If this is your first time to buy a real estate property you need to be sure and careful on finding the right one. Consider this a major purchase and investment because there’s money involve. You need to learn the conditions and guideline and get a great deal.
Here are a few pointers:
Take your time to come across the right one. Do not treat home buying like you are shopping at the mall. A serious buyer looks at their present needs in adding up to their future prospects. This will help you pay for the right place. Be a smart buyer and know what you really want that suits your need.
Seek help from an agent. A buyer’s agent is one who’s there to look out for your needs. They’ll know the best tips, tricks, and solutions to any difficulty you may have.
Verify owner’s transfer certificate of Title or Condominium certificate of title. Check if title is clean and no liens and encumbrances.
If you are a shareholder, you require being equipped when you are ready to buy. Closings can come about in a number of days if you’re prepared. If you aren’t, it can take much a lot of time. If you are a cash buyer, you may need to move funds approximately to have enough money to purchase.
Hiring a real estate professional will help you. Rate the properties you check to keep track of the ones you like the best. This will keep everything in simple order for you.
Finally don’t let someone else choose your home. You are the one that will live in your new house. Don’t be bullied into choosing something.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Construction Updates as of November 27, 2009
Summerfields: As of November 27, 2009
SF Finishing of Road Curve & Gutter at Main Road Entry and Gate
Model House: Tulip
Summerfields Perimeter Fence
The Courtyards: As of November 27, 2009
CY Birds eyeview of Guardhouse
Summerfields Guard House
SF Finishing of Road Curve & Gutter at Main Road Entry and Gate
Model House: Tulip
Summerfields Perimeter Fence
The Courtyards: As of November 27, 2009
CY Birds eyeview of Guardhouse
Cabin A "Alabama"
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Goshen Land Capital: On The Road (October 28 to 30 2009)
Goshen Land Capital Incorporated travelled to Northern Luzon to promote its projects and conduct recruitment seminar during its 3-day road show, October 28 to 30 2009. The cities covered were San Fernando and Agoo La Union, Cities of Dagupan, Alaminos and Lingayen Pangasinan.
The event was welcomed well with hopeful attendees coming from all walks of life. It was also supported by business people who offered to display Project Tarpaulins and distribute Marketing Collaterals.
The event was welcomed well with hopeful attendees coming from all walks of life. It was also supported by business people who offered to display Project Tarpaulins and distribute Marketing Collaterals.
REBAP La Union welcomes Goshen Land Capital Inc.
Goshen Tarp Rests on a Stall near Magic Mall Agoo La Union
Lingayen promotes Goshen Projects
Promoting Goshen Projects in Dagupan, Pangasinan
Promoting Goshen Projects in San Jacinto, Pangasinan
Meeting with Business People promoting Goshen Projects.
The road show is still on going with upcoming trips to Central Luzon. Do watch out for updates. For more inquiries contact us at (0632) 633 2080
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Nature, Culture put RP on National Geographic ‘must’ list
By Kristine L. AlavePhilippine Daily InquirerFirst Posted 11/15/2009
MANILA, Philippines--After National Geographic magazine included the Philippines in its list of “25 Best New Travel Destinations in the World in 2010,” it appeared the country had finally overcome the “bad PR” that had caused tourists to shun it and head for its perhaps less dazzling neighbors.
Travel executives began putting out the word the country is one of the most exciting and undiscovered places that tourists should begin exploring now.The list, published in National Geographic’s November 2009 Adventure issue, is directed at “travelers who want their money to do more—for others, for the planet and for themselves.”It cited the Philippines’ ancient cultures, structures and biodiversity as key reasons for visiting the country.
Tourism Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque Jr. said the Department of Tourism was thrilled that the Philippines was getting the attention of travelers.“We’re very pleased. It’s also very nice to be part of a list that people want to see,” he said. He noted that it was the first time that the country was included in a list of must-see destinations by National Geographic.
Bad rap
The magazine said the Philippines had largely been ignored because of “bad PR.”“While it harbors as many islands as the Caribbean and some of the most spectacular reefs on the planet, the nation sees only a fraction of the visitors of nearby Thailand,” the magazine said.“Even travel companies, it seems, have bought the bad rap: Other than the occasional sea kayaking trip, US guides have largely avoided the archipelago,” the article said.But travel organizations have “finally gotten wise,” the magazine said.The Philippines’ image is indeed changing, travel professionals agree.
Pat Alberto, president of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association, said the country saw an increase in tourist arrivals in the past two years, and sees this as proof that the Philippines is coming out of the shadow of Thailand and Malaysia, two of Southeast Asia’s more popular destinations.
Adventure mecca
She noted that the Philippines has become a magnet for adventure travelers because of its unspoiled beaches, mountains, rivers and dive sites.Jarque said the Philippines has become a mecca for travelers looking for off-the-beaten track adventure.
These are the travelers who eschew luxury hotels in favor of home stays, who would rather spend a day in the outdoors than in a mall, he said.National Geographic cited Wilderness Travel, an adventure and ecotourism company, as one of the travel organizations that has gotten past the country’s image.It said Wilderness Travel will be organizing a tour to the Philippines next May that will showcase the country’s terrain and aquatic wonders to its American clients.It described the trip as taking participants “high into the 5,000-foot Cordillera Central, then deep into the world’s most biodiverse marine environment.” The 12-day trip to the Philippines costs $3,300.
The trip will begin in Banaue in the Cordilleras, described by the magazine as a must-see destination for those who want a serious hiking adventure.The tour will then move to Cabilao island off Bohol for diving on some of the reefs that form part of the Coral Triangle, the world’s greatest concentration of diverse and valuable coral reef ecosystems. The Philippines sits right in the middle of this center of marine biodiversity.President Macapagal-Arroyo spoke at the National Geographic Society’s headquarters in Washington, DC in August and appealed for international support for preserving, promoting and protecting biodiversity in the Coral Triangle.
The NGS is one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational institutions in the world. Its interests include geography, archaeology and natural science, the promotion of environmental and historical conservation, and the study of world culture and history.
CamSur top gainer
The DOT, which has been promoting the country’s natural and cultural wonders as the ultimate travel destination, has noted that tourists have been seeing more of the provinces.The province of Camarines Sur, known for its beaches and surfing sites, was the top tourism gainer this year. The province received 902,000 local and foreign visitors during the first semester, the DOT said.
Other popular provincial destinations were Cebu, Bohol, Aklan and Zambales.Jarque said travelers appear not to mind the stories of calamities, disasters, bombings and kidnappings that have put the Philippines in the headlines, seeing these events as part of life in the 21st century, post 9/11.
They know that these tragedies could happen anywhere, even in First World countries, he said.“In our travel fair recently, nobody asked us about terrorism and security,” Jarque said.Adventure travelers take negative news with a grain of salt, he noted.Jarque and Alberto both said that the tourism sector has bucked the global recession and the threat of swine flu that wreaked havoc on the economies of the Philippines’ neighbors.Tourism arrivals in the first semester have been robust, the DOT said in its first semester report.There were 3.89 million tourists from January to June, a 16.5-percent improvement over the same period last year.Of the total, more than 808,000 were foreign tourists. The figure compared favorably with the 760,000 foreigners who visited the Philippines in the first semester of 2008.
Saved by locals
Tourism officials said what saved the tourism industry this year was the Filipino tourist.Instead of spending their holidays abroad this year, many Filipinos fearful of the swine flu pandemic chose to vacation in their own country.According to the DOT’s first semester figures, the number of domestic tourists jumped 20 percent to nearly 3 million.
“Domestic tourism grew very, very fast this year,” said Alberto.“More and more hotels and resorts are opening so it’s much more affordable and air fares are cheap. It’s a very, very good time to travel right now,” she said.Jarque said local governments have realized that tourism brings jobs and income to their communities.
They realize that it’s better to spend their funds on improving tourism infrastructure and developing tourist attractions than on “basketball courts and waiting sheds,” he said.“Tourism is being taken seriously…there are more and more concerns about airports, about roads,” he said.
MANILA, Philippines--After National Geographic magazine included the Philippines in its list of “25 Best New Travel Destinations in the World in 2010,” it appeared the country had finally overcome the “bad PR” that had caused tourists to shun it and head for its perhaps less dazzling neighbors.
Travel executives began putting out the word the country is one of the most exciting and undiscovered places that tourists should begin exploring now.The list, published in National Geographic’s November 2009 Adventure issue, is directed at “travelers who want their money to do more—for others, for the planet and for themselves.”It cited the Philippines’ ancient cultures, structures and biodiversity as key reasons for visiting the country.
Tourism Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque Jr. said the Department of Tourism was thrilled that the Philippines was getting the attention of travelers.“We’re very pleased. It’s also very nice to be part of a list that people want to see,” he said. He noted that it was the first time that the country was included in a list of must-see destinations by National Geographic.
Bad rap
The magazine said the Philippines had largely been ignored because of “bad PR.”“While it harbors as many islands as the Caribbean and some of the most spectacular reefs on the planet, the nation sees only a fraction of the visitors of nearby Thailand,” the magazine said.“Even travel companies, it seems, have bought the bad rap: Other than the occasional sea kayaking trip, US guides have largely avoided the archipelago,” the article said.But travel organizations have “finally gotten wise,” the magazine said.The Philippines’ image is indeed changing, travel professionals agree.
Pat Alberto, president of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association, said the country saw an increase in tourist arrivals in the past two years, and sees this as proof that the Philippines is coming out of the shadow of Thailand and Malaysia, two of Southeast Asia’s more popular destinations.
Adventure mecca
She noted that the Philippines has become a magnet for adventure travelers because of its unspoiled beaches, mountains, rivers and dive sites.Jarque said the Philippines has become a mecca for travelers looking for off-the-beaten track adventure.
These are the travelers who eschew luxury hotels in favor of home stays, who would rather spend a day in the outdoors than in a mall, he said.National Geographic cited Wilderness Travel, an adventure and ecotourism company, as one of the travel organizations that has gotten past the country’s image.It said Wilderness Travel will be organizing a tour to the Philippines next May that will showcase the country’s terrain and aquatic wonders to its American clients.It described the trip as taking participants “high into the 5,000-foot Cordillera Central, then deep into the world’s most biodiverse marine environment.” The 12-day trip to the Philippines costs $3,300.
The trip will begin in Banaue in the Cordilleras, described by the magazine as a must-see destination for those who want a serious hiking adventure.The tour will then move to Cabilao island off Bohol for diving on some of the reefs that form part of the Coral Triangle, the world’s greatest concentration of diverse and valuable coral reef ecosystems. The Philippines sits right in the middle of this center of marine biodiversity.President Macapagal-Arroyo spoke at the National Geographic Society’s headquarters in Washington, DC in August and appealed for international support for preserving, promoting and protecting biodiversity in the Coral Triangle.
The NGS is one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational institutions in the world. Its interests include geography, archaeology and natural science, the promotion of environmental and historical conservation, and the study of world culture and history.
CamSur top gainer
The DOT, which has been promoting the country’s natural and cultural wonders as the ultimate travel destination, has noted that tourists have been seeing more of the provinces.The province of Camarines Sur, known for its beaches and surfing sites, was the top tourism gainer this year. The province received 902,000 local and foreign visitors during the first semester, the DOT said.
Other popular provincial destinations were Cebu, Bohol, Aklan and Zambales.Jarque said travelers appear not to mind the stories of calamities, disasters, bombings and kidnappings that have put the Philippines in the headlines, seeing these events as part of life in the 21st century, post 9/11.
They know that these tragedies could happen anywhere, even in First World countries, he said.“In our travel fair recently, nobody asked us about terrorism and security,” Jarque said.Adventure travelers take negative news with a grain of salt, he noted.Jarque and Alberto both said that the tourism sector has bucked the global recession and the threat of swine flu that wreaked havoc on the economies of the Philippines’ neighbors.Tourism arrivals in the first semester have been robust, the DOT said in its first semester report.There were 3.89 million tourists from January to June, a 16.5-percent improvement over the same period last year.Of the total, more than 808,000 were foreign tourists. The figure compared favorably with the 760,000 foreigners who visited the Philippines in the first semester of 2008.
Saved by locals
Tourism officials said what saved the tourism industry this year was the Filipino tourist.Instead of spending their holidays abroad this year, many Filipinos fearful of the swine flu pandemic chose to vacation in their own country.According to the DOT’s first semester figures, the number of domestic tourists jumped 20 percent to nearly 3 million.
“Domestic tourism grew very, very fast this year,” said Alberto.“More and more hotels and resorts are opening so it’s much more affordable and air fares are cheap. It’s a very, very good time to travel right now,” she said.Jarque said local governments have realized that tourism brings jobs and income to their communities.
They realize that it’s better to spend their funds on improving tourism infrastructure and developing tourist attractions than on “basketball courts and waiting sheds,” he said.“Tourism is being taken seriously…there are more and more concerns about airports, about roads,” he said.
BAGUIO : WOW PHILIPPINES CORDILLERA’S BEST 2009 SHOWCASES BAGUIO CENTENNIAL FESTIVAL
by Lito DarBAGUIO CITY – The festive mood is back in the City of Pines as the Department of Tourism, in coordination with the City Government of Baguio and the Baguio Centennial Commission, is all set for the fifth staging of the “Wow Philippines Cordillera’s Best” on November 25 -30.
In a Kapihan forum held to launch the scheduled activities for the said event, DOT Regional Director Pura Molintas stressed that this year’s staging of the Wow Philippines Cordillera’s Best would be different from the previous annual staging of the event, as the said festival will be highlighting the city’s centennial celebration.
According to Molintas, instead of the usual one day staging of a grand parade of Cordillera festivals, there will also be a second parade, dubbed as Baguio Centennial festival, which will feature a summary of the City’s festival. Other major activities in the said annual tourism event include indigenous games, ethnomusicology exhibition, and a rice wine competition.
In the same forum, Molintas also confirmed that the city’s tourism is now back on its feet, after it suffered a setback during the onslaught of typhoon Pepeng. Tourist arrivals is already perking up as reported by the city’s various hotels and restaurants. She also stressed the importance of continuously having such tourism activity so as to spur an economic impact to hasten the period of the city’s recovery.
Baguio Centennial Commission and event steering committee chair, Dr. Virgilio Bautista also stressed that there is time to mourn and time to celebrate and what is important now is to show the rest of the country that Baguio is back to normal. With the college students back for the second semester, it is also a way of showcasing or teaching them, the different festival of the different provinces in the region, Bautista added.
The scheduled activities for the Wow Philippines Cordillera’s Best 2009 are: Travel, Trade and Tourism Expo (Nov 25 -30); Rice Wine Competition (Provincial/City level o Nov 25 and Regional level on Nov. 29); Delphic Games –Arts and Crafts festival (November 27-30); Grand Parade of Cordillera Festivals and Baguio Centennial Festival (Nov. 28); Cordillera Theatrical Cultural performances (Nov. 28); Baguio’s Contemporary Festivals & Creative Performances Parade (Nov. 29); Indigenous games (Nov.29); Food Festival with Cordillera Fusion (November 28-29); and a centennial tour on Nov 30. ** /PIA
In a Kapihan forum held to launch the scheduled activities for the said event, DOT Regional Director Pura Molintas stressed that this year’s staging of the Wow Philippines Cordillera’s Best would be different from the previous annual staging of the event, as the said festival will be highlighting the city’s centennial celebration.
According to Molintas, instead of the usual one day staging of a grand parade of Cordillera festivals, there will also be a second parade, dubbed as Baguio Centennial festival, which will feature a summary of the City’s festival. Other major activities in the said annual tourism event include indigenous games, ethnomusicology exhibition, and a rice wine competition.
In the same forum, Molintas also confirmed that the city’s tourism is now back on its feet, after it suffered a setback during the onslaught of typhoon Pepeng. Tourist arrivals is already perking up as reported by the city’s various hotels and restaurants. She also stressed the importance of continuously having such tourism activity so as to spur an economic impact to hasten the period of the city’s recovery.
Baguio Centennial Commission and event steering committee chair, Dr. Virgilio Bautista also stressed that there is time to mourn and time to celebrate and what is important now is to show the rest of the country that Baguio is back to normal. With the college students back for the second semester, it is also a way of showcasing or teaching them, the different festival of the different provinces in the region, Bautista added.
The scheduled activities for the Wow Philippines Cordillera’s Best 2009 are: Travel, Trade and Tourism Expo (Nov 25 -30); Rice Wine Competition (Provincial/City level o Nov 25 and Regional level on Nov. 29); Delphic Games –Arts and Crafts festival (November 27-30); Grand Parade of Cordillera Festivals and Baguio Centennial Festival (Nov. 28); Cordillera Theatrical Cultural performances (Nov. 28); Baguio’s Contemporary Festivals & Creative Performances Parade (Nov. 29); Indigenous games (Nov.29); Food Festival with Cordillera Fusion (November 28-29); and a centennial tour on Nov 30. ** /PIA
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Philippine Daily Inquirer Article 10-30-2009: Developers Moving Outside Baguio City
DEVELOPERS MOVING OUTSIDE BAGUIO CITY
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines—Businessmen are moving heaven and earth to downplay an old geological report detailing the summer capital’s vulnerability to erosion.
Debates about the city’s stability resurfaced last week after four landslides, triggered by rains brought by Typhoon “Pepeng,” killed 24 people on Oct. 8.
But real estate developers told a news briefing on Wednesday that the old geological report had not affected business because property development projects had already began exploring the potentials of neighboring Tuba and Itogon towns in Benguet.
A study commissioned by a condominium developer indicated that 49 percent of Baguio lands were already built-up, making the city an oversaturated market.
Instead, the study urged development in Tuba, which is twice the size of Baguio, and in Itogon, which is three times bigger.
1990 study
The news briefing was called by Councilor Isabelo Cosalan Jr. to address TV reports that 90 percent of Baguio was “landslide-prone.” The reports referred to a 1990 study issued in the aftermath of the Luzon earthquake that devastated Baguio and featured traces of fault lines and ground waterways that crisscross the surface of Baguio.
The ground lines render the summer capital vulnerable to erosions, according to documents of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).
Because of the study, Baguio briefly imposed a policy setting building height at only four stories.
But City Hall approved the construction of new buildings of up to 12 stories, according to the city environment office.
Cosalan said developers had addressed the potential hazards by using technology allowing them to offer safe and affordable housing.
“Baguio remains safe,” he said.
Congested
However, developers already discovered that the huge population and volume of settlements had also breached the city’s carrying capacity.
Baguio, which turned 100 years old on Sept. 1, was designed for a community of 25,000, but it now hosts a population of more than 300,000.
Cost of development is also rising, according to condominium developer Alexander Bangsoy.
Residents can afford to finance or mortgage property if they are allowed to pay from P5,000 to P8,000 in monthly amortization, he said.
But Bangsoy said permit fees and land development expenses represented an additional P800 to P1,200 for each square meter of processed land that must be passed onto buyers.
However, cheaper lots are available in areas not more than an hour’s travel away from downtown, he said.
Available space
Only 3 percent of Tuba is built-up, while only 7 percent of Itogon, a mining town, has been exploited.
Both have been cited as potential suburbs for Baguio by European experts that drew up the Baguio-Dagupan Urban Planning Project (BDUPP).
The project was not implemented though it was supposed to guide the restoration of cities devastated by the 1990 quake.
Heeding the study, developers have invested in new Benguet projects.
Bangsoy, president of Goshen Land Capital, said he developed properties on the outskirts, as well as in neighboring La Trinidad town “to help decongest the city.”
Cosalan said the Benguet towns could also provide much-needed relocation sites for communities on danger zones.
The MGB issued new warnings, reminding Baguio about potential slides in five barangays, which were spared by the recent typhoons.
The city, however, continues to draw the interest of property owners outside, Bangsoy said.
“It is still different when you say you own land in Baguio, but we have to learn to adjust our needs now. It shouldn’t matter if your house is an hour away [from downtown Baguio] because soon it would not matter,” he said.
For buyers who are still bent on acquiring Baguio property, high-rise apartments or condominiums may be the only viable product open, Bangsoy said. Vincent Cabreza, Inquirer Northern Luzon
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
10 Steps to a Greener Office
There are now many services and products available to make the task simple.
Some commonly used ‘Green’ initiatives for offices include:
1. ENSURE YOUR LIGHTS ARE OFF WHEN NO ONE IS HOME
Install occupancy sensors for different zones of your office. No one needs to
touch a switch! Lights typically consume over half the energy in your office and
installation costs can be paid off in just a few years.
2. USE EFFICIENT LIGHTING
Avoid old incandescent bulbs and low voltage down lights. Go for compact
fluorescents, LEDS and high efficiency fluorescent tubes. These save energy
and last longer, reducing maintenance too.
3. USE ENERGY EFFICIENT COMPUTERS AND EQUIPMENT
Flat screens and laptops use much less energy than the old box monitors. Look
for energy star ratings on equipment and aim high.
4. RECYCLE
Either have separate bins for each recycling stream or some waste/recycling
companies can set up dry ‘recyclables’ boxes for each desk that accommodates
all streams and the wet waste goes into bins at central points.
5. PAPER
These days it is easy to procure recycled content or plantation pulp paper. Set your
printers and copiers to default double sided and encourage electronic documents.
6. MAKE YOUR URINALS WATERLESS
Numerous buildings have turned off the water to their urinals and maintain hygiene
with small sanitizing cubes. Save over 150,000L per urinal per year!
7. USE LOW IMPACT MATERIALS IN FITOUTS AND LESS OF THEM
Which material involve a lot of energy, water, raw materials, waste and pollution in
production and delivery? For example, aluminum takes a lot of energy to produce
whereas timber that is recycled or from suitable forestry has low impact.
8. CARPET TILES FOR EFFICIENCY
Compared to broadloom, carpet tiles can be replaced when worn or damaged and
reused when you are done with them. There are now fully recycled and recyclable
cost effective tiles available.
9. DON’T BREATH EMISSIONS
Use paint, glues and cleaning solvents that produce low or no Volatile Organic
Compound (VOC) emissions - Now readily available.
10. GO ‘CLIMATE NATURAL’
Invest in the production of renewable energy to offset any carbon dioxide (CO2)
you produce. See www.climatefriendly.com You can also purchase Green
Power from renewable sources instead of the regular coal produced power
source: colliers.com
Some commonly used ‘Green’ initiatives for offices include:
1. ENSURE YOUR LIGHTS ARE OFF WHEN NO ONE IS HOME
Install occupancy sensors for different zones of your office. No one needs to
touch a switch! Lights typically consume over half the energy in your office and
installation costs can be paid off in just a few years.
2. USE EFFICIENT LIGHTING
Avoid old incandescent bulbs and low voltage down lights. Go for compact
fluorescents, LEDS and high efficiency fluorescent tubes. These save energy
and last longer, reducing maintenance too.
3. USE ENERGY EFFICIENT COMPUTERS AND EQUIPMENT
Flat screens and laptops use much less energy than the old box monitors. Look
for energy star ratings on equipment and aim high.
4. RECYCLE
Either have separate bins for each recycling stream or some waste/recycling
companies can set up dry ‘recyclables’ boxes for each desk that accommodates
all streams and the wet waste goes into bins at central points.
5. PAPER
These days it is easy to procure recycled content or plantation pulp paper. Set your
printers and copiers to default double sided and encourage electronic documents.
6. MAKE YOUR URINALS WATERLESS
Numerous buildings have turned off the water to their urinals and maintain hygiene
with small sanitizing cubes. Save over 150,000L per urinal per year!
7. USE LOW IMPACT MATERIALS IN FITOUTS AND LESS OF THEM
Which material involve a lot of energy, water, raw materials, waste and pollution in
production and delivery? For example, aluminum takes a lot of energy to produce
whereas timber that is recycled or from suitable forestry has low impact.
8. CARPET TILES FOR EFFICIENCY
Compared to broadloom, carpet tiles can be replaced when worn or damaged and
reused when you are done with them. There are now fully recycled and recyclable
cost effective tiles available.
9. DON’T BREATH EMISSIONS
Use paint, glues and cleaning solvents that produce low or no Volatile Organic
Compound (VOC) emissions - Now readily available.
10. GO ‘CLIMATE NATURAL’
Invest in the production of renewable energy to offset any carbon dioxide (CO2)
you produce. See www.climatefriendly.com You can also purchase Green
Power from renewable sources instead of the regular coal produced power
source: colliers.com
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Immediate Climate Action Needed to Prevent Future Destruction
Nature will not wait for Copenhagen.
This situation was made more clear as Typhoon Ondoy left widespread flooding in many countries, unleashed unprecedented rainfall in Metro Manila and caught a lot of people unprepared both in the Philippines and Vietnam.
In the face of increasing frequency and strength of these weather events, the lack of proper infrastructure and planning in cities and towns of developing countries puts their urban population at risk.
Developing countries lack the capacity to adapt to climate change induced rains and flooding. Their food security is threatened as their crops are destroyed by typhoons and their lives and homes destroyed by landslides, flooding and strong winds.
Climate change already aggravates other environmental problems that communities have to face as a result of globalization's ever increasing destruction of our ecology. The poor communities that have long been struggling economically are unable to cope with this threat.
The foot-dragging of the UNFCC in the intercessional meeting currently being held in Bangkok must stop. It is no longer a question that human activity has produced dangerous climate interference. The member countries of the UN, especially those from the developing countries, should not let the US and the G8 sabotage the negotiations for their benefit. Our goal should be to avoid catastrophic effects that could affect more than half of the world's population that are most vulnerable to climate change.
Immediate climate action is needed now. We should insist that emitter nations, such as the US and other industrialized countries, indemnify communities and nations like ours so that we may be able to adapt to extreme weather events and other disasters that may come in the future.
We should strive for a post-Kyoto climate agreement that will truly contain scientific and real solutions away from market based mechanisms to address global warming and climate change related concerns of the people of the world.
We should strengthen our people's movements and mobilize our communities not only to adapt to the effects of climate change but to reject the current world system that brought us here in the first place.
Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=510727
This situation was made more clear as Typhoon Ondoy left widespread flooding in many countries, unleashed unprecedented rainfall in Metro Manila and caught a lot of people unprepared both in the Philippines and Vietnam.
In the face of increasing frequency and strength of these weather events, the lack of proper infrastructure and planning in cities and towns of developing countries puts their urban population at risk.
Developing countries lack the capacity to adapt to climate change induced rains and flooding. Their food security is threatened as their crops are destroyed by typhoons and their lives and homes destroyed by landslides, flooding and strong winds.
Climate change already aggravates other environmental problems that communities have to face as a result of globalization's ever increasing destruction of our ecology. The poor communities that have long been struggling economically are unable to cope with this threat.
The foot-dragging of the UNFCC in the intercessional meeting currently being held in Bangkok must stop. It is no longer a question that human activity has produced dangerous climate interference. The member countries of the UN, especially those from the developing countries, should not let the US and the G8 sabotage the negotiations for their benefit. Our goal should be to avoid catastrophic effects that could affect more than half of the world's population that are most vulnerable to climate change.
Immediate climate action is needed now. We should insist that emitter nations, such as the US and other industrialized countries, indemnify communities and nations like ours so that we may be able to adapt to extreme weather events and other disasters that may come in the future.
We should strive for a post-Kyoto climate agreement that will truly contain scientific and real solutions away from market based mechanisms to address global warming and climate change related concerns of the people of the world.
We should strengthen our people's movements and mobilize our communities not only to adapt to the effects of climate change but to reject the current world system that brought us here in the first place.
Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=510727
Friday, October 9, 2009
Estimating Value Of Real Estate Properties in the Philippines
Knowing how to appraise the value of real estate properties is very important on the part of the Real estate broker
To be able to recommend the best property at a given budget as well to the buyers themselves so they can make the right investments, it is important for Real estate brokers to know hot to appraise the value of real estate properties. The skill in determining values of properties help the real estate brokers/agents determine saleable properties and organize their arsenal of selling prowess to prioritize on these saleable properties. As important would be the buyers who should also get to know the real value of what they have bought.
There are three approaches for determining value:
1. The Cost Approach
2. Sales Comparison Approach
3. Income Approach
In cost approach, the value of a property can be estimated by summing the land value and the depreciated value of improvements. The land value is usually based on the prevailing market value in the area distinct from the zonal value set by the government. For house and lot properties, it is best to separate the land from the building/improvement and add them up together after knowing its individual values.
For example,
If you want to know the value of a house and lot in a subdivision in Baguio,
*a 3 bedroom house,
*5 years old
*with a floor area of 65 square meters and
*a lot area of 100 square meters
First, you will have to estimate the prevailing selling price of middle end subdivision in the area.
*Assuming the average is P5, 500 per square meter,
*the value of the land would be 100X5,500=550,000
*Then, estimate the value of the house.
*The acceptable price ranges are as follows
Low Cost housing: P16,000.00 to P25,000 per square meter
Middle End housing: P26,000.00 to P35,000 per square meter
High End housing: P36,000.00 to P45,000 per square meter
The basis of the above figures is the average price offerings of majority of real estate developers in Baguio.
So, for the floor area of 65 square meters X P35,000.00 average price square meter=P2,275,000.00
Then add the value of the lot=P550,000=P2,825,000.00 + 12% VAT = 3,164,00.00
Since the example above states that the property is already 5 years old, depreciation value shall then be deducted as follows:
Depreciation = P2,275,000 / 50 years = P45,500.00 cost of depreciation per year.
Depreciation cost for 5 years = P45,500.00 X 5 = P227,500.00
Therefore the appraised value of the property in this example:
* shall be P3,164,000.00 less P227,500.00 depreciation = P2,936,500.00
The Sales Comparison Approach. The approach recognizes that a typical buyer will always compare by asking prices and seek to purchase the property that meets his or her wants and needs for the lowest cost possible. The actual selling prices happening in the same local area can be obtained from public records, buyers, seller, real estate brokers and/or agents, appraisers, and others. Important details of each comparable sale are described in the appraisal report by licensed real estate appraisers. Since comparable sales are not always identical to the subject property, adjustments are sometimes made for date of sale, location, style, bathrooms, square foot, site size, etc.
The main idea is to simulate the price that would have been paid if each comparable sale were identical to the subject property. If the adjustment to the comparable is superior to the subject, a downward adjustment is necessary. Likewise, if the adjustment to the comparable is inferior to the subject, an upward adjustment is necessary. From the analysis of the group of adjusted sales prices of the comparable sales, the state licensed real estate appraiser selects an indicator of value that is representative of the subject property.
For example, the subject property in comparison has a bigger lot area, then compute the difference and deduct from the price to make an upward adjustment. If the subject property has a smaller floor area, then compute the difference from the price to make a downward adjustment. You will also have to compare the basic facilities, amenities, and other features of the property that make it more valuable than the other property. A careful balancing of all the variables is important in arriving at a good appraisal value based on sales comparison approach
The income capitalization approach is used to value commercial and investment properties. Because it is intended to directly reflect or model the expectations and behaviours of typical market participants, this approach is generally considered the most applicable valuation technique for
How to Estimate Real Estate Values in the Philippines
Neighborhood: in Metro Baguio
Income- producing properties, where sufficient market data exists to supply the necessary inputs and parameters for this approach. In a commercial income-producing property this approach capitalizes an income stream into a value indication. This can be done using revenue multipliers or capitalization rates applied to the first-year Net Operating Income.
The Net Operating Income (NOI) is gross potential income (GPI), less vacancy and collection loss (= Effective Gross Income) less operating expenses (but excluding debt service, income taxes, and/or depreciation charges applied by accountants).
Some Technical Data were borrowed from
Engr. Manuel R. Arengo Jr.
To be able to recommend the best property at a given budget as well to the buyers themselves so they can make the right investments, it is important for Real estate brokers to know hot to appraise the value of real estate properties. The skill in determining values of properties help the real estate brokers/agents determine saleable properties and organize their arsenal of selling prowess to prioritize on these saleable properties. As important would be the buyers who should also get to know the real value of what they have bought.
There are three approaches for determining value:
1. The Cost Approach
2. Sales Comparison Approach
3. Income Approach
In cost approach, the value of a property can be estimated by summing the land value and the depreciated value of improvements. The land value is usually based on the prevailing market value in the area distinct from the zonal value set by the government. For house and lot properties, it is best to separate the land from the building/improvement and add them up together after knowing its individual values.
For example,
If you want to know the value of a house and lot in a subdivision in Baguio,
*a 3 bedroom house,
*5 years old
*with a floor area of 65 square meters and
*a lot area of 100 square meters
First, you will have to estimate the prevailing selling price of middle end subdivision in the area.
*Assuming the average is P5, 500 per square meter,
*the value of the land would be 100X5,500=550,000
*Then, estimate the value of the house.
*The acceptable price ranges are as follows
Low Cost housing: P16,000.00 to P25,000 per square meter
Middle End housing: P26,000.00 to P35,000 per square meter
High End housing: P36,000.00 to P45,000 per square meter
The basis of the above figures is the average price offerings of majority of real estate developers in Baguio.
So, for the floor area of 65 square meters X P35,000.00 average price square meter=P2,275,000.00
Then add the value of the lot=P550,000=P2,825,000.00 + 12% VAT = 3,164,00.00
Since the example above states that the property is already 5 years old, depreciation value shall then be deducted as follows:
Depreciation = P2,275,000 / 50 years = P45,500.00 cost of depreciation per year.
Depreciation cost for 5 years = P45,500.00 X 5 = P227,500.00
Therefore the appraised value of the property in this example:
* shall be P3,164,000.00 less P227,500.00 depreciation = P2,936,500.00
The Sales Comparison Approach. The approach recognizes that a typical buyer will always compare by asking prices and seek to purchase the property that meets his or her wants and needs for the lowest cost possible. The actual selling prices happening in the same local area can be obtained from public records, buyers, seller, real estate brokers and/or agents, appraisers, and others. Important details of each comparable sale are described in the appraisal report by licensed real estate appraisers. Since comparable sales are not always identical to the subject property, adjustments are sometimes made for date of sale, location, style, bathrooms, square foot, site size, etc.
The main idea is to simulate the price that would have been paid if each comparable sale were identical to the subject property. If the adjustment to the comparable is superior to the subject, a downward adjustment is necessary. Likewise, if the adjustment to the comparable is inferior to the subject, an upward adjustment is necessary. From the analysis of the group of adjusted sales prices of the comparable sales, the state licensed real estate appraiser selects an indicator of value that is representative of the subject property.
For example, the subject property in comparison has a bigger lot area, then compute the difference and deduct from the price to make an upward adjustment. If the subject property has a smaller floor area, then compute the difference from the price to make a downward adjustment. You will also have to compare the basic facilities, amenities, and other features of the property that make it more valuable than the other property. A careful balancing of all the variables is important in arriving at a good appraisal value based on sales comparison approach
The income capitalization approach is used to value commercial and investment properties. Because it is intended to directly reflect or model the expectations and behaviours of typical market participants, this approach is generally considered the most applicable valuation technique for
How to Estimate Real Estate Values in the Philippines
Neighborhood: in Metro Baguio
Income- producing properties, where sufficient market data exists to supply the necessary inputs and parameters for this approach. In a commercial income-producing property this approach capitalizes an income stream into a value indication. This can be done using revenue multipliers or capitalization rates applied to the first-year Net Operating Income.
The Net Operating Income (NOI) is gross potential income (GPI), less vacancy and collection loss (= Effective Gross Income) less operating expenses (but excluding debt service, income taxes, and/or depreciation charges applied by accountants).
Some Technical Data were borrowed from
Engr. Manuel R. Arengo Jr.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Salvaging a Flood Damged Home
The waters have receded and you are left in the mud and the muck. Now what? Call in all your favors. Flood damage can be massive and the clean up is challenging even for experienced flood damage experts. Speed is crucial when salvaging a flood damaged home. Any moisture that is allowed to remain continues to cause damage to the structure. Get the water out fast!
Be sure that your home is structurally sound before work can begin. I have seen flood damaged homes twisted and shifted on their foundations. Make sure the building is solid enough to be safe before venturing in.
Wear rubber boots and gloves to protect your skin from possible contaminants. Masks may be necesarry. Household and industrial chemicals, raw sewage, dangerous bacteria and petroleum products may be in that mud and muck. Do not drink the tap water in a home that has been flooded. Water supplies, even well water, can be contaminated by flood borne chemicals and sewage. Your health department will provide information on sanitizing private wells. Watch for bugs, snakes, and animals that have been displaced by the flood and could be dangerous!
source:http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1668459/how_to_salvage_a_flood_damaged_home.html?cat=6
Be sure that your home is structurally sound before work can begin. I have seen flood damaged homes twisted and shifted on their foundations. Make sure the building is solid enough to be safe before venturing in.
Wear rubber boots and gloves to protect your skin from possible contaminants. Masks may be necesarry. Household and industrial chemicals, raw sewage, dangerous bacteria and petroleum products may be in that mud and muck. Do not drink the tap water in a home that has been flooded. Water supplies, even well water, can be contaminated by flood borne chemicals and sewage. Your health department will provide information on sanitizing private wells. Watch for bugs, snakes, and animals that have been displaced by the flood and could be dangerous!
source:http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1668459/how_to_salvage_a_flood_damaged_home.html?cat=6
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Goshen: Land of Possibilities
Goshen Land Capital Incorporated is a registered real estate company with the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2007. The Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) issued License to Sell 12378 and HLURB Certificate of Registration 11684 to Goshen Land Capital Inc. for its P2.5-billion flagship project The Courtyards.
The Courtyards is the first masterplanned garden condominium development in Baguio with an American country home inspired architecture and country club- class amenities. The project sits on a two-hectare property nestled by Aurora Hill and Leonila Hill in Northern Baguio. Construction is now on full swing.
In an article at the Philippine Daily Inquirer Business page on January 2009, It described Goshen Land as a “homegrown real estate company that is sensitive enough to incorporate the “old Baguio charm” in its condominium project.” The article further states that what Goshen Land Capital is doing is to instill Baguio pride in terms of masterplanned developments.
According to two leading local papers in Baguio, Sunstar and Baguio Midland Courier, Goshen land Capital is only one among four local developers out of 98 identified developers in that area that was given permit by the HLURB.
Goshen Land Capital started out as TBF Realty, a SEC- registered homegrown real estate company that developed simple subdivisions within and around the Metro Baguio area since 2004. To date, it already has issued and delivered individual land titles to its clients who have paid their dues in full. This could be verified with the Register of Deeds.
Its buyers in its first simple subdivision it Km 4 La Trinidad Metro Baguio have all received their lot titles. Since 2004, it has opened nine (9) subdivisions until it merged with Goshen Land capital Inc. in 2007. Hence, both are now called Goshen Land Capital Incorporated or Goshen Land Capital for brevity.
In all of its nine subdivisions, Goshen Land Capital then called TBF Realty sold these lots with zero percent interest and five years to pay. These compassionate terms of payment stems from the fact that Goshen Land Capital President Atty. Alexander Bangsoy knows too well the difficulty of ordinary Filipinos owning clean titled, affordable real estate property. His childhood experience of his family being thrown out of their rented apartment by a mean landlady inspired him to become a lawyer at the Ateneo Law School. This enabled him to help people and make possible for them to have a house and lot they could securely call their own, secure from fears of ejection and intimidation.
After the merger, Goshen Land Capital shored up P200-million in assets. The merger internally strengthened and professionalized the company. This propelled the company to open two more masterplanned projects, namely, The Courtyards and Summerfields.
The 4.7 hectare Summerfields is the first masterplanned subdivision community in Metro Baguio with a San Francisco-inspired architectural theme complete with amenities. It has an expansion area of about 10 more hectares.
In 2009, Goshen Land Capital Inc. plans to open three more masterplanned projects. These are the 1.2 hectare North Cambridge Lifestyle Condominiums beside SLU Bakakeng Campus with an expansion area of another hectare, the 40- hectare Baguio Highlands, an upscale country-themed subdivision complete with amenities and the 30 hectare mid-cost Montana Ridge subdivision that will feature the Mediterranean architectural theme since it overlooks the lowlands and the sea from the Metro Baguio mountain ridges along Marcos Highway. All these projects are in Metro Baguio. Baguio Highlands and the Montana Ridge are touted to be the biggest masterplanned subdivision developments in Metro Baguio.
The Courtyards is the first masterplanned garden condominium development in Baguio with an American country home inspired architecture and country club- class amenities. The project sits on a two-hectare property nestled by Aurora Hill and Leonila Hill in Northern Baguio. Construction is now on full swing.
In an article at the Philippine Daily Inquirer Business page on January 2009, It described Goshen Land as a “homegrown real estate company that is sensitive enough to incorporate the “old Baguio charm” in its condominium project.” The article further states that what Goshen Land Capital is doing is to instill Baguio pride in terms of masterplanned developments.
According to two leading local papers in Baguio, Sunstar and Baguio Midland Courier, Goshen land Capital is only one among four local developers out of 98 identified developers in that area that was given permit by the HLURB.
Goshen Land Capital started out as TBF Realty, a SEC- registered homegrown real estate company that developed simple subdivisions within and around the Metro Baguio area since 2004. To date, it already has issued and delivered individual land titles to its clients who have paid their dues in full. This could be verified with the Register of Deeds.
Its buyers in its first simple subdivision it Km 4 La Trinidad Metro Baguio have all received their lot titles. Since 2004, it has opened nine (9) subdivisions until it merged with Goshen Land capital Inc. in 2007. Hence, both are now called Goshen Land Capital Incorporated or Goshen Land Capital for brevity.
In all of its nine subdivisions, Goshen Land Capital then called TBF Realty sold these lots with zero percent interest and five years to pay. These compassionate terms of payment stems from the fact that Goshen Land Capital President Atty. Alexander Bangsoy knows too well the difficulty of ordinary Filipinos owning clean titled, affordable real estate property. His childhood experience of his family being thrown out of their rented apartment by a mean landlady inspired him to become a lawyer at the Ateneo Law School. This enabled him to help people and make possible for them to have a house and lot they could securely call their own, secure from fears of ejection and intimidation.
After the merger, Goshen Land Capital shored up P200-million in assets. The merger internally strengthened and professionalized the company. This propelled the company to open two more masterplanned projects, namely, The Courtyards and Summerfields.
The 4.7 hectare Summerfields is the first masterplanned subdivision community in Metro Baguio with a San Francisco-inspired architectural theme complete with amenities. It has an expansion area of about 10 more hectares.
In 2009, Goshen Land Capital Inc. plans to open three more masterplanned projects. These are the 1.2 hectare North Cambridge Lifestyle Condominiums beside SLU Bakakeng Campus with an expansion area of another hectare, the 40- hectare Baguio Highlands, an upscale country-themed subdivision complete with amenities and the 30 hectare mid-cost Montana Ridge subdivision that will feature the Mediterranean architectural theme since it overlooks the lowlands and the sea from the Metro Baguio mountain ridges along Marcos Highway. All these projects are in Metro Baguio. Baguio Highlands and the Montana Ridge are touted to be the biggest masterplanned subdivision developments in Metro Baguio.
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