Real Estate News

Holiday Extras Let Their Customers Decide

When you know an industry better than any other, then you are well placed to give advice on who you think are the best people who work within it. Holiday Extras are a travel service website that provides their customers with a great way of choosing all those little holiday (well extras!) to help things go a little smoother on your trips abroad, whether they are with your family or on business.

If you log onto Holiday Extras you will see that there is wealth of information and advice as well to help you get your holidays off to a flying start. On top of this they are able to offer you a great selection of things such as airport hotels and parking and hotels that offer accommodation for when you have a long journey to the airport and want to stay the night before your flight.

So you would think then that Holiday Extras would be the perfect people to vote for who they think would be the best companies who are working within the travel industry at the moment. However, Holiday Extras value their customers and know that if a customer gives a company a good review then this is worth so much more than an industry insider casting their vote. Read more…

Philippine Tourism – Real Estate link cited to propel economy

A synergy between the tourism and the real estate industries will secure the country’s status as Southeast Asia’s retirement haven and create new jobs for the Filipinos, according to Vice President Jejomar Binay.

“These two tightly linked industries offer immense opportunities in terms of investments and jobs,” Binay said in his message to participants of the 20th Chamber of Real Estate and Builders Associations (CREBA) National Convention at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.

He said efforts should be made to bolster infrastructure capacity, accessibility, transportation, quality of facilities and the availability of support services for safety and security to secure the country’s status as the “Retirement Haven of Southeast Asia.”

He also said that the merging of tourism and real estate development would mean more permanent jobs for Filipino workers. Read more…

SMDC tops Metro Manila Real Estate developers

SMDC was recently cited as the largest residential developer in Metro Manila in terms of number of units sold and value of sales in the first half of 2011. From Metro Manila Supermalls to Hotels and now SM Group is now dominating the Real Estate business in the country.

Among the 90 Real Estate developers in Metro Manila, SMDC emerged as the top real estate firm. SMDC was also recognized by the property research specialist Colliers International Philippines as the leading real estate developer in the last two years.

The SM real estate arm got 22 percent market share and sold 4,117 residential units worth P9 billion during the six-month period.

Condominium sales also increased exceeding the over 10,000 units sold last year making SMDC the real estate developer in the country to beat.

The Point Residences : Poro Point Real Estate

THE POINT RESIDENCES is an exclusive residential, leisure and wellness community within Thunderbird Resorts’ gated premises in Poro Point, Freeport Zone, San Fernando, La Union.

Following the resort’s Santorini-inspired design and architecture, THE POINT offers amenities that will help residents achieve a holistic lifestyle whether it is for personal leisurely space or recreational family living.

The purchase of lots in THE POINT comes with free membership shares to The Cliffs Golf Course and Beach Club subject to activation fees, while giving access to Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point’s world-class leisure facilities – plus privileges and discounts at the Hotel and F&B outlets.

Serving as an activity hub as well for residents, THE POINT will include facilities and amenities such as: a salon and spa, fitness center, commercial center, clubhouse, kid’s pavilion, basketball and tennis courts, jogging path, and swimming pools. Read more…

Water crisis could affect real estate industry in Iloilo City

Outgoing city mayor Jerry Treñas admitted that the water crisis in Iloilo City could discourage national players in the real estate industry to invest here.

Mayor Treñas said that water service is one of the primary concerns of real estate developers. The investors could not afford to put up large housing communities in Iloilo City if there is not enough source of potable water, he said.

The mayor stressed that aside from the power, water is a major factor that real estate developers consider before investing in an area. Even if they could construct affordable housing units the main concern of the buyers is water accessibility.

Treñas said that he will work on this major problem of the city as one of his priority projects in congress. Treñas is set to take oath as congressman of Iloilo City on June 29.

Earlier, Iloilo Business Club (IBC) executive director Leah Lara said that there has been a surge of real estate investors in the region.

She added that land developers would find the city ideal since it has great tax incentives and the local government reaches out to the private sectors.

She also stressed that the local business community enjoys taxation incentives from the city government which real estate developers find very attractive.

But she said that a city with not enough water for its residents could dispel investors confidence in our economic capability.

Currently national real estate players and developers in Iloilo City includes the Avida Land Corp. of Ayala Land, HCBC Land Development Corp., EON Realty & Development Corp. and Philippine Diversified Developers Corp., among others.

House Swap Is The New Trend Among Americans

It’s not just Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet who escape their complicated lives by swapping houses and indulging in a new lifestyle.

The new trend is to exchange your home for a short period of time, and do activities that you wouldn’t normally do.

Americans everywhere are taking advantage of difficult times – unemployment, breakups, and graduation – to be part of a new community and experience unknown parts of the world.

For those considering the idea, here are some tips:

What can I do?

Two popular activities are teaching English to children overseas and participating in short-term programs to learn another language.

If you’re a writer or photographer, you can perform freelance work. Other suggestions include applying for an internship, volunteering, traveling through wineries and enrolling in cultural classes such as dance, art or cooking. These are some great websites to start your search: www.goabroad.com, www.crossculturalsolutions.org  and www.iiepassport.org.

How to swap my place?

Apart from the temporary home exchange section of Craig’s List, websites such as www.houseswap.com and www.homexchange.com offer reliable alternatives to finding the perfect “tenant.” As always, keep your safety in mind, and watch for scams and questionable Web sites before accepting any offer.

What do I do with my belongings?

The best answer to this question is to find a mobile storage unit.

Moishe’s Mobile offers an affordable and convenient moving and storage solution. For as little as $79, Moishe’s can have a mobile storage unit delivered outside your place. You pack the container at their own pace (there are no extra charges if you take longer than needed) and when ready one of Moishe’s professionals will come pick it up and take it to a secure storage facility. There are a variety of sizes of containers, and monthly storage rates start at $60.

Why should I do this?

The experience can lead to amazing surprises, and the knowledge gained during your adventure can benefit your job search. Not convinced yet? Think about meeting Jude Law or Cameron Diaz at some point during the trip.