As house-and-lot and condominium owners, especially those living abroad like OFWs and migrant Filipinos with properties in the Philippines, diligently checking up on your property can go a long way in protecting your investments. Protecting your valuable real estate asset can be done with regular visits to private and government offices to make sure that the documentation and payment dues are properly settled. Ignoring these obligations can incur more expenses and losses in the future.
Whether you will liaise it yourself or will ask somebody to do it on your behalf, here is a periodical checklist and investment tips for Filipinos abroad to secure that all your responsibilities as a property owner are covered.
First off in our checlist and real estate investment tips is checking the property title. The fundamental principles about land titles are its indefeasible and binding characteristics. This means that it cannot be annulled or overturned. OFWs and migrant Filipinos may safely rely on the correctness of the certificate of title issued by the Register of Deeds (RD) since there are ways of checking the authenticity of the land title. The most basic and assuring step is to secure a certified true copy from the Register of Deeds. When you do, carefully check the numbers and the signatures.
For the numbers, you may check if the lot area indicated at the back or inner part of the title is correct and the same as what you had purchased. At the top part of the land title, the inscription is Judicial Form No. 108-D for OCT (Original Certificate of Title), while Judicial Form No. 109-D for TCT (Transfer Certificate of Title). Certificates of Titles have serial numbers in red (SN. No.).
For the latest e-title type, the text is fully computerized and printed, while older versions are normally typewritten and smaller by size.
For the signatures, the administrator and Registrar’s signature must be present for OCT, while TCT’s shall bear only the Registrar or the Register of Deeds in general. Errors or corrected characters in typewritten titles are countersigned by the registrar which cannot be done with the new electronic titles.
Keep your title copy like any other important documents securely. Titles are recommended to be kept and its digital copy. Secure also photocopies of both original and certified true copy and keep them in a separate envelope. Most banks will only ask for a copy of the title for the initial mortgage assessment and they don’t need the original title to process loan applications.
A photocopy will do even during the time of selling negotiation. Keep a scanned copy or digital file on your computer or saving storage to make sure that a soft copy or a computer file is available anytime you need it.
A safe or vault is the right storage for this kind of valuable document. Your documents can also be stored in a portfolio bag and placed in a secure cabinet or wardrobe dresser.
Going off to our list of investment tips is equipping yourself with the right knowledge about tax declaration and real property tax payment.
Tax declaration is not proof that a person owns a property, though it may support the ownership. OFWs and migrant Filipinos who own a property should examine the details of the tax declaration. Details should include the owner’s name, the classification of the property, its actual use, the amount of the market value, and the assessed value. Also note that land and building has a separate tax declaration so secure both papers.
For the payment of taxes, a real property tax clearance is issued by the municipal cashier. This document is in the form of a receipt that ensures the property owner has paid all real property taxes related to the property. Unpaid real property taxes will constitute a lien on your property. Thus, the government may subject the land to levy and sell it at a public auction.
These two documents, the real estate property tax and tax declaration should always be kept together.
Payment for real property tax can be done at an early week of the year to avail discounts. The local government provides discounts for early payers as much as 50% of the due tax. Check with your municipal assessors that cover your property to know more about this discount.
Once paid, keep a photocopy of the tax declaration and tax payment receipt in an envelope and a scanned copy of both files for digital storage. For safety and quick reference, you can store these documents with the title but put it in a separate folder or envelope.
Maps are an important reference in locating your property. If you don’t have a copy of your lot plan, it is important to request one and secure it properly. This should come along with the subdivision map and vicinity map. These three documents are essential requirements of banks for loan and mortgage applications. These maps should always be kept with your property documents. The developer can provide you with these technical documents for your record and file.
To check if your lot plan is correct, review all property descriptions and compare them with all your property documents. Specific figures such as block number, lot number, and lot or unit areas are all the same with your certificate of title, tax declaration, tax receipt, and subdivision map. Architects and surveyors can also review the bearings and direction of boundaries and measurement in referring to the technical description written in the title. Make sure to keep in mind these property investment tips!
Fourth in the of our real estate investment tips is the homeowner’s dues. The property, may it be a condominium or a subdivision development, is maintained by a property management company. To keep it in good condition and make sure that the utilities and amenities are in proper order, they need a budget for their finances. Their source of funds is collected as contributions from every homeowner.
OFWs or migrant Filipino property investors should avoid skipping payments to your project officers since the association can penalize homeowners with past due payments. It is better if you can pay in advance to avoid it. In some instances, property managers also offer discounts to homeowners who pay their monthly dues in advance.
For OFWs or migrant Filipinos whose properties are still on a mortgage with the bank, there are two important insurances to have. These are the fire insurance and mortgage redemption insurance. The first will cover the structure and building of your property if it is condemned due to fire and the latter will cover your mortgage loan if something happens to the principal buyer.
Premium payment must always be up to date every year for these insurances. Premium payment depends on your insurance company but their basis is your age, loan amount, and the bill of materials of the building. Insurance companies send billing statements for the premium every year but as an OFW or migrant Filipino, you can easily pay online on their websites. You can opt to insure your appliances and structure if you paid the whole consideration already or own the property.
For investments such as house and lot properties, condominium units, or lot only properties, it should always be properly taken care of. When you are able to, check the property from time to time. If not, send a trustworthy person and request a picture and video.
For condominium units, tenants should allow the unit owner to visit the unit once a year or as needed by the owner. This premise also works with house and lot properties. With this, the cost of repair and deterioration of the property are monitored after every inspection.
For lot properties, a demarcation line or a perimeter fence is advised. By putting up a perimeter fence around your property, the nearby community will have an idea that your property is being regularly inspected and won’t become prone to illegal settlers. It is better to put up a makeshift home where your caretaker can sleep or rest from time to time.
Such investment tips are handy in the maintenance and upkeep of your property.
Real estate property investments have a unique characteristic that could be used to generate passive income. In connection to checklist #6, the property is more secure since there are people who can look after your property. Deterioration of the building or structure might occur but repair or repainting can easily be covered by the rental income. This is also true for lots only where farmers can use your land for crops or poultry.
To find a tenant, there are available property listing websites where you can place your advertisement at a lower cost or even free. Social media platforms such as Facebook groups and online forums are also useful to look for tenants.
And last but definitely not the least on our list of real estate investing tips is the Special Power of Attorney (SPA).
There might be instances where your need for your consent or signature might arise. A legal document, called Special Power of Attorney, is needed to make someone sign on your behalf. It won’t transfer your ownership, but it’ll authorize someone to transact on your behalf. You can assign your spouse, sibling, or a close relative for this purpose.
Real estate property is an investment that will give you tremendous returns if taken care of properly. If not for rental, the appreciation of your property value will make your income grow passively. But this income, like any other investments, comes with great responsibility. Use this checklist and make sure that as an OFW or migrant Filipino property investor, you won’t miss your responsibilities to keep a well-maintained property and updated property documents.
Invest in Vistaland International Marketing, Inc. today!
Vistaland International offers different kinds of real estate assets from affordable house and lot units to luxury real estate properties. Having one of the largest real estate companies in the Philippines as part of their selection of real estate investments, VIMI aims to provide quality homes that are built to last for future generations.
As the international marketing division of Vista Land, VIMI provides several financial growth opportunities for OFWs’ real estate investments in the Philippines. Connect to us via our live messenger button or contact us here.
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.
By Zaldy Cabrera
For most OFWs and migrant Filipinos, they often dream of a house and lot property to provide for their loved ones. Complete with tiles, paint, ceiling, and partitions inside the home and a simple garden outside is the ideal home they want. They often shy away from the
lot only property units mainly because of the additional costs of building the house and the lengthy timeline from the downpayment term up to the house construction.
While it is a reasonable choice to opt for a house and lot package, the advantages of investing in a residential lot property is also at par. Investing in a residential lot allows for freedom to build the ideal home which suits your family. Whether you’re considering buying a vacant land for investment purposes or you’re planning on building the dream home you’ve always wanted, a vacant residential land has advantages that most Filipinos don’t realize.
Luxury Residential Lot for sale at The Crest – Camella Savannah Iloilo
One of the biggest advantages OFWs and migrant Filipinos have in a residential land property is the maximum control and freedom to design, create, and build the home of your dreams. The land is yours and you can do whatever you want with it so long as it conforms with the developer’s or government’s rules and regulations. If you’re looking for ways to earn additional income, you can build a home rental or vacation home and have it listed on AirBnb. Think of it as a blank canvas and it’s up to you on how you can utilize the space to build your dream home.
Also related: Real Estate Strategies to Earn Money for OFW Investors
If you’re looking at an investment angle, owning a vacant land requires moderate to little maintenance. Especially inside gated subdivisions where they have their own maintenance staff who is responsible for the upkeep around the neighborhood. Compared to a house and lot package where you have to keep your home spick and span, a vacant land only requires a monthly grass cut or trim. Since it requires minimal attention, you won’t have to stress about the property at all.
Purchasing a vacant property lot is an ideal investment for OFWs and migrant Filipinos. After paying for the land in full, it is theirs to own and they have the freedom to decide when to build their home. They can work abroad without having to worry about the house construction, the process of the house turnover, and moving in their home. Should they decide to come home and settle down with their family, they can start building their residential home a few years before leaving their work abroad.
Also related: 3 Golden Rules When Acquiring an OFW Property Investment
Purchasing a vacant property lot is a flexible real estate asset that you can earn from. By simply leaving the property as it is, you are essentially making your property lot investment a source of passive income. There are several strategies that you can do with your property that could have great returns in the future.
A well-known strategy used by many real estate salespersons is the buy-and-hold strategy where you purchase a vacant property lot, sit on it for a few years, and sell it for the current market value. This is a good strategy OFWs and migrant Filipinos can use since they spend most of their days working abroad. They can purchase land when they visit the Philippines and when they come back in a few years, they can sell their property for a profit.
Also Related: Real Estate Investments as Income Replacement for OFWs
Generally, having a piece of land as a property investment is a safe option for novice OFW investors. There is a big chance your vacant land can appreciate significantly especially if you bought the property at a pre-selling price. When there is steady growth of infrastructure development in the project location, so does the value of your land. Ideally, your piece of land becomes a hot commodity when the area further develops.
This is why it’s important to choose a real estate developer that is known for providing quality real estate properties and has high value appreciation rates.
Camella Homes, Crown Asia, and Brittany Corporation are one of the many real estate developers in the Philippines that offer lot only units with high value appreciation rates. Under the Vista Land flagship brand, these developers are known for their quality house and lot units that last for generations.
Also related: Ways to Maximize Property Investment Returns for OFWs
What most OFW and local Filipino homebuyers don’t know is the market for a residential vacant lot is lower compared to the market for house and lot and condo properties. You have the advantage of buying a vacant lot in an ideal location at a reasonable price. It’s a great deal too if you can find a pre-selling development because their prices are lower and might also have a flexible payment term.
OFWs and migrant Filipinos who are not in a hurry to move in but are looking for a future home should consider a residential lot as one of their choices. Investing in a pre-selling residential land for sale gives you a lot of breathing time as well. As the development continues, you can start meeting up with an architect, engineer, or contractor about the structure and design you want for your home.
Also related: Reasons Why OFWs Should Invest in Properties at Its Pre-selling Stage
Let the real estate professionals at Vistaland International help you find the ideal residential lot for you to build your dream home!
As the global marketing division of Vista Land, Vistaland International can find the right lot property investment for you. Vistaland International has real estate brokers and salespersons abroad in select countries and locally in the Philippines as well. Send us a message today and we’ll help you find the land of your dreams.
From house and lot packages to condo units, Vista Land also offers vacant residential land for sale in the Philippines!
Ranging from affordable house and lot units to luxury residential estates, Vista Land has a house for every Filipino. And in the vertical spectrum of homes, Vista Land also has condominium properties that provide a safe space in the heart of the bustling metro.
Vista Land is the biggest integrated real estate developer in the Philippines. As the largest homebuilder of the country, Vista Land also offers lot properties that provide Filipinos an opportunity to build their home tailored to fit their preference.
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.
Being a first time condominium owner can be exciting as you are not just living in a new home, but are also part of a larger community. For OFWs and their families who are new to condo living, the shift can be a drastic one. Here are some condo living tips we picked out for you, to be able to make the most out of your new dream condominium unit.
Each condominium developer has their own set of rules. This is why you see some condominiums allow for pets and some do not. Being aware of this is important as to respect the rules set by the management and as courtesy to the other residents in the building. Hopefully, you are aware of these rules before you even make the purchase of your condo.
If you happen to stay behind the curve, it is never too late to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations. If any rules are unclear, do not hesitate to ask for help from the manager of the building. Knowing the rules and sticking by them helps make it a better living experience for you and all the other residents.
One of the major factors that draw families to condominium living apart from the location, are the amenities. Part of your monthly dues covers the maintenance fees associated with the amenities such as the pool, gym, and other common areas of the condominium. This way, you are making the most out of the monthly dues that you are paying for.
Because condominium units are smaller than houses, you have less space for your belongings and appliances. This makes it important to ensure its cleanliness in spite of the limited available space. Be mindful of things you may be hoarding and try to set a regular schedule of when you should declutter your space to keep things tidy. This will let you see which items you have which are still being used or not.
Having organizers in your new condo can help keep your things in order and help you locate them for later. This can give you the illusion of having more space as you put assorted items in organized boxes.
You can be smart with your furniture purchase by getting multi-purpose furniture that can help you in further organizing your home despite the smaller living space. Furniture such as a coffee table with storage space below, beds with drawers underneath, sofas that double as an extra bed are just some examples of this. Having wall shelves is another option that lets you consume less floor space but gives you extra room to store items and display your decor.
Condo residents are lucky because they are often surrounded by commercial areas for their convenience whether it be malls, restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, and the like. For those that maintain a lifestyle of going out, making the most out of your proximity to these places would be great as you are saving on gas money by being situated to “where the action is”.
While it can be a change to new OFW condo owners, familiarizing yourself with the lifestyle of condominium living can help you feel more at home. For aspiring OFW condominium owners, knowing these tips can also better prepare you for what is to come when you finally get that dream home. Luckily, Vistaland International has got you covered in our condo guide on which property is the best for you.
Discover your dream home possibilities through Vistaland International’s range of properties, made for every OFW family in mind. Just visit our website at www.vistalandinternational.com to learn more.
by: John Marvin Ramos
March 17, 2020; a day worth remembering as one uninvited guest came unexpected. The world stopped spinning due to the Covid-19 pandemic that put places into massive lockdown and brought changes to Filipino lives. It is true that the pandemic affects our fellow Kababayans abroad (OFWs) but it’s never a reason to put OFW investments into nothing.
Today in the Philippines, we are likely experiencing the exact same thing that happened a year ago. Metro Manila and surrounding provinces such as Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna are now under GCQ bubble due to a high increase in the number of positive cases ever recorded in a single day caused by COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, OFWs who have families living in the said areas are making sure they are more prepared than what actually happened 365 days ago.
Known for being “madiskarte”, Filipinos and OFWs sure know how to deal with uncertainties brought by sudden change. In addition, Philippine real estate plays a great role for many of us. Here are some guidelines that you may find helpful in today’s GCQ status in the Philippines.
If there’s a great thing the pandemic lockdown have brought us, is that we’ve get to tap into our creative sides trying to fight the anxiety and boredom. It is during lockdown that we’ve discovered things that pique our interest and start venturing back into our passion that was once forgotten. And one of those is starting a gardens in our homes!
Unleashing your inner Plantito and Plantita by putting some decorative plants indoor will take away your stress from working all day. This applies not only limited to your house and lot unit but also in condominium units as it require minimal amount of space. Adding plants to your investment houses, as believed by many Filipinos, symbolize emotions, ideas, and actions. Succulent plants are common interests nowadays as they make great ornaments and are known for surviving dry conditions.
On the other hand, while the majority is busy picking the right color and size of a cactus for their table, others decided to add some greenery to any empty space possible with different variations such as Orchids, Snake Plants, Dracaena, or even Monstera in their bedrooms.
Fun fact: Survey says sleeping in house and lot with plants in their sleeping area allows an extra boost of fresh air and can lead someone into a better night’s sleep.
Do you have what it takes to be called “Pl-aunt, Pla-untie, or Hala-mom?” Then now is the time get some hands dirty!
READ: 4 Filipino Home Care Essentials
Been itching to do some home make-overs for a while now? Well, the lockdown may be the great time to give your house a new ‘updo.’
Get ready to take some notes as this gives you a leeway on how to make your small space a bigger working place. During the first lockdown, local Filipinos and OFWs’ properties somehow converted a few rooms in their home into working spaces as most of us are not allowed to go outside or work in the office. Some people have a natural eye for design, color combination, and aesthetics. And when I say some, I really mean some. For those who don’t have a broader knowledge about these things, you may want to consult a few friendly sites like Pinterest that gives you an inspiration on how a certain arrangement delivers great impact on your working space.
What difference will it make if you hang a wall art that describes you as a person? Or maybe, painting your walls white that will give an illusion of bigger space? You may also want to add big statement furniture pieces or some decorative bowls and baskets which will give life to your home’s surrounding. Bottom line is, this will bring out the artist in you. And you get to paint a new hue out of the world’s multitude of colors.
READ: Ways to Redecorate Your Home During the New Normal
While others are hurdling themselves to strive and adopt in this global crisis, OFWs and other investors took it as a leverage and capitalize their assets to its maximum advantage. This is for the same reason that OFW investors are given a chance to acquire Philippine real estate properties with lower interest rates and big discounts.
According to Lamudi’s initial trend report, property investments showed strong performance and increase when areas are placed under the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). The demand in real estate sky-rocketed as well considering OFW property seekers are after affordability.
Moreover, with public transportation suspended or on restricted operations, property seekers could have wanted a condo property close to their workplaces, particularly those classified as essential employees and square measure to avoid higher risk and exposure to Covid-19. If you have a plan on investing in real estate, we got you some receipts already.
In fact, there are excellent locations you can choose from provided by one of the most known and long-running developer in the Philippines- Vista Land. From affordable house and lot units down to condominium options strategically located in progressive places all over the country, Vista Land takes its pride by continuously improving its services and offerings that will surely benefit you and next generations through long-term investments.
READ: Things to Consider Before Buying a Condo
Ironically, it is safe to say that the prevailing pandemic is the recipe we all needed to be a great cook of our own. Missing your old coffee tambayan and spots? Start stirring up your day with Dalgona Coffee who not long enough got its title “quarantine coffee”. People from around the world and even celebrities have been uploading photos of it while adding their own little twist through the internet and undeniably made a buzz and garnered interest.
Now, what is the best way to treat yourself from a day of hard work? Did anyone say Sushi? Yes, you got it right! Our love for Japanese food runs through our blood. And since most restaurant doors are closed during the lockdown, people are starting to innovate just to satisfy their cravings. One thing that made it stand out from the usual sushi rolls is that this time, it’s baked! Both OFWs and local Filipinos can enjoy a spoonful of it without compromising their safety inside the comfort of their home.
READ: 10 Things OFWs Can Do to Appreciate Indoor Living
Being confined in the four corners of your home may lead to stress, anxiety, and boredom. However, we can ease the feeling on uneasiness through these fun lockdown activities. Little by little, day by day, we can start looking forward to a brighter news while trying to survive in the present times.
The pandemic brought a number of economic activities into a halt; leading everyone to somewhat change their perception on different aspects of life from investments and businesses to personal endeavors and career growth. Whether they take risk of investing into real estate for future, spend a little amount in house and lot renovations, or just scoop out a handful of baked Sushi, the prevailing pandemic introduces a different way that binds us together.
We can’t deny the fact that this crisis taught us things we’d say we learned way earlier than we should have. It taught us to be more creative, pay more attention to details, allowed us to look beyond what meets the eye, and to be a critical thinker in particular. There are plenty of us who are still finding their way to cope up with this pandemic and the government is still on the process of finding solution to aid this situation. But looking at the smaller pieces of the whole picture, its advantages outweigh its disadvantages.
From household tips to OFW property investments, Vista Land International has everything you need!
Vista Land International provides you an opportunity to choose between home investments that offer a safe space for home quarantine. Ranging from economic, socialized, affordable homes down to luxury houses, you sure can breathe with ease if safety is your main priority especially to those who are working abroad, away from their families.
Also, Vista Land not only offers spacious rooms that fits right for your WFH (work from home) set up, or a peaceful workplace away from the hustle and bustle that interrupts your Zoom meetings but of course, the peace of mind that you are creating your own version of success at the comfort of your so called home. Despite the unquestioned fact that everyone’s vision of what constitutes success is completely different, one ought to pay one’s time establishing and finalizing one’s personal vision of it.
Are you an OFW looking for financial growth? Join our team of international real estate brokers and salespersons! Click here to join.
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
by: Zaldy Cabrera
Filipinos abroad especially OFWs are very affected by FOMO- the feeling of missing out. Aside from the activities and memories of their loved ones that they are missing on, it is hard for them to stop thinking about their family’s security and safety while inside their home.
Aside from home sanitations and buying disinfectants to keep your family safe, here are some tips for Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) parents to lessen their worries especially they are in a long distance living arrangement from their kids.
Photo by cottonbro from Pexels
A good area in your house where you can always hear and see the young ones is near the living room. It is necessary to make a toddler’s play area clean and free from dirt. Foam mats on the floors and a silicon edge cover for sharp-edged furniture are a great added protection to keep your little ones safe from slipping on the floor and bumping on tables. Plastic plug covers are an additional safety hack to avoid hazards from electric shocks. Locomotor development toys such as big cars for boys and kitchen counter toys for little girls will make them busy in a couple of hours and develop their motor skills and body coordination. These types of toys are also easy to disinfect so buying these toys is a good decision. Just make sure to keep the small pieces away from them and check the age compliances of other handy toys. OFWs and migrant Filipinos abroad can also place a camera directed at the toddler’s nook to watch their children while they are playing.
A display shelf or cubbyhole where they can put away their favorite toys after playing maintains the tidiness and neatness around the room. It will also teach them to be responsible for placing their unused toys in proper places. It is also another way of teaching them how to segregate toys according to their preferences. By placing a display shelf or cubbyhole, an accident from stepping on cluttered toys and slipping on the floor can be avoided.
Young teens need an activity during their vacant time after their online classes. Surprisingly, they tend to be more creative and resourceful after spending hours studying and doing home works. With the available DIYs and demo tutorials online, they can be productive with their time by making a few artworks. A separate crafting table for their creative DIY projects will encourage them to spend more time being productive. In their room, put up shelves or cubbyholes for paints, brushes, sketch pads, stickers, yarns, and crafting materials. Just make sure that they use non-toxic paints. As an OFW or Filipino abroad, it is hard to let them use dangerous tools without your physical guidance so remind them that needles and scissors should be kept in a separate place and stored away if they are not in use. If there are available options, avoid using pointed materials on their creations.
During online classes, a study area in a home of OFWs and Filipinos abroad is also necessary to help their children focus on their class and spend more time studying. Bookshelves, drawers for pens, highlighters, and markers are also recommended to keep their study area clean and organized. Their desktop or laptop must be free from tangled wires and electrical plugs must be kept secured to avoid internet connection problems during their classes. An allotted table for their snacks and drinks must be situated away from gadgets, wires, and electrical sockets to avoid accidents such as drinks being spilled on electrical devices.
Boys are very fond of computers and playing video games. Due to restricted outdoor activities implemented by the government, they are now limited to meet their friends virtually using their desktops or laptops. They spend their rest time clicking through their tablets or game consoles and eventually become a part of their daily routine. They need more guidance since they may feel more liberated because their parents or one of their parents is an OFW or a migrant Filipino.
The messy room of your son must be kept organized and safe from any accidents and hazards. To keep their room safe and organized, computer cables must be clipped together and have a specific storage cabinet for computer accessories such as headsets, mouse, and speakers. It is also good to have a separate drawer for gadgets like tablets, mobile phones, or console controllers to keep their rooms tidy. There are available desk organizers in stores that you can buy for their makeshift study-play area. Enlarged mousepads, cord organizers, radiation-screen protectors, and the likes are also available in discount stores or their favourite gadget stores.
Aside from these ad-ons, OFWs and Filipinos abroad are more concerned about the physical well-being of their big boys. You can consider buying a sturdy and heavy-duty computer table and chairs since they mostly spend their time on their computer. Boys, especially in high school, will be sitting and using it for longer hours during online class, research, and leisure time. The same with other rooms, cables and plugs must be securely kept to avoid disconnections during online activities. A dedicated power supply for desktop or laptop is also recommended to avoid power overloads. Shelves for their books, pad papers, and school supplies are also advisable and have a separate space for their favorite toys or anime display figures.
It is the wife who will mostly stay the whole time in your home. Even if they work during the day, they are the house’s most trusted manager, dad’s worry reliever, and their life partner.
Mothers are also the best cook, pastry baker, and needs provider of our house. They must feel comfortable and stress-free during their stay in their favorite place of the house – the kitchen. It is often preferred by moms to have an overhead cabinet with space for grocery items especially their ingredients, oils, and spices. Shelves for kitchen wares and organizers for pans and casseroles are also among their preference. Among their preference are knife organizers, plate drawers, cutlery tubs. Power outlets should also be available in the kitchen area since they are part of the cooking and baking essentials. Make sure that all the previously mentioned items are comfortably within an arm’s reach to have an easier time cooking in the kitchen. Since most dangerous items such as knives are located in the kitchen, it is best to keep these tools away in their proper storage area when not in use. The kitchen must be well lit and well ventilated to make sure that all food and drinks being served are perfectly done with love and care. Since the kitchen is highly prone to start fires, a fire extinguisher must be placed in conspicuous places for an emergency.
First Ladies of the house love neat, clean, and fresh smelling clothes for their kids and partners. An OFW’s and migrant Filipino’s house-and-lot unit should also have a proper laundry area with organized surroundings. Having an organized laundry area brings convenience for their partners back home. It is suggested to place your washer near the water source and preferably near the power outlets to avoid using extension wires. This simple precaution prevents electrical accidents such as water leaking from hanging water hoses to cables. Shelves or cabinets for clips, hangers, laundry soap, and conditioners must be near the washer. Drying areas or clothesline should be a few steps away from the laundry area for easier hanging and collecting of clothes.
For emergencies and first aid kits, medicine cabinets must be near the kitchen. This is where the vitamins and maintenance medicines will be kept. And as they are important to our health, make sure to separate medicines by their category and keep the medicine cabinet out of children’s reach.
Photo by Ivan Samkov from Pexels
Whether you are an Overseas Filipino Worker living abroad or staying in your home in the Philippines, it is the garage or basement that turns into Daddy’s work or mess room. For a smaller house, a father’s work area could be the front lawn or the service area. A makeshift table for woodworks and small craft painting is useful to have an organized work space. Working anywhere in the house will not be a problem if you have a well-organized toolbox and kits. All screws and tools should be carefully sorted out according to their purpose. Bear in mind that in your absence, your wife or your eldest son would most likely use your toolbox. Keep all screws, nails, glues for woodworks separated from those for metals, electrical, and concrete fixings. Tools like screwdrivers, pliers, rulers, and scales must also be on a separate drawer.
As an OFW or migrant Filipino, it is really hard to think that you are missing a lot with your loved ones especially when they need you the most. But providing them with safe surroundings with a parent-present-feel will make them sense that you are always around. Make them realize and say that their parent knows best and do their best to provide for their daily necessities around the house. A worry-free home for OFWs or migrant Filipinos can also be achieved through a safe and secured community where there are features of assuring these benefits. Vista Land develops real estate communities throughout the country with options from socialized housing to big single-family homes in a well-established worry-free community. Visit our official social media accounts and contact us for options and special offerings for OFWs and migrant Filipinos.
Invest in Vista Land today! Vistaland International can help you find your worry-free home.
As the international marketing division of Vista Land, we provide several financial growth opportunities for every OFWs’ real estate investment in the Philippines.
Become an OFW investor and grow your real estate asset with VIMI! Connect to us via our live messenger button or contact us here.
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.
You’ve probably heard it countless times that location is an important consideration when it comes to buying a home. Whether you are an OFW who has been house hunting for years or someone who is relatively new to the housing market, home location is probably one of the things that comes to mind when checking out different property listings.
It can be a tough decision to pick one place where you and your family will be spending the foreseeable future. Making sure all the bases are covered and conducting through research are important in making that decision. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the ideal home location for your family.
People do not just move homes on a whim. More often than not, there are valid reasons behind it, whether it be to better accommodate a growing family or to be closely situated to frequently visited places such as work or school. These are all valid and depend on what is the most convenient for you and your family as well as catering to what is best for your family’s lifestyle. While you may have set your eyes on a really great property, if it does not align with your family’s lifestyle then you may want to rethink your prospects.
Ask yourself what it is you value the most or what are things you wish you could do or have in your current home set-up. If you wish to have a shorter commute time to and from work, then the most convenient home location for you would be areas near the vicinity of where you work.
The budget that you are willing to spend for a property is closely tied to the home location. This is because not all places are priced the same. Choosing to live in the city versus in the province or in locations outside of the central business district will greatly differ in terms of budget. Lands which are situated in highly developed areas such as urban centers will always have a much higher price than its provincial counterparts. This is also the case in cities as some cities will always be priced higher than others. Properties in key locations such as central business districts will definitely be pricier than those of its neighboring cities.
On a smaller scale, your budget can help determine the lot or home location you would get. Houses that are situated in corner lots or those next to main roads and access points would be priced much higher than those situated in tertiary roads or roads with less density. This can give you an idea which places to start looking for, given your budget.
While this is not a main priority for everyone, it is important to understand that there are different kinds of neighborhoods. Different neighborhoods have different accessibilities, appearances, ambience, and even nearby amenities.
You may find that some neighborhoods have exclusive subdivisions with their own amenities, being guarded with security. Some neighborhoods may not have secured entrance gates and perimeter fences but offer easy access routes near major roads and have nearby establishments for your convenience.
Some neighborhoods offer areas of greenery with small areas for community spaces like parks. These are all largely dependent on your priority if you are someone who values a closed gated neighborhood, luscious greenery nearby, or easy access to commuting and public transportation. Ultimately, it is your personal choice on what kind of neighborhood you see you and your family becoming a part of. As in some cases the neighborhood you choose to live in will act as your extended community.
If you are buying the house for the long term future, then the developed area is an important consideration. While the present amenities nearby are important, what will come in the future is just as crucial. Are there any key infrastructure developments nearby such as malls, schools, hospitals, and other commercial establishments? Are there plans for transportation hubs nearby? These plans can dictate how much your property is valued.
These future developments make all the surrounding properties more desirable. What this means for you is that you can get great value out of your home purchase if you purchase a house near an important and big future development.
Choosing the ideal home location is a critical decision that requires careful consideration of various factors, including accessibility, lifestyle & convenience, budget, neighborhood, and upcoming developments in the area. Aside from that, other factors such as amenities, nearby establishments, crime rate, and investment potential also add up to the things you need to consider.
To further elaborate, the amenities available in your neighborhood contributes to the holistic lifestyle you and your family can achieve. Low crime rate is crucial as well to ensure you all will be living with a peace of mind. And eventually, if you are planning on selling your home in the future, consider the investment potential of the area. Research trends in home prices and values to ensure that you’re choosing a location that is likely to appreciate in value over time.
Ultimately, the best way to choose the ideal home location is to weigh the pros and cons of each factor and decide what is most important to you and your family. By carefully considering all of your options, you can find a home location that you will love for years to come.
At the end of the day, even if you consult a real estate agent, the best person who can determine what is right for your family is you. As an OFW, you, more than anyone else, know the value of hard earned money and being able to give back to your family. Hopefully, these points could help narrow your choices and help you arrive at what you need for your dream home. Discover more possibilities for your family’s dream home with our properties. Happy house hunting, kababayan!
For any growing family, the topic of your house size is always an important thing to consider when wanting to move homes. While some people opt to move because they want a change of scenery, it is usually for more practical purposes such as needing more space or needing to be in another location. As an OFW, what is the best house size for your family? In this handy guide, we will walk you through some considerations to think about to determine the ideal size for a family home.
If it is just you and your partner, then a condominium unit will suffice given the number of rooms you would need. A family of four could live in a 2-bedroom house at the very least, while a 3-bedroom house would have more space to allocate each child their own room and privacy.
Do you plan to have more kids? Growing families often need more rooms to make space for new members in the family. Naturally, the more people you want to accommodate, the more rooms you would need. This means housing options like a condominium unit would probably not suffice should you need more than three rooms for your family.
In your current home, think of the places you often use individually or as a family. These would also be the same when you eventually move to a new home. Let these be your priority spaces whether it is your living room or kitchen. The areas of your home that you do not spend much time on, you can reconsider whether you would need them in your new home. If you always have spare rooms that collect dust or serve as unneeded space, then it may be high time to reconsider if you need that extra space.
However, if you find yourself needing more space, then that would mean you might need a house that could accommodate that. There are many different reasons why a family would need the extra space. This can be whether you would need a garage for parking your vehicles, a spare room for guests to stay over, space for storing your items, or having the space to raise pets. At the very least, families who say yes to an extra room would be better off with a townhouse or a single detached or attached house and lot so that they get the ample space they need.
Knowing your lifestyle is an integral part of visualizing the kind of home you need. A kitchen is always a must-have in any home, but if you are the type to prefer ordering take out rather than cooking in your home then a house without a large kitchen can suffice for your family. If you or your family would be often away, then having smaller space would be much easier to maintain for everyone.
Whether you want to upgrade your home size or downsize to something you can better manage, the best person who can identify that is yourself. Size is just one aspect to consider in buying a home among many others, but it is important to think about it as you would want to plan for your family’s long term comfort in the new home. OFWs can find their dream homes with.
Vistaland International’s catalogue of homes of every size for each family. Discover why we are the top choice of OFWs for their housing needs. Contact us today!
OFWs value real estate as an investment. This is unsurprising given the rise in prices of properties throughout the years, as well as the increase in the number of developers offering new properties in different locations. If you are one to keep up with the real estate jargon, then the term “pre-selling” may not come as a surprise to you.
Pre-selling in real estate refers to townhouses, condominiums or homes that are being sold prior to the completion of construction, or even in some cases, prior to the beginning of construction. This means that at the time of purchase, the property still does not exist or is not yet complete – depending on the progress of construction at the time of purchase. It may seem like a strange concept to buy a property before it is finished, but it does offer its advantages which we will be breaking down today. Here are some of the reasons why OFWs should purchase homes at its pre-selling stage.
Off the bat, pre-selling properties are set at a lower price, usually between 30-50% of its real market value. Some developers often add in some additional discount and other flexible payment schemes to get customers to buy units or lots during the pre-selling stage.
What this means for our fellow OFWs is, you can get a great deal at the expense of waiting for the property to reach completion. This is ideal for those already decided and those willing and able to make a home purchase without the immediate need to use it. This gives you ample breathing time as well, not just to stretch the payment of the property but also to be able to work on other things such as procuring furniture and other home essentials without the time pressure. Surely by the time that the property is finished, you would have had enough time to purchase everything you needed. Having your home essentials secured makes it easier for you to easily move in once the unit or home is ready for turnover.
It is no secret that properties rise in value as time goes by. This is especially true when the real estate project is situated near key areas such as transportation hubs and metropolitan areas. Because you would be buying the property at such an early stage, you are taking full advantage of this market appreciation by the time the construction is finished. For condominiums especially, if it is located in a prime location, you can expect the value to increase further as the building reaches 100% completion.
An advantage of pre-selling properties is that buyers get the chance to pick the ideal unit or location that they like. For condominiums, you are able to choose which floor you want to be in, which side of the building, or choose whether you want to be in close proximity to the building amenities and so forth.
By purchasing during the property’s pre-selling stage, you are essentially one of the first owners to purchase thereby giving you the advantage to have as many available options when it comes to your house or unit location, your preferred view and even your preferred parking slot. Not a lot of buyers are aware of the many advantages of purchasing during the pre-selling stage, so once word gets out that a new property is in the market, you can expect that a lot of the good corner lots or units will be reserved fairly quickly.
During the pre-selling stage and while your property is still under construction, you have the benefit to inspect and ask for any adjustments in your unit even prior to its turnover. This is great if the standard plan set out by the developer is something you want tweaked to suit you and your family’s preferences. This allows you for greater control and customization about what is to become your future dream home.
Hopefully all of these tips will help our fellow OFWs find greater deals for their dream homes. It is important that OFWs buy their properties from a developer with a good reputation in being able to deliver quality homes even if they are bought at a pre-selling stage. You can discover great properties from trusted developers through the Vistaland International website, where every OFW can get the best homes at great value. You can read through this article to see which Vista Land home is the best for you and your family.
Good luck and happy house hunting, kababayans!
By: Daniel Dia
Have you ever thought about investing in stocks, bonds, investment funds, annuities, cash equivalents, retirement funds, and the likes? You might have, right? On the other hand, have you ever considered real estate as an investment? Or you just asked yourself, why should I invest in real estate?
So here’s a question, why?
“Because it’s now or never”, this statement might sound cliché but imagine living inside the comfort of your own house and lot, your so-called Filipino house, which turns out to be a home with your loved ones.
There is power in imagination and being able to set something could happen is a possibility that in time it will occur. It is also said that one of the critical success factors in life is imagination, the ability of the mind to be creative. So, put yourself in the scenario that you and your family relaxing in the living room watching your favorite teleserye, eating lunch in the dining room while having small talks, strolling around the community with siblings, playing games with neighbors in the veranda, and sleeping comfortably in the designated bedrooms for each family member. Satisfying isn’t it?
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), considered as modern-day heroes, dream to fulfill this scenario for their families through any OFW investment — house and lot packages or condominium units. Properties such as real estate is regarded to be one of the best investments especially for those working overseas since it consistently increases in value in a span of years and surpass other well-known investments.
OFWs’ hard-earned money should be spent wisely; to save is equally important as to invest. It’s great to have substantial savings, money kept for future needs including emergency situations but we must also have to understand that being able to invest in long-lived tangible assets, things that you physically see and touch is a greater way to diversify what you own and have that stability in asset ownership. For the reason that, not all their lives
OFWs can work, there will come a time that they will come back home due to the end of their work contract, change in working policies, or simply their age and health status to name a few reasons.
In consonance with the research by the International Labor Organization (ILO), many OFWs go back with lack of return preparedness, some feel that they have not yet achieved the goals that they had in mind when they left the country and migrate abroad for work. Also, going back to the Philippines, some may experience difficulty in landing into jobs even though they have acquired skills and training abroad due to the opportunity requirements gap of local hiring companies.
Therefore, the best gift they can give to themselves when they finally decide to go home and settle for good in the Philippines is one of the basic needs of a man, which is a shelter or house and lot to be exact as it will be a symbol of hope for a new beginning and a new chapter of life they are about to battle.
However, according to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) Consumer Expectation Survey in 2019, only 7.6% of Filipino households put OFW remittances to investment. The cause trend might have been somewhat the materialistic attitude among OFWs and their families. Spending too much on expensive things like unnecessary gadgets, pricey jewelries, and high-priced cars which will result in further indebtedness if continued to be exercised. In this aspect, we should further observe if this trend has changed and if not, OFWs and their families should be more informed of the benefits and importance of the real estate industry.
In addition, not only OFWs should be aware, mindful, and knowledgeable of the Philippine real estate industry but also those Locally Employed Workers (LEWs) and the general public as well. At this time, many LEWs still don’t have their own Filipino house and lean towards renting a house or apartment near their workplace or office.
Having to think of it, it is nice to have your property, be it a house and lot or condominium unit. A place you call your own, having a spot for family gatherings and events and in some cases you can have it as a rest house. If you opted not to live in that house and lot or it becomes idle, you can rent it to other people and eventually earn rental income which in some situations the government offers unique tax benefits.
These are a few of the advantages of owning a Philippine real estate property. All things considered, you just really need to contemplate more and research about real estate, partly owing to the fact that it has a lot of benefits in store for you.
With that said, Vistaland International Marketing Inc., also known as VIMI, has the confidence in providing OFWs all over the world as well as their families in the Philippines, LEWs, and the general public with proper information, guidance, and support in the process of acquiring their dream home.
To sum up everything that has been said, every Filipino aims to have a shelter to be called their home, and definitely everyone deserves to achieve it. We only have to have that proper mindset towards the Philippine real estate investing and we will successfully have that milestone attained and marked as completed.
If you still haven’t answered why is it good to invest in real estate, well the answer to that is, why not? If not now, when? It’s a decision for you to make.
Supposing you decide to give a go on investing and want to know more about the real estate industry, Vistaland International Marketing Inc. is ready to help you on your journey to achieving your family home, we are equipped with knowledge of a wide range of house and lot brands from affordable housing to luxury real estate developments. Let’s start building your dream, you can simply click the yellow messenger button right there or send us an email.
To every Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) and migrant Filipino who are looking for a house and lot or condo for sale in the Philippines, Vistaland International has a diverse portfolio of property investments for you. From socialized housing developments to condominiums for sale in the Philippines, Vistaland International has satisfied the dreams of every OFW investor.
Vistaland International offers different kinds of real estate assets and even the most affordable house and lot units to ordinary Filipinos as well. Having one of the largest real estate companies in the Philippines as part of their selection of real estate investments, VIMI aims to provide quality homes that are built to last for future generations.
As the international marketing division of Vista Land, VIMI provides several financial growth opportunities for OFWs’ real estate investments in the Philippines.
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 OFWs, Buying a house for the first time is a major milestone in life. It’s a big financial decision, but it can also be a very rewarding one. Homeownership offers stability, security, and the opportunity to build equity over time.
It is every OFW’s goal to not just provide for their loved ones, but beyond that, they also aspire to create a better life for their families back home. Those who have already earned and saved up enough may be thinking of taking that dream to the next level by buying their family a brand new home. To many, this is concrete proof that they have made it far in life. But buying a new house is easier said than done.
The truth is, there are many considerations to make when it comes to buying a house. In this week’s blog, we have outlined a quick guide to help all OFW first-time home buyers stay on the right track when it comes to getting their dream home.
Setting the baseline on how much you can spend or what you can only afford to buy based on how much money you have saved and the loan that you can acquire from any banking or financial institution is the first step when it comes to buying a home.
Doing so will help you set your own expectations and limitations for what you should be looking for or aspiring to purchase.
Paying for a house and lot is one thing, but also keep in mind the other expenses tied into purchasing your new home. The legal fees and paperwork require a certain degree of expense, together with getting your home ready to be moved into and fully furnished. The last thing anyone wants is to move into an empty dream home without any more money to spare for other living expenses such as water, electricity, and other basic necessities such as food.
There is no cost to being extra careful. It pays to be well-informed especially when dealing with such a big purchase such as a house and lot. There are many property listings online that can help you gauge the market value of houses in certain locations, and this can help you in being able to get the best deal for your money. Also part of this research is finding the right real estate agent who can help you with your buying decision and guide you along the whole process of purchasing your new home.
When doing the research, it would help to narrow down your choices by having a list of non-negotiables or some aspects of your home that you cannot do without. Such examples include – “must be 15 minutes away from work place”, “must be near a church or place of worship”, etc. This can help you see clearer which properties to look out for and which to avoid and to save you time by easily narrowing down your search.
Choosing to purchase a house is not a one-time choice. Because it is such a big investment of money, it means it is a choice that is continuously picked even after the down payment has been paid. This is especially true for those paying the house through a loan or through bank financing. Make sure to keep your finances in order throughout the whole process as you are committing to this big decision.
Another related topic here would be the other fees you would incur along the way such as dealing with a real estate agent, the developer, and the like. Make sure to read contracts carefully and confirm you and the other party see eye-to-eye on the agreements set. Be diligent in knowing if there are any other payment structures needed and if they agree to your payment methods.
Because of the nature of the economy and real estate prices, it is best to start the soonest. This is so you can be able to enjoy the money you have spent on your home. Properties rise in prices as the years go by. This explains the phenomenon of buying pre-selling properties which gives a trade-off of waiting for your home to be ready for a longer period of time – but purchasing this at a reduced cost.
If as early as now you are decided on buying a property, and you are already equipped with the right finances, then there is no better time to dive into the business of home buying. The deals you can find now may have huge payoffs when the property prices rise up in the coming years.
As an OFW, learn more about buying properties through our blogs. Vistaland International offers a catalogue of dream homes perfect for every OFW and their family. Discover your next dream home on our website at www.vistalandinternational.com. Happy home buying, kababayans!
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