Amaia Scapes by Ayala Land: Where Your Dream House is Truly Affordable

PREAMBLE: If you are interested in knowing more about Amaia Land properties, please email me at lornadietzpr at gmail dot com.

Here I was, engaged in the marketing activities of the first-ever roadshow of Amaia Land by Ayala Land, Inc. in the United States. For two weeks in August 2013, I was either present at an event or working behind the scenes, helping out with the preparations and implementation of this marketing effort at AyalaLand International Marketing, Inc. (ALIM), the permanent office of Ayala Land, Inc. based at Seasons Marketplace at Landess in Milpitas, California.

Loren Sales, Sales General Manager of Amaia Land, together with Loreene S. Natividad, Associate Manager of Sales Operations more than capably handled the inquiries from interested investors and home buyers of prime international real estate in the Philippines. The questions came in fast and furious. What resonated best with the events’ attendees was Loren’s and Loreene’s mantra, “May dating!” (Loosely translated to “Truly authentic, innovative, and unique!”)

What perked my attention was the immense value for the price. I understood why Amaia Land is the most affordable real estate investment opportunity compared to her sisters, Ayala Land Premier, Alveo Land, and Avida Land. Its business model allowed the buyer to start with the minimun — then continue customizing his or her dream home (comfortably!) maybe to the tune of about US$2,000 in today’s pricing.

When I saw a photo of the interior of a “ready to move in” Amaia Scapes bungalow pod, I visualized the person who would be living there as someone who enjoyed the minimalist lifestyle, complete with multi-functional furniture. I could see a charming, intimate garden that was thoughtfully planted with some choice herbs (for my cooking) and delicate, fragrant blossoms that a gardener would be able to maintain when the occupant was traveling for work or pleasure. I had my hopes set on an expansion to a second floor when I had saved enough money.

What attracted me to Amaia Scapes, the house and lot offerings of Amaia Land, was that home didn’t mean “living inside a box.” The spaciousness of community living continued with outdoor space to enjoy the warmth of the sun or the gentle breeze in the late afternoon. I also liked the built-in presence of a gated community with 24/7 security.

Best of all, although I could visualize this piece of “home” as affordable rental property for one of Manila’s call center professionals, I could picture myself living here. When that day comes, I know I wouldn’t want to trek up and down some stairs (I’ll be older, that’s why.)

When the question was asked, “How large is it?” — I decided to showcase the size of a BUNGALOW POD because, with much will power, I can afford to pay under $200 a month (amortization) for 15 years.

Amaia Land - A Bungalow Pod at North Point (Illustration)

Amaia Land – A Bungalow Pod at North Point (Illustration)

“It’s SMALL!” someone remarked, obviously used to the HUGE homes in the USA.

I said to myself, “SMALL is good! Not much to clean. Saves on energy, too! I can make this work!”

I started my research by asking Bong Gutierrez, ALIM’s Country Manager, if he could showcase some interior designs for the bungalow pod that evoked more of a sleek, slightly industrial “feel” — instead of the tired-looking Provincial French furniture many Filipino homeowners seemed to prefer. Bong, who is a CAD specialist (computer-aided design), replied, “Absolutely!”

Bong, during our training session in Las Vegas, decided to wow us with the new dynamics of “small space living.” We were completely captivated!

He also reminded us that “If you will not be living there 24/7/365, then use enough space for your needs. You can always allocate the rest of your money for your retirement needs.” What this meant to me was that “SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL!”

This week, I was so energized by my Amaia Land roadshow experience that I decided to create my own content curation to help out investors. Yes, I am getting more and more inspired! Check out my curation after this blog posting!

If you’re like me — and you want to explore the world of Philippine real estate investment opportunities through Ayala Land, Inc. — then hit me up for more information. You can email me at LornaDietzPR at gmail dot com. Yes, I’ll make sure someone takes very good care of you!

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Good location: Avida Towers Riala in Cebu IT Park

avida riala

I just came back from my hometown in Cebu. My sister and I checked out the new development of Avida Towers Riala that is located within Cebu Park District. The IT park used to be the old Lahug Airport that my dad used to bring us to when we were kids. Today there is a lot of development there in the spheres of business, banking, finance, I.T. and tourism services, among others, as well as residential and commercial developments to complete the live-work-play dynamics within the community.

avida Riala
Click to enlarge

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HSBC Home Loan Sale at 6.99% per annum

hsbc-loan

Good thing I found out about HSBC latest home loan promo. Right now, the interest rate of my home loan is 9.5%. HSBC is offering 6.99% for 1 year period and 7.99% if you get a lock in period of 2 to 3 years.

For those of you who plan to buy a new home, this is a good rate. I remember the first home loan I got in year 2000 was from BPI Family bank. Interest rate was then 14% then it slowly decreased through the years. Buying your first home or upgrading your current dwellings is an exciting and daring venture for most. After all, buying or building a new home is a process that needs a lot of planning, patience, and most of all, money. But don’t let your financial limitations get in the way of your dream home – especially now that HSBC is offering an all-time low interest rate on their home loans.

If you apply for a home loan from HSBC between July 5 to September 30, 2010, you get to enjoy the following interest rates for 1-year, 2-year-, 3-year, or 5-year loans.

1 year: 6.99%
2 years: 7.99%
3 years: 7.99%
5 years: 8.99%

Aside from these amazing interest rates, HSBC will also waive the standard fees for the following:

Processing fee
Title verification service fee
Appraisal fee
Mortage Redemption Insurance premium *
Fire insurance premium *
Mortgage Registration Fee
Documentary stamp tax
Registry of deeds cancellation fees

* These fees will be waived for the first year only

Ask HSBC how they can help you attain the home of your dreams and achieve big savings in the process! Call (02) 85-800 or 976-8000 (Metro Manila), 1-800-1-888-8555 (provincial), or
+632-8580000 (abroad).
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The West Tower at One Serendra: Life Begins within a Stunning Setting

With the launch of The West Tower, Ayala Land Premier offers buyers a final chance to be part of its uncommon urban sanctuary, One Serendra. The combination of a unique location in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), a flourishing environment within, and graceful spaces makes The West Tower at One Serendra a truly singular residence.

One Serendra Aerial

“In the West Tower, we are combining the comforts of larger, more thoughtfully planned living spaces, greenery and open spaces usually found in subdivisions with the conveniences of access only an urban location like BGC provides,” says Rex A. Mendoza, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing & Sales Officer of Ayala Land.
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Moranti: The New Tower at Two Serendra

alveo meranti

For the last couple of years, Two Serendra has been one of the most desirable addresses in the Metro. And why shouldn’t it be? This development is features highly thematic and upscale aesthetics, residents will soon have a venue where family and friends can converge to pursue their interests together. Amenities cater to each resident’s diverse passions, goals and ideals. The introduction of The Meranti—the newest tower to rise within Phase 3 of Two Serendra—perfectly complements the tenets of one of the most innovative and pioneering developments under Alveo Land’s portfolio.

alveo meranti tropical garden

Recently earning approximately 700 million during The Meranti’s priority selling, the project is Two Serendra’s newest high-rise development in the thriving retail, business and lifestyle epicenter.

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The Year of the Metal Tiger is an Auspicious Year

condo construction

Happy Chinese new year! According to feng shui experts, the Year of the Metal Tiger is a good year for the real estate industry. The earth will be the governing force of 2010, and real estate’s close association with the ground makes it off to a good start this year.

Non-feng shui experts also have favorable business forecasts for the year 2010. The Philippine real estate industry was fairly resilient in the face of the global financial crisis, and a number of developers boosted their budgets and launched a number of developments this year – many of them high end. For instance, Metrobank Group of Companies’ property arm will be constructing projects such as the third and fourth sector of the Marquinton Garden Terraces in Marikina, three more high-rise buildings in Binondo, Makati, and Fort Bonifacio. Eton Properties will be launching four to five new projects this year, including the Centris condominium, 8 Adriatico, and Eton Tower City. Finally, Robinsons’ Land Corp has the Signa Designer Residences in its lineup as well as affordable units at Gateway Regency.

Over the next four years, over 5,000 residential condo units will be completed in the Makati Central Business District. Outside this, around 20,000 condominium units will be available for selling and occupancy. With so many options and so many affordable payment schemes available, now is definitely a good time to invest in your own condominium!

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