Philippine Real Estate Blog

House for Rent: Tips on How to Attract Renters

Feb 18th, 2010

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How to Keep Renters Knocking on Your Door

Are you finding it difficult to have your property rented out lately? Have an apartment or house for rent and no one seems interested? How can you attract renters to lease your place?

In recent years, renters have become increasingly hard to please. And it’s not really that hard to see why. The market has become a lot more competitive these days and real estate owners seem to pull stunt after stunt to lure potential clients.

So, what can you do to make you property more attractive? Here are some tips on how you can pimp out your place – so lessees will fall for it hook, line and sinker.

Tips on How to Attract Lessees

1. Fully Furnish
Gone are the days when people had time to personalize and custom-made things. Modern persons want things fast and convenient – even when it comes to homes. So, consider fully-furnishing your place so renters can easily move in as soon as they want.

2. Clean, Repaint and Redecorate
Is paint peeling off your walls? Does your couch look like it has withstood years of spilled soda and pizza grease? When it comes to homes for rent, first impressions count a lot. So, make sure you clean up, repaint, redecorate and – while you’re at it – fix (pipes, sinks, toilets, etc.) your place. Make it a fine package potential clients just won’t be able to resist.

3. Discount
Finally, everybody loves a great bargain. So, if you can spare it, lower your asking price a little. Always be open to negotiations. This way, your customers will feel like you’re easy to talk to and get along with – something that’s important for the lessor-lessee relationship.

Good luck!

Looking for a home? Check out property listings on Philippines Real Estates.

House for Rent

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Buying Real Estate: Financing Options

Feb 11th, 2010

by admin.

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3 Payment Schemes for Purchasing Property

Are you thinking of investing in some real estate? If you’re wondering what payment scheme you should apply in your purchase, the best thing to do is look at the options you have and compare it with the state of your finances to see which one suits you best.

See What Payment Scheme is Best for You

1. Long Term Financing
For long term financing, you split the major payments into two categories: the down payment and the financed amount. You can get the financed amount covered by a mortgage from a bank.

The nice thing about long term financing is that paying off for the purchase won’t have to feel like such a big burden. You can just pencil it in the monthly budget. However, remember that because you’re paying interest, the longer the loan, the more you end up paying. So, pay off as much as you can when you make the down payment.

2. Spot Cash
If you have a lot of savings stored up and can afford to do so, you can make a spot cash payment for the property you’re buying. Spot cash payment means you pay the full contract amount at one go. The nice thing paying spot cash is that you usually get great discounts for it. Plus, you usually get all the documents in a shorter period of time.

Downside? Well, frankly, most people can’t afford spot cash payments.

3. Deferred Cash
Finally, deferred cash payments are perfect for those who don’t want to be hassled with interest. This kind of payment scheme usually covers the whole amount of the property in 3 years and also allows for a shorter period of document processing. The downside? Well, you won’t have to bother yourself with paying interest with this scheme – but you won’t get any discounts as well.

Looking for property in the Philippines? Check out this great site on Philippines Real Estates.

Financing Options

Posted in: Philippine Real Estate Buying Tips.
Tagged: Buying Real Estate: Financing Options

Mortgage: Are You Ready for One?

Feb 9th, 2010

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Are you thinking of getting a loan to purchase your first home? Wondering if you can afford to pay a mortgage? Before you close any deals, here are some things you should do to see if you’re financially ready to take on such a big responsibility as buying a property.

1. Balance Sheet: Income vs. Expenses
No whining. Time to take out those work sheets. Calculate your monthly net income (including allowances, etc.) and minus all your monthly expenses. You have to be very detailed about this, so don’t forget to add in car loans and other things you have to pay off on a monthly basis.

2. Job Stability
How long have you been employed in your current job? Do you foresee any changes of employment in the near future? Or are you more or less stable in your current company? Most lenders ask these questions, so you better know the answers to them.

3. The 30% Rule
Lenders usually don’t give out loans to help finance property purchases that are more than 30% the income of the borrower. This means that what you have to pay for a property on a monthly basis must be below 30% of your monthly income. So, calculate.

If, after you’ve pondered on these three things, you find that your financial situation leaves a lot to be desired, postpone the purchase. You don’t want to put yourself in a sticky situation financially. If, however, your balance sheet looks healthy and sound, go ahead and make the deal. Good luck!

Looking for listings for properties in the Philippines? Check out this great site on Philippines Real Estates.

Mortgage: Are you Ready for One?

Posted in: Philippine Real Estate Buying Tips.
Tagged: Mortgage: Are you Ready for One?

Closing the Deal: Final Things You Should Look into Before Buying Real Estate in the Philippines

Feb 3rd, 2010

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Are you ready to sign papers on a piece of property? Maybe the first time you stepped into a particular house, you just knew, this was the home for you. Hold your horses. Before you close any deals, here’s a checklist of things you should look at before buying real estate in the Philippines.

1. Background Check – ID’s, Passports, etc.
Make sure that the sellers are indeed the owners of the property you are buying. Ask for ID’s, passports, birth certificates and other documents and photocopy copies of them for yourself. It would also be good to ask for references that you could call for a background check.

2. Authenticity Check – Titles
To ensure that the Title you are getting is indeed the real thing, get a Certified True Copy from the Register of Deeds at the nearest municipal or city hall.

3. Property Check
Since land titles don’t have specific addresses for properties, validate that you’re getting the correct piece of property transferred by going to the Register of Deeds. You can also hire a private land surveyor.

4. Real Estate Tax
Finally, make sure that all previous taxes have been paid. Ask the sellers for Tax Declarations and original Tax receipts. You wouldn’t want to have to pay for other people’s debts.

When you’ve got these four things covered, you’re set to make a deal. If you’re new to procedures like this, it would be good to ask for the help of a licensed broker or a lawyer. Good luck!

For listings on properties in the Philippines, check out this site on Philippines Real Estates.
Closing the Deal

Posted in: Philippine Real Estate Buying Tips.
Tagged: Before buying real estate · before closing the deal · buying tips · real estate philippines

Cebu House and Lot: Hacienda Salinas Lahug

Feb 3rd, 2010

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Are you a first-time home buyer? If you’re looking for a home for you and your family that you could afford, you should take a look at Hacienda Salinas Lahug.

Developed by Taft Property Venues, the Hacienda Salinas offers affordable homes for the Filipino family. Nestled within the Cebu central business district, this private and gated subdivision is very conveniently located near the best schools, shopping centers and other establishments.

Live close to nature in this Spanish-themed, 4 hectare village that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or convenience to price. In fact, you can have the best of both worlds – affordable, but comfortable living – with Hacienda Salinas.

Lot prices start from 2.5M each. Find the home of your dreams with Hacienda Salinas!

For property listing in the Philippines, check out this great site on Philippines Real Estates.

Posted in: Uncategorized.
Tagged: Cebu House and Lot · Hacienda Salinas Lahug

Cebu Real Estate: Blue Coast Residences

Jan 27th, 2010

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Ever dream of living by the sea? Imagine waking up everyday to the sound of the waves crashing onto the shore. Imagine being able to take walks along the sandy shore whenever you want. Imagine watching sunsets, lounging by the pool or taking a dip in the ocean. At the Blue Coast Residences, you can have all that and more.

Cebu, Cebu. Everyone who has been there can’t help but love it. A place of laid-back people, small cities and spectacular nearby beaches, Cebu can capture the heart of any visitor and keep you coming back for more.

It’s no wonder that a lot of developers have set their sights on Cebu. In fact, just recently, real estate giant Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) launched The Blue Coast Residences – their first upper mid-cost residential subdivision.

The Blue Coast Residences

Set in the beautiful backdrop of Mactan Island, Cebu, the 3.37 hectare enclave gives you to live your life surrounded by the sea. This exclusive resort community offers world class amenities such as a wading and spa pool, infinity pool, a bird’s fountain, a gazebo and much, much more!

Only 5 minutes away from the Mactan International Airport and other first-class resorts and beaches like the Mactan Shangrila Hotel and the Cebu Hilton, this can be your new home away from home.

Get high quality, luxurious living where you can experience and appreciate nature’s gifts in peace and tranquility with your loved ones. Make Blue Coast Residences your own piece of paradise.

*Lot Sale:
Package (Lot): Php 2,533,888.00
Lot Area (224 sq.m.): Php 11,312.00/sq.m.

For Philippine property listings, visit this great site on Philippines Real Estates.

Posted in: Robinsons Land Corporation.
Tagged: Blue Coast Residences · Cebu Real Estate

Acquiring Real Estate in the Philippines: The Laws of Property Ownership

Jan 21st, 2010

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Real Estate Law

Are you an expatriate wanting to purchase real estate in the Philippines? Or perhaps you’re a balik-bayan looking to retire in your homeland? Whatever situation you find yourself in, here are the ins and outs of acquiring real estate in the Philippines.

A French friend of mine recently told me about his plans of opening up a restaurant here in the Philippines. He was wondering how he could own property without a Filipino citizenship.

As a rule, only Filipino citizens are entitled to own land in the Philippines. For corporations and partnerships, 60% of the capital should be owned by Filipino citizens.

However, there is an exception to the rule if 1) the acquisition happened before the 1935 Constitution, 2) a foreign acquiree is the legal heir of a Filipino citizen (ex. non-Filipino married to a Filipino citizen or natural child of a Filipino citizen) and 3) the purchase is not more than 40% interest in a condominium project.

Dual citizens are also granted full rights of possession of Philippine property.

It is interesting to note that foreign nationals or corporations can completely acquire a condominium unit or a townhouse in the country. However, if they want to purchase private land, residential or commercial houses or lots, then they have to form a corporation with Filipino citizens. This corporation should be a 40-60 deal: the foreign national can own only up to 40% of the income, while 60% (or more) goes to the Filipino partners.

Leasing is another option for those who don’t want to go through the hassle of forming corporations. Foreign nationals can enter into a lease agreement with a Filipino landowner for up to 50 years, renewable for another 25 years.

Need a listing of real estate in the Philippines? Here’s a great site on Philippines Real Estates.

Posted in: Philippine Real Estate Buying Tips.
Tagged: Acquiring Real Estate in the Philippines · Property Ownership · Real Estate Law

South Forbes: A Golfer’s Paradise

Jan 19th, 2010

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Are you a golf fanatic? Can’t last a single week without indulging yourself in your favorite sport? What if I told you that you could live in a golf resort, surround yourself with lush greenery and be within walking distance of a sprawling 18-hole golf club. Impossible? With South Forbes, it’s not!

All About South Forbes

Located in the up and coming Metro Sta. Rosa, South Forbes Golf City claims to be a “whole world in one city.” This sprawling development hosts, not only the South Forbes Golf City, but also a City Center where entertainment and service shops are set to rise.

South Forbes also offers homeowners a luxurious and peaceful lifestyle, far away from the stresses of the city. With badminton courts, basketball courts, parks, pools and clubhouses in each community, residents can only expect maximum relaxation and enjoyment.

The developers also foresee the development of Education, Business, Wellness and Leisure Clusters within South Forbes Global City in the near future.

Homeowners can choose among five different styles for their homes: Mediterranean, Bali-inspired, Chateaux de Paris, Phuket-inspired and Tokyo-inspired.

Why Call South Forbes Home
I admit. When I first took a trip down to South Forbes, I was a bit skeptical. Sure, living within a golf city where an 18-hole golf course was 5 minutes away has its perks. But there are a lot of places in Metro Manila that are situated near golf courses as well. So, what makes South Forbes different?

What really got to me was the serenity of the place. Having grown up right smack at the center of one of the busiest cities in the Philippines, Sta. Rosa gave me a pretty picture of a different kind of life. A life where you could take walks in the park (the weather in South Forbes was Tagaytay-like, by the way), lounge around by a pool, play some badminton with your kids and just live a stress-free, peaceful life.

And of course it doesn’t hurt that owning property there gives you a FREE membership to the South Forbes Golf Club, as well as access to 42 other golf courses world-wide, including the famous Presidio Golf Course in San Francisco and the Fox Valley Club in NY. How’s that for an investment?

Plus, Sta. Rosa is just a few minutes drive from Alabang and the Makati Business District. So, it doesn’t mean that you have to be retired to live here.

All these reasons made me wish I could call South Forbes my home. So, should you.

For Philippine property listings, check out this site on Philippines Real Estates.

Posted in: South Forbes.

The Game of Real Estate: How to Get Property that Will Appreciate Over Time

Jan 12th, 2010

by admin.

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The Game of Real Estate
Are you thinking of investing in a piece of real estate? If you’re quite new in the game, don’t just jump into it with your eyes closed.

I always love telling this story to all my friends when they ask me for advice about buying and selling properties in the Philippines or in other countries.

Back in the 70′s, my uncle bought property in New York City, in a town no one really cared for. A lot of his friends and family members raised eyebrows at his decision. Fast-forward a couple of years later? His property now sits at the center of what is now known as the Upper West Side, right across Central Park West.

Amazing, huh? How to have that skill that almost seems like luck? Here are some tips to help you play the game of real estate – and get you property that will appreciate over time.

1. Location, Location, Location
Location is always one of the first things you should consider when buying property. Is it close to hospitals, schools, business and activity centers? Is it accessible by public transportation?
Unless you’re investing in vacation homes (which sell slower, since your market is more limited), you should always get property located in or near the center of things.

2. Development Potential
Good location does not always mean being right smack in the center of most populated area in the city. Keep your eye up for up and coming towns and developments as well. This way, you can get property at a low price then sell it for much higher later.

3. Know Your Market
Finally, know your market. Are you targeting students? Young married couples? Retirees? Families, for example, tend to want suburban homes a short drive away from the city. Find out what your particular market needs and invest accordingly.

Good luck in playing the game of real estate. Be a winner!

For a listing of Philippine properties for sale or rent, check out this website on Philippines Real Estates.

The Game of Real Estate

Posted in: Philippine Real Estate Buying Tips.
Tagged: buying property · Properties in the Philippines · Property · Real Estate

Georgia Club: Capture the Charm of the American South

Jan 11th, 2010

by admin.

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In the fast pace of today’s modern life, don’t you just wish you had time to just stop and smell the roses? With Georgia Club, you can have the charming home you’ve always dreamed of!

Born out of a partnership between one of Philippine real estate’s giants, Brittany Corporation, along with the Quiros family of Santa Rosa, Georgia Club is a gated subdivision located in the heart of Santa Rosa that promises a life of peace and quiet for you and your family.

Spanning a sprawling 30 hectares, Georgia Club is designed to recreate the charming architectural design of the American South. Live life in an enchanting and abode with outside porches, bay picture windows and sprawling lawns. At Georgia, you are surrounded by nature, while being a stone’s throw away from Santa Rosa’s booming commercial and business areas at the same time. Plus, it is only a leisurely drive away from Alabang and Makati CBD.

Georgia Club is the perfect place for you and your family. It’ll take you away from the stresses of everyday life. Plus, it will give your kids the chance to grow up surrounded by fresh air and nature. So, give them Georgia Club.

For a listing of properties in the Philippines, check out this site on Philippines Real Estates.