April 30, 2020: The Not So Boring Philippine Real Estate Status Update

May 11, 2020

April 30, 2020: The Not So Boring Philippine Real Estate Status Update

Hello everyone!

How have you been? Is COVID-19 annoying you yet? Well not to worry, everything ends sooner or later. We just have to focus on achieving our goals and dreams while staying safe at home for the meantime.

What's up with the Real Estate industry in the Philippines?

According to the DTI, as of April 28, 2020 they have recommended that we cannot buy or sell properties right now while the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) is in place. Afterwards, we still cannot do so even when a General Community Quarantine (GCQ) is implemented. See below. (Encircled check mark means it is newly added to the list as of Apr. 27, 2020)

What does this mean for you as a real estate buyer/investor and me as a seller/property consultant?

For buyers/investors:

Well, for one, it means we can only focus on taking care of our health and forget about buying and investing in real estate now. Documentation will take too long to be processed during this pandemic season. Remember most people are at home and companies have a skeletal workforce. Perhaps that's why DTI does not recommend any property buying or selling. YES You can still ask me details of properties you're interested in and I can provide them for you too, because we have all the time in the world, but that's it. YES some developers will still accept property reservations via online payment however I would not recommend you do so unless you're sure and have enough money to survive in these trying times. Better prepare, research and plan for your future solid investments instead and then meet and reserve with me as soon as it is allowed to buy and sell properties.

Property experts like Professor Eric Soriano, World Bank/IFC Consultant and Executive Director of Wong + Bernstein Property Advisory Asia, recommends to look into and invest in residential properties in mixed-use developments or townships in the future. Why? Residents will experience the convenience and security it offers as opposed to stand alone homes or condominiums. Within it, everything you need in case of quarantines like this is just within the developed community. The properties will also be well maintained and top developers or building admins can be trusted to take care of the basic needs of the residents like security, easy access to food sources (supermarkets) or having enough standby power supply, etc. What are the examples of townships? Not to name names, but those considered as "cities within a city" are what townships are all about.

Aside from townships, it's a good idea to also look into investing in office and industrial spaces. Movement into such will also be happening soon due to the effect of COVID-19 and the quarantine. According to Collier International, a year after the 2008 global financial crisis office leasing and residential real estate recovered and grew along with market conditions. Who's to say it won't happen again? And what better way to do your research than to also ask residential and office property information from a real estate salesperson or broker right? I'll be your artsy real estate agent at your service! Before, during and after quarantine.

For sellers/property consultants:

Well, I actually have two pending condo property sales (one in Makati, pictured above, and one in Tagaytay) because of the Taal eruption and this pandemic. Another lot for sale (Tandang Sora, QC) is still waiting for the highest bidder before it gets sold. The land seller is in the US so even if someone gives me the earnest money for it now or next month, the documentation process won't be possible until the owner flies in from the States. I've also received townhouse inquiries from people just starting to build a family. They can't view model units and visit the sites until we're all allowed to go out and about. Sad life huh? Yes virtual tours can be helpful but I know most people prefer to still see things face to face before purchasing anything worth millions.

This means property sellers like me who aren't affiliated with major developers and do not receive any monthly allowance belong to those who are "no work and no pay". Even so, we are still ready to assist anyone who are looking for information and help in deciding on properties to live and invest in soon.

What now?

The best property investment move right now is to contact your property agents/brokers (ehem) and do your research while there is time to review everything. There's nothing wrong with planning ahead right? As you know, real estate value will always be low NOW than in the future. Aside from that, developers will soon offer easier payment plans to help out people who prefer to invest or continue investing in times like these.

The next best thing to do is to stay healthy. Having a strong immune system right now is our best defense against COVID-19. Staying physically, emotionally and mentally healthy should be our top priority. In order to be healthy, first we need to consume good food. Some of the uncommonly found but healthy food we don't consume daily here in Metro Manila is fresh Carabao's milk and superfoods like spirulina, pomegranate, chlorella, maca root, etc.

Sta. Maria Dairy products price list and order form (FYI I stopped selling as of May 10, 2020) ||| All Natural Superfoods Mix: One Opti Juice details

Are you aware that fresh Carabao milk is extremely rich in calcium? The Philippine Carabao Center calls it the "most complete food". In contrast to fresh cow's milk, it has less cholesterol and more fat and calories, meaning it's best for bone and dental health and a healthy heart. This is why I decided to help out our local farmers and distribute the goodness this local dairy milk company produces. If you or your relatives are looking for local fresh milk, I got you covered. On top of that, I even have an all natural 15-in-1 fruits and veggies superfoods mix (pictured above) available for you to pre-order too. With these two, we can definitely strengthen our immune system and help our body fight any illness.

I've been drinking One Opti Juice since June 2019 and so far I've never had any cough, colds and flu. That's surprising! As for the milk products, I just started drinking this month and even if I am not a regular milk drinker at all for years suddenly I turned into one! Whoa.

I wonder if you'll experience the same too.

Anyway, if you already have your physical health covered then next thing we need to look into is our mental and emotional health. For this reason I have decided to share some tips and useful infographics for you and your loved ones during this quarantine. It is important to keep our mental health in tip top shape during times like these.

Sharing our blessings and important information is one way to help keep our sanities in check. If you have any property questions or inquiries feel free to let me know. As for health drink product details, just click on the links above and you'll see all the basic info you're looking for. Let's work together and continue to help one another to keep fighting to survive this global pandemic.

And that's it for my not so boring real estate update! I hope I've shared some valuable insight that can help you and your loved ones during this quarantine. Have a great day and I hope you and your family will be healthy always.