Old Homes: Four Questions To Ask When Buying An Old House

There are quite a number of reasons why buyers prefer an old house. There’s the factor of location as majority of the prime spots no longer allow new constructions around the area thereby leaving homebuyers to bid for something that’s already built around the place. Then there’s the size aspect that promises bigger square footages. The distinct appearance and unique features are big attractions too. Not to mention the profitability element where after fixing the necessities and emphasizing the charming attributes, it can be worth more than what it is today which makes it highly profitable for future resale purposes.

What To Ask When Buying An Old House

Purchasing such Philippine real estate property requires careful consideration though. Here are some of the basic questions you should ask if you’re interested to acquire one.

1.       How old is the structure? Determine the exact year when the structure was originally built. Doing so will give you an idea on how stable and solid the foundation is. There are some homes that have cracks on the walls, damages on the floor, crumbling bricks, mold in certain places or termites in some rooms which make it very hazardous to live in. Take time to do research and consult either someone who has an experience in architectural history or a professional inspector who is knowledgeable on these types of residences.

2.       What is the condition of the current systems? This pertains to heating, plumbing, and electrical systems. How is it heated and air-conditioned? Identify if they are outdated and in need of replacement. Find out what type of plumbing materials were used so you’ll be well-aware if they are likewise ready for retirement. Are the electrical components and wiring system compatible with modern appliances? Make sure that it will not be a cause for fire hazards later on.

3.       When was the last inspection done? It is important to know the date when the residence was last inspected by a pro. Read the latest report and use it to weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision. If it has been years since an inspector checked the entire building out, contract someone who can do a thorough analysis and can give you detailed estimates for repairs.

4.       How much will it cost to restore? It all boils down to costing and expenses. Do not let yourself be carried away with the ancestral home’s charm and craftsmanship without taking the money part into consideration. For all you know, it is recommendable to buy a brand new house and lot in Bacolod for example, rather than to opt for something that will cost you a fortune.

Amaia Scapes North Point

Amaia is the economic housing arm of Ayala Land, Inc. Amaia empowers every Filipino to own a home. Start building your dreams in the following locations: 

Bauan, Batangas

Capas, Tarlac
Cabuyao, Laguna
General Trias, Cavite
Trece Martires, Cavite
Lucena, Quezon
Mexico, Pampanga
Sta. Maria, Bulacan

Amaia Scapes Bauan

Don't forget to join us tomorrow as we unveil our model units at Amaia Scapes Bauan!

See you there!

Amaia Scapes launches in Pampanga

MANILA, Philippines - Amaia, the economic housing arm of property giant Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), opens a new address in one of the most progressive provinces in the Philippines -- Pampanga.

Launched last February, Amaia Scapes Pampanga is the company’s newest residential development. The project occupies a vast 19.3 hectares of land, built to suit the residents’ needs of a balanced lifestyle.

Amaia Scapes Pampanga is horizontally designed with over 1,400 house and lot units for start-up individuals and families whose quality living is further assured by Makati Development Corp. BuildPlus (MDC) and Ayala Property Management Corp. (APMC), both trusted for maintaining a secure and livable community.

Strategically located along Angeles-Magalang Road, Brgy. Sapang Maisac in Mexico, Pampanga, Amaia Scapes Pampanga is near commercial establishments such as Marquee Mall and Robinsons Angeles, educational institutions Angeles University Foundation and Holy Angel University, and government offices including the Angeles City Hall and Mexico Municipal Hall, making home living more accessible and definitely convenient.

Amaia Scapes Pampanga is a top development yet an investment that is easy on the pocket, equipped with features and amenities for one’s maximum home satisfaction.

See the story at The Philippine Star, Page B6, April 4, 2014.

By: The Philippine Star Posted on April 07, 2014

Old Homes: Seven Reasons Why People Buy An Old House

For some buyers, an old home is a dream purchase of the lifetime. It has been there for decades and has gone through different climate changes and calamities which further authenticate its unique quality and true appeal.

Why Buy An Old House

Find out what attracts people to buy such houses. Let this guide you through when making a homebuying decision regarding old homes.

1.       Location. Location has always been a prime factor in homebuying. And there are instances when most of the sought-after locations no longer allow new constructions around the area. Your only choice is to build one a few kilometers away, which is a bit far from the local shops, schools, coffeehouses, stores and other amenities and conveniences.

2.       Size. More often than not, these residential types come with bigger land areas and square footages. This translates to larger yards which then give you an opportunity to own wider and luxurious space for garage or outdoor shed. Likewise, there are several rooms too instead of the usual two to three-bedroom units found on the usual Philippine real estate modern houses.

3.       Cost. Generally speaking, it will cost you less to purchase older properties compared to a brand new house and lot in Nuvali of the same size, for example. Prices are easier to negotiate too.

4.       Appearance and features. It’s all about character and personality and older homes certainly have them. They look better with their interiors and exteriors, with features ranging from built-in fireplace, beautiful garden, mature landscapes with age-old trees, impeccable craftsmanship and architectural elements like arches and special window treatments which are already considered as “upgrades” in modern properties. They exude charm and mystery with its historic background and the generation of families that lived in it.

5.       Neighborhood. Another benefit is its established neighborhood. Many neighbors know each other already hence the community is much stronger compared to the ones in newer settings.

6.       Availability. Unless there are immediate renovation and remodeling that need to be done, you can easily move in anytime you want. You need not wait for weeks, months or years just to reside on your desired home.

7.       Profitability. For those who are looking for long-term investments, you can quickly turn this project into something profitable. After fixing the necessities and highlighting its unique attributes, you can consequently boost its value should you want to do a resale in the future.

Condo Care Tips: Four Tips To Increase The Value Of Your Condo

More and more people are opting for a condominium lifestyle. After all, the perks are very attractive – it is normally located in prime spots; there is no yard work required or extra worries to think about on repairs and maintenance; the environment is safe and secure plus there are so many recreational options to choose from. It is not surprising to see then that almost all major cities in the country have a lot of condominium alternatives to offer to both locals and foreigners.

How To Increase The Value Of Your Condo

Regardless if you’re planning to put your affordable condominium for sale up in the market, rent it out to a certain target type or simply to reside on it with your family, home improvement is a necessary procedure to retain the value of your home.

Below are some tips to show you how to increase its worth.

1.       Communicate with the condo association first. This is one of the initial steps to think about before improving your residence. Check with them first so you’ll know what kind of upgrades are allowed, what items need permit and what are totally not permissible. While some condominiums in Manila allow all types of painting and repainting of the interiors, there are those who implement certain restrictions to its residents and set specific limitations on the type of updates that can be done inside the unit. Get a copy of their rules and regulations. If the hallway leading to your place is in need of work, identify their SOPs (Standard Operating Procedure) so as they can take action to improve its appearance.

2.       Clean and de-clutter. Who wants a messy and smelly home anyway? Hence, clear away the clutter. Make sure that every corner is neat and clean – from ceiling and walls to countertops, carpets and flooring. Maintain a fresh smelling atmosphere and get rid of undesirable odors.

3.       Update, upgrade and style. Wear and tear is unavoidable on any residential type. Hence, a great way to maintain its value is through painting, proper lighting and upgrades.

·        If you’ll have to repaint, always opt for neutral colors. Paint the window frames and doors, walls, cabinetry and drawer pulls.

·        Update lighting fixtures.

·        Replace old sinks and faucets as well as outdated appliances.

·        Enhance the mirrors with new frames.

·        Hang fresh towels in the bathroom.

·        Change worn and dirty doormats.

4.       Work on those spaces. Increase cabinet and closet spaces to show off storage. Add shelving, drawers and pull-outs to maximize space.

Why Live In Paranaque City

Nowadays, migration from one city to another is becoming highly popular due to the lower cost of air transportation than it used to be decades ago. Many Filipinos from the provinces in Visayas and Mindanao travel to the National Capital Region because of the many available job opportunities, not to mention that it has the highest minimum wage rate at P466.00.

However, living in NCR is not without its drawbacks; there is the never-ending traffic, pollution and overpopulation, to name a few. These drawbacks are especially common in business capitals like Makati, Ortigas, and Quezon City.

Parañaque City, on the other hand is more of a residential district. Although it is considered as one the highly urbanized cities in the country, it is not as crowded and is more laid back than its counterparts. That is why it is one of the best places to acquire real estate property in the Philippines. Land and property prices are slowly increasing as the city gains popularity among the migrants from the provinces.

National roads, such as the Dr. Santos Avenue, South Luzon Expressway and Carlos P. Garcia (C-5 South Extension), traverse through Sucat and Bicutan, making them more accessible to people from the other cities of Metro Manila. Shopping malls, train and bus stations, government offices, and industrial facilities are also found in these areas. Therefore, it is wise to acquire a condo in Sucat or Bicutan as these areas are inclined to become more progressive than the rest of the city.

Owing to the overpopulation in the Cities of Makati and Quezon, new migrants choose to live in Parañaque than in the nearby provinces of Bulacan or Cavite. Transportation to and from Parañaque is more accessible because train stations are available; and also because nowadays, provincial buses are not allowed to enter Metro Manila anymore. Another reason why migrants choose to stay in Parañaque City is because of its proximity to the airport. Due to the fact that these migrants have hometowns in the provinces, it is understood that these people will have to travel more often than those who are natives of Metro Manila.

It is only a matter of time before Parañaque City reaches the spotlight. Soon, it will become one of the most popular destinations for those who wish to work and live in Metro Manila. For now, it is best to start investing on properties in this city before that time comes.

Amaia Skies Shaw Grand Launch

Amaia successfully launched its fourth high-rise residential development at the heart of the Metro, Amaia Skies Shaw (North Tower).

The project is conveniently located along Shaw Blvd corner Samat St. in Mandaluyong City. The grand event was held last February 21, 2014 at The Park, Liberty Center where the Amaia Showroom is also situated.

Guests were delighted to see the future of Amaia Skies Shaw. To make the event more fun, Up Dharma Down performed their hit songs for the guests to enjoy.

If you missed the grand event, you can check out the AVP here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQmJdkw2qW0

Ayala Land reports P11.74-B profit in 2013

Ayala Land president and CEO Antonino Aquino.

MANILA, Philippines — Property giant Ayala Land Inc. grew its net profit last year by 30 percent to a record-high of P11.74 billion, exceeding targets on the back of strong growth across all business lines.
With this performance, ALI exceeded its target to breach the P10-billion mark in net profit one year ahead of the timetable in its five-year plan.

“Strong growth by each of our business lines showed good execution of the growth strategy with the increased delivery of new products in new geographies,” said ALI president Antonino Aquino. “Market acceptance of the products was enhanced by their presence in our integrated mixed use communities across the country and the strong ALI brand.”

ALI’s five residential brands launched a total of 28,482 units worth P108 billion last year. It broke ground for three new estates last year: the 21-hectare Circuit Makati, the 32-hectare Atria in Iloilo, and the 100-hectare Altaraza in Bulacan.

This year, the company plans to launch 30,000 units across all residential brands, anticipating continued demand for houses. It plans to launch 78 projects this year with an estimated value of P142 billion.

“During the same period of high profit growth, ALI also doubled its landbank, improved its organizational capability and strengthened its capital structure. These foundations will enable ALI to grow further in the years ahead,” Aquino said.

The company’s consolidated revenues reached P81.52 billion, 36 percent higher year-on-year. Revenues from real estate, which comprised the bulk of consolidated revenues, increased by 40 percent to P76.34 billion, driven mainly by the strong performance across the property development, commercial leasing and services business lines.

ALI spent a total of P66.26 billion in capital expenditures in 2013, seven percent lower than the P71.29 billion spent the previous year when it forked out more for landbanking, particularly for the acquisition of the FTI complex.

For this year, ALI has allotted P70 billion for capital outlays, primarily earmarked for the completion of ongoing developments and new launches. ALI said this would help sustain its growth trajectory in the coming years.

Read more: http://business.inquirer.net/164253/ayala-land-reports-p11-74-b-profit-in-2013#ixzz2tZWEWVub
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Benefits of living by the beach

The beach is a popular destination of a lot of people during long weekends, holidays, and vacations. The combination of sun, sand, and sea makes the beach a perfect place for relaxation and unwinding. 

Some people love the beach so much that many dream of having their own beach house to go to instead of going to a resort. Real estate in the Philippines has adequate offerings for those looking for a beach property. There are even some who take their love for the beach to the extreme by wanting to live right by it. Some choose to live not quite on the beach but somewhere close enough like a house and lot in Lipa. But is it a reasonable option, especially for those who have long been urban dwellers? Below are some of the benefits of living by the beach.

• Permanent vacation. Living by the beach would seem like a permanent vacation. The usual grind of day-to-day life will still be there but it would feel easier to manage because it would be easier to relax as well. The simple act of waking up right by a beautiful beach is a great start to any day.

• Less pollution. A lot of people who have decided to live by the beach have done so because of health reasons. The air is cleaner and fresher by the sea and there is so much less pollution than in crowded urban areas. People with respiratory problems are among those who would benefit the most from the cleaner air.

• Lower cost of living. Living away from malls will do wonders for your finances. Aside from not having access to non-essential items that eat up a large chunk of your budget, food is more affordable in rural areas like communities by the sea. Seafood, some of which can be quite expensive in Metro Manila, is so much more affordable. You will only have to wait for the fishermen to come back from their early morning fishing and you to buy from their fresh catch for very low prices.

• Simpler lifestyle. If you are a true beach lover, then you know that there is very little you will need. Although you can surely do something so that you have all the comforts of an urban lifestyle, but you will not be moving to the beach for that. Many who choose to live by the beach are so into it, they would not go looking for other luxuries.