile and luxurious at the same time at the heart of Tagaytay!
The future of condo living gets better as Bria Astra offers a condominium house at a private subdivision! With more amenities to offer at an affordable price, Bria Astra is perfect for young professionals who are looking for a condo property that saves the hassle of owning a big space that can get their money’s worth with 11 buildings, 880 units, and 237 parking slots for you to choose from! It’s a handful, but it’s also compact for people who want to start living on their own with enough money for them to spare at such spacious residential spaces.
In short, this is where a friendly community meets the convenience and accessibility at the heart of business districts.
Camella Manors is the newest affordable and mid rise condominium development, elevating your comforts of the new normal. This vertical project is situated at Vista Land’s communicities to offer a holistic lifestyle to its residents with their Five Towers of Commitment: Prime Location, Suburban Environment, Security and Wellness, Value for Money, and Practical Home Investment.
With these Five Towers of Commitment, it serves its residents a vibrant and laid – back vibe with a choice of a 30.36 sqm studio unit, 36.30 sqm one bedroom unit, and a 40.26 sqm two bedroom unit with amenities such as a swimming pool, gym, and a shopping strip near the condo building, making it secure and well for people to live in. It’s also accessible to malls, public transportation, churches, hospitals, and schools making it perfect for OFWs who want to achieve work and life balance situated on developed locations which guarantees the best ambiance that value its pride and authenticity.
Condo investing in the Philippines is one of the best and most practical investments you should make. It not only serves you as an asset in your investment portfolio, but also an investment that will last you fifty years (or more) compared to renting and buying a house combined. Owning a condo unit in the Philippines will make the most out of your investment if you know how to choose based on comfortability and accessibility, and with Vista Land, we make modern living possible with affordability as well!
Now that we’ve got everything covered about the lifespan of a condominium in the Philippines, it’s time for you to make that decision and buy that condo that you’ve always been eyeing on, and enjoy that long term investment you’ve been dreaming of!
Planning a home renovation can be overwhelming (especially for first time homeowners) because of all the house design ideas that you can get from the internet and the costs of a house renovation project itself is a hefty sum that will make you get your sledgehammer to your bank account, and we feel you because a home renovation is no joke (especially if you’re renovating older homes).
No worries, we’ve got your back as we’re going to give you some tips on how to make your remodeling project aesthetically pleasing and your renovation process cost effective and easier plus a crash course of everything about home remodeling! Read on through our quick home renovation guide, tips, and tricks!
Your remodeling project begins with the planning process of the home renovation. You should start with the small things first down to the overall aesthetic you’re going for. There are millions of ideas that you can find on the internet and on various social media platforms, but it’s better that you should consult with an architect and an interior designer for you to get an estimated budget for your overall renovation project. Plan ahead and dream big about your home improvement! It’s yours, after all.
Of course with a house renovation project comes the budget. You should decide on how much you want your whole home renovation project is going to cost and you shouldn’t go overboard with your budget, but you should underestimate it to prepare for some unexpected costs. Remodeling your haven doesn’t have to cost that much, does it?
Many homeowners consider this even before they move in to their new home, and researching things that you need for your home renovation is no different. You need to research things that you not only need, but will also match the aesthetic you’re going for. Spending money is one thing, but choosing the things you need and matches your aesthetic is another, so go get your phone (or your other gadgets), a shopping list, and your money, and get those stuff now!
You don’t need to go overboard to get your kitchen done — all you need are fresh coats of paint, recycled materials to save money, and a few pieces of new furniture to swap out of your old ones and your new kitchen looks like a million dollars! Go ahead and be creative! After all — your kitchen is your second house soul aside from your bathroom.
Just like the kitchen, you don’t need much other than fresh coats of paint, a floor plan, a new toilet to swap out of your old one, a shower area to clear out, some pipe work if you’re swapping out old faucets, and a heating system for you to have that luxurious bathroom come true! A bathroom renovation should be practical and homey, and it should be done right (not overdone) so that you can get your ‘personal’ business done. The bathroom is the main soul of the haven, so you need to make the most out of it with the space you have.
Whether you’re looking for an old house to renovate completely or you just need to redesign the entire house you’re living in, it’s important to consider these factors regardless of the home renovation process:
We cannot emphasize this enough as location is everything. You need to check out the local amenities such as schools, commercial establishments, and green zones to give you an idea the feel of the place and anything untoward with just a Google Street View.
If you’re probably wondering why heating and electric, it’s because electricity is important in planning a home renovation, and if you need to rewire, re – cable, and fix old electrical outlet problems, this is where you need to consider in replacing old wires with new ones and fix broken outlet problems. Other than that, you also need to consider if the place you’re renovating has central heating. If not, then you should probably consider in getting that done as well.
Keep an eye out on big and small things that need to be repaired (replaced if it’s unfixable) if you want to renovate a house. These are important to consider so that it can be solved as you undergo renovation work.
If you live in a private subdivision, you would pretty much find out that there are houses that look like each other. Some people evaluate how their homes look like on the inside so that they have an idea on how to remodel your home so that you can figure out whether it would look good on your house renovation or not. Finally, you need to ask yourself if these homes are well maintained so that you can assess if everyone takes pride in their home remodeling.
There are so many possibilities that you can do such as converting vacant spaces into other rooms (like you can convert a messy garage into a lounge room for your guests or you can spice up your normal bedroom into a loft room or you can also extend room while having a reasonable outdoor space). You can check out the neighboring properties to see what you can make out of your property so that it would not only be worth your ROI, but also look closer on what you need in terms of size and layout.
The most exciting stage in renovating your old house into a new house is a step – by – step process, and aside from planning, budgeting, researching, and doing the bathroom and kitchen renovations, here are some of the other steps that you need to know for home improvement:
Applying for a planning consent or a planning permission is important especially if you’re living in a building or in a conservative subdivision. When you have plans rolled up on your sleeve for your whole home remodel, you have to be in touch with your local authorities and determine the time of the application in advance so that you can factor the time that you need for a new construction.
Now that you have all your plans gathered, it’s time to make it into a reality with a floor plan! It’s best to consult an architecture for the best reference of your home renovation so that if there are any changes or concerns, it could be addressed as soon as possible.
It’s important to invest time on the things that need to be addressed when renovating your own home such as the interior design, door linings, windows, walls, and everything your whole house needs, so you need to take some time off your daily routine and make the schedule work so that it doesn’t clash with more important things that you need to fix.
It’s best to find contractors through family, friends, and neighbors (or a homeowners association group) that are familiar with house remodel as they can help you in finding a builder, architect, and a project manager (not unless you’re the one managing the project).
The best thing to do is to pull out a specialist renovations insurance so that half or most of the renovations will be covered for you. If you’re working with multiple contractors and subcontractors, then you’ll need to sort out the site insurance yourself to be protected for public liability, employer’s liability, legal expenses, and damages on the site. Besides, it’s better than spending extra for a liability insurance when you’re injured from the site.
Organizing your home renovation can be a bit overwhelming, but with the right plans and moves, you can get the job done in a few hours! All you need to do is to follow these steps so that your house renovation goes smoothly:
They say before you slay the dragon, you have to slay its guards first. So you need to consider on large projects first that happen to be inside before you make your way out. That means you need to address any foundational and structural work followed by weak walls and flooring as well as broken doors and windows that can affect your renovation work.
It’s a huge undertaking for homeowners to take down rooms that they no longer need, especially when they have a sentimental value for them. Planning a demolition is a big part of home renovation so that you would know what to clear out and what to retain when remodeling your house.
Whether you’re going for wooden floors or floors with fancy looking tiles, you should do it at the later part of the renovation process so that it doesn’t do any damage on the actual flooring you’re going to do.
Remember when we said to work your way out from the inside? This is the other half of the meaning when you want to put up a front porch, a family room, or a sunroom with the inside of the house taken care of. You need to be careful with the windows and doors you’ve just put in because it might be punched in and you might want to put a swimming pool or a detached garage if time and money allow.
These are some of our pro tips of our ultimate home renovation guide to transform your haven! It may be a hard decision to make when you do the major work, but it’ll all be worth it when it comes together to your desired results on your home makeover! Think you’ve got what it takes? Then take that first step with our great tips, gather old materials, hire the best contractor, and do the best dirty work history has ever made!
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