If you’re thinking Araw ng Kagitingan is just another non – working holiday where you can finally relax at home with your family and friends, well you’re half – right about that. A lot of people often ask, “Why do we celebrate Araw ng Kagitingan?” and the answer is because we commemorate the Fall of Bataan, where numerous Filipinos have to suffer the Bataan death march during the second world war. And that’s just the story, right?
Here’s a more detailed guide about the national holiday and everything you need to know about Araw ng Kagitingan history and how to commemorate our modern day heroes!
Okay, we’re going to take you back and time travel to one of the most important colonization periods the Philippines has faced, which is when the Japanese occupied the Philippines.
On the dawn of April 9, 1942, Major General Edward King of the United States Army Forces assigned for the Luzon force was forced to surrender his 76,000 forces that comprised of Filipinos, Chinese, and Americans to the Japanese troops, resulting them to make a large number of prisoners walk 150km from San Fernando to Camp O’Donnell located in Capas, Tarlac, making it known to be the ultimate violation for human rights with many people getting sick and some even dying.
During this time, it also served as a key intervention during World War II as this allowed many allies to prepare for many battles later on, which put the progress of the Japanese to a stop in the Pacific and led to a turn in the fortunes and allied victory, which eventually led in reclaiming of the Bataan Peninsula by Filipino and American forces in February 8, 1945.
Under Republic Act of 3022, the Day of Valor was officially declared as a national holiday after the bill was passed by the Congress in 1961 to pay tribute to captured soldiers that have faced many battles such as the Battle of Corregidor and the Raid of Cabanatuan and the hardships they have endured while participating in the Bataan death march and being injured and killed at the same time.
It was known as Bataan Day at first, but was renamed to Araw ng Kagitingan to also pay tribute to those who defended Bataan, Bessang, and Corregidor, making it originally placed near April 9th in 2007, but it was proclaimed as its official date to commemorate Day of Valor and Corregidor Day in 2009.
The law states that citizens and public offices shall hold a silence at 4:30pm to remember as a part of celebrating Araw ng Kagitingan. This is also where veterans from the Second World War parade around many cities of the Philippines which will take place at Mt. Samar Shrine in Bataan in honor of the heroism and sacrifice of the American soldiers and the Filipino forces during World War II. This is where the president gives a speech to give honor to our modern day heroes.
According to an advisory made by DOLE as of 2021, employees who don’t work at this day will receive 100% of their wages a day while for those who work on that day will be paid 200% of their wages. On the other hand, if employees decide to go overtime (whether if the regular holiday falls on their rest day or if they work on that holiday), they will receive an additional 30% of their salaries while if they work on a regular holiday that falls on their rest day, they will receive an additional 30% of their daily wage of 200%.
Visiting the Bataan tourism center, appreciating the veterans during Parangal Para sa mga Beterano, observing the foot and float parades while witnessing the marching band exhibition and Drum and Lyre band competition and visiting the World War II in Bataan are some of the ways to celebrate Bataan Day.
However, if you really want an extra experience for the national holiday, you can also join the Bataan Freedom Run, watch a concert at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, and shop for some souvenirs at the Galing Bataan Trade Fair! It’s also a must to visit the War Museum and experience the national commemoration in Mt. Samat to see the weapons the Filipino and American troops have used during the war and to pay respect to the veterans who have endured and faced the trials and tribulations that happened during the Bataan death march.
The Mount Samat Shrine (also known as Dambana ng Kagitingan) was built in 1970 in time to celebrate the end of the Second World War and to commemorate untreated wounds of innocent people participated in the Death March, soldiers who survived the heat prostration, and thousands died during the Fall of Bataan. The shrine and the cross towers the majority of the Philippine History, providing lessons for the younger generation to learn and a whole lot more to constantly fight for anything important in the country.
Through the present and future generations of Filipinos, it’s no question that education is not only the key to knowledge and power, but it’s also a door to see Filipinos who were oppressed during the Second World War and the Philippine history.
Nonetheless, Araw ng Kagitingan is not just a regular holiday for you to enjoy, but to remember the veterans who have endured all the hardships for us to enjoy the freedom they fought from the Japanese, sparking constant hope for Filipinos to fight things that are important, paying respect to those who fought for injustice and freedom, and celebrating the end of tyranny and the start of independence.
Now go wave that Philippine flag of yours like it’s independence day and celebrate the Day of Valor with courage, hope, and a renewed spirit. After all, it’s an executive order that made this day a reality!
What is budgeting?
To put it simply, according to Atypical Finance, budgeting is “a living and breathing plan for you money so you do not spend too much or too little.” In other words, it is a spending plan that helps you keep track you current and future income and expenses.
However, the usual connotation for the word ‘budgeting’ is limiting. We think that budgeting our personal finance will only hinder us from enjoying the finer things in life. That may be just an excuse for us to acknowledge our bad spending habits, don’t you think?
Contrary to what other people think, budgeting actually helps you reach your financial goals and achieve financial stability without sacrificing those ‘rewards’ we grant ourselves here and then. When we create a budget, you keep track of where your hard-earned money go and eliminate practices like spending money on things that are unnecessary. And while it may be a hard pill to swallow for some, budgeting will put your bad financial decisions like overspending, failing to create an emergency fund, putting debt payments on hold, etc. into light and hold you accountable for it, because who else manages and spends that cash but you?
Taking more focus on the good side, budgeting will give you more control of your cash flow so you’ll avoid falling into the same spending patterns again. Budgeting will help you spend your money wisely, and onto things that actually matter. It will help you create realistic financial goals, align your monthly budget with your monthly payments, and prepare for unexpected expenses while having enough money for personal wants and needs.
While budgeting may feel a bit daunting for first timers, it has great returns once you get the hang of it. But before you go and pick out which method best suits you, it’s better to asses first where does your money go. Take some time to collect old shopping receipts or bank statements to get a better grasp on your spending habits. It will give you a clearer picture on where you spend money most on and how you will tweak your monthly income to cover your monthly expenses. Once you figure out the specifics of it, it will be easier for you which budgeting method you will use.
Remember, there’s no such thing as a universal budgeting method; what worked for someone else might not work for you. So it’s vital to understand and compare each method to find out what will suit you the best.
If you’re the type to be patient in listing and recording every spend up to the last cent, then this budgeting method might work best for you. The equation of this method is simple: income minus expenses is equal to zero. But this doesn’t mean that you’re literally going on a zero balance after calculating everything out– you are not under or over the radar.
First, write down all of your expenses, say for example in a month, and yes, that also includes the pack of gum you bought from the convenience store. You may need to fish out those bills, receipts and credit card statements to accurately map everything out. Make sure that the sum matches your total income for the month.
Though undeniably time consuming, this ‘down-to-the-dollar’ budgeting method allows you to track your spending and living expenses without leaving a room for error. If you’ve been budgeting for a while and has memorized your expenditures, this might be a better option for you. This is also perfect for people who want total control of their money.
Also known as the balanced money formula, this method is based on the principle of dividing your income into three categories: 50% on needs; 30% savings; 30% wants.
Your needs are pretty self-explanatory; these are the things you need in your daily life. Debt payments, student loans, retirement plans, car payments, and emergency fund fall into savings and the remaining percentage is your fun money.
Since this method is simple and straightforward, it’s a great option for budgeting beginners. Just make sure to draw a clear line between what is a ‘want’ and ‘need’ to effectively utilize this method.
Another good thing is that you can tweak or make adjustments at this method for it to effectively fit your needs. Say for example, you want to prioritize clearing up your debts so you want to allocate a higher percentage for that.
You just need to watch out for overspending tendencies with this method.
This budgeting method doesn’t literally mean that you won’t do anything budgeting at all. You just don’t have to spend money you do not have. Instead, you’ll keep track of your bank account. This even negates the need to track your expenses, you just have to make sure there’s enough amount left on your checking account to cover all of your bills and spend the rest (responsively) on everything else.
This may seem a laidback way to budget, but this works well with people who doesn’t have time to meticulously track every spend they make. This is also applicable to people who receives a hefty paycheck with good money discipline.
Commonly known as the envelope system, will require you to use solely cash. Just like in a zero based budget, you list down all of your expenses and use an envelope to represent every category. Then you will withdraw the cash you need to cover the total amount of budget.
For instance, you are planning to go out to buy some groceries. Take the envelope labeled ‘grocery budget’ and only use the cash inside to pay for your items. It’s that simple.
If there are any occurrences you run out of bills, you can take some cash from the other envelopes but it is not advisable to do it often as it will create a snowball effect and you may find yourself running out of money at the end of the month!
If you’re a struggling over spender, this method might be the perfect one for you. It’s purely straightforward: if you run out of cash, then that’s it! You can take a credit or debit card with you but for emergency purposes only.
This money management method focuses on savings and debt repayment. If you want to clear out those credit card debt and other loans, then you may want to focus on this one. By paying yourself first, you are slowly but surely securing a retirement or an emergency fund through a savings account or a retirement plan. In this method, you are treating your savings as ‘bills’ that you need to put first before everything else.
Basically, you will allocate a specified amount for your savings and debt payments each pay day. The rest of your paycheck will cover the rest of the expenses.
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.
Money mistakes are more common than you think. You’re not alone if you have had a few financial mishaps over the years. A good percentage of Filipinos cannot stop making cash mistakes because they are either unavoidable due to the lack of income or the wants are prioritized over the needs. Below are some of the most common financial mistakes you might be unaware (or aware) of making and some tips on how you can avoid them.
Making smart financial choices is a must for everyone, but especially for the working class. Saving up for retirement is not wasteful or expecting the worst; it is being prepared for what the future may bring in an ever-fluctuating market. Below are some of the financial mishaps you might want to avoid.
Emergency funds are aptly named because you only use them for, you guessed it, emergencies. Given the nature of emergencies, you won’t expect when this will be or if it will ever come to pass. Ideally, your emergency fund should cover three to six months of living expenses so that you won’t be left penniless during unforeseen circumstances such as loss of a job or illnesses. This fund should be your safety net to avoid going 100% bankrupt.
Pay up big loans first so they don’t accumulate interest at a higher rate. Student loans, credit card debts, or personal loans should be settled and paid aggressively as soon as financially possible. After paying off the high-interest loans, move on to the lower interest rate loans like car loans and mortgages. Write down your debt payoff plan to keep you on track, including your balances and interest rates.
Fraud and identity theft are rampant in the age of the internet and advanced technology. They are two of the more undesirable phenomena in this new age of information. Fortunately, many banks and credit companies now offer credit monitoring services. These services will allow you to monitor and stop any fraudulent activity and alert you of danger. They are often free as well so that’s a bonus.
“Lifestyle creep” refers to the slowly increasing purchase you make as your income increases as well. You think that now that you can afford these things, it is alright to buy them. While there is nothing wrong with pampering yourself once in a while, too much splurging can cause financial mistakes or troubles. Set aside the money you were going to spend on that expensive self-love gift and spend it on something more worthwhile for your financial goals.
When you try to save money in your 30s, these financial decisions can affect your long-term money goals. When you or a loved one gets sick, medical bills can pile up. Credit card debt can accumulate high-interest rates if not paid off as soon as possible.
Quitting from one job and not finding another one soon could mean the difference between having a home and being without. Below are five common money problems to avoid in your 30s.
A lot of people underestimate insurance, whatever type it is, term life or health insurance. This is mostly because they bank on the hope that they will never use it. However, being uninsured can mean the difference between life and death.
One accident can cause you financial hardship that would be hard to get out of without the help of insurance money. Just think of it as another investment strategy and part of your retirement contributions. Pay a bit of money now, collect a lot more later.
Your home must be one where you are comfortable and happy. However, realistically speaking, many people cannot afford their dream house without house loans or mortgages. To avoid spending more than you should, separate a budget for repairs, maintenance, and loan payments. Gratifying as owning your own home might be, if a mortgage results in high-interest debt, it might not be worth it in the long run. Opt for a simpler but nevertheless beautiful home.
Retirement may seem far away at your age, but every cent you save now will accumulate over the span of many more decades. The compounded interest will be doubled and even tripled by the time you reach your retirement age.
There are government programs for retirement plans but they may not be enough for the kind of retirement lifestyle you envision, a comfortable retirement. Increase the savings in your financial plan if possible and make a separate fund to add to your retirement.
In starting a family and having kids, saving money and financial planning are no-brainers. It is natural that you, as a parent, want to put the welfare of your kids first. However, it might be smarter to put away money for yourself first before aggressively saving for your children’s financial education. There are many ways to pay off their schooling, sans borrowing money, such as scholarships, grants, and loans. Retirement planning can only be done through insurance and saving.
If there is one thing many financial advisers agree on, it is that it is never too early to start your financial goals. Credit reports can be damaged or boosted as early as your teens and your 20s. An unforeseen financial emergency can also cause long-term financial problems if not addressed as early as possible. Below are common money woes you might want to avoid as early as your teenage years and 20s.
Living beyond your means is a mistake not only you are likely to do at some point, but everyone else. Shiny new toys might be tempting but if it is beyond your monthly budget, they can make you develop a lifestyle you cannot afford. As part of your due diligence, try to list down all of your expenses as a sort of financial plan and make sure you do not go overboard.
Rest is important and you should make sure you have plenty of it in between school and work. If you have more free time than you know what to do with, having extra income via side jobs or passive investments is not a bad idea. Training yourself to make more money when you can is a good way to not just fatten up your bank account but avoid a common money mistake called spending too much.
Having a credit card is not having “free money.” It can either make you or break you, financially, that is. Do not treat your credit card as a free pass to splurge on whatever you want. Instead, treat it as you would your debit card. What you use your credit on now, you have to pay off later. Again, do not go overboard with spending habits. Only buy what you can afford with the cash you have now.
One of the most usual mistakes even dull adults do is not negotiating their salary when taking on a job. Some find it difficult because they want to please their future employers, others are just too scared to ask.
Remember that you are getting the job because you have the skill set. Your future employer should need you as much as you need them; that is how employment works. Establish a good but firm relationship with your new boss by asking, very politely, if you can have a raise or added benefits for your work rendered.
When your loved ones want to borrow money from you, there is an innate sense of kindness you have where you will lend it to them, despite struggling yourself. A financial pitfall is practically giving away your savings to help out a friend.
While there is nothing wrong with being generous and helpful, you must also think of yourself first. There is also the matter of awkward collection afterward that can even strain your friendship.
Dreaming and aiming high are two things you should not be ashamed of. As a young hopeful individual, you have many financial aspirations for the future. Personal finance goals can be something grand like wanting a new car by the next year or something simpler like finally paying off the cash advance you took out from your work last month.
They may be as strict as saving up your first million by the age of 25 or as lax as buying a second-hand car with extra money from your part-time work. However, it is worth considering that these goals may shift over time and not always take a turn for the worse. Stay optimistic, save money, but nonetheless stay realistic.
One of the most common money mistakes you might make as early as your teenage years might surprise you. Forgetting to cancel multiple subscriptions to different streaming services might make a sizeable dent in your savings accounts if accumulated. An annual fee may go unnoticed but they are more expensive. Pay close attention to what you subscribe to, keep a list if you must.
There are plenty of financial blunders you can make over the course of your lifetime. The important thing is that you recover, eventually develop a good credit report, avoid consumer debt, and start saving as soon as possible. Money left to grow in insurance is your safety net in case of emergencies. However, do not forget to enjoy the hard-earned money to make yourself happy as well.
Want to stay updated on the latest trends? Head on over to www.vistalandinternational.com for more blogs like this. Vista Land International is home to the Philippines’ biggest land and home realtor and developer. Trusted by millions of Filipinos, the real estate company just might help you find your dream home.
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.
Some people buy multiple properties to keep up with their financial obligations and portfolio, and that’s great especially if it’s for passive income! But when you haven’t used your properties for quite some time now (especially with condos), you know it’s time to flip it into a rental property business or convert it into an Airbnb for tourists to stay for a while or people who just want to have a staycation on a budget.
If you’re starting out on a condo rental business out of your unused condo unit, then it’s time for us to show you the ropes about the business!
Just like how professional real estate brokers put other properties up for rent, unit owners consider the following factors when they put up their condo for rental business:
Of course in looking out for property seekers, you have to know your market and you have to identify whether you want your condo rental for a short term or long term rental so that you can build a good foundation at the start of your condo rental business.
Short – term rentals mean more for rental income, but more work. This type of rental business can be for people who are spending vacation whether for business or just looking for a place to relax and have a staycation (or a real vacation). A big factor to consider for unit owners going for a short term is the location. Property seekers usually find nearby condo units for them to stay in city centers and that are near tourist destinations so that they can go everywhere within minutes.
On the other hand, long – term rentals mean less income with less work and you’re usually accommodating one to four individuals (students and working people) and small families (yes, even your pets and grandparents).
This also depends on the size of your property (in this case, your condo unit) so that you’ll know how to cater your condo unit and its amenities to the people renting it out.
The second most important thing to consider when you’re into condo rentals is location because it’s important to make sure that your environment is accessible to many places, safe from any harm, and conducive for you to run the condo rental business (and when you look for a property to buy or rent, the first thing you consider is the location), so be sure that the location is suitable for it.
This rule states that you should compute for the 0.8 – 1% from the price of the condo that you bought in order for you to figure how much the ideal monthly rent range should be.
This method is usually used to figure out whether the rent is expensive or not based on the location of the condo unit you’re renting out, and you can reverse its formula where:
Rental Rate = Total Contract Price/12 x PR Ratio (ie 12 – 18)
If you happen to set your PR Ratio below 15, it means that you’re in an area that’s in demand where prices or rent is expensive while if you use 15 and above, then that is the usual rental property rate.
This is also known as Competitive Market Rates because you’re trying to price your rent near other properties that are similar in size and in location, and this is usually present when renting out your condo unit or a townhouse.
Of course with the monthly rent comes other fees you need to come up with. You also need to consider in setting fair prices for security deposit (which is good for 2 months of your monthly rental) and the advance rental (which is good for 1 month) and for other fees that other rental properties ask for such as the move – in/ move – out fee, cleaning fee (especially for short term rentals), CUSA/Homeowners Association and Condo dues (which are optional), late payment fee, rental increase, storage fee, commission to broker/tenant referral fee, monthly rental fee, and so much more.
Aside from making sure your condo is in tip – top shape by cleaning it and fixing whatever’s broken, you also need to make sure that you need draft a lease contract yourself if you’re not one of those rental property holders in booking platforms such as Airbnb, Agoda, and Booking.com, and have it checked and notarized by a lawyer and sign it in every page.
The next thing that you should have is a checklist to make sure that everything is in pristine condition (especially if you’re doing short term rentals or if your tenants want to make some changes that involves tools, nails, and paint for long term rentals, make sure that they put back everything the way it was before they’ve rented it) so that you wouldn’t blame the tenants if something is broken or missing (and they wouldn’t blame you either).
Like for any other business, you also need to set the paperwork from the BIR and Internal Revenue and a mayor’s permit as well as paperwork from DTI if you’re putting up your rental property in booking accommodation websites. If you have many properties under your name, you need to separate your main property from all of the other properties you own by setting up a mini corporation of your own.
The fun part of the condo rental business is marketing, and what fun way to market your condo rental properties in booking accommodation websites, rental sites, or on social media is to have a good set of photos and a catchy caption along with important information for your future tenants to know what they’re signing up for.
You need to advertise your condo rental business by turning to various booking accommodation websites while for long term rentals need a constant drive for rental websites and social media sites if you’re renting it short term. Take note that some unit owners have a tenant screening just to make sure they’re not only following house rules you give as a landlord (and looking for specific qualities so that they know they don’t have a criminal history), but also for the condo building they’re living in. Finding and getting to know good tenants takes time because they are like dealing with good business partners especially if you’re a first time landlord, so it’s better to be safe than sorry in choosing your tenants.
You don’t need to worry about keeping your cash flow and collecting rent if you’re doing a short term rental business because booking accommodation platforms make sure that the people staying in your property are paid before you actually receive the payment (unless someone broke something or violated your rules). But if you’re going for long term rentals, you have to come up with a good payment scheme that works for everyone, whether it’s through a post data check for a year or with the usual rent payments per month with cash or through money transfer via an online wallet platform or online banking.
Having a property is an investment, so you should double check your rental property and set some ground rules to your tenants about the rental property they’re about to have so that they would also treat it like an investment and so that they’re also following the local and federal laws.
A property manager makes sure everything is smooth sailing with rental properties (especially for condo rentals), and hiring one will save the hassle in handling the technical stuff from property taxes and sales tax to property management if you’re handling more than one property.
Now that the deal is almost set, you just need to have a written agreement with everything both of you have set so that everything is laid out for the tenants to sign and seal the deal.
One of the landlord duties you need to know is that you need to keep and update a digital record of deposit, rent, and maintenance receipts as well a log of all your communications with your tenants so that it’s organized (minus the paper clutter) and it serves as legal proof in case a legal issue arises. It’s highly recommended to do this monthly for one year to keep track of everything.
Of course a responsible and reasonable landlord keeps good tenants with a good tenant – landlord relationship and winning in a 50 – 50 financial situation like in any real estate business, so you need to keep up with choosing the right tenants, tenant complaints, upkeeping, and constant rent collecting for fair prices in order to keep tenants happening.
For new landlords, it can be quite intimidating to know all of these especially for first time landlords. But when you look at it in another way, you are actually on your way to fulfill your other financial obligations when you offer leasing services with lifestyle amenities and rental rates that are good for your potential tenants’ pockets. It’s a win – win situation for everyone — giving new and responsible tenants a place to live and treating it as an investment for rental income whether it’s for short term or long term! Nonetheless, these are your ‘house rules’ if you want to become a landlord serving it up in the real estate industry!
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.
Aside from houses and lots, condominiums are another feasible option for many investors in the real estate industry. Offering dwellers the finest quality of life in the hearts of cities, while at the same time being at optimal proximity to major infrastructures, road networks and central business districts, it is crystal clear why condominiums are one of the most in demand real estate options in the current market. For those who are dreaming of owning their own condo but are currently financially challenged to place a down payment, investing in an affordable rent to own condo is the best way to go!
Rent to own, sometimes referred to as lease-to-buy, or simply RTO, is a type of agreement wherein a buyer leases a property within a specified period with the intention of buying it within the rental period or at the end of the leasing period.
These rent to own agreements bring mutual benefit to the potential buyer as well as the seller. If you are an aspiring homeowner, this investment option is the best option for you as you can instantly move into your dream home while giving you time and some breathing room to apply for a home loan or improve their credit scores. This type of agreement also gives cash strapped buyers the opportunity to acquire their dream home while improving their financial situation.
As for the seller’s part, rent payments give them the financial cushion to pay off their mortgage and property taxes. They are able to generate income and money through paid rent from their properties that stood stale in the market.
This is a type of rent to own contract where the buyer has the option to buy the property but is not obligated to do so. If on any occasion he changes his mind about purchasing the property, he can simply walk away after the lease agreement expires.
On the flip side, lease purchase contracts mandates the buyer to purchase the property at the end of the lease period. If the lessee decides to hop out of the transaction, he may face some legal sanctions.
Generally, both parties will come to an agreement when it comes to the purchase price, purchase date, monthly rent, sales price and other factors such as interest rate. Once everything is settled and agreed upon, a contract is made and signed by both the buyer and the seller.
There are some things that the buyer needs to consider before plunging into a rent to own agreement. Compared to traditional financing, a RTO is owner financed. This means that the owner is the one who offers financing which results in a higher monthly rental fee on the lessee’s part. The reason is that a portion of it goes to the down payment if the lessee decides to eventually buy the property in the future.
In this case, the buyer should explore his financing options, whether it be through a bank or a lending institution, to leverage him in paying the remaining balance. If the buyer decides to back out in purchasing the property, all paid amounts will remain on the seller’s hand.
When you rent an apartment or condominium, you are simply paying money to a property which you cannot own. There’s also the possibility of the lessee being evicted by the owner due to missed payments.
However, investing in an affordable rent to own a condo guarantees you future ownership of the real estate property. Through rent to own condo, you are getting closer to achieving your dream home, even while facing slight financial difficulty.
In order to acquire immediate ownership of the property, the traditional process of buying a condo or property requires you to pay expenses like down payment, mortgages, legal fees and others all in one go. On the other hand, you get to cover your expenses in buying a rent to own condo bit-by-bit. You gradually pay your down payment during the lease period, giving you more time and cushion to improve your financial capacity in preparation for mortgage or home loan payment.
RTO can also help you build home equity as part of your down payment is allocated for the original price of the property. Depending on your agreement with the seller, you’ll also be able to lock in the purchase price, meaning that in the event the market value of real estate properties rises up, the price of your condominium will stay the same as what’s stated in your contract or agreement.
Another perk of investing in a rent to own condo is that you don’t have to worry about moving expenses as you are already living inside the house! You can use all the extra money in improving and upgrading the interior design of your home and other necessities.
On the flip side, investing in rent to own properties have their downsides, too. Aside from a higher monthly rental rate, all the extra costs added on top of the down payment may not be refundable. There’s also a chance that the lessee is the one in charge of the property maintenance while you are renting it. You may also sign a fine print which mandates you to purchase the property at the end of the lease no matter what.
This is really troublesome especially if you don’t have the financial capacity or don’t have any intention of buying the property at all. So before you sign any agreement, make sure you have thoroughly read and understand its contents and specifications. If you are still unsure about it, you can ask for some help from an expert or attorney to avoid facing some legal actions.
Ultimately, there’s no guarantee that your mortgage application will be approved at the end of the lease contract. Without the mortgage (and failure to secure financing alleviations), you may find it hard to pay off the remaining balance and may eventually end up losing the property.
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.
It’s the kind of question we have to face (or faced) at some point in our lives. Whether you are an incoming college freshie or a budding yuppie just about to experience the real world of adults, I’m certain you have one of these questions lingering on your mind when planning to move into a condominium or apartment.
Is better to live alone or have roommates?
Surely enough, each condition has its own perks and downsides. If you are planning to rent a property and is having a hard time deciding whether to fly solo or drag someone in with you, then worry no more! We’ve listed down the pros and cons of having a roommate, as well as the benefits and disadvantages of living alone to help you decide!
If you are an introvert at heart (like me), then the answer will be very much obvious. Living alone gives you lots– and I mean, lots of alone time. You can also choose on when you want to host a slumber party in your room or do a shopping spree with your friends outside. If you’re out of the mood enjoy the sunshine and the company of others, you can just lock your door and enjoy a whole day of peace and quiet to yourself. Grab that bag chips and start that Netflix and Chill marathon all by yourself!
Another perk of living alone is you get to freely decorate your living space. Do you want to place your study or work table beside the window? Sure! Do you want to hang up posters of your favorite artists? Fill your wall with lots of ’em! Feel comfortable to express yourself through the interior design of your home because no one will tell you what you should or shouldn’t do in your own room! Being able to personalize your own space will bring you that sense of home and comfort.
Probably the best thing about living alone is you have the total control to do anything you want inside the four corners of your room. Blast out loud music (but not loud enough to disturb your neighbors) any time you want, learn to cook and experiment on new recipes in the kitchen without someone complaining about the mess on the table or the pile of dirty dishes on the sink. Want to get bare naked? You do your thing!
You can also easily invite people whenever you want without having to ask permission from someone. It’s easy to bring in pets as you don’t have to worry about the allergic conditions of your roommate because you have none! Just make sure ask your landlord if you can take your furbabies with you.
As much as it is fun and enjoyable to live alone, you also get to enjoy all of the bills to yourself. Living alone means you have to pay rent, water bill, electricity and other expenses like internet, heating and air conditioning using your own money, without a roommate to share them with.
This also means that you have to take care of your finances. Before you decide whether you want to alone, take consideration of your financial situation. If the budget in your pocket calls for you to save money, then you may want to give up on the idea of living alone. Also, saving money might be a little difficult in this kind of living situation.
Who loves doing household chores? Some of you probably, but majority of you certainly do not. When you are living alone, you have to do all of them by yourself. Everything is fun and games until you realize all of the house work you need to finish on your own– washing the dishes, doing laundry, cleaning the entire apartment or condo, even taking out the trash! Sure, you may choose to do them when you feel like it, but it will turn your space in a messy dumpster. And no one wants to live in a dumpster. So whether you like it or not, living alone means you have to do all of the house works alone.
While it is fun to dwell inside your own bubble, sometimes you may feel like you want to have a bit of company. It’s easy to find someone to talk and hang out with when you’re living with a roommate but it’s a different story when you live all by yourself. You can text or call your friends to come over but don’t expect them to be there for you all the time. It may seem like a challenge for some people, but you have to get used to the solitude or find other ways to keep you entertained while your friends are busy.
While some people highly value their alone time, most people prefer living with one roommate or two. Imagine having endless slumber parties and late night gossips with your best friends! Making friends is also much easier as you can easily turn your new roommate into one of your lifelong friends! aside from fostering close relationships with other people, here are other benefits of living with roommates!
One of the best perks of living with a roommate (and the major reason why most people prefer to have one) is you get to split the bills! Living with a roommate will save you money as utilities and other expenses are equally shared between the two of you. Indeed, having a roommate is comparatively cheaper versus living alone.
On the other hand, if you are bringing a lot of roomies with you, then you may afford to rent bigger apartments. A bigger apartment equates to more bedrooms, larger bathrooms & living rooms, and most importantly, and more space to lounge around.
Before packing your stuff and moving in with your best friends, make sure that everyone has agreed to have a fair share of the expenses to avoid conflicts in the future.
Living with roommates means you don’t have to do all the housecleaning work by yourself. Discuss with your roommate about the chores he or she feel comfortable doing and compromise with yours. Make sure that the tasks you both love and hate doing are divided equally to the both of you. Not only that it will save time, but will also make the workload easier and lighter.
The social atmosphere brought about by your roommate makes you feel a bit less lonely, especially if you are living far away from home and doesn’t get the chance to visit your family that often. Also, it’s easy to form long lasting relationships with the people you share the roof with. Even if you’re living with a stranger at first, you have the luxury of time to know each other better. Who knew your next best friend might be your new roommate!
For people who can’t afford to share their living space and alone time with other people, then sadly, moving in with a roommate isn’t the ideal for you. Living with a roommate means you have to share everything with them– kitchen, bathroom, communal areas, and such. It seems that the only personal space you’ll ever have is your own bed. Unlike when you live alone, every nook and cranny of your condo is your personal space.
Aside from sacrificing your personal space, you are also giving up your total freedom when living with roommates. You can’t freely invite people over and you can’t reprimand your roommate from doing the same thing as he also has the right to do so.
Also, the living situation calls for you to be more careful and mindful of your surroundings. For instance, you can’t play loud music that freely as you might disturb your roomie who’s studying for an upcoming exam or just getting a good night’s rest. Don’t let your messes and clutter linger for a long period if time as these may be a cause of unnecessary arguments. You have to wait for your turn if you want to cook in the kitchen, take a long bath, or put your dirty clothes in the laundry.
Another downside of living with roommates is your conflicting schedules. Sure you can adjust yours at times so it won’t hinder theirs but there will be moments where your schedule conflicts each other and they can be annoying. For instance, you are running late to work or school but the bathroom is already occupied, you have to wait until your roommate is done before you can take your turn. Or if you want to throw a party on the weekends but can’t because your roommate has already friends invited over. Even best friends get caught up in arguments because of conflicting schedules.
Let’s face it, there is no such thing as a perfect roommate. Sure, you two got along easily but as you continue to live with them, you’ll start to notice some habits that will make your nose scrunch up in disapproval. But as judging as we may be, us ourselves isn’t anything better. Turning our heads from the unpleasant side, sharing a condo or apartment with a person can be an excellent and rewarding experience overall.
Given that, here are some tips to get along with your roommate to make the living situation healthy and peaceful for the both of you.
Communication will always be the key. Take some time to sit down and discuss with your roommate your preferences, the things that you both like, things that you both dislike, and the things that is loved by one and hated by the other. This way, you’ll learn to respect each other’s preferences. You can’t expect your roommate to know these things without you saying them and vice versa.
Certainly, there are some of your roommate’s habits are bothering you. Don’t you like it when he goes through your things without permission? Is he being too loud in the mornings? Does he often forgot to clear away his clutter? Better than keeping all of these grievances inside, address them in a nice and polite manner.
Conflicts are inevitable, and sometimes they sprout out of the most petty reasons. If you ever caught yourself in a heated argument with your roomie, resolve it as early as possible. Prolonging fights will only damage your relationship in the long run. Remember that you will be sharing this space with this person for a long period of time, so it’s better to solve and address problems before you start holding grudges against each other.
Planning to call your friends for a night of slumber party? Before you spread the invitation to everyone, make sure you’ve informed your roommate about it. He might need to review for an upcoming exam and you might cause a disturbance. On the flip side, your roomie should do the same when he wants to invite people. Better yet, create an alternating schedule on when one can bring someone over.
Sometimes, we get too comfortable with other people that we tend to overstep our boundaries, especially when borrowing things from them. Remember that no matter how close you are to this person, it’s still a common courtesy to ask permission first before taking his belongings. Don’t just eat his leftovers on the fridge! He’ll surely look for it when comes home!
This will definitely benefit the both of you as you are not only protecting your valuables, but your roommate’s as well.
One of the highlights of having a roommate is we get to meet diverse people who has lots of stories to offer. Your roommate might have a different lifestyle, culture, perspective, and ideology than your but you have to respect that. Keep an open mind and look at the interesting things these new perspectives may teach you.
As the Golden Rule says, do not do unto others what others do unto you meaning. Getting along with other people can be really challenging (and frustrating sometimes), but whatever the situation may be, it’s still important to treat them with respect. At the end of the day, you know you treated your roommate well and that you’ll have no regrets about it.
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’re a retired OFW worker or someone who has quit his or her job abroad and plans to start his or her own business as they return to the Philippines, it’s always a good idea to have a background check on what skills you have and what you can do to start your own business. But one of the things to consider when starting a business is competition as the pandemic has taught people to be more creative in innovating existing products into new ones.
Think you’ve got what it takes to step up your money moves, but don’t know which business to decide and open? We have great business ideas for returning OFWs that you can consider in terms of lifestyle flexibility and earning extra cash into one! After all, it can be enjoyable while doing it!
With the pandemic closing down businesses at the start, having a small business online is one of the most popular ways to milk in money! Whether you’re on Shopee, Lazada, Facebook, Instagram, or on Tiktok, many small business owners have proven that being your own boss is the biggest personal satisfaction anyone can get because of its flexibility and creativity to sell online! All you need are high powered gadgets, strong connection, and hard work!
One of the many reasons why real estate agents eye for OFW workers because they have the money to purchase different kinds of properties. When these appreciate their value, it becomes an invest to them, making everyone winners!
Here at Vista Land International Marketing Inc. (ViMi), we aim for OFWs to settle down in the Philippines with luxurious and affordable houses, condominiums, and properties that will get your money’s worth and have extra income in the long run! That’s how a win – win situation is, right?
Whether you’re reeling in people who are looking for a safety net to rent or convert it into an Airbnb rental, one of the ways that OFWs earn money is through home rentals. It’s your call on how you’ll run your terms whether you’re renting rooms (or the whole house out) or offering a place for tourists to stay, and it’s also a great business venture — you give them a place to stay while you earn extra money!
Water-Refilling Station
Drinking water should be a necessity, and you can help make it more accessible if you put up a water refilling station to solve water problems many Filipinos face. This is a good concept so that the idea of clean and purified drinking water being a luxury is removed. All you need is a good and accessible location for people to get water nearby and you’re all set with the water works!
One of the most common business ideas that Filipinos have in mind is to have a sari – sari store in their neighborhood! Things such as snacks, instant coffee, shampoo, detergent, conditioner, and drinks are all in one place after playing outside or a stressful day from work with a friendly sari – sari store nearby!
Food Cart Business / Restaurants
One thing we should tell you about opening a food business is that you have to be extra unique in marketing and selling food (especially if you’re opening a karindiria, a restaurant, a snack cart or a catering business) since they’re pretty competitive and popular.
If you’ve watched Dolce Amore, you’d see how competitive it is when they’re just selling bread, so if you’re feeling extra competitive and creative with this, you should come up with your own Unique Selling Point with the food you sell!
Here’s the thing: People have started to open a bunch of coffee and milk tea shops around the Philippines with different unique selling points, making more people want to open more coffee and milk tea shops in less than a year. Plus, these are next to food businesses when it comes to competition, so if you’re going to be an owner of a coffee or a milk tea shop, you need to be creative with your drinks and marketing because people want refreshing drinks while working, studying, or just relaxing!
If clean water is a necessity, so are clean clothes. Setting up your own laundry services or your own laundromat can be a good business idea for solving problems that are related to clean clothes, bedsheets, and pillow cases in an accessible location for people who don’t have time to wash their own clothes, especially when they have a lot to handle.
Putting up a salon or a barber shop is another good idea when Filipinos want to look beautiful, handsome, or simply refreshed with a new hairstyle or a new hair color! OFWs who have parlor experience abroad can open one up that is accessible and affordable around the neighborhood with world – class experience!
Whoever said facials and skin cares are for the rich is mistaken! When you have an experience with skin care and facials that makes people beautiful and young, opening up a skin care clinic or a spa or offering your services related to these can be beneficial for many people who want to be rejuvenated and relaxed!
With many people having access to the internet, opening up an internet shop (or a working space) is also a good business venture when you’re driving people with coffee, snacks, a bunch of computers (or your own internet connected laptops), and a conducive environment for people to work in!
The reason why people travel or open up a travel agency and promote tourism is the reason why language tutorial services are there. Many OFWs offer services for language tutorials (whether it’s exclusive or for all with a language tutorial center) to earn extra income and meet new people. It’s an extra win for income and networking because you’re teaching people other languages!
If you want a sideline while fulfilling your small business ownership, then writing a blog about anything can not only gain personal satisfaction through more money, but also a sense of exploration and enjoy all of the things life has to offer! After all, life is about work and play balance, right?
If you don’t want to put in extra effort while being a small business owner, then you should invest in the stock market! You’ll not only get rewarding returns, but you’ll also be aware of the prices that fluctuate while learning where to invest your money in the right places!
Along with a sari sari store comes with retailing and offering cellphone services such as load, selling sim cards, and secondhand phones that are within your budget when you don’t want to break your wallet in buying a phone, sim card, or just for load.
With great risks comes great rewards when you’re earning more than enough money and buying the things that you want that counts as an investment to yourself! Small business owners flex with everything they have with their hard earned money from the businesses they open, so be proud of them!
Lifestyle Independence
With the creative freedom and flexibility it comes, opening up a new business venture can be rewarding not only in finances, but in the lifestyle flexibility that works for you! After all, being you own boss has its perks!
While making your business succeed, you’ll also have learning opportunities, personal satisfaction, and growth as you become a business owner from the ups and downs your business has encountered. Celebrating small and big wins as well as the downfalls can not only make your business grow, but also as a human being.
Opening up a business and maintaining it requires money, especially with equipment breakdowns and with better marketing to keep them coming for more. Without making some financial decisions, your business wouldn’t grow and you would resort to firing people to the point of closing it up! It’s a shame to have a substantial financial loss, but it’s another when you don’t have the capacity to make a high financial risk.
With health issues on the rise during this pandemic season, it’s unavoidable that small business owners get sick and pause business operations in order for them to get well and to keep it up and running. Besides, you wouldn’t want to work when you’re in your worst condition, right?
Time Commitment
With great freedom comes with great responsibility, and in order for your business to become successful, you need your free time, your own hard work and dedication in order for you to earn more income and not to have customer problems. After all, you’re going to do this 100% to make it work.
OFWs have a great deal of experiences to the point they would like to open up businesses to show what they’re made of and share their secrets to business success. With hard work and dedication, being your own boss with your own time to take care of your business and well being has never been this extremely rewarding when you have a successful business with financial rewards, a flexible lifestyle, and a lifetime legacy along with the financial risk and hardships you go through. So if you’re looking for a sign to start your own business, then this is that sign to start your own business now!
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.
Living in a condominium is an entirely and completely different world from living in a single house. You get to have your own private space and world inside your condo unit while sharing the various and wonderful condo amenities and perks with other unit owners. In order to create close relationships with your neighbors and make condo living a hassle free experience for the whole condo community, you need to observe good condo etiquette and follow the condo house rules.
Start your journey in becoming a responsible condo resident with this list of basic condo living etiquettes!
It won’t hurt to stop and say hello to your neighbors. As a newcomer in the condo community, it’s important to create a friendly and approachable impression so that people won’t hesitate to interact with you. If you are the type to get shy at first meetings and gets cold feet when engaging in small talks, a friendly wave, nod, or a warm smile will be enough. Remember, it pays a lot to be nice!
I mean, who doesn’t want to have friends? Introduce yourself to your neighbors and properly welcome new residents. Take advantage of the fact that you are living in the same floor and same building in fostering close relationships. Who knew, your next best friend might just be a couple of doors (or floors) down!
Of course, when you move in, you take your lovely fur babies with you. Take note that it’s your main responsibility to keep your pet at close watch so that they won’t bother other condo residents. Make sure to regulate the noise caused by your pets and don’t forget to put them on a leash when you are taking them for walks around the common areas. Bring a handy plastic bag in case your pet poops. Bathe them regularly so that they won’t smell.
Every condo association has its own set of rules when it comes to garbage disposal and recycling. Mark your calendars so that you won’t miss the schedule for garbage collection. This simple act will help you get rid of food leftovers and trash so that they won’t stink inside your condo unit– and of course, we don’t want the bad smell to reach our lovely neighbors.
Another good condo etiquette is to segregate your trash– biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and the ones fit for recycling (you know these three all too well already!) by putting each kind in the right trash bins. Not only that it will keep harmful pests and bugs away, but following these simple condo rules will help you create a clean and healthy environment for you and your condo neighbors.
When using the common laundry area, make sure that the person before you has finished using the washing machine before you chuck your clothes inside the appliance. Of course it would be very rude to interrupt the cycling operation just so you could have your turn. Clean out any floor spills to prevent accidents. A good condo dweller also knows that clothes should be hung at their designated places– condo’s terraces are off limits!
Noise is the most common cause of bad blood between condo unit owners. Avoid unnecessary conflicts by toning and regulating the noise levels inside your condo unit. Remember that you are living in a place with your neighbors at a close proximity. If you want to enjoy a good music, set the volume where it is loud enough for you to hear but low enough so as not to disturb other tenants who might be studying or getting a good night’s sleep.
Always respect parking spaces, especially if there are assigned parking spaces for specific condo unit owners. Be sure to follow the condo buildings’ rules in common parking spaces and waiting time for vehicles. Do not double park (It’s a common courtesy to not take or occupy someone else’s parking space!) and just stay on your own parking space.
Heading out for a quick smoke? Know your condominium’s designated smoking area so you’ll know where to go when you need to hit some smoke. Properly dispose cigarette butts and avoid littering lobbies with bits of ashes. Avoid throwing them out of windows as it may cause fire or harm to tenants living under your unit. Ask your neighbors if it’s okay for you to smoke and adjust accordingly.
Sometimes, we feel the urge to revamp our own space for a fresher, newer look of environment. But before you start tearing those wallpapers off and bringing inside newly-purchased furniture, ask your landlord first if he has any specific rules in redecorating and improvements. If so, be sure to do your revamping without breaking any of the rules.
As a responsible condo unit owner, one of your tasks is to attend regular meetings of the condo association to keep yourself up to date with the latest news, rules and happenings in your condo community. This is also a great time to raise and assess personal concerns, if you have any.
One of the greats perks of living in a condominiums is the exclusive use of great amenities like the gym or pool. Observe proper etiquette when using these common areas as there are also other residents who want to have some time to relax and unwind. Keep in mind that there are other community members who will use these amenities after you so it’s important to use them properly and tidy things up after use.
Safety and security is a one, big priority for every community. Observe security measures by keeping the doors, including parking lot entrances, pool entryways properly closed or locked. Do not tamper, destroy or play with the security cameras and report immediately to the police or condo associations if you detect any suspicious activity. Inspect guests for their visitor’s pass and never let any stranger come inside your unit without verifying the reason why they are there in the first place.
One of the qualities of a good neighbor is that he is always willing to extend a helping hand. You see your neighbor having trouble carrying his stuff; offer to take some of his baggage to ease some of his burden, because why not? The working mom living two doors down needs someone who’ll temporary look after her kids; present yourself to be a babysitter and earn a little cash! It’s such a good feeling to be able to help other people, but sure to learn how to say no when necessary.
A trusting neighbor treats other dwellers like a family and keeps their best interest at heart. They are true to their words and actions and keeps any promises they made. They do not spread any lies or gossip just to ruin other people’s image and reputation.
A good neighbor knows other condo residents’ boundaries and respects someone else’s space and time. When borrowing things from other people, he takes good care of them and returns them immediately. A good neighbor maintains a close relationship with his fellow residents while not interfering any personal or private business.
If you are planning to experience the wonders and joys of living the condominium life, it is important for you to know and follow these condo living etiquettes in order for you to create a harmonious relationship with your neighbors and co-residents. Condo living indeed has a lot of perks. It gives you the opportunity to experience life to the fullest while meeting a lot of interesting, diverse people. Giving genuine care and respect to people inhabiting the same space with us provides a better quality of life for everyone.
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.
For most Filipinos, owning a home is a big part of their dreams. However, not many can afford to buy their own without financial help. While housing and lot ownership can be accessible in the country, there are still many factors that can hinder a Filipino family from owning a home.
Housing loan is available like PAG-IBIG but it is not the only option. If you’re thinking of buying a house soon but do not know how to get started, read on below all about the basics of loans and mortgage loans.
The term “loan” can be used to describe any financial transaction where one party borrows from another in a lump sum with the agreement to pay it back in installments or staggered payments. A mortgage loan is used to finance a property. It is a type of loan but not all loans are mortgages, although all mortgages are loans.
With a mortgage, the borrower (you) is securing a loan with your lender using the property or house as collateral if you fail to repay the monthly dues. Home loans, on the other hand, can have other collaterals apart from the property itself, depending on the agreement between the borrower and the lender.
Mortgages are often called “secure” loans. Unlike a personal loan, a secured loan promises collateral from the borrower to the lender. In the event that they stop making payments, their collateral will be collected and their former payments are forfeited. In the case of a mortgage loan, the collateral is the house itself.
Once the loaner stops paying their monthly repayments, the lender can take possession of the home in a process called foreclosure. A mortgage loan is also an agreement between you, the borrower, and the lender to move into the house without paying for everything in cash upfront. The terms of payment may be amended plus interest rate, which should be strictly followed lest you want to be prematurely but legally evicted from your house.
A good percentage of homeowners are able to buy their own house thanks to mortgage loans. Not everyone can afford to be a property owner with the full cost coming out of their pockets. This means that a mortgage loan is directly related to a person’s buying capacity.
Ideally, anyone can own a home if they are qualified to avail loan or remortgaging fees. The qualifications or eligibility requirements usually include a person’s stable and reliable income and their debt-to-income ratio, which should be less than 50% for a safe bet.
Before knowing the advantages and disadvantages of home loan, first, you need to know that there are different types of mortgage loans. They cater to different needs, which means one might be more suited for you than the other. Each type of mortgage loan can also vary in terms of income tax benefits. Check them out below.
There are many advantages and disadvantages to getting a mortgage. The most obvious advantage is being able to afford your dream home, something you can call your own in the long run. Whether it is yours or a shared ownership type of property, after you have finished your loan, that place is yours to do with as you please. As the borrower, your steady repayment also builds up your credit and income tax benefits.
When you talk about advantages and disadvantages, the disadvantages can sometimes put off people from completely trying something. In mortgages, the biggest disadvantage is the fact that you will be liable to make your repayment to your lender in big sums of money, depending on your agreement. This is why home mortgages are not for everyone because they can be pricey, especially compared to simply paying rent.
Home or housing loan is generally described as an amount of money borrowed by an individual from another who lends money, which is usually banks and companies. The borrower (you) has to pay back the loan amount with interest in Easy Monthly Installments (EMIs) over a period of time that can vary depending on your agreement with the lender (bank or company).
There are different kinds of home loan options that allow you to buy not just houses but properties with a significantly lower interest rate, whether it is for personal or commercial use.
If you’re considering applying for a home loan, there are some factors you need to consider first.
Want to stay updated on the latest trending topics? Head on over to www.vistalandinternational.com for more. Vista Land International is home to the Philippines’ biggest real estate developer and has been making Filipino families’ dream home come true for years.
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 internet and other technological advancements has drastically changed our way of life, including the way we shop and purchase our needs. Business organizations has adapted to the rapid growth of technology and transitioned from having a physical store to putting up online shopping stores and online sites to display their goods and merchandise.
Nowadays, a lot of people prefer online shopping due to its comfort and ease. Online shopping surged up rapidly especially during the time of COVID-19, when all people are confined inside the four corners of their homes. This also paved way for more online shops and online stores to sprout, giving consumers endless options and reasons to shop online in the comfort of their own home.
Convenience is the ultimate reason why most people opt to do online shopping than go out to actual, physical stores. Online shopping provides you the opportunity to shop online 24/7 less the long queues in front of the cash counters. Why would you stand in long lines in front of the cashier when you can add to your cart your favorite designer bag in the comfort of your bed—even while wearing pajamas! Cancellation of orders is also easy and hassle-free.
Another great thing about online shopping is that there are various and virtually endless list of shopping site to choose from! Online shoppers can immediately find that specific brand or item in just a few taps or clicks and get first in line with the latest international trends and releases from their favorite online shops. Even if your preferred item is on the other side of the world, you can get it shipped at your doorstep in just a few weeks– never mind the shipping costs!
For instance, if you are looking for a house or property, there’s a lot of real estate developers to choose from online. One of them is Vista Land, the Philippines’ largest property developer and homebuilder. Vista Land offers a wide array of house and lot & condominium that will surely suit you and your family’s taste and needs.
Moreover, through its international marketing arm, Vista Land International Marketing Inc., Vista Land has also established global presence and catered to our fellow kababayans and OFWs to make their dream home and property at arm’s reach. Whether here or abroad, you are certain that there’s a Vista Land property for you!
Traditional shopping typically has sales representatives that will follow you around, trying to convince you to purchase a specific product. This puts some kind of pressure on the consumers’ part, ending up in buying items they don’t necessarily need. On the other hand, online shopping lets you shop at your own pace.
It’s easier to bag products or items with cheaper, lower prices online because they come straight from manufacturers and online retailers, eliminating the additional tags added by middlemen. One of the gimmicks done by online shops to attract customers is by giving them significant discounts, vouchers, rebates, among other perks. With real estate cost, maintenance and other building fees cut off, they can give generous discounts and freebies to online shoppers.
Also, online shopping saves money, for instance, shoppers can cross out gas expenses on their list. What’s more is that they can use that gas money to purchase more online! Online consumers can get the best deal with the best prices!
Aside from amazing deals and good discounts, online shopping save an ample amount of your time. Shoppers don’t have to stand behind long lines in front of cash counters and cashiers waiting for their turn to be rung up. Purchasing goods online means you don’t have to go out to travel.
Another reason why people love online shopping is that they get to avoid large crowds, especially during holidays, festivals, or weekend sales. You don’t have to squeeze in and get yourself crushed in between hurrying shoppers. Also, you d0n’t have to worry about parking spaces!
Finding gifts for your loved ones during special occasions like Christmas, Valentine’s Day and weddings has been made easier through online shopping. All you have to do is check out your gift and get it delivered right at your doorstep wrapped in pretty wraps and packaging!
With online shopping, it is also much easier for you to compare online product prices—remember those times when you were going back and forth in every aisle just to check and compare prices? You can also check for online reviews and comments about a specific item to make sure you are getting the best out of your purchase.
You don’t have to keep a bunch of receipts for every purchase you made as receipts comes in electronically with online shopping. Record-keeping of your purchases is also easier this way.
Another perk of online shopping is that these online stores are equipped with facilities which will help you track the status of your order in real time!
While there may be a lot of perks and advantages of online shopping, there are also downsides of shopping online that you should take consideration of.
Unlike in traditional shopping in physical stores where you can pick up your purchase in real time, in online shopping, you’ll have to wait for your shipment to arrive. In more often cases than not, some items get delayed, lost, or delivered into the wrong address. This is one of the major disadvantages of online shopping. In order to avoid these mishaps and getting a huge headache, it’s important regularly communicate with your seller and track your order and shipping status.
Your package will usually arrive wrapped in layers of bubble wrap and enclosed in large, cardboard boxes or plastic shipping bags which is not really impressive in Mother Nature’s part.
While many people are hopping onto the convenience of shopping online, this makes it also an appealing target to online fraudsters and scammers. Phishing, hacking, identity theft, credit card scams, and counterfeit products are some of the online frauds and risks you should be wary and careful of.
You usually say to yourself that you’re only going to check the price of this specific item, but before you knew it, you’ve been scrolling through your phone the whole day!
Doing online shopping means you are about to spend the entirety of your day indoors. Sometimes, it is still better to take your phone down, breathe fresh air and take a walk around the community. Online shopping lacks that interaction and appeal to the senses– the sounds of people buzzing and talking, the atmosphere, the smell of food and products brought about by the traditional shopping exercise.
Unlike stores where there are sales representative and personnel to assist you, you are all by yourself when shopping online. You are left to fend for yourself if you are confused or have any questions. It’s a good thing that some online shopping portals have now ways for the buyer to communicate with the seller but sometimes they can be unresponsive or delayed when attending to your queries.
If everyone shifted to shopping and spending money online, soon, local stores and businesses will have to stop and close. In some places, e commerce has taken away jobs from people and gave a huge dent on local economies.
In more often cases than not, a lot of shoppers have been disappointed with their purchases online. Sizes are bigger or smaller, the colors are incorrect and sometimes, the expectation doesn’t really match the reality. There’s no way to check the quality of items online unlike when you are shopping firsthand.
Returning items or getting refunds can be such an excruciating task on the part of online shopping customers, especially if the seller is uncooperative or unresponsive. There is also the hassle of filling out necessary forms, packaging, labeling and shipping the merchandise back to the seller.
Indeed, online shopping is fun, reliable, and very convenient. However, there are still risks lurking in the dark, waiting to pounce on you when you leave yourself unguarded and vulnerable. Social media sites are flooded with posts and reviews from online shoppers who didn’t exactly get what they expected and hoped to. Take a look at this list of online shopping tips to prevent yourself from falling victim into online shopping frauds.
Before you buy online, make sure you are prepared and secured. Shop only in websites that have ‘https’ on their web address. This ensures you that the online store is secured. It is also helpful to equip your computer with safety firewalls. Online scammers have higher chances to steal customers credit card details and bank details when an online shoppers’ computer isn’t safeguarded enough. Make smart purchasing decisions by evaluating offers with attractive discounts or too-good-to-be-true prices. Avoid purchasing goods in public places with unsecured connections.
Another thing you could do to prevent from falling victim to online fraudsters is to create strong passwords, and as much as possible make it unique.
Here are some guidelines in creating a strong and unique password:
Purchase items in online stores you are best familiar with and those who have good reputations. You can also bookmark these online sites to avoid typographical errors when inputting them manually in search engines. A single typo on your merchant’s website name may lead you to fake sites which may steal detailed information of your credit cards and other personal info.
Sometimes, we are tempted to immediately check out when the price of the item is incredibly low. Compare prices first before checking out. Unusually low prices might be a sign that the deal is fraudulent.
Public Wi-Fis are usually unencrypted and unsafe. If there are any instances that you have to shop online using a public Wi-Fi, use a VPN or Virtual Private Network. This will serve as a safety net when doing online payments and transactions.
Immediately delete suspicious e-mails telling you you’ve won prices or huge discounts, or that there are some problems encountered with the delivery of your purchase. Avoid clicking malicious links as it may give access to malwares to penetrate through your phone or computer. It is better to ask the seller if you’ve truly won something. Delivery status tracking can be done by checking the website of your package’s courier.
If you ever fall victim to a online fraud, report it immediately to the authorities to prevent further damages as well as unauthorized transactions.
In conclusion, while online shopping can be addicting and tempting due to its various perks, it is still important to patronize and shop from our local retailers to keep their economy moving. With these tips on how to prevent online shopping scams, we hope that you’ve gained useful insights the next time you purchase online. However, it’s worth noting that you shouldn’t rely your every purchase online. But, it wouldn’t hurt to add that item into your cart once in a while!
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 Vista Land 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!
Vista Land 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 Vista Land International as a real estate professional and earn a commission!
Vista Land 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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