Buying a home is one of the goals of every Filipino, especially those who work hard in another country to provide for their loved ones.  And with the construction boom in the country, OFWs are now given the opportunity of buying their dream home and investing in real estate. So instead of letting your hard earned money sit idle in a bank, why not try your hand at real estate investment.  Here are some guidelines to help you acquire a property without a hitch.

Identify your purpose

Is the property for your and your family’s residence? Do you plan on renting it out?  Will you rent it to students, to office workers, to expats, or tourists ala Airbnb style?  Will you wait for a few years then resell?

Recognizing your intentions will help you narrow down options and pinpoint the right location, amenities, and accessibility your dream property must have.

Read: What is Real Estate Investment and How to be an Investor

Do the research

Since you have lived abroad for a few years, it is important to know the real estate situation in the Philippines.  And with today’s technology at the palm of your hands, you can easily hit the internet and scan through property portals like Lamudi to compare prices, check interest rates and talk to professionals.

Also, ask friends back home to recommend a reliable developer with a solid track record such as Federal Land Inc.

Palm Beach West at Bay Area Central Business District

Call a friend

While an average vacation for an OFW with a two-year work contract is two months, property acquisition can take more time.  To make sure you complete all the requirements and come out of the purchase process with the keys of your dream house, ask a trusted immediate family member to represent you in the entirety of transaction.

Immediate family members such as your spouse, children, parents, and siblings can be appointed as attorney-in-act and sign the relevant documents on your behalf.  A relative becomes your attorney-in-fact when you both sign the Special Power of Attorney (SPA).  The SPA should then be notarized and consularized at the nearest Philippine Consulate.  Upon the consulate’s approval, your attorney-in-fact is then authorized to sign documents and represent you for the transactions.

What is the difference between a Consularized Special Power of Attorney and Notarized Special Power of Attorney?

A Consularized Special Power of Attorney is an SPA signed by an OFW or expatriate while abroad, while a Notarized Special Power of Attorney is an SPA signed by an OFW or expatriate while in the Philippines. Typically, it is signed before an OFW leaves the country so a family member residing in the country can finish the transaction on his/her behalf.  To notarize an SPA, simply visit a notary public near you with a signed SPA.

Prepare the papers

Acquiring a property requires proper documentation.  Ensure that you have the basic paperwork in order such as:

    • Consularized or notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA)
    • Photocopy of important IDs such as passport, government IDs, company ID etc.
    • TIN (Tax Identification Number)
    • Proof of income/remittance
    • Certificate of employment or POEA contract

Siena Towers along Sumulong Highway, Marikina City

Write that check

Depending on your financial capacity, there are various payment plans available such as paying in full or home loan through PAG-Ibig, in-house or bank financing.  Carefully consider the pros and cons of each plan before making a decision.  If you prefer to pay through a home loan, coordinate with your attorney-in-fact with the loan requirements and application.

Read:  Condo Financing 101

Inspect the property

Before taking the keys, make sure that your attorney-in-fact and other family members meticulously inspect the property.  Ask them to check for the condition of the load-bearing walls, broken tiles, water pipes and electrical provision amongst others.  Best if they could bring an experienced inspector to ensure nothing is amiss before finalizing the turnover.

Even with a thousand miles in between, you and your dream of a real estate investment is not impossible. You can start with a serious family talk and choosing a reliable and trusted developer that will bring you to your dream investment.

Florida Sun Estates at General Trias, Cavite

The prime real estate development company, Federal Land Inc. has launched the third tower in its Four Season Riviera residential community in Binondo, Manila.

Designed to bring good feng shui to its residents, the riverfront Four Season Riviera boasts of generous living space perfect for families, retirees, professionals, business owners and foreign immigrants looking to assimilate into the thriving Filipino-Chinese community in Binondo.

Four Season Riviera – Peony Tower, the third tower of this real estate development, offers spacious layouts of one-bedroom unit measuring up to 47 square meters; two-bedroom unit measuring up to 89 square meters; three-bedroom unit measuring up to 142 square meters; and four-bedroom unit measuring up to 184 square meters.

The Peony Tower also offers generous amenities to its residents. Aside from the usual fare of swimming pools, spacious fitness center and function rooms, Peony residents will enjoy wellness amenities such as a Yoga Room and Tai Chi Areas; entertainment amenities such as Game Room, Entertainment Room (with home theater and KTV area) Children’s Playground, Day Care, Outdoor Recreation Area. Other amenities include Reading Lounge, Study Room, Outdoor Lounges, Landscape Gardens and Gazebos.

This is the fifth project that Federal Land launched this year. The other four projects Federal Land have launched this year are the Baler Tower of Palm Beach West in Bay Area, Pasay; Mimosa Tower of Peninsula Garden Midtown Homes in Paco, Manila; Orlando Phase of Florida Sun Estate in General Trias, Cavite; and Quantum Residences in Taft, Manila.

Federal Land residential properties are almost sold out and only have a few units left in its inventory. Interested homeowners and investors can choose among the remaining pre-selling and RFO (ready for occupancy) units. For lease to own plans, pre-selling reservations, or ready for occupancy units, email us at digital.mktg@federalland.ph for details.