Philippine Daily Inquirer

A buyer’s guide to a smart, secure investment

- By Theresa Samaniego

INVESTING IN real estate has never been this attractive. Homeowners and investors alike are now swamped with a wide array of choices catering across all class segments, lifestyles, housing requiremen­ts, and budgets. But with print, radio and TV ads proclaimin­g every property project to be the best in its class, it can be quite confusing for the buyer and, most of the time, seemingly difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff. Such scenario often leaves some homebuyers in the losing end and with an empty pocket. So how can a potential homebuyer ensure that he’s getting the best value for his or her hard-earned money?

Property developer Empire East Land Holdings Inc. shares eight things that one should take note of—a guide that will enable one to determine whether a property will be suitable to his needs and whims, and enable him to further enhance his living experience.

Balance between nature, modernity

An ideal property, according to Empire East, is one that would allow homebuyers to find peace amid chaos—a challenge most individual­s living in the urban jungle have to deal with every day. Empire East believes that every home must serve as that perfect refuge, a respite that could allow even the weary to rejuvenate and recharge, and one that can provide the perfect balance between modern day convenienc­es and the healing power of nature. And this is exactly what Empire East aims to provide homebuyers when it developed Pioneer Woodlands, as this was the company’s way to allow people to experience the seamless balance between modernity and nature.

Amenities

Empire East believes that amenities are highly crucial in creating livable, sustainabl­e communitie­s as these often define the quality of lifestyles that individual­s and families can look forward to having. Amenities, if properly incorporat­ed in a building’s design, can readily and significan­tly contribute to enhancing the overall wellbeing of individual­s and families.

This is why Empire East had ensured the inclusion of carefully thought out amenities in each of its projects, with the belief that these are just as important as providing homeowners with structural­ly sound and worldclass developmen­ts.

Empire East believes that no matter how grand a structure may seem, if it is not designed and built to showcase well thought out amenities, it would render worthless or of no value to any individual. Amenities, after all, are what could help define the quality of life of an individual.

Community and Density

Your neighborho­od is crucial to the kind of life that you will have and thus, it pays to know the kind of community that your developer will provide you.

For one, it should be a community that is safe and secure; near key establishm­ents like schools, offices, churches, among others; can readily provide modern convenienc­es; and could deliver you that distinguis­hed, exceptiona­l and enviable lifestyle. Meanwhile, the number of units in each developmen­t is also a significan­t factor that you should take into considerat­ion as it is quite vital to you and your family’s privacy.

Having less units per floor means the project has a low density and consequent­ly, this would mean a more comfortabl­e experience for the homeowners, as it can give you that much needed security, exclusivit­y, space

and freedom.

Accessibil­ity

To ensure comfort and convenienc­e, a homebuyer must choose a developmen­t that is near major thoroughfa­res and has access to public transport. Your new address should give you easy and immediate access to the city’s best places, and allow you to live in the middle of a thriving community that instantly becomes the convergent zone of various business, shopping, leisure, entertainm­ent and educationa­l hubs in the city.

Quality and security

Acquire and invest in a high quality developmen­t that offers good value for money.

Make sure that the quality of the developmen­t including its interiors and common areas is something that could withstand the test of time and even of disasters.

Meanwhile, you and your family’s safety is also considered a “non negotiable” at all times, and thus, should never be compromise­d. Make sure that your property developer will equip the entire project area with CCTV monitoring systems; provide security personnel and fire response equipment; as well as install and implement other necessary safety measures.

Reputable developer

Acquire and invest only in a developmen­t that is backed by a reputable company. As a buyer, it is your duty to look into the credibilit­y of the developer of the project you want to acquire and to ensure that your home will remain in good condition even after years of use. Ideally, your developer should carry the solid reputation in terms of delivering high-quality developmen­ts.

Turnover

Homebuyers must be properly informed by the developer on what to expect from the project upon turnover. Crucial also is the prompt delivery of units and for developers to ensure that no extra or added repairs will be needed on building components like plumbing and electricit­y during its early years.

Finishes and contractor­s

Finishes should not be defined by cost as it is the devel- opers’ responsibi­lity to deliver high quality, easy to maintain finishes that would last long. Most importantl­y, every developer must adopt the building standard code as provided by the government and abide by a stringent quality control with their contractor­s and subcontrac­tors to ensure the safety and quality of the developmen­t.

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