It’s one of the smartest decisions when you buy an investment property. but it becomes a win-win when you gain passive income through tax breaks and equity gains when you do it right (and you might even think it’s better than trading in the stock market). But it can be tricky when you aren’t dealing with the right cards on the table, so you need to be strategic in choosing and buying an investment property while seeing market trends so that it doesn’t get too tacky, especially with returns.
Don’t worry if you’re hearing this for the first time because the process of real estate investing can be overwhelming at first. But it’ll be worth it in the long run as we give you a guide on how to walk and talk like a real estate investor!
An investment property is a real estate property that’s purchased with some kind of financial return on the buyer’s end and to generate passive income in the form of rental yield (if it’s a rental property) or a future gain if it’s a property that you bought. This means that it’ll be a different ball game for you once you get into real estate investment compared to just buying a house for you to live in.
To give you a crash course on how it goes, you need to consider these factors so that your investment property is a real investment itself in the real estate market.
This factor focuses on how much its value appreciates in the real estate market from time to time. You need to look at the median sale price/median rental income as well as other things such as demographics, area, and nearby amenities such as schools, stores, and such by using a property market research tool to help you have a picture of what your capital gains would look like over time.
This is where it gets tricky as real estate investors rent out their property to make income and help with other costs. Rental yield is a type of method real estate investors use to calculate how profitable a property investment can be, based on expected rental income balanced against the owner and maintenance costs. You should research along with research investor areas with strong rental demand and yield so that you can assess whether it’s financially viable or not for your financial portfolio and financial growth as well.
There’s the obvious reason why investment properties (and in general real estate) prosper on location alone, especially if it’s at the city center — growth potential if it’s in a safe and conducive vibe. For instance, if your real estate investment is in a friendly and secure neighborhood and is accessible to schools, cafes, infrastructure, businesses, and malls, this means that there are not only more local jobs for people to fill in. But this also means the attractiveness of the property location and its value increase, making more people want to move and invest in that property! Now that’s an extra win!
Here’s the context that you need to consider the type of property you’re going to invest in the real estate industry: Your budget and location. For example, people would want to invest in a house that has a backyard and a front porch that is suitable for families rather than a small apartment. It’s the same banana as condos and modern apartments that are near universities and offices, where there are high volumes of students and workers looking for rental properties that will make it worthwhile.
We know that houses are generally more expensive to buy and insure and require more maintenance, but if you think about it, they have higher capital growth that comes from higher rents collected. On the other side, these units start at a lower price point and don’t need much maintenance, but you need to think about other costs.
So this would be the next thing to consider whether you’re investing in an apartment or a house in terms of maintenance costs and other costs such as strata fees.
This is the second most important factor to consider as not everything ages like fine wine, sadly. Investment properties often involve ongoing expenses, so you may need to make sure that you don’t jump for a property that would cost your life on the line.
Older properties need more maintenance, but you also need to check their condition by having a home and pest inspection before you commit yourself to an investment property. You also need to check the property’s depreciation schedule, which calculates how much the property’s value and its contents will decrease over time based on which may be able to claim as tax deductions so that you may evaluate properly whether it needs a major renovation or just a few fixes here and there.
As the age and location of the property matter, so do its features. In retrospect, people would want a holistic view of things (like the bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, backyard, windows, natural light, and many other things to consider) aside from the amenities that are accessible to that property investment. Besides, you just don’t want to invest in real estate on just an investment property — you’re investing in an investment property that will make your real estate investment worthwhile in the long run.
Some real estate properties have a thing or two about a down payment, but with investment properties? There is a significant difference between an investment property and an ordinary property when it comes to down payment. Unlike an ordinary property, investment properties require at least 15% to 20% down payment and they don’t qualify for mortgage insurance, making it more difficult and stricter to secure your financing and needs a more substantial down payment scheme than many real estate investments.
We can’t emphasize this enough on making sure your personal finance is settled and good, so you need to make sure that you have a good credit score and debt-to-income ratio before going on a property hunt to see what’s practical and not.
When it comes to real estate investing, real estate investors use this rule to determine and assess whether a particular purchase is worth the money. This rule simply states that you should bring in no less than 1% of the price you paid for it, which includes the purchase price and any additional money you put into it, such as repairs or renovations. To get an idea of whether the return is worth it or not, you may use an investment property calculator which can tell you how much you’ll make on the property after accounting for financing and expenses.
Do you think that buying an investment property is a done deal? Well, sad to say that we don’t think so because you need to consider other costs which are fixed and variable. Fixed expenses include property taxes, homeowners insurance, and general upkeep costs as well as property management expenses and HOA fees (if applicable), so you need to set aside a budget for these expenses as they are spontaneous and on the spot and so that you won’t be put on a tight spot on the blacklist every year.
Some real estate investors act as landlords or drop by for day-to-day operations because they want to engage with the tenants that are on the rental property while others pay for a property management company for them to do all the work (especially if you’re putting up your property as a vacation rental or an Airbnb). Depending on how you want your property to be hands-on, you have to make sure that you also help these people by managing the property properly and doing some overhaul every once in a while so that the property management is minimal.
Like all the investments in the stock market and the real estate industry, having an investment property also comes with risks as it is not every investment is a guarantee of a sure and big return. You may encounter a rental interest rate that you didn’t expect, expensive repairs; bad tenants to the point of major repairs, eviction costs, hikes in property taxes, and the housing market decreasing because of a bad economy.
But that doesn’t mean that you should overthink about these risks (but that doesn’t also mean you shouldn’t worry about them), so you should have a balance between worrying and relaxing about these risks so that you can manage the flexibility of your finances in case something goes wrong and needs to be settled.
Having an investment property may be a smart choice to earn money and pay the rent if it’s a rental property. Nonetheless, investing in real estate is something people should play around with, as there are also cons to real estate investing.
With the right property and cards on the table, all you need is a good real estate investor who can walk you through the process of purchasing one, and you also need your good senses to evaluate all the factors that we’ve mentioned to make sure that the investment property you choose will not only be worthwhile. But also an investment itself for you and your loved ones in the long run.
For our dear OFWs working diligently abroad, wire transfers are one of the best ways of sending money to their loved ones back at home. These remittances are usually faster and seamless than traditional paper checks. Also, wire transfers are seen to be a safer way to send money compared with cash. In this digital age, businesses and bank institutions are adapting various digital financial services to conveniently serve their clients and customers. You can send money or payment with just a click of a button or a tap of your finger at the comfort of your home, thanks to this thing called the internet.
However, with these conveniences comes along with risks. As our society adapts to the digital world, so are the fraudsters and scammers. The Internet had made the execution of any fraudulent activity faster, almost leaving no prints behind to trace them back.
So, in order to protect the OFWs’ hard earned money, it’s important to know the common money transfer scams to avoid falling victim to their tricks.
Fraudsters love to lurk into various online classifieds and sales sites, scanning and analyzing endless merchants to find the perfect target for their attack. They will contact their potential victim showing (and feigning) interest in the merchant’s product or service. Upon making a deal, they will send their ‘payment,’ usually through fake checks, with the amount indicated higher than the original selling price. Then, they will ask the seller to wire back the extra cash through money transfers.
Expats who run online shops or businesses for extra money should be aware and vigilant with these types of scammers. Selling online will definitely give you some extra cash, but falling victim to this type of scam will incur more loss than gains.
One way to counter this is to never accept payment in excess of the product’s original price. If they insist on paying in check, ask for a check drawn from a local bank so you can verify it immediately.
If there are fake buyers, there are also fake sellers blending themselves into the e-commerce market. They advertise their products or services with prices so low it’s too good to be true. And turns out it is! They entice vulnerable victims to buy from these fraudulent merchants online, wiring money to pay for the merchandise only to receive nothing in return.
OFWs who love to browse and shop online should be wary of fake shopping sites and merchants. Make sure to shop from secured and trusted websites and avoid purchasing online using public WiFi for a hassle-free online shopping.
Another common method used by online fraudsters is the advance fee scam. For instance, you applied for a loan. After submitting your loan application along with the necessary documents, you are asked to wire money as a form of payment for some sort of financial services that will never be provided. What’s worse is that you will never receive your loan. On top of that, you have given them your bank account information, all vulnerable to be taken advantage of.
The victim is contacted by a person pretending to be a grandchild, a family member or a distant relative in distress asking to wire money for an emergency. The person might say he was robbed, hospitalized or needed to be bailed out of jail and will ask the victim to send money to help him ‘get out of that situation.’ Except that there’s no emergency and that the victim’s precious money had been taken away.
When you find yourself in such a situation, don’t go into full panic upon hearing the ’emergency.’ Verify first the identity of the person on the other line by asking personal questions like the relative’s birth date, current address, or their work address. Do not conduct any wire transfer until you verify the situation.
Who doesn’t love winning something online? Even if it’s just a discount coupon from your local fast food store or a whopping grand prize in the lottery, a win is a win. Except when you didn’t enter into any online contest or placed your winning numbers in the lottery draw.
Another tactic done by online fraudsters is the fake prize or lottery scam wherein they’ll send an email (all complete with a congratulatory message) to their potential victim informing that they’ve won some sort of a prize or lottery. Except that the victim will need to transfer money to pay for vague, suspicious taxes and processing fees before they could claim their ‘prize.’
If you ever receive such a too-good-to-be-true message, immediately disregard and delete it.
Nowadays, even your potential life partner can be found online. And while some people who tried and failed in online dating shook their heads in disapproval, there are some instances that successful relationships can sprout from these online dating sites and apps.
However, before you swipe right for your prince charming, be reminded that online fraudsters and scammers use such dating sites, forums, and apps to lure in victims. They will create fake profiles to make online relationships, get their victim emotionally invested and then persuade them to send money for the sake of love. Some even go as far as making wedding plans before running off with their partner’s money!
So, remember to slow things down, as you don’t need to rush things when it comes to love. Take your time to know the person you are talking to and never, ever send money to someone you only met online.
Similar to the fake buyer scam, the fraudster sends the victim what appears to be a valid check as a form of payment for a good or service. Usually, the amount stated in the check exceeds the original selling price. The fraudster then proceeds to ask the victim to wire transfer the difference after depositing the check. Turns out the check is fake and the victim is left responsible for all of the payment.
Now that you know the common money transfer scams, it’s time to devise a plan to ‘counterattack’ these attacks. If you ever found yourself in similar situations mentioned above, you’ll know the necessary actions you will make to avoid falling victim to them.
Always remember to never give off your personal and financial identity (like your own bank account information, credit card numbers, email account passwords and such) to people who seem to be suspicious or you find not trustworthy enough. Make sure to verify the identity of people you’re dealing or conducting transactions with.
Also, make sure that every banking transaction whether be it online or over-the-counter is personally done by you. Never disclose your card’s pin and other banking information to other individuals.
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are our modern-day heroes due to their sacrifices and hard work they’ve done in foreign countries, all for the sake of improving their family’s life here in the Philippines. They endure the long hours of work in the day and the feeling of homesickness at night to be able to provide their loved ones a better life and future.
They are also one of the backbones of our economy because of the remittances they send every year, keeping the economy gears running even in the midst of the pandemic. In 2021 alone, OFWs accumulated a total of $34.9 billion in terms of remittances, 90% of which are sent via bank transfer, according to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
However, these efforts and sacrifices will all be in vain if the fruit of their labors will land on the hands of people with bad intentions. Always stay vigilant online.
With the recent protests from scientists about conserving our planet, many people ask, “how can you live a sustainable life in the city?” with so much going on such as the recent nuclear war that happened between Ukraine and Russia, the bankruptcy in Sri Lanka, and many other common environmental issues that are happening around the world.
With a sustainable lifestyle, anything is possible! Many local businesses and corporations have been switching and finding new ways on how to maintain their status quo and to save the environment by doing business sustainably in many urban areas.
Here are some tips for you to jumpstart a sustainable lifestyle! Sustainable living is a conscious effort, and we’re here to help you in achieving it!
Sustainable living is reducing the amount of Earth resources in order to conserve the environment and to level up your environmental footprint by recycling, upcycling, reusing, saving electricity, switching to healthier alternatives in terms of food and fashion, and many more that we’ll talk about in a bit!
We know it’s basic grade school stuff for you, but we’re also here to remind you that if you’re switching to sustainable living, you need to try to have a little impact on the Earth as possible while switching up the normal resources that you normally use.
Electricity is the most common renewable energy that households use to cool down from the summer heatwave and make life easier. But aside from turning off appliances that you don’t use, you can also invest in an electrical extension with one switch (or multiple switches) for energy efficiency (and for you to use the appliances that you need all in one go)!
You may also opt to invest in having solar panels installed at your home so that you can also enjoy the natural light of the sun and electricity all in one!
After all, electricity conservation shouldn’t be too hard, right?
Nowadays, people and the food industry decide to switch from regular meat to plant – based meat to not only promote a healthier balanced diet, but to also lessen food waste. Choose to make organic food such as cooked vegetables, plant – based dishes, fruit snacks, and many more to not only live a sustainable lifestyle and a healthier lifestyle, but to also spice up your usual cookouts without feeling guilty about the environment!
Choose skin care products and make up that are natural and organic (bonus if it’s plant – based). Buy clothes in sustainable clothing outlets. Invest in products that you can reuse such as reusable cotton swabs and make up removers. Whatever it is, you should definitely make some sustainable choices when shopping as many local small businesses have switched to ingredients that are natural, organic, and plant – based for them to also conserve the environment while doing business.
The reason why these are called Fair Trade Products is because they not only use ingredients that have a positive environmental impact for consumers to use and to produce profit for local businesses, but it’s because this also serves as fair wages for local farmers who have been hard working in making natural produce, local food, and organic products for you to enjoy! So you’re buying locally made natural products that are made from natural resources and you’re giving back to these laborers! It’s a win – win to lower your carbon footprint and in giving a fair share!
One of the other natural resources that you should know is gas. This natural resource comes from fossil fuels, and it’s used to fuel up your cars everyday so that you can go the extra mile. But as you know, greenhouse gas emissions have the most negative impact in our environment, causing greenhouse gases to ruin our ozone layer (which protects harmful gases from entering to Earth).
In sustainable cities, people use electric cars that you can charge to reduce the problem of greenhouses gases. But you can also ride your bike, opt for carpooling services or eco – friendly public transport to reduce your carbon footprint and to reduce air pollution (and to get things done at once so you can travel at ease)!
Water is another renewable energy (and another energy provider) that most people use everywhere from their households to their workplaces, but is often taken for granted (until the water interruption comes). To improve the water quality you have, you should turn off the tap and get the quantity of water that you need. Besides, lots of people are thirsting for water quality, so let’s help each other in conserving water!
We cannot emphasize this enough as many animals die of eating plastic and we can do as much as we can to reduce using plastic.
Ditch those single use plastic bottles and invest on a tumbler that you can reuse again and again. Invest on Eco Water (which lets you use tap water and drinking water with one switch). Go for reusable sanitary products instead of one timers that’ll just end up in the trash. Buy reusable travel containers for your essentials. Use an eco bag instead of having it put in the usual plastic bags or paper bags whenever you’re grocery shopping. Invest in sustainable production by having sustainable packaging.
These are some of the ways that you can use less plastic while not ditching your usual obligations and in getting your needs. After all, attaining these shouldn’t be wasted.
Wearing sustainable clothes can not only reduce fashion waste by reusing them for future generations, but also increases your awareness of fast fashion around the world. Buy in sustainable clothing outlets and in thrift stores to lessen the impact of the Earth in style! You may never know that you might find something that goes with your outfit and save the planet at the same time!
In rural areas, some places have community gardens where people can get fresh produce for free and to start composting using natural food waste for fertilizer and so that these vegetables can be grown again. Creating a vegetable garden at home can not only lessen your expenses, but also to create fresh air and improve air quality in your haven to solve air pollution, cook food, and to produce organic waste for you to use again and again!
Giving things another life can also save the environment. Remember your grade school projects? Well, this is where your creativity will be tested as there are a lot of creative ideas that you can use scratch materials from leftover papers (such as Post Its) and old clothes in wrapping gifts to plastic bottles in decorating something. Whatever it may be, you can revive old materials for different purposes for not only plus points in your environmental footprint, but to also reduce general wastes that our planet is suffering from! How cool is that?
Fighting for a better future doesn’t have to be brutal; it just needs to be practical and fashionable in a sense that saving our planet should be our national responsibility for the economy and environment. In developing countries like the Philippines, the Sustainable Development Goals aim to spread new ways for awareness and conservation of our environment and to address disaster risks and food system changes as a result from climate change.
Nonetheless, you should avoid contributing in the usual things that can cause harm to our planet and turn over to a new leaf with a sustainable lifestyle by making sustainable choices to reduce pollution! These choices may be small, but they slowly contribute to a better future for future generations to come and to also make our planet breathe easier in a global population that increases and decreases nonstop.
But one question that we have for you is: Are you ready to make that change?
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.
People who want to learn financial freedom must begin with the first step, which is budgeting. There are a bunch of budgeting apps that you hear or see from, but a lot of people get overwhelmed in choosing the best budgeting app either because they really don’t know how to use it or because of the competition as to which budgeting app is the best, and we totally get you because we want to make smart choices when it comes to money management (and because the idea of budgeting itself is intimidating).
If you’re an OFW or a local that wants to start their money management or to simply end the struggle of choosing the best budgeting app, then we have some free phone budgeting apps that you can start with!
Most budgeting apps track and reflect your spending habits link to your (and to train you how to spend less), and they’re available both the App Store and Google Play. Nowadays, these budgeting tools can be linked to various financial accounts such as bank accounts, credit card accounts, savings accounts, and so much more! That way, you can see your cash flow in action and you don’t need to worry about expenses such as upcoming bills, personal finances, and many more to track spending and the income that you deposited into your accounts!
Many people have many considerations when it comes to budgeting apps. For one, they want an easier way to track their personal capital in terms of spending and depositing. Another factor would involve being able to link bank accounts easily so that you wouldn’t deal with the hassle of putting in numbers manually to add transactions. Another could be multi factor authentication so that their accounts can be secured.
Whatever the budgeting app you’re looking for, we’ve got free budgeting apps (or free versions of them) for you to try out for whatever need you have!
Here’s the thing about Mint: It’s a free budgeting app with customizable expenses for monthly bills and personal finances as well as an easy access for your TransUnion credit score, customizable alerts for upcoming bills, sync bank and other financial accounts, and it’s available on multiple devices, making it the perfect app for everyday budgeters for all levels!
All you need to do is to download it on the App Store or on Google Play, log in using your mobile device or your desktop, and you’re good to go in tracking your investments, expenses, and money that goes into your account! After all, it’s the number one free budgeting app for beginners and pros and it’s easy to use, making it one of the basic budgeting apps for people who want to start budgeting!
The thing about it is that some users have complaints about glitches that happen in the app like linking issues as well as misplaced budgets at the wrong categories and there are ads that might annoy you while you’re in the app, so please bear with those — it also needs to earn money too!
This app is for serious budgeters and for those reaching their monthly financial goal as this app assists users in assigning which dollar (or peso) should go to, making it easier for users to track present and future situations that can happen. It can also help them reflect their spending habits and it’s one of the best budgeting tools with free bank sync and you can log in multiple devices with this app so that you can access your budget anytime, anywhere!
YNAB has a free trial for 34 days for you to test it out and 12 months for students for them to test out the waters of budgeting.
Well, you might be better off with your regular Google Sheet or Microsoft Excel sheet when we say its interface doesn’t make a difference (basically, a regular spreadsheet that’s set up for you) and it lacks investment management services. It’s also $98.99 per year (around P5,163.42), which is kind of pricey for a budgeting app, has more intensive time to learn, and has recent issues when it comes to syncing your financial accounts.
It’s the best budgeting app for cash flow simply because it syncs with your bank account to see where you stand when you track your money and your progress towards your financial goals. This app helps you manage money and your monthly by tracking everything you spend for (including the subscriptions you don’t use). This app offers a 30 – day free trial, so you need to make the most out of this app if you want to test the waters!
Just like any other apps, users have some technical complaints and it’s $47.99 per year (around P2,503), which is slightly more affordable compared to YNAB.
This app is for people who want to stop overspending and start attaining healthy spending habits with its algorithm being one of the most useful educational resources not only for tracking spending and income, but it also tracks your savings goals to tell you how much you can spend per day with its In My Pocket feature.
It has a free version which has only one budget goal and a basic budgeting account, but it also can track investments and it also has an Autosave feature where PocketGuard automatically withdraws funds from a linked bank account to successfully achieve the user’s savings goals. You can also a one time payment of $79.99 (around P4,171.08) to enjoy all of the features Premium users have! How awesome is that?
If you want to upgrade to PocketGuard Plus, you need to pay $34.99 per year (around P1,824.55) to enjoy the premium features it has to offer and it doesn’t have phone support. It also has some technical issues, and its web version is hard to navigate. Autosave is only available to US citizens and there is no bill negotiation feature (which sucks).
This accounting software is best used for investors as this app offers free investment tools such as retirement and educational planners as well as a free analyzer and you can track your financial accounts to see how much your net worth is. It also has strong security features such as data encryption, fraud protection, and strong user authentication as well as a money dashboard to track your investment portfolio for short term and long term goals. It’s free and its feature, Personal Capital Cash, has no fee for checking account and is available!
In order for you to enjoy this app, you need to have at least $100,000 (around P5.214M), and its interface is limited to customizations and incomprehensible to use, losing the option to manually add transactions. It also has investment management services that you need to pay, so you better think twice with this one before you think of it as a waste!
For those who are married and are starting to budget their money as a couple (or if you’re living with your roommate), then this free budgeting app is for you! This app lets you chat with your partner and helps couples manage money together, track spending, and coordinate in paying bills.
You can sync your joint bank account (or your separate bank accounts) and set up monthly spending limits in each category and it notifies whether you or your partner (or both) are overspending. It sets reminders for upcoming bills and it has Touch ID mobile access, a multi factor authentication, and data encryption so that everything’s safe!
Some users complain that it has bugs and some transactions don’t show up instantly, making them confused and frustrated. And another thing about it is that there’s no way in tracking your progress towards your financial goal and there are no reports and analytics for the both of you to find out how much you’ve spent in the past month.
Budgeting apps help you reach your financial freedom, whether you have the best free budgeting app or just any budgeting app that was recommended to you. Every budgeting app is perfect for every individual’s, couple’s, or family’s needs, depending on how big the financial dilemma is, so this is one of the most common personal finance topics that you’d find in any adulting or financial website or podcast.
Some apps are free in nature. Other apps have free versions and then ask you to pay for its paid version. Whenever you need a budget for something, don’t get intimidated with a different budgeting method and some financial information — you may never know you need it for your personal finance.
So what are you waiting for? Link your bank accounts, credit cards, and your emergency fund into a budgeting app you need in the App Store or Google Play, and let’s practice the basic art of saving (and spending) money and have a healthy spending habit!
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.
Does your home or condo feel like stuffy sometimes? Can’t get rid of that fish stench even after you opened up all of the kitchen windows? Even if you fanned the smell out, it feels (or smells) like it’s still lingering in the air. Well, aside from getting rid of unappealing scent and making your home smell good like a spa, here are other reasons why you need an essential oil diffuser at your house or condo.
Before we head on to the amazing aromatherapy benefits of diffusing essential oils, let’s define first, what are essential oils and what are essential oil diffusers?
Essential oils (like tea tree, lemon, peppermint, sage, eucalyptus, lavender) are highly concentrated extracts from flowers, leaves and stems of plants. On the other hand, a diffuser is a mechanism or device that breaks downs and disperses the fragrance of essential oils into the air to create a relaxing or calming effect (It really depends on the type of aromatherapy oils that you will use!). Basically, a diffuser’s job is to break down and scatter the essential oils for you to maximize their magnificent benefits and so that they aren’t overbearing to the olfactory sense.
There are different types of aroma diffuser you can choose from. depending on the intensity, but whatever type you will use, you are guaranteed that you are one smell away from saying good bye to your headache and stress!
Diffusing essential oils is proven to be one of the easiest way to enjoy and acquire the aromatherapy benefits of these concentrated extracts. Depending on what kind, essentials oils are scientifically-proven to have amazing benefits to the body and mind. Check out this list of physical and mental benefits of essential oils. Just a side note: if you have any health concerns, make sure to consult with your physician first to make sure it is safe for you to use one.
Feeling beaten and tired after a long day of work? Essentials oils will help soothe away your throbbing headache and melt away that stress. Pair diffusing with another calming activity like reading a book or soaking in the bath. Be sure choose calming essential oils instead of energizing ones.
Aromatherapy are scientifically-proven to relieve stress and provide a sense of calm to one, especially during those stressful moments. Moreover, it also promotes deeper breathing, helping you to ease the tension in you.
Studying for an exam? Have an important presentation at work? Putting in a few drops of citrus oil in your diffuser will improve greatly your alertness as well as your concentration and focus. You can also diffuse oils while getting ready for work to prepare yourself for a busy day ahead.
Feeling a bit under the weather? Diffuse some essentials oils to help you liven your spirit up. Setting up yourself in a good mood is also a way of self-care, and thus, we must do anything we can to achieve that feeling of satisfaction and wholeness. Essentials oils will help you along the way to get you to that!
Do you have problem sleeping? Are you one of those insomniacs and night owls who always have a hard time falling asleep no matter how many times they’ve listen to calming music? Well, maybe there’s something that lacking the equation: essential oils. Aside from relieving stress and boosting moods, essential oils will help you fall asleep faster.
Changes are the only thing that’s constant in our life. However, undergoing through these ‘improvements’ and ‘character development’s may feel overwhelming sometimes. Whether they are small adjustments or big milestones, they can still take a toll on you. Diffuse the stress and anxiety of these transition simply by putting a few drops of essential oil into your diffuser.
Some types of essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties which may reduce any redness and improve the appearance and complexion of your skin. However, before you diffuse any type of essential oil, make sure to do a patch test if you have sensitive skin.
Our noses can sometimes be congested especially during the cold season. Using an essential oil diffuser at home will help you clear your respiratory tract while at the same time minimizing the threats of the weather.
The marvelous benefits of diffusing essential oils at home isn’t just limited to the respiratory system. Some types of essential oils have properties that can cure an upset stomach or make the digestive process a breeze!
Studies have shown that certain smells can trigger ‘fullness’ and satisfy hunger cravings. If you’re trying to cut down the sugar and calorie intake, diffuse essential oils may help you achieve that healthy living lifestyle by managing your snack cravings.
These are just a few of the many wonders of having an essential oil diffuser at home. However, there are some reminders you need to take down when using an essential oil diffuser at home.
Water-type diffusers can act as a breeding ground for bacteria if you fail to change and clean the contents regularly. Instead of spreading fragrance and relaxation into the air, you might be dispersing sickness instead.
Pets, pregnant women and children under two years old should refrain from diffuser exposure as they may be a bit more sensitive to the smell. Some might be allergic to the type of essential oil used. Common allergic symptoms may include headache, nausea, and rashes. Store essential oils out of children’s reach.
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 it’s your first time buying a house or it’s your nth time in moving out to a new place, you need to make sure that the housing market and your mortgage pre approval is all set in order for you to determine how much house monthly payments you need to make before considering buying a property.
Think you need a self assessment before you make that big step? Well, here’s a checklist of signs for you to assess yourself before buying a property that will make your life worthwhile and sustainable in the long run!
Nowadays, the pandemic has taught a lot of people to have more than one job simple because that one job isn’t enough anymore and because you need to have back up plans (aside from your main monthly income) for mortgage payments, down payments, car payments, and many other monthly payments such as amortization and Homeowners Association, especially when you’re on a home loan (which is a pretty long – term commitment).
When you’re planning to buy a house, make sure that you also envision your long – term career plans (and have a side hustle aside from your main job) so that you can live sustainably and at the same time enjoying your dream home while settling necessary payments.
Now that we’ve gotten financial health covered, you should have at least 30% (or more) of the purchase price of the property because you’re going to be paying for the reservation fee, the closing costs, and other fees such as property tax, title insurance, security deposit, and many more that you need to cover, especially if it’s your first property. Having a down payment set aside from your monthly income can prevent you from having lapses when it comes to payment (hence it’s also the reason why you should have more than enough when you’re planning to go for rent to own and just plain renting) and it also changes your financial perspective so that you can learn how to adjust your expenses.
Most people move to another place because of work or they want to have new living conditions, and when they do, most of them want to stay at that place in the long run. But a lot of people offer their properties lower than the selling price because they simply couldn’t see themselves using the property in any way anymore and it’s sad that it goes to waste when you don’t use it that often (especially when you’ve rented out for some people but then they decide to move out of your property). We know how much you love your properties as much as we do, but if we don’t pay the usual monthly mortgage payment and home loan plus the monthly utilities and all that, then it’s as good as nothing sadly.
What we can tell you is that you should apply for a mortgage insurance (private mortgage insurance for those living in private subdivisions and villages), a life insurance, a title insurance, and a homeowners insurance as safety nets in paying everything that involves your property as well as everything you need (and want) to live and enjoy your life.
You need to have an emergency fund that will last for at least six months so that it can serve as a back up plan in making a down payment, mortgage payment, property taxes, living expenses, and many more to sustain the place you’re living in (and the life you’re building).
“Do you want a house or a condo?” “Do you want to build a family?” “Are you planning to buy a car?” “Do you need house help?” “What location are you looking into?” are some of the common questions that people ask to themselves when they want to establish their lives, and trust us when we say that you should make choices like how you choose companies to invest in so that you can make the most out of them in the long run.
One way to know the type of property you’re going to buy is to watch videos related to real estate such as the ones from Charm De Leon and Thea Sy Bautista and the other ways are to attend open house and to consult real estate agents and house brokers so that you’ll know what type of property you’ll be dealing with.
To be fair, we’ll walk you through the conventional loan, which is the 28/36 rule when it comes to being practical with how much you can afford to keep up with the house you bought. The 28% should be going to the house expenses (such as home loans, Amortization, Homeowners Association or Condo dues, property taxes, property insurance, insurance payment and many more) and the other 36% should go for your personal finance such as your car loan, credit card debt, your monthly payment of subscriptions, and many more. Your monthly income shouldn’t go to more either of those two factors, so you need to practice with being practical on what you can and can’t spend and maintain a balance to your debt to income ratio.
Hear us out: When you’re buying any property, your income would be scrutinized. Meaning they’ll look into your bank account, credit card debt, your debt to income ratio, credit score, credit report, and many more that has to do with your accounts. Having a large credit card debt, debt from family and relatives, high salary loans, car loans, and many others would have a huge negative impact on your chances in securing your own property (especially with a home loan).
Having a good relationship with Pag – Ibig, SSS (GSIS for government employees), ITR, BIR for freelancers, and with your banks just by paying your total monthly debts and contributions can increase your chances of having your home loan approved and good credit scores can also mean better interest rates for you to pay off your monthly payments at ease for a sustainable and enjoyable life in your dream home!
We cannot emphasize this enough simply because real estate agents know the walk and talk of the real estate industry aside from a mortgage broker. Looking for a real estate agent that is reliable, attentive, extensive and intensive with the mumbo jumbo of the paperwork especially in buying a property. They can help you clarify as to how much you’ll want to pay for it and also help in assessing your credit report and other valid documents if you’re capable in buying a house or not.
Aside from following the usual home buying process and managing your home ownership, you should also assess yourself if you’re financially healthy with these factors so that you can assure yourself whether you’re ready to buy a house or not with your gross monthly income, a strong real estate lawyer and a real estate agent, and your debt to income ratio. Nonetheless, making a home purchase is a big decision, so you need to consider these factors if you’re financially healthy aside from the property itself so that it can not only be an investment in the long run, but you can also enjoy a sustainable life while making necessary payments. After all, health is wealth, so you need to definitely be financially healthy first before you can consult a real estate agent, a real estate lawyer, and a mortgage broker and make that house purchase a done deal!
It’s the time of the year again where the sun’s rays is so blaring and hot you feel yourself burned up to the core. And with the climate change phenomena affecting the Earth, it seems like every summer is getting hotter and hotter.
Not everyone of us have the luxury of owning an air conditioning unit at home and enjoy the cooled air circulating inside. For the majority of us, we have to be very creative in order to combat the extremely hot weather to avoid heat related illnesses like stroke and dehydration. Well, worry no more as we’ve compiled fool-proof tips to stay cool this summer whether you are outdoors or indoors!
‘Light’ is the key term for this tip. We all know that the color black absorbs more heat than other colors and the same principle applies to the clothes that you wear. Say goodbye temporarily to your dark clothing this summer and just stick to white or light-colored garments. Opt for cotton, linen, or rayon fabrics during summer season as they are light and allow the hot air to circulate, effectively cooling your body in the process. Loose fittings clothes will also make you feel cooler even with the extreme heat.
However, if you are going out for some camping or hiking, ditch the cotton shirts and go for nylon or polyester clothes. While these fabrics feel hotter than cotton, the good thing is that they dry out quickly, so you won’t be soaked in your own sweat for a long period of time throughout your outdoor journey, further reducing the risk of hypothermia.
This is the golden rule everyone should remember and follow. There are lots of scientifically-proven benefits of drinking water on a regular basis. Aside from keeping your body hydrated, it also helps regulate your body temperature. An average person can sweat up to 2-3 gallons per day and may be more during the hot weather so it is important to increase your water intake as you sweat more. You can drink plain water early in the day in switch to electrolyte-containing beverages as your sweat increases throughout the day.
Another way to replenish the lost water in your body is to eat foods with high water content like watermelon, cucumber, lemon, grapes and berries. Eating salty food will also make you ‘thirstier’ and thus increasing your water intake. At the end of the day, who doesn’t want a glass of ice cold water on a hot, scorching day?
Before you raise an eyebrow on this tip, hear me out first! Stating the obvious, consuming a hot beverage will increase your body’s temperature. Consequently, eating spicy foods will induce circulation and increase perspiration but that’s exactly what we are aiming for! Initially, these food and beverages will increase your body’s temperature, but in return, it will make you it will make you produce enough sweat to cool your body off!
As the sweat needs to evaporate quickly, this trick won’t work on days with high humidity. This won’t also be effective if you are wearing lots of clothes which will essentially trap the sweat, rendering the whole process useless.
Being out in the sun means you need to apply some sunscreen to protect yourself from its damaging rays. And the longer you stay outside, the more frequent you need to reapply sunscreen. However, even with the best effort, you can still have sunburns and rashes. Good thing there’s aloe vera to the rescue!
For centuries, aloe vera has been used to treat skin ailments because of its antiseptic properties. Apply a generous amount to the affected area to cleanse it and at the same time trigger the production of new skin tissues. For a more upgraded cooling effect, mix aloe vera and water before freezing and take it out for use when necessary!
One of our refuge during a hot weather is to sit in front of an electric fan, basking into the artificial air it produces. However, as the summer temperature rises, so is the hot air blowing off the appliance. One trick you can do is to place an basin filled with ice cubes at the back of the fan, essentially producing cooler air.
Do you also know that the placement of the appliance inside of your house contributes greatly to the room’s overall temperature? While sitting in front of the fan is might be an effective way to cool yourself off, it doesn’t really give much impact in cooling the room overall. By placing your fan near windows, it will blow off the hot air from the inside while sucking in cold air to enter inside.
While applying cold water or ice to your body surely does give that cooling effect, knowing the effective areas on where to apply is the real game changer!
The pressure points in your body includes the neck, wrists, elbows, temples, foreheads, ankles, and your feet. By placing a bandana soaked in cold water or simply an ice pack in these pulse points will help you cool your body.
Got a hot water bottle? Perfect! While these bottles are designed to keep people warm during winter, they can exactly perform the reverse roles during the hot days of summer! Fill that bottle with cold water and place them at your feet (or you can cuddle it or place it wherever you want) for a cold, refreshing night of slumber. If you don’t have a hot water bottle, don’t fret! You can also use your ol’ reliable ice pack or freezer blocks or you can definitely create you own!
Who said that you can only place water and meat in the freezer? Make some space as your clothes and sheets will be making an entrance! But before you shove everything in your freezer, prioritize which will fit the compartment first and placed them inside plastic bags or any type of container or else it will absorb the smell of whatever food is in there. We don’t want a meat-smelling bed sheet don’t we?
While allowing the natural light to stream inside your home is cost-efficient, the direct sunlight coming from the outside contributes to the hot temperature inside. However, you can still open your windows and just draw the curtains down. This way you are blocking out the biggest heat contributor while essentially trapping the cool air inside.
During nighttime where the temperature drops, it the best time to open your windows (with curtains drawn of course!) to allow the cool air to enter inside.
As mentioned above, the light coming from the sun will only contribute more to the heat inside your home. By using blackout curtains, you are reducing the heat coming into your home by up to 24%.
So there you have it! With these tips for staying cool this summer, there’s nothing to hold you down in conquering the summer season! So go out and create the best summer memories while staying ‘cool.’
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 have been living with the virus for some quite time now, majority of us probably had accepted that it is now part of our daily lives. With numerous lockdowns and travel restrictions implemented in the previous months, it is certain that majority, if not all, are itching for the waves in the sea, sand in our toes, or a breathe of fresh air in the mountains. After dealing and painfully bearing with the restraint from going outside, we can finally gear up in our swimsuits and take that much needed (and deserved!) plunge in the pool, thanks to the ease in quarantine measures!
The term is straight and simple: it means traveling with a vengeance. A lot of people are taking advantage of the ease in travel restrictions and are making the most in every weekend getaway they could book. After being contained inside their homes for years, people are so eager to leave the four corners of their space and shake off that cabin fever.
You probably spent your time scrolling through your favorite travel destinations while reminiscing all the great memories you created there with your buddies. I’m sure you are already eyeing out on a specific destination for your next travel, but as a refresher, here are the top summer destination in the Philippines you, your family or friends might miss coming back to.
One of the popular destinations during the Revenge Travel Philippines Saga, this tourist spot never misses any summer vacation list. When we talk about Philippine beaches, it is for certain that Boracay is the first thing that pops into your mind. After going through a 6-month rehabilitation, Boracay prides back its classic white sand beach and crystal clear waters.
Aside from the pristine water and great scenery, Boracay also offers a lot of land and sea adventures like parasailing, helmet diving, paddle boarding, and island hopping among others.
Also known as Summer Capital of the Philippines, this destination is also a staple in every travelers’ list. During summer, a lot of tourists flock into the mountainous regions of Luzon to cool off the heat while at the same time, get a break from the hustle and bustle of the city life.
Make sure to visit the strawberry farm in La Trinidad, Benguet and lavish into the sweetest and freshest strawberries you’ll ever taste! Get a glimpse of the past as you explore the Tam Awan Village, which is famous for their antiques, or appreciate contemporary art in the infamous BenCab Museum.
The great places you could explore in Palawan seems to be endless. It’s no wonder why this island also became a regular in bucket lists and international magazines with its white sand beaches, clear waters, lagoons, dazzling coral reefs and limestone-filled caves. Truly, it deserves the attention and praise it garners not just locally but from other countries as well!
Make sure to set foot on the three most famous islands namely Puerto Princesa, Coron, and El Nido. Each island has different adventures to offer which will make you want to leave the metropolis life and just stay in nature’s embrace.
El Nido prides in its white sand beaches which are perfect for those who want to relax and disconnect from the world for a while. Coron has stunning lagoons and great diving spots which suits those who are in for some underwater adventure. Don’t miss the chance to see and explore the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO world heritage site and New 7 wonders of Nature located in Sabang, Puerto Princesa City.
What is a trip to Bohol without seeing the infamous Chocolate Hills? The dry, summer season is the perfect time to visit there where the hills turn brown– hence the name chocolate hills. Also, don’t miss out seeing the cute, little tarsiers with their big round eyes and soft fur!
Aside from the hills, Bohol also has beaches to offer. Enjoy the fresh mountain water in the Mag-aso Falls or cruise with your family members into the one of the world’s cleanest river, the Loboc River. There is also the Alona Beach on Panglao Island.
For those who are itching for some extreme adventure, the Kawasan Falls in Cebu is the perfect place to head to where an adrenaline-packed canyoneering adventure awaits you.
Rock-climbing, abseiling, jumping into pools, are some of the techniques used in order to reach the magnificent falls. For those who aren’t into such extreme activity, they can reach the site through the main road.
It is best to book in advance before canyoneering and that you have a tour guide to accompany you.
Traveling after a pandemic may surprise you, as other countries are implementing their own travel restrictions and may require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-test. Before booking a trip to a specific location or country, make sure to check if there are any requirements or restrictions first to save you a ton worth of a hassle.
And, whether you go on a trip here in the country or abroad, alone or in groups, it’s important to prioritize safety, not only for yourselves, but for your belongings as well. Check out these travel safety tips for a seamless and hassle-free summer vacation trip!
Probably one of the best preventive ways is learn the tricks of the streets. Wherever you will go, there will always be people who’ll trick you to get your prized possessions or hard-earned money. Before you go travel, research on your destinations common scams. Certainly, there are people who posted online about their experiences about pickpockets, broken taxi meters, or some friendly stranger who offers to take a picture of you or your friends. Google offers a lot of articles compiling these common tourists scams.
However, don’t be too complacent that you won’t fall victim to one of these tricks just because you’ve research on them. There are lots of great con artists (who might be doing this business for years) littered in the streets of these tourist destinations. If a stranger is too friendly for your liking, trust your gut feelings and walk away.
Be sure to take note of local customs and travel advisories so you can prepare if there are any changes in schedule and such. Visitors fall as easy target to ill-intent people who aren’t mindful of their surroundings and belongings. You can visit the country’s best beaches through availing tour packages.
Another helpful preventive measure when going out for a travel is to research and write down the emergency hotlines of the city or municipality you are visiting. In case something happens (in which we hope will not), you can immediately ask the authorities’ help.
Write them down on a paper and enclosed it in waterproof casings or inside your travel kit. You can save them on your phone but what if it’s your phone that’s stolen?
Avoid travelling with something that is highly valuable, but let’s admit it, there always be something in your possessions that will attract the attention of these criminals. So the most preventive thing you can do it to minimize opportunities for these people to strike.
Even the most expensive travel backpack wouldn’t stand a chance to a cutter held by a determined robber. Do not feel complacent even if you placed your valuables inside your ‘anti-theft’ bags. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially if there’s someone who’s tailing you for a couple of minutes now. In the Philippines, it’s a common thing to wear your backpack in reverse, meaning you’ll place it in front of you rather than in the back and hug on it tightly while travelling through crowded places or alone.
Also, it is completely normal to gawk and be awestruck while exploring these tourist spots. However, don’t be too distracted at the beauty that you forget to mind your own belongings. You might be too busy looking at the attractions that you don’t notice that man tearing off your backpack. Put important document like your passport in a safe place like your hotel lockers or drawers and avoid carrying them with you.
If you really want to know about the place or neighborhood you want to explore, it’s better to ask and befriend the locals living in it. Most of them are genuinely friendly, and will give you warnings and tips about the dangerous areas of the town you should stay away from.
Beware of taxi drivers, as they can be your perfect tour guide or the reason why your vacation is ruined.
This is an excellent tip, especially for solo travelers. Don’t forget to inform your friends or a family member back at home about the details of your trip. You can send them your itineraries via email or through your social media accounts and make sure that they’ve seen and replied to your messages.
Remember those old times when our loving mothers instructs us to never talk to strangers. Well, guess what? It still applies even if we’re fully-grown adults!
During the course of your travel, it’s only natural to meet and interact with other travelers, but be careful in oversharing your travel plans, accommodation details, and other personal stuff. They could be helpful bit of information for people with ill-intent to attack.
There will be instances where people will ask you if it’s your first time visiting the tourist spot. While it could be a genuine question coming from a co-tourist, be mindful that it could be a trick question. If it is indeed your first time traveling to the place, instead of saying yes, just tell them that it’s your third or fourth time visiting. Scammers usually target those who are new in town.
It is natural for us to capture every moment of our adventure so we can have wonderful memories to cherish after, especially in this technological age. However, refrain from doing stupid things just so you could capture stuff to boast on your Instagram or Tiktok profile. Ever heard or watch the news about people falling off cliffs or get attacked by wild animals just because of a silly photo? Stay safe and away from potentially dangerous spots and locations.
Pay attention to warnings and signage when exploring your travel destination, especially if you are climbing mountains or caving. Do not go to places you are prohibited to enter. Be sure to heed and follow your tour guide’s instructions and don’t stray away from your group.
Alright, you don’t need to earn a black belt in judo or aikido in order to protect yourself. Educating yourself in basic defense will earn you a few more years in your life. However, just because you know how kick or punch doesn’t that you’ll strike at every opportunity. Learn when to fight back and when to run away for safety. For example, if the thief has a knife or gun, it’s better to give them you belongings instead of fighting back. The first thing you can do is to create a safe physical distance from them before fighting or fleeing away.
You have to be aware that these con artists on the streets study the body language of their potential victims. They usually attack those who are seemingly weak based on their demeanors.
For instance, if you get lost while exploring the city, don’t appear so helpless wandering around the streets. Project an image of confidence, even in situations like these to avoid being a target to potential attackers. Simply walk around (head held high) like you know the place while discreetly scanning the place for any police post where you could ask for help. Simple tricks like this will save you from attackers pretending to be friendly locals.
Making direct eye contacts to strangers could also ward off potential threats but be careful in making stare down contests as they could attract unwanted harm instead of saving you.
While we don’t want unfortunate things to happen during the course of our travel, it’s safer to think something will happen so we can prepare for it. It would be helpful to store in cash in case something REALLY does happen!
You can sew a secret pocket in your pants so that if you are robbed, you’d still have money with you while trying to work things out. You can also insert rolled paper bills inside empty and clean chap stick or lipstick containers. Another trick is to hide money inside a patch at the back of your backpack.
Another thing you should consider is to carry a first aid kit with you. Accidents happen at the most unexpected times and it pays off being prepared.
But, while traveling is allowed again, we shouldn’t feel complacent and let our guards down. Bear in mind that the pandemic isn’t over yet (but we are going to get there) so it’s still important to follow and observe safety health protocols like wearing masks, observing social distancing and don’t forget to bring your vaccination card with you when going outside. After all, we want this ‘freedom’ to continue on.
There you have it! All you need to do is to score amazing travel and accommodation packages online, pack up your travel bags and enjoy that terrific summer vacation!
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.
Everyone dreams of taking a break from their studies or work and escape to the sand beneath their hair, the sea salt scent of the beach water, making sandcastles and finding seashells along the shore, watching the sunrise or sunset on the sand, and doing lots of fun at the beach! But you shouldn’t forget to know what beach essentials that you need to gather in one bag so that you can have a fun day at the beach without getting stuck in a rut for last minute shopping supplies!
Excited to go the beach, but don’t know what to start packing? Don’t worry, here is a list of beach essentials for you to bring for your next beach trip and to make your day at the beach one for the books!
One of the most important beach essentials you need to pack is a swimsuit or a rash guard for you to splash into the beach water! Whether you decide to show off your body in that one or two piece or protect your body from getting burnt with a rash guard, this is the most important beach essential for you to enjoy your beach trip!
If you’re planning to camp in your beach destination, make sure that you need to pack up a beach tent and a spot along the shore for you to go camping at the beach to beat the heat of the summer!
If you want to have a sound trip underwater or just turn up your jam by the beach, then waterproof portable speakers should do the trick for your beach vacation to be a life of the party!
Of course, you don’t want to get stuck with wet clothes that you have to wait ’til they’re dry for you to reuse with a fresh and dry set of clothing items for you to change after days of to make you feel refreshed and clean soaking up to the beach sea saltwater!
You should never forget to put your basic beach necessities such as a good pair of sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen as the ultimate sun protectant, a jar of aloe vera gel to moisturize your skin, some SPF lip balm to protect your lips from the sun’s rays, and a cover up for sun protection and a quick look to pull off when you go back to the beach house all in one tote bag next to your personal items!
After you hours of swimming in the beach, you need something to dry off, and beach towels are definitely your best friend when you decide to put it on a beach chair and sunbathe under the glorious sun and to dry yourself off from all of the saltwater you’ve soaked up!
You need to make your feet look pretty under the sun’s rays when your flip flops are drenched in sand after constantly washing it in saltwater, only to be covered in sand again. Sandals are great water shoes when they’re made from rubber with great colors and styles to protect your feet from the heat in style!
Of course, you shouldn’t go hungry and thirsty when all your snacks and drinks are in your tote bag! After all, the best beach vacations are about good food, drinks, and company to beat the heat, right?
Your beach bag should be your beach tote bag to put everything that you need for your beach trip (including your beach accessories) as well as a wet bag for your wet items such as your swimsuit after a day trip to the beach so that your other things won’t get wet and some dry bags for other activities that you can do in the beach such as scuba diving! And you also can bring an extra bag for your dirty clothes to wash when you get back to the city. We know those are a lot of bags, but you can’t be too prepared with too many bags just in case for emergencies!
Next to your swimsuit or your rash guard is your next beach essential to add on your beach trip packing list which is your first aid kit. You should keep this on on your beach essentials list in case someone gets hurt. After all, it’s a fun killer when someone gets hurt or sick in the middle of your beach vacation, so you need to keep a bunch of medicines, band aids, Betadine, and alcohol just in case.
People often go to the beach to relax, to cool off in its saltwater, and to have fun and make good memories, whether you’re on a family beach vacation, having a beach trip with your friends, or having a solo retreat at the beach. Whatever the reason is, beach trips are a great travel inspiration for everyone — it’s your personal preference on how you want to enjoy your beach trip and how you pack your beach trip packing list and you’re good to go to beat the heat!
So what are you waiting for? Grab your beach essentials from your beach vacation packing list, your beach blanket, beach chairs, beach toys, and make that trip to the beach a reality with style and practicality!
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!
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.
Tenants are considered to be the ‘blood’ of any rental property business. It is the sole reason why the enterprise is running and successful. Of course, we are referring to ‘quality tenants’ who pay their rent on time and takes care of the property as if it’s their own. Quality tenants are extremely valuable but sometimes they can be hard or elusive to find.
Indeed, having a rental property business is a great source of passive income. A constant influx of dwellers on your investment property means a constant cash flow on the landlord’s part. If you are planning to attract renters to your property but isn’t sure how to get one, then worry no more! We’ve listed down the how’s of choosing your prospective tenants and the qualities you should look for in them!
Of course, it’s not ideal to just let someone live on your property. Tenant quality should be prioritized as it will determine whether your rental property business will flop or succeed.
For every choice that we will make, there will always be some standards that we consider before dropping that decision. Same thing goes in choosing the right tenant for your rental property. We want to protect our property but not closed off enough to scare away any potential tenant.
Think of yourself as one of the judges in a prestigious beauty pageant and your prospective tenants are the candidates. What are your criteria in selecting the deserving winner for the crown (in this case the keys for your rental property)?
As the property owner, it is important for you to visualize the qualities your tenant should have. It will be helpful to create a checklist for it. Below is an example of what your ‘criteria for judging’ should contain:
These are just a few but you can add more depending on your lifestyle requirements and preferences. How much is your required income per month? Will you accept pets? Is smoking prohibited?
Now that you’ve have a clearer view of your potential tenants’ qualities, it’s time to put that rental property up in the market. While flyers and posters could still be helpful, posting an ad online will save you more time and effort. In this technological age, almost everything can be found online and so do your next renter!
Now, don’t just put up your rental ad in random places of the internet. Of course, you’ll place in your ad on websites or social media sites related to your market to attract more renters. Placing your ad in the wrong places might bring you wrong or bad tenant that may potentially harm your business and your pocket. You can use tailoring ads from sites like Facebook, Google, and LinkedIn for a more refined result.
Be specific with the details that you will include in your ad. Aside from the rental price, provide other necessary information such as the location, lot and floor size, number of bedrooms and bathroom, does it have garage, and so. Don’t forget to add the striking amenities and features that will help you pull in great and reliable tenants. State the benefits of moving in to your property.
If you require for a rental application, you can mention that, too, as well as the documents needed like a credit report. Guide potential tenants on the actual process of the application.
So you placed your ad online and after waiting for some time, someone finally responds to your call. But, before you allow a complete stranger to occupy your property, you need to scrutinize him first. This is where your prepared criteria comes in handy.
A great tenant should posses all, if not majority, of the qualities you had listed down on your criteria. And conducting a tenant screening is the perfect method to do it.
Aside from the criteria you prepared beforehand, you can also ask these questions: Does he have sufficient income to sustain the rent payments throughout the lease term? Does he pass your criminal background check? Does he have any records of property damage in the past? Did he illegally broke any rental agreement in the past?
Most important of all, take a peek into your prospective tenant’s rental history to know if he has a solid performance of paying bills on time. Asking for a tenant credit report also helps. Know their debt and to income ratio. Make sure your tenant doesn’t have any outstanding credit balance and has commendable credit history.
The most important rule of all. Don’t just cancel out applicants based on their race, color, sex, religion, or physical disability. It might hurt your landlord reputation if you’re too picky for all the wrong reasons. Remember that in a rental property business, you are naturally to meet a lot of diverse people and you should respect each and every one of them. If your dweller meets all of your criteria, then is there a reason why you shouldn’t let him in?
As a part of your tenant screening, one of your tasks is to contact his previous landlords if you can. Verify if your applicant had really rented out to them in the past, was able to give rent payments on time, was able to create a good landlord tenant relationship with them, isn’t a disruptive neighbor and left the rental property in good shape and condition. This way, you’ll have an idea how your potential tenant will treat and handle your property.
Aside from talking to their previous landlords, you can also make a quick call to their employers to for some income verification. A good way to verify income is to directly speak to his employers to know the details firsthand.
And there you have it! So, the next time you are planning to rent out your property, make sure to whip out your phone and scroll through these tenant selection and screening guide first to help you filter out and welcome in great tenants!
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!
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.
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