Real Estate Properties: Four Overt Signs It is Time to Sell Your Home
“Owning a home is a keystone of wealth—both financial affluence and emotional security”-Suze Orman
Much like anything in life, our homes go through the normal phases of wear and tear. While we can do our best to maintain its upkeep and ensure that it remains as functional as it was before, there is no guarantee that it can serve us optimally. In this regard, we would then begin our search for our new place to call our own. With this in mind, we would then be prompted to sell our existing homes.
Selling your home is a significant step and a big deal even insomuch that it requires contemplation and forethought before pushing through. It does not matter whether this home selling endeavor is your first attempt or if you had sold homes countless times in the past before you can even ask yourself how you can sell your home, you need to reexamine your reasons for doing so and if you are ready to do so. Sure, that newly marked down condominium for sale in Quezon City might be enough reason for you to wish to sell your homes as soon as you possibly can but know that selling your home is not a decision you can make arbitrarily. It is not something you decide to do within waking up without assessing whether you need to or not. Furthermore, the state of your finances would significantly contribute as to whether or not you can afford to move on from your current place. In any case, if you have given selling your home and moving neighborhood much thought, it might be wise to go over the six ways in which you would find out whether you can already commence the process of selling your house.
When you have a plan
Having a plan is the most pivotal aspect to think about when you are thinking of selling your homes. There is always a myriad of what-ifs and you cannot always bank on the success of a sale. Remember, there is always a possibility that your homes would sit for ages before getting sold in the market. What would you do by then? In this regard, it is best to make room for contingencies, expect the unexpected and be prepared for anything. Be prepared for the multitudes of outcomes so that you would not be rendered surprised if a certain eventuality is not in your favor.
It no longer suits your needs
Our homes are primarily erected to suit our needs in such a way that it would only work for you if it is tailored according to your lifestyle. At one point, a two-bedroom flat might have been a decent place to live in, but with your family growing, you might be cramped for space. Consider what your needs are now and if your current home would still be able to meet them. Pause and reevaluate where you are in life in relation to work, family and activities right now. Does your current home adequately meet all of these head on? Or is your home where most of your frustrations and disappointments stem from? Furthermore, you should ask yourself whether or not your home is still currently making you happy. If it is not, then it might be time to put it in the real estate market.
The neighborhood does not fit
Being in a neighborhood that does not meet your needs is just as bad as having a home that is not tailored according to your lifestyle. Once you deem a neighborhood unfit to suit your lifestyle and needs, it would negatively impact how you see your home and may even affect your daily life. Take this as a sign that it might be time to sell. This scenario likely happens to people who are living in far-flung areas and would wish to live closer to the city where establishments and other commercial areas are in proximity or walking distance. Similarly, this could be the case for families with children reaching a school age and would wish to enroll their kids in a nearby school. Remember that neighborhoods play a pivotal role in how our daily routines flesh out insomuch that where we live can make our lives more convenient or aggravating. Know that each neighborhood has something different to offer. Know what you and your family need and select the best one for you.
The renovations will not provide ROI
It is inevitable that we develop an affinity for the home we are living in. We love it so much that we would consider doing renovation work to give it a better look and to help it serve our evolving lifestyles better. However, most homeowners do renovation works with the hopes of not only improving their living space but their property values as well when they would be ready to sell. Unfortunately, renovations do not always pay off. If you feel like any renovation would be fruitless in your neighborhood, you might want to think twice in pushing through your attempt. You might want to just sell your home instead.
New Beginnings: Five Ways to Tell Kids about a Move So That They Do Not Feel Left Out
“Change can be scary, but you know what is scarier? Allowing fear to stop you from growing, evolving and progressing” –Mandy Hale
It is no question that one of the most stressful events you will ever go through.
Unfortunately, moving is not one task you can opt to sit one out because at some point in your life, moving homes is going to be inevitable. Indeed, while the prospect alone would already seem intimidating to adults, what more on your little tots? Yes, moving would be difficult but if you have young children in tow, expect it to be even harder on them. Little children have an affinity for permanence insomuch that the idea of any kind of change would be scary to them. The moment you tell them that you are moving, it would feel as if their world is collapsing around them. Children can often feel uncertain about a move and would resultantly resist it in a myriad of ways.
When told about the move, they can often throw tantrums and would whine. They would often feel like they are oppressed by the prospect of moving and this is very much understandable. After all, to a kid, the home is their world—one that they associate with love, safety and family insomuch that the thought of leaving it behind can be terrifying. For older children, the prospect of leaving their school, friends, and teachers can be jarring to a routine they are used to. In this regard, it is best to tell them the news about your in an opportune moment. However, do not wait too long as they would also need the time to adjust to the news and make the resultant move go so much smoother.
So, make your move to Pioneer Woodlands or elsewhere go without a hitch by keeping these tips in mind when breaking the news to your children:
Tell them early
Once a decision has been reached, gather your family around and get them involved. The sooner you tell them, the better lest they think you are deliberately hiding something important from them. Remember, your older kids will want to know when you decided this the moment you tell them the news. To ensure that they would all equally feel in the loop, let them know that they are the first ones to know about your decision. By doing so, they would feel assured that they matter as well.
Hold a family meeting
After dinner, ask your family to stay behind before quickly going to their rooms or doing any chores. Similarly, you might wish to tell them the news in the family room, but make sure that there are no distractions such as the television or any other gadgets. Be careful not to break the news in public areas such as restaurants or parks as children need to express their feelings freely. Plus, you do not want to have to appease a crying child in the middle of a busy diner. Do it in an environment where everyone feels comfortable. Keep your kids at ease by not announcing the subject of your news until such time that you and your children already get to sit and talk together.
Remain open
Not every single one of your children is going to take your news easily. Understand that your kids might be upset and allow them to express their emotions—whether that may be anger to frustration. Allow them to ask you questions and answer them as honestly as you can. Give them time to process the news and accept that they might not be as receptive to the news as you expected them to be. More importantly, let them talk and listen to them. Let them know they are heard. Being able to talk and air out their frustrations and feelings about the matter would let them know that they matter as well.
Be firm about letting them know that the decision is final
Some children may wheedle out of their way about a possibility they do not like. However, let your kids know that the decision is final and be firm about it. If you wavered in your decision and should you express any doubts or worries, your children would feel uncertain and might even ask you to rethink the move. If you are having second thoughts, express these to your spouse when the two of you are alone or to a trusted confidante. Do not whisper at night or even talk about it when you are in your room. You will never know when little ears might be listening in.
Provide kids only with the information they need
In discussing the move, it is important to disclose everything your kids might want to know. However, you should be careful not to overwhelm them with information. Thing such as when the move would be, where, why and how are all pertinent things to answer when telling them the news. Should they want to know anything more, they would ask. Give them time to adjust to the news and do not bombard them with all the details all at once.
Better Home Sales: Four Pitfalls that Cost You a Home Sale
“For the seller, they are giving up their home, where they have all these attachments. And for the buyer, it is about painting a picture of their new lives and then carrying them through the whole process to a positive result.” –Sarry Forster Jones
There is no doubt that one of the most difficult endeavors one can ever come across is to try and sell real estate.
Although real estate is one commodity that is certainly most in demand and remains to be so until today, it is not exactly easy to sell it—particularly since the market is constantly experiencing sporadic highs and lows. Resultantly, prices will fluctuate leaving buyers and sellers alike with unpredictable real estate market trends and variable housing prices. Much like any industry, there is, selling a home comes with its own fair share of challenges.
Just ask any real estate investor and they would tell you just how difficult it is to sell a home in this time and age. It could be that your prospective buyers already found a better deal elsewhere or were offered a competitive price that was just too hard to resist. Oftentimes, it could be that your competing property has a slightly better living quarters or maybe values have started to drop a bit. Or maybe, just maybe, the reason why the condominium for sale in Quezon City is not getting any offers or any leads might not be any of these things but is actually because of your own doing.
Sometimes, in our fervent desire to sell our properties quickly, we often tend to overlook the things we are doing wrong—which is a major oversight as it could potentially cost us a sale. In any case, some of the things you do or do not do would contribute to the success or failure of a prospective property sale. To be sure that you are always on the safe side, never do any of the things listed below:
Do not take your own photos
When it comes to real estate listings whether online or not, taking photos is paramount. More often than not, a buyer would not even give a property a second glass if the listing does not contain any photos of the property. Unfortunately, simply peppering your ad with photos just would not cut it with today’s very discriminating market. Today, poorly taken photos would not fare well and would not do your homes any justice at the same time. With this in mind, ensure that the photos you do use for your online ads are ones with aesthetic appeal insomuch that it beckons a prospective homebuyer to take a closer look. In this regard, it might be best if you availed of the services of a professional photographer.
Partner up with an agent or a realtor
Unless you already have prior experience to selling a home, you should never try to sell your home by yourself. Even then, you would still fare better if you availed of the professional services of a real estate agent. Not only would your home sell faster, but there is a likely chance you would be able to sell it at a competitive price. Remember, most homes sold with a realtor can get a higher sales price and would typically sell faster than those sold solely by their owners.
Do not argue with your agent about the price
Inevitably, you and your real estate agent will have a very different idea of how much your home should sell for. However, take into account that your agent can probably give you a better and more accurate pricing for your home as their evaluation would not be clouded or influenced by sentiment or anything else. They are unbiased in their findings and would give you a competitive price based on facts alone and not on sentiment or what you currently owe in home mortgage. After all, it is their job to research the area thoroughly and study the market. In this regard, they can come up with the best price possible and get your properties sold.
Do not shadow your prospective buyers when they are checking out your property
Buyers do not like home sellers who hover over them. They are best left to their own devices and should not be bothered. They want to be free to make their own judgments and findings without your watchful eye on them at all times. Shadowing them while they are touring their home would make them feel ill at ease, uncomfortable and would hardly translate into a sale. Just keep still, and wait for them to approach you if they have questions instead of the other way around.
10 Signs It’s The Right Condo For You
It’s not always about the price. A condo unit that is right for you and your family depends on other factors as well. For one, you might find a condo that you can afford. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have the style you are want to have. You might find a stylish unit but it can’t fit all of your furniture and home decorations.
However, these are merely physical aspects of a property. You need a condo that offers security and opportunity to grow your family. A property at Avida Towers Sola can give you that. But if you don’t feel at home with the property, then it isn’t the right one for you.
Signs can help you determine if you’ve found a property you should keep. Below are ten signs you’ve found the right condo to grow your roots.
1. You want to go inside
Condo units often look the same. For some reason, you found one that excites you. You can’t wait to find out what is inside it. If it’s a fully furnished condo, then you can pin it down to the interior design. Still, the place looks appealing and makes you feel giddy.
2. You feel warm
You feel warm not because of the temperature outside. You can sense the area is comforting and welcoming. There is an aura that is inviting you the explore the whole unit. Even if the condo unit is bare, it almost feels like home.
3. You are happy with the bathroom
A lot of homebuyers are picky when it comes to bathrooms. They are looking for a certain style or an extra sink. Others are uncomfortable with visiting other’s bathroom. They won’t walk into the room barefoot. They would rather stand outside and only poke their heads to get a view of the room.
If you can walk into the bathroom and feel like checking out everything in the room, then you’ve found your home. You are compelled to open the shower, open cabinets, and try the flush. Not to mention, you are excited about the gleaming fixtures.
4. You think of the house as yours
Love at first sight rings true especially when your looking at your future home. Whenever the agent point out a flaw in the unit, you feel as if you need to defend it. You choose to defend every flaw your partner or your parents mention because you are falling in love with the place.
5. You set up decorations in your mind
Upon walking into the living room, your mind begins to wander. It starts envisioning what type of sofa goes with your marble coffee table. Your ecstatic just thinking about the time you need to research on prints and textures you can incorporate in the room. You already have the perfect spot for your Christmas tree.
6. You think of your favorite color on the wall
You’re starting to think of the perfect palette for the master bedroom. You’re deciding whether pastel or greige encourages the natural light in the room. You already have a paint color set for each room of the condo. That’s how thrilled you are to move into a place in Quezon City.
7. The unit covers your basic needs
It might not have a swimming pool, a concierge or a laundromat but it provides the basic requirements of a home. You have all the rooms you need. There’s a gym on the ground floor and an open space where you can spend your afternoons in peace. It also has a playpen for your pets. What more could you ask?
8. You brag about the property to your friends
You look forward to posting the photos you captured to your social media accounts. You take several photos as you explore the other areas of your condo unit. Then, you capture more as you tour around the complex. There’s so much to show and tell your friends.
9. You begin to settle
You decide to stop your house hunting. The other places you looked into are no longer appealing. The list you created seems to fade away. At the same time, the properties you gave a thumbs up are no longer on top of your list. It seems like you’re betraying your new found love if you would continue your house hunting.
10. Your thoughts drift back to the house
Most of the time your thoughts go back to the house. It keeps on insisting it’s the perfect house for you. You can’t think of anything else other than owning the house.
If these actions and thoughts are manifesting in your daily life, then you definitely have to buy the property. Still, be logical and consider your needs and resources. Your feelings and instinct might get you in trouble in the future.
8 Tips For Condo Living With Children
Living with children is fun. Their noise can bring life to a new yet empty condo in the city. However, they like running around and touching different stuff in the room. Most of all, they end up making a mess of things even if they did not mean to do it.
Thus, you must know how to live with your children in a condo. If you plan to get two bedroom condominium at Ayala Vertis North, it is not enough to know how to decorate your home. You must know how to make a childproof area. Below are ten tips you can follow for a harmonious condo living with children.
1. Use a dark upholstered couch.
Small spaces constantly use their furniture. Thus, you must use a dark colored sofa to fill your living room. The living room is a busy area as your friends occasionally drop by, children eat and spill drinks, and you and your partner eat dinner and catch up.
With all these activities, the couch can easily get worn. Buy a sofa made of durable material. Canvas, leather, and velvet are some decorative textiles that can take the pressure of daily use. These textiles in dark color are perfect for concealing stains and making the sofa stand out in a small space.
2. Be smart about room assignment.
The largest room at home must be assigned to the kids especially if they have a lot of stuff. Your kids can share the master bedroom while you and your partner can stay in another room. Your children will have more space to play in if they have a room with a wide floor area. Their toys do not have to occupy the place once they realize they have the space they need.
When your stuff and the children’s stuff are in one space, clean up is easier and faster than before. You to switch or transfer from room to room so you can gather all the stuff and place them in their proper storages.
3. Declutter ruthlessly.
A small space can easily get cluttered if you do not purge once in a while. To keep your home in order, you must throw things away. Try not to keep all your children’s artwork. It is not a great idea to store too much paper and other materials in your attic.
If you find it challenging to declutter ruthlessly, you can create a few rules for yourself. You can keep a thing or two per month. Stash only your most special pieces. If you have a keepsake box, go through it every year and reevaluate which are important to you and your family.
4. Lend and donate.
If you do not want to throw away your stuff, you can loan it to a friend or donate it to charity and other organizations that accept donations in kind. Give away the books, clothing, and toys your children outgrew. They no longer need these things.
It is also time to give the infant car seat if your baby is now a full-grown child. Even if you plan to have another baby, it is not a reason for you to stuff your things in the attic. Lend it to a friend with a baby or a neighbor who needs more than you need it.
5. Consider your limitations.
If your space is limited, do not waste it by acquiring the things the things that are not necessary. Do not purchase furniture and fixtures especially if they are not a need. Do not hoard several pairs of shoes if you have a small storage space.
Take note of you and your home’s limitations. If you cannot afford a lot of stuff, then do not purchase the items you will only use once. Spend more time and resources on investment pieces. That way, you maximize your home’s size and space.
6. Opt for chill birthday parties.
Do not buy several items for your child’s celebration. They do not mind the decorations. Instead of spending time and effort on filling your home, use them to focus on the small things such as gifts and food.
Small spaces like condos also are not noise resistant. Avoid ruckus and sounds reaching next-door neighbors by inviting few people as possible. It will minimize the noise from your home as well as the number of guests who will contribute to the chatter.
7. Ensure each item has a storage space.
An organized home has a place and storage for everything. It does not matter how large or small your home is. It stays organized as long as each item has part of a storage solution.
Your things must be in a basket, container, or shelf that serves as its home. It makes clean up much easier during moments of decluttering. It also avoids stacking up or misplacing items during moments of laziness. If there is no room for containers, then you need to get rid of something.
8. Use the outdoor space.
If there’s no space indoors, you can use your balcony. You can use it to store outdoor gear and boots to keep them from clogging your limited indoor space. Utilizing every nook and cranny of your home keeps clutter out of sight.
Life in a condo with children is exciting. Condo living can be stressful at times due to clutter and noise, but you begin to enjoy your home life once you learn to deal with both. Since a condo has limited space, it is best for you to learn how to deal with living in a small area. That way, you can enjoy your life with your children at Vertis North.
5 Pieces of Furniture to Add in a Teen Condo Bedroom
Teenagers of today are design-conscious and up-to-date with the latest trends. Whether its fashion, graphic design or interior decorating, they back up their knowledge through research. They may act as if they know everything there is to know, but they are living in childhood and adulthood. Some of them aren’t ready to give up their toys or collectibles from the past. As their parent or guardian, you can help them transform their bedroom into a polished and sophisticated sleeping quarter at Arbor Lanes.
Teen bedrooms must include features specific to their age without sacrificing design. It must be vibrant and full of energy. It must allow movement while providing an escape from the demands of the world. A functional bedroom must have the basics – bed, study desk, bookshelf, vanity, and storage units. Your teen’s bedroom becomes ten times better when it has a few pieces of furniture that would contribute to its look. You can add the five pieces of furniture below to improve the style of your teen’s room.
1. Armchair/Bean Bags/Couch
Image by Time Guow
Other than the chair for the desk, there must be additional places for sitting. Teenage years is the decade when friends and classmates come over to hang out. These children have limited cash and a strict curfew. Thus, they would instead crash in your child’s room or chill in the family room. When that happens, you’ll need an extra couch or couple of bean bags to keep your guests comfy.
If you want to add a pair of bean bags in your teen’s room, you must select a chair with removable and washable cover. The bean bag will last longer when you can throw its cover in the wash. Washing does a better job at cleaning than spot cleaning. You must also select a chair with the right filling. Polystyrene bead fill is light but breaks over time. It’s best to look for an eco-fill that is safe and non-carcinogenic. The bean bag must also be big enough to support the user and provide a comfortable seating position.
Beanbags are perfect in a laidback bedroom theme. Teens who wish to achieve a chic and elegant bedroom can opt for armchairs. Armchairs have different varieties and styles. There are curved armrests and boxy seating. It also uses various fabrics and patterns for upholstery. An armchair with a neutral cover is versatile but avoid using white if you want minimal upkeep. Armchairs and bean bags will work on small spaces and extensive floor areas with heavy pieces of furniture. If there’s extra space in the room, you can go for a couch. Sofa beds are great for slumber parties or group school work the teens need to rush.
2. Dresser
Image by Logan Ripley
When talking about dressers, it’s critical to know about design, quality, finish, and construction. Keep in mind you can customize its pulls and handles. Focus on the material, the number of its drawers and size as well as material. There are different types of wood used in making chests, and they differ in price points. High-quality dressers have a shiny finish, wood-on-wood glides, and center-rail support. Again, measure the width, height, and depth it will accommodate.
3. Full-length Mirror
Image by Mister M
Since teens are conscious of their appearance, a full-length mirror can reassure if their outfit is up to par. The mirror provides a breath of fresh air into your space. It reflects light so small rooms will benefit from the extra shine and brightness. Shape, size, and style are the most important things to look into when buying a mirror.
The shape of the mirror can dictate the mood of the room and accentuate the features of the area. A long horizontal mirror emphasizes width while a tall vertical reflector accentuates height. Boxy shapes give a sense of order while rounded and curved frames soften the visual environment and add a whimsical look. A carved or ornate frame is best for traditional bedroom themes. Still, it is an excellent contrast to modern elements of design. Simple frames and those made of unusual materials suit casual bedroom while whimsical frames and distressed looks complement country and whimsical rooms.
4. Ottoman
Image by Liliane Limpens
An ottoman is an understated piece of furniture. It is a padded upholstered seat. It resembles a bench without the arms. It can be square or round and used as stools or footrest. Homeowners often neglect the advantage of having one in the bedroom. A square-shaped ottoman enables you to extend the size of your coach. Meanwhile, round and rectangular ottomans are great coffee tables and centerpieces.
You can also purchase ottomans depending on their function. Cocktail and storage ottomans are elevating the room’s overall appearance.
5. Side Table
Image by Kara Michelle
If you are looking for pieces of furniture to fill the sides of your bed, you can add a pair of side tables. It’s crucial to think of the height of the item next to it. The table must be equal or below the furniture next to it. It creates a seamless visual flow and makes it easy to reach items on the table. Similar to armchairs, mirrors, and ottomans, side tables also come in several shapes and sizes. You can use your side table to contrast the existing furniture in the area to offset harsh lines, soft textures, or bold colors.
Some side tables have drawers and open shelves for extra storage. Having these features will depend on how you plan to use it.
Armchairs, bean bags, dresser, full-length mirror, ottomans, and side tables are few of the pieces of furniture to add in a teen condo bedroom. A teen’s bedroom is similar to a self-contained apartment. They don’t mind its size as long as it has everything they need. They have space to invite their friends over, finish their homework, and sleep. The right style, shape, size, and color will help reflect their personality and complete the design of their room.
Etiquette: Expressing Gratitude To a Listing Agent
Image by Aaron Burden
Listing realtors offer their services to close the sale of your property. They guide you through the process of the transaction. They will go to lengths to help you achieve your goal and attain a better lifestyle in your desired home. Hence, it is only proper and fitting to thank them for their hard work.
Besides these, there are other reasons to express gratitude towards your listing agent. Below are some of the low-key acts of your real estate agent that you must shed light and be thankful.
They are present during the difficult moments of the sale.
Your realtor has to guide you through the entire transaction. They remain patient even when you and other clients are clueless on the ins and outs of real estate investment. As a result, they are caught in situations where decision-making is out of their hands. Some will act in place of their client even if it places them in the middle of things. They remain professional even when they have to pull some strings to satisfy their client.
They place your property on sale with the said period.
One of the several feats of real estate agents is their skill to prepare and make your property available in the market in a limited amount of time. The won’t allow your competitors to get ahold of potential buyers in the market. They teach you how to manage and groom your property to entice property hunters and those who wish to invest in real estate. Moreover, they assist you on how to handle buyers to make each transaction as smooth as possible.
They understand your work and life setup.
Realtors exist to manage real estate properties and to link buyers and sellers. If you are a buyer, your agent will take note of your family set up and lifestyle to find the property that suits you. If you have kids, they will aim for a home at Park Point Residences with enough room for a pet and patio. On the other hand, a listing agent would match you with buyers that have work and lifestyle that complements your property. They would screen your buyers so you would only meet with those who are serious about buying or renting.
Hardworking and dependable listing agents give their 100 percent when working with clients. They are present from the beginning to the closing of the sale. Consequently, some listing agents go beyond their call of duty, so they deserve a little something for their services. If you’re thinking of giving them a present, here are gift ideas that will surprise your listing agent.
1. Referrals and Reviews
A well-written online review on your agent’s business page, Yelp, Zillow or social media accounts will validate the kind of service he or she offers to clients. Writing your positive experience attracts prospects which can be their next client.
Another thing you can offer them is referrals. Clients are hard to come by such agents often grapple with finding their next source of income.
2. Gourmet and Snack Baskets
Salespeople are always on the move. They often don’t have time to eat or prepare healthy meals. Sending them a basket of munchies such as crackers, cookies, nuts, fruits, candy, chocolate, baked goods provides the boost they need to get going. You can add quality spices, herbs, and imported condiments into the mix. Pack fresh and uniques sauces for their lunch recipes so they can take a break from microwavable meals.
3. Gift Certificates
Various retail stores have gift certificates in any denomination. It’s the perfect gift as you can get one from Ayala Center Cebu and retail concepts that fit their lifestyle. It’s up to them how they will spend it.
4. Flowers
Flowers bring life to a dull and monotonous day. You can send one in a vase, boxed varieties, or small plants ideal for the office or home. There are different species of plants to choose from so pick one that is aesthetically pleasing but requires less maintenance.
5. Wines, Tea or Coffee Set
A bottle of wine is expensive, but realtors who are fans of the drink are sure to appreciate one. You can send your listing agent a Portugal port, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, California Cabernet, Italian Pinot Grigio or Australian Shiraz. If must avoid alcohol, you may consider premium teas or coffee gift sets.
6. Collectibles
If the agent has a particular hobby or interest, you can send him or her a figurine, print, sculpture, or novelty item representing it. Limited-edition books and rare trinkets are examples of collectibles that would melt your realtor’s heart.
Select one from the list and enclose it with a short, heartfelt message of gratitude. They are sure to appreciate the gesture and pass it forward. Listing agents are also people earning a living. They deserve to be treated with decency.
Note: This article was first published as “Why Do We Need To Thank Our Real Estate Agent” on February 26, 2016. It was revised and updated to create a caring community of the buyers and sellers of real estate properties in the Philippines.
The Joys of Being Alone: Becoming Financially Stable
Financially stability is probably every Millenial’s dream. Born in a world of economic meltdowns, fiscal and monetary policy, these individuals often look forward to easing their worries regarding finances.
They start early – they look for jobs and side hustles, build empires and turn their passion into business ventures. Of course, the path to these isn’t easy. It can be a breeze when you know where to start.
To help you get started, here are some hacks to financial stability.
1. Build your emergency fund.
There’s no other solution during difficult times than to establish a sizeable amount of emergency funding. Each day unexpected events happen to each one. What’s worse, the outcomes are unpredictable. Some events result in greatness while others result in depression (not the illness).
These events not only happen to us. They also occur to people close to us – parents, siblings, and children. When these occur, you must be ready to buffer against the hardship. A sudden layoff, sickness, and death entail costs that can eat up your operating expenses. An emergency fund will help you sail through them.
If you’re a regular employee with a monthly salary, it helps to save six months’ worth of expenses. Entrepreneurs, people on commission and those without a fixed income must save a year’s worth for their expenditures.
2. Expand your income base.
It will take you awhile before you reach the ideal amount for an emergency fund if you have a meager paycheck. A minimum wage will only get you so far – utilities, food, other necessities, and the remaining for savings. You won’t have enough for investment which is crucial to make your money grow over time.
Thus, you must get creative and bust some move to gain some moolah. Some people get a side hustle on top of their 9-to-5 job. Others explore their passion until they start making something out of it. There are guides and tutorials on the Internet that can guide you and become your inspiration to grow your money.
3. Explore community services.
Privatization and exclusivity may be convenient and fancy, but it’s highly expensive. An Uber ride to work is double the amount of your daily train fare. Therefore, commuting is highly sustainable compared to other modes of transportation. Exploring the travel route from Trinoma to Vertis North saves you a couple of bills while doing good to the Earth.
The same goes for biking and walking. It doesn’t only decrease your expenses. It also minimizes your carbon footprint. Besides commuting, common areas like public parks, museums, and libraries are sources of culture and entertainment. Most of these establishments offer a small fee (often the entrance fee) to maintain their operation.
TL, DR: You can be part of something without spending a ton of money just because of exclusivity.
4. Set a partition on your utilities.
Scheduling bill payment twice a month between both paychecks is a life hack. It spreads out your money and extends your budget. To do this, include electricity and water bills in the first half of the month. The other half covers the remaining expenses such as cable, Internet and other payables.
You can throw in other expenses such as groceries and household expenses in the mix. You can do grocery shopping twice per cutoff. That way, you can easily track where the bulk of your money goes.
5. Use budgeting apps.
There’s an app for everything. There’s an application for budgeting for sure. Hence, use the power of technology to cultivate lasting financial habits. If budgeting and monay management isn’t your cup of tea, you can rely on apps to balance accounts and compute your expenses for you. All you have to do in input the complete details to arrive at an accurate computation of your payments and net income.
Maintaining a savings account and paying off a loan is easy when you don’t have obligations. Family members can add to the bulk of expenses without contributing to income. Thus, use these tips and hacks to maximize your earnings. Once you have enough, start growing your passive income. Being financially stable is based on a having a fixed passive income.
Photo from Unsplash
Five Ways to Be A Good Neighbor
“A bad neighbor is a misfortune, as much as a good one is a great blessing.” -Hesiod
A Chinese proverb once said that a good neighbor is a priceless treasure and indeed they are. Although it is an often overlooked aspect when it comes to looking for a prospective house, it should be an integral element when it comes to looking for the right neighborhood. After all, a good neighbor does not only foster a community of helpful friendliness and comfortable living; it cultivates a good relationship among all the members of the society as well. However, it is not only enough that your neighbors are good, but you also need to be an excellent neighbor to them as well. After all, these are the people you live in proximity with so it is only right that you establish a good relationship with them. So, if you have just moved into a new neighborhood or are seeking to make new friends with the neighbors who have just moved in (whether you may be living in a condominium in Manila or elsewhere), here are ways you can be an exemplary neighbor:
1.) Be welcoming
It might be a little awkward to start up a conversation with a neighbor who is new to the community and even harder if you have lived next to them for months or years, but it can be done. Break the ice by introducing yourself as soon as they move in or if they have been around for quite some time, talk to them. Inviting them to a delicious meal or giving them some of your homemade cookies would not hurt either.
2.) Strike up a conversation
One of the easiest ways to establish a relationship with your neighbor is to strike up a conversation whenever you see them. Instead of just smiling and waving, ask them how their day went and do some small talk. In this way, you can get to know your neighbor better. Remember, try not to broach on topics that are too personal—well not until at least you know your neighbor fairly well and have established a close relationship with them.
3.) Do not snoop on your neighbor’s business
If you have been invited into your neighbor’s home, do not snoop around. Wait for him or her to give you a guided tour and if he or she does not, do not wander. Simply stay where he has invited you. Furthermore, do not try and pry into your neighbor’s personal life as this might make them feel like their privacy or personal space is invaded. Wait for your neighbor to open up to you in his or her own time and if they do not, do not pressure them into doing so.
4.) Be responsible for your pets
Be a little considerate of your neighbors if you have furry friends about. Make sure that your dog does not bark in the wee hours of the morning and also, do not let them leave their waste in your neighbor’s yard as this is one way to ruffle their feathers. Be responsible for your pets, and your neighbors will thank you for that.
5.) Do not be noisy
Should you be throwing a party or hosting an event in your house, let your neighbors know in advance—especially if,, you expect it to be a little rowdy. However, should your event last way into the night, try to at least tone it down and keep your voices down. Warn your guests not to get too uproariously noisy as this is a guarantee that your neighbors would be irked. Or worse, they might even call the cops on you.
Remember, if you want a good relationship with your neighbor, it has to start with you as well. Be a good neighbor yourself and maybe that is all you would need to make a difference. You might never know, but the neighbor you have been living next to for years might just be someone you can consider as a close friend.
For Tenants: Things You Need To Consider Before Renting a Condo For The First Time
Condo living is one of the things most people want to experience. Who does not want it, right? That is why more and more people who want to invest in a condo. Whether you plan to stay in a condo for rent in Makati, or any other condos in the Philippines, there are just certain things you can experience only if you are living in a condo. But before you decide to invest or rent in a condo, there are also certain things you need to know about renting or living in a condo.
Renting a condo unit is not that difficult as you think it is. Yes, there might be certain things you need to follow for you to have a peaceful living, but that don’t mean that you are bound to its rules. Of course, if you just know what and what not to do when it comes to condo living, then you might be able to adapt its environment of it.
What to search for
When we talk about searching, there are different kinds of searches. That depends on what you are looking for. That is why you need to know what kind of condo unit you want to rent for you to save some time and effort when it comes to finding one. Moreover, you should also be clear what you want for a condo. With that, it will be easier for you to find a condo unit that suits your lifestyle.
Where to search
There are a lot of ways you can find condos for rent available. You can find it through online, or some posters given by some real estate agents or you can even find a condo for rent in the newspaper classifieds. It doesn’t matter where you find the property, for as long as it fits on your standard, then that particular condo unit might be for you. Of course, aside from these sources, you can also ask your friends if there are any available condos for you to rent. Who knows, they might know somewhere that is way better and affordable than the other one.
Set a budget
Your budget is important. You cannot rent a particular condo unit when you don’t have any budget for it. Of course, where will you get the money for the down payments, the monthly dues, utility bills, and other expenses that you need to pay? Right? Without any proper financial stability, then you might get into financial trouble later on. That is why, before you decide on where and what condo unit you want to rent, make sure that you can afford any payments that you are obliged to pay. Moreover, there are a lot of condo units that are affordable enough for you to have. So, better choose the ones that you know you can afford.
Know the rules and regulations of the condo
Again, there are certain rules and regulations when it comes to living in a condo. Of course, you are living in a community; you should also expect that there are some policies that you need to abide for you and your neighbors to have a good and satisfying lifestyle in the condo. And if there are certain things or rules that you don’t want to follow in that certain condo, then you better find another one that would also fit your lifestyle. Of course, you don’t want to live in a place where you don’t want to abide any of the rules, right?
Read before you sign
This is one of the most important things for you to consider. Of course, you don’t want to experience headaches when you rent a particular condo, right? That is why, before you agree to any conditions the condo has, then you have to read and go over with it again and again before you sign it. Making sure that everything is in your likings is one of the things that prevent you from having a bad experience when you rent a condo.
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