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First time home buyers are often trapped in hard decision making situations especially for most Filipino families who considers a lot of things before getting their own house and lot. Regardless of the urgency of the situation, buyers should never make a decision that would put them at risk in the future. Here is another helpful list of 4 common mistakes of the first time home buyers. I hope by reading this post, you'll avoid falling into the trap of any of these.  DID YOU KNOW that Amaris Homes in Cavite offers the model house ELYANA Basic with Floor Area of 46 sqm but with different lot options for as low as Php 1,274,050. You can reserve this beautiful townhouse for Php 10,000 only! 1) They do not have a concrete budget plan. This is where most of us should start. Its like wondering around the grocery store, looking for the stuff you need but you don’t have any idea how much your pocket contains. It could only result into two things; either you go over or under your financial capacity. Going over budget would result to debt, which nobody wants. 2) They cannot decide on what they need exactly. This is generally a picking error. One day you decide you wanted a two storey, next morning you want a duplex. You cannot make up your mind on what type of house, in which location from which developer. You end up having to reserve different units and retracting your decisions which cost you a lot of money. Before diving into the market, make sure you have the specific list of the things you are looking for in your future house.
READ my previous post for practical tips about finding your dream house and house with suggested different properties for you to consider.  3) Not being aware of the hidden/other costs. You might probably have a budget in mind and you stick to it, but you forget about the other hidden charges you may need to pay. This results to you, needing more money than what you expect to spend. Always remember that a good budget plan includes an extra allowance for other unexpected expenses such as documentary expenses, bank fees etc.
 CALL or TEXT me at 0917 739 8227 for any questions about the properties I've featured on this blog. I'll be happy to assist you in finding the right home for you. 4) They forget about the after sales renovations. This is a common mistake for many first time home buyers. Once they have been presented with the model house, they instantly fall in love with the aesthetic aspect, forgetting about the fact that they have to pay for the interior renovations. So they forget to prepare financially for this aspect. From bare unit...  To this... Remember that most of the actual turn-over units are bare so you have to allot a budget for interior design and other things you want to add.  Searching for your future home can be both daunting and overwhelming. I have seen a lot of first time home buyers make plenty of mistakes, either for buying a house more than they could afford or for not being happy about the result. Consider the guidelines listed above. Preparation is the key to success. Always consider the future. I'm your House Hopper Apple Allison and you can contact me at 0917 739 8227 if you need help in finding your dream house. Don't forget to read my other blog posts for affordable properties near Metro Manila.  DISCLOSURE: I am an Accredited Online Lead Generator for Driven Marketing Group.
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Draw your dream. This can mean literally or figuratively. Put specifics into your dream house. Write down how many storeys, how many rooms, would you like to have a little garden outside? Do you want a carport? These are the things that you would like to see in your future home. With so many options available in the market, I am pretty confident that you’ll find an offer that will suit your needs. A vision board of different house models and properties can also be a big help. You use the flyers given to you or you can also come-up with a digital version so that you always see it. Like in my case, I particularly love the house models in South Forbes so I put it in my vision board.  I particularly like the design of this clubhouse in one of their themed community so I included it in my dream board together with other house models that I loved.  Chase your dream. You know I never thought that my house hopper adventures will open my eyes to bigger dreams... for a while I was already contented of what I have and I'm secured of having my own house and lot in the province but now I'm chasing my bigger dreams. My regular site trips let me explore more options, take more inspirations and ask more questions. 
Did you know that Liora Homes offers an affordable yet rewarding residential community. This is one of the MyCitiHomes projects I visited several times when I joined the site tripping of Driven in the past months. I noticed that there are many interested buyers after they've seen the actual project.  You can contact my mobile 0917 739 8227 if you want to visit any of the properties I've featured on this blog!  Work for your dream. We all know why we call owning a house, a-dream-come-true to everyone, because it is expensive. It has a price we need to pay for. We calculate, we budget and we deal with financial sacrifice. We have to make sure it is all worth it. You can find a suitable house for you in an affordable price. Assure that it is within your budget range. Don't forget to read my previous blog posts for affordable house and lot properties which you might want to consider.
Keep your dream alive. Let us say you have achieved your goal of finding your dream home. You were approved for a housing loan and everything else in process went smooth. A housing loan is a long term commitment. Do not forget to pay your dues on time and be responsible enough to keep your monthly payment updated. Remember that even though you have already been approved for a housing loan, you can still be penalized or worse get your property foreclosed.
When I first ventured into real estate blogging, I didn't have any idea about these House Hunting Terms so I ended up confused during my first site trip. With my regular site visits and interaction with helpful real estate agents from Driven Marketing Group, I got to know more about the jargons used in this industry. I think this will be useful for you too. Single Attached VS Single Detached Have you ever wondered about the difference between the houses that are attached and detached? As you might have been house hunting for several weeks now, you may stumble upon the options of several subdivisions offering these types of houses. How would you know the difference?  Single Attached means that a house shares a common wall typically on both sides of the property. A duplex can be considered as an attached one. It is composed of two dwellings in generally one structure. While on the other hand a Single Detached property stands alone and with extra spaces of lot around it. Row House VS Town House The idea of these two types is the same and that is wall sharing. Row Houses are single storey units while town houses are two-stories. Some developers would initially offer row houses because they cost lower and is preferred by young starters. Later once you have acquired the property already, you will be given the chance to construct second level if you desire more rooms. When it comes to the lot, the individual unit owners are responsible for their front and back lot areas. Did you know that MyCitiHomes is known for their several townhouse projects in Cavite?! Below is the sample row house model offered by NuVista in San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan. Minimum Lot Area is 36 sqm with Floor Area of 21sqm Total Contract Price is Php 650,000. You only need Php 5,000 to reserve this unit!  Please contact me if you want to avail the FREE SITE VISIT so that you can personally check Nuvista and other developments in Bulacan which are highly accessible to Quezon City especially to Fairview.  Multi-Pod, Inner Unit and End Unit You probably have thought about getting Multipod units in some developers of your choice but you are confused which unit will you choose. Generally speaking, multipods are 3 – 4 units of houses attached / in a row. The two inner units will only have access to their front and back side of the lots but they are cheaper than end units as well. So for budget conscious buyer, inner units are advisable. End units are more expensive because the price includes the side lot usually provisioned for carports and small gardens. I've noticed that End Units are usually the preferred by house buyers and most of the time they reserve it in advance. Chances are, you'll have more options when you invest on pre-selling properties like Bali Hai Residences in Imus, Cavite which offers END Unit with lot area of 91 sqm for a total contract price of about 2,051,888.  DISCLOSURE: I am an Accredited Online Lead Generator for Driven Marketing Group. I'm your House Hopper Apple Allison and you can contact me at 0917 739 8227 if you need help in finding your dream house. Don't forget to read other blog posts for affordable properties near Metro Manila.
My House Hopper experience for the past months made me realize that searching for that dream house is a daunting task. Kailangan mo ng pasensya, tyaga at higit sa lahat dapat may malinaw ka rin ideya kung ano ba ang gusto mo. When you know what you want, it's easier for you to find the property that best suits you. I hope by reading these 5 practical steps, you'll be guided in finding your own dream house. I also included some house and lot properties I've personally visited which you might want to consider. :-)  1. Determine how big and what type of house would you like for your family. Remember that this is a big investment and a long term commitment so you really have to be sure of what you want to avoid future regrets. Think about how big your family will be if you are a couple just starting out. The number of rooms in your future house may be determined by how many members you have. For a newly wed couple or those starting their small family, these very affordable units in Valle Dulce or Valle Alegre in Calamba City, Laguna maybe a good start. It can also be a retirement house for couples who would like to settle outside Metro Manila but still accessible to major establishments and their needs.
 2. Choose a location. Location is always the number one concern for many home buyers. Take into consideration the future plans for your children, such as what school are you planning to send them to? And most importantly, if you are the bread winner, the house should be accessible to your workplace. This is the part where you will schedule site visits to get the feel of the actual turn over units. If you like any of the properties I've featured on this blog, please feel free to contact me so that I can assist you in securing a slot for the FREE SITE VISITS. Please contact my mobile # 0917 739 8227. I've noticed that properties in BULACAN and CAVITE are very in demand! From affordable to middle range properties, they have it. 3. Calculate your finances and define your budget. Once you have identified a location and the type for your dream house, it’s now time to do the math, with your current financial status, how much money can you invest in your monthly amortization? This is where the trusted realtor and real estate agents from Driven Marketing Group can help you. They can easily identify the available houses that are within your range, with only few adjustments to your choices, I am pretty confident you will find the best suitable property for you. I also hope my house hopper blog posts are useful to you. Do you want to treat yourself to a little luxury? SOUTH FORBES, a private enclave in Sta. Rosa – Silang – Tagaytay growth corridor which is a 500-hectare master-planned township of boutique communities that perfectly combines residential, leisure, academic and sports components to deliver a highly urbanized lifestyle might be the one for you.  4.Secure your documents. After choosing the best unit for you, immediately work on the reservation papers. (Reservation fee and One Month Pay slip) After the reservation, you will be given a month to work on the remaining documents and have them be submitted to the developer. Most developers would reply the following:
 DISCLOSURE: I am an Accredited Online Lead Generator for Driven Marketing Group. 5. House Improvements. So you have finally chosen the best unit for your family in your best preferred location and you managed to reserve it. Now all you need to prepare for is the interior improvements you will need to do once you are ready to move in. You will have a long time to prepare for this. You can either search the internet for ideas or hire an interior designer!  One of the best things I enjoyed during my house hopper stint is being exposed to different creative interior designs... I love it when I see different possibilities despite what seems to be a blank small space for me. :-)  
You know I should be writing about the Grand Riviera Suites and Golden Empire Tower, two of the prime condominium properties I've visited along Manila Bay but writer's block hit me and I don't know how to start it (I'll probably work on it tonight while looking at the stars and bright lights of the condo units near my place!). But then a message from a blog reader popped in my inbox sharing about how my House Hopper posts are helping them in their search for their dream house. They've been looking at different property listing sites but they find my property blog interesting and helpful. It made me smile... it touched me that's why for some reason I was able to write this lengthy post totally unplanned.
As an online lead generator for Driven Marketing Group, I never expected that my adventures as a House Hopper will be this significant, heart-warming in a way and well, life-changing. This blog post is about my real estate property blogging experience and how it changed the way I look at the industry and my attitude towards it. 
Because of my House Hopper blog page, I usually get message from my blog readers inquiring about the properties I've featured. Some are asking for my recommendations and additional information but majority is asking for help... "Gusto ko magkaroon ng sariling bahay. Sana po matulungan nyo kaming makahanap ng bahay at lupa na pwede sa amin ng pamilya ko." is one of the messages I received and lately I'm reading those with a profound perspective.
You know, if not for my Driven OLG involvement under Ms.Janet Toral of Digital Filipino, I wouldn't really care about real estate industry. For so many years, I already feel "secured" and to borrow my Mama's words "Hindi mo na kailangang mag-worry kasi hindi ka matutulog sa kalsada." I was assured I have a home. 
HOUSE HOPPER spotted resting in one of the units of Grand Riviera Suites along Manila Bay. If you are looking for a condo unit along Roxas Boulevard very near US Embassy, I recommend you consider this property. Contact me for more details 09177398227 or check my blog post about it. 
Now, aside from travel and tourism, I also give #SSStalk on Digital Marketing for Real Estate Industry
I am passionate in so many things but not in real estate. For a long time I had this "I don't care" attitude when it comes to saving for my own house and lot. I don't have the same drive with my colleagues who are striving to have their own nest but I changed when I saw the bigger picture that's way beyond my own dreams and comfort zone.
THROWBACK: I WAS LOST AND LOOKING FOR A SIGN
I'll be a hypocrite if I say that I instantly love real estate... Nope, it was not a love at first sight. It was more of a "to get by" thing that I need to do while I am still figuring out what I really want to do this year... I was feeling low and lost last summer after I failed to get the international tourism scholarship I long for. It was also about that time when Ms.Janet asked me what I want to do next. I said I'm still trying to figure that out but I'm very certain that I really want to take my MBA in Tourism... How? I don't know; I failed to come up with a back-up plan...
5 MONTHS LATER, things are getting clearer to me...
My property blogging experience was a roller coaster ride... there were moments I just want to give up especially during the first few weeks because it's not something that I am really passionate about. But you know, being an optimist and a strong believer of FUN, I tried to look at the brighter side so I started to enjoy everything that I do as a DrivenOLG. The moment I changed my attitude towards real estate was also a moment of big realizations for me. 
DID YOU KNOW that when I was in elementary, my dream was to become an engineer. It was during Ms.Intramurals Beauty Pageant when the host asked me what I want to become when I grow up and I answered "I want to become an engineer because I want to build tall buildings." I love sketching and drawing different kind of houses when I was little. Mama even told me that my second name "Allison" was inspired by the name of a beautiful building she saw when she was pregnant with me. It was during my site tripping in Bulacan when I was reminded of that childhood dream and I got excited when I realized that somehow, through my House Hopper adventures, I am fulfilling a part of that dream. I got too delighted about it that's why I was able to make my first ever video blog for House Hopper! Please watch it and let me know what you think about it. :-)
What can I say? I already like what I do now and I think I am falling inlove with this industry too! You see, I realized a new calling... and that is to make a difference in the lives of Filipino families by helping them find their dream property. During the homily last night, the priest talked about dreams and asked us "ANONG PANGARAP MO?" The homily almost made me cry because for so long I only cared about my dreams however this time I realized it's not just about me anymore... It now about the BIG dreams of other people and how I can be an instrument to make those dreams happen.
PANGARAP NG BAWAT PAMILYANG PILIPINO ANG MAGKABAHAY. Yes, every Filipino family dream of having their own house and lot or invest in a condo. Most of our hardworking OFWs aim to give a good life to their family, send their children or siblings to a reputable school and save for their dream house. "Gusto kong magkaroon ng bahay at lupa." is a common answer why many of us work with sweat and blood. And that's why this is now part of my calling. I've decided to answer this call for help and take it as part of my sole searching soul advocacy... - to help Filipino Families make informed decisions before they purchase - to give them list and options of available real estate properties and ultimately, to make their dream home a reality! 
Today, my HOUSE HOPPER blog page is more than just a space for me to promote different properties and share about my site trip experience. Actually, it is not about me anymore... but rather it is about my blog readers who are still dreaming of having their own house and lot.
It's more than the sale! I can honestly say that Real Estate Blogging is now closer to my heart. It's not just about generating leads anymore, it's way more than that. It's an unexpected advocacy... a calling that I adhere to answer with "Real Estate with Real Service from Real People" together with this fellow driven individuals. 
Now I remember why D.J. Dimaliuat, one of the 5 founders of DRIVEN Marketing Group, emphasized that "DRIVEN Cares". I also come to fully realize that their brokers and agents use the hashtags like #IamDRIVEN #IamCommitted by heart, not just for a mere social media post... This industry demands commitment and dedication to serve... you have to have that passion to serve and make things happen, not only for yourself but for other people.
With our regular training session and meet-up with Drivenites and Driven Elite, I've witnessed the positive company culture of DRIVEN Marketing Group as well as experienced some part of their activities. I can say that they are not driven by sales alone. More than that, they are DRIVEN by their passion and commitment to make a change in the life of their agents and clients. More than making money, it is about helping Filipino Families find and have their dream home. And now I can see myself sharing that same passion and dream with them.
I am Driven to help Filipino Families find their dream house. 
Browse my House Hopper blog page or check the CATEGORIES on the side bar to look for properties.
Oh time flew fast!!! As I was typing this blog post, I received a call from a blog reader asking for my referral for an affordable retirement house in Cavite. His father is working in Saudi and will soon retire because of old age. They want to invest in a house and lot outside Metro Manila where they can live comfortably. If you also need information and assistance in finding your dream house and lot or condo unit, do not hesitate to contact me.
LET US HELP YOU BUILD YOUR DREAM.
REAL ESTATE PROPERTY BLOGGING GIVES ME OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW.
It opened a white space for me to color and fill with values. 
Ms.Janet Toral, e-Commerce Advocate, features my HOUSE HOPPER blog page in her various talks in the Philippines as well as international presentations on Digital Marketing for Real Estate Industry. 
I was able to attend several events related to Real Estate and this also inspired me to have my formal blog for this industry. REALESTATEGUIDE.asia will soon be ready to serve you with tips and news related to real estate developments.
"GROW YOURSELF TO GROW OTHERS!" That's one of the key lesson I got from Ms.Janet. Within 5 months of my real estate property blogging, I am happy to be given the chance to share my experience and knowledge to other people through several #SSStalk about Digital Marketing for Real Estate Industry.
I was scammed! I thought I'll be making lots of money as an online lead generator but I ended up getting more than what I've asked for... I earned more than what money can buy... new friends, mentors and connections!
DID YOU KNOW that to fully understand this industry, I enrolled in a Continuing Professional Development for Real Estate?
I am not required to take this 12 hours class but it is part of my commitment to be better as a real estate property blogger and an online lead generator. I grow myself so that I can give more to others. 
LET'S GROW TOGETHER AND
ACHIEVE OUR BIGGEST DREAMS!
And if your dream includes owning your own house and lot, investing in a townhouse, or getting a luxury condo unit, please let me know.
I'm just a message away! Buzz me on 0917 739 8227. Please take note of these INITIAL REQUIREMENTS in case you want to reserve your own unit at North Fairway Homes in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan.
 If you will avail the PAG- IBIG LOAN, please make sure to comply with these REQUIREMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED within 30 DAYS after you made your reservation.
For Regular Employed Member / OFW
Few weeks ago I visited Bulacan and checked some of the available affordable house and lot properties. One of the developments I was able to visit was North Fairway Homes which is under Borkland Development Corporation and just like their other properties, you can reserve your own house & lot for only Php 5,000 along with your valid IDs and payslip.  North Fairway Homes is located along Santa Maria – Tungkong Mangga Road Gov F. Halili and it's only one ride from Muzon Market which is one of the nearby major establishments aside from schools and hospitals. Strategically located less than 20 minutes away from Marilao Exit and approximately 10 minutes away from Tungko makes this place attractive to home buyers especially those who are working in Fairview, Quezon City and other parts of Metro Manila. INTERESTED?! Check the requirements so that you can prepare it just it case you want to reserve your own unit. 
I'm your House Hopper Apple Allison at tutulungan ko kayong makausap ang tamang tao para mag-assist sa pagkuha ng tamang bahay para sa inyo.
Join me in my house hopping adventures and together, let's find your dream home. :-) Disclosure: I am an accredited online lead generator for Driven Marketing Group. Kelsey Hills is a 26 hectare project located located at Brgy. Muzon, City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan which offers 24 Hour Security, Multi-purpose Hall, Meralco Electric Facility, SJDM Water Services, Perimeter Fence, Concrete Roads and Basketball court. Out of the 6 house models available, LOREA is their most affordable unit which might be suited for your budget and needs.
You may Text / Call me at 0917 739 8227 for more house models and photos of Kelsey Hills  Kelsey Hills is one ride from Manila via NLEX (Santrans Bus) with Bus Station at Doroteo Jose LRT Station beside Amaia Steps and at Balintawak Market. It is near Bagong Silang, Caloocan City. Accessible to SM Fairview, SM Novaliches and Robinson's Place Novaliches via Maligaya and Zabarte Road Caloocan City. It's very accessible if you're coming from Quezon City, Valenzuela, Manila and Ortigas and other major cities. Public Transportation is available with different access points and it's just few minutes away from SM Fairview and very near Grotto Vista Resort as well as other commercial district of Muzon, SJDM like SM Savemore, Schools, Mercury Drug, Bank, Hospital, Kumon, Public Market, San Isidro de Labrador Church / Iglesia ni Cristo, Bus Station and Jeepney Stations. What's also good about Kelsey Hills is that right after you fully paid the Downpayment, they'll start constructing your house in 3 to 4 months without waiting for your other blockmates. The land is already developed so you can already visit the specific lot number when you go for site tripping. CONTACT ME AT 0917 739 8229 FOR OTHER AVAILABLE HOUSE MODELS WITH LOT AREA RANGING FROM 50-96 SQM AND FLOOR AREA OF 44-125 SQM. 
Looking for your own house and lot that's very accessible to Quezon City? You might want to consider Nuvista San Jose which is also very near Starmall Palmera and just one ride away from Fairview. I was able to visit it last May 2015 during their open house together with interested buyers assisted by Driven Marketing.  P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corporation's latest undertaking in Bulacan is conceived not only to provide exceptional houses but a self-contained community that integrates a commercial area as well as institutional facilities. THIS CAN BE YOUR NEW PLACE! Its proximity to Quezon City and the rest of Metro Manila makes it an ideal place to enjoy quiet and peaceful living. Approximately 200 meters away from Quirino highway, the community is short ride away to schools, hospitals, public markets and commercial establishments.  5 MODEL HOUSES OFFERED BY NUVISTA San Jose You have the option to choose a house and lot package from a variety of exceptional house designs that could be bought through Pag-Ibig, bank or in-house financing arrangement, depending on your financial capability. CONTACT ME AT 0917 739 8227 FOR RATES & SAMPLE COMPUTATION.
HERE ARE SOME PHOTOS OF THE PROPERTY WHICH I TOOK DURING THE FREE SITE TRIP BY DRIVEN.  Please contact me if you want to avail the FREE SITE VISIT so that you can personally check Nuvista and other developments in Bulacan which are highly accessible to Quezon City especially to Fairview.  
 The Total Contract Price for VERA is Php 650,000 and you only need Php 5,000 to reserve this kind of unit!  I was amazed with what one can do in a rowhouse like Vera in Nuvista. This 21 sqm house can even have 2 bedrooms aside from the dining and living room area! Check these photos of their dressed-up unit. Just wow!!!  
I was researching for more information about the affordable house and lot projects I visited in Bulacan when I read this helpful guide from the developer of NuVista San Jose, a community designed to provide generous open spaces, parks, playgrounds and commercial facilities that truly complete future residents' living experience.  Nuvista offers 5 House Models with price range from Php 650,000 to less than 2 M only. Check my blog again for more details about this property. P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corporation,the developer of NUVISTA would like to guide you to make the smart choice with this guide. 6 Simple Steps to Help You Fulfill Your Dream of Owning Your Brand New Home 1. Assess Assess yourself if you really want to invest on a new home. You have to ask yourself the following questions: a. Will I buy a new home for my family or is it for future investment? b. Where will I get the funds? Do I have extra savings from my income or will I just keep my life simple and manage my expenses? If your answer to both questions are YES, then you are ready to explore and go house hunting. Don't forget to read my previous HOUSE HOPPER POSTS for different affordable properties which might interest you.  2. Explore Research and explore possible locations that you prefer to live or have that investment – its either your hometown, near your workplace or simply a location that appeals to you. You can go and attend open houses or buyer’s day to better assess the property, its features and amenities. Look for home designs that you like with prices and terms you feel most comfortable. Also consider the property’s accessibility and its proximity to schools, commercial areas for shopping and recreational activities. 3. Contact Contact a licensed real estate broker or accredited real estate sales person to evaluate what you want for your home. Allow him to present possible options and take time to visit the project site to see the model units if applicable. I can connect you with the right Driven agent to help you find your dream home. You can text me at 0917 739 8227 or leave a comment below. 4. Ask Ask all questions you have in mind and be aware of the actual turn-over of the unit. Get price computations, available financing schemes and other relevant details on how you can avail your new home. Feel free to send me your questions on my Facebook. 5. Decide Decide practically on what you are looking for – a good place, your dream home, the best choice for your family and a sound investment that you simply can afford. 6. Prepare Prepare the documentary requirements to facilitate your interest of owning a brand new home. Initially you’ll need the basic documents i.e. any government identification card and any proof of income to reserve the property.
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Hi, I'm Apple Allison of Sole Searching Soul, a travel blog dedicated to Make a Difference One Trip at a Time. Categories
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