Feng Shui Tips for Real Estate

Feng Shui Tips for Real Estate

Feng Shui is one of the ancient Chinese methods that provide insight for sustainable living as well as harmonious relationship between people, time, space and the environment. They define in terms of energy which they called “chi”. This method gives precise information to design your living area in alignment with the opportunities and your needs.

There are generally two types of Feng Shui you will find out there: traditional and modern style. Each Feng Shuimaster has different interpretations of the principles to be followed. They may agree in some, and disagree on other points.

This guide doesn’t follow one school of Feng Shui exclusively. Instead, it gives an overview of different methods and provides practical steps that you can use to introduce Feng Shui into your own area.

PROPERTY

Like in real estate, location plays a key role in Feng Shui. The correct location of our home, where we spend more of our time, is the primary key to having good Feng Shui.

So, just what are the things that we should look out for?

Situate your home within the natural landscape, floral and fauna that represents life and more positive energy.

Mountains and hills: The hills and mountains should lie behind the house (south-facing), because they provide protection against harsh winds from the north.

Rivers and roads: Rivers and roads are considered favorable as long as they’re not too fast-moving and don’t point directly at the home’s entrance.

Pools and ponds: Pools and ponds are particularly valuable to the south and west of a house, where they’ll cool warm summer winds. Pools and ponds should never have straight edges.

A flat terrain is acceptable in Feng Shui but it is better if the land at the back of the house is higher that at the front. As a general rule it is ideal if the house sits on land that is higher or the same level as the road. Try to avoid a house that sits on land that is lower than the access road.

Lot Shape

Feng Shui favors lot shapes that are balanced, such as squares or rectangles. Feng Shui considers triangular, trapezoidal, and L-shaped lots less favorable since the irregular contours of the lot can trap chi or prohibit it from entering. The worst shape is a triangle.

Manmade Structures to Avoid:

a. Bridges, offramps, and tunnels – Highly trafficked areas generate a wild and overwhelming chi.

b. Churches and houses of worship – Though these sites don’t attract bad chi, they can attract such intense chi that it overwhelms the chi of your home.

c. Garbage dumps, sewers, and landfills – Bad chi is attracted to refuse and rot.

d. Hospitals, cemeteries, and funeral homes – Bad chi clings to places of death and sickness.

e. Military bases, police stations, and prisons – With their connotations of war and violence, they generate mostly bad chi.

f. Power stations – These stations generate massive amounts of electromagnetic energy and bad chi.

g. Railroads and airports – Large, loud, fast-moving machines discourage gentle, flowing chi.

h. Schools – Schools are loaded with energy that can overwhelm the chi within your home.

If you do live close to any of these locations, you can still protect the chi in your home by following these guidelines:

1. Face your front door away from the location.

2. Put curtains on the windows that face the location.

3. Get more secure windows or double windows. Source: realestatephilippinesblog

What do you prefer to buy? HOUSE and LOT or CONDOMINIUMS

Given a particular location, many Filipino buyers contemplate on whether to buy land (this includes House & Lots and Townhouses), or a condominium for which to live in or invest in. Allow me to enumerate the advantages and disadvantages of  HOUSE and LOT vs Condominiums below…

HOUSE and LOT – ADVANTAGES

- Your Living Space tends to be BIGGER

- You have more privacy for your family

- Land will always remain present no matter how many houses you build on it, so it can be passed on to future generations of your family

- Land values appreciate over time (since they don’t make new land)

- You can have your own garden, garage, and even a swimming pool if it’s big enough and if you’re rich enough

HOUSE and LOT – DISADVANTAGES

-  More expensive especially if you want to live in highly developed areas – these prime lands are usually high-end private villages with large lots and hefty prices

-  All the repairs and maintenance of the house will be shouldered by you

-  Cheaper Lands are usually farther from highly developed areas and offices

CONDOMINIUMS – ADVANTAGES

-  Locations are usually very near the highly developed areas which house offices and malls, making it very convenient in terms of travel expenses

-  Available in small sizes, which allow small families and individuals to live in highly-urbanized areas as well

-  Enjoy the Amenities like the Swimming Pool, the Gym, and Function Rooms

-  Commands higher Rental Revenues and Income to Investors

-  Repairs and maintenance of the Condominium will be taken care by the Condominium  Administration like the electricity, water piping, maintenance of the amenities, building facade and interiors

CONDOMINIUMS – DISADVANTAGES

-  Living Spaces tend to be smaller

-  Monthly dues can be burdensome especially for big-sized condominium units

-  Building itself depreciates over time, although the land value increases

-  High density – you have plenty of neighbors sharing the same building and amenities

-  Know what you’re investing into – Think about these given observations first before choosing between a land or a condominium in your desired Philippine Property location. Depending on your available finances, your preferences and your dislakes, you should be able to discern whether a landed property or a condominium suits you and your family better.




Source: realestatephilippinesblog

Ghost in your desired or new home in the Philippines

We have been talking about the legal and technical aspects of Real Estate Philippines investing for the longest time, but now let’s ask go into a more supernatural aspect of it: the possibility of your desired property of being aGHOST HOUSE. Not everybody believes in ghosts, and there has been no concrete scientific proof of their existence. Still, so much interest has been devoted to this topic. In fact, we Filipinos are the number 1 Google internet searchers for ghost house activities in the whole world! Perhaps it’s better for us to be wary of such paranormal possibilitie, and here’s why…

A recent Inquirer article by Jaime Licauco (http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20090803-218603/Unseen-things-to-consider-when-buying-house) gave a Chinese couple as an example, who acquired a property in Quezon City which was well-famed for having sightings of the White Lady and other ghosts (this place is probably in the infamous Balete Drive in QC). Before they went through with the purchase, the wife had already a bad feeling about the house, despite the husband having the house Feng Shui-ed (Read more about Feng Shui inhttp://www.realestatephilippinesblog.com/feng-shui-tips-for-real-estate/). However, the “masamang kutob” of the wife turned to be true, as they found out later from the caretaker’s sister that three sons of the former owner died there from unknown causes. Now, the wife does not want to live in that house especially now that she’s pregnant, for belief that it is “haunted” and might cause her new baby to die of an unexplained death as well.

I think even those who don’t believe in ghosts should be very careful of unnatural cases like these. Anything negative in a property should be avoided, especially when it affects your wife or someone else who will be staying with you there. There should be peace in your home, not conflict. Even though it might be just speculation, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to dealing with ghosts inside a house.

So how do you know if the Philippine Property you want to own is a ghost house? Ask the neighbors about its history, because the owners themselves won’t tell you since they want to sell the house and will not divulge it to you. Also, ask a priest and/or ask several Feng Shui experts to examine it before buying it. I’m sure they will also be of great help especially when it comes to “seeing” spirits that may reside there. You can check the article yourself since Mr. Licauco offers his paranormal research services to the public.

In the end, NO ONE wants to live in a ghost house. Do your homework, and read the other guidelines found here at this blog (athttp://www.realestatephilippinesblog.com/category/investment-opportunities/tips-for-philippine-property-buyers/), before finally deciding to invest in your ideal Philippine Property.

Source: realestatephilippinesblog.com

Tips for landscaping your new home!

Here is a list of ideas to maximize your landscape while retaining your hard-earned cash.


Consider your options:


Hardscapes, however beautiful, will kill your budget. Items like decks, patios, gazebos, and arbors always cost more than you think. However, there are many sophisticated landscapes that use recycled materials. Used wood, bricks, and even broken concrete can be inexpensive alternatives to pricey pavers and new materials.


Ask friends for 'starts' of hostas, irises, and all kinds of perennials.

• Think about dividing & Propagating your existing plants. There are so many plants that can be easily divided or propagated, there might be no need to buy new plants.
• If you must buy plants, never purchase at the beginning of the season. Fall is usually a better time to plant and nurseries have racks of discounted plants. Most likely they won't be in bloom and the leaves will look ragged and spindly. Pop the plant out of its container and take a quick look at the roots. If they are not 'mushy' and the base (or 'crown')of the plant at the soil level looks in relatively good condition, you can be fairly sure of a safe purchase. Next spring when the plants come up or leaf out they will look just as good and be just as healthy as the plants that your neighbors paid three times as much for.
• Ground covers can often be divided into dozens of individual plants and spaced several inches apart. A 4" pot of creeping thyme, for example, can cover a 4-foot square of your garden within a matter of months using this technique.

1. Plant en-masse. Plant in groups. Don't just think in three's. Think twenty, or maybe even more. This simplifies maintenance and replicates more closely how plants grow in the natural environment. Find two or three inexpensive plants that go really well together and fill an entire bed keeping like varieties together. For example, if a friend is pulling out a large clump of over-grown sedum or iris or whatever, claim it and divide the plant into as small parts as possible (make sure each division has healthy connected roots). Plant each division several inches apart (depending on size) and within a year you will have what looks like a 10-year old landscape. Way too often a single large plant that costs $40 or more is planted 5' from the next. It take years for the landscape to fill in.
2. 
   Buy perennials. As tempting as all those beautiful annuals are on the nursery shelves, think ahead. Every year you will need to replace them, as they die. This is one of the quickest ways to burn through a landscape budget. If you are willing to start annuals from seed (or any other plant for that matter) go for it! Just don't buy them in a pot (or pony packs, or flats). Perennials on the other hand get bigger and more attractive year after year. A single $2, 4" potted perennial can be a 8-foot mound of color within three years. The annual will be about the same size as the pot and will have cost three times as much.
3. 
   
   
   Invest in big pots. What goes in the pot is what makes the planting. Go large! Just keep in mind that you can easily blow $100 or more on a pot. Small pots (anything under 12") are very hard to maintain and look terrible in the enormity of the outdoors. They are best suited to the scale of a window sill or a table top. Two or three large pots with only a variety or two of plants will serve any landscape well. Take a look at any stylish home and garden magazine featuring outdoor furniture. You don't see 30 little pots running down the side of a porch. They are all big, big, big. Terra cotta is an excellent choice for color (weather plastic or the real thing). You can find dozens of styles and they will all match. For some reason this color is usually much less than other finishes. Let the plants, not the pots steal the show.
   If you don't have a green thumb, use drought tolerant perennials for those days you forget to water. Sedums, heucheras, thyme, alliums, and artemisias make great choices. Grab divisions of your favorite plants right out your landscape, it won't cost a thing. If you are pretty confident that your thumb is a shade of green, a few annuals in select pots can add an all-summer splash of color (plant them from seed if you can). A restrained quantity of flashy accent annuals is justified in any budget. For example, a single 24" pot of petunias on the front porch can add plenty of wow.
4. 
   Add boulders to your space. Do you have rock that occurs naturally in your area of the country? Do not purchase rock. See what you can do to obtain it free. Visit construction sites sometimes works. Native stone looks so much better than extremely pricey rock that doesn't belong in your landscape in the first-place. Get the biggest rocks that you can safely lift and nestle them in your garden beds in small groups. However, don't over-do it. Three or four rock 'out-croppings' close to sidewalks or patio edge are plenty to spruce up your yard.
5. 
    Buy trees first. If you have to spend money on the landscape spend it first on trees. you should always put trees in your landscape before anything else. It is worth a little   extra money to get a good landscape tree. There are a lot of trash trees that will send up suckers, leave huge messes on your lawn, require hours of pruning, and die just as your landscape matures. For shade trees, named hybrid maples, oaks, and sycamores are almost always a safe bet. Avoid birches, most elms, poplars, and some ashes which grow fast, but are ultimately short-lived.
   Buy small.It is better to spend money on a small quality variety than a large trashy one. Most likely in five or six years you won't be able to tell the difference in size. Smaller trees also fare better when transplanted.

Is it Cheaper to Build a House or Buy One?

 According to the National Association of Realtors, the median price of newly built homes is 10 percent higher on average than that of existing homes across the country. However, that number varies from region to region and changes each year. Whether it's cheaper for you personally to build or buy depends on several variables that are specific to your area, needs and wants. There are five key questions you should ask yourself before making your decision. Once you've evaluated each issue, you should be able to confidently make the choice that's best for you.

What is the housing market like in your area?

• 

  Study the local real estate market. What is the price to build specifically in your area? Are there many foreclosures and short sales near where you want to live? More distress sales mean less value is given to the surrounding homes. You might be able to find a deal on an existing home, whether directly through a foreclosure or simply through buying a house near several foreclosures, that costs well below the going rate of building new. Keep in mind, however, that buying a home in a distressed area is risky and may not pay off long term.

What type of home do you want?

• Decide what features are important to you. Sometimes what appears to be a steal at your local contractor's office will actually cost you much more to build once you add on all the extras you want. Granite counter tops, garden bath tubs and elaborate landscaping packages typically come with additional costs. If you have a very specific budget, it can be simpler to buy an existing home as it's easy to be carried away with upgrades during the building process. It's important however, to evaluate any existing home carefully and to have thorough inspections completed before signing a contract. An older home that may initially seem like a bargain might be hiding costly future repairs.

  
  

Do you have access to a quality contractor?

• The difference between a good contractor and an incompetent one can translate into a great deal of time and money. Before you make plans to build, locate a quality contractor. Be careful if you live in an area with a struggling economy; you don't want to start with a builder only to have him go out of business before finishing your home. In that case, buying an existing home would save you not just money, but the hassle of finding a new contractor part-way through the job.

Where do you want to live?

• Building a new home in an urban area can be pricey once you include the cost of land. If you already own property in the country, building will probably be a better deal than buying. Purchasing a lot in a new subdivision and hiring a builder is often a cheaper way to build, but it has an added element of long-term risk if the development is still partially empty. You don't have any guarantees as to who your neighbors will be or if the development will go up in value over time.

How much time do you have?

• 

  Building a home is obviously a longer process than buying an existing home, often taking between six months and a year between contract signing and the move-in date. It's important to factor in the cost of extending your current living situation if you plan to build.

  
  
  
  
  

  SOURCE: www.ehow.com/about_5453073_cheaper-build-house-buy-one.html

TIPS FOR CHOOSING COLOR FOR YOUR HOME

Choosing colors for your home can feel overwhelming because the options are endless! You may feel equally drawn to completely different color stories or unsure of how much color you can handle in your environment. Maybe you want to paint your walls but don't know where to go from there. Maybe you rent and have certain restrictions you need to work with. Here are a few things I've learned along the way about how to settle on colors for your home.

Tip 1. Saturate your mind with images of interiors and color stories you feel excited about.

Pinterest is an excellent resource for organizing images you find online because it allows you to see all of your images in one place. You can then start looking for any patterns you see within your categories. Do all of your interior images have bright white walls with colorful accessories or are they toned down and moody? What colors do all of your images have in common? Are the colors appearing in small amounts or are your interior images saturated with them?

Once you've collected enough images and had time to analyze them, you'll pick up on the trends and patterns that you're drawn to and can then think about how to incorporate those into your own home.

Tip 2. Break up lots of color with neutrals.

If you have white walls, you may want to experiment with bold art and bright curtains. If all of your living room furniture is upholstered in colorful patterns and prints, you may want to stick with a solid color rug and pillows. Neutrals give your eye a place to land and help balance out a colorful room.

Examples of neutrals are natural wooden elements such as the dining room chairs and clipboards above. They allow your attention to focus on the colorful elements rather than create distractions.

Tip 3. Repeat your colors throughout your room.

Repeating colors throughout a room, or even your entire household, creates a stronger design. In the room above I repeated the light blue by painting a vintage frame and old wooden bench. I also repeated the pink from the bedspread in the throw pillow and pink poster.  The black houndstooth pattern in the second bedspread is repeated in a smaller pattern on the upholstered seat of the wooden chair in the corner and helps break up all of the color a bit.

Since all of the colors in our bedroom compliment each other, I can easily rearrange or add elements in similar tones when I want to change things up a bit.  I can also use the bench or upholstered chair in other parts of my house because I've got a similar color story in almost every room.

In conclusion, look for patterns in the things you're inspired by, break up color with neutrals, and repeat your colors throughout as you decorate. Most of all, don't be scared to commit to color in your space. It's one of the best ways to make your space uniquely yours!

SOURCE: abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/10/3-t.html

Advantages and disadvantages of selling a house without agent

Many of us often wonder whether it is a good decision to hire the services of a real estate agent to sell a house. This is often quite debatable as it depends on a number of factors and the answer might be different in different situations. One example could be if someone lives at a place where it is not possible to search for a potential buyer or even a person is not good at exploring then he could talk to a real estate agent to help in searching for a potential buyer. Contrary to this, if it is easy to get offers from the interested buyers then it is useless to employ the services of an agent.

There are a number of advantages as well as disadvantages of selling a house without a real estate agent. The main advantage of selling without hiring an agent is that one can have complete control in the pricing and marketing of the house and there will be no need to share or pay anything to the agent. The marketing costs are also reduced due to no involvement of the agent. One can be in direct touch with the buyers and this helps in talking to them freely while negotiating prices.

There are also some disadvantages of selling a house without an agent. The home owners would obviously have an emotional attachment with the house because of which they might not be completely honest in fixing a price for the same. They are quite likely to value their home more than the others and this could be a major disadvantage. Pricing decision is only accurate when one tries to look at the property and evaluate it from the buyer’s point of view.

Not everyone is good at marketing and negotiating prices. If this is the case, then one should not aim to sell a property on their own and should hire an agent. One should have complete knowledge of taking a deal to the final stage and closing it successfully. If this is not possible then not hiring an agent will be more of a disadvantage and might also give rise to some legal issues.

All of the above factors must be considered before taking a decision regarding whether or not to hire an estate agent to sell a house to ensure one gets a good deal.

SOURCE: homedit.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-selling-a-house-without-agent/